AbstractIn recent years, we have observed a widespread deficiency in essential nutrients, most notably vitamin D, B12, and calcium, across all age groups. This has led to an increase in chronic diseases and mortality rates among adults. Consequently, we have investigated the causes of these deficiencies and sought to develop preventative, therapeutic, and awareness-raising strategies to mitigate this phenomenon and reduce the prevalence of these nutrient deficiencies among adults. The results showed that vitamin D deficiency was the most common (~58.1%) in both sexes, specifically (56.25 %) in males and (59.26%) in females. This was followed by calcium deficiency (48.96%) in males and (54.81%) in females, and vitamin B12 deficiency (16.5%) in males and (11.01%) in females. This study involved collecting random samples of vitamin D, B12, and calcium test results from routine health records of medical laboratories in Gharyan and its suburbs for 704 adults aged between 40 and 80 years, and estimating the prevalence of these vitamin deficiencies. A general paper questionnaire was administered to 100 adults to identify their financial and social status, the most common chronic diseases they suffer from, the types of vitamins they are deficient in, and the methods used to treat this deficiency, 55% of participants reported using dietary supplements. Then we selected 7 adults who had a severe vitamin deficiency under study, and we carried out therapeutic and nutritional interventions and introduced a separate dietary regimen consisting of dried figs and olive oil. These cases were followed up for a period of 3 to 4 months, and the rate of increase in these vitamins and the percentage of all cases were recorded. We found that the greatest improvement was observed in the case that relied on the use of dried figs and olive oil. The results showed a significant increase in both vitamin D and B12 levels. We also noted that the elevated iron stores (ferritin) in the blood results were associated with increased vitamin D levels. In addition, most cases that relied on supplements, injections, or tablets showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels.

ABSTRACT

Background: The seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection were examined among high-risk groups in

Gharyan, Libya—a semi-arid region with limited prior data. Aim: Given the severe health risks of toxoplasmosis in

immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, and the scarcity of studies from western Libya, this research aimed to

address a key knowledge gap while comparing results with those from humid coastal cities.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023, involving 45 blood donors, 40

hemodialysis patients, and 146 pregnant women. A validated questionnaire was administered, and an

electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG/IgM antibodies.

Results: Results revealed an overall higher seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients (40.0%), followed by pregnant women

(24.7%), and then blood donors (15.6%). Active (IgM+) infections were rare. Significant risk factors among pregnant women

included consumption of unwashed vegetables, undercooked meat, cat ownership, and rural residence (Adjusted Odds Ratio

aOR=3.42, aOR=3.15, aOR=2.87, aOR=2.05, respectively). No statistically significant difference in seroprevalence was

observed among pregnant women between 2022 (26.2%) and 2023 (23.5%) (P = 0.68).

Conclusion: A lower seroprevalence was observed in Gharyan municipality compared to coastal Libyan cities, indicating the

influence of the dry climate. The study recommends routine first-trimester screening for pregnant women (especially aged 25–

30 years), mandatory pre-dialysis testing for hemodialysis patients, and targeted food safety education focusing on vegetable

washing and thorough meat cooking.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Seroprevalence, , Pregnant Women, Blood Donors s

Abstract

In recent years, we have observed a widespread deficiency in essential nutrients, most notably vitamin D, B12, and calcium, across all age groups. This has led to an increase in chronic diseases and mortality rates among adults. Consequently, we have investigated the causes of these deficiencies and sought to develop preventative, therapeutic, and awareness-raising strategies to mitigate this phenomenon and reduce the prevalence of these nutrient deficiencies among adults. The results showed that vitamin D deficiency was the most common (~58.1%) in both sexes, specifically (56.25 %) in males and (59.26%) in females. This was followed by calcium deficiency (48.96%) in males and (54.81%) in females, and vitamin B12 deficiency (16.5%) in males and (11.01%) in females. This study involved collecting random samples of vitamin D, B12, and calcium test results from routine health records of medical laboratories in Gharyan and its suburbs for 704 adults aged between 40 and 80 years, and estimating the prevalence of these vitamin deficiencies. A general paper questionnaire was administered to 100 adults to identify their financial and social status, the most common chronic diseases they suffer from, the types of vitamins they are deficient in, and the methods used to treat this deficiency, 55% of participants reported using dietary supplements. Then we selected 7 adults who had a severe vitamin deficiency under study, and we carried out therapeutic and nutritional interventions and introduced a separate dietary regimen consisting of dried figs and olive oil. These cases were followed up for a period of 3 to 4 months, and the rate of increase in these vitamins and the percentage of all cases were recorded. We found that the greatest improvement was observed in the case that relied on the use of dried figs and olive oil. The results showed a significant increase in both vitamin D and B12 levels. We also noted that the elevated iron stores (ferritin) in the blood results were associated with increased vitamin D levels. In addition, most cases that relied on supplements, injections, or tablets showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels. Keywords: Vitamin D Deficiency, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Calcium Deficiency, Dried Figs, Olive oil

Abstract

In recent years, we have observed a widespread deficiency in essential nutrients, most notably vitamin D, B12, and calcium, across all age groups. This has led to an increase in chronic diseases and mortality rates among adults. Consequently, we have investigated the causes of these deficiencies and sought to develop preventative, therapeutic, and awareness-raising strategies to mitigate this phenomenon and reduce the prevalence of these nutrient deficiencies among adults. The results showed that vitamin D deficiency was the most common (~58.1%) in both sexes, specifically (56.25 %) in males and (59.26%) in females. This was followed by calcium deficiency (48.96%) in males and (54.81%) in females, and vitamin B12 deficiency (16.5%) in males and (11.01%) in females. This study involved collecting random samples of vitamin D, B12, and calcium test results from routine health records of medical laboratories in Gharyan and its suburbs for 704 adults aged between 40 and 80 years, and estimating the prevalence of these vitamin deficiencies. A general paper questionnaire was administered to 100 adults to identify their financial and social status, the most common chronic diseases they suffer from, the types of vitamins they are deficient in, and the methods used to treat this deficiency, 55% of participants reported using dietary supplements. Then we selected 7 adults who had a severe vitamin deficiency under study, and we carried out therapeutic and nutritional interventions and introduced a separate dietary regimen consisting of dried figs and olive oil. These cases were followed up for a period of 3 to 4 months, and the rate of increase in these vitamins and the percentage of all cases were recorded. We found that the greatest improvement was observed in the case that relied on the use of dried figs and olive oil. The results showed a significant increase in both vitamin D and B12 levels. We also noted that the elevated iron stores (ferritin) in the blood results were associated with increased vitamin D levels. In addition, most cases that relied on supplements, injections, or tablets showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels. Keywords: Vitamin D Deficiency, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Calcium Deficiency, Dried Figs, Olive oil

This study investigated the challenges encountered by English majors at the University of Gharyan when dealing with metaphorical expressions. Such expressions are often embedded within culture-bound concepts, providing nuanced meanings specific to particular linguistic communities. Consequently, the research aimed to identify the strategies employed by Libyan students in translating metaphors from English into Arabic. This was achieved by using a translation test comprising fifteen (15) purposively selected metaphors. The test was given to a sample of forty (40) fourth-year students at the Department of English language, Faculty of Arts and Science, Mazda. The subsequent, data analysis followed a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative statistical measures(percentage and frequencies) with a qualitative linguistic analysis based on Newmark's (1988) theoretical framework for metaphor translation. The findings reveal that while students perform well when translating culturally familiar metaphors or those with direct equivalents, significant difficulties arise with abstract and culture-bound expressions. The study concludes that transitional failures are primarily driven by a lack of cultural competence and an over-reliance on semantic fidelity at the expense of communicative resonance. Based on these results, it is recommended that explicit metaphor translation strategies and comparative cultural studies be integrated into the EFL curriculum to bridge the gap between linguistic proficiency and metaphorical competence. Furthermore, the study advocates for enhanced translation training through specialized sessions design to foster a more conducive learning environment.

Keywords: Translation, Metaphor EFL learners, Newmark model, Cultural Competence.