Abstract Background: Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and Published: June 15, 2026 hospitalization among preschool children worldwide. particularly in low- and middle- income countries. Vitamin D plays a crucial immunomodulatory role in respiratory health by enhancing innate immunity and maintaining epithelial barrier integrity. However, vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among children, including those living in sun- rich regions such as Libya. Objectives: This study aimed to assess serum vitamin D levels among preschool children admitted with ARTIs at Gharyan Central Teaching Hospital and to evaluate the association between vitamin D status, disease severity, and recurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional observation study was conducted among 100 preschool children aged 1-6 years admitted with clinically diagnosed ARTIs between January and December 2025. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 79 eligible participants were included in the final analysis. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured and categorized according to Endocrine Society guidelines. Associations between vitamin D levels, ARTIs severity, and recurrence were analysed using chi-square tests and logistic regression models. Results: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were highly prevalent, affecting 87.3% of the studied children. Although lower vitamin D levels were more frequently observed among children with moderate and severe ARTIs, the association with disease severity was not statistically significant (p=0.115). In contrast, a significant association was identified between low vitamin D levels and recurrent ARTIs (p=0.019). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among preschool children hospitalized with ARTIs and is significantly associated with recurrent infections. Improving vitamin D status may contribute to reducing the recurrence of ARTIs in this population.

Background: Poultry is the fastest-growing animal in the agriculture sector, and feed cost contributes 70%–80% of

production cost; therefore, many efforts have been evaluated to reduce feed cost. One of these ways to improve feed

efficiency is the use of natural feed additives in the diet, especially after reducing the use of antibiotics in poultry diets.

Flaxseed contains bioactive compounds, particularly omega-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid) and lignans, which are used

to improve energy metabolism and play antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in poultry diets. Vitamin E plays a

vital function in protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidative damage, preserving cell membrane integrity, and

supporting immune functions.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and productive effects of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and

vitamin E supplementation, individually or in combination, in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

Methods: A total of 120 quails were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: commercial diet (control),

commercial diet with flaxseed, commercial diet with vitamin E, and commercial diet with both flaxseed and vitamin

E, each group comprising three replicates with 10 chicks per replicate, and the study lasted 5 weeks following 1 week

of adaptation.

Results: The combined supplementation markedly enhanced growth performance, improving body weight gain, feed

efficiency, and survivability compared with the control group. Serum biochemical analysis revealed improved protein

metabolism and a healthier lipid profile, with reductions in cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein,

alongside an increase in high-density lipoprotein. Antioxidant indices confirmed strengthened defense mechanisms, as

glutathione levels increased and malondialdehyde concentrations decreased, while liver enzyme activities, aspartate

transaminase and alanine transaminase were reduced, indicating improved hepatic function. The synergistic interaction

between omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed and the antioxidant role of vitamin E contributed to better metabolic

efficiency and oxidative stability.

Conclusion: These findings highlight that flaxseed and vitamin E can be fed to Japanese quail as promising natural

feed additives that can enhance productivity, health status, and sustainability in quail production.

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread public health concern, necessitating a clear understanding of knowledge, at

titudes, and practices (KAP) among populations. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess Libyan citizens'

knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding vitamin D in the western region of Libya. This study was carried out

between June and September of 2021. A questionnaire was distributed across the study area and the complete responses

were 314, with 62.7% were females and 37.3% were males. The scores were calculated as percentages and statistically

tested. Additionally, the impact of some socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education level, job, and salary) on

KAP towards vitamin D was investigated. The results revealed that nutritional knowledge of the participants (46.24%)

was much lower than their general knowledge (80.99%), and that the scores of attitude and practice were 74.79% and

60.06%; respectively. Furthermore, socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, education, occupation, and salary

were found to significantly influence practice scores. In conclusion, there's need for targeted public health interventions

and educational campaigns to promote accurate understanding and healthier practices related to vitamin D among

adults in Western Libya.

Keywords: Vitamin D, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, KAP, Socio-demographic influences, Questionnaire

 Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, resulting from defective insulin action and secretion, T2DM is frequently associated with abnormalities in the liver function, which may reflect underlying metabolic disturbances and early hepatic involvement. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of liver aminotransferase ( ALT, AST) and ALP in patients with type 2 diabetes in Gharyan central hospital. The finding showed that patients with T2DM had elevated liver enzyme levels, (ALT, AST and ALP were 19%, 15%, 41% respectively), suggesting possible subclinical liver dysfunction. These results highlight the importance of routine liver enzyme assessment in the clinical follow up of individuals with T2DM, as early detection of hepatic abnormalities may improve patient management and reduce the risk of diabetes- related complications.