Correlation between critical thinking and emotional intelligence:a national crosssectional study on operating room nursing students in Iran

Objective:According to the World Federation of Medical Education,critical thinking should be part of the training of medical and paramedical students.Professionals can improve the quality of care of patients after surgery by having or acquiring this skill in health care.Also,Emotional intelligence is introduced as an impor tant and effective factor on the professional performance and mental health of healthcare professionals.Thus,the present study was designed and implemented to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and critical thinking among operating room nursing students of medical sciences universities in Iran.Methods:This cross-sectional study was done on 420 operating room students in 10 top medical sciences universities of Iran in 2022.The sampling method in this research was multistage sampling.The data collection instruments included demographic characteristics,Rickett's critical thinking,and Bradberry-Greaves'emotional intelligence questionnaires.After receiving the ethics code,data collection was done for 2 months.For data analysis,descriptive and inferential analyses including independent t-tests,analysis of variance,and Pearson correlation were used.The collected data were analyzed by SPSS 18(IBM Corporation,Armonk,New York,United States).P-value<0.05 was considered significant.Results:The mean age of the students participating in this study was 23.02±3.70 years,with women constituting 67.4%of them.The results of data analysis indicated that the mean total score of critical thinking and emotional intelligence was 124.10±37.52 and 114.12±43.63,respectively.A direct significant correlation between critical thinking and emotional intelligence(r=0.459,P-value<0.001)and a significant relationship between gender and emotional intelligence(P-value=0.028)were found.Conclusions:Based on the present study results,educational managers in the Ministry of Health are suggested to consider suitable educational programs for improving critical thinking and emotional intelligence to enhance the quality of care provided by students in operating rooms.

The feasible application ofmicrofluidic tissue/organ-on-a-chip as an impersonator of oral tissues and organs:a direction for future research

Currently,cell culture models play a key role in determining cell behavior under various conditions.However,the accurate simulation of cellular behavior that imitates the body’s conditions remains a challenge.Therefore,to overcome this obstacle,three-dimensional cell culture models have been developed.Microfluidic tissues/organs-on-chips(TOOCs)are new devices that have provided the opportunity to culture cells in a medium that is almost similar to the physiological conditions of the body.TOOCs can be designed in simple or complex models,which are mostly fabricated by soft lithography.These novel structures have been developed to mimic the conditions of various tissues and organs;however,microfluidic models for oral and dental tissues have not yet been widely used.The application of TOOCs for oral tissues/organs can provide the opportunity to study cell interactions with biomaterials used in dentistry.Furthermore,TOOCs can provide the opportunity to study the cellular interactions and developmental stages of oral tissues/organs more accurately.This review of the current advances in the field of TOOC development for oral tissues provides a comprehensive understanding of this burgeoning concept,shows the progress and applications of these novel models in the imitation of oral tissues/organs thus far,and reveals the limitations that TOOCs confront.Moreover,it suggests further perspectives for future applications.

Exploring the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide and semen quality parameters:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To investigate the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide(SO2)exposure and semen quality parameters.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the association between SO2 exposure and semen quality parameters.This search encompassed the timeframe from January 2000 to May 2023 and included electronic databases such as Web of Science,Google Scholar,PubMed,Cochrane,and Scopus.Pooled effect estimates with 95%confidence intervals(CI)were calculated using percent changes(PC).The meta-analysis included seven studies with 6711 participants and 15087 semen samples.Results:The results revealed a significant negative association between ambient SO2 exposure and certain semen quality parameters.In particular,SO2 exposure was associated with a significant decrease in progressive motility(PC=0.032;95%CI:-0.063 to-0.001;P=0.044)and sperm concentration(PC=-0.020;95%CI:-0.036 to-0.005;P=0.012).However,no statistically significant associations were observed for total sperm count(PC=-0.038;95%CI:-0.079 to 0.003;P=0.070),seminal fluid volume(PC=-0.009;95%CI:-0.048 to-0.030;P=0.662)and sperm motility(PC=-0.17;95%CI:-0.363 to 0.022;P=0.830).In addition,the results of the subgroup analysis revealed specific variables that were associated with the decrease in relevant sperm parameters.Conclusions:This systematic review and meta-analysis provides compelling evidence supporting a consistent negative association between exposure to ambient SO2 and semen quality parameters.

hsa-miR-181a-5p inhibits glioblastoma development via the MAPK pathway: in-silico and in-vitro study

Background:Glioblastoma remains a highly invasive primary brain malignancy with an undesirable prognosis.Growing evidence has shed light on the importance of microRNAs(miRs),as small non-coding RNAs,in tumor development and progression.The present study leverages the in-silico and in-vitro techniques to investigate the significance of hsa-miR-181a-5p and the underlying hsa-miR-181a-5p-meidated signaling pathway in glioblastoma development.Methods:Bioinformatic studies were performed on GSE158284,GSE108474(REMBRANDT study),TCGA-GTEx,CCLE,GeneMANIA,Reactome,WikiPathways,KEGG,miRDB,and microT-CDS to identify the significance of hsa-miR-181a-5p and its underlying target.Afterward,the U373 cell line was selected and transfected with hsa-miR-181a-5p mimics,and the cell viability,clonogenicity,migration,mRNA expression,apoptosis,and cell cycle were studied using the MTT assay,colony formation test,migration assay,qRT-PCR,andflow cytometry respectively.Results:hsa-miR-181a-5p expression is decreased in glioblastoma samples.The in-silico results have shown that hsa-miR-181a-5p could regulate the MAPK pathway by targeting AKT3.The experimental assays have shown that hsa-miR-181a-5p decreases the migration of glioblastoma cells,arrests the cell cycle,and increases the apoptosis rate.Besides downregulating MMP9 and upregulating BAX,hsa-miR-181a-5p downregulates MET,MAP2K1,MAPK1,MAPK3,and AKT3 expression in U373 cells.The in-vitro results were consistent with in-silico results regarding the regulatory effect of hsa-miR-181a-5p on the MAPK pathway,leading to tumor suppression in glioblastoma.Conclusions:hsa-miR-181a-5p inhibits glioblastoma development partially by regulating the signaling factors of the MAPK pathway.

Effectiveness and safety of rocuronium or nitroglycerin plus ropivacaine on pain during intravenous regional anesthesia:A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Objective:To compare the effects of adding rocuronium and nitroglycerin to ropivacaine in intravenous regional anesthesia(IVRA)on pain and hemodynamic parameters.Methods:This randomized controlled trial was done in 2023.Participants were 177 candidates for forearm operation surgery under IVRA selected from Valiasr Hospital,Arak,Iran.They were allocated by block randomization to three different groups,namely nitroglycerin group,rocuronium group and control group.Hemodynamic parameters were recorded before tourniquet application up to postoperative recovery time.Sensory block and motor block onset and duration and pain were also evaluated.The data analysis was carried out by IMB SPSS software 20.0.Results:177 Eligible patients were included in study,with 59 in each group.Time to sensory and motor block onset in the nitroglycerin group was significantly less than the other groups and the time of motor block in the rocuronium group was statistically higher than the control and the nitroglycerin groups(P<0.001).Seven participants in the nitroglycerin group experienced headache and three from the rocuronium group experienced dizziness.The side effects occurrence in the nitroglycerin group was more prevalent than in the control and rocuronium groups(P=0.009).Conclusions:Nitroglycerin significantly reduces the time to sensory and motor block onset,while rocuronium is more effective in prolonging the time of motor block.Although there is no difference between nitroglycerin and rocuronium respecting the pain score and opioid need administration,nitroglycerin is associated with a higher prevalence of medication side effects.Therefore,both nitroglycerin and rocuronium can be used as adjuvant for IVRA.The final choice relies on patients’conditions and anesthesiologists’judgment.

Black radish root extract alleviates sodium valproate-induced liver damage via inhibiting mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and oxidative stress in mice

Objective:To explore the effect of black radish(Raphanus sativus L.var niger)root extract on liver enzymes,oxidative stress,and histopathological alterations in mice with sodium valproate-induced hepatotoxicity.Methods:Thirty-two mice were divided into four groups:the control group received drinking water by gavage,the second group was administered with 100 mg/kg of sodium valproate,the third group received 300 mg/kg of black radish root extract,and the fourth group was given both sodium valproate(100 mg/kg)and black radish root extract(300 mg/kg).After 28 days,the mice were euthanized,and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and alkaline phosphatase(ALP),along with liver malondialdehyde(MDA),reactive oxygen species(ROS),mitochondrial parameters,tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)gene expression,and histopathological changes were assessed.Results:Sodium valproate caused hepatic damage in mice,characterized by elevated serum levels of liver enzymes,increased MDA and ROS levels and TNF-αgene expression,as well as histopathological alterations.The black radish root extract significantly alleviated sodium valproate-caused hepatic injury by decreasing the serum levels of ALT and AST,MDA,ROS,TNF-αgene expression,as well as mitochondrial impairment,but did not have a significant effect on sodium valproate-induced histopathological changes.Conclusions:The black radish root extract demonstrates protective effects against sodium valproate-induced liver injury,possibly through mitigating oxidative stress,mitochondrial impairment,and inflammatory mediator expression.

Protective effect of co-enzyme Q10 on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in adult male rats treated with Sunset Yellow FCF

Objective:To determine the protective effect of co-enzyme Q10(CoQ10)on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in male rats treated with SunsetYellow FCF.Methods:Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of the control,CoQ10(10 mg/kg/day),low dose of Sunset Yellow(2.5 mg/kg),high dose of Sunset Yellow(70 mg/kg),low dose of Sunset Yellow(2.5 mg/kg)plus CoQ10,and high dose of Sunset Yellow(70 mg/kg)plus CoQ10.The drugs were administered via daily oral gavages for 6 weeks.At the end of the experiment,sperm analysis,stereological and histological assessments of the testis were carried out.Results:The normal morphology(by 41.1%)and progressive spermatozoa(by 74.8%),testicle volume(by 33.4%),lumen volume(by 38.3%),interstitial tissue volume(by 44.7%),seminiferous tubule volume(by 40.7%),and number of spermatogonia(by 53.9%)and Leydig cells(by 70.7%)reduced in the rats that received high doses of Sunset Yellow in comparison to the control group.Nonetheless,all these alterations were recovered by CoQ10 treatment in the CoQ10 plus high dose of Sunset Yellow group.Furthermore,low doses of Sunset Yellow did not affect different parameters of the testis and sperm.Conclusions:CoQ10 could,to some extent,prevent structural changes of the testis induced by the high dose of SunsetYellow.

Niosome-encapsulated auraptene reduced the mRNA expression of VEGF-A and PDGFs genes in human retinaderived RPE cell line

AIM:To evaluate the effect of auraptene(AUR)treatment in forms of free and encapsulated in niosome nanoparticles by investigating the mRNA expression level of vascular endothelium growth factor(VEGF)-A and platelet-derived growth factors(PDGFs)in human retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)cell line.METHODS:Niosome nanocarriers were produced using two surfactants Span 60 and Tween 80.RPE cell line was treated with both free AUR and niosome-encapsulated.Optimum dosage of treatments was calculated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay.Expression of VEGF-A and PDGF-A,PDGF-B,PDGF-C,PDGF-D genes was measured after total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis,using real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).RESULTS:The highest entrapment efficiency(EE)was achieved by Span 60:cholesterol(1:1)with 64.3%.The half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of free and niosome-encapsulated AUR were 38.5 and 27.78µg/mL,respectively.Release study revealed that niosomal AUR had more gradual delivery to the cells.RT-PCR results showed reduced expression levels of VEGF-A,PDGF-A,PDGF-B,PDGF-C,and PDGF-D after treatment with both free and niosomal AUR.CONCLUSION:Niosomal formulation of Span 60:cholesterol(1:1)is an effective drug delivery approach to transfer AUR to RPE cells.VEGF-A,PDGF-A,PDGF-B,PDGF-C,and PDGF-D are four angiogenic factors,inhibiting which by niosomal AUR may be effective in age-related macular degeneration.

Exploring the relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and male fertility:A meta-analytic and meta-regression perspective on hormonal and seminal factors

Objective:To explore the relationship between Hashimoto's autoimmune hypothyroidism(HT)and male fertility,focusing on hormonal and seminal factors.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,Scopus,Cochrane,and Google Scholar,covering studies published from January 2000 to March 2024.Studies investigating the impact of HT on semen quality parameters and reproductive hormones were included.Pooled effect estimates were calculated using standard mean difference(SMD)and 95%confidence intervals(CI).Results:A total of 8 studies with 8965 participants were included.HT significantly affected semen quality and reproductive hormone levels.Specifically,there was a notable decrease in progressive morphology(SMD=-0.78;95%CI:-1.40 to-0.17;P=0.01)and sperm motility(SMD=-1.151;95%CI:-1.876 to-0.425;P=0.002).In addition,there were no significant changes in reproductive hormones,although there were elevated levels of luteinizing hormone(SMD=0.437;95%CI:0.000 to 0.874;P=0.050)and follicle-stimulating hormone(SMD=0.293;95%CI:-0.171 to 0.758;P=0.216),with a slight impact on testosterone levels(SMD=-1.143;95%CI:-2.487 to 0.200;P=0.095).Conclusions:This systematic review and meta-analysis provides robust evidence of the detrimental effects of HT on semen quality and reproductive hormones,underscoring the necessity for thorough evaluation and management of thyroid function in male infertility assessments.

Deciphering resistancemechanisms and novel strategies to overcome drug resistance in ovarian cancer:a comprehensive review

Ovarian cancer is among the most lethal gynecological cancers,primarily due to the lack of specific symptoms leading to an advanced-stage diagnosis and resistance to chemotherapy.Drug resistance(DR)poses the most significant challenge in treating patients with existing drugs.The Food and Drug Administration(FDA)has recently approved three new therapeutic drugs,including two poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP)inhibitors(olaparib and niraparib)and one vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)inhibitor(bevacizumab)for maintenance therapy.However,resistance to these new drugs has emerged.Therefore,understanding the mechanisms of DR and exploring new approaches to overcome them is crucial for effective management.In this review,we summarize the major molecular mechanisms of DR and discuss novel strategies to combat DR.

Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society orthopedic surgeons in the United States:An analysis of geographical distribution,academic,leadership,and demographic characteristics

BACKGROUND The Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society(LLRS)is a premier orthopedic specialty organization that promotes limb reconstruction for all ages.LLRS membership characteristics,however,are poorly reported.This study delineates orthopedic surgeon LLRS members’demographic traits,academic achievement,leadership attainment,and geographical distribution across the United States.AIM To inform aspiring orthopedic professionals,as well as to promote growth and diversity in both the LLRS organization and overarching field.METHODS This cross-sectional study examined United States LLRS members’academic,leadership,demographic,and geographical attributes.After reviewing the 2023 LLRS member directory,Google search results were matched to the listings and appended to the compiled data.Sex and ethnicity were evaluated visually utilizing retrieved images.The Hirsch index(H-index)of academic activity,residency and fellowship training,other graduate degrees,leadership positions,practice type(academic or non-academic),and spoken languages were categorized.LLRS members per state and capita determined geographic distribution.The Mann Whitney U test was applied to compare H-index between males and females,as well as to assess member differences pertaining to affiliation with academic vs non-academic practice facilities.RESULTS The study included 101 orthopedic surgeons,78(77.23%)Caucasian and 23(22.77%)non-Caucasian,79(78.22%)male and 22(21.78%)female.Surgeons with DO degrees comprised only 3.96%(4)of the cohort,while the vast majority held MDs[96.04%(97)].Mean H-index was 10.55,with male surgeons having a significantly higher score(P=0.002).Most orthopedic surgeons(88.12%,)practiced in academic centers.Of those professionals who occupied leadership positions,14%were women,while 86%were men.Additionally,19(37.25%)United States regions and the District of Columbia lacked an LLRS-member orthopedic surgeon.Total per capita rate across the United States was 0.30 LLRS orthopedic surgeons per 1 million people.CONCLUSION Over 21%of LLRS members are women,surpassing prior benchmarks noted in orthopedic faculty reporting.LLRS members’high research productivity scores imply field dedication that can refine expertise in the limb lengthening and reconstruction space.Gender disparities in leadership remain,however,necessitating greater equity efforts.A low rate of LLRS representation per capita must be addressed geographically as well,to affect improvements in regional care access.This study can serve to support aspiring orthopedic professionals,inform diversity,leadership,and field advancement strategies,and maintain the continued goal of enhanced patient care worldwide.

Impacts of radiation therapy on quality of life and pain relief in patients with bone metastases

Bone metastases(BM)are a common complication in advanced cancer patients,significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality due to their ability to cause pain,fractures,and spinal cord compression.Radiation therapy(RT)is vital in managing these complications by targeting metastatic lesions to ease pain,improve mobility,and reduce the risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures.Evidence supports the effectiveness of RT in pain relief,showing its ability to provide significant palliation and lessen the need for opioid painkillers,thereby enhancing the overall quality of life(QoL)for patients with BM.However,optimizing RT outcomes involves considerations such as the choice of radiation technique,dose fractionation schedules,and the integration of supportive care measures to mitigate treatment-related side effects like fatigue and skin reactions.These factors highlight the importance of personalized treatment planning tailored to individual patient needs and tumor characteristics.This mini-review aims to provide comprehensive insights into the multifaceted impacts of RT on pain management and QoL enhancement in BM patients,with implications for refining clinical practices and advancing patient care through the synthesis of findings from various studies.

Prevalence of Anemia in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective Anemia is a common public health concern in patients with type 2 diabetes worldwide.This study aimed to identify the prevalence of anemia among patients with diabetes.Methods Electronic databases,including PubMed,Scopus,Web of Sciences,and Google Scholar,were searched systematically for studies published between 2010 and 2021.After removing duplicates and inappropriate reports,the remaining manuscripts were reviewed and appraised using theNewcastleOttawa Scale(NOS)tool.A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates of the extracted data using Stata version 17.Heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the Q statistic.Results A total of 51 articles containing information on 26,485 patients with diabetes were included in this study.The articles were mainly from Asia(58.82%)and Africa(35.29%).The overall prevalence of anemia was 35.45%(95%CI:30.30–40.76),with no evidence of heterogeneity by sex.Among the two continents with the highest number of studies,the prevalence of anemia in patients with diabetes was significantly higher in Asia[40.02;95%CI:32.72–47.54]compared to Africa[28.46;95%CI:21.90–35.50](P for heterogeneity=0.029).Moreover,there has been an increasing trend in the prevalence of anemia in patients with diabetes over time,from[15.28;95%CI:9.83–22.21]in 2012 to[40.70;95%CI:10.21–75.93]in 2022.Conclusion Globally,approximately 4 in 10 patients with diabetes suffer from anemia.Therefore,routine anemia screening and control programs every 3 months might be useful in improving the quality of life of these patients.

Impact of umbelliprenin-containing niosome nanoparticles on VEGF-A and CTGF genes expression in retinal pigment epithelium cells

AIM:To investigate the impact of niosome nanoparticles carrying umbelliprenin(UMB),an anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory plant compound,on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF-A)and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)genes in a human retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)-like retina-derived cell line.METHODS:UMB-containing niosomes were created,optimized,and characterized.RPE-like cells were treated with free UMB and UMB-containing niosomes.The IC_(50)values of the treatments were determined using an MTT assay.Gene expression of VEGF-A and CTGF was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction after RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis.Niosomes’characteristics,including drug entrapment efficiency,size,dispersion index,and zeta potential were assessed.Free UMB had an IC_(50)of 96.2μg/mL,while UMB-containing niosomes had an IC_(50)of 25μg/mL.RESULTS:Treatment with UMB-containing niosomes and free UMB resulted in a significant reduction in VEGF-A expression compared to control cells(P=0.001).Additionally,UMB-containing niosomes demonstrated a significant reduction in CTGF expression compared to control cells(P=0.05).However,there was no significant reduction in the expression of both genes in cells treated with free UMB.CONCLUSION:Both free UMB and niosome-encapsulated UMB inhibits VEGF-A and CTGF genes expression.However,the latter demonstrates significantly greater efficacy,potentially due to the lower UMB dosage and gradual delivery.These findings have implications for anti-angiogenesis therapeutic approaches targeting age-related macular degeneration.

Comprehensive analysis of the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidases in colorectal cancer:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most frequent and the second most fatal cancer.The search for more effective drugs to treat this disease is ongoing.A better understanding of the mechanisms of CRC development and progression may reveal new therapeutic strategies.Ubiquitin-specific peptidases(USPs),the largest group of the deubiquitinase protein family,have long been implicated in various cancers.There have been numerous studies on the role of USPs in CRC;however,a comprehensive view of this role is lacking.AIM To provide a systematic review of the studies investigating the roles and functions of USPs in CRC.METHODS We systematically queried the MEDLINE(via PubMed),Scopus,and Web of Science databases.RESULTS Our study highlights the pivotal role of various USPs in several processes implicated in CRC:Regulation of the cell cycle,apoptosis,cancer stemness,epithelial–mesenchymal transition,metastasis,DNA repair,and drug resistance.The findings of this study suggest that USPs have great potential as drug targets and noninvasive biomarkers in CRC.The dysregulation of USPs in CRC contributes to drug resistance through multiple mechanisms.CONCLUSION Targeting specific USPs involved in drug resistance pathways could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for overcoming resistance to current treatment regimens in CRC.

Dissemination of carbapenem-non-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii isolates collected from educational hospitals in Qazvin province of Iran

Background:Acinetobacter baumannii(A.baumannii)is known as an opportunistic pathogen related to health-care-associated infection that has a high antibiotic resistance potential,notably against carbapenems that are widely used to combat A.baumannii infections.This study aimed to detect oxacillin-hydrolyzing(OXA)carbapenemases and metallo-β-lactamases(MBL)among carbapenem-resistant A.baumannii isolated strains and to determine their clonal relationship by repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR(rep-PCR).Methods:In the present study,a total of 211 non-repetitive isolates of A.baumannii were collected from Qazvin educational hospitals(2016–2017).The disk diffusion method was used to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility of studied strains,followed by the detection of MBL and OXA-type genes using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and sequencing methods.The rep-PCR method assessed the clonal relationship of carbapenem-non-susceptible A.baumannii isolates.Result:The obtained results showed that 87.2%and 86.7%of isolates were non-susceptible to imipenem and meropenem.The blaOXA-24(93.5%)was the most frequent gene,followed by the blaOXA-23(4.34%),blaIMP-1(1.63%),and blaVIM-1(0.54%).Meanwhile,blaOXA-58 and blaOXA-143 genes were not found.81.5%and 66.1%of isolates contained ISAba1 upstream of the blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-58 genes,respectively.Rep-PCR results revealed the carbapenem non-susceptible isolates belonged to three distinct clones:A 171(81%),B 34(16.1%),and C 6(2.8%).Conclusions:The results indicated a high prevalence of carbapenem-non-susceptible A.baumannii,with the emergence of the blaOXA-24 gene as the most common gene and the notable prevalence of MBL genes.These results revealed the need for appropriate therapeutic and infection control strategies and monitoring susceptibility patterns for controlling A.baumannii infections.

Role of molecular imaging in prognosis,diagnosis,and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers:An update on new therapeutic methods

One of the leading causes of cancer-related death is gastrointestinal cancer,which has a significant morbidity and mortality rate.Although preoperative risk assessment is essential for directing patient care,its biological behavior cannot be accurately predicted by conventional imaging investigations.Potential pathophysiological information in anatomical imaging that cannot be visually identified can now be converted into high-dimensional quantitative image features thanks to the developing discipline of molecular imaging.In order to enable molecular tissue profile in vivo,molecular imaging has most recently been utilized to phenotype the expression of single receptors and targets of biological therapy.It is expected that molecular imaging will become increasingly important in the near future,driven by the expanding range of biological therapies for cancer.With this live molecular fingerprinting,molecular imaging can be utilized to drive expression-tailored customized therapy.The technical aspects of molecular imaging are first briefly discussed in this review,followed by an examination of the most recent research on the diagnosis,prognosis,and potential future clinical methods of molecular imaging for GI tract malignancies.

Necessary prerequisites for evidence-based practice:results of investigating nurses'informatics competency and information literacy skills

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between nursing informatics(NI)competency and information literacy skills for evidencebased practice(EBP)among intensive care nurses.This cross-sectional study was conducted on 184 nurses working in intensive care units(ICUs).The study data were collected through demographic information,Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment Tool(NICAT),and information literacy skills for EBP questionnaires.The intensive care nurses received competent and low-moderate levels for the total scores of NI competency and information literacy skills,respectively.They received a moderate score for the use of different information resources but a low score for information searching skills,different search features,and knowledge about search operators,and only 31.5%of the nurses selected the most appropriate statement.NI competency and related subscales had a significant direct bidirectional correlation with information literacy skills for EBP and its subscales(P<0.05).Nurses require a high level of NI competency and information literacy for EBP to obtain up-to-date information and provide better care and decision-making.Health planners and policymakers should develop interventions to enhance NI competency and information literacy skills among nurses and motivate them to use EBP in clinical settings.

Effect of hemovigilance education on nursing students’knowledge:the application of a conceptual map

Objective:Given the importance of having knowledge on the hemovigilance process in nursing care,the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of the hemovigilance education on nursing students’knowledge using a conceptual map.The current research was a semi-experimental study.Methods:The samples consisted of 60 nursing students who were selected based on the inclusion criteria using the census sampling method.Thereafter,these participants were randomly assigned into the two groups:experimental and control groups.The required data were collected before,immediately after,and 1 month after the education using the hemovigilance knowledge questionnaire.Accordingly,the validity of this questionnaire was confirmed,and its reliability using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was reported as 0.83.The education process was conducted during a 4-week period.Thereafter,the collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS v25.Results:The results reveal that a significant difference existed between the knowledge scores of students in the experimental group compared with that of the control group during different times(including before,immediately after,and 1 month after the education)(P<0.0001).Of note,hemovigilance education had a significant effect on the students’knowledge(P<0.0001).Conclusions:Due to the effect of the hemovigilance education on the students’knowledge and by applying the conceptual map in the easy transfer of the educational concepts,it is recommended that the results of the present study be used to strengthen the theoretical and clinical education of nursing students.

COVID-19 and liver injury:Pathophysiology,risk factors,outcome and management in special populations

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is an ongoing health concern.In addition to affecting the respiratory system,COVID-19 can potentially damage other systems in the body,leading to extra-pulmonary manifestations.Hepatic manifestations are among the common consequences of COVID-19.Although the precise mechanism of liver injury is still questionable,several mechanisms have been hypothesized,including direct viral effect,cytokine storm,hypoxic-ischemic injury,hypoxiareperfusion injury,ferroptosis,and hepatotoxic medications.Risk factors of COVID-19-induced liver injury include severe COVID-19 infection,male gender,advanced age,obesity,and underlying diseases.The presentations of liver involvement comprise abnormalities in liver enzymes and radiologic findings,which can be utilized to predict the prognosis.Increased gamma-glutamyltransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and alanine aminotransferase levels with hypoalbuminemia can indicate severe liver injury and anticipate the need for intensive care units’hospitalization.In imaging,a lower liver-to-spleen ratio and liver computed tomography attenuation may indicate a more severe illness.Furthermore,chronic liver disease patients are at a higher risk for severe disease and death from COVID-19.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease had the highest risk of advanced COVID-19 disease and death,followed by metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.In addition to COVID-19-induced liver injury,the pandemic has also altered the epidemiology and pattern of some hepatic diseases,such as alcoholic liver disease and hepatitis B.Therefore,it warrants special vigilance and awareness by healthcare professionals to screen and treat COVID-19-associated liver injury accordingly.