Clearing the path to vision restoration: an analysis of attitudes and associated factors towards cornea donation in Syria.

Objective: This study aims to assess attitudes and associated factors towards cornea donation among visitors of a main public hospital in Damascus. Findings of this study can contribute to the development of effective donation campaigns and applying cornea donation in Syria.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included individuals who were above 18 years old and were visitors of Al-Mouwasat University Hospital in Damascus, Syria.

War-related ocular injuries in Damascus during the Syrian Crisis.

Background: . Ocular injuries constitute a major cause of visual morbidity, and they have a significant socioeconomic impact worldwide. We aimed to document the types and causes of Syrian War related ocular injuries in Damascus, Syria.

Molecular epidemiology and socio-demographic risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among women in Lebanon.

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause a major public health problem that affect both men and women in developing and developed countries. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of 11 STIs among women who voluntarily participated in the study, while seeking gynecological checkup. The existence of an association between the presence of pathogens and symptoms and various sociodemographic risk factors was assessed.

Comparison of various concentrations of tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles on mechanical properties and remineralization of fissure sealants.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties (flexural strength, micro-shear bond strength) and remineralizing potential of fissure sealants by adding various concentrations of β-tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles.

Materials And Methods: This in-vitro study consisted of five experimental groups containing prepared nano-fisssure sealants (1-5 wt.% β-TCP nanoparticles) and two control groups containing a prepared and a commercial fissure sealant.

Hepatitis C virus therapy is associated with lower health care costs not only in noncirrhotic patients but also in patients with end-stage liver disease.

Background: The effect of anti-viral treatment on downstream costs for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients is unknown.

Aim: To evaluate follow-up costs in patients with chronic HCV, stratified by liver disease severity.

Methods: Using a US private insurance database, mean all-cause per-patient-per-month (PPPM) US (2010) medical costs were calculated for HCV-infected persons who did and did not receive anti-HCV treatment between January 2002 and August 2010.