Overcoming the inertia to write a research project can be more difficult than actually writing it.
The blank document only grows more intimidating if you don’t remember previous research, or if you know that after writing, you’ll still need to find and compile all of your sources from note apps, half-references in drafts, and scraps of memory.
Fortunately, tools like RefWorks help smooth the path during both research and writing.
With RefWorks, you can aggregate and save references from our major databases like PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus; collaborate with the Google Docs add-on; and create bibliographies (in APA 7th, AMA, etc), importing them with the Microsoft word plug-in.
Himmelfarb staff have created a great one-stop RefWorks guide.
For many years, cervical cancer was one of the leading cancer deaths for women in the United States. Thankfully, with the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and regular cervical screening tests, instances of cervical cancer and cervical cancer deaths have dropped significantly around the world. Australia and Rwanda are on the path to eliminating cervical cancer instances among their population, while public health officials in other countries have created community partnerships to expand access to testing and treatment. A recent collaborative study from Public Health Scotland, the University of Strathclyde and the University of Edinburgh found that “the HPV vaccine was “highly effective” in preventing the development of cervical cancer” which supports the notion that testing and vaccination will lead to an end of cervical cancer. (Loudon, 2024)
Despite this recent positive news, barriers to testing and treatment continue to contribute to health inequities. Women in low- and middle-income countries do not have the same access to care as women in wealthier countries. “Low- and middle-income countries carry more than 80 percent of the burden of cervical cancer cases in the world…Those cervical cancers get diagnosed so late, and mortality is very high. More than half of people diagnosed die from cervical cancer worldwide.” (O’Donnell, 2022)
In the United States, Hispanic and Black women receive a cervical cancer diagnosis at higher rates than white women and die from cervical cancer at higher rates than white women. When looking at these statistics, researchers theorize that inadequate access to care is not the only reason for cervical cancer impacting Hispanic and Black women at such high rates. Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce, a gynecologic oncologist in Alabama, “suspects discrepancies in follow-up care for Black women–and systemic bias–are contributing to this higher mortality rate.” (Slivinski, 2022) A study published in Gynecologic Oncology “found that even though Black women were more likely to get Pap tests, only 78% of Black women reported receiving a follow-up recommendation, compared to 87% of white women in the study.” (Slivinski, 2022) Researchers are seeking to understand what factors are contributing to disparities in care for Black and Hispanic women.
“90% of girls fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by age 15 years
70% of women are screened with a high-performance test by 35 years of age and again by 45 years of age
90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment (90% of women with precancer treated, and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed).” (World Health Organization, 2020)
WHO urges countries to reach the 90-70-90 targets by 2030. There is a concerted effort to educate people about cervical health, HPV, the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer. Yet many women impacted by cervical cancer expressed not knowing about or understanding the illness until their cancer progressed to a late stage. Tamika Felder was diagnosed with stage II cervical cancer at the age of 25. “She was seeing a small amount of vaginal bleeding after sex…but she didn’t think anything of it. She was young, healthy and busy, and undergoing Pap tests was low on her priority list.” (Slivinski, 2022) Milicent Kagonga Amtana had to visit multiple medical facilities in her home country of Kenya before she was able to receive a comprehensive treatment plan. She now works within her community “to break down the stigma and shame around cervical cancer. Despite her own pain and health challenges, she works hard to encourage women to be screened for HPV and to have their daughters vaccinated.” (O’Donnell, 2022)
Addressing questions and misconceptions about cervical health and cervical cancer is necessary to break down stigma and encourage people to prioritize regular screenings. The National Cervical Cancer Coalition has resources to help you speak with your patients about the importance of regular screening exams and the HPV vaccine. WHO’s cervical cancer webpage provides updated news on the road to eliminating cervical cancer across the world, fact sheets, databases and other information that is informative for healthcare professionals and patients. Building trust with patients and the local community will be important to eliminating cervical cancer. “Ultimately, many experts agree that efforts to eliminate cervical cancer can make an impact if they are done right…The key, says [Ana P.] Ortiz, is for health care professionals and researchers to work together to identify the gaps.” (Slivinski, 2022)
At the end of January each year, the day arrives. International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed this Saturday, January 27.
Memory and the act of commemoration are paramount in preventing history from repeating itself. International Holocaust Remembrance Day, also known as International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, was established by the United Nations in November 2005. The day commemorates the killing, by the Nazi regime and its collaborators, of six million Jews and millions belonging to other populations. January 27 was the date chosen to commemorate this day because it was the date that the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camps were liberated by Allied forces. Other countries also commemorate the Holocaust on different days.
You may have seen the 2022 Himmelfarb Library blog post commemorating this day, which covered doctors and the Holocaust, and another post from that year, which covered the Nazi Medical Research Dilemma. This year, we will focus on evidence that experiencing the trauma of the Holocaust induced genetic and epigenetic changes that are intergenerational. Epigenetics refers to “heritable changes in phenotype which do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence” (Martin, 2014).
In a 2014 study, the first of its kind, blood samples were collected from 80 adult offspring with at least one Holocaust survivor parent. These blood samples were correlated with maternal and paternal PTSD in the parents (Yehuda et al., 2014). Findings showed that the glucocorticoid receptor gene GR-1F was altered, but in different ways, depending on whether the subjects experienced maternal or paternal PTSD. The findings of the study indicated that both maternal and paternal PTSD impact the stress response of offspring via the process of methylation, which is a first-line biochemical process that plays a critical role in the modification of DNA (Menezo et al., 2020).
Systematic review has also been applied to the topic of intergenerational trauma resulting from the Holocaust, Published in 2019, “Intergenerational consequences of the Holocaust on offspring mental health: a systematic review of associated factors and mechanisms”, reviewed 23 studies focused on the impact of the Holocaust on parent and child characteristics and interactions which were found to lead to the development of psychological symptoms, as well as biological and epigenetic variations (Dashorst et al., 2019).
Reviewing the evidence, the authors sought to examine: “association between parental and offspring’s mental health problems;” "perceived parenting and attachment;” “parental Holocaust history;” "additional stress and traumatic life events in Holocaust survivor offspring;” and “cortisol metabolism, epigenetic factors, and genetic predisposition” (Dashorst et al., 2019, pp. 22-23).
Assembling and reviewing this evidence, the authors suggest their findings indicate that, rather than pointing to direct observation of particular disorders in offspring, the impact of Holocaust trauma appears to result in diverse mental health problems that are influenced by characteristics of both the parents and the offspring, suggesting that treatment should be offered to both generations, as well as parenting support for traumatized parents raising children. Intergenerational effects were also found to impact cortisol levels, which regulate the body’s stress response. Holocaust survivor offspring were found to have increased vulnerability to stress.
Evidence related to Holocaust survivors and their offspring offers important guidance on biological mechanisms impacted by trauma, and on the diagnosis and treatment of, and support for, mental health conditions. However, new studies are more difficult to undertake as the generation that survived the Holocaust begins to die off.
Locally, this year’s commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which coincides with a surge in antisemitism worldwide, will take place in DC at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27. Events open to the public include reading of victims’ names and the option to light a memorial candle. On Friday, January 26, between 2-3:45 p.m., Holocaust survivors will be present at the museum to engage visitors about their experiences.
Consider making a trip to the Museum this year to speak with a Holocaust survivor -- the opportunity will not last forever.
Holocaust literature is widely available at GW. This research guide from Gelman Library can help guide your exploration of our collections.
Also, consider joining GW’s SMHS Anti-Racism Coalition for its upcoming discussions of the book It Could Happen Here (available to read online through Himmelfarb Library), by Jonathan Greenblatt, head of the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL was founded in 1913 "to stop the defamation of the Jewish people, and to secure justice and fair treatment to all."
International Holocaust Remembrance Day offers us all an opportunity to reflect, to learn and to consider how we can all work to prevent the conditions that fostered a climate of hate to develop into the historical events that coined the word genocide.
References
Dashorst, P., Mooren, T. M., Kleber, R. J., de Jong, P. J., & Huntjens, R. J. C. (2019). Intergenerational consequences of the Holocaust on offspring mental health: A systematic review of associated factors and mechanisms. European journal of psychotraumatology, 10(1), 1654065. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2019.1654065
Martin S. (2014). Journal Watch review of Influences of maternal and paternal PTSD on epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in Holocaust survivor offspring. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 62(6), 1101–1103. https://doi.org/10.1177/0003065114560792
Menezo, Y., Clement, P., Clement, A., & Elder, K. (2020). Methylation: An ineluctable biochemical and physiological process essential to the transmission of life. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(23), 9311. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21239311
Yehuda, R., Daskalakis, N. P., Lehrner, A., Desarnaud, F., Bader, H. N., Makotkine, I., Flory, J. D., Bierer, L. M., & Meaney, M. J. (2014). Influences of maternal and paternal PTSD on epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in Holocaust survivor offspring. The American journal of psychiatry, 171(8), 872–880. https://doi.org10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.13121571
2024 is here, and January is National Blood Donor Month. In life, accidents happen; illnesses and outbreaks occur. During and after the holiday season and winter in general, blood donations diminish significantly which makes January the perfect time to donate. Not only are donations necessary in emergencies but they also treat chronic conditions. If you have not already, maybe ask yourself when is the last time that you visited your local blood drive?
Before donating, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. This typically includes factors like age, weight, and overall health. Consult with your local blood donation center if you have any questions. If you are uncertain where your nearest donation location site is, you can use the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies location finder. After donating, make sure to increase your fluid intake for the next 48 hours and avoid any strenuous activities. In rare cases, lightheadedness may occur. Make sure to take proper precautions before you go to donate.
If you choose to donate, you can take pride in knowing that your donation is giving someone the strength to fight their medical battles. Even if you’re not able to donate, you can contribute by spreading awareness; you may utilize any social media platform, newsletter, or bulletin to educate others about the importance of blood donation. It’s helpful to share statistics, success stories, and testimonials to inspire others to join the cause. You can bust common myths surrounding blood donation. Many people have misconceptions that may be preventing them from contributing. Keeping your information accurate may help to dispel any fears or concerns.
Let's make Blood Donor Month 2024 a resounding success! Your commitment to donating blood can truly make a difference and save lives. Thank you for being the heroes our community needs.
Each year the indexing team at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) updates descriptors and makes new headings available for searching in PubMed, MEDLINE, and other NLM databases. The 2024 changes were applied in December 2023. You can see new descriptors and changed descriptors on the NLM site.
There were changes to headings for Influenzavirus A (now Alphainfluenzavirus) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (three new entry terms for Chimpanzee Coryza Agent, Orthopneumovirus, and RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus that will map to the heading when searching). Voting became a new MeSH heading. And there was a large expansion of terms available for concepts related to Psychological Stress - 54 to be precise! For example, you can now explode Coping Skills to cover nine concepts including Behavioral Coping and Cognitive Coping.
Other new terms include some coming out of the pandemic (immune system exhaustion, mental health teletherapy, pandemic preparedness, unvaccinated persons), some that are DEI-related (deaf culture, disability discrimination, social genomics, and undertreatment), and others that invite a visit to the scope note to see what they are all about (flighted spongy moth complex?)
Changes and new headings are not retrospective. For example, if searching for Influenzavirus A you will need to search the new Alphainfluenzavirus heading and the previous Influenzavirus A heading to get both new and older publications. To search for Voting prior to 2024 you may want to consider using the broader heading Politics which the concept was included under previously.
For precision searching with MeSH headings, NLM encourages you to consult the MeSH Browser for scope notes and other information about a term. It can guide you to the right headings, subheadings (see the Qualifiers tab), and entry terms. Entry terms function like cross references so searching RSV will include the publications indexed for Respiratory Syncytial Virus since it’s an entry term for that heading. If you don’t want entry or mapped terms to be included, use double quotes to limit your search to just that precise heading.
NNLM will be offering a free webinar on MeSH Changes and PubMed Searching on January 25th from 1 to 2:30pm. You’ll hear more about the changes and have an opportunity to practice searching in PubMed. The class is available for beginner through advanced searchers.
Himmelfarb Library provides the BrowZine journal reader to library users to help keep current and make browsing journal contents online easy. We are pleased to see an uptick in usage of BrowZine by library users this past year!
When searching Health Information @ Himmelfarb, the library catalog, you may have seen and used the links to View Issue Contents in catalog records:
These links direct users to BrowZine to view journal tables of contents and download full-text when available.
Library users can set up a BrowZine account and follow journals of interest to them by putting them on a BrowZine bookshelf. Whenever a new issue is published for a bookshelf journal, an email notifying of the new content is sent.
As we embark on a new year, it is a fantastic time to focus on an often underestimated facet of our well-being: thyroid health. January marks Thyroid Awareness Month, providing an opportunity for students, teachers, and researchers within the field of medicine to understand the importance of a well-functioning thyroid. Beyond its role in supporting our metabolism, the thyroid holds a profound connection to cognitive function and the overall energy levels we feel throughout the day which gives us all the more reason to take a moment to further understand the thyroid, and why promoting thyroid health matters.
Thyroid imbalances can manifest in symptoms such as fatigue, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings which may hinder our ability to function during daily activities or study. If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms, it may be beneficial to seek medical advice and also to encourage your patients to as well. Early detection and management of thyroid disorders can not only alleviate symptoms but can also contribute to an improvement in the quality of life.
This January, Thyroid Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder for universities to actively promote a culture of health and well-being. Encouraging a proactive approach towards health fosters a community that prioritizes both physical and mental wellness.
In many ways, the silent hero in our well-being is the thyroid. If we take the time to understand the profound impact it has on our ability to function cognitively and advocate for regular screenings, we can collectively create a culture that empowers minds and supports the pursuit of knowledge. This thyroid awareness month, let's not only spread awareness but also take concrete steps towards a healthier, more resilient academic community.
Further reading on Thyroid health at Himmelfarb can be found at:
As we reflect on the life, work, and impact that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has had on our nation and the world, we are reminded that Dr. King was passionate about activism on racial discrimination, poverty, and health disparities. A great way to honor Dr. King’s legacy and continue his important work is to learn more about anti-racism, inequities, and disparities in healthcare and use this knowledge to help build a more inclusive healthcare system. Himmelfarb Library has some great resources that can help you learn more about these topics so you can put your knowledge into action!
Himmelfarb Resources:
Himmelfarb’s Anriracism in Healthcare Guide provides information and resources related to antiracism in healthcare including links to professional healthcare organizations centered around diversity and health justice issues, training resources, and links to GW-specific organizations. Browse the Journal Special Collections tab to find journal issues and health news on antiracism-related issues. Antiracism books and ebooks available at Himmelfarb are also included in this guide including:
In addition to the Antiracism in Healthcare Guide, Himmelfarb has a Diversity and Disparities in Health Care collection of books and e-books with nearly 200 books addressing issues of disparity and representation of minority communities in healthcare.
If you are interested in becoming more involved, consider reaching out to local student or professional organizations such as White Coats for Black Lives or the Antiracism Nursing Student Alliance. Involvement with these and similar organizations can help you put your knowledge into action and offer opportunities for collaboration in furthering the cause of finding solutions to healthcare disparities and opportunities to educate others on issues of health injustices.
Welcome back, GW family! As we embark on a new year filled with endless possibilities, it's the perfect time to reflect on where you are now, and where you’d like to be at this time next year, and set some powerful resolutions or goals to help you get there. If you are still trying to figure out where to start or have not made goals before, it might not be a bad time to reflect on the past year.
Begin by acknowledging and celebrating your achievements from 2023. Take note of the challenges you overcame, and the skills you acquired. Ask yourself: What did I learn last year, and what do I want to learn now? Reflecting on your journey will help you to set realistic and achievable goals.
When it comes to setting goals or making resolutions, specificity matters. Try to stay away from goals like “publish more.” While a vague goal may be a great starting point to create a roadmap, you will be less likely to accomplish said goal if you leave out precise details such as “submit three research papers to top tier conferences” or “complete data collection for my thesis by August.” Specific goals help to provide a clear path and make it easier for you to modify and track your progress. Remember, if you do not make the deadline you set for yourself, you can always reschedule.
If your goal is substantial in size, break it down into manageable steps. Large goals can be overwhelming, especially when viewed as a whole. Categorize specific tasks into categories and prioritize them as you see fit. Consistency and building new habits will help that much more when it comes to achieving your goals.
Don’t forget to be realistic and accountable. If you are uncertain about a specific goal or are feeling overwhelmed, it might help to share your vision with a peer or a mentor who can offer support on how to keep on track. If you need to, schedule check-ins or progress reviews that can also help to keep you focused.
One of the best ways to achieve your goals is to find and use tools to help manage and track your progress. Task organization matters, no matter if it is digital or kept in a journal. Keeping your workspace clean, and your planner or goal notebook nearby and well-maintained can be a big help!
Lastly, understand that setbacks happen and that they are all part of any journey. Instead of viewing them as failures, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Use setbacks as an opportunity to revisit your goals, adjust your strategies, and move forward with a newfound resilience!
We can’t wait to see all of you succeed in 2024. Welcome back, and let’s make the best of this year together. Raise high!
