Background: Prevention of cardiovascular disease by modifying its major risk factors, including serum cholesterol levels, is an important strategy. Regular intake of garlic has been suggested, but its impact on cholesterol levels has been inconsistent. Objective: A systematic review to critically summarize the evidence on the effect of garlic on serum cholesterol. Methods: We carried out a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, electronic publishing sites, reference lists of relevant papers and manual searches of relevant journals from inception to March 2008. We contacted experts and local manufacturers and distributors of garlic products to identify additional studies. To evaluate the effects of garlic on cholesterol levels in both healthy and hypercholesterolaemic subjects, randomized controlled trials of garlic ranging from 11 to 24 weeks in duration were included. Data were extracted and trial quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. The data were meta-analysed. Results: Thirteen trials including 1056 subjects were eligible for the meta-analysis. Overall, administration of garlic did not show any significant difference in effects on all outcome measures examined when compared with placebo. Garlic therapy did not produce any statistically significant reduction in serum total cholesterol level (mean difference, )0AE04 mmol ⁄ L;. There was no difference between garlic and placebo on HDL-cholesterol level (mean difference, 0AE01 mmol ⁄ L; 95% CI )0AE03 to 0AE05 mmol ⁄ L). As moderate to high heterogeneity exists among pooled studies, conclusive recommendations cannot be made at present on the actual effects of garlic therapy on serum cholesterol levels. Conclusion: The available evidence from randomized controlled trial does not demonstrate any beneficial effects of garlic on serum cholesterol.

The 'religion as cause' argument implies that religious faiths are more inherently prone to violence than ideologies that are secular. Following an evaluation of the scientific literature on religion and violence, we argue that wherever evidence links specific aspects of religion with aggression and violence, these aspects are not unique to religion. Rather, these aspects are religious variants of more general psychological processes. Further, there are numerous aspects of religion that buffer against aggression and violence among its adherents. The most distinct feature of religion, supernaturalism, is not often the focus of researchers of religion and violence. Despite this, the paucity of research that has been conducted on this key feature suggests that supernaturalism is associated with reduced aggression and violence. There appears to be very little support for the notion that there is something uniquely religious that causes violence among followers.

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BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes are dependent on patients' biological sex (e.g., hormone levels) and sociocultural gender (e.g., norms, responsibilities). Informal caregivers additionally experience disruptions to identity and roles post-TBI. However, information on this topic remains largely unavailable to patients and caregivers.PurposeThis study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a one-time educational intervention on sex and gender influences in TBI for patients and informal caregivers.Materials and methodsWe conducted a pilot pre-test/post-test randomized control-group design study. Groups (i.e., passive, active and control) consisted a total of 16 persons with TBI and caregivers (75% persons with TBI, 63% women). Individual and group learning gains, and group-average normalized gain, were computed for three learning domains: knowledge, attitude, and skill. An intervention with an average normalized gain of ≥30% was considered effective. Educational intervention evaluation and qualitative comments post-participation were summarized.ResultsThe passive group demonstrated the highest average normalized gain across the three learning domains, including 100% for knowledge, 40% and 61% for attitude, and 37% for skill. The remaining groups did not reach an average normalized gain of ≥30%, except for the attitude domain of the control group (33% and 32%). Two key categories were identified qualitatively: (1) gendered self-expectations post-injury and (2) implications of gender stereotypes in rehabilitation, including the need for rehabilitation treatment to look beyond sex and gender. The post-participation educational session evaluation conveyed high appraisal of content, organization, and usability of the intervention.ConclusionA one-time passive educational intervention on sex and gender in TBI may improve knowledge, attitude, and skill on the topic of sex and gender among adults with TBI and caregivers. Obtaining knowledge and skill on sex and gender effects in TBI can potentially help persons with TBI and caregivers adapt to changes in roles and behaviours post-injury.