Mirjana Stojanović-Tasić, Milan Latas, Emilija Novaković, Marija Milić, Mirjana Virijević, Kristina Rakić, Nenad Milošević, Jovana Milošević, Jelena Aritonović Pribaković, Suzana Adžić, Romana Petrović, Milica Popović Radovanović, Mary Vukša, Danijela Ilić, Milica Bogdanović, Biljana Trajković, Andrija Milović
{"title":"Teaching empathy in Balint groups.","authors":"Mirjana Stojanović-Tasić, Milan Latas, Emilija Novaković, Marija Milić, Mirjana Virijević, Kristina Rakić, Nenad Milošević, Jovana Milošević, Jelena Aritonović Pribaković, Suzana Adžić, Romana Petrović, Milica Popović Radovanović, Mary Vukša, Danijela Ilić, Milica Bogdanović, Biljana Trajković, Andrija Milović","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2651993","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2651993","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to examine whether participation in Balint groups is associated with higher levels of empathy among physicians. This study was carried out with a sample of 210 physicians working in primary health centers in Belgrade. Among them, 70 doctors had completed Balint training lasting at least one year, while the remaining 140 doctors had never participated in such training (the non-Balint group). Empathy levels among doctors were assessed using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), an evaluation scale developed by Davis that consists of four subscales: perspective taking, fantasy, empathic concern, and personal distress. We found that physicians who completed Balint training had significantly higher scores on the perspective taking, fantasy, and empathic concern subscales compared to those who did not complete the training (<i>p </i>< 0.001). Regarding the personal distress subscale, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of physicians (<i>p</i>= 0.530). In the multivariate logistic regression models, participation in the Balint group emerged as the only significant predictor for the perspective taking and empathic concern subscales (<i>p </i>< 0.001), while for the fantasy subscale, both participation in the Balint group and being a medical specialist were identified as significant predictors. Participation in Balint groups is significantly associated with higher levels of empathy among physicians.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":"21 1","pages":"2651993"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13047715/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147594606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Afnan Anas Nassar, Khalid Talal Aboalshamat, Salma Saleh Albaqaawi, Rania Abdullah Alosaimi, Aseel Ahmed Almalki, Abrar Yousef Baitalmal
{"title":"Prevalence, risk factors, management strategies and consequences of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental students and professionals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Afnan Anas Nassar, Khalid Talal Aboalshamat, Salma Saleh Albaqaawi, Rania Abdullah Alosaimi, Aseel Ahmed Almalki, Abrar Yousef Baitalmal","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2651992","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2651992","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) refer to injuries or conditions that affect the muscles, tendons, nerves, and other components of the musculoskeletal system, often resulting from repetitive movements, sustained static postures, or prolonged periods of sitting and standing. Dental professionals and students are particularly susceptible due to the physically demanding nature of clinical practice. These disorders can adversely affect professional performance, productivity, and overall quality of life. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and potential consequences of WRMSDs among dental students and professionals at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students and professionals at Umm Al-Qura University. Data were collected using a self-administered, structured online questionnaire designed to assess the prevalence of WRMSDs, associated risk factors, and management strategies. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software, with the level of significance set at <i>p</i> < 0.05. Among the respondents, 67.8% were under 25 years of age, and 59.8% were female. More than half (55.6%) reported experiencing WRMSD symptoms in at least one body region during the past year, with 36.8% indicating chronic pain. The most commonly affected areas were the neck (56.9%), and lower back (52.3%). The leading contributing factors were inappropriate posture (44.8%) and prolonged sitting (29.7%). The most affected quality-of-life domains included increased stress and anxiety (33.1%), sleep disturbances (30.0%), and reduced academic or occupational performance (25.0%). Despite the high prevalence, 77% of participants did not seek professional care. The most frequently reported pain management strategies were the use of analgesics (31.4%) and engagement in physical activity (29.3%). This study demonstrates a high burden of WRMSDs among dental students and professionals, with symptoms primarily affecting the neck and lower back. Incorporating ergonomic training and structured occupational health programs into dental education and clinical practice may reduce long-term functional impairment and improve overall well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":"21 1","pages":"2651992"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13034702/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147576283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Najwa A Mahmoud, Muetaz M Feetouri, Mohamed K Elkawafi, Omar S Alqabbasi, Mahmoud A Aloriby, Tarek S Bader, Yousef M Hasen, Ali M Milad, Mosaab S Abdulkarim, Farag A Bleiblo
{"title":"Immediate post-denudation intracytoplasmic sperm injection is associated with higher fertilization and early cleavage-stage embryo yield: a prospective sibling-oocyte cohort from Libyan ICSI cycles.","authors":"Najwa A Mahmoud, Muetaz M Feetouri, Mohamed K Elkawafi, Omar S Alqabbasi, Mahmoud A Aloriby, Tarek S Bader, Yousef M Hasen, Ali M Milad, Mosaab S Abdulkarim, Farag A Bleiblo","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2666920","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2666920","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become an integral practice in assisted reproduction technology (ART), but the optimal time interval between oocyte denudation (DN) and ICSI is still not well defined. Libya remains underrepresented in global fertility estimates, and prospective paired data on DN-to-ICSI timing from Libyan IVF practice are limited. We aimed to investigate whether performing ICSI immediately after DN, compared with an intended four-hour delay, affects pregnancy outcomes and early embryology yield. This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center, Beirut Hospital, Benghazi and included 88 Libyan ICSI cycles. After enzymatic-mechanical DN using hyaluronidase, mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes were injected with selected sperm. Within each cycle, sibling MII oocytes were allocated in a 1:1 ratio to immediate ICSI or delayed ICSI after an intended interval of about four hours, using a computer-generated within-cycle allocation sequence. For clinical comparison, cycles were allocated by pre-generated permuted-block randomization to transfer blastocysts under one timing condition (44 cycles/arm). The primary outcome was normal fertilization (two pronuclei); secondary outcomes included cleavage (Day 3), blastulation and blastocyst quality (Day 5/6; Gardner-Schoolcraft), biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy. Immediate DN-ICSI was significantly associated with higher fertilization rates than delayed injection (80.07% ± 17.09% vs 70.80% ± 17.37%; mean difference: 9.26, 95% CI 4.40-14.12; <i>p</i> = 0.0003) and a higher cleavage rate (76.89% ± 17.03% vs 67.97% ± 18.47%; mean difference 8.93 points, 95% CI 3.59-14.26; <i>p</i> = 0.0013). Biochemical pregnancy (40.9% vs 54.5%; <i>p</i> = 0.200) and clinical pregnancy (29.5% vs 27.3%; <i>p</i> = 0.813) did not differ significantly. These results suggest that a shorter DN-to-ICSI interval may improve fertilization and early embryo development, with no observed differences in blastulation or early pregnancy outcomes. Larger multicenter studies with cumulative live births are required to determine clinical relevance.Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become an integral practice in assisted reproduction technology (ART), but the optimal time interval between oocyte denudation (DN) and ICSI is still not well defined. Libya remains underrepresented in global fertility estimates, and prospective paired data on DN-to-ICSI timing from Libyan IVF practice are limited. We aimed to investigate whether performing ICSI immediately after DN, compared with an intended four-hour delay, affects pregnancy outcomes and early embryology yield. This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center, Beirut Hospital, Benghazi and included 88 Libyan ICSI cycles. After enzymatic-mechanical DN using hyaluronidase, mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes were injected with selected sperm. Within each cycle, sibl","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":"21 1","pages":"2666920"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13142180/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mona Bustami, Anas Abed, Inas Almazari, Rahaf AlQatarneh, Shahd Abu Assab, Wael Abu Dayyih, Sireen Abdul Rahim Shilbayeh, Zainab Zakaraya
{"title":"Non-prescription antibiotic dispensing in community pharmacies in jordan: a simulated patient study.","authors":"Mona Bustami, Anas Abed, Inas Almazari, Rahaf AlQatarneh, Shahd Abu Assab, Wael Abu Dayyih, Sireen Abdul Rahim Shilbayeh, Zainab Zakaraya","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2713956","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2713956","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Inappropriate antibiotic use in community settings is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where regulatory enforcement may be inconsistent. Community pharmacies are a critical interface between health systems and the public; however, real-world dispensing practices remain insufficiently characterized in many settings. This study evaluated the prevalence, behavioral drivers, and clinical quality of non-prescription antibiotic dispensing in Jordanian community pharmacies using a simulated patient methodology.A cross-sectional simulated patient study was conducted across 200 community pharmacies in Jordan. A standardized encounter involving a three-stage progressive escalation protocol assessed dispensing behavior under increasing patient demand. The primary outcome was antibiotic supply without a valid prescription. Secondary outcomes included clinical assessment, counseling, referral behavior, and antibiotic class supplied. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of non-prescription dispensing and adequate clinical assessment.Antibiotics were dispensed without prescription in 162 encounters (81.0%; 95% CI, 75.6-86.4). During the initial symptom-based presentation, 110 pharmacies (55.0%) supplied antibiotics. Among pharmacies that initially declined, a direct antibiotic request resulted in additional dispensing in 44.4% of cases, while subsequent patient insistence led to further supply in 24.0%, producing a cumulative prevalence of 81.0%. Independent pharmacies (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.48; 95% CI, 1.23-5.02) and rural locations (AOR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.01-4.03) were associated with higher dispensing odds. History-taking occurred in 49.4% of dispensing encounters, allergy screening in 14.2%, and no counseling was provided in 29.0%. Broad-spectrum agents represented 73.5% of dispensed antibiotics.Non-prescription antibiotic dispensing remains widespread in Jordan and is influenced by patient pressure and practice characteristics. Strengthened regulatory enforcement, professional training, and public awareness interventions are urgently needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":"21 1","pages":"2713956"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13459300/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148702630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unregulated use of <i>Artemisia</i> in cancer patients in Libya: an emerging ethical and public health concern.","authors":"Inas Alhudiri, Fawzi Ebrahim, Adam Elzagheid","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2025.2611580","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2025.2611580","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A concerning trend has recently emerged in Libya where cancer patients are seeking unproven herbal remedies derived from local Artemisia species driven by circulating claims on social media. These unregulated traditional medicines can interact with standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Scientific evidence suggests that <i>Artemisia</i> compounds can alter drug metabolism through enzymatic pathways (notably the CYP450 system), potentially neutralizing treatment efficacy or exacerbating systemic toxicity. This letter evaluates the toxicological profile of <i>Artemisia</i> and proposes an ethical framework for patient protection and public health intervention in Libya.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":"21 1","pages":"2611580"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12805842/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Somayeh Haji Ahmadi, Naeimeh Kardanpour, Mohammadreza Elhaie, Mohammad Saleh Jafarpisheh, Peyman Hashemi, Seyyed-Ali Alaei
{"title":"Prospective concordance of multidetector CT angiography and digital subtraction angiography in assessing bronchial artery morphology for hemoptysis embolization outcomes.","authors":"Somayeh Haji Ahmadi, Naeimeh Kardanpour, Mohammadreza Elhaie, Mohammad Saleh Jafarpisheh, Peyman Hashemi, Seyyed-Ali Alaei","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2630407","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2630407","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hemoptysis, often life-threatening in its massive form, is predominantly caused by bronchial artery pathology. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is the established first-line intervention, yet the relationship between bronchial artery morphology and embolization outcomes remains insufficiently defined. This prospective pilot study aimed to assess the association between bronchial artery anatomical features and short-term outcomes following BAE, and to evaluate concordance between computed tomography (CT) angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in detecting hypertrophy and tortuosity. Twenty-eight patients with hemoptysis requiring BAE were prospectively enrolled in a cohort study. Baseline multidetector CT angiography characterized bronchial artery origin, diameter, hypertrophy, tortuosity, and systemic collaterals. All patients underwent DSA-guided BAE. Treatment success was defined as cessation of hemoptysis within 48 hours, with recurrence assessed at 30 days. Inter-modality agreement was measured using Cohen's kappa. Immediate success was achieved in 92.9% of cases, with recurrence observed in 14.3% at 30 days. No statistically significant associations were found between artery morphology and outcomes. Descriptive trends suggested higher recurrence in patients with systemic collaterals and smaller left bronchial artery diameters (<2 mm). Moderate agreement was observed between CT and DSA for hypertrophy detection (Kappa = 0.563 for right bronchial artery, 0.500 for left), while substantial agreement was found for tortuosity (Kappa = 0.710 and 0.774, respectively). CT angiography demonstrated moderate concordance with DSA for hypertrophy detection (Kappa = 0.563 for right bronchial artery, 0.500 for left), while substantial agreement was found for tortuosity (Kappa = 0.710 and 0.774, respectively). Bronchial artery morphology was not significantly predictive of short-term BAE outcomes, though systemic collaterals and small vessel diameters may contribute to recurrence risk. While moderate agreement limits CTA as a sole tool, it aids in identifying targets efficiently. Larger, multicenter studies are warranted to refine risk stratification and optimize hemoptysis management.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":"21 1","pages":"2630407"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12903930/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146167534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diagnostic outcomes of the 2023 race-neutral and 2012 race-specific global lung function initiative spirometry equations in healthy Algerian adults: a cross-sectional comparative analysis.","authors":"Abdelbassat Ketfi, Helmi Ben Saad","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2711468","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2711468","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In 2023, the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) introduced race-neutral spirometric reference equations (2023-GLI-RNEs) to address concerns of racial bias inherent in earlier 2012-GLI race-specific models. While the 2012-GLI Caucasian equations (2012-GLI-CEs) were previously identified to reflect contemporary adults' Algerian spirometry, the 2023-GLI-RNEs applicability remains untested. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic outcomes of the 2023-GLI-RNEs and the 2012-GLI-CEs in a healthy adult Algerian population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 488 Algerian healthy adults (49.6% female) aged 18-85 years. Participants underwent standardized plethysmography/spirometry in accordance with the most updated international guidelines. Z-scores and percent predicted values for FEV₁, FVC, and FEV₁/FVC ratio were computed using both 2012-GLI-CEs and 2023-GLI-RNEs. Diagnostic classifications (e.g. normal pattern, obstructive ventilatory impairment (OVI), non-specific ventilatory impairment (NSVI), or spirometric restrictive pattern (SRP), isolated low FEV<sub>1</sub> (ILF)) were compared across the two equations. Classification changes between the two norms appeared to be relatively limited. Percent predicted FEV₁ and FVC values were significantly but slightly higher when interpreted using 2023-GLI-RNEs by 6% and 7% points, respectively, and the percent predicted FEV₁/FVC value was marginally lower by -0.9%. Compared to 2012-GLI-CEs, 2023-GLI-RNEs identified more cases of OVI (4.10% vs. 6.35%, respectively, <i>p</i> = 0.003), fewer cases of NSVI or SRP (2.05% vs. 0.20%, respectively, <i>p</i> = 0.008) or ILF (1.84 vs. 0.00%, respectively, <i>p</i> = 0.008), and comparable cases of normal spirometry (92.01% vs. 93.44%, respectively, <i>p</i> = 0.230). In a sample of healthy Algerian adults' spirometric data, 2023-GLI-RNEs and 2012-GLI-CEs produced broadly comparable classifications of normal spirometry, although modest but statistically significant differences were observed in several abnormal spirometric categories.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":"21 1","pages":"2711468"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13431013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148654830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hanan D Al Obieat, Manar Ali Bani-Hani, Majdi M Alzoubi, Khalid Al-Mugheed, Nadiah A Baghdadi, Sally Mohammed Farghaly Abdelaliem
{"title":"Strengthening maternal: preparedness of maternity nurses for clinical emergencies and deterioration.","authors":"Hanan D Al Obieat, Manar Ali Bani-Hani, Majdi M Alzoubi, Khalid Al-Mugheed, Nadiah A Baghdadi, Sally Mohammed Farghaly Abdelaliem","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2711465","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2711465","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maternal deterioration during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period can rapidly progress to severe maternal morbidity if early warning signs are not recognized and managed promptly. This study aimed to assess maternity nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding maternal deterioration and to examine their association with nurses' preparedness to recognize and manage maternal deterioration in maternity units. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 nurses working in maternity units of tertiary hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, knowledge related to maternal deterioration, professional attitudes toward obstetric emergency care, and preparedness for managing maternal deterioration. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to examine relationships between study variables. Data were collected over a six-month period from January to June 2026. The mean knowledge score was 3.45 ± 0.71, indicating a high level of knowledge among participants. The mean attitude score was 3.68 ± 0.64, reflecting generally positive attitudes toward managing maternal emergencies. Preparedness for managing maternal deterioration showed a mean score of 3.41 ± 0.59, indicating a moderate-to-high level of preparedness. Knowledge and attitudes were significantly correlated with preparedness (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that nurses' knowledge and attitudes were significant independent factor associated with preparedness for managing maternal deterioration. Higher knowledge and more positive attitudes were associated with greater preparedness after controlling for the other variables included in the regression model. Nurses' knowledge and professional attitudes significantly influence preparedness to manage maternal deterioration in maternity units. Strengthening competency-based education, simulation-based obstetric emergency training, and implementation of maternal early warning systems may enhance maternity nurses' preparedness and contribute to improved maternal safety outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":"21 1","pages":"2711465"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13439770/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148671164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Walaa M Alsafi, Abdullah S Al-Nafeesah, Ashwaq AlEed, Mohammad Alhasoon, Ishag Adam
{"title":"Prevalence and associated factors of Helicobacter pylori seropositivity, including mode of delivery, among asymptomatic adolescents in Central Sudan: a community-based cross-sectional study.","authors":"Walaa M Alsafi, Abdullah S Al-Nafeesah, Ashwaq AlEed, Mohammad Alhasoon, Ishag Adam","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2720963","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19932820.2026.2720963","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection remains a major global health problem, particularly in resource-limited settings, and is a leading cause of several gastrointestinal diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of <i>H. pylori</i> seropositivity and its associated factors, including mode of delivery, among asymptomatic adolescents in Central Sudan. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2025. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, and mode of delivery were collected using a structured questionnaire. <i>H. pylori</i> seropositivity was assessed using a rapid antibody test detecting <i>H. pylori</i>-specific antibodies. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. A total of 235 adolescents were enrolled, of whom 124 (52.8%) were males. The overall prevalence of <i>H. pylori</i> seropositivity was 24.7%. Univariate analysis showed that mode of delivery was the only factor significantly associated with <i>H. pylori</i> seropositivity. This association remained significant in multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio = 3.97; 95% confidence interval: 1.04-15.18), indicating a higher risk among adolescents delivered by cesarean section. Other factors, including age, sex, body mass index, family size, parental education and occupation, and displacement status, were not significantly associated. <i>H. pylori</i> positivity is relatively common among asymptomatic adolescents in Central Sudan. The use of a rapid serological antibody test represents an important limitation because it cannot distinguish between active infection and previous exposure. Consequently, the reported prevalence more accurately reflects <i>H. pylori</i> seropositivity than confirmed active infection. Mode of delivery may represent an important early-life risk factor, underscoring the need for further longitudinal research.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":"21 1","pages":"2720963"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13495462/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148800795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Suhailah S Aljameel, Mohamed E Eissa, Zinab Alatawi, Hanadi A Alahmadi, Mohammad E Azab, Tarek A Yousef, Sayed K Ramadan, Hasan A Aljohi, Eida S Al-Farraj, Eman Abdullah Bahattab, Ahmed Ghareeb, Eman A E El-Helw
{"title":"Multi-targeted pyrazole scaffolds: synthesis, mechanistic insights, and therapeutic potential in anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory applications.","authors":"Suhailah S Aljameel, Mohamed E Eissa, Zinab Alatawi, Hanadi A Alahmadi, Mohammad E Azab, Tarek A Yousef, Sayed K Ramadan, Hasan A Aljohi, Eida S Al-Farraj, Eman Abdullah Bahattab, Ahmed Ghareeb, Eman A E El-Helw","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2642992","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2026.2642992","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pyrazole derivatives are a class of heterocyclic compounds known to have broad pharmacological effects. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize a new series of pyrazole derivatives and investigate their effects on a series of <i>in vitro</i> assays. Five synthesized compounds were confirmed structurally using standard spectroscopic techniques, and their cytotoxic activity was evaluated against HeLa cells using MTT assay and morphological examination of viability. DNA damage and fragmentation were analyzed using a comet assay, agarose gel electrophoresis, and diphenylamine reaction. Antioxidant properties were evaluated with radical scavenging assays, and anti-inflammatory potential was assessed with <i>in vitro</i> inhibition assays (COX-1/2). Pyrazolethione <b>5</b> showed antiproliferative effects at all concentrations, with preserved cell confluence at ≤62.5 µg/mL. It also demonstrates DPPH scavenging activity similar to that of ascorbic acid in a dose-dependent manner, reaching a maximum activity of 85.9% with an IC₅₀ of 48.77. In addition, it demonstrated antioxidant activity, although significantly lower than that of gallic acid, with a maximum scavenging percentage of 83.9% at 1000 μg/mL and an IC<sub>50</sub> of 54.97 μg/mL. In the comet assay, the treatment significantly increased DNA fragmentation to 26.2% ± 0.88% from 12.8% ± 0.77% in the control cells (<i>p </i>< 0.01), representing a two-fold induction of apoptosis. The test compound inhibited COX-1 in a dose-dependent manner (86.29% inhibition at 1000 µg/mL), producing an IC<sub>50</sub> value of 29.14 ± 0.97 µg/mL, while it produced moderate inhibition of COX-2, 82.03% inhibition at 1000 µg/mL, and had an IC<sub>50</sub> value of 51.49 ± 2.13 µg/mL. According to flow cytometry analysis, untreated HeLa cells were mainly in G1 (54.56%) and G0 (34.86%), with fewer cells in S (9.63%), and G2-M (0.94%). In pyrazolethione-treated HeLa cells, G0 accumulation (73.57%) and fewer proliferative phases (S 3.10% and G2-M 2.78%) indicated substantial alteration to the cell cycle. Pyrazolethione <b>5</b> demonstrates a favorable safety profile, with minimal cytotoxicity at lower concentrations, and impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The DPPH and gallic acid-like radical scavenging activities, moderate COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition, and DNA fragmentation suggest multiple bioactivities. Furthermore, the compound significantly altered cell cycle progression in HeLa cells, leading to G0/G1 arrest and reduced proliferation. Taken together, the data indicate pyrazolethione <b>5</b> is a potential lead compound for further development/investigation as an anticancer and anti-inflammatory agent with low toxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":"21 1","pages":"2642992"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12997473/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147469875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}