Medical Library Research Articles

Machine Learning Methods for Systematic Reviews:: A Rapid Scoping Review.

At the forefront of machine learning research since its inception has been natural language processing, also known as text mining, referring to a wide range of statistical processes for analyzing textual data and retrieving information. In medical fields, text mining has made valuable contributions in unexpected ways, not least by synthesizing data from disparate biomedical studies. This rapid scoping review examines how machine learning methods for text mining can be implemented at the intersection of these disparate fields to improve the workflow and process of conducting systematic reviews in medical research and related academic disciplines. The primary research question that this investigation asked, "what impact does the use of machine learning have on the methods used by systematic review teams to carry out the systematic review process, such as the precision of search strategies, unbiased article selection or data abstraction and/or analysis for systematic reviews and other comprehensive review types of similar methodology?" A literature search was conducted by a medical librarian utilizing multiple databases, a grey literature search and handsearching of the literature. The search was completed on December 4, 2020. Handsearching was done on an ongoing basis with an end date of April 14, 2023. The search yielded 23,190 studies after duplicates were removed. As a result, 117 studies (1.70%) met eligibility criteria for inclusion in this rapid scoping review. There are several techniques and/or types of machine learning methods in development or that have already been fully developed to assist with the systematic review stages. Combined with human intelligence, these machine learning methods and tools provide promise for making the systematic review process more efficient, saving valuable time for systematic review authors, and increasing the speed in which evidence can be created and placed in the hands of decision makers and the public.

Hydroxychloroquine-Chloroquine, QT-Prolongation, and Major Adverse Cardiac Events: A Meta-analysis and Scoping Review.

We aimed to evaluate the high-quality literature on the frequency and nature of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) associated with either hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or chloroquine (CQ). We searched Medline, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Cochrane Central from 1996 onward using search strategies created in collaboration with medical science librarians. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English language from January 1996 to September 2022, involving adult patients at least 18 years of age, were selected. Outcomes of interest were death, arrhythmias, syncope, and seizures. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed with a Treatment Arm Continuity Correction for single and double zero event studies. By study drug, there were 31 HCQ RCTs (n = 6677), 9 CQ RCTs (n = 622), and 1 combined HCQ-CQ trial (n = 105). Mortality was the most commonly reported MACE at 220 of 255 events (86.3%), with no reports of torsades de pointes or sudden cardiac death. There was no increased risk of MACE with exposure to HCQ-CQ compared with control (risk ratio [RR] = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.69-1.17, I2 = 0%). These findings have important implications with respect to patient reassurance and updated guidance for prescribing practices of these medications. Despite listing as QT-prolonging meds, HCQ-CQ did not increase the risk of MACE.

Probiotic effect in preterm neonates with sepsis - A systematic review protocol

Background: The microbiota in the intestine is made up of trillions of living bacteria that coexist with the host. Administration of antibiotics during neonatal infection causes depletion of gut flora resulting in gut dysbiosis. Over the last few decades, probiotics have been created and promoted as microbiota management agents to enrich gut flora. Probiotics decrease the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut of preterm neonates, reducing the frequency of nosocomial infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICUs). Methods: The systematic review will include randomized control trials (RCTs) of premier neonates with sepsis. Studies will be retrieved from global databases like Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL Plus via EBSCO host, MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Ovid, Web of Science and ProQuest Medical Library by utilizing database-specific keywords. Screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal of included research will be carried out separately by two review writers. Findings will be reported in accordance with the PRISMS-P 2020 guidelines. Conclusions: The findings of this systematic review will help to translate the evidence-based information needed to encourage the implementation of potential research output in the field of neonatal intensive care, guide best clinical practise, assist policy making and implementation to prevent gut dysbiosis in neonates with sepsis by summarising and communicating the evidence on the topic. PROSPERO registration number: This systematic review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) on 10th March 2022. The registration number is CRD42022315980.

Current Landscape and Future Directions of Patient Education in Adults with Interstitial Lung Disease.

Understandable, comprehensive, and accessible educational materials for patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) are lacking. Patients consistently ask for improved access to evidence-based information about ILD. Nonetheless, few research studies focus directly on developing and evaluating interventions to improve patient knowledge. We describe the current landscape of patient education in ILD, identify gaps in current approaches to information delivery, and provide frameworks to address these challenges through novel educational tools. A literature review was conducted in collaboration with a medical librarian (M.R.D.) in April 2022 using Ovid MEDLINE (1946-), Embase (1947-), Cochrane Central (1993-), and CINAHL (1961-). Search terms included "interstitial lung disease," "pulmonary fibrosis," "patient education," and "information seeking behavior" (see the data supplement for full search terms). Reference lists from selected articles were used to identify additional studies. Currently, patient education is commonly combined with exercise regimens in pulmonary rehabilitation programs in which benefits of the educational component alone are unclear. Few studies investigate improving knowledge access and acquisition for patients with ILD and their caregivers regarding self-management, oxygen use, and palliative care plans. Online distribution of health information through social media runs the risk of being unregulated and outdated, although it is an avenue of increasing accessibility. By expanding access to novel ILD-specific education programs and accounting for social determinants of health that impact healthcare access, patient education has the potential to become more attainable, improving patient-centered outcomes. Further research into optimal development, delivery, and efficacy testing of patient education modalities in ILD is warranted.

New Zealand Medical Library Faces The Challenges Of A Cyberattack

In 2021 our library team faced a new challenge – a cyberattack. We weren’t reading about it happening somewhere overseas, we were living it. We have put together an account of how we managed our library services during a challenging nine weeks.

Microsurgery of chronic laryngeal diseases using fiber optic lasers. A review

Background. The treatment of chronic diseases of the larynx is an urgent issue. Chronic larynx masses account for up to 5570% of the upper respiratory tract proliferative diseases. The incidence of vocal apparatus disorders is stable due to increased load on the vocal apparatus, neuro-emotional stress, non-compliance with voice hygiene (smoking, alcohol consumption), nasal and pharyngeal inflammatory diseases, sensibilization, and gastrointestinal disorders. Dysphonia, voice timbre changes, and vocal fatigue are presented in 712% of otorhinolaryngologist patients. Delayed treatment of chronic larynx diseases can lead to upper respiratory obstruction, reduced exercise and self-care tolerance, and disablement in people with voice and speech professions.
 Aim. To address current treatment methods for chronic diseases of the larynx. Modern surgical and non-surgical treatments of chronic larynx diseases aim to restore voice quality and respiratory function. Over the past 50 years, laser-assisted phonosurgery has gained popularity due to the many benefits of biological tissue exposure to electromagnetic energy and low rates of intra- and postoperative complications.
 Materials and methods. The literature review was performed using electronic medical libraries and professional printed papers. According to local and foreign data, laryngeal laser surgery is highly precise, minimally invasive, associated with no blood loss, and highly effective. Historically, CO2 laser has been used for the longest time in laryngeal surgery. Modern medical technology has recently introduced surgical systems with novel technicalities for clinical use. In such devices, the laser energy is transmitted through a flexible optical fiber instead of a mirror system, as in the CO2 laser, which has made new surgical high-energy systems more affordable for equipping medical institutions. Currently, the following fiber-optic laser systems are most often used to treat chronic diseases of the larynx: potassium-titanyl-phosphate, diode laser, and "blue" laser with a wavelength of 445 nm.
 Results. The literature review and analysis of surgical treatment outcomes using fiber-optic laser devices in patients with chronic larynx diseases showed high safety and effectiveness of modern treatments, providing fast recovery of voice and respiratory function.
 Conclusion. The development of laser devices, including domestic ones, with new wavelengths, makes it possible to work in contact mode in an inert gas environment, which opens up new opportunities for phonosurgery.

Digital literacy as a new determinant of health: A scoping review.

Harnessing new digital technologies can improve access to health care but can also widen the health divide for those with poor digital literacy. This scoping review aims to assess the current situation of low digital health literacy in terms of its definition, reach, impact on health and interventions for its mitigation. A comprehensive literature search strategy was composed by a qualified medical librarian. Literature databases [Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, and Google Scholar] were queried using appropriate natural language and controlled vocabulary terms along with hand-searching and citation chaining. We focused on recent and highly cited references published in English. Reviews were excluded. This scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley. A total of 268 articles were identified (263 from the initial search and 5 more added from the references of the original papers), 53 of which were finally selected for full text analysis. Digital health literacy is the most frequently used descriptor to refer to the ability to find and use health information with the goal of addressing or solving a health problem using technology. The most utilized tool to assess digital health literacy is the eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS), a self-reported measurement tool that evaluates six core dimensions and is available in various languages. Individuals with higher digital health literacy scores have better self-management and participation in their own medical decisions, mental and psychological state and quality of life. Effective interventions addressing poor digital health literacy included education/training and social support. Although there is interest in the study and impact of poor digital health literacy, there is still a long way to go to improve measurement tools and find effective interventions to reduce the digital health divide.

Sirolimus for Pediatric Cervicofacial Lymphatic Malformation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in the management of pediatric cervicofacial lymphatic malformations (LMs). EMBASE, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched, along with the reference list of all included articles. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO and a systematic literature search strategy was designed and conducted with the aid of a medical librarian. All studies including case reports were included, with pooled analysis of raw data. A meta-analysis was conducted of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clinical, and airway outcomes. Thirteen case series and five individual case reports were included. Meta-analysis showed 78% (95% CI 57%-94%) of 62 patients had a reduction in LM volume, on MRI criteria, by 20% or more, and 32% (95% CI 11%-57%) had a reduction of 50% or more. Further meta-analysis showed 97% (95% CI 88%-100%) of 78 patients reported some clinical improvement on sirolimus. Sirolimus may be of particular value in management of airway LMs; out of 27 tracheostomy-dependent patients, meta-analysis showed 33% (95% CI 1%-78%) were decannulated after starting sirolimus. Individual patient meta-analysis on 24 individuals showed a statistically significant better response to sirolimus when initiated under the age of 2 years. This review and meta-analysis support the efficacy of sirolimus in pediatric LMs of the head, neck, and airway. A large multi-center trial is needed to further explore its role and limitations. Laryngoscope, 134:2038-2047, 2024.

Equity in Information Retrieval

Medical librarians and information specialists have unique evidence retrieval skills that can help health technology assessment organizations reduce bias in the evidence they use: They identify gaps in mainstream evidence sources and seek out alternatives that provide the perspectives of underrepresented populations. They create complex and efficient database searches that encompass the wide variety of synonyms and phrases used to describe health disparities and inequities. They use sound, logical, and efficient ways to access evidence from paywalled systems while respecting rights of ownership. They critically appraise information systems to determine if they emphasize biases and inequities or create new ones.

The vestibular system: Contributions of Lorente de Nó.

Rafael Lorente de Nó was a neuroscientist that worked alongside two of the giants of Medicine, the Nobel Prize winners Cajal and Bárány. To describe the contributions of Lorente de Nó to vestibular neuroscience. Detailed review of the publications of Lorente de Nó and analysis of the archives from Junta para Ampliación de Estudios e Investigaciones Científicas at Residencia de Estudiantes (Madrid, Spain), Casa de Salud Valdecilla at Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (Santander, Spain), Becker Medical Library at Washington University (St. Louis, MO, USA), Rockefeller Archive Center (Sleepy Hollow, New York, NY, USA), Archivo Fernando de Castro (Madrid, Spain), Biblioteca Nacional de España (Madrid, Spain) and Legado Cajal at Instituto Cajal (Madrid, Spain). Most of this material is unpublished and includes over a hundred letters to or from Lorente. Lorente de Nó made a substantial contribution to our understanding of the vestibular system. Amongst these, he meticulously detailed the course of the vestibular nerve and its central projections. He described the vestibulo-ocular reflex as the consequence of an integration of the various nuclei and connections across the vestibular system, rather than a simple three-neuron arc. He also highlighted the role of the reticular formation in the generation of the fast phase of the nystagmus. Lorente de Nó was a pioneer of modern neuro-otology, having made outstanding contributions to vestibular neuroscience, forging novel discoveries that still burn true today.

JUNTOS Radio: a podcast created in collaboration with Spanish-speaking healthcare providers, Juntos Center for Advancing Latino Health, and a medical librarian.

Spanish speaking healthcare providers, JUNTOS Center for Advancing Latino Health, and a medical librarian partnered to create a podcast on essential health topics relevant to the Latinx community. The podcasts were recorded in Spanish and included Spanish supplementary consumer health information from credible resources such as MedlinePlus en Espanol. The podcasts covered important topics about COVID-19 such as vaccines, clinical trials, and social distancing. It also includes other relevant topics that are affecting the Latinx community.

Electronic Table of Contents Service: Still “Forwarding” 11 Years Later

An electronic table of contents (eToC) program was implemented by a medical librarian more than 11 years ago at a pediatric hospital (now a clinical and academic health system) with the goal of saving healthcare providers time and assisting them in staying current on the literature in their specific disciplines and/or general medicine. The eToC program still remains a highly popular service with more than 180 clinicians participating. This paper describes the implementation and maintenance of the program.

Introducing the Journal of the Medical Library Association’s policy on the use of generative artificial intelligence in submissions

With the arrival of ChatGPT, the academic community has expressed concerns about how generative artificial intelligence will be used by students and researchers alike. After consulting policies from other journals and discussing among the editorial team, we have created a policy on the use of AI on submissions to JMLA. This editorial provides a brief background on these concerns and introduces our policy.

A Descriptive Review of Medication-Overuse Headache: From Pathophysiology to the Comorbidities.

Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is an important problem worldwide, with different areas of controversy regarding its entity. This article reviews the risk factors, comorbidities, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, effective management, and prognosis of MOH by summarizing and integrating the results and findings from previously performed more than 15,000 studies (from 2010 to 2023) available from the scientific database of the University Medical Library in the University Clinical Center of Niš, which aimed to investigate and define the complexity of this type of headache. It has been proposed that all acute migraine medications can lead to MOH, with differences in the propensity of different agents to cause the problem. Early data suggests that triptans and other painkillers used for the acute treatment of migraine may be an exception. Recent studies show that practitioners and the general public are still largely unaware of the problem of medication overuse and its damaging effects. Although it is likely that MOH does occur, restricting the number of acute medications is necessary to prevent it. It is also possible that increasing amounts of acute medications are simply a reflection of poorly controlled headaches rather than a cause. Further research needs to be developed to identify more precise mechanisms for effective MOH management and its evolution.

An Unedited Witness to the Early Middle English Lyric Candet Nudatum Pectus in London, Wellcome Historical Medical Museum and Library, MS 801A

An Unedited Witness to the Early Middle English Lyric <i>Candet Nudatum Pectus</i> in London, Wellcome Historical Medical Museum and Library, MS 801A

Tren Penelitian Bibliometric pada Jurnal Media Pustakawan Tahun 2015-2022

The study was conducted to determine bibliometric research trends in Media Pustakawan journals accredited at SINTA. The purpose of the study is to provide an overview of the development of scientific publications related to content analysis of articles published in Media Pustakawan journals from 2015-2022. The data is taken from media librarians who have been accredited at SINTA. In total, there are 211 scientific research articles published. Next, the bibliometric review articles from these journals were collected. Articles published before January 2023. Of the 211 articles collected, there are 27 articles that examine bibliometrics. The results of the study showed that the types of quantitative research found 24 (88.89%) articles, the types of research articles found 26 (96.30%), research objects sourced from 22 journals (81.48%), the data collection instrument used Microsoft Excel worksheet found 16 (59.26%) articles, the bibliometric study group in descriptive form found 14 (51.85%) articles, and data analysis using percentages found 19 (70.37%) articles. Furthermore, the results of the authorship aspect based on the type of researcher found 15 (55.56%) collaborated, 21 (53.85%) research was conducted by women, 18 research institutions (66.67%) were non-university researchers, and 25 research areas (92.59%) came from the island of Java. The conclusion of this study is that the research trend of Media Pustakawan journals has increased and librarianship studies are increasingly in demand as a research area in Indonesia. Then, the topic of bibliometric research is of sufficient interest to researchers.

Effect of Bougie Use on First-Attempt Success in Tracheal Intubations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The use of a bougie, a flexible endotracheal tube introducer, has been proposed to optimize first-attempt success in emergency department intubations. We aimed to evaluate the available evidence on the association of bougie use in the first attempt and success in tracheal intubations. This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that evaluated first-attempt success between adults intubated with a bougie versus without a bougie (usually with a stylet) in all settings. Manikin and cadaver studies were excluded. A medical librarian searched Ovid Cochrane Central, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials and comparative observational studies from inception to June 2023. Study selection and data extraction were done in duplicate by 2 independent reviewers. We conducted a meta-analysis with random-effects models, and we used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence at the outcome level. We screened a total of 2,699 studies, and 133 were selected for full-text review. A total of 18 studies, including 12 randomized controlled trials, underwent quantitative analysis. In the meta-analysis of 18 studies (9,151 patients), bougie use was associated with increased first-attempt intubation success (pooled risk ratio [RR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 1.17, low certainty evidence). Bougie use was associated with increased first-attempt success across all analyzed subgroups with similar effect estimates, including in emergency intubations (9 studies; 8,070 patients; RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.16, low certainty). The highest point estimate favoring the use of a bougie was in the subgroup of patients with Cormack-Lehane III or IV (5 studies, 585 patients, RR 1.60, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.84, moderate certainty). In this meta-analysis, the bougie as an aid in the first intubation attempt was associated with increased success. Despite the certainty of evidence being low, these data suggest that a bougie should probably be used first and not as a rescue device in emergency intubations.

A five-year department-based electronic usage data analysis on electronic journal access, library training courses, and scholarly publications

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a digital medical library, including department-based electronic journal access, library training course participation and scholarly publications.Design/methodology/approachThe data on full-text electronic journal access, participants of library training courses and scholarly publications were exported from a digital medical library database during 2017–2021. In addition, electronic journal access and library training courses were divided into high-level and low-level groups, while scholarly publications were divided into physician and non-physician groups.FindingsThe scholarly publications had a positive correlation to library training courses and electronic journal access. Furthermore, scholarly publications showed a significant difference between the high-level and low-level electronic journal access groups but not between the high-level and low-level library training course groups. Scholarly publications and electronic journal access had positive correlations for both the physician and non-physician groups. Scholarly publications and library training courses, and electronic journal access and library training courses had positive correlations only in the non-physician group.Practical implicationsThe importance of electronic journal access for scholarly publications is suggested based on the findings of the present study. The training courses held by the medical library had a positive effect on scholarly publications for the non-physician group.Originality/valueThe current study provides insights relevant to the electronic journal access of library-supported scholarly publications among medical departments. These results can serve as a reference for medical library development planning and decision-making in the future.

2023 Medical Library Association and Special Library Association Hybrid Meeting Research Awards

Congratulations to the award-winning research papers and posters from MLA/SLA ’23 Hybrid Meeting held in Detroit, Michigan! The MLA Research Caucus is pleased to announce the winners for best research papers and posters presented at the MLA/SLA 2023 Hybrid Meeting.

Competency building in a busy working day for librarians and for libraries

Medical librarians know very well that they must build new competencies to offer relevant services and develop new library services. In a workshop at the EAHIL conference 2023, suggestions for competency building, and how libraries can build competency, were discussed. Positive and enthusiastic participants came up with many ideas: different types of clubs, webinars and courses, knowledge sharing with colleagues, regularly block out time, or just solve your tasks in a new way. The experiences showed that competency building in a busy work schedule is possible. The initiatives have in common that they portray an attitude to learn more, but also the willingness to organise activities and share competency with colleagues.