Damascus University Research Articles

Responses of seed germination and yield related traits to seed pretreatment and foliar spray of humic and amino acids compounds in carrot (Daucus carota L.).

This investigation was conducted at Research Farm and Plant Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University to study the effects of some humic compounds and amino acids on seed germination characteristics and some quantitative traits of carrot (Nantes variety). Five commercial organic fertilizers were used (WAF1, WAF3, P-Humas, Agro and Acto). The results showed that seed treatments in organic solutions reduced germination time, improved germination uniformity and increased seed vigor. Among all fertilizers WAF3 1.5 g/l (T2), consists of amino and organic acids, was significantly superior and recorded maximum germination capacity and germination percentage 62% and 94% respectively, take minimum time for seeds germination 5.2 day, highest homogeneity of seed germination 14.5 seed/day and seed vigor 1.78 g/100 seedling emergence. Field experiment revealed that foliar application of organic fertilizers significantly improved plant growth and roots yield by increasing plant height, plant fresh weight, leaves fresh weight, roots fresh weight and harvest index. Among treatments, Agro 1.5 mL (T4) “45% organic material in the form of amino acids + (Fe, Mn, S, Zn, B, Cu, Mo)” recorded maximum plant height 43.1 cm, plant fresh weight 143 g, roots fresh weight 111 g and harvest index 77.60%.

Mental Distress and Psychological Disorders Related to COVID-19 Mandatory Quarantine

Abstract: Background: Restrictions that were enforced from COVID-19 have affected many people’s lifestyles and ability to earn. They caused a distress that even added to the war stress that the Syrian population has encountered for the last 10 years. This study aims to assess this distress and the major concerns of the people related to COVID-19. Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed using SPTSS, K10, and MSPSS were used with other demographic, war- and COVID-19-related questions that were taken from The (CRISIS) V0.1 Adult Self-Report Baseline Form. Outcomes: Our sample included 5588 with the mean age of 26.84 ± 7.815 years. Of those, only one was a confirmed COVID-19 case. Over 42.7% had two or more positive PTSD symptoms, 42.6% had moderate or severe mental disorder, but only 14.9% had low social support. Higher PTSD and K10 scores overall were seen in females and with most of war variables (P<0.05). Relationship with partner were negatively affected in most and distress from the declined ability to work and provide food were the most prominent. Interpretation: The indirect effect of COVID-19 is far more than that of the pathogen itself. Reduced ability to earn and to provide food was the main concerns. Relationships deteriorated mainly in participants with high K10 and PTSD scores who also felt more symptoms and used more hypnotics in the last 4 weeks. Smoking changes were not related to K10 and PTSD. Social support played a role in reducing stress, but with the relationships being affected, lower support was seen. Funding Statement: None. Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: The study protocol and ethical aspects were reviewed and approved by Damascus University deanship, Damascus, Syria. Online informed consent was taken before proceeding with the survey for participating in the research, and for using and publishing the data.

Prevalence of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease in War-Torn Syria and Its Association with Smoking and Other Risks

Backgrounds: Syria has entered its ninth year of conflict and as its medical sector facing major hurdles, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is often overlooked although it has an association with worsening quality of life and affecting many aspects as it is chronic and left untreated although it can lead to many complications such as dysphonia. This study is to evaluate LPR prevalence and its association with different aspects such as cigarette, and shisha smoking, and the effect of war on LPR. Methods: Cross-sectional study by using online questionnaires that included demographics, smoking, war related questions and reflux symptom index (RSI) were used online in many cities around Syria. Findings: This research included 734 responders with 75.5% being female and the mean age being 23.97 years. 31.9% of subjects had symptoms suggestive of LPR. Participants were Syrians and we included every responder who agreed and did not neglect any question. We only found that being distressed from war noises was associated with positive LPR symptoms [P=0.009 (OR, 1.562; 95% CI 1.117-2.183)], but losing someone or changing place of living due to war were not associated with LPR. LPR was associated with cigarette smoking (P<0.05). Finally, having asthma, and male gender in the younger population were associated with LPR (P<0.05). No clear association with age, or shisha and no significant associations were found with consanguinity, marital status, educational level and SES. Interpretations: About one third had LPR symptoms. War distress from war noise, cigarette smoking, asthma, and allergic were significantly correlated with LPR. Funding Statement: None. Declaration of Interests: None to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by Damascus University, faculty of medicine.

Assessment of a single versus double application of low-level laser therapy in pain reduction following orthodontic elastomeric separation: A randomized controlled trial.

Periodontal ligament (PDL) pain, associated with the insertion of elastomeric separators, is one of the most annoying experiences at the beginning of orthodontic treatment. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has recently been suggested as a method of controlling this pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of LLLT on reducing the pain associated with elastomeric separation and to compare a single dose of LLLT (1 h before the insertion of elastomeric separators) vs 2 doses of LLLT (1 h before and immediately after the insertion). This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry of University of Damascus and at the Department of Orthodontics of Adib-Allaham Center in Damascus, Syria. The sample population was comprised of 36 patients, aged between 12 and 25 years (mean age: 17 ±3.7 years), and the patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. A split-mouth design was employed. One group received 1 dose of laser therapy 1 h before the insertion of elastomeric separators, whereas the other one received 2 doses of laser therapy - 1 h before and immediately after the insertion of elastomeric separators. A GaAlAs laser with a wavelength of 830 nm and a power of 100 mW was used. The pain levels were recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) after 1, 6, 24, 48, and 96 h. Student's t-test and the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to detect significant differences. Low-level laser therapy significantly reduced post-separation pain when the experimental side was compared to the placebo side in the single-irradiation group (p < 0.05). Low-level laser therapy significantly reduced separation pain with no statistical difference between single and double irradiation protocols (p > 0.05). Low-level laser therapy had a positive effect on reducing the pain associated with elastomeric separation, whether it was applied as a single dose before elastomeric separation or as a double dose before and after this procedure.

Efficacy of Aloe-Vera Use for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

ABSTRACT Oral mucositis can be caused by chemotherapy and can affect a patient’s quality of life. Nowadays, to prevent chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (CIOM) is a crucial point in palliative care centers. This trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of aloe-vera in that concept. The trial was accomplished at Hematology Department of Hospital of Children of Damascus University, Syria. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) children were the population from which 26 children were enrolled in the study. They were aged between 3 and 6 years old and were randomly referred according to the intervention into two groups, Aloe-vera (AV) and sodium bicarbonate 5% (13 each). Spongeous sticks were used to help in applying the material on tongue, labial and buccal mucosa, lips, floor of the mouth, and hard palate. Two blinded external examiners evaluated oral mucosa weekly for up to 2 months using the World Health Organization grading scale. Mann–Whitney U test was used to analyze data. According to the observed findings, CIOM degrees were less severe in the aloe-vera group than in the sodium bicarbonate group. Statistically significant difference of occurrence of different CIOM degrees between groups was recorded in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th weeks of follow-up period. Moreover, Mann–Whitney U test indicated that patients in the sodium bicarbonate group began CIOM sooner than those in the aloe-vera group with a statistically significant difference (p = .001). These findings show that topical application of aloe-vera solution is effective in the prevention of CIOM in ALL children.

Stomach Cancer and Parabens

Background and Objectives: Parabens are one of the chemicals used widely in preserving foods and pharmaceutical preparations. Although it was safe for many years, recently it has been proven that its action mimics estrogen in the body when it is linked to its receptors, known as estrogen receptors which are present in many systems of the body and that it may have a link with breast cancer, especially after it was found in samples of breast cancer. As known that estrogen receptors are placed in different areas in the body, including the stomach, therefore it may have a role in cancer formation and development in the stomach.&#x0D; The purpose of this manuscript is to investigate the presence of Methyl, Ethyl and Propylparaben in stomach cancer in men and women.&#x0D; Methods: Samples of stomach cancer have been collected immediately after surgery in Al Assad University Hospital and after extracting parabens from samples, they have been analyzed by HPLC / MS in the science faculty at Damascus University.&#x0D; Results: All samples have the three types of parabens with total mean concentration (22.5 ± 0.4 ng/g).&#x0D; The concentration of Methylparaben was the highest (8.2 ± 0.3 ng/g) then Propylparaben (7.4 ± 0.4 ng/g) and finally Ethylparaben (6.9 ± 0.2 ng/g).&#x0D; Conclusion: Because of the presence of parabens in all stomach cancer samples, so more studies must be done to research if parabens may have any effect in the formation of abnormal cells and the formation of cancer in the body systems which have estrogen receptors.

A Randomised Clinical Radiological Study using Platelet Rich Fibrin and MTA in Pulpotomy of First Permanent Immature Molars

Introduction: Maintaining a vital pulp of immature permanent teeth is an essential and important requirement for dentin formation. Every effort must be made to preserve the vitality of teeth with incomplete apices to maintain the physiological apex generation process as much as possible. Pulpotomy is considered as one of the successful procedures to maintain this process in immature teeth. Aim: To evaluate the treatment success of pulpotomy of first immature molars with irreversible pulpitis using Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) or Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and monitoring the teeth for one year. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical and radiological double-blinded evaluation was conducted in the Department of Paediatric Dentistry at Damascus University, Damascus, Syria. The research sample consisted of 24 first permanent immature molars in 20 children between age group of 6-8 years. Each of them had at least one first permanent immature molar with irreversible pulpitis. The research sample was randomly divided into two equal groups according to the treatment method: 1) pulpotomy with PRF; and 2) pulpotomy using MTA. Treatment were evaluated through periodic reviews and clinical and radiological examinations of the treated teeth by three specialists to assess treatment success. The treatment outcome was determined in terms of success or failure during two study periods (after six months and after one year). McNemar’s and Chi-square tests were applied using IBM SPSS version 20.0. The significance level was set at p-value &lt;0.05. Results: Chi-square test showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the treatment success or failure between the treatment groups after six months and one year follow-up, p&gt;0.05. After analysing the results statistically using McNemar’s test, it was observed that the treatment success rate after one year (50%, n=6) was lesser than that after six months (100%, n=12) in the MTA treatment group (p=0.031). In the treatment group using PRF, no significant difference (p=0.125) was observed in the success or failure of treatment between the two studied time periods (after six months and one year). Overall, the success rate of MTA was slightly higher than the success rate of PRF at the two study time periods (after six months and one year), the difference however was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Performing first immature molar pulpotomy using MTA had a slightly higher success rate than PRF pulpotomy.

Free Calcified Fibrous Mass Cluster Shape Isolated Peritoneal and Retroperitoneal: Case Report

A 45-year-old G8p7 female patient is with no co-morbidities and no history of previous abdominal surgery. The patient visited Damascus University Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital with complaints of chronic abdominal pain for the last seven months that did not respond to analgesics. The patient also complained about intermittent mild vaginal bleeding that had not stopped after six months of hormonal therapy. The patient underwent CT imaging which reveals numerous calcifications within the abdomen. The largest is 4 cm. Endometrial thickness is about 15 mm. During the surgery, several hard blocks were seen in the abdomen with free movement, White color and different morphologies. In the pelvis, uterus was slightly enlarged with a cluster shaped mass palpated on the both sides of the rectum. In pathology these blocks were diagnosed as collagenase fibrous nodules with secondary calcification.

Effect of using insert on the flow pressure in cylindrical silo

Abstract This paper presents an experimental investigation of the discharge flow pressure in the vertical silo and the hopper due to the use of insert (top cone with trunk cone bottom). Using the Insert inside the silos is one of the proposed solutions to avoid the problems of having funnel flow pattern, which has a significant effect on the distribution of flow pressure exerted on the silo wall and the hopper. The experiments were performed on a metal cylinder prototype; corn was used as a granular material, and the wall and hopper pressure distribution was measured by a special pressure transducer. The experiments revealed an important result in the flow pressure due to the change in the location of the insert. The experiments were conducted in Damascus University laboratories.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of olive oil to prevent chemotherapy induced oral mucositis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical application of olive oil either to delay chemotherapy induced oral mucositis (OM) or to alleviate its severity in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia children. Materials and methodsa randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Hematology-Oncology Department of Children's Hospital of Damascus University, Syria. 24 children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia aged between 4 and 6 years old were randomly assigned into two groups, olive oil and sodium bicarbonate 5% (12 in each group).Preventive protocol started two days before the induction of chemotherapeutic drugs. Topical application was done by a sterilized spongeous stick in order to swab tongue, buccal mucosa, floor of the mouth, lips and hard palate, as those tissues of the mouth are susceptible to chemotherapy induced OM [1]. The study period was within induction and consolidation phases of chemotherapy. Oral mucosa was assessed weekly up to eight weeks by two external investigators using the World Health Organization grading scale. ResultsData was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. Based on the observed results, (OM) grades were with less severity in olive oil group than in sodium bicarbonate group with statistically significant difference reported from the 2 nd week of study phase. In addition, Mann-Whitney U test demonstrated that patients in olive oil group started (OM) later than those in sodium bicarbonate group with statistically significant difference (p = 0.022). As a result, olive oil retarded the beginning of oral mucositis (OM) compared with sodium bicarbonate. Conclusionsolive oil can be used topically on oral tissues to prevent chemotherapy induced (OM) in acute lymphoblastic leukemia children.

A Study of Neonatal Risks of Maternal Diabetes in Maternity University Hospital, Damascus, Syria

To study the association between maternal diabetes and adverse neonatal outcomes of congenital malformations, neurological and respiratory problems and their relations to the type of diabetes mellitus. Design: A population-based retrospective cohort study. Setting: Maternity University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Damascus University, Damascus, Syria. Patients: All newborns of maternal diabetes from January 2018- January 2019.

Effect of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements as an Adjuvant Therapy to Metformin on Menstrual Cycle Abnormalities, Hormonal Profile, and IGF-1 System in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Objective This study aims to investigate the effect of combining calcium and vitamin D supplements with metformin on menstrual cycle abnormalities, gonadotropins, and IGF-1 system in vitamin D-deficient/insufficient PCOS women. Study Design This is a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Setting This study was performed in Damascus University of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital and Orient Hospital, in Damascus, Syria. Materials and Methods Forty PCOS women with 25-OH-vitamin D < 30 ng/ml were randomly assigned to take either metformin (1500 mg/daily) plus placebo or metformin (1500 mg/daily) plus calcium (1000 mg/daily) and vitamin D3 (6000 IU/daily) orally for 8 weeks. Serum levels of gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) were detected at the baseline during the early follicular phase of a spontaneous or induced menstrual cycle and after 8 weeks of intervention (except for the final gonadotropins levels which were assayed from samples obtained during the early follicular phase of a spontaneous menstrual cycle). Results Thirty-four patients (85%) completed the study. After 8 weeks of intervention, calcium and vitamin D co-supplementation led to a significant increase in 25-OH-vitamin D levels and calcium levels in the supplementation group compared to the other group (change in 25-OH-vitamin D levels: +19.38 ± 7.78 vs +0.11 ± 4.79 ng/ml, respectively; p value=0.0001) (change in calcium levels: +0.83 ± 0.82 vs +0.01 ± 0.86 mg/dl, respectively; p value=0.014). An improvement in menstrual cycle irregularity was detected in 38.5% and 58.8% of patients in metformin-placebo group and metformin-calcium-vitamin D group, respectively; but the change was statistically significant only in the supplementation group (p value=0.002). Nevertheless, the means of changes from baseline in gonadotropins levels (serum levels of LH, FSH, and LH to FSH ratio) and the studied parameters of IGF-1 system (serum levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-1, and IGF-1 to IGFBP-I ratio) did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions Calcium and vitamin D supplements can support metformin effect on regulation of menstrual cycle irregularity in vitamin D-deficient/insufficient PCOS patients, but this effect is not associated with any significant changes in gonadotropins or IGF-1 system. These results suggest a possible role of calcium and vitamin D supplements in managing PCOS. However, further studies are needed to identify the underlying mechanisms. The Clinical Trial Registration Number is NCT03792984.

Evaluation of the apical extrusion of sodium hypochlorite gel in immature permanent teeth: An in vitro study.

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) gel has been suggested as a safer substitute in open apices as compared to solution, with the same antimicrobial effect. This study aimed to compare the amount of the apical extrusion of NaOCl gel and solution in immature permanent teeth. A crossover in vitro study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry of Damascus University, Syria. Thirty freshly extracted immature single-rooted human premolars were decoronated and the cavity was then accessed. The teeth were radiographed to determine the mesiodistal dimension of the apex. In addition, the surface area of the apical foramen was calculated with Adobe Photoshop® to evaluate the amount of extrusion from the whole surface of the apex. The teeth were divided into 2 groups according to the size of the apex: ≤2.5 mm (group A) and >2.5 mm (group B); each group was irrigated with 5 mL of NaOCl solution and 2 different commercial types of NaOCl gel for 60 s, and then the extruded irrigant was measured in a plastic vial. The data was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis. Based on the observed results, a statistically significant difference was noted (p = 0) between NaOCl solution and gel when the apical diameter was ≤2.5 mm, while there was no significant difference between the 2 types of NaOCl gel. No statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.2) between NaOCl solution and gel when the apical diameter was >2.5 mm. Sodium hypochlorite gel is safer than solution when irrigating immature teeth with the apical diameter ≤2.5 mm.

The reality of the use of postgraduate students in the Faculty of Education Damascus University for E- mail in education

The study was used to study the reality of the use of postgraduate students for e- mail. The descriptive descriptive method was used. The questionnaire was used as a tool for study، which averaged 1.99 and a standard deviation of 0.61. It was applied to 45 students from post- Different The results showed that postgraduate students have a desire to use e- mail in university education and to communicate with colleagues and faculty members. However، there are obstacles to their use. The faculty members do not encourage students to use e- mail، lack e- mail skills، Access to the internet laboratory at the college، the reluctance of faculty members to give their email address to students، network problems (slow) In the light of the results، a set of recommendations and proposals were presented to activate the use of e- mail in university education، especially among postgraduate students in the Faculty of Education and various Syrian and Arab universities

The Founding of Damascus University 1903-1936: An essay in praise of the pioneers

Damascus University, a pioneer in Levantine academia, has generally been ignored by Syriatologists and historians. Its story speaks volumes about the founding fathers of the Syrian Republic, however, and the anti-colonial movement under French Mandate rule. This article looks its the founding yea8rs under Ottoman times and ends with the tenure of its founder and first president Riḍà Saʿīd. Given that collapse of higher education in Syria at present, because of the current war, it is imperative to look back and see how Syrian academics emerged from times of war to revamp their university after the turmoil of World War I and French occupation. Present academics might find inspiration and a roadmap for the future in looking at the university’s past and the deeds of its founders.

A comparison between modified and conventional surgical techniques for surgical lip repositioning in the management of the gummy smile.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare conventional and modified lip repositioning surgical techniques used for management of gummy smile involving hyperactive lip elevator muscles. A prospective study was conducted between April 2016 and May 2017. Twenty two adult patients aged 18-38 years with gummy smile ranging from 4 to 6 mm because of soft tissue disorders were included in the study. All patients were treated in the oral and maxillofacial department at Damascus University. The sample was divided into two groups of 11 patients. The first group was treated by the conventional standard technique, and the second group treated by a modified study technique. The amount of gingival display in full smile was evaluated in both groups following each intervention. Both groups exhibited a statistically significant reduction in the measurement of gummy smile at month 1 and 6 postoperatively (P < .05), but there was no significant difference in gingival display at 3 months in either group postoperatively (P > .05). The recent study showed a significant difference in gingival display between 3 and 6 months postoperatively in group 1, but no significant difference in group 2. This study showed that the modified technique utilized in treating gummy smile has less relapse after surgery, shows excellent cosmesis and compared to the conventional technique, greater sustainability. The recent increase in demand for an esthetic smile has led to the development a modification of conventional lip repositioning for correcting gummy smile by myotomy of lip elevator muscles. This modified technique offers less relapse and greater stability post-operatively than the conventional technique.

Lip repositioning with a myotomy of the elevator muscles for the management of a gummy smile.

Excessive gingival display ≥4 mm is commonly referred to as a "gummy smile", which is caused by several different etiologies and can be corrected using various techniques. Therefore, the etiology of a gummy smile dictates the most appropriate treatment approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical lip repositioning technique (a full-thickness flap with a myotomy of the elevator muscles) in the management of a gummy smile in the range of 4-6 mm, caused by soft tissue disorders (short upper lip, hyperactive lip elevator muscles). A prospective study was conducted between April 2016 and May 2017. Fourteen adult patients, aged 18-38 years, with a gummy smile of 4-6 mm, caused by soft tissue disorders were included in the study. All patients were treated by the surgical lip repositioning technique (a full-thickness flap with a myotomy of the elevator muscles) in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Damascus University, Syria. The amount of gingival display in a full smile and complications after surgery were evaluated in the current study. The results were as follows: the mean amount of gingival display in a full smile was 6.36 mm preoperatively, after 1 month postoperatively - 0.91 mm, after 3 months - 2.27 mm, after 6 months - 2.45 mm. The post-surgery complications were as follows: the infection did not appear in any patient, flap dehiscence appeared in 2 patients (14.2%), numbness appeared in 9 patients (64.2%). Pain recurrences varied between mild pain in 5 patients (35.7%) and moderate pain in 3 patients (21.4%). The proposed surgical lip repositioning technique showed effectiveness in reducing the amount of gingival display in a full smile through postoperative follow-up periods. All the postoperative complications are temporary and fade within a short period after the surgical procedure, making lip repositioning a safe surgical technique.

The Degree of Possession of Metacognitive Thinking Skills of Students in Undergraduate Psychology Courses at the University of Damascus

The Degree of Possession of Metacognitive Thinking Skills of Students in Undergraduate Psychology Courses at the University of Damascus

Enamel resistance to demineralisation around orthodontic brackets after CO2 laser irradiation: a randomised clinical trial.

To evaluate the clinical effect of 10.6 µm CO2 laser irradiation on the formation of demineralised lesions (DLs) around orthodontic brackets. A two-arm, split-mouth, randomised clinical trial (RCT). The Orthodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, Syria. Twenty-six patients with a total of 520 teeth were recruited into the trial. Two reversed quadrants of the dental arches in each patient were randomly allocated to CO2 laser application around the orthodontic brackets. The other two quadrants received a control non-therapeutic light. There was blinding of both patients and assessors in the study. The primary outcome was the presence or absence of at least one new DL observed by clinical and photographic examinations. Secondary outcomes included the degree and area of DLs measured on digital images and DIAGNOdent assessment. Teeth were examined before bonding (T0), after bonding and laser irradiation (T1), after 1 month (T2), 2 months (T3) and 6 months (T4). The presence of at least new DL was significantly lower in the laser group when observed at 2 and 6 months (P < .0001), the DLs degree and area were also significantly lower in the laser group at 2 and 6 months (P ≤ .005), and DIAGNOdent values were significantly lower in the laser group (P < .0001) at all observation times. Enamel irradiation with a CO2 laser (at the wavelength of 10.6 µm) has an inhibitory effect on DL formation during orthodontic treatments. Registration: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03114475.

Master degree under crisis

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore why students decide to enrol in a business postgraduate programme at Damascus University in the current Syrian crisis.Design/methodology/approachExploration of students’ motives was generated in this study using semi-structured interviews. On the basis of saturation sampling, 11 interviews took place in the leading Syrian university providing postgraduate programmes, Damascus University.FindingsThe results from the interviews indicate the existence of six different motives for students to enrol in a postgraduate study: self-motives, professional motives, social motives, academic motives, lack of vision, and delaying military service, which is directly caused by the current war conditions in Syria.Practical implicationsUnderstanding postgraduates’ motives is essential at the national level, the institutional level, and also at the individual level to make better future plans related to opening new programmes or altering admission criteria. Recommendations to higher education policy makers are highlighted in the study.Originality/valueThe majority of previous studies concentrate on students’ motives to pursue postgraduate studies during financial crisis. However, very little is known on why students decide to enrol in a business postgraduate programme in a war context.