Objectives Multidrug resistance (MDR) and emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) among uropathogenic Escherichia coli have been reported worldwide, but there was no information on the detection of blaCTX-M-15 in major teaching hospitals in Libya. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of CTX-M-15 β-lactamases producers isolated from five teaching hospitals in Tripoli, Libya. Methods A total of 346 urine samples were collected from hospitalized patients in five teaching hospitals with a diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). Phenotypic confirmation of ESBLs was confirmed by E-test strip; all ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were screened for the blaCTX-M-15 gene. Results The distribution of ESBL-producing E. coli varied among the five hospitals. The highest proportion was identified in Tripoli Medical Centre (67.6%). There were extremely high proportions of isolates resistant to ceftriaxone, cefepime, and ceftazidime (93.0–100.0%) among ESBL producers compared to non-ESBL producers (2.2–4.7%). MDR was detected in 22.2% of isolates. The majority of isolates (85.9%) in which blaCTX-M-15 was identified were ESBL producers. There was a correlation (p < 0.001) between expression of CTX-M-15 and resistance to ceftazidime. Conclusions The isolation of MDR ESBL-producing uropathogens expressing the CTX-M-15 gene will limit the choices clinicians have to treat their patients with UTIs. Continued surveillance and implementation of efficient infection control measures are required. arabic 17 English 94
Abdulaziz Zorgani, Abdulla Bashein(1-2017)

GLUT4 translocation in response to insulin involves the PI3K/Akt pathway and IR mediated phosphorylation of CAP (SORBS1), and formation of the CAP:Cbl. These pathways act in a coordinated manner to regulate glucose, lipid and protein metabolism. In previous studies, T228A polymorphism of SORBS1 gene has been shown to be a protective factor for obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), polycystic ovary (PCOs), and lacunars infarction. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between this polymorphism and T2DM, gestational diabetes (GDM), and obesity. Methods: Genotyping was achieved by PCR-RELP in 227 individuals chosen randomly from the out patient’s clinics of Al-Jala maternity hospital of Tripoli and Gharian hospital, including: 63 T2DM patients, 59 GDM patients, 57 obese, 47 healthy control individuals from Libyan pregnant women population (North-West Region). Results: The results revealed that this polymorphism has no association with T2DM, GDM, and obesity in comparison with the control sample. Conclusion: T228A polymorphism of SORBS1 gene is not associated with the pathological conditions studied. arabic 15 English 98
Abdulla Bashein(1-2013)

Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a well-understood Mendelian disorder that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of mortality in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries. Objective Review the reporting status of FH mutations across MENA and propose a systemic and strategic method for building a MENA FH registry. Methods Systematic literature search for statistics pertaining to CVD and comparison of number of FH mutations reported in MENA countries and countries with established FH registries. Results Only 57 mutations were reported in 17 MENA countries, whereas more than 500 mutations reported in 3 Western countries. Mortality rates due to CVD were significantly higher in MENA countries compared with Western countries. Conclusions The relatively low reporting of FH mutations in the consanguineous MENA communities with higher prevalence of arabic 17 English 101
Mary Aderayo Bamimore, Ahmed Zaid(1-2015)