Search Results (2,621)

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cancer drive demand for therapeutic functional foods. This study developed freeze-dried fermented camel milk (FCM) with Ajwa date pulp (ADP), evaluating its physical and functional properties, probiotic survival, and potential benefits for diabetes and cancer. To achieve this target, six FCM formulations were prepared using ABT-5 starter culture (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Streptococcus thermophilus) with or without Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus B-1937 and ADP (12% or 15%). The samples were freeze-dried, and their functional properties, such as water activity, dispersibility, water absorption capacity, water absorption index, water solubility index, insolubility index, and sedimentation, were assessed. Reconstitution properties such as density, flowability, air content, porosity, loose bulk density, packed bulk density, particle density, carrier index, Hausner ratio, porosity, and density were examined. In addition, color and probiotic survivability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were analyzed. Also, antidiabetic potential was assessed via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on Caco-2 cells. The results show that ADP supplementation significantly improved dispersibility (up to 72.73% in FCM15D+L). These improvements are attributed to changes in particle size distribution and increased carbohydrate and mineral content, which facilitate powder rehydration and reduce clumping. All FCM variants demonstrated low water activity (0.196–0.226), indicating good potential for shelf stability. The reconstitution properties revealed that FCM powders with ADP had higher bulk and packed densities but lower particle density and porosity than controls. Including ADP reduced interstitial air and increased occluded air within the powders, which may minimize oxidation risks and improve packaging efficiency. ADP incorporation resulted in a significant decrease in lightness (L*) and increases in redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), with greater pigment and phenolic content at higher ADP levels. These changes reflect the natural colorants and browning reactions associated with ADP, leading to a more intense and visually distinct product. Probiotic survivability was higher in ADP-fortified samples, with L. acidophilus and B. bifidum showing resilience in intestinal conditions. The FCM15D+L formulation exhibited potent antidiabetic effects, with IC₅₀ values of 111.43 μg mL⁻¹ for α-amylase and 77.21 μg mL⁻¹ for α-glucosidase activities, though lower than control FCM (8.37 and 10.74 μg mL⁻¹, respectively). Cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells was most potent in non-ADP samples (IC₅₀: 82.22 μg mL⁻¹ for FCM), suggesting ADP and L. rhamnosus may reduce antiproliferative effects due to proteolytic activity. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that ADP-enriched FCM is a promising functional food with enhanced probiotic viability, antidiabetic potential, and desirable physical properties. This work highlights the potential of camel milk and date synergies in combating some NCDs in vitro, suggesting potential for functional food application. Full article

Articulated Tugs and Barges (ATBs) are increasingly recognised for their effectiveness in transporting chemicals, petroleum, bulk goods, and containers, primarily due to their exceptional flexibility and fuel efficiency. Recent projections indicate that the ATB market is on track for significant growth, which is expected to lead to an increase in the annual growth rate from 2025 to 2032. This study aims to analyse the current advancements in ATB technology and provide insights into the ATB fleet and the systems that connect tugboats and barges. Furthermore, it highlights the advantages of this transportation system, especially regarding its role in enhancing energy efficiency within the maritime transport sector. Currently, there is limited information available in the public domain about ATBs compared to other commercial vessels. The analysis reveals that much of the required information for modern ATB design is not accessible outside specialised design companies. The study also focuses on conceptual design aspects, which include the main dimensions, articulated connections, propulsion systems, and machinery, concluding with an evaluation of economic viability. Special emphasis is placed on defining the main dimensions, which is a critical part of the complex design process. In this context, the ratios of length to beam (L/B), beam to draft (B/D), beam to depth (B/T), draft to depth (T/D), and power to the number of tugs cubed (Pw/N³) are established as design control parameters in the conceptual design phase. This aspect underscores the novelty of the present study. Additionally, the economic viability is analysed in terms of both CAPEX (capital expenditures) and OPEX (operational expenditures). While CAPEX does not significantly differ between the methods used in different types of commercial ships, OPEX should account for the unique characteristics of ATB vessels. Full article

This research investigates resonator width optimization for simultaneously enhancing electrical performance and mechanical reliability in wideband RF MEMS filters through systematic evaluation of three configurations: 0% (L1), 60% (L2), and 100% (L3) matching ratios between cap and bottom wafers using Au-Au thermocompression bonding. The study demonstrates that resonator width alignment significantly influences both electromagnetic field coupling and bonding interface integrity. The L3 configuration with complete width matching achieved optimal RF performance, demonstrating 3.34 dB insertion loss across 4.5 GHz bandwidth (25% fractional bandwidth), outperforming L2 (3.56 dB) and L1 (3.10 dB), while providing enhanced electromagnetic wave coupling and minimized contact resistance. Mechanical reliability testing revealed superior bonding strength for the L3 configuration, withstanding up to 7.14 Kgf in shear pull tests, significantly exceeding L1 (4.22 Kgf) and L2 (2.24 Kgf). SEM analysis confirmed uniform bonding interfaces with minimal void formation (~180 nm), while Q-factor measurements showed L3 achieved optimal loaded Q-factor (Q_L = 3.31) suitable for wideband operation. Comprehensive environmental testing, including thermal cycling (−50 °C to +145 °C) and humidity exposure per MIL-STD-810E standards, validated long-term stability across all configurations. This investigation establishes that complete resonator width matching between cap and bottom wafers optimizes both electromagnetic performance and mechanical bonding reliability, providing a validated framework for developing high-performance, reliable RF MEMS devices for next-generation communication, radar, and sensing applications. Full article

This paper presents the design of a wideband circularly polarized crossed-dipole antenna for multi-GNSS applications, covering the frequency range of 1.16–1.61 GHz. The proposed antenna employs orthogonally placed dipole elements fed by a three-branch quadrature hybrid coupler for broadband and wide gain/axial ratio beamwidth. The design is carried out using CST Studio Suite for a single dipole antenna followed by a crossed-dipole antenna, a feed network, and the entire antenna structure. The designed multi-GNSS antenna shows, at 1.16–1.61 GHz, a reflection coefficient of less than −17 dB, a zenith gain of 3.9–5.8 dBic, a horizontal gain of −3.3 to −0.2 dBic, a zenith axial ratio of 0.6–1.0 dB, and horizontal axial ratio of 0.4–5.9 dB. The proposed antenna has a dimension of 0.48 × 0.48 × 0.25 λ at the center frequency of 1.39 GHz. The proposed antenna can also operate as an LHCP antenna for L-band satellite phone communication at 1.525–1.661 GHz. Full article

Melastoma dodecandrum is primarily propagated through stem cuttings, which limits genetic variation and constrains breeding efforts. To overcome this limitation and facilitate molecular breeding, the establishment of a reliable and efficient regeneration system is essential. This study investigated the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and culture media on the in vitro regeneration system of M. dodecandrum. The highest rate of callus induction (96.67%) was achieved when sterile leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 2.00 mg·L⁻¹ 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.50 mg·L⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA). For callus differentiation, the optimal formulation of MS + 2.0 mg·L⁻¹ 6-BA + 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ naphthylacetic acid (NAA) resulted in a differentiation frequency of 83.33%. The optimal PGR combinations for shoot proliferation were 1.5 mg·L⁻¹ 6-BA + 0.1 mg·L⁻¹ NAA and 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ 6-BA + 0.2 mg·L⁻¹ NAA. The optimal rooting media were MS medium supplemented with 0.1, 0.2, or 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or 1/2MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg·L⁻¹ IBA. Additionally, this study investigated the dynamic changes in endogenous hormones during the regeneration process. The levels and ratios of hormones, including gibberellin (GA₃), abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and zeatin (ZT), collectively regulated the regeneration process. Elevated levels of ABA and GA₃ may promote callus initiation as well as the growth and development of adventitious roots during the early induction stage. Reduced levels of ABA and IAA favored callus differentiation into shoots, whereas elevated GA₃ levels facilitated proliferation of adventitious shoots. Throughout the regeneration process, fluctuations in ZT levels remained relatively stable. This study successfully established an in vitro regeneration system for M. dodecandrum using leaf explants, providing theoretical guidance and technical support for further molecular breeding efforts, genetic transformation, and industrial development. Full article

Fresh water is vital for human activities; however, an increase in the contamination of water bodies has been observed, so it is necessary to monitor the degree of contamination and take measures to preserve it. In Altamira, Tamaulipas, the Guayalejo-Tamesí River basin has three estuaries and seven lagoons, including Laguna El Conejo, of which the National Water Commission only monitors one. The objective of this research is to determine water quality on the basis of the parameters COD, BOD₅, T, pH, and sediment characteristics. The open reflux method was used according to NMX-AA-030-SCFI-2012 for COD, BOD Track II, HACH equipment for BOD₅, and the granulometric characterization recommended by the Unified Soil Classification System ASTM D-2487-17. The water was found to be uniformly contaminated throughout its length in the range of 117.3–200 mg/L COD, and BOD₅ ranged from 15.8–112.75 mg/L throughout the study period, with sediments dominated by poorly graded soil and fine clay. Comprehensive management is needed because the BOD₅/COD ratio varies between 0.11and 0.56, indicating that it contains recalcitrant organic matter, which is difficult to biodegrade. Full article

To ensure the year-round efficient production of high-quality cherry tomatoes, this study evaluated how four cherry tomato cultivars can enhance yield and quality through optimized nutrient solution and supplementary lighting. Nutrient solutions (N1 and N2) were adjusted, with EC at 1.6 dS/m (N1: nitrogen 10.7 me/L, phosphorus 2.7 me/L, potassium 5.3 me/L) during flowering stage, and 2.4 dS/m (N1: nitrogen 16 me/L, phosphorus 4 me/L, potassium 8 me/L; N2: nitrogen 10.7 me/L, phosphorus 5.4 me/L, potassium 10.8 me/L) from fruit setting to harvest. N1 used standard adjustments, while N2 was optimized by adding solely with KCl and KH₂PO₄. Lighting treatments included L1 (natural light) and L2 (supplemental red/blue light). The application of N2 effectively decreased nitrate levels while it significantly enhanced the content of soluble sugars, flavor, and overall palatability, especially fruit coloring in cherry tomatoes, irrespective of supplementary lighting conditions. However, such optimization also increased sourness or altered the sugar–acid ratio. Supplementary lighting generally promoted the accumulation of soluble sugars, sweetness, and tomato flavor, although its effects varied markedly among different fruit clusters. The combination of optimized nutrient solutions and supplementary lighting exhibited synergistic effects, improving the content of soluble sugars, vitamin C, proteins, and flavor. N1 combined with L2 achieved the highest plant yield. Among the cultivars, ‘Linglong’ showed the greatest overall quality improvement, followed by ‘Baiyu’, ‘Miying’, and ‘Moka’. In conclusion, supplementary lighting can enhance the effect of nitrogen on yield and amplify the influence of phosphorus and potassium on fruit quality improvement in cherry tomatoes. The findings of this study may serve as a theoretical basis for the development of year-round production techniques for high-quality cherry tomatoes. Full article

A novel cellulose-degrading bacterial strain, D3-1, capable of degrading cellulose under medium- to high-temperature conditions, was isolated from soil samples and identified as Staphylococcus caprae through 16SrRNA gene sequencing. The strain’s cellulase production was optimized by controlling different factors, such as pH, temperature, incubation period, substrate concentration, nitrogen and carbon sources, and response surface methods. The results indicated that the optimal conditions for maximum cellulase activity were an incubation time of 91.7 h, a temperature of 41.8 °C, and a pH of 4.9, which resulted in a maximum cellulase activity of 16.67 U/mL, representing a 165% increase compared to pre-optimization levels. The above experiment showed that, when maize straw flour was utilized as a natural carbon source, strain D3-1 exhibited relatively high cellulase production. Furthermore, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of products in the degradation liquid revealed the presence of primary sugars. The results indicated that, in the denitrification of simulated sewage, supplying maize straw flour degradation liquid (MSFDL) as the carbon source resulted in a carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 6:1 after a 24 h reaction with the denitrifying strain WH-01. The total nitrogen (TN) reduction was approximately 70 mg/L, which is equivalent to the removal efficiency observed in the glucose-fed denitrification process. Meanwhile, during a 4 h denitrification reaction in urban sewage without any denitrifying bacteria, but with MSFDL supplied as the carbon source, the TN removal efficiency reached 11 mg/L, which is approximately 70% of the efficiency of the glucose-fed denitrification process. Furthermore, experimental results revealed that strain D3-1 exhibits some capacity for nitrogen removal; when the cellulose-degrading strain D3-1 is combined with the denitrifying strain WH-01, the resulting TN removal rate surpasses that of a single denitrifying bacterium. In conclusion, as a carbon source in municipal sewage treatment, the degraded maize straw flour produced by strain D3-1 holds potential as a substitute for the glucose carbon source, and strain D3-1 has a synergistic effect with the denitrifying strain WH-01 on TN elimination. Thus, this research offers new insights and directions for advancement in environmental sewage treatment. Full article

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by excess body weight, hyperandrogenism, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance often resulting in hirsutism and infertility. Dietary strategies have been shown to ameliorate metabolic disturbances, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation associated with PCOS. Recent evidence indicates that intermittent fasting (IF) could effectively enhance health outcomes and regulate circadian rhythm; however, its impact on PCOS remain unclear. Objective: Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to examine the effect of IF on women diagnosed with PCOS. Methods: Comprehensive research was conducted across three major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science without date restrictions. Meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane Review Manager Version 5.4 software. Results: Five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. IF significantly reduced body weight (MD = −4.25 kg, 95% CI: −7.71, −0.79; p = 0.02), BMI (MD = −2.05 kg/m², 95% CI: −3.26, −0.85; p = 0.0008), fasting blood glucose (FBG; MD = −2.86 mg/dL, 95% CI: −4.83, −0.89; p = 0.004), fasting blood insulin (FBI; MD = −3.17 μU/mL, 95% CI: −5.18, −1.16; p = 0.002), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; MD = −0.94, 95% CI: −1.39, −0.50; p < 0.0001), triglycerides (TG; MD = −40.71 mg/dL, 95% CI: −61.53, −19.90; p = 0.0001), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S; MD = −33.21 μg/dL, 95% CI: −57.29, −9.13; p = 0.007), free androgen index (FAI; MD = −1.61%, 95% CI: −2.76, −0.45; p = 0.006), and C-reactive protein (CRP; MD = −2.00 mg/L, 95% CI: −3.15, −0.85; p = 0.006), while increasing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG; SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.77; p = 0.004). No significant changes were observed in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, total testosterone (TT), or anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). Conclusions: IF represents a promising strategy for improving weight and metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory profiles in women with PCOS. However, the existing evidence remains preliminary, necessitating further robust studies to substantiate these findings. Full article

Background/Objective: One third of “non-functioning adrenal tumours” (NFAs) have mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS). An updated analysis of the hormonal biomarkers profile, including risk factors and the rate of post-surgery adrenal insufficiency (PSAI), the duration of restoring the normal adrenocortical function in MACS/NFA and potential impacts on clinical comorbidities. Methods: Comprehensive review based on PubMed search (January 2020–January 2025). Results: The studies (n = 14) included 2623 patients (N = 1158 underwent unilateral adrenalectomy), aged 18–93 (mean = 57.49 years), with a female-to-male ratio = 1.54. Post-adrenalectomy (n = 9, N = 753) analysis: the PSAI risk correlated with the severity of baseline hypercortisolism. PSAI incidence: 50% of MAC. The rate after 4–6 weeks follow-up was 71.9% (adrenal Cushing’s syndrome) vs. 50% (MACS) vs. 14.4% (NFA). PSAI duration was up to 35 months. Early PSAI diagnosis was reflected by post-operative cortisol assay on day 1 (cut-off ≤ 5 µg/dL) and an ACTH (Cosyntropin) stimulation test (CST) (cortisol cut-off ≤ 14 µg/dL). Pre-operatory PSAI predictors: higher serum cortisol-DST (1 mg dexamethasone testing) and lower baseline plasma ACTH (not all studies agreed). Conclusions: A stratified strategy is encouraged following a unilateral adrenalectomy in MACS; PSAI is expected in almost half of patients, with a potential improvement of hypertension. Serum cortisol assays serve as most useful biomarker as pre-operatory PSAI predictor (after DST) and, potentially, in addition with baseline ACTH. Post-surgery basal cortisol measurement (± CST) helps the decision of glucocorticoids replacement since first post-operative day and during follow-up, serial testing at 3 months is a useful tool. Full article

Background and Objectives: Glucose instability has been established to be related to postoperative morbidity and mortality in liver transplantation. To date, the impact of maintaining optimal blood glucose (BG) levels on the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) following liver transplantation (LT) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the impact of optimal BG level after reperfusion (REP BG) on the incidence of AKI after living donor LT (LDLT). Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 3331 patients who underwent LDLT between January 2008 and December 2019. Patients were divided into optimal (110 mg/dL < BG < 180 mg/dL) and non-optimal (BG < 110 mg/dL or >180 mg/dL) REP BG groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with AKI. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare the incidence of AKI, AKI severity, and progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) between the groups. Results: The incidence of AKI was 66.7%. After PSM, patients in the optimal REP BG group showed a lower incidence of AKI (66.5% vs. 70.6%, p = 0.032). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the non-optimal REP BG group was independently associated with a higher risk of AKI (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.45; p = 0.037) compared to the optimal group. Similarly, the risks of severe AKI (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.11–1.58; p = 0.002) and progression to CKD (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.01–1.41; p = 0.039) were significantly higher in the non-optimal group after PSM. Conclusions: Maintenance of an optimal REP BG was associated with a significantly lower incidence of AKI and a reduced risk of progression to CKD within 1 year after LDLT. Full article

Optimizing hydrodynamic performance and dissolved oxygen (DO) distribution is essential for improving water quality management in industrial recirculating aquaculture systems. This study combines experimental measurements and data analysis to evaluate the effects of the inlet pipe flow rate (Q), deployment distance ratio (d/r), deployment angle (θ), inlet pipe structure on hydrodynamics and the dissolved oxygen distribution across various tank layers. The flow field distribution in the tanks was measured using Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry (ADV), and the hydrodynamic characteristics, including average velocity (v_avg) and the velocity uniformity coefficient (DU₅₀), were quantitatively analyzed. The dissolved oxygen content at different tank layers was recorded using an Aquameter GPS portable multi-parameter water quality analyzer. The findings indicate that average velocity (v_avg) and the velocity uniformity coefficient (DU₅₀) are key determinants of the hydrodynamic characteristic of circular aquaculture tanks. Optimal hydrodynamic performance occurs for the vertical single-pipe porous configuration at Q = 9 L/s, d/r = 1/4, and θ = 45°,the average velocity reached 0.0669 m/s, and the uniformity coefficients attained a maximum value of 40.4282. In a vertical single-pipe porous structure, the tank exhibits higher dissolved oxygen levels compared to a horizontal single-pipe single-hole structure. Under identical water inflow rates and deployment distance ratios, dissolved oxygen levels in the surface layer of the circular aquaculture tank are significantly greater than that in the bottom layer. The results of this study provide valuable insights for optimizing the engineering design of industrial circular aquaculture tanks and addressing the dissolved oxygen distribution across different water layers. Full article

Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer and constitutes the second most frequent cancer in women (W) and the third most frequent cancer in men (M). The aim of the study was to determine if environmental exposure to zearalenone (ZEN) (a mycoestrogen) affects the metabolic profile of patients diagnosed with sigmoid colorectal cancer (SCC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) (division based on their location) at hospital admission. Male and female patients who were diagnosed with SCC or CRC and whose blood samples tested positive or negative for ZEN participated in a year-long study. Seventeen patients with symptoms of SCC and CRC, in whom ZEN and its metabolites were not detected in peripheral blood, constituted the patients without ZEN (PWZ) group. The experimental groups comprised a total of 16 patients who were diagnosed with SCC or CRC and tested positive for ZEN but negative for ZEN metabolites. Patients exposed to ZEN were characterized by increased levels of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) from 5.8 to 18.1 IU/L; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) from 2.8 to 10.7 IU/L) and decrease in the value of the De Ritis ratio (below 1.0), different gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and AST activity, lower albumin (from 0.24 g/dL in M to 0.67 g/dL in W) and total protein levels (from 0.75 to 1.76 g/dL), a decrease in total cholesterol (from 21.6 to 40.3 mg/dL) and triglyceride levels (from 7.8 to 37.2 mg/dL), and lower activity of lipase C (from 28.72 to 64.75 IU/L). The metabolic profile of M and W patients diagnosed with SCC and CRC and exposed to ZEN revealed intensified biotransformation processes in the liver, liver damage, and a predominance of catabolic processes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Schizophrenia has been associated with increased inflammatory and metabolic disturbances. Perceived family support potentially affects inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers. The aim of this study was to determine the interrelations between family support, C-reactive protein (CRP) and Body Mass Index (BMI) in a sample of outpatients with schizophrenia. Importantly, this study sought to elucidate the effect of perceived family support on inflammatory processes among patients with schizophrenia. Methods: In this cross-sectional correlation study, 206 outpatients with schizophrenia in clinical remission completed a standardized self-report questionnaire that assessed family support (Family Support Scale—FSS). Sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data were also recorded. Results: Among the participants, 49.5% had detectable CRP values (≥0.11 mg/dL), whereas 14.6% had positive CRP levels (>0.6 mg/dL). There was a significant difference in CRP levels among the different BMI groups (normal weight/overweight vs. obese). For obese patients, the crude odds ratios (ORs) for detectable and positive CRP values were 1.980 (95% confidence interval (CI) [1.056, 3.713]) and 27.818 (95% CI [6.300, 122.838]), respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed among CRP, BMI and illness duration, while scores on the FSS were negatively associated with these variables. The results of binary logistic regression analysis indicated that both BMI and family support were significant factors in determining the likelihood of having positive CRP levels, with each unit increase in the BMI associated with a 17% (95% CI [0.025, 0.337]) increase in the odds, and with each unit increase in family support leading to an 8.6% (95% CI [0.018, 0.15]) decrease. A moderation analysis revealed that the association between family support and the probability of having positive CRP levels depends on the BMI value, but only for obese patients did the protective effect of family support significantly decrease the magnitude of the risk of having positive CRP (b = −0.1972, SE = 0.053, OR = 0.821, p = 0.000, 95% CI [−0.3010, −0.0934]). Conclusions: The effect of perceived family support on inflammatory responses becomes evident in cases where beyond metabolic complications, inflammatory processes have already been established. Increased perceived family support seems to protect against inflammation and, notably, the association between low perceived family support and increased inflammation is even stronger. Establishing the role of family involvement during the treatment of patients with schizophrenia through inflammatory processes is a novelty of this study, emphasizing the need to incorporate family therapy into psychiatric treatment plans. However, primary interventions are considered necessary for patients with schizophrenia in order to maintain their BMI within normal limits and avoid the subsequent nosological sequelae. Full article

Background and Objectives: The perioperative use of beta-blockers remains controversial due to conflicting evidence of their risks and benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between chronic beta-blocker (bb) therapy and perioperative cardiac events in non-cardiac surgeries using 24 h continuous Holter monitoring. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients undergoing elective or emergency non-cardiac surgery at a Romanian tertiary care hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: G1 (not receiving Bb) and G2 (on chronic Bb). The incidences of perioperative cardiac events, such as severe bradycardia (<40 b/min), new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), extrasystolic arrhythmia (Ex), and sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT) and arterial hypotension, were compared between the two groups using clinical, electrocardiography (ECG), and Holter ECG data. Beta-blocker indications, complications, and outcomes were analyzed using chi-squared tests and logistic regression. Results: A total of 100 consecutive patients (63% men, mean age of 53.7 years) were enrolled in the study. G2 included 30% (n = 30) of patients on chronic beta-blocker therapy. The indications included atrial fibrillation (46.7%, n = 14), arterial hypertension (36.7%, n = 11), extrasystolic arrhythmias (10%, n = 3), and chronic coronary syndrome (6.6%, n = 2). Beta-blocker use was significantly associated with severe bradycardia (n = 6; p < 0.001) in G2, whereas one patient in G1 had bradycardia, and 15 and 1 patients had hypotension (p < 0.001) in G1 and G2, respectively. The bradycardia and arterial hypotension cases were promptly treated and did not influence the patients’ prognoses. The 14 patients with AF in G2 had a 15-fold higher odds of requiring beta-blockers (p < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 15.145). No significant associations were found between beta-blocker use and the surgery duration (p = 0.155) or sustained ventricular tachycardia (p = 0.857). Ten patients developed paroxysmal postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF), which was related to longer surgery durations (165 (150–180) vs. 120 (90–150) minutes; p = 0.002) and postoperative anemia [hemoglobin (Hg): 10.4 (9.37–12.6) vs. 12.1 (11–13.2) g/dL; p = 0.041]. Conclusions: Patients under chronic beta-blocker therapy undergoing non-cardiac surgery have a higher risk of perioperative bradycardia and hypotension. Continuous Holter monitoring proved effective in detecting transient arrhythmic events, emphasizing the need for careful perioperative surveillance of these patients, especially the elderly, in order to prevent cardiovascular complications These findings emphasize the necessity of tailored perioperative beta-blocker strategies and support further large-scale investigations to optimize risk stratification and management protocols. Full article