The Development of the Systematic Reviews Special Interest Group of MLA

Objectives: This poster will cover the reasoning behind the development of the Systematic Reviews SIG and the aims of the group. It will also provide a background of systematic reviews and support services. Methods: In summer of 2014 the Systematic Reviews SIG was proposed to MLA. The conveners followed the procedure for developing a SIG, including writing up a short proposal and collecting signatures. The proposal covered 5 assertions on the need for a SIG: importance of systematic reviews in healthcare, sharp increase in production of reviews, standards covering librarian involvement, complexity of review methods, and the evolving nature of review methods. A quick informal survey was sent out to members of MLA who had given a paper, poster, workshop, or had attended a continuing education course. Results: Over 150 signatures were collected supporting the creation of the SIG. A website was created to support sharing information, training, and experiences in systematic review support services. Conclusions: A SIG is an effective method to collaborate with other MLA members on specific topic. The Systematic Review SIG will strive to provide a platform for discussing systematic review methods, highlighting professional development opportunities, promoting standards, and more

Impact of physical activity and dietary programme on metabolic syndrome risk factors in Saudi women

This thesis explores the impact of lifestyle factors on the development of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Saudi Arabian women. A survey of a snowball sample was used to recruit 258 female and explored factors influencing physical activity (PA) and food intake and their effects on BMI in women living in the KSA and the UK. Participants completed a self-reporting questionnaire relating to knowledge, attitudes, barriers and levels of PA, sedentary activity and eating habits. Excessive energy intake, physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle were all prevalent in Saudi women, resulting in 80%, over the age of 35y, being overweight or obese. BMI was associated with both energy intake and PA, though the relationship with the former was stronger. The most common barriers to regular exercise were transportation and lack of time. Findings were generally similar between women living in Saudi Arabia and the UK. The efficacy of reducing energy intake, with or without increased PA, on risk factors associated with MS in overweight Saudi women was investigated in a pilot study. After a four-week program, incorporating dietary modification alone (D) or in combination with regular vigorous aerobic exercise (D+E), improvements were seen in body composition and a range of metabolic risk factors. Both groups lost weight, but, paradoxically, those in D lost significantly more than those in D+E (5.3 vs. 3.3%, p=0.016). Moreover, significant reductions were also found in blood pressure, plasma triacylglycerol, insulin, total and LDL cholesterol, with no significant differences between the two groups. Plasma glucose and HDL cholesterol remained unaltered. Overall, these changes led to a decline in the prevalence of MS from 20% to 5% and 21% to 7% for the D and D+E groups, respectively. Thus, reducing energy intake appears, at least in the short term, more important than increasing PA in reducing body weight and associated metabolic risk factors. These studies confirm that excessive dietary intake and physical inactivity both contribute to overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabian women. With appropriate support, it is possible to both reduce energy intake and increase PA, although, in the short -term, the former appears to be most important. It remains to be established whether longer-term improvements in PA would further improve metabolic health

Tackling New Federal Agency Public Access Mandates at the University of Arizona

Objective: In 2014, federal agencies began releasing their implementation plans in response to the 2013 White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Research policy memorandum. The University has in place an established Data Management support service, which has addressed new data requirements. However, in early 2016 the University of Arizona Libraries (UAL) and Office of Research, Discovery & Innovation (RDI) convened to discuss how the university can help researchers address these new growing federal agency mandates on manuscripts and data. Methods: By the summer of 2016, a collaboration of UA Libraries and the office of RDI formed the University of Arizona Public Access Working Group. Results: Since receiving its charge, the working group has continued to meet on a regular basis. Thus far, the group activities have included scheduled campus informational sessions and the development of guides and a resource page. Conclusions: Next steps include expanding the list of entities covered to go beyond federal agencies. Additionally, the working group will soon start conversations with faculty stakeholders on developing a robust Open Science infrastructure and ecosystem for the University of Arizona

The effects of ciprofloxacin on male rabbits: Biochemical and histopathological study

The present study was designed to investigate the possible effect of ciprofloxacin on blood serum enzymes activities (AST, ALT, and ALP), total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, and globulin as well as the histopathological changes on liver, kidney, and testes. The study conducted on twelve male rabbits divided into two equal groups. G1 was administrated distilled water orally and considered as control group. G2 was given 100 mg/kg B.W/day of ciprofloxacin for 35 days orally. Blood samples were taken from animals after 35 days of treatment for biochemical analysis to estimate; total cholesterol (TC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphates (ALP), total protein, albumin, and globulin, then all animals were sacrificed, liver, kidney, and testes were taken and fixed in 10% formalin for histological examination. The results showed that ciprofloxacin administration significantly (p< 0.05) increased the serum total cholesterol, AST, ALT and ALP concentration. While there were significant (P<0.05) decreased the serum level of total protein and globulin, but no significant changes were observed on the serum level of albumin. While histopathologically the liver show vacuolation of hepatocytes and congestion of central vein. The kidney display vacuolation of cortical areas and dilatation of tubules. While the testes exhibit suppression of spermatogenesis in treated animals compared with the control group. These results revealed the toxic effect of ciprofloxacin on the liver, kidney, and testes of male rabbits

Leveraging continuous glucose monitoring as a catalyst for behaviour change : a scoping review

The authors would like to thank the student interns for their support in screening articles for inclusion in the prior biological feedback scoping review, which laid the foundation for the present review.Peer reviewe

Surgical Management of Thermal Injury: Narrative Review

Extensive burn care advanced over the past few decades to the point where burn victims can now often live. The goal of treating a severely burned patient nowadays is to help them return to their communities, families, and places of employment as fully participating members of society, rather than only preserving their life and ability to function. Burns are a common and difficult critical care issue. Specialized hospitals prioritize achieving optimal functional recovery, infection prevention, and patient stabilization. Over the past few decades, researches on burns have attracted a lot of attention. A number of significant discoveries have improved patient stability and reduced mortality, particularly in the case of younger patients and those with intermediate-degree burns. The presence of dead tissue over a burn wound hinders the healing process and serves as a breeding ground for bacteria. Consequently, clearing the eschar as soon as possible and getting a clean wound bed as soon as possible, can be regarded as the main objective to initiate the process of wound healing, either through autografting or spontaneous epithelization. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the surgical management of thermal injuries. The article also discusses the importance of early surgical intervention, including debridement, skin grafting, and other surgical techniques. Additionally, it explores the latest advancements in surgical management and the potential future directions in this field. Overall, this review aims to provide a valuable resource for healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with thermal injuries

Assessment and Management of Scabies in Primary Care Settings

Scabies is an overlooked tropical illness that yet has significant worldwide effects and lasting health repercussions. The condition is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabei var. hominis, which is a parasitic organism that dwells on the outer layer of the human skin. Scabies is prevalent in impoverished neighborhoods as a result of the high population density in locations such as nursing homes, correctional facilities, and among homeless and displaced children. Nevertheless, modern nations are also prone to scabies infestations, particularly in cases of institutional outbreaks or mini epidemics occurring after conflict or natural calamities. Scabies diagnosis can be aided by both invasive and noninvasive techniques. This paper reviews assessment diagnosis, and management of scabies in primary health care settings

Outcome of Intensive Physical Exercise on the Prevalence of Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Saudi Military Trainees

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) is considered a common health condition among military personnel, particularly soldiers during a period of high-intensity workouts. The causes, prevention, and treatment of ID anemia (IDA) remain the subject of ongoing and extensive research in various populations. AIM: This is the first research to study the outcome of 14 weeks of intensive physical exercise on the prevalence and factors associated with ID and IDA among Saudi military male trainees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among n = 101 trainees who completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, dietary habits, current or past diagnoses of medical conditions, and physical activity. Two blood samples were collected from each participant to estimate (1) C-reactive protein and iron profile and (2) complete blood counts by the CellDYN Sapphire automated blood cell counter. Hemoglobin (Hb) fractions were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography using the TOSOH G8 analyzer to exclude hemoglobinopathy and thalassemia. RESULTS: The prevalence of ID, comprising both ID erythropoiesis and IDA among trainees, was found to be 65.3%. The occurrence of IDA was 5%, while ID erythropoiesis was detected among 60.4%. The prevalence of ID was statistically significantly higher among those drinking coffee during military training (P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are recommended to validate this study’s findings by incorporating a larger sample and extending the duration of the training period and examine the mechanisms that explain the increased risk of ID during vigorous military training