No association between the DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism and schizophrenia.

Objective: To investigate the association between a Ser9Gly polymorphism of the dopamine D3 receptor gene (DRD3) and schizophrenia.

Methods: 408 schizophrenic patients and 172 control subjects were compared with regard to their DRD3 Ser9Gly genotypic and allelic frequencies. In addition, we carried out a family-based association study including 183 pedigrees (472 subjects) using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT).

[Intraabdominal foreign body caused diagnostic difficulty].

The problem of retained foreign body in the abdominal cavity following surgery is permanent and almost impossible to solve for abdominal surgeons. We present the story of a 49-year-old woman operated on because of a cystic lesion formed around a swab which was left in the abdominal cavity during open cholecystectomy ten years ago. We did not realise the nature of the lesion before the operation or by examination during the operation.

[Antipsychotic medication in psychosocial rehabilitation].

The strategy and points of medication and the use of antipsychotics in the phase of psychosocial rehabilitation substantially different from that we use in the acute treatment. While in the acute phase the primary goal is the symptom-reduction as soon as possible, the goal in the psychosocial rehabilitation is the maintenance of the symptom-free remission state, as long as possible in a stable way, providing the best functioning and best available quality of life with minimal loss of capacities and skills. The basis of the lasting, stable remission and of the successful psychosocial rehabilitation is the effective, safe and tolerable pharmacotherapy, in which the antipsychotics play essential role.

The role of the chief ethics officer in a physician's office.

The unique role of the chief ethics officer in a sports medicine office is described and guided by the four principles of ethics, as well as the principles and codes of ethics of the American Medical Association, the International Sports Medicine Federation, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The chief ethics officer should understand and be conversant with these principles and these codes of medical ethics, and transmit this information in order to further patient goals, physician goals, and employee goals.