Libyan Population Research Articles

Reference Interval for Calcium among Libyan Healthy Individuals

The goal of this study was to determine the reference intervals (RIs) of calcium levels (Ca) in the blood of Libyan individuals. Blood samples were obtained from 120 healthy males and females through aseptic venipuncture. Informed consent was obtained prior to sample collection. Serum was extracted from the centrifuged samples and analyzed spectrophotometrically to determine calcium concentrations. The non-parametric percentile method was applied to establish the RIs of calcium, results showed the reference period is 7.8- 10.1 mg/dl. The study establishes RIs for serum calcium concentration between 7.8 mg/dl and 10.1 mg/dl in the Libyan population. These findings underscore the importance of developing geographically specific RIs, as RIs derived from manufacturer's kits or other populations may not accurately reflect the unique characteristics of the Libyan population. The RIs identified in this study are more relevant and appropriate for the Libyan context.

Labour Markets in Libya: Opportunities and Risks

The Libyan economy faces significant challenges due to its lack of diversification, with the public sector dominating the labour market. This dominance has led to high unemployment rates, job instability, skills shortages, and widespread informal employment. This research critically examines the current state of the Libyan labour market, identifying both opportunities and risks, and provides a comprehensive overview of Libya’s workforce. The analysis reveals that 67% of the Libyan population is under the age of 35, representing a substantial and expanding workforce. Libya’s strategic location in North Africa provides access to European and African markets, potentially fostering economic growth and job creation. However, a misalignment between workforce skills and private sector requirements impedes sustainable development. Additional challenges include a weak private sector, economic identity issues, and political instability. Reducing reliance on oil and gas, combating corruption, and enhancing the education system are essential for achieving economic resilience and social stability. The findings indicate that labour market programs and institutions have had minimal impact on outcomes, with notable disparities between capital owners and income earners. Women face significant barriers to economic empowerment, despite the presence of inclusive sectors such as hospitality and financial services. Barriers to inclusivity and productivity, including gender disparities, skills mismatches, education gaps, and issues within the informal labour market, persist. Policy interventions are crucial to capitalize on these opportunities and mitigate associated risks through comprehensive labour market strategies.

Sphenoid Sinus Volume and Carotid artery/Optic Nerve Protrusion: A CT Study in Libyan Population

Sphenoid Sinus Volume and Carotid artery/Optic Nerve Protrusion: A CT Study in Libyan Population

Changes in Lifestyle and Eating Habits of the Libyan Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Changes in Lifestyle and Eating Habits of the Libyan Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Influence of Age, Sex, and Refractive Error on Intraocular Pressure Measurement Using Applanation Tonometer Among Healthy Individuals in Shahat

The present study aimed to estimate the distribution of IOP and the relation with gender, age, and refractive error in a healthy Libyan population. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Cyrenaic Teaching Hospital from December 2023 to February 2024. 200 patients who presented to the hospital took part in the questionnaire. A Goldman applanation tonometer was used to measure IOP following the instillation of a drop of Benzoyl Peroxide. There were no significant differences noted between IOP in the right and left eyes. There was a correlation between IOP and age, but there was no correlation between IOP and gender (p < 0.05). IOP is one of the most important indicators for monitoring the health of the eyes. Concerning age, the mean IOP increased with age and refractive errors. Conclusion: This study supported the hypothesis that age and high myopia are major risk factors for ocular hypertension development.

Age Estimation in Libyan Children Based on Dental Panoramic Radiography

Background: Age estimation plays a key role in the human identification process, and in guiding police investigations. Tooth development is widely used in determining age and state of maturity. Dental age (DA) is of high importance in forensic and pediatric dentistry and also orthodontic treatment planning. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the Cameriere method in estimating chronological age (CA) of a Libyan sample of 6-year-old up to 13-year-old children through analysis of panoramic radiographs on teeth, considering the relationship between age and measurements of open apices teeth. Materials and methods: Orthopantomographic images of 156 radiographs were selected for the study of which 76 belonged to boys and 80 girls children. The dental age of the subjects was determined through the Cameriere method. Differences and correlations between chronological and dental ages were assessed by paired t-tests and Pearson’s correlation analysis, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict chronologic age in Libyan from 6-13 years children population. Results: A high positive correlation was found between chronologic age and dental age (as assessed by Cameriere's formula) with r values 0.882, 0.975, and 0.758 for the total, girls and boys study population, respectively. The mean dental age assessed by Cameriere's method was significantly lower than the chronologic age in the Libyan population with boys and the total study population (p < 0.05). Six out of nine parameters were significantly associated with chronologic age (R2=0.996, F (6,155)= 2792.023, p<0.01). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that Cameriere’s method is a robust tool for age estimation. These results underscore the high accuracy and importance of assessing dental development for precise age estimation. Based on this research, we can conclude that Cameriere’s method is suitable for dental age estimation in Libyan children.

Computed Tomography- Based Maxillary Sinus Morphometry: A Tool for Gender Differentiation in Libyan Population

Introduction: In forensic contexts, gender identification is a multifaceted process that involves examining various anatomical characteristics to determine an individual's gender. Recent advancements in medical imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) scans have provided researchers and healthcare professionals with more detailed insights into anatomical differences between genders such as the dimensions of paranasal sinuses. Aim: This study aimed to compare the maxillary sinus (MS) dimensions between genders in a Libyan sample using CT scans. Materials and methods: One hundred consecutive Libyan patients, comprising 50 women and 50 men, were included in the study. The Width, height, and length were determined based on CT images. Additionally, the perimeter, area, and volume of the MS were calculated mathematically. The collected data analyzed to compare the MS parameters between genders in both sides. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05. Results: Statistically we found that the length, width and length of the MS were significantly different between male & female in both sides, while there was no significant difference in case of sinus area and volume. The accuracy level for correctly classifying gender based on width of right MS was 91.8%, demonstrating strong predictive power of this parameter. The result showed also that 94 % of males and 90% of females were sexed correctly with an overall accuracy of 92%. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of understanding sinus morphology in forensic anthropology for gender determination.

Clinical expression of patients with the E1104X cystic fibrosis mutation in Tunisian and Libyan population

Clinical expression of patients with the E1104X cystic fibrosis mutation in Tunisian and Libyan population

Exploring the genetic dynamics of consanguineous marriages in Libyan populations: A novel focus on the D19S433 short tandem repeats (STRs) marker within Chromosome 19's Centromere Region

Exploring the genetic dynamics of consanguineous marriages in Libyan populations: A novel focus on the D19S433 short tandem repeats (STRs) marker within Chromosome 19's Centromere Region

Antihistaminic, Antiarthritic, and Antiobesity Activities of Yellow Horn Poppy Natural Products

Background: Yellow horn poppy ( Glaucium flavum, syn. Chelidonium flavum) in the family Papaveraceae, is growing in many geographical areas; it is mostly native to Northern Africa, Western Asia, and Europe. The plant is well known for its different types of alkaloids, including aporphines, protopines, and phenolic compounds. In Eastern Europe, the HCl and HBr salts of glaucine (the common active constituent in G. flavum) have been approved as cough suppressants, in addition to several therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. The natural products of G. flavum varied according to the geographical habitat, the stage of maturity, and the selected plant organ. Materials and Methods: For the first time, the extraction and isolation of natural products (alkaloids and flavonoids) from dried aerial parts of the Libyan population of yellow horn poppy and testing their biological effects, which include antihistaminic, antiarthritic, and antiobesity effects. Results: Alkaloids (glaucine and isoboldine) and flavonoid constituents (quercetin-7- O-rutinoside and rutin) have been isolated, while the biological activity results showed that quercetin-7- O-rutinoside and rutin showed half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) (µg) = 29.7 and 46.6, 26.2 and 61.3, and 58.8 and 50.1 for antihistaminic, antiarthritic, and antiobesity, respectively, compared with those of glaucine and isoboldine effects, IC50 = 77.4 and 159.3, 61.7 and 118.7, and 237.8 and 157.6, respectively. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the antihistaminic, antiarthritic, and antiobesity effects of the flavonoid compounds were stronger than those of the alkaloidal constituents of yellow horn poppy.

Anatomical Dimensions and Types of the Anterior Clinoid Process in Libyan population by Using Computed Tomography: A cross Sectional Study

The anterior clinoid process (ACP) has a complex anatomical feature and surrounded by important structures which may complicate the surgical procedures during the anterior clinoidectomy. Our objective was to measure dimensions of anterior clinoid process, and to determine variations of its types. Forty-nine of cranial computed tomography scans were performed from adult Libyan patients on routine examination of paranasal sinus at Benghazi Medical Center between February 1, 2023, and April 14, 2023. The right and left ACP length and the base width were measured on the axial CT images. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. The means and standard deviations were calculated. The paired Student’s t test was used to determine the statistically significant differences in means between the right and left ACP. (P ≤ 0.05) was considered statistically significant at (95%) confidence interval. The length of the right and left ACPs were 11.2 ± 2.2 mm and 11.6 ± 2.4mm, respectively. The width of the right and left ACPs were 5.37± 1.22 mm and 5.42 ± 1.24mm, respectively. Type 2 anterior clinoid process was the commonest (75.5 %) while type 1 was the least common (4.1 %). There was no statistically significant difference between right and left sided measurements. Our study outcomes may be helpful for pre-operative planning. Presence of any variations may result in unnecessary injury to the complicated surgical procedures that involve removal of ACPs. Further research studies required with large sample size of population will give well understanding about the parameter of ACPs.

Psychological antecedents toward COVID-19 vaccination explain the high rates of vaccine rejection among the Libyan population 2 years after starting vaccination campaigns

Psychological antecedents toward COVID-19 vaccination explain the high rates of vaccine rejection among the Libyan population 2 years after starting vaccination campaigns

Oral and systemic complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a sample of the Libyan population: A single-center study

Oral and systemic complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a sample of the Libyan population: A single-center study

Comparison of Allele Frequencies of Benghazi Population with Other Metapopulation

This is, to our knowledge, the first in-depth and largest study (238 samples) of genetic diversity in Y-STR haplotypes in an eastern Libyan population (recorded in Afro-Asiatic group from Metapopulation published in Y-STR Haplotype Reference Database-YHRD). Two previous studies, of a Tripoli population (West of Libya) and a Fezzan population (South Libya) analyzed a smaller number of inhabitants (63 samples and 47 samples, respectively) and (YHRD). Recently, (April 2011) YHRD recorded 47 and 82 haplotypes from Tripoli (Berber and Arabs 2011) respectively. Method: We Compare allele frequencies of Benghazi population with Y-STR Haplotype Reference Database -metapopulation. Conclusion: Benghazi population is similar to other Asian groups, such as Euro-Asian and East Asian. Hence, the Benghazi population shows genetic affinity to Asian and Middle Eastern rather than African and West North African groups.

Prevalence of HIV Infection among Libyan Population in Tripoli-Libya

Prevalence of HIV Infection among Libyan Population in Tripoli-Libya

The Prevalence of Impacted Maxillary Canine Amongst Libyan Population in Western Region: A Retrospective Study

Aims. This study aims to determine the prevalence of impacted maxillary canines and its distribution difference between gender, location, and side of impaction in western Libyan population using panoramic radiographs. Methods. A sample of 1300 panoramic radiographs were retrospectively examined for the presence of impacted maxillary canines. The radiographs were obtained from the records of various private clinics in the capital city of Tripoli. Results. 1100 out of 1300 radiographs were selected of the study; of which 56 had evidence of maxillary canine impaction with a prevalence of 5.1%. Canine impaction distribution among the genders, the percentage of impacted canines in males was 37% and in females was 63%. A higher percentage of impactions were seen in female and more often unilaterally 82.1% than bilaterally 17.9%. No differences were noted between the right and left side of impactions. Conclusion. The prevalence of maxillary impacted canines in the western Libyan population was found to be (5.1%) lies within the range reported in other populations. The maxillary canine impactions occurred more in females, unilaterally than bilaterally.

Prevalence of odontogenic cysts in a group of Libyan population: A retrospective study.

Odontogenic cysts (OCs) are commonly encountered lesions affecting the human jaws having special clinical and radiographic features depending on cyst type. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of odontogenic jaw cysts in a Libyan population in Benghazi and to compare these data with previously published reports from Libyan and other geographic areas. This is a descriptive study where screening of 2189 biopsies (retrieved from the archives of The Department of Oral Pathology/University of Benghazi, Libya) was performed for the sake of recognizing the three cysts chosen for the purpose of this study. : Out of the screened lesions, 276 cases (12.6%) were diagnosed as odontogenic cysts in the period from 2006 to 2019. Of those, 67.39% were inflammatory and 32.61% were developmental in nature. Radicular cysts (60.5%) were the most frequent cysts followed by dentigerous cysts (14.8%) and keratocysts (14.5%). The mean ages of the patients were 32.3, 29.7, and 33.2 years, respectively. Occurrence of the cysts was noticed more in the maxilla than in the mandible (1.3:1). The overall male-to-female ratio was 1.1:1. The prevalence of odontogenic cysts was similar to that reported in a previous study in Libya and other countries irrespective to WHO (2017) classification of odontogenic cysts.

Digital Dermatoglyphic variations in eastern Libyan population

Digital Dermatoglyphic variations in eastern Libyan population

Screening of interleukin 17F gene polymorphisms and eight subgingival pathogens in chronic periodontitis in Libyan patients

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is triggered by periodontal pathogens influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies have suggested that anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 17 (IL−17) play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of CP. Aim:This study aimed to investigate the association between eight sub-gingival pathogens and interleukin 17F (IL−17F) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with CP among Libyans. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted on 100 individuals between the ages of 25–65 years. Species-specific 16S rRNA primers for each pathogen were used in a multiplex PCR reaction to detect sub-gingival pathogens from a paper point sample. DNA was also extracted from buccal swab samples and IL−17F polymorphisms were detected by Sanger sequencing. Results: A highly significant association between the seven sub-gingival pathogens and CP, (p-value 0.0001) and a high prevalence of P. intermedia (100%), T. forsythia (96%), T. denticola and E. corrodens (92%), P. gingivalis (82%), C. rectus (74%), P. nigrescens (72%), A. actinomvcetcmcomitans (40%) were found in the case group compared with control group. A novel variant in the c. *34 G>A in IL−17F gene caused a change in glutamic amino acid to lysine amino acid, position on chromosome number (6) in the third exon, mRNA/genomic position 597, found in 14.6% of CP patients (p-value = 0.010) while the IL−17F (rs763780) SNP showed no association with CP (p-value = 0.334). Conclusion: P. intermedia appear as keystone pathogen for CP in the Libyan population. A novel variant in the IL−7F gene may be related to the severity of CP.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of Libyan females attending primary health care centers regarding breast cancer in Benghazi / 2017

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. The occurrence of breast cancer in the female Libyan population is strongly associated with young age with nearly 70.9% of cases arising in female individuals who are 50 years or younger. In 2004 breast cancer in Libya was the most common malignancy in females as recorded by Benghazi Cancer Registry. Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Libyan females attending primary health care centers in Benghazi regarding breast cancer. Methodology: A cross – sectional descriptive study, total of 500 women attending health care centers in Benghazi. Result: Nearly all participants 499 (99.8%) had heard about breast cancer, 295(59%) of participants had never heard about breast self-examination (BSE), the majority of them had not practiced BSE 344 (68.8%), 137 (27.4%) underwent screening by CBE, most of them 442 (88.4%) had not performed mammogram examination. Conclusion: The result revealed that the Libyan women attending the selected health care institutions had a good knowledge level about basic information regarding breast cancer, its signs, symptoms and its risk factors. It revealed they had poor knowledge for BSE, CBE and mammography, and had positive attitudes but poor practice.