December 11, 2018 Issue of JAMA

December 11, 2018, Vol 320, No. 22, Pages 2283-2387

This Week in JAMA

Highlights

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(22):2283-2285. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.12669

Podcast: Vitamin D Receptor Agonists for Hemodialysis Patients, Titin Los-of-Function Variants and Atrial Fibrillation, COIs as Research Misconduct, and more

Original Investigation

Effect of Oral Alfacalcidol on Clinical Outcomes in Patients Without Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: The J-DAVID Randomized Clinical Trial

The J-DAVID Investigators

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(22):2325-2334. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.17749

This randomized, open-label, blinded end point randomized clinical trial examined the effect of oral alfacalcidol, a vitamin D receptor activator, on cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular kidney disease receiving hemodialysis.

Editorial
Vitamin D Receptor Agonists for Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Rasheeda K. Hall, MD, MBA, MHS; Julia J. Scialla, MD, MHS

JAMA

Effect of a Program Combining Transitional Care and Long-term Self-management Support on Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Hanan Aboumatar, MD, MPH; Mohammad Naqibuddin, MBBS, MPH; Suna Chung, MPH; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(22):2335-2343. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.17933

This randomized clinical trial compares the effects of a program combining transition and long-term self-management support vs transition support alone on 6-month hospitalizations and emergency department visits among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Editorial
Intensive Intervention to Improve Outcomes for Patients With COPD
Seppo T. Rinne, MD, PhD; Peter K. Lindenauer, MD, MSc; David H. Au, MD, MS

JAMA

Effect of Mexiletine on Muscle Stiffness in Patients With Nondystrophic Myotonia Evaluated Using Aggregated N-of-1 Trials

Bas C. Stunnenberg, MD; Joost Raaphorst, MD, PhD; Hans M. Groenewoud, MSc; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(22):2344-2353. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18020

This study uses a series of aggregated N-of-1 trials to investigate the effectiveness of mexiletine for treatment of muscle stiffness in adult patients with nondystrophic myotonia and compares results from this series with those from a previously conducted randomized clinical trial.

Podcast: Bayes for Clinicians Who Need to Know but Don鈥檛 Like Math

Association Between Titin Loss-of-Function Variants and Early-Onset Atrial Fibrillation

Seung Hoan Choi, PhD; Lu-Chen Weng, PhD; Carolina Roselli, MSc; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(22):2354-2364. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18179

This nested case-control study of patients with early-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) used large-scale, deep-coverage whole-genome sequencing to identify a loss-of-function variant in TTN, the gene encoding the rare nerve protein titin, as a genetic risk factor for early AF.

Research Letter

Childbearing and Family Leave Policies for Resident Physicians at Top Training Institutions

Kirti Magudia, MD, PhD; Alexander Bick, MD, PhD; Jeffrey Cohen, MD; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(22):2372-2374. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.14414

This study describes childbearing and family leave at 15 graduate medical education (GME)鈥搒ponsoring institutions affiliated with 12 US medical schools on top 10 lists for funding or ranking.

Specialty Board Leave Policies for Resident Physicians Requesting Parental Leave

Briony K. Varda, MD, MPH; McKinley Glover IV, MD, MHS

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(22):2374-2377. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.15889

This study compares family and childbearing leave policies for resident physicians among American Board of Medical Specialty (ABMS) member organizations that set training duration requirements for US residency programs.

Viewpoint

Institutional Conflicts of Interest and Public Trust

Francisco G. Cigarroa, MD; Bettie Sue Masters, PhD; Dan Sharphorn, JD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2305-2306. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18482

This Viewpoint discusses recent problems with undisclosed conflicts of interest and proposes broadening disclosure requirements beyond individuals to include the institutions funding the research.

Editorial
Conflicts of Interests, Authors, and Journals: New Challenges for a Persistent Problem
Howard Bauchner, MD; Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, MBA; Annette Flanagin, RN, MA

JAMA

Should Failure to Disclose Significant Financial Conflicts of Interest Be Considered Research Misconduct?

Jeffrey R. Botkin, MD, MPH

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2307-2308. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.17525

This Viewpoint proposes that failure of authors to completely disclose conflicts of interest (COIs) should be considered a form of research misconduct subject to institutional review and sanctions if appropriate to establish a basic standard of consistent COI reporting.

Editorial
Conflicts of Interests, Authors, and Journals: New Challenges for a Persistent Problem
Howard Bauchner, MD; Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, MBA; Annette Flanagin, RN, MA

JAMA

Monitoring Jet Engines and the Health of People

Lionel Tarassenko, MA, DPhil; Eric J. Topol, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2309-2310. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.16558

In this Viewpoint, Eric Topol and Lionel Tarrasenko, a biomedical engineer known for developing early-warning systems in critical care settings, contrast the precision monitoring of jet engines with existing monitoring systems in patients, and discuss how sensors, artificial intelligence, and other contemporary digital technologies used to monitor the maintenance needs of engines can be used to personalize treatment and improve outcomes for patients without generating false alarms.

Expansion of the Medicare 340B Payment Program: Hospital Participation, Prescribing Patterns and Reimbursement, and Legal Challenges

Peter B. Bach, MD; Rachel E. Sachs, JD, MPH

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2311-2312. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.15667

In this Viewpoint, the authors review Medicare & Medicaid Services 340B Payment program and recent rules to curtail expansion of drug discounts beyond serving poor patients.

A Piece of My Mind

Against the Odds

Emily M. Bucholz, MD, PhD, MPH

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2313-2314. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.17821

In this narrative medicine essay, a pediatrician and PhD-trained epidemiologist considers the personal significance of the statistically rare event that has happened to her and the implications for how she cares for patients and communicates risks to families confronting medical decisions.

Editorial

Conflicts of Interests, Authors, and Journals: New Challenges for a Persistent Problem

Howard Bauchner, MD; Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, MBA; Annette Flanagin, RN, MA

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(22):2315-2318. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.17593

Vitamin D Receptor Agonists for Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Rasheeda K. Hall, MD, MBA, MHS; Julia J. Scialla, MD, MHS

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2319-2321. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.17477

Intensive Intervention to Improve Outcomes for Patients With COPD

Seppo T. Rinne, MD, PhD; Peter K. Lindenauer, MD, MSc; David H. Au, MD, MS

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(22):2322-2324. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.17508

JAMA Guide to Statistics and Methods

Bayesian Hierarchical Models

Anna E. McGlothlin, PhD; Kert Viele, PhD

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(22):2365-2366. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.17977

This JAMA Guide to Statistics and Methods discusses the use, limitations, and interpretation of Bayesian hierarchical modeling, a statistical procedure that integrates information across multiple levels and uses prior information about likely treatment effects and their variability to estimate true vs random treatment effects.

Podcast: Bayes for Clinicians Who Need to Know but Don鈥檛 Like Math
Podcast: JAMA Guide to Statistics and Methods
Podcast: Bayesian Hierarchical Models With Dr McGlothlin

Editorial
Time for Clinicians to Embrace Their Inner Bayesian?Reanalysis of Results of a Clinical Trial of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Roger J. Lewis, MD, PhD; Derek C. Angus, MD, MPH, FRCP

JAMA
- Podcast: Bayes for Clinicians Who Need to Know but Don鈥檛 Like Math

JAMA Clinical Evidence Synopsis

Treatment of Lower Extremity Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Marcello Di Nisio, MD, PhD; Iris Wichers, MD, PhD; Saskia Middeldorp, MD, PhD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2367-2368. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.16623

This Clinical Evidence Synopsis summarizes a Cochrane review of randomized trials comparing the effects of treatment of lower extremity superficial thrombophlebitis on venous thromboembolism and major bleeding.

JAMA Diagnostic Test Interpretation

Serum Creatinine in the Critically Ill Patient With Sepsis

Matthieu Legrand, MD, PhD; John A. Kellum, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2369-2370. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.16627

Following esophageal resection for cancer, a 73-year-old man was admitted to the ICU with pneumonia and progressive acute respiratory failure, and he was placed on mechanical ventilation. At day 5, his creatinine level continued to increase. How would you proceed?

Medical News & Perspectives

Is It Possible to Get a Flu Shot Too Early?

Rita Rubin, MA

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2299-2301. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18373

This Medical News article examines the ongoing debate about whether people should begin getting immunized against influenza as soon as the vaccine becomes available.

The JAMA Forum

A Smarter War on Drugs

Howard K. Koh, MD, MPH; R. Gil Kerlikowske, MA; Michael P. Botticelli, MEd

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(22):2301-2302. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18397

News From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Mumps Outbreak Near Denver

Bridget Kuehn, MSJ

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2304. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19205

PrEP Disparities

Bridget Kuehn, MSJ

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2304. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18947

Biotech Innovations

Real-Time Visualization of Bacteria in Lungs

Jennifer Abbasi

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2303. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18986

Artificial Intelligence Tools for Sepsis and Cancer

Jennifer Abbasi

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2303. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19383

The Arts and Medicine

The Alzheimer鈥檚 Poetry Project

Gary Glazner; Daniel B. Kaplan, PhD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(22):2294-2295. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.16340

This Arts and Medicine essay describes the Alzheimer鈥檚 Poetry Project, a program that brings poets and facilitators to dementia care settings to reduce social isolation and nurture creative expression among older adults with cognitive deficits.

Poetry and Medicine