Libyan Medical Journal

Using Flame Photometer and Spectrophotometric Methods to Estimate the Minerals, Anti-oxidant Capacity, Total Phenol, and Total Carbohydrate of Nicotiana Glauca R.C. Graham. Plantago Major L. Sp. Pl and Phillyrea Latifolia L. Sp. Pl Plants

Khadijah Al-Awjali — 2026-01-04

The main aims of this study are to evaluate the concentrations of some minerals, potassium, sodium, and calcium, besides antioxidant, total phenols, and carbohydrate in leaf and stem samples of some plants, including Nicotiana glauca R.C. Graham, Plantago major L. Sp. Pl and Phillyrea latifolia L. Sp. Pl. selected from some eastern regions of Libya. The methods of the Flame photometer were used to estimate the contents of Minerals, and the Spectrophotometric method was used to estimate the concentration of carbohydrates, total phenols, and antioxidants. The results of this study showed that: all the studied samples containing higher values of potassium comparing with calcium and sodium contents, generally the contents of sodium were ranged from 0.708 to 1.45 ppm in leafs and from 1.68 to 9.88 ppm in stems, whereas the concentrations of potassium fluctuated in the ranges of 3.36 -37.56 ppm in leafs and from 36.96 to 75.76 ppm in stems. On the other side, the concentrations of calcium showed lower values compared with potassium and sodium, where the calcium contents ranged between 0.12 – 0.48 ppm in leaves and from 0.291 to 0.708 ppm in stems. The results also recorded that the contents of total phenols ranged between 195.49 – 345.33 ppm; a high content was observed in stems of Nicotiana glauca R.C. Graham. On the other side, the amounts of anti-oxidant were ranged from 9.124 ppm to 10.45 ppm in leaves and from 9.54 ppm to 10.008 ppm in Phillyrea latifolia L. Sp. Pl plant stems. Whereas the concentrations of total carbohydrate were fluctuated in the ranges from 0.054 to 0151 ppm in leaves and from 0.134 to 0.191 ppm in stems. Also, the phytochemical screening of the aqueous extracts of the selected leaf and stem samples showed the presence of different of natural product compounds.

Using Intraperitoneal Crystalloid (NS-RL) Solutions for Post-Laparoscopic Surgery Shoulder Pain Reduction Randomized Controlled Trial

Mohammed Abdalati — 2026-01-05

Laparoscopy is the technique of using the "pneumoperitoneum" process to extend and examine the abdominal cavity using CO2. Laparoscopic and other procedures produce pain, which varies in intensity, duration, and type. Crystalloid fluid types, for instance, Normal saline (NS) and Ringer's lactate (RL) solution, aid in reducing laparoscopic pain. Therefore, the research explores intraperitoneal crystalloid solutions in reducing post-laparoscopic surgery shoulder pain. The research adopted a prospective, single-blind study based on a single-center, randomized, and parallel research design. A total of 80 diagnosed patients (40 subjects in each arm) with laparoscopic surgery were randomly recruited at Zintan Medical Center, Alzintan, Libya. Patients were equally divided into Group A (crystalloid solutions) and Group B (routine measures) and were assessed through self-administered pain scores. Through the numeric rating scale (NRS), the research findings revealed significant pain intensity differences between Groups A and B at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. In contrast, no significant difference in pain was observed between groups A and B on the fourth and fifth days. Additionally, lower pain intensity was observed in group A than in group B; at 6 hours, the mean pain score for group A and B measured 2.55 and 6.40 at 6 hours, respectively. The intraperitoneal crystalloid solutions infusion aids in reducing pain severity among laparoscopic surgery patients. Future research should address extended follow-up periods to determine the effects of NS and RL interventions. Moreover, stakeholders should implement Ringer's lactate solution (RL) to reduce post-laparoscopic complications

Influence of Helicobacter pylori Treatment Protocol on Vitamin B12 Bioavailability in Pediatric Libyan Patients

Khalifa Abu Faris — 2026-01-05

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common gastrointestinal condition associated with impaired micronutrient absorption, particularly cobalamin (vitamin B12). Vitamin B12 deficiency in children may contribute to hematological and neurological complications. This study aims to evaluate the influence of various H. pylori eradication protocols on the bioavailability of vitamin B12 in pediatric Libyan patients. A prospective cohort study was conducted at Souq Al Khamis Hospital, Al Khoms City, from October 2023 to March 2024. Thirty children with biopsy-confirmed H. pylori gastritis were enrolled. Patients received standard eradication therapy based on the current treatment protocol. Serum vitamin B12 levels, hematologic indices (hemoglobin, MCV, RDW), and symptom duration were assessed before and after treatment. Statistical analysis evaluated changes in vitamin B12 levels and their correlation with clinical and laboratory parameters. Post-treatment assessment demonstrated a significant increase in serum vitamin B12 levels following H. pylori eradication. A positive correlation was observed between post-treatment vitamin B12 levels and hemoglobin concentration. Conversely, an inverse correlation was found between vitamin B12 levels and both symptom duration and indices of red cell distribution (MCV, RDW). Children with a longer history of symptoms showed a less pronounced response in B12 recovery, suggesting early intervention improves outcomes. Eradication of H. pylori infection leads to significant improvement in vitamin B12 bioavailability in pediatric patients. The findings support incorporating H. pylori screening and treatment in the diagnostic workup of pediatric patients presenting with unexplained anemia or suspected micronutrient deficiencies