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Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Neurology for July 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.<\/p>\n
Learning to Change Important for Improving Practice<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Although physicians typically struggle with change, relying on habits created in their practice, learning to change is important in order to improve practices and better deal with the changes sweeping through medicine, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Front Desk Staff Can Set Up a Practice for Successful Billing<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Allowing front desk staff adequate time and an uninterrupted environment to focus on billing can prevent problems later on, according to an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n High-Sensitivity Blood Test May Help Rule Out Intracranial Injury<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A combined test of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) assay results has high sensitivity for detection of intracranial injury among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to a study published online July 24 in The Lancet Neurology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Few Published Programs Address Medical Trainee Mistreatment<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are very few published descriptions of programs that address the mistreatment of medical trainees, according to a review published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Boards May Contribute to Mental Health Stigma for Doctors<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Existing policy has been amended to encourage licensing boards to require disclosure of physical or mental health conditions only when these would negatively impact a physicians’ ability to practice medicine, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Four Strategies Help Doctors Make Personal, Professional Gains<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>, four strategies are presented to help physicians make personal and professional gains.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Increased Levels of Human Herpesvirus ID’d in Alzheimer’s<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Subjects with Alzheimer’s disease have increased levels of two strains of human herpesvirus, according to a study published online July 11 in Neuron<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n PFO Closure Plus Antiplatelet Tx Advised for Cryptogenic Stroke<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients younger than 60 years who have had a cryptogenic ischemic stroke thought to be secondary to patent foramen ovale (PFO), who are open to all treatment options, PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy is recommended over antiplatelet therapy alone, according to a clinical practice guideline published online July 25 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Assessing, Improving Patient Satisfaction Cuts Malpractice Risk<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Assessing and improving patient satisfaction can help physicians avoid being sued for malpractice, according to an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Late-Life Blood Pressure Tied to Higher Number of Brain Infarcts<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Higher average late-life blood pressure (BP) is associated with an increased number of brain infarcts, according to a study published online July 11 in Neurology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Insurers May Be Underpaying Doctors<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurance companies sometimes underpay doctors the contracted amount for a service or procedure, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Many U.S. Adults View Marijuana Use Positively<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most U.S. adults believe that marijuana has at least one benefit, according to a study published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Tools, Methods of RCTs Can Be Adapted to Real-World Settings<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of appropriate statistical methodology can allow for the synthesis of data collected as part of traditional clinical trials with real-world data, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Modifiable Midlife Risk Factors Linked to Late-Onset Epilepsy<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Potentially modifiable risk factors in midlife are associated with the risk of developing late-onset epilepsy, according to a study published online July 23 in JAMA Neurology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Reduced Cognitive Function for Students During Heat Waves<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cognitive function deficits resulting from indoor thermal conditions during heat waves affect university students, according to a study published online July 10 in PLOS Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Physicians and Practices Should Prepare for Emergencies<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practices and physicians should prepare for emergency situations, such as natural disasters, network communications failures, and active shooter situations, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n VA MISSION Act May Up Costs, Lower Vet Health Care Quality<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (VA MISSION) Act may increase costs and reduce quality of health care for veterans, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Walmart Generic Drug Discounts Often Offer More Patient Savings<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23 2018 (HealthDay News) — Walmart’s Generic Drug Discount Program (GDDP), which sells many commonly used generic medications for $4 per 30-day supply, offers savings over Medicare for some generic cardiovascular medications, according to a research letter published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Organizations Must Address Sexual Harassment<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical institutions and organizations need to ensure there are proactive interventions to transform the workplace in order to address sexual harassment and discrimination, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Warns Against Risks of Contaminated Synthetic Cannabis<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Users of synthetic marijuana products and health care providers should be aware of the risk of bleeding associated with contamination of synthetic cannabinoid products with brodifacoum, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Details of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Widely Publicized<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many published news articles included details of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in association with President Trump, some of which invited readers to self-administer the test, according to a research letter published online July 16 in JAMA Neurology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Embezzlement Not Uncommon in Medical Practices<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Embezzlement occurs frequently in medical practices and steps should be taken to prevent it, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Increased Coverage in States With Medicaid Expansion<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Coverage rates and access to care are significantly higher in states with Medicaid expansion, compared with non-expansion states, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Epinephrine Ups Survival in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Epinephrine use results in improved 30-day survival versus placebo in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, according to a study published online July 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Same-Day Appointment System Implemented in Health Network<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A same-day appointment system can feasibly be introduced, according to the experiences of one health network presented in an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Ten Questions Screen Helps ID Disability in HIV+ Children<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Ten Questions (TQ) screen is an effective way to screen HIV-positive children for neurodevelopmental problems in resource-poor areas, according to a study published online July 3 in PLOS ONE<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n WTC-Related PTSD May Up Risk for Stroke, MI in Clean-Up Crew<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — World Trade Center-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke among workers involved in cleaning up the debris, according to a study published in the June issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Patients Care About the Clothes Doctors Wear<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do in fact care what doctors wear, according to a study recently published in BMJ Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Seven Strategies Can Help Practices Manage Staff Time Off<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several strategies can be implemented to help address management of staff time off, allowing mutual respect for the employee and employer requests, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Risk of CRC, Non-CRC Death Up With Positive Fecal Hb Test<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with a positive fecal hemoglobin (f-Hb) test result have an increased risk of dying from colorectal cancer (CRC) and non-CRC causes, according to a study published online July 16 in Gut<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Five-Year Stroke Rates Lower After PCI Versus CABG<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Stroke rates are lower at 30 days and five years after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) than after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), according to a study published in the July 24 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Risk of Cochlear Disorders Up With History of Migraine<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk of cochlear disorders, especially tinnitus, is increased among patients with a history of migraine, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Alternative Payment Models Should Include Precision Medicine<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association has committed to working to integrate precision medicine into alternative payment models (APMs), according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n FDA: Some Rx Drugs May Become Available Without Seeing a Doctor<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new draft guideline from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests Americans could get widely used prescription medicines for cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, and migraine headaches without having to see a doctor.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Trials Supporting FDA Approval of Breakthrough Drugs Examined<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pivotal trials supporting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals granted Breakthrough Therapy designation often lack randomization, double-blinding, and control groups, according to a research letter published in the July 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Shared Decision-Making Approach to Zika Best for Travelers<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An approach to shared decision-making that stratifies risk might be most appropriate for preventing Zika infection, according to an Ideas and Opinion piece published online July 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Establishes New Task Force on Drug Shortages<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a recent statement, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., announced the formation of a new drug shortages task force to thoroughly explore the reasons why drug shortages remain a persistent challenge.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Adoption of EHR Linked to Reduction in Mortality Rates<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is associated with a reduction in mortality rates in U.S. hospitals, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Two-Thirds of Parents Report Their Child Has Had Headache<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Two-thirds of parents report that their child has had a headache not related to a fall or head injury, according to the results of the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health at the University of Michigan.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Declines in Vision Tied to Age-Related Cognitive Decline<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Older adults’ worsening vision may drive declines in cognitive function, according to a study published online July 10 in JAMA Ophthalmology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Compassion Training May Up Resilience to Others’ Suffering<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Compassion meditation can increase the visual preference for suffering while attenuating neural responses in regions of the brain associated with valence and empathic distress, according to a study published recently in Frontiers in Psychology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Physician Burnout Tied to Higher Risk of Medical Errors<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physician burnout, fatigue, and work-unit safety grades are independently associated with medical errors, according to a study published online July 9 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n eCare Plan Set to Improve Doctor\/Pharmacist Relationship<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pharmacist eCare Plan is designed to improve communication between pharmacists and physicians by allowing documentation to be available via electronic health records (EHRs), according to an article published online in Drug Topics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Virtual Assistants Not HIPAA Compliant<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Virtual assistant programs like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa are not yet in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), warns an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Gender Bias in Medicine Has Far-Reaching Consequences<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overlooking women in medicine can have far-reaching consequences, according to a perspective piece published in the June 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n 11.2% of U.S. Adults Aged \u226545 Report Subjective Mental Decline<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More than 11 percent of adults aged \u226545 years in the United States report subjective cognitive decline (SCD), according to research published in the July 13 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n 2001 to 2015 Saw Decline in Self-Employment in Health Care<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2015 there was a decrease in the percentage of health care professionals who are self-employed and a decrease in the earning gap between self-employed and employed health care professionals, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n AMA Aims to Boost Affordability of ACA Marketplace Plans<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted policy to increase the number of people who obtain coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by making marketplace plans more affordable.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Patient Experience Officers Can Play Key Role in Medical Offices<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A patient experience officer is an increasingly important new role in physician practices, according to an article recently published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Polio-Rhinovirus Promising for Malignant Glioma Patients<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Intratumoral infusion of recombinant nonpathogenic polio-rhinovirus chimera (PVSRIPO) can be delivered safely and is tied to higher survival rates than those of historical controls, according to a study published in the July 12 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Peer-Led Education Helps Physicians Save Time With EHRs<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A peer-based education program can improve the efficiency of electronic health record (EHR) use, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Apixaban Is Safest Direct Oral Anticoagulant Versus Warfarin<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Apixaban seems to be the safest direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) compared with warfarin, according to a study published July 4 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Circadian System, Misalignment Have Distinct Impact on Insulin<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The endogenous circadian system, behavioral cycle, and circadian misalignment have distinct effects on insulin sensitivity and \u03b2-cell function, according to a study published online June 4 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n International Group Develops Best Practices for Drug Packaging<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nine new drug labeling and packaging guidelines have been developed with an aim of reducing medication errors, according to a report published in Drug Topics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n AMA Calls for Inclusive Family, Medical Leave Policies<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) calls for inclusive family and medical leave policies to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) workers who care for relatives, spouses, and partners.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Error Rate 7.4 Percent in Speech Recognition-Assisted Notes<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The error rate in speech recognition (SR)-assisted documentation is 7.4 percent, according to a study published online July 6 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Transfeminine Persons Have Increased VTE Incidence<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Transfeminine individuals have increased rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared with cisgender men and cisgender women, with more pronounced differences for those initiating hormone therapy, according to research published online July 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Sleep Apnea Linked to Changes in the Brain in Older Adults<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with changes to the structure of the brain that are seen in the early stages of dementia, according to a study published online July 5 in the European Respiratory Journal<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Prenatal Folic Acid Fortification May Affect Cortical Development<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Gestational exposure to folic acid fortification is associated with cortical development, according to a study published online July 3 in JAMA Psychiatry<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n