Investigation of the association between serum uric acid levels and HEART risk score in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

The association between uric acid (UA) and cardio-metabolic conditions has been recognized for a long time. However, recently, a body of evidence has highlighted the independent role of UA in a series of conditions, including renal and cardiovascular diseases. In this light, data regarding the prognostic role of UA in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is scarce. A total number of 100 patients, 59 males and 41 females, diagnosed with ACS were recruited in this study. At the time of admission to the hospital, the serum level of UA was measured. In addition, the HEART score was calculated based on each patients' profile. Participants were on average 61.37 ± 12.08 years old. The most prevalent risk factors were hypertension (48%), a history of coronary artery disease (40%), and diabetes mellitus (33%). The average serum level of UA was 5.81 ± 1.81 mg/dl, and the calculated HEART score had a median of six (minimum of two and maximum of ten). A positive yet statistically insignificant correlation was found between the measured UA level and the calculated HEART score (R = 0.375, p = 0.090). However, further studies with larger sample size are required to assess the direct association of UA level with major adverse cardiac events in patients with cardiovascular disease.

The Effect of Levothyroxine in Comparison with Placebo on Serum Osteocalcin Levels in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Subclinical hypothyroidism can potentially develop into overt hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones have substantial roles in metabolism and glucose homeostasis and thus, are closely related to determinant factors of metabolic syndromes, such as obesity and insulin resistance. Osteocalcin is considered a predictor of metabolic conditions in thyroid diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of levothyroxine vs. placebo on serum osteocalcin levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 30 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, who were referred to the endocrine clinics of Ghaem and Imam Reza hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. After giving informed consent, patients were randomly divided into intervention (50 µg/- day levothyroxine for 2 months) and control (placebo) groups. Serum levels of osteocalcin, thyroid hormones, lipid profile, insulin, and fasting glucose, as well as other clinical and anthropometric data, were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. SPSS was used to analyze the data, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mean age in the intervention and control groups was 35.07 ± 9.94 and 31.30 ± 4.30, respectively (p = 0.20). There was no significant difference between osteocalcin levels before and after the intervention in either of the groups (p = 0.54). TSH level was significantly decreased in the levothyroxine group after the intervention (p < 0.01). T4 level was significantly increased in the intervention group (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Levothyroxine had no significant effect on the increasing levels of serum osteocalcin in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Can Prenatal and Postnatal Cell Phone Exposure Increase Adverse Maternal, Infant and Child Outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between maternal mobile phone use and adverse outcomes in infants, children, and mothers. METHOD: In March 202, we conducted a search on the MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. Data extraction and an assessment of the quality of the studies were performed by two authors. The quality of the studies was assessed using the checklist of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: Studies assessing behavioral problems in infants aged 6 to 18 months reported null findings. However, an increased risk of emotional and behavioral disorders was observed in children aged between 7 and 11 years whose mothers had been exposed to cell phones. The findings regarding the association between maternal cell phone exposure and adverse outcomes in children aged 3 to 5 are controversial. A study found a significant association between the call time (p = 0.002) or the history of mobile phone use (in months) and speech disorders in the children (p = 0.003). However, another study found that maternal cell phone use during pregnancy was not significantly associated with child psychomotor and mental developments. Inconclusive results were observed about the adverse outcomes in fetuses, such as fetal growth restriction or t scores for birth weight in cell phone users as opposed to non-users. On the contrary, the children of mothers who were cell phone users had a lower risk of scoring low on motor skills. Similar results were observed regarding the adverse outcomes of cell phone use in infants, such as fetal growth restriction or low birth weight, and the risk of preeclampsia was lower among subjects with medium and high cell phone exposure, as opposed to those with low exposure. CONCLUSION: Studies on behavioral problems have reported different postnatal results, such as null findings among infants and a positive association in children.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a associação entre o uso de telefone celular pela mãe e os resultados adversos em recém-nascidos crianças e mães. MéTODO: Em março de 2020 realizou-se uma pesquisa nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Embase e Scopus. A extração de dados e avaliação da qualidade dos estudos foram realizadas por dois autores. A qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada por meio da lista de verificação da escala Newcastle-Ottawa. RESULTADOS: Estudos que avaliavam problemas comportamentais em recém-nascidos de 6 a 18 meses relataram resultados nulos. No entanto um risco aumentado de transtornos emocionais e comportamentais foi observado em crianças de 7 a 11 anos de idade cujas mães foram expostas a telefones celulares. Os resultados relacionados à associação entre a exposição materna a celulares e resultados adversos em crianças de 3 a 5 anos são controversos. Um estudo encontrou associação significativa entre o tempo de ligação (p = 0.002) ou o histórico de uso de celular (em meses) e distúrbios de fala nas crianças (p = 0.003). No entanto outro estudo descobriu que o uso de telefone celular pela mãe durante a gravidez não estava significativamente associado ao desenvolvimento psicomotor e mental da criança. Resultados inconclusivos foram observados com relação aos resultados adversos de fetos como restrição de crescimento intrauterino ou valores de t para peso ao nascer em usuárias de telefone celular em oposição a não usuárias. Pelo contrário os filhos de mães usuárias de telefone celular apresentaram menor risco de pontuação baixa em habilidades motoras. Resultados semelhantes foram observados com relação a resultados adversos em recém-nascidos como restrição de crescimento intrauterino ou valores de peso ao nascere o risco de pré-eclâmpsia foi menor em indivíduos com exposição média e alta a celulares em oposição àqueles com baixa exposição. CONCLUSãO: Estudos sobre problemas comportamentais relataram resultados diferentes no pós-natal como achados nulos em recém-nascidos e associação positiva em crianças.

The Effect of Aromatherapy Alone or in Combination with Massage on Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis / O efeito da aromaterapia sozinha ou em combinação com massagem na dismenorreia: Uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Abstract Objective The aim of the present systematic review meta-analysis is to assess the effect of olfactory stimulation on reducing dysmenorrhea. Methods Systematic search was conducted in several databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus, to identify relevant research up to October 26, 2019. The identified studies were evaluated based on a modified Jadad scale. The intervention involves aromatherapy alone or in combination with essential oils. There was no restriction for the control group such as a placebo group or other common treatments. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2 (Bio stat, Englewood, NJ, USA) was used for meta-analysis. Cochran's Q and I2 tests were utilized. Results The findings of our meta-analysis, which contained 13 trials (15 data), showed that dysmenorrhea decreased significantly in the group receiving aromatherapy with herbal compared with the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] =-0.795; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.922 to- 0.667; 17 trials O < 0.001); heterogeneity; I2 = 19.47%; p = 0.236). In addition, four studies with insufficient data were not included in our meta-analysis. The results of all studies suggested that aromatherapy with herbal medicine group compared with control group is effective. Conclusion Aromatherapy with herbal medicine decreased dysmenorrhea. This treatment was particularly effective when aroma oil was combined with massage or when a mixture of aroma oil was used for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo desta revisão sistemática-metanálise é avaliar o efeito da estimulação olfatória na redução da dismenorreia. Métodos Pesquisa sistemática foi realizada em várias bases de dados, como PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane e Scopus para identificar pesquisas relevantes até 26 de outubro de 2019. Os estudos identificados foram avaliados com base em uma escala de Jadadmodificada. A intervenção envolvearomaterapiasozinhaouem combinação com óleos essenciais. Não houve restrição para o grupo de controle, como um grupo de placebo ou outros tratamentos comuns. O Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2 (Bio stat, Englewood, NJ, EUA) foi usado para meta-análise. Os testes Q e I2 de Cochran foram utilizados. Resultados Os resultados da nossa meta-análise, que continha 13 ensaios (15 dados), mostraram que a dismenorreia diminuiu significativamente no grupo que recebeu aromaterapia com ervas em comparação com o grupo de controle (diferença média padronizada [DMP] = -0,795; intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: -0,922 a- 0,667; 17 ensaios O <0,001); heterogeneidade; I2 = 19,47%; p = 0,236). Além disso, quatro estudos com dados insuficientes não foram incluídos em nossa meta-análise. Os resultados de todos os estudos sugeriram que a aromaterapia com o grupo de fitoterápicos em comparação com o grupo de controle é eficaz. Conclusão A aromaterapia com fitoterapia diminuiu a dismenorreia. Este tratamento foi particularmente eficaz quando o óleo aromático foi combinado com massagem ou quando uma mistura de óleo aromático foi usada para o tratamento da dismenorreia.

Can Prenatal and Postnatal Cell Phone Exposure Increase Adverse Maternal, Infant and Child Outcomes? / A exposição pré-natal e pós-natal a telefones celulares pode aumentar os resultados adversos para mães, bebês e crianças?

Abstract Objective To determine the association between maternal mobile phone use and adverse outcomes in infants, children, and mothers. Method In March 202, we conducted a search on the MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. Data extraction and an assessment of the quality of the studies were performed by two authors. The quality of the studies was assessed using the checklist of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results Studies assessing behavioral problems in infants aged 6 to 18 months reported null findings. However, an increased risk of emotional and behavioral disorders was observed in children aged between 7 and 11 years whose mothers had been exposed to cell phones. The findings regarding the association between maternal cell phone exposure and adverse outcomes in children aged 3 to 5 are controversial. A study found a significant association between the call time (p=0.002) or the history of mobile phone use (in months) and speech disorders in the children (p=0.003). However, another study found that maternal cell phone use during pregnancy was not significantly associated with child psychomotor and mental developments. Inconclusive results were observed about the adverse outcomes in fetuses, such as fetal growth restriction or t scores for birth weight in cell phone users as opposed to non-users. On the contrary, the children ofmothers who were cell phone users had a lower risk of scoring low on motor skills. Similar results were observed regarding the adverse outcomes of cell phone use in infants, such as fetal growth restriction or low birth weight, and the risk of preeclampsia was lower among subjects with medium and high cell phone exposure, as opposed to those with low exposure. Conclusion Studies on behavioral problems have reported different postnatal results, such as null findings among infants and a positive association in children.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar a associação entre o uso de telefone celular pela mãe e os resultados adversos em recém-nascidos crianças e mães. Método Em março de 2020 realizou-se uma pesquisa nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Embase e Scopus. A extração de dados e avaliação da qualidade dos estudos foram realizadas por dois autores. A qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada por meio da lista de verificação da escala Newcastle-Ottawa. Resultados Estudos que avaliavam problemas comportamentais em recém-nascidos de 6 a 18 meses relataram resultados nulos. No entanto um risco aumentado de transtornos emocionais e comportamentais foi observado em crianças de 7 a 11 anos de idade cujas mães foram expostas a telefones celulares. Os resultados relacionados à associação entre a exposição materna a celulares e resultados adversos em crianças de 3 a 5 anos são controversos. Um estudo encontrou associação significativa entre o tempo de ligação (p=0.002) ou o histórico de uso de celular (emmeses) e distúrbios de fala nas crianças (p=0.003). No entanto outro estudo descobriu que o uso de telefone celular pela mãe durante a gravidez não estava significativamente associado ao desenvolvimento psicomotor e mental da criança. Resultados inconclusivos foram observados com relação aos resultados adversos de fetos como restrição de crescimento intrauterino ou valores de t para peso ao nascer em usuárias de telefone celular em oposição a não usuárias. Pelo contrário os filhos de mães usuárias de telefone celular apresentaram menor risco de pontuação baixa em habilidades motoras. Resultados semelhantes foram observados com relação a resultados adversos em recém-nascidos como restrição de crescimento intrauterino ou valores de peso ao nascere o risco de pré-eclâmpsia foimenor em indivíduos comexposição média e alta a celulares em oposição àqueles com baixa exposição. Conclusão Estudos sobre problemas comportamentais relataram resultados diferentes no pós-natal como achados nulos em recém-nascidos e associação positiva emcrianças.

The validity of laser fluorescence (LF) and near-infrared reflection (NIRR) in detecting early proximal cavities.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnosing cavitated proximal lesions is important for therapeutic decisions. This clinical study aimed to determine the validity of laser fluorescence (LF) and near-infrared reflection (NIRR) techniques for detecting early proximal cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 43 proximal surfaces in 15 females who had limited radiolucent lesions in their bitewing radiographs. The approximal areas of interest were assessed by DIAGNOdent Pen (LF) and the Proxi interchangeable head of VistaCam iX intraoral camera (NIRR). Finally, orthodontic separators were placed in the contact points to provide enough space between the teeth. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosing cavitated proximal surfaces were calculated for LF and NIRR against direct visual and tactile examination as the reference standard. RESULTS: On the basis of the reference standard, 34 surfaces (79.1%) were not cavitated, whereas 9 surfaces (20.9%) were cavitated and in need of restoration. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of LF were 44.4%, 61.8%, and 58%, and those of NIRR were 88.9%, 14.7%, and 30%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The VistaCam iX Proxi was more sensitive and DIAGNOdent Pen was more specific in detection of proximal cavities. However, none of the techniques was accurate enough to be recommended as a sole approach for proximal caries detection. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: LF showed an overall superior diagnostic performance to NIRR for diagnosing proximal cavitation in permanent posterior teeth. Within the limitations of this study, neither VistaCam iX Proxi nor DIAGNOdent Pen could be considered a suitable device for diagnosing proximal cavities.

Therapeutic approaches for neonatal abstinence syndrome: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) which is observed in 55-94% of the newborns from opioids-taking mothers produces deleterious neurological symptoms. Various pharmacological therapies have been investigated in neonates with NAS. This article reviews all studies on NAS treatment to analyze the duration of treatment, length of hospitalization and possible drug adverse effects. The search was limited to the randomized clinical trials which examined the treatments of neonates with NAS. Scientific databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, Embase and Scopus were systematically searched. Retrieved articles were reviewed by two researchers and evaluated using the JADAD scoring system. Finally, the treatment duration, hospitalization length and drug side-effects were extracted. Methadone, buprenorphine and clonidine were found more effective than morphine. Diluted tincture of opium (DTO) in combination with phenobarbital or clonidine was significantly more effective than DTO alone. Clonidine was a significantly better adjunctive therapy than phenobarbital in reducing morphine treatment days. No significant difference was observed between morphine and DTO effectiveness. Deciding the optimal regimen to manage symptomatic NAS, as a single or an adjunct therapy is not possible based on the literature, due to the low quality, small size and short-term treatment considered in the published studies. Graphical abstract Process of selecting trials included in the present systematic review.

Risk Factors and Outcome of Acute Kidney Injury after Isolated CABG Surgery: a Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent event after cardiac surgery with increased mortality and morbidity. We explored frequency, risk factors, and associated morbidity and mortality of AKI after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery at a single institution. METHODS: All consecutive adults undergoing CABG surgery from March 2013 to October 2016 were assessed for development and severity of AKI based on Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. The patients were also investigated regarding their need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), predictive risk factors, and associated outcomes, including duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: Of 1737 patients in the study, 275 (15.8%) developed AKI. Twenty-five (12.8%) cases required RRT. Patients with AKI had longer ventilation time, ICU and hospital length of stay (P<0.001). Mortality rates were 28 (10.2%) and 22 (1.5%) in patients with and without AKI, respectively (P<0.001). There was a strong association between advanced age (aOR=1.016, 95% CI=1.002-1.030, P=0.028), diabetes (aOR=1.36, 95% CI=1.022-1.809, P=0.035), on-pump surgery (aOR=2.63, 95% CI=1.543-4.483, P<0.001), transfusion of more than 1 unit of red blood cells (aOR=2.154, 95% CI=1.237-3.753, P=0.007), and prolonged mechanical ventilation and development of AKI (aOR=2.697, 95% CI=1.02407.071, P<0.001). AKI was seen less frequently in those with opium abuse (aOR=0.613, 95% CI=0.409-0.921, P=0.018). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that advanced age, diabetes, on-pump surgery, red blood cell transfusion, and prolonged mechanical ventilation were independent positive risk factors for the development of AKI after isolated CABG while opium abuse was a protective factor.

Risk factors and outcome of acute kidney injury after isolated cabg surgery: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent event after cardiac surgery with increased mortality and morbidity. We explored frequency, risk factors, and associated morbidity and mortality of AKI after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery at a single institution. Methods: All consecutive adults undergoing CABG surgery from March 2013 to October 2016 were assessed for development and severity of AKI based on Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. The patients were also investigated regarding their need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), predictive risk factors, and associated outcomes, including duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay. Results: Of 1737 patients in the study, 275 (15.8%) developed AKI. Twenty-five (12.8%) cases required RRT. Patients with AKI had longer ventilation time, ICU and hospital length of stay (P<0.001). Mortality rates were 28 (10.2%) and 22 (1.5%) in patients with and without AKI, respectively (P<0.001). There was a strong association between advanced age (aOR=1.016, 95% CI=1.002-1.030, P=0.028), diabetes (aOR=1.36, 95% CI=1.022-1.809, P=0.035), on-pump surgery (aOR=2.63, 95% CI=1.543-4.483, P<0.001), transfusion of more than 1 unit of red blood cells (aOR=2.154, 95% CI=1.237-3.753, P=0.007), and prolonged mechanical ventilation and development of AKI (aOR=2.697, 95% CI=1.02407.071, P<0.001). AKI was seen less frequently in those with opium abuse (aOR=0.613, 95% CI=0.409-0.921, P=0.018). Conclusion: We demonstrated that advanced age, diabetes, on-pump surgery, red blood cell transfusion, and prolonged mechanical ventilation were independent positive risk factors for the development of AKI after isolated CABG while opium abuse was a protective factor.

Psychometric properties of the Persian language version of the Female Sexual Function index among postmenopausal women

Objective: The present research aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian language version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) among postmenopausal women. Material and Methods: This secondary analysis examined 402 healthy postmenopausal Iranian women presenting to healthcare centers across Iran. The sampling method was convenience sampling. The translation of the FSFI and its cross-cultural adaptation were conducted under the guidelines proposed by Beaton. The reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient and test-rest reliability) and construct validity confirmatory factor analysis) were assessed. Model fitting index [such as the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) and the Comparative Fit Index (CFI)] was calculated. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 53.63±7.8 years. Test-retest reliability was high for both the entire scale (r=0.964; p<0.001) and its six dimensions (0.76-0.94; p<0.001). The Cronbach's alpha of the entire scale and its dimensions was greater than 0.80. The original six-factor was used, which showed a relatively poor fit (χ2=667.054; p<0.001; χ2/df=4.86; GFI=0.92; RMSEA=0.098; GFI=0.85). After adding three correlated error terms to the six-factor model, an acceptable fit was obtained (χ2=470.542; p<0.001; χ2/df=3.51; CFI=0.95; RMSEA=0.079; GFI=0.89). Conclusion: According to our results, the FSFI tool indicated a satisfactory fit for a six-factor model, as similar to the original English version, for use in clinical practice and research regarding healthy postmenopausal Iranian women. More research needs to be conducted on this scale to assess all of its psychometric properties.

The efficacy of vaginal suppository based on myrtle in patients with cervicovaginal human papillomavirus infection: A randomized, double-blind, placebo trial.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can be detected in most of cervical cancers. Due to antiviral, antimutagenic, and proapoptotic activities of myrtle, this study was designed to investigate the effect of a herbal suppository based on myrtle in cervicovaginal HPV infections. This study was performed as a double-blind randomized trial at the Clinic of Traditional Medicine in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences between 2016 and 2017. Sixty women, 18 to 50 years old, with cervicovaginal HPV infection, were included and randomly allocated to two groups. Sixty placebo or herbal vaginal suppositories were prescribed for 3 months (20 suppositories at each menstrual cycle). Each herbal vaginal suppository contained 10% of myrtle aqueous extract and 0.5% of myrtle essential oil. The HPV test and colposcopic findings were evaluated after treatment. There was no difference between two groups as regards lesion site, diagnosis time of disease, and HPV type before intervention (p ≥ 0.05). At the end of the study, the HPV test was negative in 92.6% and 62.6% of the intervention and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.036). The change in cervical lesion size was 71.4% and 30.4% in the intervention and placebo groups, respectively, based on colposcopic findings (p = 0.015). It seems that herbal suppository can speed up virus clearance and can be effective in treating HPV infection.

Aromatherapy for Sexual Problems in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is the exploration of the potential evidence of the effectiveness of aromatherapy products on the sexual function of menopausal women. METHODS: From inception to December 2017, the search process was performed using the MEDLINE and Scopus databases and the Cochrane Library regarding the trials on the effectiveness of herbal-medicine aromatherapy on the sexual function of menopausal women. RESULTS: Three of the trials comprise suitable data for inclusion in the meta-analysis. According to the meta-analysis, it is possible to improve the standardized mean difference (SMD) of the sexual desire up to 0.56 in the aromatherapy group compared with the control group (SMD = 0.56; P < 0.001; heterogeneity; I2 = 42%; P = 0.141). According to one of the trials, the serum-estrogen level of two different doses did not change in the neroli oil inhalation group compared with the almond-oil group. CONCLUSIONS: Both aromatherapy with neroli oil or lavender (monopreparation) and combined-oil aromatherapy with lavender, fennel, geranium, and rose significantly improved human sexual function; however, a significant change of the serum-estrogen level was not detected. The findings of the present review should be presented cautiously because of the corresponding limitations such as the lack of a standardized tool, the lack of intention-to-treat reporting, the low study amount, and the short-term follow-up.

Effect of Fennel on the Health Status of Menopausal Women: A Systematic and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is the systematic and critical investigation of the effectiveness of fennel on the climacteric symptoms among menopausal females. METHODS: A search of the trials studying the effect of fennel on menopausal females was conducted in 2017 using the MEDLINE and Scopus databases and the Cochrane Library with the following keywords: fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, and menopause. RESULTS: Fennel combined with officinalis is more effective in the attenuating of sleep disorders compared to Citalopram. The comparison of these two groups regarding the mean bone mineral density and bone mineral content (P = 0.14, P = 0.504); the total hip femoral (P = 0.42, P = 0.66); the trochanter (P = 0.075, P = 0.07); the intertrochanter (P = 0.84, P = 0.93); and the femoral neck (P = 0.43, P = 0.64) did not show any significant statistical differences; however, a statistically significant difference regarding the vasomotor symptoms (P < 0.01) was found. The other significant differences are related to the values of the total cholesterol (P = 0.103); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL-C (P = 0.104); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or HDL-C (P = 0.266); triglyceride (P = 0.679); body weight (P = 0.212); body mass index (P = 0.041); waist and hip circumferences (P = 0.365); and fat distribution (P = 0.337) between the two groups. The standardized mean difference (SMD) values of sexual activity (SMD = 0.638; P < 0.001), and maturation value (SMD = 0.601; P = 0.003) are highly significant among the fennel-treated women compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of the present study, fennel is important in the relieving of vasomotor symptoms, vaginal itching, dryness, dyspareunia, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and sleep distribution.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on menopausal symptoms: A high placebo response

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral fennel on menopausal symptoms. Material and Methods: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 50 postmenopausal women in Mashhad (Iran). Patients were randomly divided into two groups of fennel (n=25) and placebo (n=25). Measurements were performed at baseline and after three months using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. Results: Both placebo and treatment groups revealed significant improvements in the hot flush score (p<0.001 for fennel and p<0.01 for placebo), night sweats (p=0.007 for fennel and p<0.01 for placebo), sweating (p=0.002 for fennel and p<0.01 for placebo), symptoms of anxiety (p=0.05 for fennel and p=0.001 for placebo), feeling depressed (p<0.01 for fennel and p=0.006 for placebo), and impatience with other people (p<0.01 for fennel and p=0.003 for placebo). There were no significant differences in any menopausal symptoms between the fennel and placebo groups, except for coughing and sneezing when urinating (p=0.03). Conclusion: The failure to indicate a significant effect may have been caused by a high placebo response. It is suggested that future trials should include a placebo run-in phase or design a sequential, parallel study with larger sample sizes to mitigate the placebo effect.

Allergic rhinitis and dental caries in preschool children.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) may be overdocumented in cases of dental caries because of controversies in the literature This study was conducted to investigate the potential relationship between AR and dental caries in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 296 children were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were evaluated using the decay-missing-filled (DMF) index, and their AR status was evaluated by physical examination and through a standard questionnaire. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were compared among groups using Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney U-test, the Chi-square test, and/or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. A level of P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: Evidence of AR was found in 77 (35.1%) participants. There was no significant difference in the rate of tooth decay or DMF between participants with or without AR (P = 0.07), but a significant difference was observed in the number of missing and filled teeth between those with and without AR (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in educational level, family income, milk intake, use of pacifier, use of a toothbrush, saliva secretion, or body mass index (P > 0.05 in all cases) between AR-positive and AR-negative patients. Fluoride therapy and oral breathing were identified as confounding factors and controlled using log-linear analysis. The mean rate of DMF in patients who also had AR was 20% greater than in the AR-negative group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21, confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.35) and 15% greater in among children who breathed orally than those who did not (OR = 1.15 CI: 1.02-1.31). CONCLUSION: AR and oral breathing may have an effect on oral health and dental condition, leading to an increased rate of tooth loss, oral fillings, and development of dental caries.