Response to clozapine in treatment resistant schizophrenia is related to alterations in regional cerebral blood flow.

PET and SPECT studies in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) have revealed significant alterations in regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) during clozapine treatment, which may vary according to the clinical response. Here, we used the more recent MRI approach of arterial spin labelling (ASL) to evaluate regional CBF in participants with TRS (N = 36) before starting treatment with clozapine compared to in healthy volunteers (N = 16). We then compared CBF in the TRS group, before and after 12 weeks of treatment with clozapine (N = 24); and examined the relationship of those differences against changes in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS) scores over the treatment period.

Rural access to dermatology services: a call to action.

This commentary underscores the urgent issue of limited access to dermatologic care in rural areas, leading to adverse health outcomes. With only 10% of dermatologists practicing in rural America, the "rural mortality penalty" contributes to escalating morbidity and mortality. Disparities in dermatologist distribution, particularly in minority-majority counties with lower incomes, worsen health inequities.

Metformin for the Prevention of Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain: Guideline Development and Consensus Validation.

Background: Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent in people with severe mental illness (SMI). Antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) is one of the most commonly reported and distressing side effects of treatment and people living with SMI place a high value on the avoidance of this side effect. Metformin is the most effective pharmacological intervention studied for the prevention of AIWG yet clear guidelines are lacking and evidence has not translated into practice.

Hospital-Level Care at Home Patients Remain at Home Longer Following Acute Illness: A Literature Review.

Hospital-level care at home (HCaH) is a modern alternative to traditional inpatient hospitalization (TIH) for acutely ill adults which is cost-effective without impacting patient mortality. Additional outcomes comparing HCaH and TIH have been studied including hospital readmission and post-acute care admission. There is convincing evidence that suggests a trend in the reduction of readmissions following acute hospitalization in the home.

Patient and public involvement and engagement: Do we need an 'ethical anchor'?

Background: Working alongside patients and the public to shape and engage with research, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), facilitates more impactful research outcomes. The UK Standards for Public Involvement provides a framework for conducting PPIE; however, they do not refer directly to ethical conduct. Research ethics involve the moral principles that govern researchers' actions, and securing ethical approval from a research ethics committee is necessary before starting a study.