1. Infopeople Webcast Series:Health e-Shows

2. Beyond MedlinePlus: An Infopeople Webinar May 14, 2008 12pm – 1pm Kelli Ham kkham@library.ucla.edu Resources That Answer Those Other Tough Questions Infopeople webinars are supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

3. Objectives After viewing this session, attendees will: • Understand new approaches to finding information about drugs, genetics, toxicology and environmental concerns • Gain knowledge of high-quality information portals to answer difficult questions from the public • Know simple strategies to help library users search for and find articles in PubMed

4. Agenda • When you need more than MedlinePlus • NIH Research Institutes & Centers • Drug Information Portal • Genetics information for the non-scientist • Answering toxicology and environmental questions • When the public wants PubMed

5. A Tough Day at Reference Scenarios: • “Beyond the norm” questions A matter of: • Expertise comfort zone • Knowledge of resources

6. Common Topics… or Are They?

7. In-Depth Health Question • User knows about topic already, and asks for in-depth current research and publications. nih.gov

8. NIH homepage

9. NIH Institutes and Centers • 27 potential excellent resources for consumers • Valuable resources only if you know about them • Become knowledgeable about NIH Institutes before you get questions: • “Do you have a book on Marfan Syndrome?” • “Necesito información sobre la enfermedad celíaca, por favor.”

10. NIH Information for Consumers

11. NIH Health Section

12. NIH Publications

13. Beyond the Basic Drug Question • If I take this medication, will it be present in my breast milk? • If so, is it harmful to the baby? • How long should I wait after taking the medication before it’s safe to breastfeed?

14. New Drug Information Portal druginfo.nlm.nih.gov

15. Search Results from Portal

16. LactMed Results Screen

17. LactMed Subtopics

18. LactMed Subtopics

19. Alternate Drugs to Consider

20. Drug Record Example

21. Other Ways to Use the Portal

22. Drug Information by Type

23. Other Agencies of Interest

24. Questions About Genetics

25. Hereditary Conditions • Library user approaches with this information: “My husband’s daughter from first marriage had galactosemia when she was born and almost died. It’s some sort of genetic condition. “ • “We want to have children; will they also have galactosemia?” • “What is genetics testing? Is there a test I can take?”

26. Genetics Home Reference • User-friendly information • Covers genetic conditions • Provides summaries of genes and chromosomes • 212-page “Understanding Genetics Handbook” ghr.nlm.nih.gov

27. Searching Genetics Home Reference ghr.nlm.nih.gov

28. Genetic Condition Record Example

29. Other Notable Sections

30. Handbook Example – Genetic Tests

31. Green Is In • Concern about the environment is growing • Questions about hazardous or toxic substances are more common • Resources available for all ages and levels of interest TOXNET Tox Town ToxMystery

32. Science Fair Time Actual questions: • “What can beta-carotene dissolve in that is safe to give to plants? I tried dissolving it in water, but it didn’t work.” • “What is the molecular weight of ammonia?” • “Is sunscreen absorbed into the skin, or does it work by creating a barrier on top of the skin?”

33. Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET) toxnet.nlm.nih.gov

34. TOXNET Databases

35. The “?” Provides Descriptions

36. Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) • Search TOXNET, click on HSDB result • check the Chemical/Physical Properties section for the question about solubility and molecular weight • check the Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics section for the skin absorption properties of sunscreen • use HSDB for detailed information about chemicals, ingredients, drugs

37. HSBD Record Example

38. Tox Town • Great resource for librarians and teachers • Less technical than resources in TOXNET databases • User-friendly interface • Toxins in common places and locations • Health dangers following disasters

39. Tox Town Home Page toxtown.nlm.nih.gov

40. Welcome to the Farm

41. Neighborhood Chemicals

42. Questions for Tox Town Library user explains that she has asthma, and requests information about air quality: “Why are ozone levels always worse in the summer, and what is PM 2.5, anyway?”

43. Searching for a Chemical • Look for ozone under the Chemicals tab • you will find basic information and links to MedlinePlus.gov, EPA.gov, and other resources

44. Ozone Example

45. Topic Searches • Search for PM 2.5 using the search box

46. ToxMystery for Kids • Designed for 7- to 10-year-old children • They may not have specific questions • Fun, interactive site to help them learn about hazardous substances in the house • Resources for parents and teachers, too toxmystery.nlm.nih.gov

47. ToxMystery

48. Interactive Fun and Learning

49. About PubMed/MEDLINE • Free, web-based access to NLM’s database of citations and abstracts in medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, health care systems, and more • Links to many sites with full-text articles • Journal subsets such as Consumer Health • Topic subsets such as Complementary Medicine • MEDLINE ≠ MedlinePlus!

50. PubMed for the Public Hmmm… “IPods Don't Interfere With Pacemakers, Study Shows”