Libyan Journal of Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after natural infection: insights from a study on Pasteur Institute of Tunis employees.","authors":"Ines Cherif, Ghassen Kharroubi, Imen Darragi, Soumaya El Benna, Adel Gharbi, Amor Baccouche, Cyrine Souissi, Olfa Bahri, Melika Ben Ahmed, Jihene Bettaieb","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2024.2348233","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19932820.2024.2348233","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to assess the kinetics of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2, following natural infection in a cohort of employees of the Institut Pasteur de Tunis (IPT) and to assess the risk of reinfection over a 12-months follow-up period. A prospective study was conducted among an open cohort of IPT employees with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection that were recruited between September 2020 and March 2021. Sera samples were taken at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after confirmation of COVID-19 infection and tested for SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the spike (S-RBD) protein (IgG anti-S-RBD) and for neutralizing antibodies. Participants who had an initial decline of IgG anti-S-RBD and neutralizing antibodies followed by a subsequent rise in antibody titers as well as those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR after at least 60 days of follow up were considered as reinfected. In total, 137 individuals were included with a mean age of 44.7 ± 12.3 years and a sex-ratio (Male/Female) of 0.33. Nearly all participants (92.7%) were symptomatic, and 2.2% required hospitalization. Among the 70 participants with three or more prospective blood samples, 32.8% were reinfected among whom 11 (47.8%) reported COVID-19 like symptoms. Up to 12 months of follow up, 100% and 42.9% of participants had detectable IgG anti-S-RBD and neutralizing antibodies, respectively. This study showed that humoral immune response following COVID-19 infection may persist up to 12 months after infection despite the potential risk for reinfection that is mainly explained by the emergence of new variants.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11067560/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140873231","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":"Interactions of electrophoretically silent hemoglobin Hekinan II [HBA1:c.84G>T] with various forms of α-thalassemias and other hemoglobinopathies: novel insights into the molecular and hematological characteristics and genetic origins.","authors":"Sitthichai Panyasai, Prasert Chantanaskulwong, Nopphadol Permsripong, Thippawal Mokmued","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2024.2406620","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19932820.2024.2406620","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To determine the molecular basis, genotype - phenotype relationship, and genetic origin of Hemoglobin (Hb) Hekinan associated with several forms of α-thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies for a better understanding of its diverse clinical phenotypes. Seventeen participants with suspected abnormal Hb were studied. Hb analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Mutational and α-haplotypic and structural analyses were conducted, and the effects of mutations on globin-chain stability were determined. All participants harbored Hb Hekinan II (HBA1:c.84 G>T) co-inherited with another α-globin gene anomaly. Three novel genotypes, (αα^Hekinan/α^CSα), (αα^Hekinan/α^CSα,β^A/β^E), and (αα^Hekinan/α^CSα,β^E/β^E), were characterized. Despite being co-inherited with both α- and β-Hb variants Hb Hekinan II led to minimal changes in erythrocyte parameters, suggesting a non-pathological nature. HPLC but not CE revealed a distinct small shoulder-like Hb pattern. Thai Hb Hekinan II was strongly associated with haplotype [+ - S + - - -] and the possibility of four different haplotypes, while two Burmese Hb Hekinan II were associated with haplotypes [± - S + - + -] and [± - S + - - -]. The novel genotypes identified provide a fresh perspective on Hb Hekinan II diversity. HPLC has superior identification capabilities for samples of Hb Hekinan II co-inherited with α-thalassemia. Thai and Burmese Hb Hekinan II have diverse origins.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142308935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Satisfaction with telemedicine use during COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: a systematic review.","authors":"W A Alashek, S A Ali","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2024.2301829","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2024.2301829","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Telemedicine became a fundamental part of healthcare provision during COVID-19 pandemic. An evaluation of telemedicine-associated satisfaction helps the service develop more viable applications. This review evaluated the satisfaction of healthcare users and providers and their willingness to use this modality in future.<b>Methods:</b> The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A search on empirical articles published between March 2020 and December 2022 was performed on 'PubMed' and 'Scopus' databases. Findings that reported on satisfaction of patients, families and caregivers as well as clinicians were extracted and analysed. Quality of included studies was assessed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the review included 27 eligible studies.<b>Results:</b> Data was found from a variety of emergency and non-emergency departments of primary, secondary, and specialised healthcare. Almost all studies were undertaken within the NHS. There were many tools that measured satisfaction. Satisfaction was high among recipients of healthcare, scoring 9-10 on a scale of 0-10 or ranging from 73.3% to 100%. Convenience was rated high in every specialty examined. Satisfaction of clinicians was high throughout the specialities despite connection failure and concerns about confidentiality of information. Nonetheless, studies reported perception of increased barriers to accessing care and inequalities for vulnerable patients especially in older people. In general, willingness to use telemedicine in future was high in the recipients as well as the providers of healthcare.<b>Conclusion:</b> COVID-19 pandemic has transformed healthcare in the UK and promoted a revolution in telemedicine applications. Satisfaction was high among both recipient and provider of healthcare. Telemedicine managed to provide a continued care throughout the pandemic while maintaining social distance. The current review presented commendable evidence to encourage different specialities to engage in telemedicine application.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10783830/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139405010","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":"Radiographic evaluation of teeth with pulp stones and pulp canal obliteration: characteristics, and associations with dental parameters.","authors":"Shatha S Zahran, Ruaa A Alamoudi","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2024.2306768","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2024.2306768","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study aimed to radiographically assess the characteristics of pulp stones (PS) and pulp canal obliteration (PCO) in teeth and examined their associations with various dental parameters such as caries, restorations, periodontal status, and age. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University between September 2022, and May 2023, involved 101 patients exhibiting 402 teeth with PS or PCO. Data were collected from periapical and bitewing radiographs, and analyzed by two calibrated dentists. Multiple dental parameters were assessed, including caries level, presence and level of restorations, periodontal condition, and age of the patient. The study population consisted of 62 females and 39 males, with an age range of 18-65 years. Inter- and intra-examiner reliability were high (Kappa = 0.88 and 0.98 respectively). PS were more commonly found in molars (81.2%), while PCO were presented in only 115 teeth (23%). Age significantly affected the type of calcification (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with PS more common in the 20-30 age group and PCO more common in individuals over 40. Presence of caries was significantly associated with the type of calcification (<i>p</i> = 0.013), but restoration was not. The majority of teeth with PS (76%) or PCO (93%) had healthy periodontium. Around 40% of teeth with PCO showed signs of periapical changes, a finding significantly different from those with PS (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Pulp calcifications were significantly associated with various dental parameters, including caries presence, age, and periodontal status. The findings provide crucial insights into the epidemiology and aetiology of pulp calcifications.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10810635/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139522194","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":"Analysis of BRCA1 germline variants (exons 5, 11 and 20) in breast cancer families from Libya.","authors":"Eanas Saleh Elmaihub, Inas Alhudiri, Ahmad M Ramadan, Mouna Eljilani, Adam Elzagheid, Fakria Elfagi, Elham Hassen","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2024.2356906","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2024.2356906","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths in Libyan women. <i>BRCA1</i> variants differ globally due to the diversity of genetic makeup and populations history. Their distribution, prevalence, and significance in Libyans remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the characteristics and distribution of <i>BRCA1</i> variants in exons 5, 11, and 20 in Libyan families with BC. Thirty-six BC patients at ≤ 45 years, between 46-50 years and with a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer in close relatives, or with triple-negative BC, were selected from 33 unrelated families during 2018-2020 at the National Cancer Institute, Sabratha, Libya. From these 33 families, 20 women (18 BC patients and two unaffected) were screened for <i>BRCA1</i> exons 5, 11 and 20 using Sanger sequencing. All families completed an epidemiology and family history questionnaire. Twenty-seven variants (26 in exon 11 and 1 in exon 20, minor allele frequency of < 0.01) were detected in 10 of 18 unrelated families (55.6%.) Among the 27 variants, 26 (96%) were heterozygous. A frameshift pathogenic variant, c.2643del, and one novel variant c.1366A>G were identified. Furthermore, seven variants with unknown clinical significance were detected: c.1158T>A, c.1346C>G, c.1174C>G, c.3630 G>T, c.3599A>T, and c.3400 G>C in exon 11, and c.5244T>A in exon 20. Six variants with conflicting pathogenicity interpretations, c. 3460T>A, c. 3572 G>A, c. 3700 G>C, c. 1246C>G, c. 1344C>G, and c. 1054 G>A, were also identified. Twelve benign/likely benign variants were identified. Rare <i>BRCA1</i> variants that have not been reported in North Africa were found in Libyan patients. These findings provide preliminary insights into the <i>BRCA1</i> variants that could contribute to hereditary BC risk in Libyans. Further functional, computational, and population analyses are essential to determine their significance and potential impact on BC risk, which could ultimately lead to more personalized management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11210411/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141087978","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":"Antimicrobial resistance and carbapenemase dissemination in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from Libyan hospitals: a call for surveillance and intervention","authors":"Nasrin K. Gadaime, Randa N. Haddadin, Asem A. Shehabi, Intisar N. Omran","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2024.2344320","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19932820.2024.2344320","url":null,"abstract":"Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a multidrug-resistant bacterium capable of forming biofilms. This study aimed to assess resistance of clinical isolates from Libyan hospitals to antipseudomonal antibiotic...","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140636717","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physician autonomy in crisis: examining the right to refuse commitment","authors":"Auteurs. Meriem Gaddas, Mohamed Ben Dhiab, Helmi Ben Saad","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2024.2337475","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19932820.2024.2337475","url":null,"abstract":"Published in Libyan Journal of Medicine (Vol. 19, No. 1, 2024)","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140564584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in hospitalized patients in the southwestern province of Saudi Arabia: Confirmation using the GeneXpert analysis","authors":"Nader Kameli, Vinod Kumar Basode, Ahmed Abdulhaq, Mohammed Uthman A. Alamoudi, Khalid Amaash Mohammed Zain, Ahmad Hassn Ghzwani","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2023.2294571","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19932820.2023.2294571","url":null,"abstract":"Clostridium difficile (Clostridioides difficile) is a leading cause of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients worldwide. Stool samples were collected from 112 inpatients admitted to differe...","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2023-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138744997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of intermittent fasting on the histology and mRNA expression of major drug-metabolizing cyp450s in the liver of diabetic mice.","authors":"Nour Al-Kazimi, Yazun Jarrar, Ghasaq Abdul-Wahab, Ahmad R Alsayed, Abdalla Madani, Dina Abulebdah, Rami Salem Musleh, Qais Jarrar, Hamzeh J Al-Ameer, Wajdy Al-Awaida, Eman Abdullah","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2023.2270188","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2023.2270188","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b>There is a variation in drug response among patients who practice intermittent fasting. Alteration in the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) can affect the pharmacokinetics and drug response.<b>Aims:</b> This research aimed to determine the effect of intermittent fasting on the mRNA expression of major drug-metabolizing cyp450s in the liver of diabetic mice.<b>Methods:</b> Thirty-two male Balb/c mice were divided into four groups; control, nonfasting diabetic, non-diabetic fasting, and diabetic fasting mice. Insulin-dependent diabetes was induced in mice by a single high-dose (250 mg/kg) streptozocin. Mice of non-diabetic and diabetic fasting groups were subjected to 10-day intermittent fasting for 17 hours daily. Then, the mRNA expression of mouse phase I DMEs cyp1a1, cyp2c29, cyp2d9, and cyp3a11 was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the liver of mice in all groups was examined for pathohistological alterations.<b>Results:</b> Diabetes downregulated the mRNA expression of hepatic drug-metabolizing cyp450s in diabetic mice, while intermittent fasting significantly (<i>P</i> < 0.05) increased it. Also, cyp2d9 and cyp3a11 were upregulated in the liver of diabetic fasting mice. These alterations in the gene expression were correlated with the pathohistological alterations, where livers of diabetic mice showed dilatation in the blood sinusoids and inflammatory cells leukocyte infiltrations. Whereas livers of diabetic fasting mice showed almost comparable histological findings to control mice.<b>Conclusions:</b> Intermittent fasting can protect the liver against diabetes-induced hepatotoxicity and the down-regulation of DME genes in the diabetic liver. These results can explain, at least partly, the inter-individual variation in the drug response during practicing fasting.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11018316/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"54231939","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":"Comparative assessment of erythrocyte sphingolipid levels as potential cardiovascular health markers in women from Libya and Serbia: a small-scale study.","authors":"Nevena Vidović,&nbsp;Marija Knez,&nbsp;Marija Ranić,&nbsp;Fathia Faid,&nbsp;Dragana Jović,&nbsp;Marija Glibetic,&nbsp;Marija Takić","doi":"10.1080/19932820.2023.2264568","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19932820.2023.2264568","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim</b>: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide including Libya, where they account for 43% of all deaths. Sphingolipids are involved in the pathology of numerous diseases including cardiovascular diseases and are proposed as potential biomarkers of cardiovascular health that could be more effective compared to traditional clinical biomarkers. The aim of this study was to determine the sphingolipid content in the erythrocyte membrane of Libyan migrant and Serbian resident women. In addition, to examine if sphingolipid levels could be used as a novel indicator of cardiovascular risk, we evaluated possible correlations with some well-established biomarkers of cardiovascular health.<b>Materials and Methods</b>: A total of 13 Libyan and 15 Serbian healthy women participated in the study. The high-performance version thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) using the image analysis tool JustTLC was applied for quantification of erythrocytes' sphingolipids.<b>Results</b>: Lower mean values of erythrocytes' sphingolipids and cholesterol concentrations were found in the group of Libyan emigrants compared to Serbian resident women. Besides, in this group of apparently healthy women (<i>n</i> = 28), the sphingolipid content of erythrocytes was inversely related to the Omega-3 index (<i>r</i> =-0.492, <i>p</i> = 0.008) and directly linked to vitamin D status (<i>r</i> = 0.433, <i>p</i> = 0.021) and membrane cholesterol levels (<i>r</i> = 0.474, <i>p</i> = 0.011).<b>Conclusion</b>: The erythrocytes' sphingolipid levels should be measured/assessed as an additional biomarker of CV health, by applying a simple and routine method. Still, further investigation in a larger population-specific context is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":49910,"journal":{"name":"Libyan Journal of Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/77/ZLJM_18_2264568.PMC10561568.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41155545","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}