Syrian Individuals Research Articles

Assessment of Knowledge About High Blood Pressure Among Syrians

Hypertension, often referred to the silent killer, is a prevalent health issue that impacts more than a billion individuals worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the understanding of hypertension among Syrian individuals. 104 individuals filled out surveys. Females made up 64.4% of the group that was surveyed. 28.8% of the participants in the study were between the ages of 46 and 60. More than half of the participants had a study or a work related to the medicinal field. The participants showed good medication adherence where the score of accurate responses to the questions regarding medication compliance was very high. Most participants were familiar with the normal values of blood pressure levels and were optimistic about the possibility of treating the condition. A good percentage of individuals surveyed stated that smoking and obesity are contributing factors to developing high blood pressure. Most participants believed that consuming fatty foods raises plasma cholesterol levels. Participants had a good overall understanding of high blood pressure. However, they still need improvement in medical information about high blood pressure to enhance compliance with treatments.

Knowledge and practices on home medication storage and disposal in Syria: a population-based, cross-sectional study

BackgroundMedications are commonly found in every household. In Syria, where healthcare infrastructure faces significant challenges, improper storage can lead to reduced medication efficacy and increased health risks. Additionally, inappropriate disposal practices pose serious environmental concerns, especially in a region already grappling with environmental degradation. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, and practices of Syrian individuals regarding the appropriate storage and disposal of home medications.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted from September 22 to October 20, 2023, using an online survey distributed via social media apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram) in Syria. The questionnaire, adapted from a similar study in Saudi Arabia, was translated to Arabic using the forward–backward translation technique. A convenience sampling technique was used. Inclusion criteria were participants over eighteen with expired or unused medications at home. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 27, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 2,217 responses were analyzed, with the majority of participants being female (79%) and aged between 21–30 years (56%). The study found that 90.7% of respondents dispose of expired medications in the garbage, while 95% keep medications in their original containers. Additionally, 30% consult pharmacists for storage instructions, and 64% read storage information on medication leaflets. Logistic regression analysis revealed that males were less likely to check expiration dates before use (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40–0.84) and periodically (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.54–0.85). Participants aged 31–40 years were less likely to check expiration dates periodically (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31–0.68), while those with children under six years old were more likely to do so (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01–1.67). Males were also less likely to read storage instructions (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.50–0.76) but more likely to ask pharmacists about them (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01–1.57). There was no significant difference in these practices between medical professionals and the general population.ConclusionThis study reveals gaps in the practices related to the storage and disposal of medications among the Syrian public. The findings suggest a need for targeted public education and awareness programs to improve these practices and reduce the associated health and environmental risks.

Association of Plasma Sialic Acid concentrations with Diabetic Nephropathy in Syrian Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Association of Plasma Sialic Acid concentrations with Diabetic Nephropathy in Syrian Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Assessment the awareness of vitamin D deficiency among the general population in Syria: an online cross-sectional study

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency is an importance preventable problem in the global and associates with lack levels of awareness about vitamin D. According to prior studies, in the Arab world, there is low of knowledge and awareness toward vitamin D deficiency. The target of our study is evaluating the knowledge level about vitamin D deficiency and determining the associated factors with levels of awareness of its.MethodThis online cross-sectional study was performed in Syria between 25 February to 29 March 2023 to assess the levels of knowledge about vitamin D deficiency among general Syrian population. The study’s survey was obtained from previously published research and we conducted a pilot study to assure the validity and clarity questionnaire. All Syrian individuals aged 18 or older who were able to read and write and willing to participate were included, while, non-Syrian nationality individuals and all medical staff (doctors, nurses, and medical students…), as well, those under 18 age were excluded. The questionnaire consisted of 23 questions separated into four categories. The first section was sociodemographic information of the study population. The second section measured the level awareness of the study population regarding the benefits of vitamin D. In addition, the third and fourth part evaluated knowing of the respondents about sources of and toxicity consequences of vitamin D. The data were analyzed by utilizing multivariate logistic regression in IBM, SPSS V.28 version.ResultsOverall, 3172 of the study population accepted to participate in this research and 57.9% the majority of them were aged in the range among 18 and 28. While, the average age of the respondents were 30.80 ± 11.957. Regarding with the awareness toward knowledge of advantages and source of vitamin D and outcomes of vitamin D toxicity. Most of the participants mentioned that vitamin D is used to treat bone disease and rickets and contributes in maintaining calcium and phosphates (91.4% and 84.6%, respectively). Whereas, more than half of them reported that sun exposure does not cause vitamin D poisoning and that vegetarians are more likelihood to have vitamin D than non-vegetarians, (54.1% and 54.9%, respectively). Only, age and occupation out of nine predictors variables were significantly correlated with adequate knowledge of Vitamin D (p-value < 0.05). The respondents aged more than 60 years were high probability to have good recognition of Vitamin D than participants aged between 18 and 28 years. (OR = 7.95). Retired participants have shown lower aware of Vitamin D 0.38 times than students.ConclusionOur research revealed that most of the participated individuals have sufficient comprehension about vitamin D, despite, there were significant gap. Health education via programs by government health-care agencies, NGOs and social workers is necessary to increase the awareness and knowledge toward benefits, source, deficiency and toxicity of vitamin D to avoid injury several diseases such as rickets.

Creating community learning for empowerment groups: an innovative model for participatory research partnerships with refugee communities

Empowering communities to respond to humanitarian crises is one of the core principles of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. In response to large numbers of refugees resettling in Canada from Syria as they fled its civil war, a community-based research partnership was initiated to examine the psychosocial needs and adaptation processes of Syrian individuals and families. In this article, we introduce Community Learning for Empowerment Groups (CLEGs) as a methodological innovation in participatory research partnerships and demonstrate how they can be used to harvest local knowledge and create critical spaces for transformative learning. We describe the process of co-creating CLEGs with seven recently resettled Syrian community leaders, examples of their implementation, and lessons learned in our community-based participatory research (CBPR). Grounded in a transformative paradigm, our CBPR project occurred over three phases of implementation. Activities undertaken by the research team in phase one aimed at empowering the leaders through a “train-the trainer” and collaborative learning approach to lead CLEGs in phase two. Focus groups were held with leaders in phase two to explore their experiences leading CLEGs. Discussions in focus groups revealed that leaders were empowered to adapt their learning from phase one according to their group dynamics and personal leadership style. Deepened insights and new facilitation approaches were evidence of leaders’ growth, as exemplified in the focus groups. Leaders were able to support their groups to generate and, in some cases, implement community-based solutions to their groups’ psychosocial challenges. Community Learning for Empowerment Groups are a promising model for supporting power sharing and knowledge co-construction in participatory research partnerships.

EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SYRIANS AND THEIR COMPLIANCE RATE: EXAMPLE OF BURDUR PROVINCE

In this study, the rate of involvement of Syrian individuals living in Burdur city depending on crime types will be examined. The profile of Syrians living in Burdur and the criminal orientation of Syrians depending on crime types will be evaluated from the data of Burdur Provincial Police Department. Therefore, the general proportion of Syrians as real persons in the incidents will be determined according to the crime types. Within the scope of the research, a crime type profile will be created for all foreign nationals living in Burdur. In the research, it will be examined whether there is a relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics of the Syrians and their tendency to crime. In this context, the educational status of Syrian refugees will be evaluated within the scope of primary, secondary and high school, and it will be examined whether it has an effect on the crime profile.

The Experiences of Syrian Individuals on the Integration Process Based on Social Capital

Çalışmanın amacı, 2011’de savaş nedeniyle ülkelerini terk etmek zorunda kalan Suriyeli bireylerin uyumunun sosyal sermaye kavramı üzerinden sosyal hizmet bağlamında ele almaktır. Araştırmada nitel fenomenolojik desen kullanılmıştır. Veriler derinlemesine görüşme tekniğiyle toplanmıştır. Katılımcılar kriter örnekleme ile belirlenmiştir. On beş katılımcı, sosyal sermaye oluşturucu değerler olarak din, coğrafi yakınlık, kültürel benzerlik, akrabalık bağlarını ifade etmişlerdir. Bununla beraber katılımcılar ortak tarihsel geçmişi, bir sosyal sermaye oluşturucu değer olarak görmemektedirler. Uyumu kolaylaştıracak araçlar dil, mesleki eğitim, çocukların eğitimi ve göçmenlerin olumlu katkılarının varlığı olarak ifade edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak; sosyal ağ yoluyla gelişen sosyal sermaye değerleri ile bir uyum süreci tasarlamak mümkündür. Yerli halk ve göçmenler arasında düzenli temas kurularak bilinçlendirme ve farkındalık çalışmalarının yapılmasının birlikte yaşam adına sosyal sermaye oluşturabilecek birtakım değerler inşa edebileceği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Bu noktada politika yapıcıları ve sivil toplum birlikteliği önemli bir bileşen olarak görülmektedir.

A comprehensive overview of substance abuse amongst Syrian individuals in an addiction rehabilitation center

ObjectivesThis study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of substance abuse amongst Syrian individuals in an addiction rehabilitation center. MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional survey-based study, from patients receiving treatment in an addiction rehabilitation center in Damascus. Syria. The study was conducted over a period of nine months. ResultsA total of 82 participants were recruited, the majority of them were males (n = 78.95.1%). More than half of those investigated reported multi-level failure (n = 46, 56.1%) during their education. Most of the participants (n = 44, 53.7%) started to use drugs at a friend’s home. The family was shown to play a positive role in stopping the initial drug taking trials at early stages (33/56, 58.9%). Again, friends' effect was the main reason for the return of abusing drugs (20/56, 35.7%). Sources of drugs were mainly from drug promoters for most of the participants (n = 58, 70.7%) followed by friends (n = 28, 34.1%). Participants revealed that taking drugs were mostly accompanied by additional habits such as cigarette smoking before using their drugs (n = 65, 79.3%), or drinking alcohol (57.3%). Surprisingly, participants believed that drug abuse does not lead to addiction (n = 52, 63.4%). The most common experienced feeling was depressed, desperate, or sad (n = 47, 57.3%), followed by anxiety and the desire to escape reality and resort to imaginations (n = 44, 53.7%). ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate the need of policymakers to give more attention, in developing preventive strategies, to friends, as a main cause of addiction, in addition to the family influences on individual’s drug abuse, addiction behaviors, and mindsets. Understanding the influencing factors could spot the light on the key to solve the addiction problem. A realist rehabilitation programs must be well designed and implemented as the level of individuals, institutions and communities to face this problematic addiction disaster.

Syrians' Awareness of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Warning Signs: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: An estimated 17.8 million lives were lost in 2017 due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), resulting in a total of 330 million years of life lost and an additional 35.6 million years of disability. Numerous studies have shown the importance of education and awareness in promoting positive and long-lasting behavioral changes. This study aims to assess Syrians' awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) warning symptoms and risk factors and investigate further into the variables that contribute to this awareness. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken online between August 1 and 25, 2022, to examine Syrian individuals' awareness of cardiovascular disease risk factors and early warning signs. The study's questionnaire was constructed based on prior research, and the inclusion criteria for the sample were citizens of Syria over the age of 18 who currently reside in Syria. There were three categories of questions on the questionnaire: sociodemographics, an evaluation of CVD knowledge using both open- and closed-ended inquiries, and medical history and behavioral risk factors. Results: There were 1201 inquired participants; 728 (60.6%) were males, and 473 (39.5%) were females. Concerns about developing diabetes were reported by 45.8% (n=550), hypertension was feared by 54.0% (n=540), and 43.9% (n=572) of individuals, and heart disease was feared by 45.9% (n=572). The internet and social media platforms were the most common ways they learned about it. Closed-ended questions indicated that the majority of participants (n=1164, 94.9%) had recognized CVD risk factors, with smoking (95.2%), obesity (93.6%), cholesterol (91%), and hypertension (90.3%) being the most often reported risk factors. Close-ended questions regarding CVD warning indicators revealed that most participants (n=897, 74.7%) correctly identified the warning symptoms. However, in response to open-ended questions, most participants (n=478, 39.8%) did not identify CVD risk factors, as well only (n=291, 24.2%) did. In addition, open-ended questions concerning CVD warning signs indicated that more than half of the participants (n=680, 56.6%) had poor identification of the warning symptoms. The age group between 55 and 64 years had the greatest CVD risk factors, and education was related to greater knowledge of CVD risk factors (P-value&lt;0.001). Males have a greater understanding of CVD risk factors than females, and married individuals have a greater understanding of CVD warning signals than those with other marital statuses. Country-dwelling individuals are less knowledgeable about CVD risk factors and warning symptoms than city-dwelling participants. Conclusion: According to our results, there is inadequate knowledge of the risk factors and warning signs of CVDs, which contribute to the development of this illness and result in life-threatening circumstances. Consequently, there is a larger need to raise CVD awareness and learning initiatives on the disease's risk factors and symptoms. It may be able to reduce the number of advanced instances of this illness by educating individuals about the hazards of smoking and alcohol intake and by considering the family history of these CVDs.

Proposed Smart E-Government Application Design toward Achieving Operational Excellent in Government

A large number of poor nations throughout the world are benefiting from the e-government revolutions in order to deliver fast and fundamental items and solutions to their citizens. Because of the present development of mobile smart gadgets. However, public agencies face several challenges in integrating electronic government services into their infrastructure in order to improve current goods and services or build new ones. This major challenge is none the less reflected by the huge volume of data generated by various capable devices, as their administration is hampered by the facilities required for effective data transit as well as treatment. As a result, cloud computing services, as well as cloud technology, which extends cloud computing computational power to edge networks, are critical in addressing those issues. As a result, this paper aims to illustrate and concentrate on all these variables, so it presents an outline of a hybrid approach for adopting edge and cloud computing with in the domain of e-government to handle as well as solving e-government enforcement’s important problems. In term of arranging governmental services and goods among data centres, this model is used to identify two separate patterns: edge and cloud, and smart sensors constructed with low-power CPUs provide a very effective solution. The suggested model can figure out how an object interacts with each network and what their connection could be Eventually, a variety of recommended technological distinct elements and their approaches for developing edge and cloud computing is offered, ensuring also that selected answers were executed. A total of 600 questionnaires were delivered to Syrian individuals as part of a survey. AMOS version 21.0 was used to analyse the data using the structural equation model (SEM)

Farmers’ opinion about Syrian workers in agricultural sector in Turkey: Case study of Gaziantep

Due to the Syrian Civil War, many Syrians have had to flee their country and seek refuge in neighbouring countries, and they face a great deal of financial and social problems in their new countries of residence. Problems such as language barriers and hostility from the host community make it difficult for refugees to integrate into the countries which took them in, and the fact that they must become a part of the work force as a matter of priority to meet their daily needs means that they often work unskilled jobs for low wages and are not registered in any official systems. The structural properties of the agricultural sector means that it is one of the most popular work areas for Syrian migrants. This study aims to evaluate the circumstances of Syrian individuals under temporary protection status in Turkey in the agricultural sector from the perspective of farmers. To this end, a survey was conducted with 395 farmers working in the agricultural sector in the province of Gaziantep. According to the findings of the research, 61.5% of agricultural businesses in Gaziantep employ Syrian refugees. The main reason for farmers opting to employ Syrian workers under temporary protection order is low wages (78.8%). 82.9% of Syrian refugees work only during harvesting season. 92.4% work both harvesting and hoeing, while 79.2% of business owners state that employing refugees allows them to decreased their production costs. Despite the presence of legal regulations in Turkey outlining how refugees can become a part of the labour force, these haven’t prevented the prevalence of off-the-books employment. Making the necessary amendments to legal regulations regarding seasonal workers in the agricultural sector would benefit both local workers and Syrian refugees. Additionally, legislation regarding salaries would improve the living standards of refugee workers and increase their motivation to work, thus improve productivity in agricultural products.

A Cross-Sectional of Syrians' Knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension Management

Background: Diabetes and hypertension are the two most common types of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) impacting people globally. There is no prior research on the Syrian population's knowledge and treatment of hypertension and diabetes, so it is crucial to assess how the Syrian population acknowledges and perceives these illnesses. This research intends to assess the level of hypertension and diabetes-related awareness, knowledge, attitude, and practices among Syrian individuals. &#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 August and 25 August 2022 to assess adult awareness, knowledge, attitude, and behavior about hypertension and diabetes. The questionnaire for the study was developed based on previous research, and the inclusion criteria for the sample were Syrian residents older than 18 who presently live in Syria. On the questionnaire, there were four sections: sociodemographics information, WHO STEPS survey instrument on knowledge of and lifestyle determinants for hypertension and diabetes, respondents' knowledge of and comprehension of hypertension and diabetes, and respondents' awareness of these disorders.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Among 976 participants, (65.8%) were females. Participants reported hypertension caused by (90.1%) stress, (78.2%) old age, (69%) anxiety, and (38.6%) drug usage. High salt consumption (87%), genetics (82.1%), and obesity (78%) are all risk factors for hypertension. In addition, minimizing salt consumption (92.4%), regular exercise (87.2%), and avoiding anxiety (85%) are preventative measures for hypertension. Participant answers to hypertension consequences were (75.8%) foot ulcer and (74%) eyesight loss. Primary and middle school educational status participants had greater hypertension knowledge (92.3%) than other educational levels. Alcohol use was linked to hypertension knowledge (P &lt; 0.05). Participants whose lifestyles did not include alcohol use had a higher hypertension knowledge level (90.3%). Participants with a family history of diabetes have a greater knowledge of hypertension (92%) than those without (66.9%). Almost age groups have shown good knowledge of diabetes, especially participants aged above 55 (93.8%). However, most individuals have examined blood pressure (82.3%), whereas fewer than half had screened for blood sugar (64.4%). 82.2% of individuals check their blood pressure frequently, whereas 6.2% monitor their blood sugar. Men have a higher hypertension knowledge than females (mean=8.39, SD=2.02), P-value&lt; 0.05, and knowledge of hypertension among participants was shown to be higher among those in good income status than other economic levels (mean=8.34, SD=1.98), P-value&lt; 0.05. Participants between the ages of 40 and 55 showed better knowledge of diabetes compared to other age groups (mean=11.32, SD=2.54), P-value&lt; 0.05; as well, men demonstrated greater knowledge of diabetes than females (mean=10.76, SD=2.79), P-value&lt; 0.05.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that the Syrian population has a good to moderate understanding of hypertension and diabetes. However, there is still a shortage of standardized, regular screening practices. Since individuals remain involved in unhealthy lifestyle habits, it is vital to provide accurate information about hypertension and diabetes.

Perceptions of Social Workers in the School Social Work Project: The Need for Multicultural Education

Multicultural education is the key to the development process of culture of living together, emphasising human rights. In the legal sense, the study underlines the importance of school social work practices in terms of ensuring Syrian children to have unrestricted access to education in addition to providing them with equal opportunity in education. In the light of those practices, the motivation of the study is to discover social work academics’ perceptions of the path to multicultural education in Turkey and recommendations on how to integrate it into the current educational structure. For this purpose, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten social workers who took part in the “School Social Work Project”. The education structure in Turkey, the attitude towards Syrians, the problems experienced by Syrian individuals and their perspectives on education are summarized as risk factors that affect the participation of Syrian children in education. This study emphasises the importance of establishing cooperation with teachers and non-governmental organisations. With this cooperation, it seems possible to develop multicultural education by integrating the human focus of social work. Therefore, the use of development resources and social work resources together in the context of school social work practices will provide the change that will show the way to multicultural education. The findings point to recommendations such as ensuring family-teacher interaction, adding classes on culture of living together, and integrating non-governmental organisations systematically in the process of multicultural education.

Immediate effect of stair exercise on stiffness, tone, and pressure pain threshold of thoracolumbar fascia in individuals with lower limb amputation: a preliminary report.

Adaptations to the use of prosthesis in individuals with a lower limb amputation may cause changes in lumbopelvic region structures during daily life activities. To investigate the effect of stair exercise on the stiffness, tone, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation. This is a prospective preliminary study. The study was conducted in Prosthetic Orthotic Centers in Istanbul. Syrian individuals with unilateral transtibial (n = 17) and transfemoral (n = 15) amputation who received prosthesis and rehabilitation services at the centers between February 2020 and December 2020 were included in the study. The subjects were instructed to ascend and descend a nine-step stair one at a time at their maximum possible speed. Measurements were made before and immediately after the stair exercise. Tone and stiffness of TLF was measured using myometer. PPT was measured using algometer. Low back pain was evaluated using numerical pain rating scale. In the transfemoral amputation group, PPT measurements taken immediately after stair exercise were significantly decreased in both the amputated ( P = 0.001) and intact ( P = 0.021) sides, whereas significant reduction in stiffness when compared with the prestair levels was observed only at the intact side ( P = 0.019). The change in PPT values on the amputated side was significantly higher in individuals with transfemoral amputation than those in individuals with transtibial amputation ( P = 0.011). The decrease in PPT values of TLF in the transfemoral amputation group was considered as a precursor sign for low back pain development. Thus, exercises and preventive rehabilitation programs targeting TLF may be needed, especially in this group.

A Comprehensive Overview of Substance Abuse Amongst Syrian Individuals in an Addiction Rehabilitation Center

A Comprehensive Overview of Substance Abuse Amongst Syrian Individuals in an Addiction Rehabilitation Center

Successful factors determining the significant relationship between e-governance system and government operational excellence

Every government's major objective is to provide the greatest services in order to establish efficiency and quality of performance. Syria's government has understood how critical it is to go in the direction of information technology. However, there are gaps and poor links across government sectors, which has tainted the image of Syrian e-governance. As a result, one of the main aims of this study is to figure out what factors impact Syrians' acceptance of the e-government system. A total of 600 questionnaires were delivered to Syrian individuals as part of a survey. The data was analysed using the structural equation model (SEM) using AMOS version 21.0. User intention to utilise an e-government system was shown to be influenced by performance expectations, effort expectations, system flexibility, citizens-centricity, and facilitating conditions. Assurance, responsiveness, reliability, tangibles, and empathy are five fundamental factors that have a major impact on government operation excellence. Behavioural Intention is being utilised as a mediator between the government operation excellence (GOE) initiative and the e-government platform.

Vitamin-D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism (FokI) in Syrian healthy population

The vitamin D endocrine system is responsible for bone and calcium homeostasis, and it has role in diseases. It plays its roles via Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), which has different polymorphisms. FokI polymorphism is a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in a start codon (ATG), and it has a genetic expression of two proteins with different size. This polymorphism plays role in disease development risk, such as osteoporosis. In general, the distribution of genotypes and alleles of FokI VDR polymorphisms varies among different healthy populations. This study aimed to find out the frequency of VDR gene FokI polymorphisms in the healthy Syrian individuals. Materials and methodsGenomic DNA samples were extracted from 100 Syrian healthy participants. VDR gene polymorphism FokI analysis was carried out using PCR-RFLP. ResultsAllelic frequencies were (59% vs 41%) for (F vs f) alleles. The distributions of homozygote genotypes FF and ff were 34% and 16%, respectively. Whereas the distribution of the heterozygote genotype Ff was 50% in the Syrian healthy participants. ConclusionThese results demonstrate that the genotype and allele frequency of the VDR polymorphism FokI in Syrian population are consistent with some populations, such as in Saudi Arabia, China, and Japan. Whereas, they are different from Iran and India.

CYP1A1* 2 A gene polymorphism frequency in Syrian breast cancer patients

IntroductionCYP1A1 plays an important role in procarcinogen activation and xenobiotic metabolism. It has a role in hydroxylation of estrogen that is one of the key mediators for breast cancer development. The CYP1A1*2A (m1) is the polymorphism in the 3′-flanking region of the gene. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of CYP1A1* 2A polymorphism in breast cancer patients and healthy Syrian individuals. Materials and methodsGenomic DNA samples were isolated from 120 Syrian participants (60 breast cancer women and 60 healthy individuals). The PCR-RFLP technique was adopted to determine CYP1A1* 2A gene polymorphism. ResultsThe frequency of homozygote genotypes was 78.33% (TT) vs 1.67% (CC) in breast cancer patients, and 85% (TT) vs 1.67% (CC) in controls, respectively. The allelic frequency was 88.33% vs 92% for T and 11.67% vs 8% for C in breast cancer patients and controls, respectively. The frequency of the heterozygote genotype TC was 20% vs 13.33% in breast cancer patients and controls, respectively. No significant association was found between CYP1A1*2A gene polymorphism and the risk of breast cancer (p = 0202, OR = 0.626 (0.303–1.291)). ConclusionThese findings indicated that CYP1A1*2A polymorphism was not associated with increased risk of breast cancer in Syrian women. CYP1A1* 2A gene polymorphism in Syrian population (breast cancer patients and healthy individuals) were consistent with Iranian population. However, they were different from other populations such as in Iraq, Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil, Mexico and Siberia.

Consanguinity rates among Syrian refugees in Lebanon: a study on genetic awareness.

Consanguineous marriage is a deeply rooted tradition in the Arab world. Such marriages are linked to higher rates of recessive genetic diseases. During the Syrian conflict, which started in 2011, around one million Syrian individuals became refugees in Lebanon. This study assessed the consanguinity rates among Syrian refugees living in Lebanon up to three successive consanguineous generations, and examined refugees' awareness of the possible consequences of consanguineous marriage and their attitudes towards consanguinity. Their knowledge of, and access to, premarital screening was also assessed. The study was conducted between January and May 2018. Several study sites representing refugees' distribution within the country were chosen. The study sample included 1008 interviewees from different families. Of those interviewed, 51.9% were in a consanguineous marriage. Interestingly, 23.9% were the product of consanguineous marriages themselves, and 17.9% were consanguineous for three successive generations. The interviewees generally knew about premarital screening, but the majority (61.9%) had not had the screening. The high rates of consanguinity in these Syrian refugees call for immediate action, including raising genetic awareness and providing appropriate genetic counselling. Despite the respondents' familiarity with premarital screening, there was a low rate of uptake of the test, underscoring the importance of providing better education to these refugees.

Root canal morphology of mandibular canines in the Syrian population: A CBCT Assessment.

Introduction:The recent study aimed to assess the root canal morphology of mandibular canines in the Syrian population depending on the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.Materials and Methods:A total of 418 fully developed mandibular canines in Syrian individuals aged between 16 and 60 years were included. The presence of at least one mandibular right or left canine with fully developed roots was recorded in each image. The root canal configurations were classified according to the method of Vertucci. The mandibular canines were examined in sagittal, coronal, and axial dimensions. The CBCT images were evaluated by three endodontists with at least 9 years of clinical experience in endodontics. Data were analyzed with descriptive analysis and Chi-square tests using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA).Results:Out of the 418 mandibular canines, 409 (97.85%) were single-rooted canines while only 9 (2.15%) were double-rooted canines. The most common type of Vertucci in single-rooted canines was Type I (1-1) in the percentage of 95.87% and the least type was Type V (1-2) in the percentage of (0.24%). The Chi-square tests showed no significant association between gender and number of roots (P = 0.64) and gender and root canal configuration in single-rooted canine (P = 0.194).Conclusion:Single-rooted with Type I canal configuration was the most common anatomy in mandibular canines in the Syrian population. Incidence of more than one root canal foramen at the end of the single root was detected in one case only.