Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread public health concern, necessitating a clear understanding of knowledge, at

titudes, and practices (KAP) among populations. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess Libyan citizens'

knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding vitamin D in the western region of Libya. This study was carried out

between June and September of 2021. A questionnaire was distributed across the study area and the complete responses

were 314, with 62.7% were females and 37.3% were males. The scores were calculated as percentages and statistically

tested. Additionally, the impact of some socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education level, job, and salary) on

KAP towards vitamin D was investigated. The results revealed that nutritional knowledge of the participants (46.24%)

was much lower than their general knowledge (80.99%), and that the scores of attitude and practice were 74.79% and

60.06%; respectively. Furthermore, socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, education, occupation, and salary

were found to significantly influence practice scores. In conclusion, there's need for targeted public health interventions

and educational campaigns to promote accurate understanding and healthier practices related to vitamin D among

adults in Western Libya.

Keywords: Vitamin D, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, KAP, Socio-demographic influences, Questionnaire

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide contagious disease of humans and other warm-blooded animals, including birds. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite responsible for Toxoplasmosis disease, which is clinically manifested chiefly in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Clinical complications include abortion and stillbirths, encephalitis, pneumonia, brain and eye damage, and neonatal mortality. The genus Toxoplasma was first proposed in 1908 by Nicolle and Manceaux following the identification of asexual stages of similar parasites in the tissues of birds and mammals, and merozoites in the blood of North African rodents, Ctenodactylus gundi. At about the same time, Splendore independently described Toxoplasma in laboratory rabbits in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Darling probably found it in man in Panama in the same year. Although several species were named, during the 1930s, it was shown that these were identical to the type species T. gondii. During the 1960, scientists provided evidence for the coccidian nature of the parasite. Then, between 1960 and 1970, the heterogeneous life cycle was elucidated by the discovery of sexual stages in the small intestine of cats, which followed the induction of infection in intermediate hosts by inoculation with cat feces. This review seeks to study the parasite and its responsibility to cause disease, condition prevalence, clinical manifestations accompanied by infection, and treatment protocols.

Nanotechnology is a modern technology and has many applications that include the manufacture of molecules or particles in the range of the nanoscale. Nanotechnology from the Greek word nano, meaning "dwarf". Nanoparticles are defined as single particles whose dimensions do not exceed 100 nanometers. The unique properties and features of nanoparticles are due to their small size, in addition to their chemical composition and surface structure. Different materials at the nanoscale lead to the development of new properties in industrial products, resulting in a real and impressive increase in industrial and medical applications. In this review, we will learn about this technology, its history, and the characteristics and shapes of nanoparticles. The focus will be on the application of nanotechnology in medicine, particularly in engineering living tissues with nanoscale scaffolds that simulate the functions of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to promote tissue recovery, replacement, and regeneration. It turns out that stem cells attached to a scaffold are more successful in adapting to their environment and performing the task of regeneration. The nerve endings in the body are attached to the scaffolding by weaving between the openings. This will cause them to act as a bridge to connect the cut sections. Over time, the scaffolds will dissolve and exit the body safely, leaving intact nerves in place. Some of the successfully used scaffolds are briefly identified, such as bone scaffolds, cardiac muscle scaffolds, and spinal cord engineering.

ABSTRACT

Background: The seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection were examined among high-risk groups in

Gharyan, Libya—a semi-arid region with limited prior data. Aim: Given the severe health risks of toxoplasmosis in

immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, and the scarcity of studies from western Libya, this research aimed to

address a key knowledge gap while comparing results with those from humid coastal cities.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023, involving 45 blood donors, 40

hemodialysis patients, and 146 pregnant women. A validated questionnaire was administered, and an

electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG/IgM antibodies.

Results: Results revealed an overall higher seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients (40.0%), followed by pregnant women

(24.7%), and then blood donors (15.6%). Active (IgM+) infections were rare. Significant risk factors among pregnant women

included consumption of unwashed vegetables, undercooked meat, cat ownership, and rural residence (Adjusted Odds Ratio

aOR=3.42, aOR=3.15, aOR=2.87, aOR=2.05, respectively). No statistically significant difference in seroprevalence was

observed among pregnant women between 2022 (26.2%) and 2023 (23.5%) (P = 0.68).

Conclusion: A lower seroprevalence was observed in Gharyan municipality compared to coastal Libyan cities, indicating the

influence of the dry climate. The study recommends routine first-trimester screening for pregnant women (especially aged 25–

30 years), mandatory pre-dialysis testing for hemodialysis patients, and targeted food safety education focusing on vegetable

washing and thorough meat cooking.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Seroprevalence, , Pregnant Women, Blood Donors s

Abstract

In recent years, we have observed a widespread deficiency in essential nutrients, most notably vitamin D, B12, and calcium, across all age groups. This has led to an increase in chronic diseases and mortality rates among adults. Consequently, we have investigated the causes of these deficiencies and sought to develop preventative, therapeutic, and awareness-raising strategies to mitigate this phenomenon and reduce the prevalence of these nutrient deficiencies among adults. The results showed that vitamin D deficiency was the most common (~58.1%) in both sexes, specifically (56.25 %) in males and (59.26%) in females. This was followed by calcium deficiency (48.96%) in males and (54.81%) in females, and vitamin B12 deficiency (16.5%) in males and (11.01%) in females. This study involved collecting random samples of vitamin D, B12, and calcium test results from routine health records of medical laboratories in Gharyan and its suburbs for 704 adults aged between 40 and 80 years, and estimating the prevalence of these vitamin deficiencies. A general paper questionnaire was administered to 100 adults to identify their financial and social status, the most common chronic diseases they suffer from, the types of vitamins they are deficient in, and the methods used to treat this deficiency, 55% of participants reported using dietary supplements. Then we selected 7 adults who had a severe vitamin deficiency under study, and we carried out therapeutic and nutritional interventions and introduced a separate dietary regimen consisting of dried figs and olive oil. These cases were followed up for a period of 3 to 4 months, and the rate of increase in these vitamins and the percentage of all cases were recorded. We found that the greatest improvement was observed in the case that relied on the use of dried figs and olive oil. The results showed a significant increase in both vitamin D and B12 levels. We also noted that the elevated iron stores (ferritin) in the blood results were associated with increased vitamin D levels. In addition, most cases that relied on supplements, injections, or tablets showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels. Keywords: Vitamin D Deficiency, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Calcium Deficiency, Dried Figs, Olive oil

Abstract

In recent years, we have observed a widespread deficiency in essential nutrients, most notably vitamin D, B12, and calcium, across all age groups. This has led to an increase in chronic diseases and mortality rates among adults. Consequently, we have investigated the causes of these deficiencies and sought to develop preventative, therapeutic, and awareness-raising strategies to mitigate this phenomenon and reduce the prevalence of these nutrient deficiencies among adults. The results showed that vitamin D deficiency was the most common (~58.1%) in both sexes, specifically (56.25 %) in males and (59.26%) in females. This was followed by calcium deficiency (48.96%) in males and (54.81%) in females, and vitamin B12 deficiency (16.5%) in males and (11.01%) in females. This study involved collecting random samples of vitamin D, B12, and calcium test results from routine health records of medical laboratories in Gharyan and its suburbs for 704 adults aged between 40 and 80 years, and estimating the prevalence of these vitamin deficiencies. A general paper questionnaire was administered to 100 adults to identify their financial and social status, the most common chronic diseases they suffer from, the types of vitamins they are deficient in, and the methods used to treat this deficiency, 55% of participants reported using dietary supplements. Then we selected 7 adults who had a severe vitamin deficiency under study, and we carried out therapeutic and nutritional interventions and introduced a separate dietary regimen consisting of dried figs and olive oil. These cases were followed up for a period of 3 to 4 months, and the rate of increase in these vitamins and the percentage of all cases were recorded. We found that the greatest improvement was observed in the case that relied on the use of dried figs and olive oil. The results showed a significant increase in both vitamin D and B12 levels. We also noted that the elevated iron stores (ferritin) in the blood results were associated with increased vitamin D levels. In addition, most cases that relied on supplements, injections, or tablets showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels. Keywords: Vitamin D Deficiency, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Calcium Deficiency, Dried Figs, Olive oil

AbstractIn recent years, we have observed a widespread deficiency in essential nutrients, most notably vitamin D, B12, and calcium, across all age groups. This has led to an increase in chronic diseases and mortality rates among adults. Consequently, we have investigated the causes of these deficiencies and sought to develop preventative, therapeutic, and awareness-raising strategies to mitigate this phenomenon and reduce the prevalence of these nutrient deficiencies among adults. The results showed that vitamin D deficiency was the most common (~58.1%) in both sexes, specifically (56.25 %) in males and (59.26%) in females. This was followed by calcium deficiency (48.96%) in males and (54.81%) in females, and vitamin B12 deficiency (16.5%) in males and (11.01%) in females. This study involved collecting random samples of vitamin D, B12, and calcium test results from routine health records of medical laboratories in Gharyan and its suburbs for 704 adults aged between 40 and 80 years, and estimating the prevalence of these vitamin deficiencies. A general paper questionnaire was administered to 100 adults to identify their financial and social status, the most common chronic diseases they suffer from, the types of vitamins they are deficient in, and the methods used to treat this deficiency, 55% of participants reported using dietary supplements. Then we selected 7 adults who had a severe vitamin deficiency under study, and we carried out therapeutic and nutritional interventions and introduced a separate dietary regimen consisting of dried figs and olive oil. These cases were followed up for a period of 3 to 4 months, and the rate of increase in these vitamins and the percentage of all cases were recorded. We found that the greatest improvement was observed in the case that relied on the use of dried figs and olive oil. The results showed a significant increase in both vitamin D and B12 levels. We also noted that the elevated iron stores (ferritin) in the blood results were associated with increased vitamin D levels. In addition, most cases that relied on supplements, injections, or tablets showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels.

Abstract

Obesity and headache are conditions associated with a substantial personal and societal impact. This study aims to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and Headache among adults in Gharyan City, Libya. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at Gharyan city, Libya, during the period from December 2024 to March 2025. Two hundred (200) participants, including 94 males (47%) and 106 females (53%), were enrolled in this study. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. The participants were divided into four categories, based on BMI: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25 to 29.9), and obese (>30). A total of 200 participants, both gender males and females, were enrolled in this study during the study period. The study indicates that high percentage of headache in age was 43 -56 years, and severe obesity BMI > 30 kg/m2 were observed of high percentage in females n=27 (25.47%) compared to males n=17 (18.08%), although the severe obesity and headache found in females n=37 (34.90%), rather than males n=30 (31.91%) Obesity and headache are both, slightly more common in females than males, we recommend that more studies among obesity and headache in large patients should be done, although small sample size and lack of long-term flow-up of patients, were the main limitations of our study and results suggested a need for monitoring by X-ray and MRI diagnosis of patients have obesity

Keywords. Obesity. Headache, Gharyan City, Libya.