Khalij-Libya Journal of Dental and Medical Research

Normative Values of Intraocular Pressure and Optic Disc Cup-to-Disc Ratio in Adults in Benghazi, Libya

Najah Ibrahim — 2026-01-04

Intraocular pressure and the optic disc cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio are essential clinical parameters in the early detection of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Variations in these measurements may occur due to age, gender, and individual anatomical differences, making population-based data important for clinical interpretation. This study aimed to evaluate intraocular pressure and optic disc cup-to-disc ratio among adult patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department of Benghazi Eye and Ophthalmic Surgery Teaching Hospital between January and March 2025. Adults aged 18 years and older attending for routine eye examinations or minor non-glaucomatous complaints were recruited. Intraocular pressure was measured in both eyes using Goldmann applanation tonometry between 9:00 and 11:00 AM. Optic disc C/D ratio was assessed by slit-lamp biomicroscopy with a fundus lens. A total of 139 participants were analyzed (mean age: 60.28 ± 9.08 years; 59.4% females). The mean IOP was 13.36 ± 2.80 mmHg in the right eye and 12.79 ± 2.62 mmHg in the left eye. The mean C/D ratio was 0.36 ± 0.19 in the right eye and 0.37 ± 0.19 in the left eye. IOP showed no statistically significant association with age or gender. However, males had significantly higher C/D ratios in both eyes compared to females (p < 0.05). Intraocular pressure values were within normal limits and were not significantly influenced by age or gender. Optic disc C/D ratios demonstrated significant gender-related differences, with higher values observed in males. Routine assessment of optic disc morphology is recommended, with consideration of gender-related differences.

Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP) in Late Preterm Infant

Deiaeddin Alghriani — 2026-01-10

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare X‑linked dominant neurocutaneous disorder that predominantly affects females and is often lethal in males. It is caused by mutations in the IKBKG (NEMO) gene, leading to dysregulation of NF‑κB signalling and multisystem involvement. We report the case of a female infant born preterm at 34+6 weeks to a mother with type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism. The infant presented at birth with vesiculobullous skin lesions that evolved into pustular and crusted eruptions along Blaschko lines, consistent with IP. A family history revealed two older sisters with similar cutaneous findings in later stages, strengthening diagnostic suspicion. The neonatal course was complicated by hypoglycaemia requiring intensive glucose therapy and subsequent hypernatremic dehydration managed with careful fluid balance. Empirical antibiotics were initiated for presumed sepsis but discontinued after negative cultures. Dermatology review, genetic counselling, and multidisciplinary follow‑up were arranged. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of early IP presentations, which may mimic neonatal infection, and underscores the importance of recognising Blaschko line distribution and eliciting family history. Vigilant monitoring for metabolic disturbances and systemic complications, alongside coordinated multidisciplinary care, is essential to optimise outcomes in affected neonates.

The Effect of Radiocontrast Exposure on Kidney Function of Cardiac Catheterization Patients

Heba Abuhelala — 2026-01-12

One of the important organs in the body is the kidneys, and its primary function is to remove excess fluids and salts from the body and regulate blood pressure and many other balance factors. One medically important diagnostic and therapeutic procedure is cardiac catheterization, which can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). Risk factors that predict the development of acute renal failure after cardiac catheterization include exposure to contrast materials. It is one of the essential elements of angiography. Providing contrast dye has disadvantages, especially in those who already have renal impairment, as they may develop contrast-induced nephropathy. This study aimed to investigate cardiac catheterization patients who were injected with contrast agent and compare the results of kidney function before and after cardiac catheterization for 3 days, and also compare the volume of contrast agent that was injected and the dose of radiation to which the patient is exposed, and compare kidney function (creatinine and urea) before and after cardiac catheterization. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in private clinics, and 119 cases who underwent cardiac catheterization were collected; their ages ranged from 28 to 90 years. COBAS INTEGRA 400 PLUS was used to analyze the samples. The contrast agents used in angiography are Ultravist 370, Omnipaque 350, and Visipaque 320. The dose varies according to the patient's age, weight, and health condition. The results of the urea and creatinine test before and after cardiac catheterization showed that only urea levels changed after cardiac catheterization, and the results were statistically significant, P < 0.05. While the levels of urea and creatinine in people with chronic kidney disease did not differ, the results did not differ as urea decreased after cardiac catheterization. While comparing males and females, the results were found to be statistically significant, P < 0.05 for males. In light of the results of the study and its discussion, it was concluded that the contrast materials used in cardiac catheterization affect the kidney functions of patients. Kidney function levels may be affected by some factors, including contrast volume and intravenous fluids after cardiac catheterization. Medical history and duration of illness.

Assessment of Self-Reported Oral Health Status and Oral Hygiene Habits Among Pregnant Women in Libya

Amal Daba — 2026-01-13

Oral health during pregnancy is critical for maternal and fetal well-being. Limited data exist regarding pregnant women’s oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Libya. This study aimed to evaluate self-reported oral health status and hygiene habits among pregnant women. The findings may contribute to enhancing maternal oral health programs and guiding future policy interventions. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 159 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Gharyan Teaching Hospital and affiliated clinics, Libya, from July to November 2025. Participants completed a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The majority of participants were aged 21–30 years (54.1%) and had university-level education (61.0%). While most women brushed their teeth (95.0%), only 36.5% reported brushing twice daily, and 20.8% visited the dentist regularly. Knowledge regarding the relationship between oral health and overall health was high (86.2%), but awareness of preventive measures, such as fluoride toothpaste (37.7%) and alternative cleaning methods (39.0%), was limited. Overall, 77.4% of participants demonstrated adequate oral health knowledge (score ≥7). Higher education level and visiting a dentist during pregnancy were significantly associated with adequate knowledge (p = 0.024 and p = 0.005, respectively). Age, parity, trimester, and perceived oral health status were not significantly associated with knowledge. Pregnant women in this study demonstrated good general awareness of oral health but suboptimal preventive practices and limited knowledge of specific oral hygiene measures. Targeted oral health education and accessible dental services during pregnancy are recommended to improve maternal oral health outcomes in Libya.

Association Between Calcium Status, Diet, and Lifestyle Factors Among School-Aged Children in Al Bayda, Libya

Salma Majeed — 2026-01-13

The acquisition of peak bone mass during early and middle childhood is a fundamental determinant of long-term skeletal integrity. In Al-Bayda, Libya, unique environmental variables—including extreme seasonal thermoregulation challenges—may significantly alter behavioral and physical activity patterns, potentially compromising mineral homeostasis within the pediatric population. This study aimed to evaluate serum calcium status among children aged 5–10 years in Al-Bayda and to delineate the dietary, environmental, and lifestyle factors associated with deficiency. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 198 children (75 males; 123 females) at the Al-Bayda Specialized Laboratory. Following the quantification of serum calcium levels, a structured 25-item validated questionnaire was administered to caregivers to assess nutritional habits, sedentary versus active behaviors, and clinical symptomatology. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-tests and Odds Ratio (OR) calculations to identify significant correlates of deficiency. Quantitative analysis indicated that 86% of the cohort maintained normocalcemia (mean = 9.815 mg/dL), whereas 14% exhibited clinical deficiency (mean = 7.770 mg/dL). High-frequency fast-food consumption was identified as the primary dietary risk factor, yielding a 32.3-fold increase in the likelihood of deficiency. Conversely, daily milk consumption (OR = 12.38) and regular solar radiation exposure (OR = 53.48) served as the most robust protective factors. Clinically, calcium depletion was strongly associated with osteodynia (74.1%), dental caries (74.1%), and a universal prevalence of anorexia (100%). Notably, children with calcium deficiency were 35.6 times more likely to present with clinical markers indicative of impaired immune function. Pediatric calcium status in Al-Bayda is predominantly influenced by modifiable lifestyle behaviors rather than age-dependent physiological variables. The profound correlation between insufficient heliotherapy, poor dietary quality, and mineral depletion underscores the exigency for targeted public health interventions. Enhancing community literacy regarding safe UV exposure and implementing fortified school-based nutritional programs are imperative to mitigate the risk of impaired skeletal development in this region.

Intracellular Signaling Mechanisms Governing Odontoblast Differentiation During Physiological Dentin Repair: An Experimental Study in Dental Clinics of Alexandria, Egypt

Aml Aljayer — 2026-01-17

Natural dentin repair is a biologically mediated process that preserves tooth vitality through odontoblast activity and intracellular signaling pathways. This study employed a mixed methods design, combining laboratory experiments with descriptive analytical surveys of dentists in Egypt, to investigate the mechanisms of odontoblast differentiation and assess clinical knowledge and practices related to regenerative dentistry. Laboratory analyses included microscopic and molecular techniques to evaluate cellular signaling during dentin repair, while questionnaires were distributed to 100 dentists across public and private sectors. Data were analyzed using quantitative statistics, qualitative assessments, and integrative interpretation of laboratory and clinical findings. Results revealed significant positive correlations between dentists’ knowledge of intracellular signaling and their clinical practices, with Spearman correlation coefficients ranging from 0.52 to 0.65 (p = 0.01). A majority of respondents (80%) reported experience with mesenchymal stem cell therapy for craniofacial bone remodeling or dental tissue regeneration, and 70% observed improvements in bone density, while 65% reported enhanced dental tissue regeneration. Imaging studies were widely used, with 85% of participants undergoing radiographic or CT evaluations to monitor progress. Despite these encouraging outcomes, only 35% of dentists were familiar with molecular techniques targeting signaling pathways, and just 40% reported applying clinical strategies to enhance odontoblast differentiation. Notably, 75% expressed interest in specialized training to improve their knowledge and practices in regenerative dentistry. The study concludes that while theoretical awareness of dentin repair mechanisms is relatively strong, clinical application remains limited. Bridging this gap through structured training and evidence-based protocols will be essential for integrating molecular insights into routine dental practice, thereby improving dentin repair outcomes and long-term tooth vitality.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review of Recent Evidence

Osamah Alrouwab — 2026-01-27

One of the main causes of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults worldwide is multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic immune-mediated demyelinating and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Increasing absolute prevalence is seen in recent epidemiological trends from 2021 to 2025, while age-standardized rates are stabilizing due to improved diagnostics, survival, and demographic shifts. The current narrative review's objective is to examine high-caliber studies conducted globally between 2021 and 2025 that address the epidemiology, burden, and different risk factors related to multiple sclerosis (MS), with an emphasis on the effects of age, gender, ethnicity, and other interacting factors. Key Findings: Global prevalence of ~1.89 million cases in 2021 (age-standardized rate: 23.9 per 100,000), with ~62,000 new cases each year; female-to-male ratio of ~3:1. DALYs are up by 43% from 1990, but with a trend downward for age-standardized rates with advances in management. Incidence is framed by disparities with higher rates for Whites (77% of the U.S.) than Black (10%), followed by Hispanic (7%) cases, and also high levels of radiological severity, handicap, and poor outcomes for ethnic minorities of these groups. Age of peak incidence progresses to older groups for individuals aged 20-40 years. Genetic underpinnings with large effects (e.g., HLA-DRB1*15:01 for ~48% of heritability), strong susceptibility to Epstein-Barr virus infection (near ubiquity at onset; 32-fold increase for molecular mimicry), vitamin D deficiency, smoking, obesity, and altered gut microbiomes are environmental components of risk. Incidence is seen to decline modestly for age-standardized incidence rates, mortality rates, and DALYs through 2035. From this review, the emphasis on MS as a partially preventable disease falls within the context of a rising absolute prevalence and existing inequities in the field. Future complementary strategies should therefore encompass a wide range of populations as well as risk modification measures such as EBV-related therapies and smoking cessation.

Simple and Safe Excisional Technique of Osteoid Osteoma of the Proximal Femur and Distal Tibia Using Hollow Reamer: A Case Report

Mahmoud Ali — 2026-01-28

Osteoid osteoma is a small benign bone tumour, most frequently seen in young patients, usu-ally solitary, and common in male patients (about 80% < age of 30 years). We present two cases of osteoid osteoma. 1st case of a 14-year-old male patient with osteoid osteoma distal 2/3rd of the left femur. 2nd case of 75 years old male patient with osteoid osteoma distal 1/3rd right tibia. In both cases, radiography and computed tomography revealed osteoid os-teoma that was successfully treated with simple and safe percutaneous computed tomogra-phy and radiography-guided excision using a hollow reamer technique.

Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenols and Carbohydrate and Mineral Concentrations of Pistacia lentiscus L. Sp. Pl. Portulace oleracea L. Sp. Pl. and Rubus sanctus Schreber. L con. Descr. Pl plants

Khadijah Al-Awjali — 2026-02-01

This study presents a comparative chemical evaluation of leaf and stem tissues from Pistacia lentiscus L. Sp. Pl., Portulaca oleracea L. Sp. Pl., and Rubus sanctus Schreber. L con. Descr. Pl., collected from multiple sites between the Al-Quba and Derna regions. The investigation focused on assessing antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, total carbohydrate levels, and the concentrations of selected mineral elements, namely sodium, potassium, and calcium. A combination of spectrophotometric techniques was employed to quantify antioxidant capacity, total phenols, and carbohydrates, while mineral analysis was performed using flame photometry. The results demonstrated that total phenolic content varied notably among samples, with concentrations ranging from 197.05 to 351.72 ppm. Antioxidant activity exhibited limited variation across the studied tissues, with values between 9.2 and 9.6 ppm in leaves and between 9.99 and 10.74 ppm in stems. Carbohydrate levels were consistently low in both leaves and stems across all investigated species, indicating that secondary metabolites rather than primary energy-storage compounds dominate the chemical composition of these plants. Mineral analysis revealed that calcium was present at lower concentrations compared to sodium and potassium. Potassium content showed marked variability, ranging from 6.36 to 77.16 ppm in leaves and from 52.36 to 84.36 ppm in stems, reflecting tissue-specific accumulation patterns and potential environmental influences. Overall, the findings highlight distinct differences in phytochemical and mineral profiles between plant organs and among species, underscoring the importance of tissue type and geographical origin in determining the chemical characteristics of medicinal plants.

Drug Susceptibility Pattern of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa from Clinical Isolates in Libyan Hospitals

Sara Rahouma — 2026-02-04

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is recognized for its multiple-drug resistance (MDR) and its association with serious infections. However, such problems worsened with the emergence of Metallo β-lactamases (MBLs) that mediate resistance to β-lactam drugs among P. aeruginosa organisms in recent years. As there is little information on the detec-tion of MBLs genes in P. aeruginosa from patients of the Middle East and Arab countries, including Libya, such information needs to be further investigated. To achieve this goal, a total of 75 P. aeruginosa isolates had been collected from the stocks of the well-known teaching hospital in Tripoli, namely the Burn and Plastic Surgery Center (BPSC), for a pe-riod of 12 months between September 2013 and September 2014. Isolated organisms were identified to the species level and tested for their susceptibility to a variety of anti-microbial agents by the BD Phoenix Automated System, and phenotypic characteristic was examined. The MBL-producing P. aeruginosa isolates were screened using PCR-based methods. The results of the antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that all isolates were found to be resistant to the tested antibiotics to varying degrees. In regard to the car-bapenems category, similar levels of resistance were demonstrated to imipenem and meropenem (30.7% and 28.4%, respectively). The MDR pattern rate was demonstrated in 34.7% of isolates, while the rate of XDR isolates was17.3%.