- Research Article
6
- 10.1016/j.pedhc.2012.04.008
Googling for Health Information
- Jun 21, 2012
- Journal of Pediatric Health Care
- Jennifer P D'Auria
Googling for Health Information
We would like to respond to the article entitled ‘‘Validity and reliability of a systematic database search strategy to identify publications resulting from pharmacy residency research projects.’’ We agree with the authors’ novel approach to confirm publication via a survey and to identify resident publications via a systematic approach to validate the utility of the database. The authors suggest that this approach can be used to compare publication success between residency programs. Additionally, this information can be used for marketing purposes for the individual residency program. One limitation noted by the authors was the use of only PubMed and EMBASE as the search engines to identify resident publications in the study and suggest other search engines, such as International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA) and Google Scholar, may be used as alternatives. We aim to describe the methods and results of our project in which we assessed the utility of 5 different search engines to identify resident publications. Briefly, we identified the publication rate of abstracts presented at the 2003 (n 1⁄4 171), 2005 (n 1⁄4 221), and 2007 (n 1⁄4 273) Great Lakes Pharmacy Resident Conference (GLPRC) was 11.4% (n 1⁄4 76). We used a similar search strategy in Kwak et al to identify resident publication using the search engines (1) Scopus, (2) IPA, and (3) MEDLINE (PubMed). For this project, we used information from the abstracts that were previously confirmed for publications (n 1⁄4 76) to identify the proportion of these publications found in each of the following search engines: (1) Scopus, (2) IPA, (3) MEDLINE (PubMed), (4) EMBASE, and (5) Google Scholar. Two investigators (SMV and PMS) identified published research projects, and any disagreement between investigators was reviewed for consensus. A kappa statistic was calculated to determine interrater reliability for each search engine. The proportion of the published research was compared for each of the 5 search engines. Additionally, all pairs of search engines were assessed to determine the proportion published using combinations of searches. The proportions of published works were identified in the following search engines: Scopus (90.8%), IPA (75%), MEDLINE (PubMed; 80.3%), EMBASE (88.2%), and Google Scholar (90.8%; Table 1). Additionally, a higher proportion of nonpharmacy journals were identified using the search strategy compared to pharmacy journals (Table 1) in each individual search engine. After assessing various combinations, only Scopus plus IPA or Google Scholar plus IPA identified all 76 publications (Table 2). Based on our results, no single search engine was able to identify all publications. All 9 potential pairs were assessed. Only the combination use of either Scopus and IPA or Google Scholar and IPA resulted in identifying all 76 publications. The use of MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE resulted in the poorest combination of search engines, as it only identified 88.2% (n 1⁄4 67) of publications. Kwak et al used the combination of MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE with great success; however, the utility of this combination may differ in a general population of residency programs. Residents of certain geographic areas may submit to journals indexed to different search engines which may have contributed to the differences between our study and Kwak et al, as we assessed abstracts from the Great Lakes region. Additionally, confirmed publications in our previous search strategy used Scopus, IPA, and MEDLINE (PubMed) and not a validated measure which may have influenced our results. In conclusion, we affirm that a validated measure approach, as used by Kwak et al, is the gold standard for confirming the utility of various search engines; however, it may be difficult to replicate in a larger, generalized population of residents. The use of a single search engine is likely not adequate to identify all published residents’ studies. Regional differences may exist in the use of search engines, as the combination of MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE resulted in a high sensitivity in Kwak
Googling for Health Information
Googling for Health Information
On Credibility, Clarity, and Compliance
On Credibility, Clarity, and Compliance
Large Scale Phosphoproteome Profiles Comprehensive Features of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and capable of unlimited self-renewal. Elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanism may contribute to the advancement of cell-based regenerative medicine. In the present work, we performed a large scale analysis of the phosphoproteome in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells. Using multiplex strategies, we detected 4581 proteins and 3970 high confidence distinct phosphosites in 1642 phosphoproteins. Notably, 22 prominent phosphorylated stem cell marker proteins with 39 novel phosphosites were identified for the first time by mass spectrometry, including phosphorylation sites in NANOG (Ser-65) and RE1 silencing transcription factor (Ser-950 and Thr-953). Quantitative profiles of NANOG peptides obtained during the differentiation of mES cells revealed that the abundance of phosphopeptides and non-phosphopeptides decreased with different trends. To our knowledge, this study presents the largest global characterization of phosphorylation in mES cells. Compared with a study of ultimately differentiated tissue cells, a bioinformatics analysis of the phosphorylation data set revealed a consistent phosphorylation motif in human and mouse ES cells. Moreover, investigations into phosphorylation conservation suggested that phosphoproteins were more conserved in the undifferentiated ES cell state than in the ultimately differentiated tissue cell state. However, the opposite conclusion was drawn from this conservation comparison with phosphosites. Overall, this work provides an overview of phosphorylation in mES cells and is a valuable resource for the future understanding of basic biology in mES cells.
Read moreThe impact of search engine data sharing on competition and consumer welfare
Search engines match user queries with webpages. Search efficiency, increases when data-driven network effects attract more users and generate economies of scale and scope in data aggregation. Network effects enhance user welfare but also trigger antitrust concerns because they may “tip” the market towards a single dominant search engine – Google Search. The EU Digital Markets Act imposes an obligation on very large gatekeepers search engines to share their user data with smaller search engines to facilitate market entry and competition. The available empirical literature on search engine efficiency shows that asymmetric data sharing, from larger to smaller search engines, may increase competition but reduce user welfare because it fragments the user data pool that is crucial for efficiency, in particular for rare queries. Tension between competition and user welfare can be overcome by symmetric and mutual data sharing between all search engines, irrespective of market share.
Read moreN- and O-Glycosylation in the Murine Synaptosome
We present the first large scale study characterizing both N- and O-linked glycosylation in a site-specific manner on hundreds of proteins. We demonstrate that a lectin-affinity fractionation step using wheat germ agglutinin enriches not only peptides carrying intracellular O-GlcNAc, but also those bearing ER/Golgi-derived N- and O-linked carbohydrate structures. Liquid chromatography-MS (LC/MS) analysis with high accuracy precursor mass measurements and high sensitivity ion trap electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) were utilized for structural characterization of glycopeptides. Our results reveal both the identity of the precise sites of glycosylation and information on the oligosaccharide structures possible on these proteins. We report a novel iterative approach that allowed us to interpret the ETD data set directly without making prior assumptions about the nature and distribution of oligosaccharides present in our glycopeptide mixture. Over 2500 unique N- and O-linked glycopeptides were identified on 453 proteins. The extent of microheterogeneity varied extensively, and up to 19 different oligosaccharides were attached at a given site. We describe the presence of the well-known mucin-type structures for O-glycosylation, an EGF-domain-specific fucosylation and a rare O-mannosylation on the transmembrane phosphatase Ptprz1. Finally, we identified three examples of O-glycosylation on tyrosine residues.
Read morePerceptions and Competence in Evidence-Based Medicine: A Survey of the American Urological Association Membership
Perceptions and Competence in Evidence-Based Medicine: A Survey of the American Urological Association Membership
Examining bias perpetuation in academic search engines: An algorithm audit of Google and Semantic Scholar
Researchers rely on academic Web search engines to find scientific sources, but search engine mechanisms may selectively present content that aligns with biases embedded in queries. This study examines whether confirmation biased queries prompted into Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar will yield results aligned with a query’s bias. Six queries (topics across health and technology domains such as ‘vaccines’, ‘Internet use’) were analyzed for disparities in search results. We confirm that biased queries (targeting ‘benefits’ or ‘risks’) affect search results in line with bias, with technology-related queries displaying more significant disparities. Overall, Semantic Scholar exhibited fewer disparities than Google Scholar. Topics rated as more polarizing did not consistently show more disparate results. Academic search results that perpetuate confirmation bias have strong implications for both researchers and citizens searching for evidence. More research is needed to explore how scientific inquiry and academic search engines interact.
Read moreSearch engines and their search strategies: the effective use by Indian academics
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of various search engines and meta search engines by Indian academics for retrieving information on the web. It also aims to know whether the academics use search strategy of various search engines for retrieval of information or not, and how the Indian academics learn the various search strategies for using search engines. Design/methodology/approach – The data collection instruments used for this study were a questionnaire and follow-up interviews with students and faculty members. The questionnaire consisted of various questions which were designed to elicit the use of search engines, search strategies and method of leaning the search strategies of search engines. A total of 450 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 300 duly filled copies were returned, constituting a 66.66 percent response rate. The data thus collected were analysed with the help of the SPSS (version 19.0) statistical package to present the findings in percentage and test the formulated hypothesis. Findings – The findings of the survey show that the majority of the respondents most frequently used Google (91.93 percent) and Yahoo (43.85 percent) while Dogpile and Ixquick (35.78 percent each) were less frequently used by the respondents. 65.26 percent of respondents used the search strategy for retrieving information. The study also shows that there is a significant relationship between the respondent's profession and use of search engines (p=0.018) as well use search strategies of search engines (p=0.028). Method of learning the search strategies of search engines is also associated with the respondent's profession (p=0.008). Originality/value – The results of this study have clear implications for information literacy instruction in the context of search engines. The study recommends that there is a need to conduct intensive training for students and faculty members in order for them to acquire the essential search strategies for effective information retrieval. The findings of the study will be helpful to concerned authorities to enhance the effective and efficient use of search engines by the respondents.
Read moreSEARCH ENGINES, ACCESSIBILITY OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES AND ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES AMONG COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE STUDENTS, UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE
Access to electronic information resources is believed to enhance medical students’ academic engagement, research skills, and performance. Search engines emerged to render the responsibilities. However, if accessibility is disrupted, students’ activities could be negatively altered.This study investigates the influence of search engines and accessibility of electronic information resources (EIRs) on academic activities among 585 medical students at the College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. Employing a correlational survey design, a sample of 233 students from seven departments was selected using multi-stage sampling. Data were collected via a validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83) with a 93% response rate and analysed using descriptive (mean, standard deviation) and inferential (logistic regression) statistics. Findings reveal high engagement in literature reviews, research projects, and exam preparation (x̅= 1.91–1.93), but low participation in evidence-based medicine assignments and journal clubs (x̅= 1.40–1.49). EIR accessibility is low, with multimedia resources moderately used (x̅ = 1.63) compared to online journals and e-books (x̅= 1.24–1.39). YouTube is the most used search engine (x̅ = 1.84), while academic search engines like Google Scholar are underutilized (x̅ = 1.26). Logistic regression indicates significant relationships between multimedia search engines (OR = 2.48, p < 0.001), Google Scholar (OR = 1.68, p = 0.001), and EIR accessibility, and between multimedia resources (OR = 2.29, p < 0.001), e-books (OR = 1.79, p < 0.001), and academic activities. Low digital literacy and institutional barriers limit EIR use. The study concluded that search engines play significant roles in accessing EIR and enhanced academic activities depend on extent to which EIR are used through accessibility. It is recommended that mandatory workshops, promotional campaigns, and provision of digital infrastructure should be the priorities of libraries with financial support from governments.
Read moreAAIM Recommendations to Promote Equity in the Clerkship Clinical Learning Environment
AAIM Recommendations to Promote Equity in the Clerkship Clinical Learning Environment
КОЛОРЕКТАЛЬДЫ ҚАТЕРЛІ ІСІКПЕН АУЫРАТЫН НАУҚАСТАРДЫҢ ӨМІР СҮРУ САПАСЫН БАҒАЛАЙТЫН ӘР ТҮРЛІ ҚҰРАЛДАРДЫ ҚОЛДАНУ: ӘДЕБИ ШОЛУ
Введение: Колоректальный рак (КРР) является одним из наиболее распространенных видов рака. Он занимает третье место по заболеваемости и второе место по смертности во всем мире. Целью обзора было изучить существующую литературу по оценке качества жизни (КЖ) пациентов с КРР с использованием различных инструментов в мире и Республике Казахстан. Стратегия поиска. В обзор были включены исследования за период с 2011 по 2022 год. Критерием для включенияв обзор было изучение качества жизни у пациентов с КРР. При поиске литературы использовались следующие поисковые системы: Pubmed, Google, Google Scholar. Всего было найдено 194 публикации на тему "Оценка качества жизни у пациентов с КРР", из которых 30 публикаций соответствовали основной цели нашего исследования. Результаты: Обзор литературы показал, что КРР чаще встречается у мужчин, а основная возрастная группа - пожилые люди старше 50 лет. Однако КЖ женщин во многих странах ниже, чем у мужчин. Чаще всего у пациентов страдает физическое и социальное функционирование, а среди основных симптомов отмечаются финансовые трудности и усталость. Диагноз КРР может приводить к функциональным и физическим нарушениям, а также к понижению работоспособности. Вывод: Во многих странах КЖ пациентов с КРР остается на среднем уровне с точки зрения социальных, клинических, физических и финансовых аспектов. Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers; it has the third highest incidence and second highest mortality worldwide. The aim of the review was to examine the existing literature on quality of life (QOL) assessment of patients with CRC using various tools worldwide and in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Search strategy. The review included studies from 2011 to 2022. The criterion for inclusion in the review was the study of quality of life in patients with CRC. The following search engines were used in the literature search: Pubmed, Google, Google Scholar. A total of 194 publications on "Assessment of quality of life in patients with CRC" were found, of which 30 publications corresponded to the main purpose of our study. Results of the review: A review of the literature showed that CRC is more common in men, and the main age group is the elderly over 50 years of age. However, the QOL of women in many countries is lower than men. Physical and social functioning is most often affected, and financial difficulties and fatigue are among the main symptoms. A diagnosis of CRC can lead to functional and physical impairment, as well as decreased ability to work. Conclusion: In many countries, the QOL of patients with CRC remains at an average level in terms of social, clinical, physical and financial aspects. Кіріспе:Колоректальды қатерлі ісік(КРҚІ) - ең көп таралған қатерлі ісіктердің бірі; ол бүкіл әлем бойынша аурушаңдық бойынша үшінші және өлімбойынша екінші орында. Шолудың мақсаты әлемде және Қазақстан Республикасында түрлі құралдарды пайдалана отырып, КРҚІ науқастарының өмір сүру сапасын бағалау бойынша қолданыстағы әдебиеттерді зерттеу болды. Іздеу стратегиясы. Шолу 2011-2022 жылдар аралығындағы зерттеулерді қамтыды. Шолуға енгізу критерийі КРҚІ бар науқастардың өмір сүру сапасын зерттеу болды. Әдебиеттерді іздеу кезінде келесі іздеу жүйелері қолданылды: Pubmed, Google, Google Scholar. Барлығы194 "КРҚІ науқастарыныңң өмір сүру сапасын бағалау" тақырыбында басылым табылды, оның 30 басылымы біздің зерттеуіміздің негізгі мақсатына сәйкес келді. Нәтижелер: Әдебиеттерге шолу көрсеткендей, КРҚІ ер азаматтарда жиі кездеседі, ал негізгі жас тобы 50 жастан асқан қарт адамдар. Алайда, көптеген елдерде әйелдердің өмір сапасы ер азаматтарға қарағанда төмен. Көбінесе науқастар физикалық және әлеуметтік қызметтен зардап шегеді, ал негізгі белгілердің арасында қаржылық қиындықтар мен шаршау байқалады. КРҚІ диагнозы функционалды және физикалық бұзылуларға, сондай-ақ жұмыс қабіліттілігінің төмендеуіне әкелуі мүмкін. Қорытынды: Көптеген елдерде КРҚІ науқастарыныңң өмір сапасы әлеуметтік, клиникалық, физикалық және қаржылық аспектілері бойынша орташа деңгейде қалады.
Read moreFurther studies are needed to assess the competing therapies for neck pain
Further studies are needed to assess the competing therapies for neck pain
Priority claims for surgical techniques
Priority claims for surgical techniques
Social Media Posts and Search Engine Queries as the Canary in the Coal Mine for Public Health Surveillance
Social Media Posts and Search Engine Queries as the Canary in the Coal Mine for Public Health Surveillance
Charting a Professional Course: A Review of Mentorship in Medicine
Charting a Professional Course: A Review of Mentorship in Medicine