Journal of Medical Sciences

Frequency and characteristics of tooth agenesis among Sirte orthodontic patients in Libya

Aftima Alamin Derbash — 2025-01-01

In dental practice, it is common to see patients who have one or more teeth that are developmentally absent. Significant functional, cosmetic, and psychosocial issues are linked to tooth agenesis. Dental agenesis is a crucial problem that has not received enough attention in Libyan research. Because the management calls for a multidisciplinary approach, it is significant from an academic and clinical standpoint to shed some light on this anomaly. There has been a recent emphasis on the need to identify research gaps in this sector and support the scientific community by conducting studies on the genetic origins of tooth agenesis and tumor development. The occurrence and characteristics involved in tooth agenesis in Sirte orthodontic patients are summarized in this article. Appropriate planning and management may be difficult, and patient care will probably necessitate multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary involvement. However, prompt diagnosis can help. Dental professionals must possess a thorough understanding of tooth agenesis's clinical features and available treatments. Non-syndromic tooth agenesis has been occasionally described in literature and data available for its prevalence is rare in Libya. This retrospective radiography study's objective was to gather information on the frequency and pattern of non-syndromic congenital teeth missing in orthodontic patients. The data for this study were chosen from 500 consecutive orthodontic patients who matched the inclusion criteria. The radiographic data had at least one orthopantomogram (OPG) of clear, sufficient quality, which was complemented with periapical radiographs as needed. From statistical analysis a prevalence of 3.8 percent hypodontia was seen in the sample. It was determined that the frequency of hypodontia in the Sirte orthodontic population of Libya is 3.8%, which is within the range globally. However, to precisely estimate the prevalence of hypodontia, more research needs be done on a larger non-orthodontic population. The current study's objective was to establish baseline data by determining the characteristics of congenital absence of the permanent teeth in Sirte, Libya.

The incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection and its impacts in diabetic patients

Aisha M. A . Shahlol — 2024-03-19

Diabetes is a long-term metabolic disease marked by elevated blood sugar levels. Research indicates that compared to persons without diabetes, patients with diabetes may be more susceptible to the Helicobacter pylori outbreak. Unfortunately, not enough is known about how common Helicobacter pylori infection is in diabetics, particularly in southern Libya. Thus, the goal of our research is to determine how frequently diabetic individuals in various parts of Ubari are infected with these germs.

One hundred fifty female and male diabetic patients who visited medical clinics in various Ubari places participated in this study. H. pylori IgG antibodies were measured in blood serum samples using the rapid test and enzymatic immunoassay. The level of fasting blood sugar, the human body mass index, the HbA1c, and blood group types were gathered. A questionnaire was utilized to gather information about a few habits. The individual's data was examined statistically. The results of P< 0.05 were deemed significantly different. Immunological tests revealed that the H. pylori bacteria injured 45.33% of both sexes. When it came to eating habits, the frequency of eating spicy food and smoking were not statistically different between the H. pylori-infected diabetic participants and the non-infected ones with varying values for BMI, HbA1c, and FBS. The research indicated that there was actually a variance in FBS level across HP-infected and non-HP-infected diabetic patients, slightly different among BMI, but there was no impact of the other factors.

Students’ First Time Performance of Basic Nursing Procedures at Tobruk University

Dorothy Buhat-Mendoza — 2024-04-23

The study analysed the first-time performance of basic nursing procedures by Tobruk University students of nursing. These involve medical handwashing, clean gloving, range of motion (ROM), and positioning. The result of the study indicated a moderate level of performance in terms of the mean score at 51.33 with an overall variance of SD=19.96. The highest mean score was found in Universal precaution clean gloving (53.96), which means the students understood the importance and practicability of this procedure. The lowest mean was recorded in positioning (43.93) while ROM had the highest variance (SD=26.66), which implied that these operations turned out to be more problematic for properly evaluating patient comfort and safety levels. While some variations in the mean scores were observed between male and female students, statistically significant differences were found in ROM and positioning (p-value < 0.05). Female students scored higher in both areas probably because of care or learning style preferences. Recommendations based on the findings were that personalized teaching, in-depth instruction, simulation learning, and continuous assessment of teaching methods are essential for student comprehension and application of these procedures. The outcomes can inform targeted education interventions and allow the students to master clinical practice more effectively. For future research, an increased sample size and other mediating variables could illuminate the role of gender in influencing performance for nursing education.

Evaluation of the management of medical waste resulting from wet cupping therapy within health facilities in the city of Misrata

Salem Saleh Elwahaish — 2024-12-28

Medical waste management is one of the biggest challenges facing our world today, as environmentalists are increasingly concerned about the negative health effects resulting from irresponsible handling of it. although the global spread of wet cupping treatment centers, limited research available about the management of the waste generated by them. World Health Organization classified them as hazardous and infectious wastes, therefor, this study worked to collect data on how wet cupping centers in the city of Misrata deal with their medical waste, and evaluate the volume of waste generated And the problems facing medical waste management in these centers. The study sample consisted of 20 cupping centers, and it included 49 participants. Questionnaires and personal interviews were used to collect data, and then analyzed using SPSS. According to the current study, the average production of cupping waste is about 12.376 kg per day in each center, with weakness of the systems used in dealing with this waste in terms of separation, collection, storage and final disposal. The study found that sharps caused 51.02% of study sample, and 34.69% of them were injured with broken therapeutic cups as a result of not separating sharp tools from others. Blood waste found to be disposed with general wastes due to lack of medical disposing facilities and local control authorities. This necessitates raising the level of responsibility at these centers and following the necessary laws to protect workers and the environment. This study recommended to apply the global and local laws. To improve the level of dealing with medical waste resulting from cupping centers

Single Center Analysis of HS Purpura and HS Nephritis in Children in Libya

Omar Alhaddad — 2024-09-03

Aim: To describe the clinical features and the presenting symptoms of HS purpura and HS nephritis in Misrata Medical Center and evaluate prognosis of the disease. Materials and methods: A retrospective study of children diagnosed as HS purpura in Misrata Medical Center (single center). All patient's data were collected and reviewed from follow-up records in pediatric nephrology Outpatient Clinic in Misrata Medical Center in the period between November 2016 and May 2021. Results: In this study, 55 HSP patients were included, 37 patients were boys and 18 were girls giving a male to female ratio of 2.05: 1. The mean age was 5.8 years (range of 1-12). 20 cases presented in spring season (36%), while 19 cases in winter (34%) and 16 cases in autumn. No cases presented in summer season. The most common manifestation was skin rash (100%). 12 cases (21.82%) had renal involvement (nephritis). The most common HS Nephritis manifestation was microscopic hematuria in 21% of cases then proteinuria (11%) and macroscopic hematuria (7%). Only one case had hypertension (1.82%). All patients had normal renal function tests. No cases progressed to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). All cases were self-limiting (complete disappearance of renal manifestations occurred within 3 months) except one case (1.82%) that had persistent proteinuria after 1 year of follow-up, she was a 12-year-old girl, presented with headache, edema, skin rash, high BP, gross hematuria and proteinuria. Conclusion: From our review for a single center we conclude that HSP is a self- limiting disease with good prognosis. Most cases occur in spring and winter. HS Nephritis occurred in 22% of cases.

Anticancer effect of flaxseed and Cisplatin in oral squamous cell carcinoma: An in-vitro study

Ghada Gehani — 2024-12-31

Aims: oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common form of oral cancer and is currently largely treated by surgery and/or radiation. Significant complications can occur because of these treatments. Adjunct therapies that are safer and less toxic are being explored. This study aims to investigate the potential anti-cancerous effect of the flaxseed on oral squamous carcinoma cells in vitro and determine the possible modulation of the activity of cisplatin by flaxseed using different durations of applications. Material and Methods: OSCC cell line cells were cultured and the MTT assay was used to assess cell metabolic activity. Results: The antiproliferative effect of flaxseed oil at 24 and 48 hours as measured by the IC50 was 71.48±4.26 ug/ml and 18.11±1.36 ug/ml respectively. The mean percentage of viable cells at 24 and 48 hours when treated with flaxseed oil was 66.2+/-14.6 and 56.3+/-12.7, p-value <0.001. At 24 hours, the antiproliferative effect of cisplatin alone vs. when combined with flaxseed oil as measured by the IC50 was 9.59 +/- 0.32 ug/ml vs. 12.91+/- 0.94 ug/ml. The mean percentage of viable cells when treated with cisplatin alone vs. flaxseed oil combined with Cisplatin was 52.8+/- 14.4% vs. 55.1+/-15.5%, p-value=0.02. At 48 hours, the antiproliferative effect of cisplatin alone vs. when combined with flaxseed oil as measured by the IC50 was 2.70±0.11 ug/ml vs. 1.55±0.04 ug/ml. The mean percentage of viable cells when treated with cisplatin alone vs. flaxseed oil combined with Cisplatin was 45.4+/- 12.1 vs. 42.1+/-12.5, p-value=0.004. Conclusion: Further studies to explore potential mechanisms of the anticancer effect of flaxseed oil are needed.

Effects of Amitriptyline on the Lipid Profile, Antioxidant, and Hormones of the first filial generation of Wistar Rats.

Oluwadare Joshua Ogundipe — 2024-10-30

Aim: This study investigated the effect of amitriptyline on the first filial generation of female Wistar rats by analyzing the anti-oxidant levels in serum and tissue, lipid profile, and reproductive hormones. Methodology: Twenty-five adults female Wistar rats (12 weeks) weighing between 150 and 180g were grouped into five (n=5). Group 1 (control) received 0.2 ml/kg of normal saline solution 28 days before and throughout the gestational period, group 2 and 3 received (5 and 10mg/kg) of amitriptyline respectively, 28 days before and throughout the gestation period; Group 4 and 5 (5 and 10mg/kg) of amitriptyline respectively for 28 days before the gestational period alone. After delivering, five female offspring rats from each group were allowed to grow naturally till puberty (12 weeks). Blood samples collected were analyzed for the level of GPx, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, Low-density lipoprotein, High-density lipoprotein, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed in the tissue homogenate and serum of the offspring. Results: Amitriptyline increases the MDA level of the offspring of the experimental animal, and decreases the level of SOD, CAT, and Estradiol. Conclusion: Amitriptyline induces oxidative stress, sexual dysfunction, and infertility in the F1 generation of Wistar rats.

Study of the anatomical locations of uterine fibroids in Libyan women in Benghazi using transabdominal ultrasound

Amal O.S. Rahoumah — 2024-11-08

Introduction: the uterus is a muscular organ with a thick wall located between the rectum and urinary bladder. uterine fibroids are most common growths develop either in or around the uterus. Also, they are considered as common gynecological tumors in women at reproductive age. However, its symptoms were affecting the Women’s quality of life. Aims: The main aim of this study is to investigate the anatomical locations of uterine fibroids in Libyan women at Benghazi Medical Center (BMC) between Jan. 1st 2023 to Fab. 1st 2024. Methods: The current study included 200 patients of uterine fibroids of Libyan women in Benghazi confirmed after investigated at the BMC clinically and ultrasonographically. Result: Most of our population were symptomatic fibroids representing 73.8%. The highest frequency was observed in the 36 – 40 years age group. Intramural (34.9%), Submucosal-intramural -intramural (15.1%), and intramural-sub-serosal (21.4%) were the three most frequent anatomical locations of uterine fibroids. Conclusion: The present study found that the individual intramural uterine fibroids were the commonest type which produce menorrhagia as a common clinical presentation.

Bad breath due to medical problems perceived by the parents of children attending the children's regional hospital in Benghazi

Fowziya M.Ali — 2024-12-25

Background: Bad breath, or halitosis, is an uncomfortable or repulsive odour coming from the mouth. It is complex and can have both oral and systemic causes, as well as be linked to certain illnesses. The purpose of the study was to evaluate bad breath as a result of health issues as reported by parents whose children are receiving care at the Children's Regional Hospital in Benghazi Subjects and methods: Ethical approval permission (3.1) was obtained and informed parent and child consent was sought. One hundred and sixty parents (160) accompanying their children, including inpatients and outpatients attended a children’s hospital in Benghazi, Libya. They were personally interviewed with their children and written questionnaires were previously prepared. Every parent was questioned regarding their thoughts and experiences regarding their child's bad breath and related health issues. They were subsequently entered into the survey form. The accompanied children ranged in age from 2 to 12 years old and had various health issues. Findings: The mean age was 6.8, and the male-to-female ratio was 52.5 to 47.5%. Parents' or other people's perception of children's bad breath as a result of breathing through their mouths due to nasal issues was 96 (60.0%), which was highly significant at p≤0.05. 48.8% overall had respiratory problems, 36% had tonsillitis, 49.3% had sinusitis, and 12% (n=19) had GIT issues. . The intensity of bad breath varied from mild to very severe smelly. Conclusion: Bad breath released from systemically infected children is perceived by the parents or others showed another major cause rather than an oral cause for bad smell.

A study on the effect of diabetes and obesity on some lipids and some biochemical parameters of women in AL-Khoums city

Mona Alfakheri — 2024-08-28

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in women are increasing in prevalence owing to decreases in physical activity levels and a shift to diets that include addictive and/or high-calorie foods. These changes are associated with the adoption of modern lifestyles and the presence of an obesogenic environment, which have resulted in alterations to metabolism, adaptive immunity and endocrine regulation. This study clarifies the problem of the large prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with obesity on women in the city of AL-Khoums city and its impact on many chemical parameters. Many studies have confirmed the impact of diabetes and obesity on women, and thus the possibility of side effects increases if the patient neglects important advice from the doctor or neglects to take periodic treatment. It is difficult to limit the spread of the disease, but it is our duty, along with the scientific seminars and advice provided by the Diabetes Center in AL-Khuoms city, to delay the disease, and to give women all the important information about the dangers. of obesity on public health and the exacerbation of the risk with (T2DM). This study concluded that women with diabetes with obesity showed a significant effect on some lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides, in addition to its effect on calcium, ferritin and vitamin D, and therefore other complications on body functions are certain.

Accidental chemical poisoning: Cases recorded at Benghazi Children’s Hospital (2018-2022)

Mariam Ambarak S. Busaadia — 2024-03-07

Children are more exposed to chemical poisoning incidents due to their desire to explore and love to see things they have. The aim of the study is to identify cases of chemical poisoning recorded at Benghazi Children's Hospitalf rom January 2018 - December 2022 were used. The results showed the highest rate of drug poisoning (70.9%) in children. The lowest percentage of cannabis was (5.5%), and it included age groups under 5 years of age (64.2%), and most cases appeared in males. The highest cases of drug poisoning were recorded in the winter, followed by poisoning with phosphorus compounds in the autumn, while kerosene cases were recorded in summer season. Hospital records show that most of the poisoning cases have been treated, while 6 children died (4 kerosene and 2drug injections). we need to educate parents about ways to deal with these substances and keep them out of the reach of children.