A genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies FBXO42 involvement in resistance toward MEK inhibition in NRAS-mutant melanoma.

NRAS mutations are the most common alterations among RAS isoforms in cutaneous melanoma, with patients harboring these aggressive tumors having a poor prognosis and low survival rate. The main line of treatment for these patients is MAPK pathway-targeted therapies, such as MEK inhibitors, but, unfortunately, the response to these inhibitors is variable due to tumor resistance. Identifying genetic modifiers involved in resistance toward MEK-targeted therapy may assist in the development of new therapeutic strategies, enhancing treatment response and patient survival.

What is "effective treatment" for a schizophrenic inpatient with persistent treatment-resistant psychosis and severe violent behavior?: a case of ECT.

Aggressive behavior among treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients is a major clinical challenge whose prevalence is underestimated.In our 420-bed psychiatric hospital, some 15% of patients exhibit active psychosis and high rates of verbal/physical aggression necessitating physical restraints. In addition to their condition, these individuals endanger staff and other patients, consume extensive resources, and induce a sense of clinical helplessness.

SSRI augmentation of antipsychotic alters expression of GABA(A) receptor and related genes in PMC of schizophrenia patients.

Clinical studies have shown that negative symptoms of schizophrenia unresponsive to antipsychotic given alone can improve after augmentation with SSRI antidepressant. Laboratory investigations into the mechanism of this synergism showed that co-administration of SSRI and antipsychotic produces changes in GABA(A) receptor and related systems, which differ from the effects of each drug alone. To examine the clinical relevance of these findings, the current study examined the effects of SSRI augmentation treatment on GABA(A) receptor and related systems in schizophrenia patients.

[Using a compression method after surgical treatment of hemorrhoids].

A compression method was used as a final stage of surgical treatment of hemorrhoids which was performed with a specially worked out compressing probe (two latex cuffs were mounted on the three-lumen rubber tube). The internal and external hemorrhoids were compressed after introduction of the probe into the anal canal and blowing up the cuffs. Comparative results of 103 operations are shown: in 67 patients the operation was finished with the introduction of an ointment tampon, in 36--with a compressing probe.

Differences in quality of life domains and psychopathologic and psychosocial factors in psychiatric patients.

Background: Although treatment of severe mental disorders should strive to optimize quality of life (QOL) for the individual patient, little is known about variations in QOL domains and related psychopathologic and psychosocial factors in patients suffering from schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and/or mood disorders. We hypothesized that QOL in severe mental disorder patients would have a more substantial relationship with psychosocial factors than with illness-associated factors.

Method: A case-control, cross-sectional design was used to examine QOL of 210 inpatients who met DSM-IV criteria for a severe mental disorder and who were consecutively admitted to closed, open, and rehabilitation wards.