Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Syria”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1988

Species identification and serotyping (capsular antigen) of Pasteurella strains from sheep flocks in south Germany and in Syria.

135 Pasteurella strains were cultivated from nasal swabs of sheep as well as pneumonic lungs of dead and slaughtered sheep. The specimen originated from 41 flocks in South Germany and from 15 flocks and 60 slaughter sheep in Syria (Hama region). Serovariety A2 prevailed amongst P. haemolytica strains (6) isolated in South Germany (53 strains) and in Syria (41 strains). In addition 10 further serovarieties were identified in South Germany (next frequent were A8, A1 and A6) and 7 in Syria. Untypable strains appeared to be more frequent in Syria. Other Pasteurellae (17) represented 1/4 of isolates in Syria and 1/3 of isolates in South Germany. Species identification resulted in P. multocida ssp. multocida (25), P. multocida ssp. septica (4 strains, Syria only), P. canis (3 strains, South Germany only) and Pasteurella-like strains (9 strains). Twelve P. multocida ssp. multocida strains carried capsular antigen D and 7 capsular antigen A. In most cases where multiple samples were examined from one flock, strains with different capsular antigens and/or belonging to different Pasteurella species were isolated (max. 8).

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Cost-effectiveness of different treatment strategies for tuberculosis in Egypt and Syria.

SETTING: The National Tuberculosis Programmes in Egypt and Syria. OBJECTIVES: To calculate the costs and effectiveness of alternative ways of implementing TB control in Egypt and Syria, in order to illustrate the factors influencing the cost-effectiveness of TB treatment in middle-income countries. DESIGN: We compared the costs and cure rates in Egypt and Syria of the World Health Organization recommended directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) strategy and alternative strategies. The study included costs both to the health services and to the patient. RESULTS: In Egypt and Syria, the cost-effectiveness of DOTS implemented through the primary health care (PHC) system was respectively $258 and $243 per patient cured. This compares to a cost per patient cured of $297 (Egypt) and $693 (Syria) for alternative strategies implemented through specialist clinics. In Egypt, when DOTS is implemented through specialist chest clinics it costs $585 per patient cured. Hospitalisation costs either $1490, $1621 or $1699 per patient cured, depending on treatment delivery in the continuation phase. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the move towards DOTS integrated at the PHC level has substantially improved the effectiveness of TB treatment in Egypt and Syria, without substantially increasing costs. An analysis of the different costs and effectiveness of the variety of TB treatment strategies has enabled both National Tuberculosis Programmes to expand DOTS and implement it in a way that takes into account limited resources and local health systems.

Antitubercular Agents↗
PubMed2002

Smoking in Syria: profile of a developing Arab country.

One of the main obstacles to tobacco control in the Middle East lies in the shortage of reliable, standardised data on the spread and patterns of tobacco use in society. In Syria, a project aiming at drawing an epidemiological map of the tobacco epidemic in this country was started 4 years ago. Overall, nine studies have resulted, with a total of 6780 participants. The crude prevalence of current smoking among adults in Syria, based on combined information from all studies, is 48% and 9% for males and females, respectively. The prevalence of current smoking among high school adolescents is 16% and 7% for boys and girls, respectively, and was strongly associated with parental and sibling smoking. High school students from families with parents and/or siblings who smoked were 4.4 times more likely to be current smokers than those from non-smoking families. The biggest influx of new smokers among males in Syria is occurring in the early twenties, but an earlier pattern can occur among youths with low academic performance or socioeconomic status. Smoking in women, evaluated by data from physicians, tends to start later than in men and continues to increase with age. Women's smoking in Syria is related to their level of social liberalisation. Data show that active smoking is associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases among smokers, and that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms in children. Knowledge about the harmful effects of smoking and the desire to quit are disproportionate to the rate of successful cessation. The evidence collected indicates possible avenues for tobacco control in Syria, including price increases, smoking cessation programmes, restriction of adolescents' access to cigarettes, and intensive prevention work among women.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

A review of the oral health status in Syria.

AIM: To estimate the prevalence and severity of dental caries and periodontal diseases in Syria and to determine possible secular changes in the last two decades. METHODS: Epidemiological studies performed between 1980-1999, using the WHO criteria for dental caries and the CPITN criteria for periodontal diseases in Syria were retrieved and reviewed. RESULTS: The caries experience of 5-year-old children was high (dmft of 4.7-5.2). The estimated DMFT score of 12-year-old Syrian children was 1.9-2.3. A secular change of the caries experience in the last two decades was not apparent. The amount of untreated caries lesions was high and had not changed substantially in the last two decades. The D component comprised 72-90% of the DMFT of 12-15-year-old children and 26-30% of the DMFT of 35-44-year-old Syrians. The majority of 15-24-year-olds, and more than 80% of the 35-44-year-olds had calculus. Despite the widespread and chronic existence of calculus, only 3-11% of the 35-44-year-old persons had one or more deep periodontal pockets. CONCLUSION: The caries experience in Syria is moderately low and does not seem to have changed in the last two decades. The increased output of graduate dentists in the last decade has not changed the large amount of untreated caries lesions. In Syria, where the prevalence of unmet (caries) treatment needs is high, regular removal of calculus (scaling) for the sake of preventing periodontal pockets should not have a high priority in the oral health services.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Neoplastic diseases in Aleppo, Syria.

The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of occurrence and distribution of different types of neoplastic diseases in Aleppo, Syria, during one year. The study was set in Aleppo Governorate, Syria with a population of 2.7 million. Information about newly diagnosed cases of cancer was obtained from pathology labs ( =12) and general hospitals ( =5) in the city between August 1998 and August 1999. Pre-piloted charts were distributed to the labs and one of the labs staff was instructed on how to fill them. Information about benign tumours was also gathered. Between August 1998 and August 1999, 1802 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Aleppo Governorate (970 in men and 832 in women), giving an overall crude incidence rate of 72.8 per 100 000 person-years for this population. The mean age of patients diagnosed with malignant tumours was 51.2 +/- 21.3 and 47.6 +/- 18.5 for males and females, respectively. In males, age-adjusted incidence rates were higher for bladder, leukaemia and lung cancers, in that order. In females age-adjusted incidence rates were higher for breast, uterus (+ cervix) and leukaemia. In conclusion, the presented data represent the first attempt to use standardized methodology to arrive at approximate estimates of the rate of occurrence of different cancers in Aleppo, Syria, and to characterize their patterns and distribution within the population. It calls for the importance of establishing a reliable cancer registry in Syria.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Survey of dental radiographic services in private dental clinics in Damascus, Syria.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a radiographic survey of private dental clinics in Damascus, Syria using a postal questionnaire to produce recommendations for improving the quality of dental radiographic services and education in Syria. METHODS: Three hundred private dental clinics in Damascus were surveyed using a postal questionnaire (in English and Arabic) containing 27 questions on demographic information, equipment, techniques, selection criteria, frequency of examinations, and undergraduate/ postgraduate education. RESULTS: Two hundred and two (67%) dentists responded of which 95% graduated in Syria. The results showed a general lack of knowledge and understanding of dental radiography. Sixty four per cent did not know the kVp setting of their equipment, 73% used D-speed film, 57% did not use film holders and beam aiming devices, 25% did not use a viewing box. In addition, 45% of known equipment operated at 50 kVp or less and 16% was over 20 years old. No meaningful selection criteria existed with a wide variation in type and frequency of radiographs used for different clinical conditions. Syrian undergraduate training in dental radiology was minimal and there was no postgraduate education in the speciality. CONCLUSIONS: Several areas of the radiographic service in Damascus fall short of current recommendations on good practice. Recommendations are made to improve the service, the quality of undergraduate education and to establish postgraduate education.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hepatitis E in Damascus, Syria.

A hospital-based study of acute hepatitis was conducted in Damascus, Syria, from 1995 to 1998. One hundred ninety-three sera from defined acute hepatitis cases were screened by ELISA for IgM anti-HAV, HBsAg, IgM anti-HBc and anti-HCV. Serum samples negative for all markers indicating recent infection by hepatitis A, B, or C were tested for HEV markers. Overall, 47 cases (24.4%) had no detectable hepatitis markers (non-A-E). HAV infection was detected in 71.2% of all viral hepatitis cases. Acute hepatitis B and C constituted 24 and 1.4% of the cases, respectively. Only five cases of acute hepatitis E were noted. Of 47 patients who had non-A-E hepatitis, fifteen (31.9%) tested positive for IgG anti HEV. This study provides indirect evidence that HEV is very likely to be endemic in Damascus, Syria. It reports for the first time the occurrence of hepatitis E in the country, a health problem that should be investigated further.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Genetic variation among populations of the Hessian fly Mayetiola destructor (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Morocco and Syria.

The RAPD-PCR technique was used to study genetic variation within and among geographical populations of the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), from Morocco and Syria, associated with the fly's ability to overcome resistance in three wheat cultivars containing H5, H13 and H22 resistance genes. Variation was detected both for the level of susceptibility of the cultivars and RAPD profiles of M. destructor populations. By the use of RAPD-PCR, high genetic variability was detected among individuals and populations of M. destructor within and between areas separated geographically. The DNA fingerprints of populations of M. destructor were area-specific with Nei's measures of genetic distance ranging from 0.156 (between Abda and Beni Mellal, Morocco) to 1.977 (between Marchouch, Morocco and Lattakia, Syria). Cluster analysis of the genetic distances among the populations, identified the Syrian population as an outlier. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.81) observed between the genetic and geographic distances among the populations, provided genetic support for dispersal of the fly from its presumed origin in West Asia to Morocco.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Field investigations of brucellosis in cattle and small ruminants in Syria, 1990-1996.

The authors present the epidemiological status of brucellosis in cattle and small ruminants in Syria from 1990 to 1996, based on laboratory findings at the Brucellosis Centre, Damascus. Initial investigations using the Rose Bengal plate test, the complement fixation test and a miniaturised variant of the slow agglutination test were conducted throughout the country in 1990 and 1991, revealing an overall herd seroprevalence rate of 3.14% in cattle herds and 2.94% in small ruminant flocks. Although partially biased by previous vaccination of young female cattle with S19 vaccine, these figures indicate that brucellosis in cattle is widespread, particularly in the urban governorates (provinces) of Damascus, Aleppo and Suwaydah. Brucellosis seroprevalence in sheep and goats was relatively high in the governorates of Damascus, Aleppo and Dara'a. The results of a second series of investigations, performed between 1992 and 1996, show that herd seroprevalence in cattle decreased steadily from 17.48% in 1992, to 2.59% in 1996, in the Government-owned farms, while seroprevalence increased in the private sector during the same period. The difference may be explained by the restriction of brucellosis vaccination to public farms (although this was far from systematic), combined with partial application of a 'test-and-slaughter' policy. In sheep and goats, brucellosis seroprevalence fluctuated in the two sectors, but was higher in the private sector where husbandry is principally extensive. Bacteriological investigations led to the isolation of Brucella melitensis biovars 2 and 3 in sheep and B. abortus biovar 9 in cattle. Although no specific methodology was employed, particularly with regard to sampling, this study is significant as the first international report of the distribution of brucellosis in Syria. Further, well-structured studies are required, the results of which could be used to plan an appropriate national control programme for brucellosis.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed2000

Molecular characterization of beta-thalassemia in Syria.

This study concerns the determination of beta-thalassemia alleles and other hemoglobin variants in 82 patients from Syria. We have characterized 146 chromosomes and found 17 different beta-thalassemia mutations, and one beta-globin chain variant that gives rise to the abnormal Hb S. The eight most common beta-thalassemia mutations were the IVS-I-110 (G-->A), IVS-I-1 (G-->A), codon 5 (-CT), -30 (T-->A), codon 39 (C-->T), IVS-I-6 (T-->C), IVS-II-1 (G-->A), and codon 15 (TGG-->TAG). These mutations accounted for almost 75% of the total beta-thalassemia chromosomes. We identified 34 different genotypes with a high level of homozygosity. The various beta-thalassemia mutations were characterized using gene amplification with specific oligonucleotide primers, restriction enzyme analysis, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and direct sequencing. By combining these three approaches we were able to detect mutations in almost 90% of the chromosomes studied. Our findings provide a sound foundation on which to base a preventive program for thalassemia and we believe that the data that we present will facilitate the improvement of medical services such as carrier screening, genetic counseling, and prenatal diagnosis. Furthermore a detailed knowledge of the molecular pathology of beta-thalassemia will strongly improve the prenatal diagnosis services in Syria.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Serologic and virologic investigations on the presence of BLV infection in a dairy herd in Syria].

237 cattle of a dairy herd in Syria were tested for anti-BLV antibody by the ELISA. 194 animals were additionally examined by the agar gel immunodiffusions test (AGID) on BLV antibodies and 100 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BLV provirus. BLV specific antibodies were determined by means of AGID and ELISA at 62.9% and 69.2% of the examined animals, respectively. Using the PCR method the BLV provirus was detected in 89% of the investigated cattle. Only one ELISA seropositive animal was negative for BLV provirus. The results show the high BLV contamination of this herd and lead to the presumption of wide spread enzootic bovine leukosis in Syria. In the case of the diagnosis of BLV-infection, the PCR-technique compared to the serological tests proved to be much more sensitive. By the detection of BLV antibody, the ELISA showed a higher sensitivity than the AGID and in this way, is advisable as a method of choice for screening investigations. Restriction enzyme and sequence analysis of PCR-amplificates demonstrate that different BLV provirus variants (A, B and C) in the examined herd occur, where the variant C which a high similarity to an Australian BLV provirus isolates showed, occurred most frequently at 92.5%.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Human cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania Major MON-26 in the region of Damascus (Syria)].

In response to an epidemic of oriental sore around Damascus, an ecological and epidemiological survey was carried out in the village of Dmeir, 40 km NE of Damascus. Parasites isolated from six cases from Dmeir, and two other cases from Syria were identified as Leishmania major, zymodeme MON-26. This zymodeme is known as the agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis from the Sub-Saharian Sahel to the Near and Middle East. This is the first report of L. major in Syria. In a group of 234 school children aged 5-11 years, the leishmanin skin test was positive in 37%, indicating a high transmission rate. The epidemic seems to be the result of agricultural and industrial development projects in the area: numbers of both the gerbil reservoir host and sandfly vector appear to be increased by the land improvement.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1972

Differences in the severity of physical signs in the right and left eyes of patients with trachoma in Syria and Burma.

A field record card to permit the recording of physical signs separately in the two eyes, in cases of trachoma was produced by WHO in 1967. The card was used to record clinical examinations in a controlled trial in Syria in 1967 and in the running assessment of a trachoma control programme in Burma in 1968-69.Differences in physical signs in the two eyes were observed in over 20% of cases in Syria and over 35% of cases in Burma. Even when limited to the same stage of infection, differences between the two eyes in the same individual are in the order of 10%. Limiting the examination to one eye underestimates prevalence and severity and overestimates changes in the disease pattern with time; a combined reading for both eyes should give a more accurate picture of infection. A computer could be used in special studies to free the observer from the need to make subjective judgements concerning the more severely affected eye.

Child↗
PubMed2001

A multi-center study in order to further define the molecular basis of beta-thalassemia in Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Syria, and India, and to develop a simple molecular diagnostic strategy by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction.

The spectrum of the beta-thalassemia mutations of Thailand, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Syria has been further characterized by a multi-center study of 1,235 transfusion-dependent patients, and the mutations discovered used to assess the fidelity of a simple diagnostic strategy. A total of 44 beta-thalassemia mutations were identified either by allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization, amplification with allele-specific primers, or DNA sequencing of amplified product. The results confirm and extend earlier findings for Thailand, Pakistan, India, Mauritius and Syria. This is the first detailed report of the spectrum of mutations for Sri Lanka. Two novel mutations were identified, codon 55 (-A) and IVS-I-129 (A-->C), both found in Sri Lankan patients. Two beta-thalassemia mutations were found to coexist in one beta-globin gene: Sri Lankan patients homozygous for the beta0 codon 16 (-C) frameshift were also homozygous for the beta+ codon 10 (C-->A) mutation. Studies of Sri Lankan, Pakistani, and Indian carriers suggest the codon 10 (C-->A) mutation is just a rare polymorphism on an ancestral allele, on which the beta0 codon 16 (-C) mutation has arisen. Each country was found to have only a few common mutations accounting for 70% or more of the beta-thalassemia alleles. A panel of primers to diagnose the majority of the mutations by the amplification refractory mutation system was developed, enabling a simple molecular diagnostic strategy to be introduced for each country participating in the multi-center study.

Asia↗
PubMed1995

Chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes from two groups of workers occupationally exposed to pesticides in Syria.

The cytogenetic effects of pesticides used for hygienic purposes or pest control of crops were studied in two groups of highly chronic or acutely exposed workers (sprayers and dealers) in Damascus, Syria, using the peripheral human lymphocyte system and analyzing chromosomal aberrations. In general, the effects were small, but in the hygiene pesticide-sprayer group that was tested at the beginning, middle, and end of the spraying season, an increase in chromatid breaks was observed and at the end of spraying season it reached threefold the mean chromatid breaks of control group. The group composed of dealers and of people working in quality control of pesticides, which was studied once, showed a number of chromatid breaks similar to that of the sprayer group at the end of spraying season.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Estimation of stature from the skeletal reconstruction of an immature Neandertal from Dederiyeh cave, Syria.

Skeletal reconstruction of a child Neandertal unearthed at Dederiyeh Cave, Syria in 1993, is undertaken and the acquired stature discussed. Although the skeletal remains were well preserved, the reconstruction required several assumptions to be made because of the immature status of the specimen. The assumptions were mainly concerned with distances between bones in the inter-vertebral spaces and in the joints of the hip, knee, and ankle. These were estimated from X-ray films of modern children and data from previous studies. Stature was directly measured on the reconstruction, and found to be 79.2 cm. After corrections for soft tissue thickness and shrinkage of the casts, the stature became 81.7 cm. This estimate is consistent with estimates based on regression equations of long bone lengths, especially from those of the lower extremity. In comparison with longitudinal data for white American boys, the assessment of stature for Dederiyeh varied according to the estimated age. For a younger estimated age, the stature falls in the lower half of the white American range of variation, but with an older estimated age, it falls below the lower limit of the range of variation. Other immature Neandertals including two European specimens, Roc de Marsal and La Ferrassie 6, fall below the lower limit of the 5th to 95th percentile range based on the estimated statures from their long bone lengths. More comprehensive age assessment covering both fossil and modern humans is required before accurate conclusions in relation to Neandertal growth can be drawn.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Summer-arrested development of abomasal trichostrongylids in Awassi sheep in semi-arid areas of north-west Syria.

Inhibition in trichostrongylids was studied in Awassi sheep in North-west Syria, which has cold winters and hot summers. On six occasions during a 1-year period, five ewes with natural helminth infections were slaughtered after being held in pens for 3 weeks. The percentage of inhibited larvae was lowest in January (6%); it increased during the spring to 76.7% in April and to 84.6% in June and then decreased during the autumn (57.1% in September, 26.1% in December). Inhibition occurred mainly during the early fourth stage in mucosa but was also observed during the late fourth stage in digesta. Teladorsagia circumcincta was the main species involved, but it seemed that this phenomenon also occurred in Marshallagia marshalli.

Abomasum↗