The Effect of Metabolic Persian Diet on Ovulation Induction in Infertile Women.

Introduction: Infertility is an important issue with a high social and psychological burden. From the perspective of Persian Medicine (PM), uterine cold temperament is one of the important causes of female infertility. Aim: The aim of this study was to study the effect of PM or Iranian traditional medicine on improving ovulation and fertility. Methods: From January 2017 to August 2017, sixty infertile women with eugonadotropic ovulation disorder were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups were treated with clomiphene citrate, except that the intervention group also received metabolic Persian diet (MPD). In each cycle, the dominant follicles and endometrium were investigated with ultrasound. At the end of the cycle, beta human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) was evaluated and if positive, another ultrasound was performed two weeks later to confirm early pregnancy. Results: The number of dominant follicles from the first to third cycle increased from 2.15 ± 1.14 to 2.28 ± 0.61 in the intervention group and decreased from 1.86 ± 0.79 to 1.30 ± 0.47 in the control group. The dominant follicle size changed from 16.00 ± 4.08 to 18.78 ± 2.78 and from 15.05 ± 3.11 to 15.80 ± 3.89 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. But endometrial thickness did not change significantly in the intervention group. Pregnancy results based on ß-HCG and ultrasound findings were positive in 19 and 16 patients in the intervention group and in 10 and 7 patients in the control group, implying significantly higher numbers in the first group. Conclusion: It seems that MPD may be effective in the success of ovulation induction.

Comodulation Masking Release in Tinnitus Frequency and One Lower Octave of Tinnitus Frequency.

Inhibitory function is the basis of many perceptual and non-perceptual abilities in the auditory system. In people with tinnitus, decreased inhibitory function in the central auditory system has been proven. This disorder is caused by an increase in neural activity caused by an imbalance between stimulation and inhibition. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare inhibitory function in persons who had tinnitus, at and one octave lower than the tinnitus frequency. Studies show that inhibition has very important role in comodulation masking release. According to inhibitory dysfunction in people with tinnitus, in this study we assessed comodulation masking release in tinnitus frequency and one lower octave. Participants were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 7 individuals with unilateral tonal tinnitus at 4 kHz and group 2 included 7 individuals with unilateral tonal tinnitus at 6 kHz. Paired test, in each group separately, showed that the comodulation masking release and Across Frequency comodulation masking release differed significantly between tinnitus frequency and one octave lower in each group (p < 0.05). In fact, the disinhibition in the area around the frequency of the tinnitus seems to be greater than the tinnitus frequency area. It seems that the results of CMRs can be used in planning and managing the treatment of people with tinnitus (such as sound therapy, etc.).

Effect of video games on preoperative anxiety in 3- to-6-year-old of a sample of Iranian children undergoing elective surgery.

BACKGROUND: As pediatric surgeries are rising and current methods to reduce perioperative anxiety are lacking in preschool children. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of video games on preoperative anxiety in 3- to-6-year old of a sample of Iranian children undergoing elective surgery children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current quasi-experimental pretest posttest design, after standard translation, the modified Yale preoperative anxiety scale was administered to 102 children undergoing surgery from December 2016 to August 2017 in Kermanshah, Iran. Children are assigned to an intervention or control group. Each child's anxiety was measured at two points at the time of arrival and after waiting for 20 min in the holding area. Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 22. The Chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test at the significance level of P < 0.05 were performed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the mean anxieties in control group (42.58 ± 18.54) and intervention group (46.11 ± 14.09) before the game (P = 0.282). However, after playing the video game in control groups (53.26 ± 18.00) and game groups (34.88 ± 10.81), there was a significant difference in favor of the video game (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Findings of the present study suggest that approved video game by experts to decrease mean preoperative anxiety in 3- to-6-year-old children. Therefore, video games recommended to be implemented at the preventive level in hospital.

Effect of sex education on sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with endometriosis: A quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a sex education program on sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with endometriosis. METHODS: In a quasi-experimental study, women with endometriosis who had undergone laparoscopic surgery were assigned to an intervention group (n = 36) or a control group (n = 36). The intervention group received a sex education program consisting of two sessions a week (90 min each) for two consecutive weeks; the control group received none. Both groups were followed for 12 weeks. Sexual function and sexual quality of life were assessed on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Sexual Quality of life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire before the intervention, as well as 8 and 12 weeks after the intervention. Outcomes were analyzed using Student t test, the χ2 test, Fisher exact test, and repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 36.9 ± 5.7 years. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of demographics and pre-intervention clinical characteristics. At the end of the study, sex education reduced female sexual dysfunction by 58.1% in the intervention group. The mean FSFI score increased significantly in the intervention group from pre-intervention to 8 and 12 weeks post-intervention compared with the scores in the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sex education appears to be a promising intervention for reducing sexual dysfunction and improving sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with endometriosis. Future studies should encompass longer periods of follow up to obtain further data on the efficacy of sex education in this setting.

The effect of exchanging drawings with peers on the happiness of children with cancer, aged 7-11 years: A clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Improving the mental status of children with cancer is part of nurses' duties in planning nursing care and is achieved in different ways. This study attempts to combine drawing with peer interaction to improve the mental status of sick children and investigate the effect of exchanging drawings with peers on these children's happiness. METHOD: This clinical trial was conducted on a sample of 66 children with cancer, ages 7-11 years, who were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention was carried out over five weeks by the exchange of drawings between healthy children at school and children with cancer. Both groups of children drew one drawing each week. The children's happiness was measured by the researcher before and after the intervention (i.e., week five) using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of happiness after the intervention. The happiness score was 3.15 ±0.34 in the control group and 3.02 ±0.3 in the intervention group before the intervention; afterwards, this score was 3.022± 0.22 among the controls and 3.11± 0.25 among the patients. The comparison of the two groups using the t-test showed P = 0.075 before the intervention and P = 0.11 after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Given the results obtained, future studies are recommended to administer lengthier interventions and enable the physical presence of healthy peers along sick children or to use the exchange of drawings with peers in combination with other psychological interventions so as to promote happiness in children with cancer.

The correlation between emotional intelligence and self-esteem in patients with intestinal stoma: A descriptive-correlational study.

AIM: Patients with intestinal stoma would experience some periods of psychological disorders such as self-esteem disturbances. Self-esteem is one of the most important factors affecting the patient's mental health. It is suggested that factors such as emotional intelligence could be related to self-esteem. This study seeks to determine the correlation between emotional intelligence and self-esteem in patients with an ostomy. DESIGN: This was a descriptive-correlational study. METHODS: This study was conducted on 155 patients with intestinal stoma referring to the selected hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences and Iranian Ostomy Association in 2018. The patients were selected using convenience sampling method. The study tools included demographic characteristics form, Rosenberg self-esteem scale and Schutte emotional intelligence questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS v.16 using descriptive and inferential statistics, including variance analysis and independent t test. RESULTS: Participants included 79 women and 76 men with the most frequency of age between 50-70 years old. 52.26% of the cases had cancer and 45.81% of the cases had inflammatory bowel disease and other related diseases. Pearson correlation coefficient results showed a positive and significant correlation between total emotional intelligence and self-esteem (r = .56) (p = <.001).

Impact of Coping Skills Training on the Quality of Life Among the Daughters of Mothers with Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cancer affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients and their families. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of coping skills training on the QoL among daughters of mothers with breast cancer. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design, data were collected from 70 participants (35 in each of the control and education groups) from January 2016 to July 2017 in Imam Khomeini and Rasole-e-Akram Hospitals in Tehran. The education group participated in a workshop and group discussion (groups of 5 to 8 participants) with the presence of a pediatric psychiatrist and two pediatric nurses, and then a follow up program was performed. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 was used in this study in two stages of pre-test (before education) and post-test (four weeks later). Data were analyzed through SPSS, version 21 using independent t-test and paired t-test for comparison of the mean scores of the two groups, with the significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: After the education, there were significantly improved scores of the QoL in the dimensions of physical functioning (P<0.001), emotional functioning (P<0.001), and school functioning (P<0.001) in the study group compared to the control group. The social functioning did not show a significant change (P<0.083). CONCLUSION: The findings of the study confirm that coping skills training can lead to the improvement of QoL in adolescent daughters of mothers with breast cancer. Healthcare professionals must provide the mothers and daughters with information about breast cancer and instruments to handle their situation to promote the daughters' QoL.

Correlation between self-efficacy and self-esteem in patients with an intestinal stoma.

BACKGROUND: Patients with an intestinal stoma experience psychological difficulties, including disturbances in self-efficacy and self-esteem. There is evidence that they are interdependent. AIM: This study aimed to determine the correlation between self-efficacy and self-esteem in patients with an intestinal stoma. METHODS: A descriptive-correlational study was conducted with 155 patients with an intestinal stoma. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using demographic questions, the stoma self-efficacy scale and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics. FINDINGS: Seventy-nine men and 76 women took part; the 50-70 years age group had the highest proportion of participants. Regarding diagnosis, 52.26% had cancer and 45.81% had inflammatory bowel disease or related conditions. Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated a positive, significant correlation between total self-efficacy and its dimensions with self-esteem (P<0.001; r=0.54). CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy is positively correlated with self-esteem in patients with an intestinal stoma. It is recommended that educational interventions are planned and implemented to boost self-esteem and self-efficacy in these patients.

The relationship between health life style and spermogram Indicators among infertile men: preliminary data.

OBJECTIVE: Inappropriate life style has destructive effects on sperm quality and, male fertility, so that lifestyle modification may improve spermogram indexes preliminary data. This study aimed to determine the relationship between health life style and spermogram Indicators among infertile men. This analytical descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 199 infertile men. The data were collected through the socio-demographic and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile questionnaires Descriptive statistics independent t-test and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data through SPSS. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) of total score of the health promoting lifestyle was (2.39 ± 0.39). The highest mean score was in Health Responsibility subscale (2.51 ± 0.52) and the lowest mean score was in the nutrition subscale (2.24 ± 0.44). Stress management showed significantly correlated with sperm morphology (p = 0.025). Also, spiritual growth with the Sperm concentration (p < 0.001), and sperm motility (p = 0.004) were statistically correlated, and health responsibility dimensions were statistically correlated with the Sperm concentration (p = 0.003) and sperm motility (p = 0.002). Considering that the mean of total score of the health promoting lifestyle and its correlation with some of spermogram indicators shows a need for improving lifestyle in infertile men who referred to infertility clinics.

A Dose-Effect Study of Cisplatin Ototoxicity in Albino Guinea Pigs.

INTRODUCTION: Cisplatin is one of the most commonly used antineoplastic drugs; nonetheless, its ototoxic dose-limiting side effects have remained a significant challenge in clinical practice. The recognition of the exact template of hearing loss induced by multiple low doses of cisplatin could be of great help in managing the treatment process. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of multiple doses of this drug on the auditory system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was performed using an experimental guinea pig model in four groups as follows:1- 0.9% sodium chloride solution, 2- total dose of 7.5 mg/kg Cisplatin, 3- total dose of 10 mg/kg Cisplatin, and 4- total dose of 12.5 mg/kg cisplatin. The drugs were injected as 2.5 mg/kg/daily IP access in all groups. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) test was performed before the treatment and after every injection on a daily basis up to 72 h after the last injection. RESULTS: There was dose-dependent significant hearing loss in all evaluated frequencies in three cisplatin groups. The general template of induced hearing loss during experimental days was almost the same in groups Cis7.5 and Cis10. In Cis 12.5 group, there was a jump in the threshold shift on the 5th day of the experiment and an upward trend in the function. CONCLUSION: As evidenced by the obtained results, the monitoring of hearing loss after every injection in patients who receive the drug and detecting the exact dose-dependent pattern of the induced hearing loss is of great help in controlling its undesirable destructive side effects on the auditory system.

Self-efficacy of the First-degree Relatives of Patients with Breast Cancer in the Prevention of Cancer: Using the Health Belief Model.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. The best method to fight this disease is early diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of education based on the health belief model on self-efficacy of the first-degree relatives of patients with breast cancer. This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Tehran in 2016 on 80 first-degree relatives of patients with breast cancer. After purposive sampling, the subjects were assigned to interventions and control groups using the randomized block design. The data collection tool was a questionnaire including questions about demographic data, health belief model, and self-efficacy. The educational intervention was held during four 90-min sessions. The questionnaires were completed before and 8 weeks after the intervention in both groups. The data were analyzed using the SPSS16 software. The educational intervention led to a significant increase in susceptibility (d = 1.17, 95%CI 0.69, 1.66), seriousness (d = 1.11, 95%CI 0.62, 1.59), benefits (d = 1.58, 95%CI 1.06, 2.09), and significant decrease in perceived barriers (d = - 0.73, 95%CI 0.27, 1.19) scores in the intervention group. The self-efficacy score in the intervention group was increased from 7.58 to 9.20, which was statistically significant (d = 1.72, 95%CI 1.19, 2.25). However, in the control group, there was no significant difference in self-efficacy score before and after the intervention (p = 0.45). The present study confirmed the effectiveness of the health belief model in promoting self-efficacy of the first-degree relatives of patients with breast cancer. Therefore, it is recommended that this education program is implemented for women, especially the first-degree relatives of patients with breast cancer.

The severity of hypogonadism symptoms and its risk factors among male employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

OBJECTIVES: The current study was conducted to examine the severity of hypogonadism symptoms and their risk factors among the male employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 male employees aged 40-60 years, with hypogonadism, at TUMS. The participants were selected through census sampling. The data collection tools included the demographic questionnaire and the Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire. The participants first completed the demographic questionnaire and then the AMS questionnaire. SPSS statistical software version 22 (Chicago, IL) was used to analyze the data, and one-way ANOVA tests, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multivariate logistic regression were applied. RESULTS: Based on our findings, the mean overall score of hypogonadism symptoms was 41.71 ± 9.20. Based on Pearson's correlation coefficient results, there was a statistically significant association between the severity of hypogonadism symptoms and age (p < .001). Furthermore, there were significant associations between the economic status, cigarette consumption and hours of sleep and the severity of hypogonadism symptoms (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The current study's results showed that certain factors can affect hypogonadism in males. Thus, it is important to reduce the severity of hypogonadism symptoms and to modify the factors related to this phenomenon.

The effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender and chamomile oil on anxiety and sleep quality of patients with burns.

INTRODUCTION: Regarding the importance of anxiety management and improvement of the quality of sleep in patients with burn injuries, this study aimed to determine the effect of aromatherapy massage (using aromatic oils of lavender and chamomile) on the anxiety and sleep quality of the patients with burn injuries. METHOD: In a quasi-experimental study, 105 patients with burns were recruited by convenience sampling method and then assigned into three groups (control, placebo massage, and combined aromatic oil massage). The study intervention was performed 20min before bedtime in three sessions, within a week. The control group was only under daily routine care. The study data were collected using the Persian version of Spielberg's anxiety scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were used to analyze the data in SPSS version 20. RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference among the three groups in terms of anxiety score (P<0.001) and in terms of sleep quality after the intervention (P=0.027). CONCLUSION: Since the aromatherapy massage as a non-pharmacological and simple method can improve the anxiety and quality of sleep in patients with burns, it is suggested that nurses and burn medical care team apply it to reduce burn patients' anxiety and promote their sleep quality. Applying massage alone also reduces anxiety in burn survivors.

Comparison of Single and Combined Effects of Nature Sounds and Foot Sole Reflexology Massage on the Level of Consciousness in Traumatic Comatose Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Consciousness disturbances are the most common posttraumatic complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the single and combined effects of nature sounds and foot sole reflexology massage on level of consciousness in traumatic comatose patients. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2 teaching hospitals in an urban area of Iran. Samples were 120 traumatic comatose patients who were randomly assigned into control, nature sounds, foot reflexology massage, and nature sounds plus foot sole reflexology massage groups. Patients in all groups received routine care. Interventions were performed twice a day for 2 weeks, each time for 30 minutes. The patients' level of consciousness was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale before, 1 week, and 2 weeks after the intervention. The groups had no significant differences in the mean scores of the consciousness level before, 1 week after, and the last day of the intervention. Also, there was a significant difference in the number of patients who regained full consciousness (P = .001) in the intervention groups compared with the control group. Significant differences in the number of days of consciousness were reported in at least one of the groups compared with other groups (P = .001). This difference was significant in the control group compared with the foot reflexology massage group (P = .032), as well as the nature sounds plus foot sole reflexology massage group (P = .001). Single or combined interventions can increase the level of consciousness in comatose patients and reduce the duration of coma.

Comparison of the effects of nature sounds and reflexology on hemodynamic indices among traumatic comatose patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background Traumatic comatose patients may experience disturbances in hemodynamic indices due to the nature of their disorder. This study aimed to compare the effects of nature sounds and reflexology on hemodynamic indices in traumatic comatose patients. Methods This randomized clinical trial using a factorial design was conducted on 120 traumatic comatose patients in two teaching hospitals in two urban areas of Iran. The patients were selected using a sequential sampling method and assigned into randomized quadruple blocks as control, nature sounds, reflexology and nature sounds-reflexology (combined) groups. The interventions were performed twice daily in two consecutive days lasting 30 min each time. The hemodynamic indices were measured before, and immediately, 30 min, and 2 h after the intervention using calibrated monitors. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including one-way ANOVA, Scheffe ad hoc, repeated measure ANOVA, Bonferroni ad hoc Chi-square test and Fisher's exact tests were used for data analysis via the SPSS software V.16. Results Significant differences were reported in terms of the mean arterial pressure between the control and reflexology groups (p=0.002), and the combined group (p=0.008) immediately after the interventions. The combined group showed statistically differences in systolic blood pressure compared to the nature sounds (p=0.007) and control (p=0.015) groups 30 min after the interventions. The nature sounds group showed differences in the pulse rate from the reflexology (p=0.048) and control (p=0.015) groups 30 min after the interventions in the second day. Conclusions While the immediate effects of the interventions on induction of the feeling of relaxation and tranquility, and reduction of hemodynamic indices were reported, they diminished over time. Nature sounds and reflexology as low-cost and relaxing tranquilizing methods can be used for the reduction of tension and improvement of hemodynamic indices among traumatic comatose patients.

Evening primrose oil and labour, is it effective? A randomised clinical trial.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of evening primrose oil (EvPO) on the duration of pregnancy and labour. The study was performed as a triple blind placebo controlled randomised clinical trial on nulliparous low-risk women with a certain gestational age of 40 weeks of pregnancy and a Bishop score of less than 4. In the case group (EvPO group), EvPO capsules were administered, 1000 mg, twice daily, for 7 days, and in the control group, placebo was administered similarly. The women of the two groups were followed up to delivery. In total, 80 women finished the study (40 in each group). The women of the two groups did not have significant differences according to age, BMI, Bishop Score at the beginning of the study, gestational age at entering the study, employment status and education level, the number of capsules used and duration of using medications. There was no significant difference between the two groups according to gestational age at delivery, need for induction or augmentation of labour, duration of different stages of labour, neonatal weight and Apgar scores, and the indications for hospital admission. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Evening primrose oil has been used for the treatment of systemic disorders, which are accompanied with chronic inflammation such as atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Also, it has been proposed for some women's health conditions including breast pain (mastalgia), symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms, cervical ripening and induction or augmentation of labour. What do the results of this study add? Evening primrose oil does not have any impact on Bishop Score and the duration of different stages of labour. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? According to the present study and the other performed studies, there is not enough evidence confirming effectiveness of Evening primrose oil for cervical ripening and duration of labour. It is suggested that pending further data its usage should be limited to experimental RCTs and its use in clinical practice should be prevented. Also, different routes of administration and different dosages should be investigated.

The effect of shiatsu massage on underlying anxiety in burn patients.

BACKGROUND: Burn patients experience high levels of predictable anxiety during dressing changes while anti-anxiety drugs cannot control these anxieties. The nurses can limit the side effects of medications by undertaking complementary therapies. Hand pressure massage was introduced as a technique that can reduce these anxieties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hand pressure massage using Shiatsu method on underlying anxiety in burn patients. METHODS: In an available randomized study, 60 burn patients with underlying pain were enrolled. They were randomly allocated in two groups of hand massage and the control. The anxiety of underlying burn pain before and after the massage was evaluated using Burn Specific Pain Anxiety Scale (BSPAS). RESULTS: The difference for anxiety scores in the hand Shiatsu massage group before and after massage were statistically significant, but in the control group was not significant. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, 20 minutes of hand Shiatsu massage in conjunction with analgesic medications can be beneficial to control the anxiety of burn patients.

The effect of shiatsu massage on pain reduction in burn patients.

BACKGROUND: Burn is a tragedy that follows multiple problems in a patient including pain, anxiety and lack of confidence into medical team. This study evaluated the effect of shiatsu massage on pain intensity of burn patients. METHODS: A total of 120 burn patients from Motahhari Burn Hospital and of both genders were randomly divided into 4 groups of undergoing hand massage, leg massage, both hand and leg massages, and the control group. The effect of shiatsu massage in pain relief of burned patients was evaluated. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain in burn patients. RESULTS: Pain intensity in the control group before and after the intervention was not statistically significant (p=1). In all massage groups, the difference for pain intensity before and after the intervention was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: According to our data, shiatsu method over both hands and legs were effective in pain reduction and can be recommended together with analgesics to decrease the dose.

The effect of olive oil and the Saj® cream in prevention of striae gravidarum: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of olive oil and the Saj(®) cream on the occurrence and severity of striae gravidarum. DESIGN: Parallel randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: West Health Centre, Lolagar and Akbarabadi Hospitals, Tehran, Iran. INTERVENTIONS: 360 Nulliparous women at their second trimester of pregnancy randomly (simple randomization) allocated into three groups of olive oil, the Saj(®) cream, and control that finally 150 of them (50 subjects in each group) completed the study. Control group did not receive any medication/intervention. At gestational age of 38-40 weeks the participants were evaluated regarding the occurrence of striae on abdominal skin and its severity that were primary outcome of the study. RESULTS: In the olive oil group, striae occurred in 72% of the participants, which were mild, moderate, and severe in 32%, 26%, and 6% of the cases, respectively. In those who received Saj(®) cream, striae occurred in 64% of the cases, which were mild, moderate and severe in 16%, 34%, and 14% of the cases, respectively. With regard to the control group, striae occurred in 60% of the participants, among which striae were mild, moderate, and severe in 22%, 24%, and 14% of the cases, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences among the three studied groups regarding the incidence or severity of striae. CONCLUSION: Neither olive oil nor the Saj(®) cream were effective in preventing the occurrence of striae gravidarum or affecting its severity. Further studies to examine the effect of other herbal/chemical preparations on occurrence of striae gravidarum are recommended.

Reproductive factors associated to human papillomavirus infection in Iranian woman.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, humman papilomaviruses (HPV) infection is the most common type of sexual trasmitted diseases (STD) in majority of countries. It's a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this study, we aimed to compare the history of reproductive disease between two groups of Iranian women with and without HPV infection through colposcopy precedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case -control study included 210 women reffered to a training gynecology hospital of Tehran University of Medical Science in Tehran. Case group was composed of 70 women with diagnosis of HPV infection, while control group was composed of 140 women with no sign of mentioned-infectious diseases of the control group. Reproductive history was prepared using the standard questionnaire, and obtianed data were analized by SPSS 20. RESULTS: OUR FINDINGS SHOWED THAT THE RISK FACTORS FOR HPV INFECTION WERE AS FOLLOWS: low parity (p = 0.000), reduction of number of weekly sexual intercourse (p = 0.000), no consumption of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) (p = 0.006), and history of withdrawal contraceptive method (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Improvement of our knowledge about reproductive factors associated with HPV may help us to identify women at risk and to develope different methods of preventive interventions.