Libyan Journal of Science &Technology

Effectiveness of prophylaxis for hepatitis B in infants born to mothers serologically positive in Benghazi Medical center

2022-03-29T09:30:45+00:00

Background: The seroprevalence of HBs Ag among the general population in Libya was found to be 2.2 %. Libya is therefore considered an area of intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B. vertical transmission is considered as the main route of spread of this infection. Trans placental (intra-uterine) transmission is presumed to cause the minority. Risk factors for transmission of HBV include maternal HBe Ag positivity, HBs Ag titer, and HBV viral load. Active immunization with hepatitis B vaccine (Hep. B vaccine), and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) is 85-95% effective in preventing the disease. The objective of the study: To assess the effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin in the prevention of the Hep. B. virus transmission and to study the factors that affected the immune response of the newborn babies of mothers with hepatitis B positive infection during pregnancy. Patients & Methods: A longitudinal cross-section study included 40 babies born to mothers with hepatitis B during the period from 1.1.2017 To 1.3.2019 at Benghazi Medical Center. The newborn babies have been immunized with Hepatitis BIG and Hepatitis B vaccine at birth, and further 3 doses of hep. B vaccine and HBIG. Multivariable analyses were done to assess the statistical significance associated with responders and nonresponders to HB immune prophylaxis. Results: all babies were negative for hepatitis Bs Ag in 40(100%), 35 (88%) their viral load was 10 mlIU/ml) in More than two-thirds (60%) and (63%) of infants at 9 months and 12 months respectively. Birth weight >2.5 kg was significantly associated with immune response >10 mIU/ml, whereas, Maternal viral load, time of administration of HBIG, and hep. B vaccine, gestational age, mode of delivery, type of feeding were statistically not significant. Conclusion: the study reported that all the newborn babies were negative for hepatitis B sAg after delivery, more than two-thirds of the babies were responders to immune-prophylaxis, and birth weight of >2.5kg was significantly related to high immune-response.

Study of the mechanical properties of pipes used in irrigation networks in the Libyan market

2022-03-29T09:45:54+00:00

The variety in types and grades of Irrigation pipes make industry standards is more significant. These standards serve to identify each kind of Irrigation pipe, dimensions, workmanship, sustained, and pressure. The present work thus aims to study the mechanical properties of three types of pipes, which are used in irrigation networks (in the domestic Libyan market). The tensile strength, impact, and hardness tests were investigated. Based on the results obtained, the highest value for the hardness test was recorded by pipes manufactured in Libya (from pure raw material S1) 609. Meanwhile, the other pipes (S2, S3) registered 541 and 508 respectively. Pipes (S3) proved to be better in the impact test where it recorded 63.7KJ/m2.In contrast, the pipes (S1) showed 33.3 KJ/m2 and as expected, the recycled pipes (S2) have revealed the lowest value for the impact test 13.27KJ/m2.

Non-unique fixed point results in extended b2-metric spaces

2022-03-29T14:16:17+00:00

In this paper,we present some non-unique fixed-point theorems for self-mapping in the setting of an extended b2-metric space. Our results generalize and widen some results of Alqahtani et al. (2018a).

Totally volume integral of fluxes for discontinuous Galerkin method-two dimensional Euler equations

2022-03-29T12:54:30+00:00

In this paper, the scheme of constructing high-order accurate totally volume discontinuous finite element method for the numerical solution of the 1D Euler equations is extended to 2D Euler equations on Cartesian meshes. In the present work, the boundary integral fluxes are transformed into volume integral by applying divergence theorem to the boundary integral of the Riemann fluxes. Therefore, the totally volume discontinuous finite element is independent on the boundary integral fluxes at the element boundaries as opposed to the classical discontinuous Galerkin method. The accuracy is obtained by applying high-order polynomial approximations within elements using the tensor product of Lagrange polynomial. For temporal integration, strong stability preserving Runge-Kutta method SSPRK (3, 3) is applied. The scheme is stabilized by using Streamline Upwind Petrov Galerkin (SUPG) stabilization technique. For the spatial discretization, the polynomial of order 1and 2 are used, the shape function is constructed for the master (computational) element after applying the coordinate transformation for the physical domain, the transformation for the governing equations is performed to get it in the function of computational Cartesian, then the governing equations are put in conservative form. The numerical results of applying totally volume integral discontinuous Galerkin method for two-dimensional Euler equations presented in this paper show that the scheme is very accurate, fast, and effective even with shock appearance.

Influence of seaweed Cystosiera crinitophylla as biostimulants on wheat seedling growth and development

2022-03-29T13:03:34+00:00

The Objective of this study was to explore the effects of the Cystosiera crinitophylla extracts on the germination and seedling development of wheat (Triticum aestavium L.). We assessed seaweed cold and hot aqueous extract and ethanol extract (1:10 w/v) at different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, and 20% v/v) on germination percentage and growth parameters of wheat seedlings under laboratory conditions. Additionally, the pot experiment was achieved to assess the effect of the biostimulant action of Cystosiera crinitophylla as a crude powder mixed with soil or foliar application on some growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments content of Triticum aestavium L. seedlings. The results demonstrated enhancement germination and growth at low extracts concentration, all the three seaweed extracts showed a better rate of germination and growth at optimum extracts concentration ranges between 5–10 % and toxicity at higher extracts concentration. In addition, the results of the pot experiment showed that the application of C. crinitophylla as a crude powder mixed with soil or cold aqueous extract, foliar spraying caused significant improvement in all the growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments of wheat seedlings. However, the enhancement was varied and could be application method and concentration-dependent. Furthermore, the preliminary phytochemical screening of seaweed showed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, carbohydrates, and proteins with high relative levels of some minerals. The results of the present investigation suggested that the application of biodegradable seaweed extracts is recommended to growers to manage improved germination, growth and of wheat.

Diagenetic history of the lower oligocene algal limestone member of the Al Bayda For-mation, at Al Wattayatt area, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, NE Libya.

2022-03-29T13:15:30+00:00

The Algal Limestone Member of the Al Bayda Formation has been studied along Deryanah-Al Abyar road cut at Al Wattayatt area, Al Jabal Al Akhdar. The member was subdivided into five lithofacies based on petrographic examination; from bottom to top are; wackestone lithofacies, boundstone lithofacies, grainstone lithofacies, mudstone-wackestone lithofacies, and packstone lithofacies. Limestone is the dominant lithology with coralline red calcareous algal, nummulites, bryozoans, echinoids, and few corals are also present. Lithological description and paleontologic content indicate that this member was likely deposited within a shallow marine or near-surface environment that was dominated during the Lower Oligocene. However, diagenetic analysis reveals two stages of paragenetic processes, which had a great effect on the development of the depositional environment and the diagenetic history of this member. The early-stage includes grain dissolution, brittle fracture, pyrite formation, and early cement. The late-stage includes secondary cement, neomorphism (recrystallization), and dolomitization.

Existence of at least one positive continuing solution of Urysohn quadratic integral equation by Schauder fixed-point theorem.

2022-03-29T13:25:00+00:00

We employ Schauder fixed-point Theorem to prove the existence of at least one positive con-tinuous solution of the quadratic integral equation

Moreover, the maximal and the minimal solutions of the last equation are also proved.

Studying of some proteins levels and enzymes activities in the amniotic fluid for pregnant associated with premature birth

2022-03-29T13:33:38+00:00

The research includes studying of some proteins and enzymes levels in amniotic fluid for pregnant associated with premature birth, which includes C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), cystatin C, aminoacylase-1(ACY1), Lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The study was done in Mosul city on (75) women that had hypertension, and (78) women who healthy pregnancies as a control group, the age of pregnant with hypertension and control group ranged from (16-45) year, then specimens were divided into three age groups: The first group (16-25) year, the second group (26-35) year and the third group (36-45) year. The results showed that there was a significant increase in the levels of proteins for CRP and AFP for all studied groups compared with a control group. On the other hand, the results of measurements of enzymes in the amniotic fluid indicated that there was a significant decrease in the activity of the ACY1 and a significant increase of enzymes: LDH, AST, and ALT in the amniotic fluid for pregnant associated with premature birth compared with the control group. High levels of CRP, cystin C, and AFP proteins, can be an indicator of diseases that accompany pregnant women, especially pregnant women with preterm birth. There are clear negative effects about the enzyme variants used to assess liver function in the amniotic fluid of preterm pregnant patients.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats in Benghazi city-East of Libya.

2022-03-29T13:41:58+00:00

In this study, serum samples from four hundred and seventy (470), comprising 234 local sheep (Ovis aries) and 236 goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) of different ages and gender were collected and analysed for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (IgG) using the latex agglutination test (LAT) kits according to manufacturer’s instructions. The result showed that of the 470 serum samples of tested animals (sheep and goats) analysed, 260 were positive for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (IgG) given an overall prevalence of 55.3%. A significant difference in seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was observed between the two species of tested animals with a higher prevalence in sheep (P=0.02). No significant differences in the overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies between males (61.5%) and females (45.5%) of both species (P=0.339). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was higher in tested animals of less than 2 years of age, though the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.225). According to the breeding site, Almagzha region showed significant (P=0.00) high seroprevalence (77.4%) compared with other sites. The highest T. gondii seroprevalence was recorded in the spring season. This study showed that local sheep and goats from Benghazi and the near by areas may represent a significant source of T. gondii infection in the human population through consumption of undercooked meat.

Investigation of the effect of free fatty acids on cell growth and Cytokine secretion

2022-03-29T13:51:10+00:00

Interactions between immune and inflammatory cells are mediated primarily through the interaction of proteins, termed interleukins (IL) that are able to promote cell growth, differentiation as well as functional activation. TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 are the most important cytokines produced by monocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DAH), on immune cell proliferation along with cytokine production. This was tested using the THP-1 monocytic cell line, which in turn allowed observing how surface protein cytokine expression was affected by docosahexaenoic acid treatment and whether the effect of incubation would reduce the stimulus-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The experimental method employed Linked Immunosorbent Assays, while both Cell Titer 96® AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay and Titer 96 AQueous One Solution were used to determine cell proliferation. THP-1 cells induce growth-promoting activity and, the concentration of DHA toxic effect began at around 100 µM and reached maximum toxicity at around 200 µM. The results demonstrate that DHA inhibited endogenous IL-8 release when compared to a control group where the inhibition was maintained for 3 days. The study revealed the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on immune cell proliferation and cytokine production.

A conifer Pagiophyllum yafraiensis sp. nov. from the Jurassic Khashm az Zarzur Formation, Yafran, Jebel Nefusa – Libya.

2022-03-29T14:01:51+00:00

The Jurassic flora from the Khashm az Zarzur Formation in the vicinity of Yafran village in Jebel Nefusa, northwestern Libya was studied. Among which a new species of fossil conifer, Pagiophyllum yafraiensis sp. nov. was described and illustrated. This new species occurred in association with Piazopteris branerii, Brachyphyllum sp., Hirmerella sp., Otozamites sp., and Samaropsis sp. According to the stratigraphic position of the Khashm az Zarzur Formation dated as (Callovian-Oxfordian), however, a Late Jurassic (Bathonian-Tithonian) age has been assigned palynologically. The global paleogeographical distribution of the genus Pagiophyllum is also illustrated herein.

Upper Cretaceous Nannofossils Biostratigraphy from Cyrenaica, NE Libya.

2022-03-29T14:07:15+00:00

The Upper Cretaceous succession of the Well E1-NC152 in the Soluq Depression area of Cyre-naica region in Northeastern Libya, as well as the surface exposure of the Qasr al Abid For-mation in Jardas al Abid area of Cyrenaica, have been biostratigraphically analyzed. The stud-ied section of well E1-NC152 is assigned to the early Cretaceous (late Albian) – late Cretaceous (early Campanian) of Nannofossil Biozones (CC9 to CC22) of Sissingh (1977) and Perch-Niel-sen (1985) which is respectively corresponding to UC5 to UC14 Biozones of Burnett (1998). These biozones are Calculites ovalis (CC19) – Quadrum trifidum (CC22) (early-late Campa-nian); Calculites obscurus Biozone (CC17) – Aspidolithus parcus gr. parcus Biozone (CC18) Late (Santonian– Early Campanian); Reinhardtites anthophorus Biozone (CC15) - Lucianorhabdus cayeuxii (CC16) (Santonian according to Sissingh (1977); Lucianorhabdus maleformis Biozone (CC12) - Micula decussata Biozone (CC14) (middle Turonian – middle Coniacian); Eiffellithus turriseiffilii Biozone (CC9) – Microrhabdulus decorates Biozone (CC10a) (late Albian – Cenoma-nian). However, the upper Cenomanian Qasr al Abid Formation at the outcrop is assigned to CC10a of Sissingh (1977) and Perch-Nielsen (1985) which is corresponding to UC3 (a-d) of Burnett (1998). Furthermore, correlation attempts with other published studies in the region have been performed to tie surface with the subsurface calcareous nannofossils distribution.