Education Research: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Journal Club Formats to Enhance Evidence-Based Practice Through Social Cognitive Learning Theory.

Background And Objectives: In an era of rapid advances in research, it is imperative for residents to develop the skills for evidence-based practice. Alternative journal club formats grounded in active learning strategies may be better suited to address this need, although evidence is lacking. A theoretical framework of social cognitive learning theory (SCLT) may provide insight into how journal clubs can be better designed to teach residents how to evaluate research.

Predicting Post-Operative Side Effects in VIM MRgFUS Based on THalamus Optimized Multi Atlas Segmentation (THOMAS) on White-Matter-Nulled MRI: A Retrospective Study.

Background And Purpose: Precise and individualized targeting of the ventral intermediate thalamic nucleus for the MR-guided focused ultrasound is crucial for enhancing treatment efficacy and avoiding undesirable side effects. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the spatial relationships between Thalamus Optimized Multi Atlas Segmentation derived segmentations and the post-focused ultrasound lesion can predict post-operative side effects in patients treated with MR-guided focused ultrasound.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 30 patients (essential tremor, n = 26; tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease, n = 4) who underwent unilateral ventral intermediate thalamic nucleus focused ultrasound treatment.

Optimizing Neurology Inpatient Documentation: A Pilot Study of a Novel Discharge Documentation EHR Tool.

Background And Purpose: Clinical documentation of patient acuity is a major determinant of payer reimbursement. This project aimed to improve case mix index (CMI) by incorporating a novel electronic health record (EHR) discharge documentation tool into the inpatient general neurology service at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center.

Methods: We used data from Vizient AMC Hospital: Risk Model Summary for Clinical Data Base (CBD) 2017 to create a discharge diagnosis documentation tool consisting of dropdown menus to better capture relevant secondary diagnoses and comorbidities.

Facial diplegia with paresthesia associated with anti-GD1a antibodies.

A 26-year-old previously healthy man presented with progressive facial diplegia and sensory deficits to pinprick in a stocking-glove distribution. Lumbar puncture revealed cytoalbuminologic dissociation, and a nerve conduction study of the right facial nerve demonstrated a proximal demyelinating process. He was started on intravenous immunoglobulin given concern for a Guillain-Barré syndrome variant, and his symptoms improved over several days.

Emerging Subspecialties in Neurology: A Career as a Clinical Trialist in Neurology.

The recent therapeutic advances in the field of neurology highlight the importance of ongoing clinical trials. However, while clinical research in neurology has remained relatively stable over the past 10 years, there has been an interval decrease in neuroscience applicants for NIH funding, which has raised concerns about the pipeline and future of clinical research in neurology. Those interested in such a career can begin by identifying a preclinical neuroscience advance that has yet to be translated into clinical trial work or a clinical area of need based on conversations with patients and families.

DNA methylation-based surrogates of plasma proteins are associated with Parkinson's disease risk.

Background: The epigenome may reflect Parkinson's disease (PD) risk, which serves as a point of convergence of genetic and environmental risk factors. Here, we investigate whether blood DNA methylation (DNAm) markers are associated with PD risk.

Methods: We selected 12 plasma proteins known as predictors of cardiovascular conditions and mortality to evaluate their effects on PD risk in a case-control study.

Hospital and demographic characteristics associated with inpatient neurological services in the United States.

Objective: To determine nationwide availability and factors associated with inpatient neurological services.

Patients And Methods: Using the 2011 American Hospital Association survey, we determined the proportion of hospitals that provided inpatient neurological services. Demographic and household data from the 2010 national census and survey results were utilized to determine regional factors associated with the availability of inpatient neurologic services.

T2-Imaging Changes in the Nigrosome-1 Relate to Clinical Measures of Parkinson's Disease.

Background: The nigrosome-1 region of the substantia nigra (SN) undergoes the greatest and earliest dopaminergic neuron loss in Parkinson's disease (PD). As T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are often collected with routine clinical MRI protocols, this investigation aims to determine whether T2-imaging changes in the nigrosome-1 are related to clinical measures of PD and to assess their potential as a more clinically accessible biomarker for PD.

Methods: Voxel intensity ratios were calculated for T2-weighted MRI scans from 47 subjects from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database.

Utilization of Emergent Neuroimaging for Thrombolysis-Eligible Stroke Patients.

Background: Advances in diagnostic imaging of stroke include multimodal techniques such as noninvasive angiography and perfusion imaging. We aimed to characterize trends in neuroimaging utilization among acute stroke patients. Utilization of multimodal imaging for acute stroke in the community has remained largely uncharacterized despite its increased adoption at academic medical centers.

The coffee paradox in stroke: Increased consumption linked with fewer strokes.

Objective: To determine the association in amount of daily coffee consumption with incidence of stroke in a broad cohort, considering other vascular risk factors.

Methods: We utilized the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994; NHANES III) data on participants aged ≥17 years old to examine coffee consumption and stroke. Multivariate logistic regression models related the amount of coffee use reported in a food frequency questionnaire with stroke, controlling for other vascular risk factors.

Basilar artery territory stroke secondary to invasive fungal sphenoid sinusitis: a case report and review of the literature.

Background: Mucormycosis is a fungal infection with the following 5 classic forms: cutaneous, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, disseminated, and rhinocerebral. The rhinocerebral form can be rapidly progressive and invasive with a high mortality rate. We present a case of a 38-year-old man with invasive mucormycosis that led to a basilar artery territory stroke.

Predictive factors of neurological complications and one-month mortality after liver transplantation.

Background: Neurological complications are common after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We aimed to characterize the risk factors associated with neurological complications and mortality among patients who underwent OLT in the post-model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) era.

Methods: In a retrospective review, we evaluated 227 consecutive patients at the Keck Hospital of the University of Southern California before and after OLT to define the type and frequency of and risk factors for neurological complications and mortality.

Analysis of Parkinson's disease pathophysiology using an integrated genomics-bioinformatics approach.

The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of a disease determine how it should be diagnosed and treated. Yet, understanding the cause and mechanisms of progression often requires intensive human efforts, especially for diseases with complex etiology. The latest genomic technology coupled with advanced, large-scale data analysis in the field known as bioinformatics has promised a high-throughput approach that can quickly identify disease-affected genes and pathways by examining tissue samples collected from patients and control subjects.