Domains of professional practice: analysis of publications in the Journal of the Medical Library Association from 2010 to 2019.

The Medical Library Association (MLA) has defined 7 domain hubs aligning to different areas of information professional practice. To assess the extent to which content in the Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA) is reflective of these domains, we analyzed the magnitude of JMLA articles aligning to each domain hub over the last 10 years. Bibliographic records for 453 articles published in JMLA from 2010 to 2019 were downloaded from Web of Science and screened using Covidence software. Thirteen articles were excluded during the title and abstract review because they failed to meet the inclusion criteria, resulting in 440 articles included in this review. The title and abstract of each article were screened by two reviewers, each of whom assigned the article up to two tags corresponding to MLA domain hubs (i.e., information services, information management, education, professionalism and leadership, innovation and research practice, clinical support, and health equity & global health). These results inform the MLA community about our strengths in health information professional practice as reflected by articles published in JMLA.

Striving for equity: An update from the Journal of the Medical Library Association.

In 2020, the Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA) launched an initiative aimed at providing more equitable opportunities for authors, reviewers, and editorial team members. This editorial provides an update on the steps we have taken thus far to empower authors, increase the diversity of our editorial team, and make equity-minded recommendations to the Medical Library Association.

Racial, gender, sexual, and disability identities of the Journal of the Medical Library Association's editorial board, reviewers, and authors.

The Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA) recently issued a call for submissions that recognize and address social injustices; speak to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce and among our user populations; and share critical perspectives on health sciences librarianship as well as those on any topic within JMLA's scope written by authors who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. We also committed to creating more equitable opportunities for authors, reviewers, and editorial board members from marginalized groups. As part of this effort, we conducted a demographic survey of all individuals who served as a member of the JMLA editorial board or reviewer or had submitted a manuscript to JMLA between 2018 and 2020. We found that most survey respondents are white, heterosexual, women and do not identify with a disability, meaning that JMLA is missing out on a diversity of perspectives and life experiences that could improve the journal's processes and policies, enrich its content, and accelerate the research and practice of health sciences librarianship. Therefore, to avoid perpetuating or aggravating systemic biases and power structures in scholarly publishing or health sciences librarianship, we pledge to take concrete steps toward making JMLA a more diverse and inclusive journal.

Diagnostic work-up in paediatric and adolescent patients with adnexal masses: an evidence-based approach.

Adnexal masses are rare in the young female population. The differential diagnosis includes ovarian masses, tubal/paratubal masses, masses related to the gastrointestinal tract (colon), infectious lesions, or pregnancy. Acute abdominal pain, and less commonly, precocious puberty or vaginal bleeding, are typical symptoms in these cases. The majority of adnexal masses in the paediatric and adolescent population are benign; however, a thorough preoperative assessment is essential to guide surgical intervention and optimise patient outcomes. The proper diagnosis of an adnexal mass, correct management (surgical or nonsurgical), and necessary referrals are of paramount importance. In the light of these cornerstones, this review describes the aetiologies, presenting symptoms, and appropriate diagnostic work-up for paediatric and adolescent patients affected by adnexal masses.

Scoring systems for the evaluation of adnexal masses nature: current knowledge and clinical applications.

Adnexal masses are a common finding in women, with 20% of them developing at least one pelvic mass during their lifetime. There are more than 30 different subtypes of adnexal tumours, with multiple different subcategories, and the correct characterisation of the pelvic masses is of paramount importance to guide the correct management. On that basis, different algorithms and scoring systems have been developed to guide the clinical assessment. The first scoring system implemented into the clinical practice was the Risk of Malignancy Index, which combines ultrasound evaluation, menopausal status, and serum CA-125 levels. Today, current guidelines regarding female patients with adnexal masses include the application of International Ovarian Tumours Analysis simple rules, logistic regression model 1 (LR1) and LR2, OVERA, cancer ovarii non-invasive assessment of treating strategy, and assessment of Different Neoplasias in the adnexa. In this scenario, the choice of the scoring system for the discrimination between benign and malignant ovarian tumours can be complex when approaching patients with adnexal masses. This review aims to summarise the available evidence regarding the different scoring systems to provide a complete overview of the topic.

Fertility preservation in endometrial cancer patients: options, challenges and perspectives.

Several different approaches have been designed by physicians in order to preserve fertility in younger patients with endometrial carcinoma. There are various options offering different advantages, but hysteroscopic resection of pathologic endometrial tissue with placement of a Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device has proven to be the most successful in allowing patients to conceive and give birth afterwards. However, conservative treatments should only be considered in patients with low-grade and low-stage endometrial tumours. There are many published studies which have sought out a preferable approach to treating endometrial cancer whilst preserving fertility. However, more research on this matter is needed to allow a better understanding as to which techniques/approaches are optimal. In this review, we will summarise the current available treatment options for endometrial cancer in patients of reproductive age.

Current role of Pipelle endometrial sampling in early diagnosis of endometrial cancer.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in developed countries. The most prevalent, however not pathognomonic symptom of the disease is abnormal uterine bleeding. The diagnosis of endometrial cancer is based on the histologic results of endometrial sampling. Endometrial biopsy could be obtained using different modalities: hysteroscopy-directed endometrial biopsy, uterine curettage or office endometrial biopsy. Outpatient endometrial biopsy using different devices for the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding is gaining popularity. The most popular office-based device for endometrial sampling procedure is the Pipelle device. Currently, Pipelle endometrial sampling is widely used to diagnose endometrial cancer in women with abnormal uterine bleeding and/or postmenopausal bleeding. The method became very useful due to easiness and simplicity of the procedure, availability of a device, as well as high sensitivity in detecting endometrial cancer. Many studies compared the validity and accuracy of Pipelle biopsy with dilation and curettage in the detection of various endometrial pathologies. Published results state that Pipelle biopsy and uterine curettage are almost equally reliable in the evaluation of endometrial pathologies. Moreover, Pipelle biopsy appears more beneficial as it does not require hospital admission and anaesthesia. However, it is proven the Pipelle technique has a limited capacity to identify endometrial polyps, and some authors, based on their study, claim that dilation and curettage is a more reliable method in terms of correlation with the final histological results. In addition, there are many factors affecting the efficiency of the endometrial biopsy. Failure to get samples that are adequate for histological examination is one of the problems associated with Pipelle sampling. The above mentioned contradictory conclusions by different researchers and lack of guidance to avoid inadequate sampling present the demand for further studies on the comparison of Pipelle biopsy and uterine curettage efficiency and accuracy.

Ovulation induction in infertile women with endometriotic ovarian cysts: current evidence and potential pitfalls.

Endometriosis is a chronic benign gynecological disease with symptoms that can severely impact quality of life and well-being. Women affected by endometriotic ovarian cyst could have associated infertility problems. Infertility affects 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis. Women with endometriosis are at risk of decreased ovarian reserve, due to the disease pathophysiologic mechanisms. Generally, infertility management include surgical procedure (usually with minimally invasive approach) and ovulation induction with intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization. Fertility preservation technologies also include oocyte or embryo freezing and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Approach to patients with endometriotic cysts still remains controversial, and a multidisciplinary approach is a key factor to achieve the best outcome with appropriate patient counselling. Such management by a multidisciplinary team is a key factor in achieving the successful outcome.

Improving community well-being through collaborative initiatives at a medical library.

BACKGROUND: In an increasingly digital age, the role of the library is changing to better serve its community. The authors' library serves health care professionals who experience high levels of stress due to everyday demands of work or study, which can have negative impacts on physical and mental health. Our library is committed to serving the needs of our community by identifying opportunities to improve their well-being. CASE PRESENTATION: Librarians at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University developed a group mindfulness program and a space for self-defined personal care to assist health care professionals in alleviating stress. Surveys were used to evaluate the mindfulness program and self-care space. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully implemented two collaborative wellness and self-care initiatives with students and other stakeholders, as demonstrated by program attendance, diverse space use, and positive survey responses for both initiatives. While these endeavors do not replace the need to challenge structural problems at the root of stress in the health care professions, this case report offers a blueprint for other medical libraries to support the well-being of their communities.

Missionaries, measles, and manuscripts: revisiting the Whitman tragedy.

The missionaries Marcus Whitman, a doctor, and Narcissa Whitman, his wife, and twelve other members of the Waiilatpu Mission were murdered in November 1847 by a small contingent of the Cayuse Indians in the Oregon Territory. The murders became known as the "Whitman Massacre." The authors examine the historical record, including archived correspondence held at the Yale University Libraries and elsewhere, for evidence of what motivated the killings and demonstrate that there were two valid perspectives, Cayuse and white. Hence, the event is better termed the "Whitman Tragedy." A crucial component, a highly lethal measles epidemic, has been called the spark that lit the fuse of the tragedy.

Masculine Ideology, Sexual Communication, and Sexual Self-Efficacy Among Parenting Adolescent Couples.

This study examined the relationship between traditional masculine role norms (status, toughness, anti-femininity) and psychosocial mechanisms of sexual risk (sexual communication, sexual self-efficacy) among young, low-income, and minority parenting couples. Between 2007 and 2011, 296 pregnant adolescent females and their male partners were recruited from urban obstetrics clinics in Connecticut. Data regarding participants' beliefs in masculine role norms, frequency of general sex communication and sexual risk communication, and sexual self-efficacy were collected via computer-assisted self-interviews. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to test for actor effects (whether a person's masculine role norms at baseline influence the person's own psychosocial variables at 6-month follow-up) and partner effects (whether a partner's masculine role norms at baseline influence an actor's psychosocial variables at 6-month follow-up). Results revealed that higher actor status norms were significantly associated with more sexual self-efficacy, higher actor toughness norms were associated with less sexual self-efficacy, and higher actor anti-femininity norms were significantly associated with less general sex communication, sexual risk communication, and sexual self-efficacy. No partner effects were found. These results indicate a need for redefining masculine role norms through family centered approaches in pregnant or parenting adolescent couples to increase sexual communication and sexual self-efficacy. Further research is needed to understand partner effects in the context of a relationship and on subsequent sexual risk behavior.

Baseline characteristic of patients presenting with lacunar stroke and cerebral small vessel disease may predict future development of depression.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is associated with late-onset depression and increases the risk for depression after stroke. We aimed to investigate baseline predictors of depression after long-term follow-up in patients with SVD, initially presenting with first-ever lacunar stroke, free of depression and cognitive impairment. METHODS: A total of 294 patients with SVD were evaluated 3-5 years after the qualifying event. We analyzed baseline demographic data, vascular risk factors, functional status expressed as a score on modified Rankin Scale (mRS), cognitive status, presence of depression, total number of lacunar infarcts and severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI with Age-Related White Matter Changes scale total score (tARWMC) and Fazekas scale periventricular and deep subcortical scores. RESULTS: On follow-up, depression was registered in 117 (39.8%) SVD patients. At the baseline, patients with depression compared with non-depressed were older (64.4 vs 60.9 years; p = 0.007), had higher mRS score (2.8 ± 0.7 vs 1.5 ± 0.7; p < 0.0001) and had more severe lesions on MRI scales (p < 0.0001 for all parameters). On follow-up, depressed patients more frequently exhibited cognitive decline (75.2% depressed vs 56.5% non-depressed; p = 0.003). No difference was detected in risk factor frequency between groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted by age and gender revealed independent predictors of depression: baseline mRS >2 (HR 2.17, 95%CI 1.74-2.72; p < 0.0001) and tARWMC (HR 1.05, 95%CI 1.02-1.09; p = 0.005), and cognitive decline on follow-up (HR 1.80, 95%CI 1.12-2.89; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline functional status and severity of WMH and development of cognitive decline predict the occurence of late-onset depression in patients with SVD.

Transcranial Parenchymal Sonographic Findings in Patients With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with cerebral small vessel disease often present with various motor, cognitive, and emotional changes, including gait disturbances, parkinsonism, and depression. Substantia nigra hyperechogenicity, brain stem raphe hypoechogenicity, ventricle diameters, and sonographic characteristics of other brain structures on transcranial sonography have been increasingly used as biomarkers in a range of neurologic diseases. We aimed to explore the frequency and clinical correlates of transcranial sonographic findings in symptomatic patients with small vessel disease. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, neurologic, cognitive, and emotional statuses and transcranial sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings were compared between 102 patients with small vessel disease and 45 healthy age- and sex-matched control participants. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, small vessel disease cases had more frequent brain stem raphe hypoechogenicity (55.9% versus 11.1%; P < .0001), substantia nigra hyperechogenicity (30.4% versus 11.1%; P = .022), and enlarged third ventricles (P < .0001). Substantia nigra hyperechogenicity correlated with gait disturbances, extrapyramidal features, and cognitive impairment. Brain stem raphe hypoechogenicity was associated with the diagnosis of depression. Enlargement of the third and lateral ventricles was more frequent in patients with cognitive impairment. Pathologic substantia nigra hyperechogenicity and enlarged ventricles were associated with the severity of cerebral ischemic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Transcranial sonography shows pathologic findings in a substantial number of patients with small vessel disease, probably reflecting disruption of frontostriatal pathways.

Weight gain velocity in very low-birth-weight infants: effects of exposure to biological maternal sounds.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of biological maternal sounds (BMS) on weight gain velocity in very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants (≤ 1,500 g). STUDY DESIGN: An exploratory study with a matched-control design. A prospective cohort of VLBW infants exposed to attenuated recordings of BMS during their neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization were compared with retrospective controls matched 1:1 for sex, birth weight, gestational age, scores for neonatal acute physiology and perinatal extension (SNAPPE - II) scores (n = 32). RESULTS: A linear mixed model controlling for gestational age, chronic lung disease, and days to regain birth weight revealed that infants receiving BMS significantly improved their weight gain velocity compared matched controls (p < 0.001) during the neonatal period. No differences were found on days spent nothing by mouth (p = 0.18), days until full enteral feeds (p = 0.51), total fluid intake (p = 0.93), or caloric intake (p = 0.73). CONCLUSION: Exposure to BMS may improve weight gain velocity in VLBW infants. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this noninvasive intervention during the neonatal period.