Government Quality Measures: First Do No Harm

A technical expert panel (TEP) was convened to evaluate all available literature in the area of bone and mineral metabolism and advise the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services on the creation and collection of quality measures. The proposed quality measures were evaluated for importance, usability, feasibility, and scientific acceptability. All are important parameters to avoid unintended harmful consequences of a quality measure causing harm to patients or to the delivery of their health care.     

Measuring the Impact of Bilingualism on Executive Functioning Via Inhibitory Control Abilities in Autistic Children

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - One factor that may influence how executive functions develop is exposure to more than one language in childhood. This study explored the impact of...     

Evidence for cognitive impairment in patients with vestibular disorders

Journal of Neurology -  Extensive animal research has shown that vestibular damage can be associated with cognitive deficits. More recently, new evidence has emerged linking vestibular...     

A critical review of the pharmacological treatment of REM sleep behavior disorder in adults: time for more and larger randomized placebo-controlled trials

Journal of Neurology - Rapid Eye Movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia causing sufferers to physically act out their dreams. These behaviors can disrupt sleep and sometimes lead to...     

Correction to: In Vivo Modeling of Human Breast Cancer Using Cell Line and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia -     

Direct cost of hysterectomy: comparison of robotic versus other routes

Journal of Robotic Surgery - The aim of this study was to investigate the direct cost of robotic hysterectomy in comparison with abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic routes past the initial...     

Lung Screening Benefits and Challenges: A Review of The Data and Outline for Implementation

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for almost a fifth of all cancer-related deaths. Annual computed tomographic lung cancer screening (CTLS) detects lung cancer at earlier stages and reduces lung cancer-related mortality among high-risk individuals. Many medical organizations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, recommend annual CTLS in high-risk populations. However, fewer than 5% of individuals worldwide at high risk for lung cancer have undergone screening. In large part, this is owing to delayed implementation of CTLS in many countries throughout the world. Factors contributing to low uptake in countries with longstanding CTLS endorsement, such as the United States, include lack of patient and clinician awareness of current recommendations in favor of CTLS and clinician concerns about CTLS-related radiation exposure, false-positive results, overdiagnosis, and cost. This review of the literature serves to address these concerns by evaluating the potential risks and benefits of CTLS. Review of key components of a lung screening program, along with an updated shared decision aid, provides guidance for program development and optimization. Review of studies evaluating the population considered “high-risk” is included as this may affect future guidelines within the United States and other countries considering lung screening implementation.