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Aims and Objectives. Admission in the intensive care unit is highly stressful, for both the child and family. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the nurse‐parent partnership in the pediatric intensive care units. Methods. The data were collected from 71 ICU nurses through a web‐based survey by the Pediatric Nurse‐Parent Partnership (NPP) Scale, Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence (EI) Scale, and patient‐centered communication (PCC) proficiency by Park and Oh's. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results. The mean scores for NPP, EI, and PCC skills were 67.91 ± 9.62, 55.16 ± 5.77, and 33.38 ± 4.81, respectively. There was a positive correlation between NPP, EI (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), and PCC skills (r = 0.59, p < 0.001). In hierarchical multiple regression analysis, EI (p < 0.01) and PCC skills (p = 0.05) were the two stronger primary variables influencing NPP than the general variables such as gender, children, and an additional qualification in pediatric nursing with higher variance (59% vs 14%). Conclusion. The findings of the study supported that nurses' EI and PCC skills as well as additional qualification or training in pediatric nursing were the primary factors influencing nurse‐parent partnership in intensive care settings. Thus, effective intervention programs focusing on these factors should be initiated to strengthen NPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's world, non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) are recognized as substitutes for sugar or other high-calorie sweeteners, and their consumption is increasing dramatically. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the impact of NNSs on anthropometric indices. To fill this gap in knowledge, the current GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to evaluate the effects of artificial- and stevia-based sweeteners consumption on anthropometric indices and serum leptin level which is known as an appetite-regulating hormone. A comprehensive search was conducted on the Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases up to November 2022 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of NNSs on anthropometric indices and serum leptin levels. Data extraction from qualified studies was performed independently by two researchers. A random- or fixed-effects model was used to estimate weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for anthropometric indices such as body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), waist circumference (WC) and serum leptin level. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochran's Q test and quantified using the I2 statistic. From a pool of 3212 studies initially identified, 20 studies with a total sample size of 2158 subjects were included in the analysis. Results of the pooled analysis showed that NNSs consumption had a significant reducing effect on BW (WMD: −1.02, 95% CI: −1.57, −0.46 Kg), FM (WMD: −1.09, 95% CI: −1.90, −0.29), and FFM (WMD: −0.83, 95% CI: −1.42, −0.23), but did not have any significant effect on BMI (WMD: −0.16, 95% CI: −0.35, 0.02), WC (WMD: −1.03, 95% CI: −2.77, 0.72), or serum leptin level (WMD: −2.17, 95% CI: −4.98, 0.65). The findings of this study indicate that the consumption of artificial- and stevia-based sweeteners may lead to a reduction in body weight, fat mass, and free fat mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a multitude of investigations assessing the impact of green coffee extract supplementation on obesity indices, there is still a great deal of heated debate regarding the benefits of this intervention in obesity management. Therefore, in order to clarify the effect of green coffee extract on waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and body weight (BW), we conducted an umbrella review of interventional meta-analyses. The Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and Embase databases were searched using specific keywords and word combinations. The umbrella meta-analysis was performed using the Stata software version 17 (Stata Corp. College Station, Texas, USA). We pooled effect sizes (ES) and confidence intervals (CI) for the outcomes using the random effects model (the DerSimonian and Laird method). In total, 5 eligible meta-analyses were included in the final quantitative assessment. Data pooled from 5 eligible papers revealed that green coffee extract can reduce BW (WMD: −1.22 kg, 95% CI: −1.53 to −0.92, p < 0.001), BMI (WMD: −0.48 kg/m2, 95% CI: −0.67 to −0.29, p < 0.001) and WC (WMD: −0.55 cm, 95% CI: −0.80 to −0.31, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses highlighted that green coffee extract supplementation in dosages ≤600 mg/day and interventions lasting >7 wk are more likely to decrease BW. The present umbrella meta-analysis confirms the beneficial effects of green coffee extract in reducing WC, BMI, and BW. Thus, we may infer that green coffee extract can be used as a complementary therapy in the management of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepcidin has a crucial role in iron homeostasis upon inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the overall association between serum hepcidin concentrations and IBD. Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta‐analysis (PRISMA) protocols, an electronic literature search was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science until June 2020. Studies were deemed eligible for inclusion if they met the following criteria: (1) diagnosis of IBD, (2) observational design, and (3) measured serum hepcidin and prohepcidin concentrations in IBD patients and control group. Overall, 10 studies including 1184 participants were evaluated. Random‐effects meta‐analysis revealed that subjects with IBD had 7.22 ng/mL (95% CI: 2.10, 12.34; p =.006) higher serum hepcidin concentrations compared to control groups. A nonsignificantly lower serum prohepcidin concentration (0.522 ng/mL, 95% CI: −1.983 to 0.939; p =.484) was found for IBD patients compared to healthy subjects. However, there was significant heterogeneity among the studies regarding both hepcidin (I2 = 98%, p <.001) and prohepcidin levels (I2 = 96%, p <.001), respectively. In an age‐based subgroup analysis, patients aged ≥18 years with IBD displayed higher serum hepcidin levels when compared to healthy individuals (22.36 ng/mL, 95% CI, 2.12–42.61; p =.030). Hepcidin concentrations are elevated in subjects with IBD; however, the clinical relevance of this finding requires further evaluation in future investigations as the increase is relatively small compared to the wide range of normal hepcidin values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the clinical profile and measure the pain and migraine-related disability of patients with all types of migraine using the McGill pain assessment scale and Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) before and after 3 months of effect on the medication. Methods: A Prospective-Cross sectional study was carried out in a multispecialty hospital with male and female patients between 18 and 65 years. The data were collected from the patients directly through the questionnaire of McGill pain assessment scale-short form (SF) and MIDAS, which was provided before and after the medication.  Results: There were 165 subjects of which 52 were men and 113 were women. The mean age of all the subjects was 43 years. About 26.06% of the subjects had a family history of headaches. The scores of McGill pain and MIDAS assessment before and after medication were as follows: 0– 15 were 30.90% and 73.33%, Score 16– 30 were 54.54% and 18.18%, the score of 31– 45 were 14.54% and 7.87% of the subjects. MIDAS grade I was 17.57% and 50.90%, Grade II 33.93% and 21.81%, Grade III 30.30% and 15.75% Grade IV 18.18% and 11.51% of the subjects. Discussion: The calculated "t" value between the before and after medication values of McGill and MIDAS by paired 't-test was 13.85 and 17.49 respectively. As the calculated "t" value is more than the table value, the alternate hypothesis is accepted. Conclusion: This study confirms that there is a significant difference in disability levels before and after acute and preventative treatments when measured over 3 months. In addition, the preponderance of females was high, and the functional disability that affects work and social activity associated with migraine is moderate to severe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community pharmacists are engaged in various professional activities starting from drug dispensing to promoting the well‑being of patients. They dispense medications as stated in the prescription and are also licensed to prescribe over‑the‑counter (OTC) medications. Self‑medication is widely practiced in various countries, which may lead to irrational drug use. The objectives of this study were to identify the factors associated with dispensing errors, to find ways to minimize dispensing errors, to identify patients’ reasons for self‑medication, and to find the drugs commonly utilized by patients as OTC medications and the sources of their drug information. Methods: A cross‑sectional survey of a convenience sample of 286 registered community pharmacists all over Tabuk was conducted using a self‑administered questionnaire. Results: Physician’s unclear handwriting in the prescription was the major factor for dispensing error (2.6 out of 3) and writing the prescription clearly by the physician or using a printed form of prescription was an important factor in minimizing dispensing errors (2.91 out of 3). Previous similar complaints in the past were the main reason for self‑medication (2.45 out of 3) with analgesics and antipyretics being the commonly dispensed drug groups dispensed as OTC medications (2.95 out of 3). Conclusion: Self‑medication practices and dispensing errors are widespread in Tabuk. Antibiotics were dispensed as OTC medication, which may lead to more chance of irrational drug use. Writing the prescription clearly and legibly would reduce dispensing errors. It is the community pharmacists’ responsibility to increase awareness regarding the appropriate use of drugs to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite multiple investigations assessing the impact of phytosterol supplementation on serum lipid levels, there is still a great deal of debate regarding the benefits of this intervention in the management of dyslipidemia. Therefore, we aimed at clarifying this dilemma by conducting the present umbrella review of interventional meta‐analyses. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were used to search for pertinent publications on the effect of phytosterol supplementation on the lipid profile in humans up to June 2023. To compute the overall effect size (ES) and confidence intervals (CI), the random‐effects model was used. The I2 statistic and Cochrane's Q‐test were applied to estimate the heterogeneity among the studies. Seventeen meta‐analyses with 23 study arms were included in the umbrella meta‐analysis. Data pooled from the 23 eligible arms revealed that phytosterol supplementation reduces low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) (ES = −11.47 mg/dL; 95% CI: −12.76, −10.17, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (ES = −13.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: −15.68, −10.37, p < 0.001), and triglyceride (TG) (ES = −3.77 mg/dL; 95% CI: −6.04, −1.51, p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that phytosterol administration with dosage ≥2 g/day and duration over 8 weeks and in hypercholesterolemic subjects was more likely to decrease LDL‐C, TC, and TG. Phytosterol administration did not significantly modify HDL‐C (ES = 0.18 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.13, −0.51, p = 258) levels when compared to controls. The present umbrella meta‐analysis confirms that phytosterol administration significantly reduces LDL‐C, TC, and TG, with a greater effect with doses of ≥2 g/day and treatment duration >8 weeks, suggesting its possible application as a complementary therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of phytosterols in patients with specific health conditions, as well as to ascertain the adverse effects, the maximum tolerable dose, and the maximum recommended duration of phytosterol administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common conditions resulting in disability, particularly in the elderly population. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease and the leading cause of chronic disability in the developed world. Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate knee pain in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. An analytical cross-sectional survey design was adopted in the Asir region from April 2023 to August 2023 to assess the knee pain of the adult population using an anonymous online questionnaire. Results: Of 1234, 332 were men (26.90) and 902 were women (73.09). WOMAC index score category 55.34% (n = 683) of the subjects had a low risk (score <60), 28.68% (n = 354) had a moderate risk (score 60–80), and 15.96% (n = 197) had a high risk (score ≥81) for KOA. According to clinical criteria, 79.33% (n = 979) of the study subjects had OA. Age group, gender 2.17 (1. 67–2.82) [OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.67–2.82), family history of OA [OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.37–0.62], diabetes [OR 2.78; 95% CI 2.17–3.56], hypertension [OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.26–0.45] were significantly associated with the percentage of the WOMAC index score using the Chi-square test analysis (P<0.05). Therefore, the WOMAC index showed higher diagnostic precision with a statistically significant association [OR 9.31 CI 6.90–12.81] with a P< 0.0001. Conclusion: KOA is more common in older, obese people who have reached the age of 50 in the Asir region, and it is more prevalent in women. Alarms the need for appropriate awareness programs for better disease prevention and health outcomes for the benefit of the community through general public health programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]