In the present study, we utilized Stevia rebaudiana L. (SRLe) extract to in situ biosynthesize nanoscale alpha hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs) with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. SRLe-α-Fe₂O₃ was characterized using physiochemical analyses, including UV/Vis, FTIR, XRD, DLS, EDX, SEM, and TEM studies. Among tested solvents, CHCl₃/MeOH (2:1 v/v) SRL extract (least polar solvent) contained the highest EY, TPC, and antioxidant capacity of ~3.5%, ~75 mg GAE/g extract, and IC₅₀ = 9.87 ± 0.7 mg/mL, respectively. FTIR confirmed the engagement of coating operation to the colloidal α-Fe₂O₃ NPs. TEM, SEM, and DLS revealed that SRLe-α-Fe₂O₃ has a spherical shape, uniform size distribution with aggregation for an average size of ~18.34 nm, and ζ = −19.4 mV, forming a repulsive barrier that helped to improve stability. The synthesized nanoparticles displayed considerable antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus bacterial growth, and exhibited superior activity against the A549 lung cancer cell lines. These findings indicate that the increased availability of bioactive substances with antioxidant properties of SRLe makes it a potentially interesting material for the preparation of biologically active compounds and green synthesis of nanoparticles.

Poisoning is a common and severe problem worldwide. Due to significant growth in the agricultural, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries over the past few decades, poisoning risks have increased with the use of food, chemicals, and medicines everywhere in the world, especially in Saudi Arabia. Advanced information on acute poisoning patterns is critical for the effective management of poisoning events. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of patients with various patterns of acute poisoning, caused by food, drugs, and chemicals, that were reported to the Department of Toxicology and Poison Center at King Fahad Hospital and the Poison Center in Al-Baha Province, Saudi Arabia. The study also examined the relationship between demographic characteristics, including age, toxin type, and geographical distribution, and poisonings in Baha Province. This retrospective cross-sectional analysis included 622 poisoning cases. The data were collected from 2019 to 2022 and it was found that out of 622 instances, 159 had food poisoning, with more men than females sick (53.5% male and 46.5% female), 377 had drug poisoning (54.1% males and 45.9% females), and 86 had chemical poisoning (74.4% males and 25.6% females). This study found that the most prevalent agents implicated in acute poisoning were medicines, particularly analgesics and antipsychotic drugs. Food poisoning was the second most common acute poisoning, affecting largely males followed by female patients. Finally, chemical poisoning involved acute poisoning, with most cases involving methanol and household items including the strongest bleaches (chlorines) (Clorox^®, Oakland, CA, USA). Insecticides and pesticides were also secondary sources of chemical poisoning. Additional research revealed that the incidence of food, chemical, and drug poisoning was highest in children aged 1–15 years (food poisoning, n = 105, 66%; drug poisoning, n = 120, 31.8%); patients aged 11–20 years had the highest incidence of chemical poisoning (n = 41, 47.7%). Most poisoning incidents among youngsters are caused by easy access to drugs at home. Implementing strategies to enhance public awareness and limit children’s access to drugs would contribute considerably to decreasing the community’s burden of this problem. The findings of this study suggest that Al-Baha should improve its education regarding the rational and safe use of drugs and chemicals.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a progressive, systemic disorder that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction. While it has traditionally been most prevalent in regions where malaria is endemic, recent epidemiological studies have shown an increasing disease prevalence in non-endemic areas, primarily attributed to global human migration patterns. The severity of SCA typically worsens with age. In early childhood, affected individuals may present with renal hyperfiltration, neurocognitive delays, cardiac remodeling, and skeletal fragility. The presence of these early manifestations often predicts the development of chronic complications later in life, including splenic atrophy, neurodegeneration, and impaired cerebral perfusion. Adequate management of SCA begins with universal newborn screening programs, enabling early detection and the initiation of appropriate interventions. Therapeutic advancements, ranging from disease-modifying agents such as hydroxyurea to curative options including gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, have significantly improved clinical outcomes; however, long-term morbidity remains a significant challenge. This review aimed to explore the effect of aging on pathophysiological changes and the onset of organ-specific complications in SCA patients. It highlights the importance of age-tailored monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach to detect early signs of organ damage, prevent irreversible complications, and consequently improve overall quality of life.

In the original publication [...].

In 1961 the first case of Kawasaki disease which was an acute systemic vasculitis. Since then, the medical community has been continuously publishing papers to enhance our understanding of this disease. Asian countries such as Japan have higher prevalence rates of Kawasaki disease; in 2010, the yearly prevalence rate was 239 points per 100,000 children, and more recently it was 264 points per 100,000 children. The use of supporting laboratory tests and echocardiography is advised in order to identify patients who are susceptible but do not meet all diagnostic requirements. However, clinical findings are diagnostic for typical cases of Kawasaki disease. The most common complication is coronary aneurysm. An intravenous immunoglobulin as well as aspirin is used for Kawasaki disease treatment, however, if the cases do not improve a second dose of immunoglobulin is recommended. This review amid to present the basic knowledge and background about Kawasaki disease including etiology, diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, management and control. Overall, Kawasaki disease is still not completely understood, but with the right care and supervision, it is controllable. Prognosis can be greatly improved and associated problems can be decreased with prompt diagnosis and action. More studies and research need to focus on Kawasaki disease management and control.