Background: Nausea and vomiting frequently occur during postoperative recovery, chemotherapy, and pregnancy. While peppermint oil is traditionally used to relieve these symptoms, its efficacy remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of peppermint oil inhalation for postoperative (PONV), chemotherapy-induced (CINV), and pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting (NVP). Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched five databases (Scopus, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) in November 2022, with an update in December 2024. Randomised controlled trials were included, comparing peppermint oil inhalation to a control in patients with PONV, CINV, and NVP. Separate meta-analyses were conducted for each patient group using R, focusing on the severity of the nausea and vomiting. Results: Nineteen RCTs were included. In three PONV studies, peppermint oil inhalation was associated with a reduction in nausea 2 to 6 h after the intervention (MD: −0.60 points, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.77 to −0.44, p = 0.004). In three NVP studies, daily peppermint oil treatment was linked to lower symptom severity at 48 h (MD: −0.51, 95% CI: −0.78 to −0.24, p = 0.015) and 96 h (MD: −0.68, 95% CI: −1.09 to −0.27, p = 0.019). In three CINV studies, peppermint oil inhalation appeared to reduce symptoms at all time points, with the most notable reduction at 48 h (MD: −2.23, 95% CI: −3.13 to −1.34, p < 0.001) and 72 h (MD: −2.41, 95% CI: −3.96 to −0.86, p = 0.010). Conclusions: Peppermint oil inhalation may be a promising complementary therapy for reducing nausea and vomiting in postoperative, chemotherapy, and pregnancy settings.

Aim: This study discusses the historical background of distance learning and its pros and cons from the perspective of students and teachers. This study aimed to conduct a comparison of the effectiveness of distance learning during the quarantine period at Kharkiv National Medical University (KNMU), and the national lockdown at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Material and Methods: A survey was used to investigate student’s perspectives about distance education. An online survey consisting of 19 questions was conducted on Google Forms platform among 395 students at KNMU and among 124 students of UCT obtained from Vula site statistics. Individuals’ learning progress during histological and anatomical classes using different methods such as virtual aggregators of slides and 3D programs were also observed. Results: At KNMU, most students (72.2%, n=285) agreed that the main advantages of distance education were the extra time they had to prepare for classes and revise study materials whereas the major challenge they faced while having distance education was the lack of clinical approach to patients (69.1%, n=273). At UCT, students found that the most helpful aspect of distance learning was pre-recorded lecture videos (66.9%, n=83). Conclusion: The pandemic has shown that distance learning is possible, but the question remains: has it proved to be efficient, and is it an inseparable part of the education system today? The role of distance education in the twenty-first century can be summarized as distance education programs catching huge popularity in the educational world with having and spreading discussable sides.

Background/Objectives: Calcified coronary lesions require plaque modification techniques for optimal stent apposition, of which rotational atherectomy (RA) is the most commonly used one. Challenging cases require the use of additional dedicated devices (such as modified balloons, MB); however, data available for evidence-based device selection are limited. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of the balloon-based technology used after successful RA treatment on outcomes. Methods: This study was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, CENTRAL and Embase databases were systematically searched for eligible randomized and non-randomized studies. Results: A total of nine studies and 1024 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were treated with RA followed by either plain balloon angioplasty (RA + BA) or modified balloon (RA + MB) treatment prior to stent implantation. There was no significant difference in MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events; OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.21–1.34; p = 0.153), all-cause mortality (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.33–1.42; p = 0.265), and target lesion revascularization (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.27–1.55; p = 0.264) between the two groups. However, a sensitivity analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in MACE for patients with severely calcified lesions (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.25–0.70; p = 0.009) in the RA + MB group. The analyses of the safety outcomes of slow flow/no reflow (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.29–1.22; p = 0.128) and coronary artery perforation (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.70–1.99; p = 0.480) showed no difference between the two groups. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that the benefit of the more invasive RA + MB treatment is statistically significant for severely calcified lesions, but is not associated with additional procedural complications.

Background: Gastrointestinal endoscopy is crucial for diagnosing colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases, but its effectiveness can be impacted by peristalsis, poor bowel preparation, and inadequate withdrawal time. Conventional antispasmodics, though effective, may not be suitable for elderly patients or those with comorbidities. L-menthol, derived from peppermint oil, has emerged as a safer alternative. Through calcium channel blockade, L-menthol promotes GI smooth muscle relaxation. This study evaluated L-menthol’s efficacy and safety as a potential alternative to antispasmodic agents in endoscopy. Methods: Following PRISMA2020 guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving adults undergoing endoscopy, comparing L-menthol to placebo. The primary outcome was the adenoma detection rate, with secondary outcomes, including severity of peristalsis, safety, withdrawal time, and ease of examination. We searched five databases on 31 May 2023, with updates on 20 October 2024. Results: Fourteen studies were included. L-menthol reduced peristalsis during colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, achieving a suppression rate of 55.9% (560/1002 patients; odds ratio (OR) = 3.88, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.13–7.07), which improved mucosal visualization. It improved ease of examination (OR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.35–4.73), allowing endoscopists to perform procedures with less technical difficulty. However, L-menthol had no significant impact on the adenoma detection rate (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.69–1.64), indicating no added benefit for lesion detection, and did not prolong withdrawal time (MD = 3.24 s, 95% CI: −101.05–107.53). Adverse event rates remained low and comparable to placebo (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.74–1.27). Conclusions: L-menthol reduces peristalsis and enhances ease of examination without adverse events. Although its effect on the adenoma detection rate remains inconclusive, its antispasmodic properties make it a promising alternative for patients who cannot tolerate conventional agents.