bims-librar Biomed News
on Biomedical librarianship
Issue of 2024–03–31
sixteen papers selected by
Thomas Krichel, Open Library Society



  1. Sci Rep. 2024 Mar 25. 14(1): 7022
      In the evolving landscape of smart libraries, this research pioneers an IoT-based low-cost architecture utilizing Software-Defined Networking (SDN). The increasing demand for more efficient and economical solutions in library management, particularly in the realm of RFID-based processes such as authentication, property circulation, and book loans, underscores the significance of this study. Leveraging the collaborative potential of IoT and SDN technologies, our proposed system introduces a fresh perspective to tackle these challenges and advance intelligent library management. In response to the evolving landscape of smart libraries, our research presents an Internet of Things (IoT)-based low-cost architecture utilizing SDN. The exploration of this architectural paradigm arises from a recognized gap in the existing literature, pointing towards the necessity for more efficient and cost-effective solutions in managing library processes. Our proposed algorithm integrates IoT and SDN technologies to intelligently oversee various library activities, specifically targeting RFID-based processes such as authentication, property circulation management, and book loan management. The system's architecture, encompasses components like the data center, SDN controllers, RFID tags, tag readers, and other network sensors. By leveraging the synergy between RFID and SDN, our innovative approach reduces the need for constant operator supervision in libraries. The scalability and software-oriented nature of the architecture cater to extensive library environments. Our study includes a two-phase investigation, combining practical implementation in a small-scale library with a simulation environment using MATLAB 2021. This research not only fills a crucial gap in current knowledge but also lays the foundation for future advancements in the integration of IoT and SDN technologies for intelligent library management.
    Keywords:  Internet of Things; Radio-frequency identification; Smart libraries; Software-defined networking
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57484-2
  2. Ind Health. 2024 Mar 25.
      Librarians at a university had planned to check the collection prior to the library renovations that began in 2015. They had previous knowledge of the presence of a light greyish-white powder with an unpleasant odour (hereinafter referred to as 'powder') sprinkled between the pages of antiquarian books in the library archive. The purpose of this study was to identify this powder with the help of experts from both inside and outside the university. The powder was qualitatively analysed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry after hexane extraction. The powder was examined under a polarised light microscope and a field-emission scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Benzene hexachloride (BHC) was detected in the powder. Talc was the most abundant particle in the powder. The powder also contained 0.52 wt% asbestos, which belonged to the tremolite-actinolite series. No other types of asbestos were detected. The powder was presumed to be a bulking agent for BHC, and its major constituent was talc. This is the first report on asbestos-containing insecticides.
    Keywords:  Asbestos; Benzene hexachloride; Benzene hexachloride (BHC); Insecticide; Library; Talc
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.2023-0185
  3. Genetics. 2024 Mar 29. pii: iyae049. [Epub ahead of print]
    Alliance of Genome Resources Consortium
      The Alliance of Genome Resources (Alliance) is an extensible coalition of knowledgebases focused on the genetics and genomics of intensively-studied model organisms. The Alliance is organized as individual knowledge centers with strong connections to their research communities and a centralized software infrastructure, discussed here. Model organisms currently represented in the Alliance are budding yeast, C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, frog, laboratory mouse, laboratory rat, and the Gene Ontology Consortium. The project is in a rapid development phase to harmonize knowledge, store it, analyze it, and present it to the community through a web portal, direct downloads, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Here we focus on developments over the last two years. Specifically, we added and enhanced tools for browsing the genome (JBrowse), downloading sequences, mining complex data (AllianceMine), visualizing pathways, full-text searching of the literature (Textpresso), and sequence similarity searching (SequenceServer). We enhanced existing interactive data tables and added an interactive table of paralogs to complement our representation of orthology. To support individual model organism communities, we implemented species-specific "landing pages" and will add disease-specific portals soon; in addition, we support a common community forum implemented in Discourse software. We describe our progress towards a central persistent database to support curation, the data modeling that underpins harmonization, and progress towards a state-of-the art literature curation system with integrated Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML).
    Keywords:   C. elegans ; Drosophila ; data integration; database; knowledgebase; mouse; software; text mining; yeast; zebrafish
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/genetics/iyae049
  4. J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024 Mar 21. pii: S2468-7855(24)00078-8. [Epub ahead of print] 101842
      The attainment of academic superiority relies heavily upon the accessibility of scholarly resources and the expression of research findings through faultless language usage. Although modern tools, such as the Publish or Perish software program, are proficient in sourcing academic papers based on specific keywords, they often fall short of extracting comprehensive content, including crucial references. The challenge of linguistic precision remains a prominent issue, particularly for research papers composed by non-native English speakers who may encounter word usage errors. This manuscript serves a twofold purpose: firstly, it reassesses the effectiveness of ChatGPT-4 in the context of retrieving pertinent references tailored to specific research topics. Secondly, it introduces a suite of language editing services that are skilled in rectifying word usage errors, ensuring the refined presentation of research outcomes. The article also provides practical guidelines for formulating precise queries to mitigate the risks of erroneous language usage and the inclusion of spurious references. In the ever-evolving realm of academic discourse, leveraging the potential of advanced AI, such as ChatGPT-4, can significantly enhance the quality and impact of scientific publications.
    Keywords:  AI finding references; ChatGPT-4; Language editing services
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jormas.2024.101842
  5. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 Mar 26.
       PURPOSE: Access to high-quality and comprehensible patient information is crucial. However, information provided by increasingly prevalent Artificial Intelligence tools has not been thoroughly investigated. This study assesses the quality and readability of information from ChatGPT regarding three index ENT operations: tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and grommets.
    METHODS: We asked ChatGPT standard and simplified questions. Readability was calculated using Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog Index (GFI) and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) scores. We assessed quality using the DISCERN instrument and compared these with ENT UK patient leaflets.
    RESULTS: ChatGPT readability was poor, with mean FRES of 38.9 and 55.1 pre- and post-simplification, respectively. Simplified information from ChatGPT was 43.6% more readable (FRES) but scored 11.6% lower for quality. ENT UK patient information readability and quality was consistently higher.
    CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT can simplify information at the expense of quality, resulting in shorter answers with important omissions. Limitations in knowledge and insight curb its reliability for healthcare information. Patients should use reputable sources from professional organisations alongside clear communication with their clinicians for well-informed consent and making decisions.
    Keywords:  Artificial Intelligence; Comprehensible; ENT; Informed consent; Readability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-024-08598-w
  6. J Voice. 2024 Mar 28. pii: S0892-1997(24)00078-X. [Epub ahead of print]
       OBJECTIVE: To assess the readability of online materials related to puberphonia.
    STUDY DESIGN: Online material review.
    METHOD: The study was conducted by performing a Google search using the specific keyword "puberphonia." Subsequently, 18 websites were selected for inclusion in the review based on predefined criteria. The selected websites underwent assessment utilizing three distinct readability metrics: Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL).
    RESULTS: The analysis of the selected websites revealed the following mean scores: a mean FRES of 40.2, a mean FKGL of 11.8, and a mean SMOG score of 10.9. The physician-oriented websites had a mean FRES score of 35.8, a mean FKGL score of 12.5, and a mean SMOG score of 11.4. The patient-oriented websites exhibited a mean FRES score of 44.6, a mean FKGL score of 11.3, and a mean SMOG score of 10.5.
    CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that the readability and understandability of online resources related to puberphonia exhibit high scores, suggesting that the materials may be challenging for patients to comprehend. Addressing and enhancing the readability of these online resources is crucial, as it has the potential to enhance patient awareness and comprehension of puberphonia, ultimately leading to more informed health care decisions and improved patient outcomes.
    Keywords:  FKGL; FRES; Online materials; Puberphonia; SMOG; Voice
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.03.010
  7. J Neuroophthalmol. 2024 Mar 25.
       BACKGROUND: To evaluate the quality & reliability, technical quality, and readability of patient-targeted online information on idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
    METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we searched Google and Bing search engines for the terms "idiopathic intracranial hypertension" and "pseudotumor cerebri." We evaluated the first 50 search outcomes for each search term. Peer-reviewed articles, targeted advertisements, book chapters, videos, personal blogs, websites intended for healthcare professionals, and non-English websites were excluded. Websites were classified as institutional or private. Two independent reviewers assessed each website for 1) quality and reliability using DISCERN, Health on the Net Code of Conduct (HONcode), and JAMA criteria and 2) technical quality based on 11 criteria. Readability was evaluated using 6 measures (Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease score and grade level, Gunning Fog, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (Smog) index, Coleman-Liau index, and automated readability index).
    RESULTS: Sixty-three websites (37 institutional) were included. The mean scores for the DISCERN, HONcode, and JAMA criteria were 3.6 ± 1 (1-4.8; 1: worse, 5: best), 10.3 ± 2.8 (2-16; 0: worse, 16: best), and 2 ± 1.3 (0-4; 0: worse, 4: best), respectively. The mean technical quality score was 0.8 ± 0.1 (0.5-1). The mean Flesch-Kincaid grade level score was 8.9 ± 1.8 (3.3-13.3). For Flesch-Kincaid grade level, 47 (74.6%) websites scored a grade level of 10 or less. For Gunning Fog Score, 35 websites (55.6%) scored from 7.3 to 10.8. For the Smog Index, 46 (73%) websites scored 5.7-8. The mean Coleman Liau Index was 16 ± 2.1 (9.6-22.2). For the automated readability index, 30 (50.7%) websites scored less than the eighth grade. No statistically significant difference was present between institutional and private websites except for JAMA, which scored higher in private websites (2.4 vs 1.7, P = 0.03).
    CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that online information on idiopathic intracranial hypertension/pseudotumor cerebri for patients generally demonstrates moderate to good quality and reliability. Although most websites maintain credible technical quality, the readability exceeds recommended levels for the average American reader. This may impede understanding, emphasizing the need for future improvements.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/WNO.0000000000002130
  8. Physiother Theory Pract. 2024 Mar 27. 1-8
       BACKGROUND: YouTube®, one of the busiest video-sharing platforms, may lack sufficient or accurate information on health information and practices given the absence of a rigorous evaluation process.
    PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the reliability of information and quality of exercise videos on YouTube® for rheumatoid arthritis.
    METHODS: Video features and the source of the upload were sorted. Reliability of the information shared in the videos was evaluated using the mDISCERN too, and quality was assessed using the Global Quality Scale and JAMA scoring system. Videos were independently analyzed by two physiotherapists specialized in rheumatologic rehabilitation. Any bias was resolved by an independent third assessor.
    RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four exercise videos were included. A hundred and twenty-six (94%) of the 134 exercise videos were found to be useful, and 8 (6%) were misleading. The useful and misleading videos had similar numbers of views, likes, comments, and subscribers (p > .05), while video duration and time since upload were higher for useful videos (p < .05). Cohen's Kappa scores demonstrated that the level of agreement between the assessors were moderate (mDISCERN = 0.417, Global Quality Scale = 0.582, and JAMA = 0.555). There was a significant difference in JAMA scores (p = .013) between the sources of the videos. However, no significant difference was found in mDISCERN (p = .104) and Global Quality Scale (p = .128) scores.
    CONCLUSION: YouTube® exercise videos provide partially reliable and moderate-quality information for people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, patients should be cautious and not rely directly on YouTube® exercise videos. Instead, they should consult a physician or physical therapist for exercises.
    Keywords:  Exercise; physical therapy; rehabilitation; social media; video analysis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2024.2334753
  9. Spec Care Dentist. 2024 Mar 22.
       INTRODUCTION: YouTube's popularity as a health information source raises concerns about credibility due to the absence of peer review. Therefore, this study assessed the content quality and reliability of YouTube videos related to oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
    METHODS: Videos were systematically searched on August 20, 2023, using terms determined through Google Trends. Videos were included based on predefined criteria and independently assessed by two researchers. Video demographics were extracted. Video quality was evaluated using audio-visual (AV) quality, video information and quality index (VIQI), global quality score (GQS), and reliability using a modified DISCERN tool (mDISCERN). High and low-content videos were defined based on the customized 10-point scoring system. Inter- and intra-examiner reliability of scoring system were calculated.
    RESULTS: Most videos were educational (46.3%), presented by dental sleep medicine specialists (42.6%), and aimed at laypersons (63%), with the majority originating from the United States (79.6%). The final 54 videos were categorized as high-content (n = 29, 54%) and low-content (n = 25, 46%). High-content videos had more views, comments, and longer video durations (7.07 ± 6.04 min). Significant differences (p < .05) were observed among high and low-content videos in total VIQI, mDISCERN, GQS, and TCS. Moderate correlations were found between GQS and TCS (r = 0.721), mDISCERN and VIQI (r = 0.649), GQS and VIQI (r = 0.601), and AV quality and VIQI (r = 0.531).
    CONCLUSION: The study highlights variable content quality and reliability of YouTube videos on oral appliance therapy for OSA, emphasizing the need for guidelines to enhance their educational value and deliver reliable, evidence-based information to patients.
    Keywords:  YouTube; obstructive sleep apnea; oral appliances; social media
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12995
  10. Cureus. 2024 Feb;16(2): e54929
      Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant public health challenge globally, with its pathogenesis involving the transformation of benign adenomas into malignant carcinomas. Despite advancements in screening and early detection significantly improving outcomes, the rise of digital platforms like YouTube for disseminating health information presents new challenges. Concerns over the accuracy and reliability of content underline the necessity for rigorous evaluation of these digital health education tools. Methods Our study was conducted at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, New York. We meticulously analyzed YouTube videos on "colon cancer screening awareness," employing strict selection criteria to ensure both relevance and quality, focusing on English-language content with pertinent audio. Videos were evaluated for their quantitative and qualitative attributes-views, subscriber counts, likes/dislikes, comments, and content type, classifying them as scholarly or personal. We assessed video credibility through scientific accuracy using the DISCERN instrument, Global Quality Score (GQS), and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), ensuring consistency in quality and reliability evaluation among seven researchers via the intraclass correlation coefficient. These tools - DISCERN for assessing reliability and quality, GQS for evaluating overall quality, and PEMAT for understandability and actionability - facilitated a comprehensive evaluation framework. Our analysis, leveraging descriptive and inferential statistics, scrutinized differences in content quality between academic and private institutions, employing t-tests to identify statistically significant disparities. The study utilized Microsoft Excel (version 16.73, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States) and IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 29.0 (released 2022; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). for robust data processing and analysis, confirming the educational value and trustworthiness of the examined YouTube content. Results Our study of 156 YouTube videos on educational content, split between academic (68 videos) and private sources (88 videos), revealed significant quality differences. Using the DISCERN, PEMAT, and GQS metrics, academic videos consistently outperformed private ones, with significant margins: DISCERN (54.61 vs. 34.76), PEMAT (3.02 vs. 2.11), and GQS (3.90 vs. 2.02), supported by low p-values indicating a statistically significant superiority. These findings suggest that the source of content-academic versus private-plays a crucial role in determining the quality and reliability of educational materials on platforms like YouTube, highlighting the academic sector's commitment to higher educational standards. Conclusion The study emphasizes the critical role of credible sources in enhancing the quality of health education content on YouTube, particularly concerning CRC screening. The superiority of academic institutions in providing high-quality content suggests a need for viewers to critically assess the source of information. It also calls for enhanced regulatory oversight and measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of health information online.
    Keywords:  academic and private; colon cancer awareness; colon cancer prevention; youtube education; youtube videos
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.54929
  11. Int J Med Inform. 2024 Mar 22. pii: S1386-5056(24)00089-3. [Epub ahead of print]186 105426
       OBJECTIVE: The aims of this review are to clarify the current state of research in terms of assessment tools and assessors of the quality of health science-related short videos on TikTok, to identify limitations in existing research; and to provide a reference for future studies.
    METHODS: A scoping review was conducted. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, EBSCO, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, and CBM databases were searched from September 2016 to November 2022. Manual searching was also performed to identify additional eligible studies. A total of 2620 documents were initially retrieved, and 29 were ultimately included. The literature was screened and collected, and data were extracted and summarized by 2 researchers.
    RESULTS: (1) The quality evaluation tools used in the 29 papers included the DISCERN, PEMAT(A/V), GQS, JAMA, HONcode, guidelines and self-developed tools. Twenty-four of the included articles used the DISCERN for quality assessment, which was the most frequently used evaluation tool. However, most of these tools were not developed to assess health science-related short videos, lacked credibility tests, and had poor applicability; therefore, the accuracy of the evaluation results might be biased. (2) The assessors of the quality of health science-related short videos on TikTok were mainly experts in related fields and medical students, with doctors (12/14) being the most common evaluators. Fifteen studies did not report the identity of the evaluators, and 12 studies did not report interrater reliability.
    CONCLUSION: This scoping review found that there is a lack of specific quality assessment tools for health science-related short videos on TikTok. Second, the current quality assessors of health science-related short videos on TikTok are limited. Future research should focus on the development of reliable, scientific quality assessment tools for health science-related short videos; unifying the evaluation standards; inviting users with different backgrounds and different health literacy levels to conduct quality assessments; exploring the quality assessment of health science-related short videos on TikTok from different perspectives.
    Keywords:  E-health; Health information on the Web; Health science-related short videos; Quality; Scoping review; TikTok; Video-sharing sites
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105426
  12. J Orthop Traumatol. 2024 Mar 23. 25(1): 14
    SICSeG (Italian Society of Shoulder, Elbow Surgery) Research Committee
       PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the validity and informational value of TikTok content about epicondylitis. The hypothesis tested herein was that TikTok video content would not provide adequate and valid information.
    METHODS: The term "epicondylitis" was used as a keyword to comprehensively search for TikTok videos, and the first 100 videos that were retrieved were subsequently included for analysis. The duration, number of likes, number of shares and number of views were recorded for each video. Furthermore, the videos were categorized on the basis of their source (medical doctor, physiotherapist, or private user), type of information (physical therapy, anatomy, clinical examination, etiopathogenesis, patient experience, treatment, or other), video content (rehabilitation, education, or patient experience/testimony), and the presence of music or voice. Assessments of video content quality and reliability were conducted using the DISCERN tool, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, and the Global Quality Score (GQS).
    RESULTS: A total of 100 videos were included in the analysis: 78 (78.0%) were published by physiotherapists, 18 were published by medical doctors (18.0%), and 4 were published by private users (4.0%). Most of the information pertained to physical therapy (75; 75.0%) and most of the content was about rehabilitation (75; 75.0%). The mean length of the videos was 42.51 ± 24.75 seconds; the mean number of views was 193,207.78 ± 1,300,853.86; and the mean number of comments, likes, and shares were 22.43 ± 62.54, 1578.52 ± 8333.11, and 149.87 ± 577.73, respectively. The mean DISCERN score, JAMA score, and GQS were 18.12 ± 5.73, 0.80 ± 0.53, and 1.30 ± 0.52, respectively. Videos posted by medical doctors/private users had higher scores (p < 0.05) than videos posted by physiotherapists. Videos that focused on education or patient experience had higher scores (p < 0.05) than videos based on rehabilitation.
    CONCLUSIONS: TikTok can be an unreliable source of information regarding epicondylitis treatment. It is common to find nonphysicians who share medical advice on the platform, with medical treatments demonstrating the weakest level of supporting evidence. Elbow surgeons should advise their patients that treatment recommendations from TikTok may not align with established guidelines.
    LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-Cross-sectional study.
    Keywords:  Elbow; Epicondylitis; Reels; Rehabilitation; Social media; Sports medicine; TikTok
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s10195-024-00757-3
  13. J Cancer Educ. 2024 Mar 26.
      Breast cancer survivors on adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) have distinct information-seeking experience compared to those in the diagnosis and intensive treatment phase. This study aimed to understand the challenges in obtaining and seeking information among Malaysian breast cancer survivors. We conducted semi-structured, one-to-one interviews among patients using AET from two hospitals and a local cancer organization. Interviews were conducted until theme saturation was achieved (N = 25). Interviews were de-identified, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. To ensure rigor, coding was conducted through regular discussions between two researchers and the findings were shared with several participants after analysis was completed. Three main themes were identified: limitations in the healthcare system, pitfalls of seeking information online, and limited information from local sources. The participants perceived that their information needs were not met by their healthcare providers and sought information on the Internet to complement their information needs. However, they were faced with risks of misinformation, information overload, and unethical promotion of health products. Those with limited English proficiency had difficulties in accessing quality information, and suggested that there should be more content created by local health advocates in local languages, with information that is tailored for local cultures. As the Internet has become an important medium of health education, healthcare providers and patients should be equipped with the skills to share and search for information online. Digital health literacy needs to be incorporated in patient education modules to create a more informed and empowered patient community.
    Keywords:  Breast neoplasms; Health literacy; Information needs; Information search; Patient education
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-024-02421-0