Background: Iron deficiency (ID) remains the most prevalent nutritional deficiency globally, disproportionately affecting women of reproductive age (WRA) across socioeconomic strata. Despite its high prevalence, iron deficiency with or without overt anemia is frequently underdiagnosed and suboptimally managed in primary care settings, largely because it is perceived as an episodic rather than a chronic condition. Objective: This narrative literature review aims to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, and management of iron deficiency in WRA aged 16–55 years, with a focus on reconceptualizing ID as a chronic, relapsing condition. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE using terms including "iron deficiency," "iron deficiency anemia," "women of reproductive age," "ferritin," "menstrual blood loss," and "iron supplementation." Studies published between 2017 and 2025 in English were included. Key Findings: Iron deficiency affects an estimated 30–40% of WRA globally, with menstrual blood loss identified as the most common contributing factor. Serum ferritin below 30 ng/mL remains the most sensitive diagnostic marker. Oral iron is first-line therapy; however, adherence is limited by gastrointestinal side effects. Intravenous iron formulations demonstrate superior efficacy in selected populations. Long-term monitoring and preventive strategies remain inconsistently implemented. Conclusion: Reframing iron deficiency as a chronic condition requiring longitudinal management, rather than single-episode treatment, may substantially reduce the burden of disease in this population. Structured follow-up pathways and individualized management are essential.

Background: Nanotechnology, particularly the use of nanoparticles (NPs), is rapidly evolving and has the potential to transform various scientific and technological sectors. Aim: Prepration of the green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using an extract of the plant Codonopsis pilosula, and the evaluation of its antimicrobial agents. Methodology: This paper used a green synthesis approach to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of Codonopsis pilosula roots. It was done by taking the plant extract and mixing it with 2 mM AgNO3 solution and letting the mixture stay at 30 o C for four hours. A change of color proved the formation of AgNPs and was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The FTIR analysis of the plant extract identified important functional groups used in the plant. Results: Successful preparation of spherical sized AgNPs with SEM indicating size ranges of 33.74-81.63 nm. XRD patterns were used to confirm the presence of crystalline silver compounds and a characteristic absorbance peak of 340 nm was exhibited by the UV-Vis spectroscopy. More importantly, these biosynthesized AgNPs demonstrated high levels of antibacterial activity against different pathogenic bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumanii, Escherichia coli, and most importantly, Staphylococcus aureus, by disrupting cell membranes and reactive oxygen species generation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a greener, more affordable and biocompatible method of making metallic nanoparticles, providing a greener alternative to traditional chemical techniques of making more complex biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Background: Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, leading to dryness of the mouth and eyes. When SS occurs in association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is known as secondary Sjögren’s syndrome (sSS). The coexistence of these two diseases significantly impacts disease progression, and patient quality of life. Aim: This review aims to summarize and analyze recent literature concerning the prevalence and severity of SS among RA patients across different populations, with special attention to variations in diagnostic criteria, immunological markers, and therapeutic implications. Methodology: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, focusing on studies published between 2018 and 2025. The review includes data from multiple cohort, cross-sectional, and population-based studies that met the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for RA and the 2016 ACR/EULAR criteria for SS. Results: Findings consistently demonstrate that the prevalence of SS among RA patients ranges between 8% and 22% in Western populations and up to 40% in Asian populations, suggesting both genetic and diagnostic influences. RA-SS patients exhibit distinct serological profiles, including elevated anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies, and are more prone to ocular surface disorders, fatigue, and systemic complications. Conclusion: Despite variations among studies, the evidence supports that SS represents a frequent and clinically relevant comorbidity in RA. Standardized diagnostic methods and unified criteria are essential for accurate prevalence estimation and better clinical management. Future large-scale, prospective studies are needed to clarify the immunopathogenic links between these two autoimmune diseases.

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially fatal vascular condition that frequently presents with atypical features, creating diagnostic challenges particularly in primary and out-of-hours care settings. When ruptured, AAA carries a mortality rate approaching 80–90%, and delayed diagnosis significantly worsens outcomes. Objective: This narrative literature review examines the evidence on atypical AAA presentations, misdiagnosis rates, the role of screening and diagnostic tools, and the implications for primary care clinical governance and quality improvement. Methods: A structured search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted covering literature published between March 2022 and December 2025. Search terms included 'abdominal aortic aneurysm,' 'primary care,' 'misdiagnosis,' 'rupture,' 'atypical presentation,' 'point-of-care ultrasound,' 'out-of-hours,' and 'screening.' Peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, and meta-analyses were included. Key Findings: Up to 39% of ruptured AAAs are initially misdiagnosed, with common mimics including renal colic, musculoskeletal pain, and urinary tract infection. Only 25–50% of patients with rAAA present with the classic triad of abdominal pain, hypotension, and pulsatile mass. Women, elderly patients, and those presenting to non-specialist settings are at particular risk of delayed diagnosis. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) demonstrates sensitivity exceeding 98% and specificity of 99.84% for AAA diagnosis. Current NHS screening remains restricted to men aged 65, leaving women and younger high-risk individuals undetected. Conclusion: Improved diagnostic vigilance, expanded POCUS availability, enhanced telephone triage protocols, and inclusive screening policies are urgently needed in primary and out-of-hours care. Quality improvement programmes targeting AAA recognition should be implemented across urgent primary care settings.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is an epidemic metabolic condition that is typified by persistent hyperglycemia. Although the gold standard in the evaluation of long-term glycemic control is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), the polyol 1.5-anhydroglucitol (1.5-AG), a naturally occurring polyol, is reabsorbed in the renal tubules and is competitively inhibited by glucose, thus it may represent early glucose fluctuations. Change in 1.5-AG is a reflection of the variation in blood glucose over one to two weeks. Objective: The objective of the study was to establish the relationship between serum 1,5-AG and glycemic control variables (HbA1c, FBS) in T2DM patients. Materials and Methods: The study was a cases control study where 60 healthy controls were used, and 60 T2DM patients were used. 1.5-AG has been demonstrated to indicate change in blood glucose over a period of one to two weeks. An ELISA kit was used to measure serum 1, 5-AG. Fasting glucose, insulin (with a Maglumi device), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), renal function test (B.Urea and S.Cr) and GH-900Plus HbA1c Analyzer. Results: Serum 1.5-AG was also found to be lower in the T2DM patients than the control group (9.31 ± 4.73 mg/L vs. 22.39 + 8.20 mg/L; p<0.001). There was a considerable negative correlation between (1.5-AG and FBS, HbA 1c and HOMA-IR). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated the diagnostic accuracy of (1.5-AG on T2DM (AUC = 0.94)) was high and the best cutoff value of 11.95mg/L offered 85.0% sensitivity and 98.3% specificity. Conclusion: It is possible to consider that 1.5-AG is a good marker to study levels in people with type 2 diabetes during the period of one to two weeks. More research will be required to ascertain the use of these chemicals in diagnosis. The blood glucose variations in the patients with T2DM. Specifically the people who are below 180mg/dl and those above 180mg/dl of blood sugar.

Infective endocarditis is a disease characterized by endocardial involvement, where vegetations infected by microorganisms form on the valves, cardiac chambers, and endothelium of large blood vessels. It is potentially fatal, with an incidence of 3 to 7 cases per 100,000 people per year. Diagnosis is made according to the modified Duke criteria, which include two major and five minor criteria. The most common infectious agents are Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus bovis, HACEK group, and Staphylococcus aureus. Streptococcus gallolycticus is a rare causative agent in infective endocarditis, occurring in 18% of cases. Colorectal cancer is almost pathognomonic, present in up to 71% of cases, and of these, 5% are associated with prosthetic valves. For colorectal cancer, blood cultures, echocardiograms, and colonoscopies are necessary. According to the evolution time of the biological prosthetic valve, it is considered early when it presents clinical symptoms within the first year and late when it presents 1 year after the replacement.

Background: Chronic inflammation and dyslipidemia are part of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated cardiovascular complications. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) are pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with metabolic disturbances. Objectives: To evaluate the levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in serum of T2DM patients, and to explore their association with lipid profile parameters. Methods: A case-control study with 100 individuals was carried out including T2DM patients (n=50) and healthy group as a control group (n=50). Demographic information was collected such as age, sex and body mass index (BMI). The concentrations of IL-6 and IL-17 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum lipid profile, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was evaluated. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 control-group software. Results: The T2DM patients had significantly higher level of IL-6 (48.3 ± 12.4 pg/mL vs. 18.2±5.6 pg/mL, p<0.001) and of IL-17 (35.7±9.8 pg/mL vs 12.4±4.2 pg/ml, p<0.l)) than control subjects. T2DM patients had a higher incidence of lipid abnormalities, such as increased TC, TG and LDL-C levels, and decreased HDL-C level. IL-6 was positively correlated with TG (r=0.64, p<0.001), TC (r=0.52, p<0.001), and LDL-C (r=0.48, p<0.001). IL-17 significantly correlated with TG (r=0.58, p<0.001) and LDL-C (r=0.44, p<0.01). Both cytokines were inversely associated with HDL-C. Conclusion: Increased levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in T2DM patients are significantly associated with dyslipidemia, supporting their potential value as inflammatory biomarkers for cardiovascular risk analysis in diabetic population.