Comparison of the Effect of Cumin Cyminum and Nettle Oral Drops on the Breast Milk Sufficiency Indicators in New Mothers.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of green cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and nettle (Urtica dioica L.) oral drops on the indicators of breast milk adequacy in lactating mothers. Due to the presence of phytoestrogens in the combinations of cumin and nettle, it is stipulated that they may have milk-increasing properties. Methods: A triple-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 117 lactating mothers who had given birth to healthy infants aged 10-15 days and who received cumin oral drops (n = 39), nettle oral drops (n = 39) or placebo (n = 39) from August 2020 to March 2021. The participants were recruited from a regional public health care centre affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. The 3 study groups received 15 drops thrice a day for 4 weeks. Infant weight, breastfeeding frequency, number of wet diapers, diaper weight and frequency of infant defecation were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: At the beginning of the trial, no statistically significant differences were observed between the 3 groups for infant weight (P = 0.891), breastfeeding frequency (P = 0.921), number of wet diapers (P = 0.783), diaper weight (P = 0.841) and frequency of infant defecation (P = 0.898). However, following the intervention, the mean scores of all indicators were significantly higher in the experimental groups than in the placebo group (P <0.001). In addition, all the indicators in the cumin group increased significantly compared to those in the nettle group (P <0.001). Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of cumin and nettle drops in increasing milk and the availability of these native plants in Iran, it is suggested that they, especially cumin, be used postpartum to increase breast milk production.

The effect of a new self-care guide package on anxiety and self-efficacy in women with gestational diabetes: a quasi-experimental study.

Purpose: Considering the importance of education and its role in promoting self-efficacy and reducing anxiety, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of group self-care education on self-efficacy and anxiety among women with gestational diabetes. Methods: The present quasi-experimental study was conducted on 110 women with gestational diabetes mellitus. They were selected using the convenience sampling method in centers with obstetric clinics and perinatal departments. In the intervention group, women (n = 55) received training in groups of 5-7 people during a 60-minute session weekly for four consecutive weeks. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and diabetes self-efficacy scale (DSES-S) was completed by participants three times, before, immediately after training, and four weeks later. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential tests (Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test, independent t-test, and general linear model repeated measures analysis of variance) in SPSS ver. Results: There was no different between the two groups in terms of the score of self-efficacy (P = 0.604) and anxiety (P = 0.780) constructs before the intervention. Time, group, and their interaction has a significant effect in three time periods, i.e. before, immediately and 4 weeks after self-care training intervention in self-efficacy (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001) constructs at %99 confidence interval. Conclusion: Group self-care training reduced anxiety among women with gestational diabetes (GD) and increased self-efficacy. Self-care group training is an easy, affordable, and non-invasive method and can be easily performed by midwives. This method can be used to reduce anxiety and increase self-efficacy among women with GD.

The effect of delivery ball and warm shower on the childbirth experience of nulliparous women: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Childbirth is a unique experience that affects women's life. Midwives can play an effective role in creating positive birth experiences for women using non-pharmacological and supportive methods. Accordingly, this study aims to determine the effect of delivery balls and warm showers on childbirth experiences of primiparous women. METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on primiparous pregnant women who referred to the Motazedi Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. Sampling was done from eligible individuals by a continuous method, and pregnant women were assigned to the three groups of delivery balls plus warm showers or A (n = 35), delivery balls or B (n = 35), and control or C (n = 35). The use of the ball at the dilation of 4 cm was similar in the two groups of A and B, but the first group used a warm shower at the dilatation of 7 cm as well. The control group also received routine delivery care. Besides, demographic information forms consisting of the pregnancy history and some information about the mother and her infant were completed. Additionally, childbirth experience questionnaires (CEQ) were completed by the women two hours after childbirth. The analysis of intervention effects was performed as per-protocol analysis. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean score of the childbirth experience between the two groups of A and C (p = 0.001) after the intervention as well as between the groups of B and C (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of delivery balls and warm showers was effective in creating a positive childbirth experience. To create a positive childbirth experience in mothers, the use of both interventions (delivery balls and warm showers) is recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION: TCTR 20200408002 . Prospectively registered on March 21, 2020.

Clinical, CT scan, and laboratory changes of abscess patients with odontogenic origin admitted to Shiraz acute surgical care center, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Rapid diagnosis of maxillofacial abscess with the odontogenic origin is effective in the treatment of patients. This study aimed to check the clinical evaluation, head, and neck computed tomography (CT) scan, and microbial sensitivity of hospitalized patients diagnosed with maxillofacial abscess admitted to the Maxillofacial Surgery Ward Shaheed Rajaie Surgical Acute Care Center of Shiraz, Iran from 2019-2021. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample included patients diagnosed with the abscess of odontogenic origin. Data collection tools included personal profile registration form, chief complainant and clinical evaluation, laboratory test results, pus culture, antibiogram results, and head and neck CT scan changes form. Data was reported with descriptive statistics by SPSS-16 software. RESULTS: The majority of patients were male; infection duration was 10 days; maximum mouth opening size was less than 20 mm in more than half of patients. The scan revealed 41.8% abscess, 36.4% cellulite, and 21.8% mixed abscess and cellulitis. There was 29.1% involvement of salivary glands. The majority of abscesses were unifocal involved in the submandibular space, and the least involvement was in peri mandibular space and carotid sheath. The most common organism causing was staphylococcal abscess coagulase-negative. CONCLUSION: In patients with maxillofacial abscess requiring hospitalization, the most common clinical features were trismus, toxic appearance, and dysphagia, and the most common source of abscess in scanning patients with mandibular molars was the most involved submandibular space and pterygomandibular space. Vancomycin, cotrimoxazole, and cefazolin had the greatest effect in the treatment of odontogenic infections in terms of antibiogram results and microbial culture.

Investigating the effect of neonatal resuscitation simulation using a competency-based approach on knowledge, skill, and self-confidence of midwifery students using objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

BACKGROUND: First-day neonate death has the highest rate in infant mortality. Using modern educational methods such as simulation and competency can be effective in improving learners' performance and subsequently their confidence. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was a quasi-experimental intervention on 80 midwifery students of semester 3, 4, and 5 undergraduate degrees. Eighty-six students registered after the researcher's explanations. The learners were randomly assigned into two groups while they were receiving routine midwifery education according to the midwifery curriculum. The learners in the intervention group (in seven groups) received a 7-hour session about neonate resuscitation. The theory session was conducted using PowerPoint presentation, lecture, video, and pictures. The practical session was conducted using simulation with manikins of skill laboratory. The skill practice continued until the learners achieved competency (performing 90% of resuscitation steps). The learners were assessed before, immediately, and 6 weeks after training using questionnaires and a checklist. The data were analyzed using SPSS, descriptive, and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The knowledge, skill, and self-confidence scores increased significantly immediately after the training (P < 0.001), from 5.05 ± 2.07 (out of 12) to 10.17 ± 1.31, 18.90 ± 3.14 to 68.45 ± 2.05, and 1.50 ± 0.55 to 2.02 ± 0.57, respectively. The changes were retained 6 weeks after the training. These changes were not observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: Competency-based, simulation-based, and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) were effective in students learning to manage initial neonatal resuscitation in the skills' lab, and this increase was retained 6 weeks after the training.

The role of high-risk pregnancy in childbearing tendency in Tehran.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The decreased tendency toward childbearing is considered as one of the most social issues. High-risk pregnancy problems and the fear of recurrence can reduce the desire for re-pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between high-risk pregnancies in childbearing tendency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study was cross-sectional. The statistical population included married women aged 15-49 years with at least one previous pregnancy. 928 women with histories of low-risk and high-risk pregnancy were selected by applying a continuous sampling method. The demographic information form and childbearing desire questionnaire were used. The data were analyzed by SPSS-16 and applying descriptive statistics tests, mean and standard deviation, inferential statistics, regression, independent t-test. FINDINGS: The mean of childbearing tendency in mothers with a history of high-risk pregnancy and low-risk pregnancy were 3.25 ± 5.43 and 8.65 ± 3.96, respectively. Before modifying the intervention variables, the mean scores of childbearing desire were significantly different in mothers with a history of low-risk pregnancy and high-risk pregnancy; it was higher in mothers with a history of low-risk pregnancy (P < 0.001). After modifying the variables of the ideal number of children, the mothers' attitude toward childbearing desire, and the number of natural childbirths, stillbirths, and miscarriages. The difference was not significant (P = 0.263). CONCLUSION: Childbearing tendency was not different in women with a history of low-risk pregnancy and those with a history of high-risk pregnancy.

Sex education and Afghan migrant adolescent women.

INTRODUCTION: Successful sex is one of the greatest behavioral needs of couples, especially those who marry at an early age. The best way to access information is education and learning. Face to face training is one of the most common methods, with the advancement of technology, multimedia training can be a good alternative method to sex education. This study was designed to comparison between two educational method Multimedia and Face to face on sexual function of Afghan Migrant Adolescent Women. METHODS: The study was a quasi-experimental educational intervention conducted in selected charity centers in Mashhad. The selected centers were randomly chosen as face to face intervention (n = 36), multimedia intervention (n = 36) and control (n = 36) groups. Our method of sampling was convenient at each center. Intervention groups received four one-hour sessions of sex education using various face to face and multimedia methods. Sexual function were measured using female sexual function index (FSFI) before, immediately and 8 weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 16. RESULTS: The level of sexual function did not show a significant difference in groups before the intervention, but these increased significantly immediately (P = 0.005) and 8 weeks later (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Because of the taboo of sexual issues and the lack of difference between the two methods in improving sexual function, multimedia method is a good alternative educational method.

Treatment Outcomes of Vaginal Infections on Sexual Function.

Vaginal infections are the most common gynecological diseases and one of the causes of sexual dysfunction. In more than 50% of patients, sexual dysfunction is twice as common. Evaluation of the treatment outcome of vaginal infections can be effective in identifying factors related to the sexual function. This is a descriptive-observational study that included patients referred to Imam Sajjad Shahriar Hospital during 2017-2018. Patients that met the inclusion criteria (with vaginal infections of Candida, Gardnerella and mixed infections - Candida and Gardnerella - Mixed group) completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire before and one month after treatment. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16, paired t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. After the treatment of vaginitis, there was a significant increase in all aspects of the FSFI questionnaire. The mean and standard deviation of sexual function of women before and after treatment were 18.26 ± 4.36 and 26.27 ± 4.97 in the Candida group, 20.06 ± 4.94 and 25.87 ± 5.32 in the Gardnerella group, and 19.69 ± 4.25 and 27.05 ± 5.12 in the Mixed group. Prior to treatment in the Mixed and Gardnerella group, the most important sexual dysfunction was related to the dyspareunia component, while in the Candida group, the most important sexual dysfunction was related to the desire component. After treatment, the components of dyspareunia in the Mixed and Gardnerella group and the orgasmic component in the Candida group showed the greatest improvement. The regression test showed that the effect of age, body mass index and duration of sex on sexual function was significant (P <0.05). Duration of the disease had the greatest impact on sexual dysfunction, and after treatment of the disease, sexual function improved significantly. Proper diagnosis and treatment are effective in improving women's sexual function. The results of this study can be promoted to midwives and gynecologists.

Controlling the anxiety in Iranian pregnant women at risk of preterm labor by undergoing the counseling group intervention.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of a new, structured group training program on the anxiety reduction in Iranian pregnant women at risk of preterm labor (PTL) was assessed. DESIGN: A randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: The prenatal care center in the Gynecology Clinic of University Hospital. POPULATION: 72 Iranian pregnant women at risk of PTL with a gestational age of 24-28 weeks. METHODS: Several trained research nurses presented group educational counseling sessions for 6 weeks based on the integration of psychological instructions and interactive lectures for the intervened group (n = 36). Pregnant women in the control group (n = 36) only received routine pregnancy care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The completion of pregnancy-related anxiety questionnaire (PRAQ) for Iranian pregnant women at risk of PTL in the intervention (before and after 6-week counseling, and 1-month post-counseling) and control (before, and on the 6th and 10th week after the study) groups. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the mean anxiety score between the intervention (3.45 ± 0.75) and control (3.01 ± 0.34) groups before the group educational counseling sessions. After this intervention, a significant reduction in the mean anxiety scores of intervened pregnant women (2.48 ± 0.32) compared to the control (2.68 ± 0.81) was found. This decrease in mean anxiety score after the 1-month post-counseling was more pronounced than the 6th week after the study onset (P < 0.001). Low anxiety scores in the intervention group over time were also maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing the group educational counseling sessions is recommended as a complementary, effective, and noninvasive intervention to efficiently control the anxiety in pregnant women at risk of PTL.

Effect of lymphedema self-management group-based education compared with social network-based education on quality of life and fear of cancer recurrence in women with breast cancer: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and its associated symptoms harm the quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors and can stimulate fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Self-management education for lymphedema has been introduced as an effective method in controlling FCR. This study investigates the effect of lymphedema group-based education compared to the social network-based and control group on QoL and FCR in breast cancer patients. METHODS: This three-arm clinical trial studied 105 patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema referred to Seyed_Khandan rehabilitation center. Sampling was done by random allocation method in blocks of 3 with 35 subjects in each group. All subjects received routine lymphedema treatments. The group-based education (GE) and social network-based education (SNE) groups received self-management education in the clinic and Telegram™ messenger channel, respectively. Impairment in QoL and mean score of FCR were assessed before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention by using the Persian version of Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS) and Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoPQ-SF), respectively. Mixed-model ANOVA was applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant time effect on total LLIS (P = 0.007), psychosocial (P = 0.038) and functional (P = 0.024) subscale changes in three groups of study. Interaction between the main effect of group and time on psychosocial subscale changes was statistically significant (P = 0.017). The multicomparison results illustrated that the main effect of time, the main effect of group, and interaction of them on the mean score of FCR were P = 0.084, P = 0.380, and P = 0.568, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite no significant reduction in the FCR score, results showed the improvement of most QoL aspects after three months of intervention. Although the social network-based education method was effective, the group-based education method was more beneficial. Applying these educational methods in lymphedema treatment protocols needs cost-effectiveness studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT2017052834176N1).

The relationship between job motivation and its dimensions with organizational commitment and its dimensions in midwives of sanitary and therapeutic centers, Arak University of Medical Sciences, 2017.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Human resources with the quality of desirable performance are the most important assets of the organization and increase the probability of success, survival, and progress of the organization. Midwives have a critical role in promoting the health of mothers and infants and survey the relationship between job motivation and organizational commitment can help health system managers and planners to improve the quality of the services provided. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and correlational study; samples of midwives in Arak University of Medical Sciences were selected by stratified sampling with proportional allocation method. The instrument of gathering was demographic information questionnaire, Herzberg's job motivation, and organizational commitment of Allen and Meyer. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software and (P < 0.05) were considered significant. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between job motivation and organizational commitment and their dimensions (r = 0.68, P < 0.001). The highest correlation between job motivation and emotional commitment (r = 0.77), normative commitment (r = 0.62), and continuous commitment (r = 0.55). The most related emotional commitment by way of communication (r = 0.74), continuous commitment to salary and wages (r = 0.54), and normative commitment with the nature of midwifery was r = 0.61. CONCLUSION: The results show the importance of communication dimensions, salaries, and wages and the nature of job in the commitment of midwives in Markazi Province. More attention from health system administrators to these dimensions can be useful in increasing the motivation and organizational commitment of midwives in this province.

The effect of herbal tea capsule on menopause hot flashes.

BACKGROUND: Menopause, during which women experience many problems, including hot flashes, is a natural stage in the life of women. One of the duties of midwives is the promotion of women's health during menopause. Herbal remedies are well received and accepted by the community. This study was conducted to determine the effect of herbal tea capsule on hot flashes during menopause. METHODS: The present randomized, clinical trial study was conducted on 82 women who complained of hot flashes during their menopause period. The samples were randomly divided into two groups, each including 41 subjects. One group received 450 mg of herbal extracts daily and the other group received starch gelatin capsules daily for 8 weeks. The capsules were similar in appearance. After the intervention, the mean hot flash score was determined using the registration form of the severity, duration, and number of hot flashes before, 4, and 8 weeks after the intervention. Statistical analysis of collected data was conducted using t-test, Chi-square, Friedman, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: The mean score of hot flashes, in the placebo group, was 0.62 ± 0.63 before intervention, 4.24 ± 3.26 four weeks after intervention, and 4.42 ± 1.93 eight weeks after intervention; in the herbal tea group, this rate turned out to be 1.65 ± 1.42 before intervention, 3.8 ± 1.36 four weeks after intervention, and 1.74 ± 4.88 eight weeks after intervention. Hence, there was a significant difference between the groups in terms of severity and duration of hot flashes. CONCLUSION: Taking herbal tea capsules for at least 1 month is recommended for treating hot flashes of women during pregnancy. It is recommended that these herbs be used as herbal supplement.

The Relationship Between Job Stress, Personality Traits and the Emotional Intelligence of Midwives Working in Health Centers of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences in 2017.

Introduction and Objective: Job stress is one of the major threats to health and it is associated with many diseases and family problems. Midwives experience high job stress due to the management of delivery emergencies. Personality traits and emotional intelligence can be helpful in confronting environmental pressures and selecting the strategy of coping with useful stress. Thus, the current research was conducted to evaluate the relationship between job stress, personality traits and emotional intelligence in midwives of Lorestan health care centers. Methodology: This research was a cross-sectional and correlational study. Midwives working in all cities of the Lorestan province were randomly selected and they completed the job stress, emotional intelligence and personality traits questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software and a significance level of p <0.05 was considered. Results: The results of the research showed that mean and standard deviation of job stress, emotional intelligence and personality trait midwives were 94.36 ± 12.98, 11.87 ± 14.30, and 135.51 ± 15.73 respectively. The results showed a negative relationship between intelligence and job stress (r= -0/274, p=0.0001) and no significant relationship was found between personality traits and job stress (r = -0.288, p=0.079). Conclusion: A negative correlation was found between emotional intelligence and job stress, so emotional intelligence can reduce midwives' workplace stress.

The Effects of Pregnancy-Adaptation Training on Maternal-Fetal Attachment and Adaptation in Pregnant Women With a History of Baby Loss.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that educating mothers can improve their adaptation to pregnancy and motherhood roles. There are also studies that have investigated the effects of certain interventions on maternal-fetal attachment. However, studies on the effects of maternal adaptation training on maternal-fetal attachment in mothers with a history of fetal or baby loss are rare. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a pregnancy adaptation training package on maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women with a history of baby loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 pregnant women with previous fetal or neonatal death in 2014. The women were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The pregnant women in the experimental group received routine prenatal education in addition to four sessions of a pregnancy adaption training package. The control group received only routine prenatal education. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Cranley's maternal-fetal attachment scale, and a prenatal self-evaluation questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the study. The data analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, chi-square, Fisher's exact, and spearman correlation coefficient tests. RESULTS: Before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences between the study and control groups in terms of maternal-fetal attachment (P = 0.280) and adaptation to pregnancy (P = 0.883). However, following the intervention, the mean score of the maternal-fetal attachment was significantly higher in the experimental group, when compared with the control (77.57 ± 7.23 vs. 61.53 ± 2.62; P = 0.001). In addition, the mean post-intervention adaptation to pregnancy score was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (118.89 ± 8.12 vs. 126.38 ± 4.17; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The pregnancy adaptation training package increased the adaptation and maternal-fetal attachment scores in pregnant women with a history of baby loss.

Effects of Swedish Massage on the Improvement of Mood Disorders in Women with Breast Cancer undergoing Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. The detection and treatment of this cancer may create mental pressure and lower mood levels, causing anxiety, depression, stress, and pain for the patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Swedish massage on mood disorders in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy at the cancer institute of the Imam Khomeini hospital at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study consisted of a clinical trial including 100 patients with breast cancer. The participants were chosen randomly, with their consent, by the use of polling, to be included in the intervention group (which received a Swedish massage three times a week, for 30 minutes, over five weeks) and control group (which received routine care). At the beginning of the intervention and after 5 weeks, the mood disorders of the patients, including anger, anxiety, depression, and any positive affect, were assessed using the affective control scale (ACS) questionnaire. RESULTS: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the average of the overall scale between the intervention and control groups in the subscales of anger, anxiety, depression, and positive affect (P = 0.469). The average of the overall scale in the Swedish massage group decreased from 3.52 ± 0.65 to 2.42 ± 0.76 when compared to the pre-intervention conditions, and to (P < 0.001) after the intervention. Moreover, the values for the control group were 3.41 ± 0.94 for the pre-intervention and 3.38 ± 0.9 after the intervention (P = 0.620). CONCLUSIONS: When compared to the control group, the Swedish massage showed an improvement in the mood disorders of women with breast cancer.

The Effect of Herbal Tea Containing Fenugreek Seed on the Signs of Breast Milk Sufficiency in Iranian Girl Infants.

BACKGROUND: One of the important reasons behind termination of breast-feeding in the first six months after childbirth is insufficient production of breast milk. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of herbal tea containing fenugreek seed on the signs of breast milk sufficiency in Iranian girl infants aged 0 - 4 months, at the medical health centers of Tehran university of medical sciences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a clinical trial with a control group. Seventy-eight girl infants, 0 - 4 months old that were exclusively breastfed by their mothers, were randomly assigned to the intervention group (received herbal tea containing 7.5 g fenugreek seed powder in addition to 3 g of black tea, three times a day) and the control group (received herbal tea containing 3 g of black tea powder, three times a day). Before and during the four weeks of study, the signs of breast milk sufficiency were evaluated through measurement of growth parameters and use of follow-up forms for measuring the number of wet diapers in one day, frequency of defecation and infant breast-feeding times in a day. RESULTS: Before the intervention there was no significant difference between weight, height, head circumference, the number of wet diapers and frequency of defecation between the two groups (P > 0.05), yet the number of breast feeding times of the control group was more than the Fenugreek group. At the end of the fourth week in proportion to the pre-intervention conditions, the weight of the infants in the fenugreek group increased significantly from 5282.0513 ± 1021.51121 to 6383.0769 ± 952.06190, while head circumference increased from 38.3103 ± 1.62736 to 39.9256 ± 1.50660, number of wet diapers from 5.2821 ± 0.93044 to 8.1648 ± 1.20620, frequency of defecation from 1.8846 ± 1.08495 to 2.7326 ± 0.94771 and the number of breast feeding times from 9.1795 ± 1.39778 to 15.9597 ± 1.45056 (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant effect on height variation (P = 0.078). While in the control group there was no significant difference between the mentioned variables (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Herbal tea of fenugreek seed in comparison to the control group improves the signs of breast milk sufficiency.

Curcumin attenuates severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Most women experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) at their reproductive age. PMS is a combination of psychological, physical and behavioral changes that interfere with familial communication and social activities. OBJECTIVES: Different methods have been suggested for treating PMS and one of them is herbal medicine. This study was done to evaluate the effects of curcumin on severity of PMS symptoms. METHODS: This research was a clinical trial, double-blinded study. After having identified persons suffering from PMS, participants were randomly allocated to placebo (n=35) and curcumin (n=35) groups. Then each participant received two capsules daily for seven days before menstruation and for three days after menstruation for three successive cycles and they recorded severity of the symptoms by daily record questionnaire. RESULTS: The baseline level of PMS symptoms of before intervention did not differ between groups. While after three consecutive cycles treatment with curcumin, total severity of PMS score had reduced from 102.06±39.64 to 42.47±16.37 (mean change: 59.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 46.19-72.99) and in Placebo, total severity of PMS score changed from 106.06±44.12 to 91.60±43.56 (mean change: 14.45; 95% CI: 2.69 to 26.22). Furthermore, difference between mean changes was significant (mean difference: 45.14; 95% CI: 6.10-14.98). CONCLUSIONS: Our results for the first time showed a potential advantageous effect of curcumin in attenuating severity of PMS symptoms, which were probably mediated by modulation of neurotransmitters and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin.

Lived Experiences of Educational Leaders in Iranian Medical Education System: A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION: High quality educational systems are necessary for sustainable development and responding to the needs of society. In the recent decades, concerns have increased on the quality of education and competency of graduates. Since graduates of medical education are directly involved with the health of society, the quality of this system is of high importance. Investigation in the lived experience of educational leaders in the medical education systems can help to promote its quality. The present research examines this issue in Iran. METHODOLOGY: The study was done using content-analysis qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews. The participants included 26 authorities including university chancellors and vice-chancellors, ministry heads and deputies, deans of medical and basic sciences departments, education expert, graduates, and students of medical fields. Sampling was done using purposive snowball method. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. FINDINGS: Five main categories and 14 sub-categories were extracted from data analysis including: quantity-orientation, ambiguity in the trainings, unsuitable educational environment, personalization of the educational management, and ineffective interpersonal relationship. The final theme was identified as "Education in shadow". CONCLUSION: Personalization and inclusion of personal preferences in management styles, lack of suitable grounds, ambiguity in the structure and process of education has pushed medical education toward shadows and it is not the first priority; this can lead to incompetency of medical science graduates.

Correlation between Students' Self-Efficacy and Teachers' Educational Leadership Style in Iranian Midwifery Students.

BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy is believe in and feeling of ability to complete work. One of these factors is educational teachers ' role. This study aimed to determine relationship between teachers' leadership style and students' self-efficacy in midwifery students. METHOD: This Study is a cross sectional correlation study. Sampling was conducted in midwifery students in Bachelor Science degree in 2013. Data collection tools were multi leadership questionnaire and self-efficacy clinical performance. After explaining the goals of study, 97 students completed the questionnaire. Scoring the questionnaire was based on a Liker's scale (0-5).Data were analyzed by SPSS 16. Correlation coefficient test was adopted to investigate the relationship and p value was considered 0.05. RESULT: Mean of self-efficacy scores were 116.12 (24.66.). In 53.3% of the cases, self-efficacy was good, in 42.2% moderate and in 4.3%, it was bad. The majority of the students (88.9%) reported that their teachers had an idealized style in leadership. About 94.6% of the students with good self- efficacy believed that their teachers' leadership style was transformational style. There was a significant correlation between self- efficacy and leadership style (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that transformational style is appropriate for midwifery teachers.

Effect of treatment with ginger on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder. Although the etiology of PMS is not clear, to relieve from this syndrome different methods are recommended. One of them is use of medicinal herbs. This study was carried out to evaluate effects of ginger on severity of symptoms of PMS. This study was a clinical trial, double-blinded work, and participants were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 35) and control (n = 35) groups. To determine persons suffering from PMS, participants completed daily record scale questionnaire for two consecutive cycles. After identification, each participant received two ginger capsules daily from seven days before menstruation to three days after menstruation for three cycles and they recorded severity of the symptoms by daily record scale questionnaire. Data before intervention were compared with date 1, 2, and 3 months after intervention. Before intervention, there were no significant differences between the mean scores of PMS symptoms in the two groups, but after 1, 2, and 3 months of treatment, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.0001). Based on the results of this study, maybe ginger is effective in the reduction of severity of mood and physical and behavioral symptoms of PMS and we suggest ginger as treatment for PMS.