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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of female infertility. To conduct a systematic review assessing the efficacy and safety of black cohosh for ovulation-induction through hormone regulation and increased endometrial thickness to improve pregnancy rates in women with PCOS-related infertility. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used. A search of Medline, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Science Direct, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature spanning origin to December 19, 2020 was conducted using keywords and permutations of "black cohosh" and "PCOS." A search for "PCOS" in the National Clinical Trials database and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform was conducted in December 2020 to identify additional records. Eligibility criteria included reported efficacy or safety outcomes; studies in women with PCOS; English language; and primary literature. Eligible records were evaluated using applicable risk-of-bias tools. A total of 181 records were screened after deduplication from 207 results. Two randomized controlled trials (RCT) met inclusion criteria. Review of 1386 records from clinical trial registries and subsequent scoping searches resulted in identification of 4 additional records (3 published). Improvement in hormone regulation and endometrial thickness were found for black cohosh groups compared to clomiphene citrate (CC). Three RCTs reported improved pregnancy rates using black cohosh plus CC. There were no differences in adverse events. Studies demonstrated several risk-of-bias concerns. There is a lack of high-quality evidence supporting the effectiveness of black cohosh for improving pregnancy rates in PCOS-related infertility. Short-term use of black cohosh appears to be safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This review identified and evaluated apps intended to aid women in conception that were available across major mobile platforms; secondary objectives were to highlight additional criteria and considerations when evaluating conception-related apps. Data Sources: Apple iTunes and Google Play stores were searched using the keywords conception, fertility, and pregnant. Data Selection: Included apps were as follows: contained in the first 50 search results; presented in English; intended for layperson use; updated July 1, 2018, or after; marketed as a conception aid; and used a defined fertility tracking method. Excluded apps were intended for men only, marketed for contraception only, promoted a single fertility service or branded product, or not found in both app stores. Data Extraction: Apps were evaluated using the adapted APPLICATIONS Scoring System. Two additional criteria were assessed: inclusion of a privacy policy and inclusion of a search function, medical terminology glossary, or Frequently Asked Questions section. Data Synthesis: A total of 300 apps were screened; 7 app pairs were analyzed. Scores ranged from 9 to 13 of a possible 15 points (mean = 11; median = 11). No app reported advisement from a health professional during development. Relevance to Patient Care in Clinical Practice: Widely available apps that score highly per the adapted APPLICATIONS Scoring System may be considered for use by and recommended to women seeking apps useful for conception. Conclusion: Evaluation tools should evolve as app features change. Criteria related to privacy and search functions that promote health literacy should be considered for future app evaluation tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idarucizumab is the first reversal agent approved for the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran. The authors summarize the findings from the clinical trial series and describe case reports, post-marketing data, and ongoing studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]