Due to its high nutritional composition and complex phytochemical profile, beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) has been increasingly studied scientifically as a functional food. This comprehensive review summarises the existing knowledge about beetroot botanical traits, nutritional composition, phytochemical contents, biological activities, anti-cancer activity, molecular pathways, processing methods, and clinical uses. Beetroot is a rich source of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, important vitamins and minerals, dietary nitrates and bioactive compounds such betalains, polyphenols, flavonoids and pectic chemicals. These ingredients combine to provide to it powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial capabilities. Beetroot has demonstrated significant anticancer activity in models of breast, prostate, colorectal and liver cancer, with considerable in vitro and in vivo evidence to support its activity via mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species modulation, apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis inhibition, autophagy regulation and immune modulation. Further improvements in the bioavailability, stability and therapeutic efficiency of beetroot bioactives have resulted from advances in fermentation, probiotic enhancement and nanoliposomal formulations. Clinically, beetroot has been used in functional foods, sports nutrition, cardiovascular health interventions and cancer supportive therapy and has a favourable safety profile. Results are promising, however there are still issues with standardising the dose and lack of confirmation in large-scale clinical trials. In conclusion, this review identifies beetroot as an evidence-based functional food with great nutraceutical and therapeutic potential, while outlining future research pathways required for its effective translation into clinical and personalised nutrition applications.
Background: Thrombocytopenia is common among hospitalized patients and is associated with increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and mortality. It may result from infection, sepsis, medications, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or other acute conditions. However, data on new-onset thrombocytopenia in secondary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia are limited. This study assessed its incidence, severity, etiology, and clinical outcomes in hospitalized adults. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Security Forces Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from January 2020 to December 2024. A total of 392 adult inpatients who developed new-onset thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150×10⁹/l) after admission were included using consecutive sampling. Patients with pre-existing thrombocytopenia, hematological malignancies, or recent chemotherapy were excluded. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were extracted from medical records. Thrombocytopenia severity and underlying etiologies were classified according to clinical and laboratory findings. Results: Sepsis was the leading cause of new-onset thrombocytopenia (34.7%), followed by viral infections (19.6%), drug-induced thrombocytopenia (12.5%), and DIC (11.2%). Severe thrombocytopenia occurred in 26.5% of patients. ICU admission was required in 38.8%, while in-hospital mortality was 21.4%. Mortality was particularly higher among patients with sepsis-related and severe thrombocytopenia, highlighting the prognostic significance of both the underlying cause and degree of platelet reduction. Conclusions: New-onset thrombocytopenia during hospitalization is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Early recognition, close monitoring, and prompt identification of underlying causes may improve outcomes, particularly in resource-limited secondary care settings.
Background: Vitamin D has important immunomodulatory effects and may influence disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Rural–urban differences in sunlight exposure, diet, and healthcare access may affect vitamin D status. This study evaluated the impact of residential background on serum vitamin D levels and disease activity among patients with AS in Northeast India. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 40 consecutive patients fulfilling the ASAS 2009 classification criteria for AS at Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh (2024–2025). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured by enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA). Disease activity was assessed using BASDAI, ASDAS-ESR, and ASDAS-CRP. Rural and urban groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test, and correlations were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation. Results: The mean age was 41.1±14.1 years, with 55% males; 62.5% were from rural areas. Vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and normal levels were observed in 45%, 32.5%, and 22.5% of patients, respectively. Mean serum 25(OH)D levels were similar in rural and urban groups (15.3±5.8 vs. 14.7±6.1 ng/mL; p=0.715). High disease activity (BASDAI ≥4) was present in 76.0% and 80.0% of rural and urban patients, respectively, with no significant differences in BASDAI or ASDAS-ESR scores. Serum vitamin D levels showed significant negative correlations with BASDAI, ASDAS-ESR, ASDAS-CRP, ESR, and CRP (all p<0.001). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was common and strongly associated with higher disease activity, although no significant rural–urban differences were observed. Routine assessment of vitamin D may be beneficial in patients with AS irrespective of residential background.
Background: Corneal edema and Descemet’s membrane striations are common early complications after phacoemulsification that may delay visual recovery. As hypertonic saline/NaCl may have limited or delayed effects in marked postoperative corneal edema, topical glycerin may serve as a useful hyperosmotic alternative. This study assessed the effectiveness of topical glycerin in post-phacoemulsification corneal edema and striations. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh and Maleka Eye Hospital, Faridpur, Bangladesh, from January 2024 to February 2026. Sixty patients with corneal edema and Descemet’s membrane striations on postoperative day 1 after phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation received topical glycerin and were followed on days 7 and 21. Visual acuity, corneal clarity and the severity of corneal edema and striations were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: Most patients were aged 60–69 years (41.7%). At baseline, moderate corneal edema and moderate Descemet’s membrane striations were present in 51.7% and 48.3% of patients, respectively. Progressive improvement occurred during follow-up. By day 21, complete resolution was achieved in 63.3% of patients, while 73.3% attained normal to mildly impaired visual acuity (6/6–6/12). Overall, 83.3% responded positively. Diabetes mellitus (p=0.041), grade IV cataract, prolonged surgical time, high phaco energy exposure and severe baseline edema or striations were significantly associated with delayed or incomplete response. Conclusions: Topical glycerin effectively improved postoperative corneal edema and Descemet’s membrane striations after phacoemulsification, with most patients achieving good recovery within 2 weeks.
A man in his late twenties presented with a 13-year history of icterus and dark urine, together with a short history of abdominal pain for 2.5 months. Biochemical evaluation demonstrated a total serum bilirubin of 9.46 mg/dL with an unconjugated fraction of 9.04 mg/dl, normal hepatocellular enzymes, and splenomegaly on abdominal ultrasonography. The peripheral blood film showed a microcytic, hypochromic picture with anisopoikilocytosis and mild red-cell fragmentation. Whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous pathogenic HBB c.92+5G>C splice-donor variant (IVS-I-5 G>C), confirming β-thalassaemia carrier status. The magnitude of unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia was, however, disproportionate to trait alone, prompting a targeted search for a coexisting inherited disorder of bilirubin conjugation. UGT1A1 promoter fragment analysis revealed a homozygous (TA)7/(TA)7 (*28/*28) genotype, confirming Gilbert syndrome. Recognising the coexistence of the two disorders, rather than accepting a single incomplete diagnosis, altered counselling, drug-safety advice and reproductive planning. This case underscores that when unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia is disproportionate to the demonstrable degree of haemolysis, a second inherited disorder of bilirubin metabolism should be actively sought.
