The role of expert searching in the Family Physicians' Inquiries Network (FPIN).

OBJECTIVE: This article describes the contributions of medical librarians, as members of the Family Physicians' Inquiries Network (FPIN), to the creation of a database of clinical questions and answers that allows family physicians to practice evidence-based medicine using high-quality information at the point of care. The medical librarians have contributed their evidence-based search expertise and knowledge of information systems that support the processes and output of the consortium. METHODS: Since its inception, librarians have been included as valued members of the FPIN community. FPIN recognizes the search expertise of librarians, and each FPIN librarian must meet qualifications demonstrating appropriate experience and training in evidence-based medicine. The consortium works collaboratively to produce the Clinical Inquiries series published in family medicine publications. RESULTS: Over 170 Clinical Inquiries have appeared in Journal of Family Practice (JFP) and American Family Physician (AFP). Surveys have shown that this series has become the most widely read part of the JFP Website. As a result, FPIN has formalized specific librarian roles that have helped build the organizational infrastructure. CONCLUSIONS: All of the activities of the consortium are highly collaborative, and the librarian community reflects that. The FPIN librarians are valuable and equal contributors to the process of creating, updating, and maintaining high-quality clinical information for practicing primary care physicians. Of particular value is the skill of expert searching that the librarians bring to FPIN's products.     

Hematological Changes Elicited by Prolonged Intermittent Aerobic Exercise

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the acute and chronic effects of a strenuous work task, in a moderately high heat stress environment, upon selected hematological components. Twenty experienced long-distance runners competed in a 24-hr relay, running approximately one mile each hour in relay fashion. Food and fluid intake was allowed ad libitum during rest intervals. Blood samples were secured three times: (T1) within 1 hr prior to the start; (T2) approximately 10 min after the first mile run; and (T3) approximately 10 min after each subject completed his last mile run. Main blood variables of interest were Hb, Hct, total protein, albumin, WBC diff, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^?, Ca⁺⁺, glucose, cholesterol, T-bilirubin, LDH, SGOT, CPK, BUN, uric acid, and creatinine. Within the limitations of this study, the following main conclusions appear warranted: (a) hemoconcentration changes between T1 and T2 may be the causative factor underlying the moderate, but significant, increases in the majority of other hematological components between T1 and T2. As hemoconcentration did not appear to increase further between T2 and T3, component changes between T2 and T3 may be due to other causative factors; (b) the data from LDH, CPK, SGOT, BUN, uric acid and bilirubin is suggestive of muscle tissue damage and hemolysis.