bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of reproductive hormones relations with response to treatment in male patients with first episode psychosis
Authors: Ates A. , Oner I. , Basoglu C. , Algul A. , Tutuncu R. , Balibey H. , Ipcioglu O. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesData regarding schizophrenia treatment has been increasing whereas the information about predictors of treatment response is limited. In this study, our aim is to investigate the serum levels of reproductive hormones as a biological predictor in terms.MethodsThirty-three hospitalized male patients in GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital with the diagnosis of first episode psychosis were included into the study. The study was prospective and naturalistic in design. The clinical course was recorded by means of Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) in pretreatment period, 2nd and 6th weeks of the study. Prolactin, FSH, LH, estrogen, testesterone and oxytocin serum levels were also measured at the same dates.ResultsTreatment response was assessed as unresponsive when PANSSttl scores were lower than 25%, partial response when PANSSttl scores were between 25%-40% changes, and response when PANSSttl scores were higher than 40%. Patients were grouped according to those cut-off points. There was a significant positive correlation between oxytocin, FSH serum levels and positive symptoms (ρ = 0.437, P = 0.011; r = 0.385, P = 0.027). There was also significant negative correlation between testesterone serum levels and negative and total psychopathology scores (r = −0.352, P = 0.044; r = −0.429, P = 0.013). It was seen that pretreatment testerone levels had a significant biological marker on predicting remission when the serum levels were lower than 460,91 ng/dL.ConclusionsThis study shows that hypothalamo-hypophysial-gonadal axis hormones and reproductive hormones, especially testesterone, may be an important biological marker of treatment response prediction in first episode psychosis.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Clinical experience with aripiprazole long-acting injection
Authors: Calvo Rivera M.P. , Girela Serrano B. , Porras Segovia A. , Gutiérrez Rojas L. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionAripiprazole long-acting injection is the latest long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medication released in the market which requires a monthly injection.ObjectivesThe aim of our study is to present our experience in the use of Aripiprazole long-acting injection as maintenance therapy in patients with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.MethodologyOur sample consists of 20 patients who started treatment with long acting aripiprazole during the last 6 months of its release. Validated scales for collecting information on sociodemographic, clinical evaluation (CGI scale), quality of life (health questionnaire SF-36) and function (Sheehan Disability Inventory and social relationship scale SBS) were used.ResultsThe health condition of the patients was generally good and 68% reported feeling better than during the last year. Social functioning was adequate (level 1 or 2) in about 70% of the patients. Social, employment and family's disability was mild in 57% of cases, the average stress’ perception was 23% and the average social support perception was 72%. Regarding the clinical evaluation, in comparison to the initiation of the treatment 18% of the patients were slightly better, 45% moderately better and 36% much better.ConclusionA remarkable clinical improvement was observed, maintaining good health, with an acceptable level of functionality. This study shows that the incorporation of long-acting Aripiprazole to the treatment of our sample has been a significant improvement in overall functioning of the patient.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Early schizophrenia patients treated with once-monthly paliperidone palmitate over a 12-month period - a retrospective observational study
Authors: Hargarter L. , Bergmans P. , Cherubin P. , Schreiner A. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionLittle is known about patient characteristics and rehospitalization in newly diagnosed patients with schizophrenia treated with long-acting antipsychotics.ObjectivesTo retrospectively explore hospitalizations, drug utilization and clinical outcomes from medical records of young, newly diagnosed schizophrenia patients during the first 12 months of treatment with once-monthly paliperidone palmitate (PP).MethodsInternational, multicenter, retrospective, observational study. Outcomes presented are patient characteristics, reason for PP initiation and hospitalization data.ResultsEighty-four patients were analyzed: mean age (years) at first psychotic episode was 23.8 (SD2.6), 23.9 (SD2.6) at first antipsychotic treatment and 24.1 (SD2.7, range 19-29) at PP initiation. Time between first antipsychotic treatment and PP initiation was 4.8 (SD: 3.4, range: 0-12) months. At PP initiation, 42.9% of patients were in hospital, primarily for the management of the first episode/relapse (97.2%). Reason for PP initiation was: LAT favored over oral treatment for relapse prevention (56%), partial/non adherence with previous oral medication (20.0%), convenience (15.5%) or limited access to health care systems (2.4%). Mean time (days) between admission and initiation of PP, and between initiation of PP and discharge from hospital was 28.8 (SD23.0) and 23.2 (SD24.5), respectively. 96.4% of patients were not hospitalized during the 12-month PP treatment period. 3/84 patients (3.6%) had a single hospitalization of 15.7 (SD: 8.1) days for management of episode/relapse.ConclusionsIn this young, newly diagnosed schizophrenia population, the number of hospitalizations following PP initiation was low. Main reason to initiate PP was clinicians favoring LAT over oral antipsychotic treatment for relapse prevention or due to partial/non adherence with previous oral treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Reaction time, processing speed and sustained attention in patients with schizophrenia: Impact on functioning
Authors: Orozco A. , Vicens M. , Ruiz A. , Brañas A. , Lahera G. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionSome studies have related processing speed with functionality. A more discriminative analysis of different components of this neuropsychological construct is needed.Objectives/AimsTo measure the performance of a group of patients with schizophrenia in reaction time, processing velocity and sustained attention. To compare the impact on functioning of these three measures.MethodsNinety-eight outpatients between 18 and 65 years diagnosed with schizophrenia, based on the DSM-V, with a 3-month period of clinical stability, were recruited. Sociodemografic and clinical data were collected: PANSS scale, Akathisia Simpson-Angus Brief Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Global Functioning Scale (GAF). The following variables were measured: reaction time (SUPERLAB PRO), processing speed (TMT-A, subtest of symbol coding BACS, verbal fluency) and sustained attention (Continuous Performance Test).ResultsFunctionality of patients was correlated to Elective Reaction Time (the subject must react to different types of stimuli and to choose between several possible answers) [P = −0.205; P = 0.047], but NOT with Simple Reaction Time [P = 0.109; P = 0.293)]. Functionality was significantly correlated to Symbols Coding (P = 0.328; P = 0.001), and a trend was observed regarding semantic fluency (P = 0.190; P = 0.06) and the TMT-A (P = −0.179; P = 0.08). In CPT, Correct Detection was correlated with GAF score (P = 0.380; P = 0.000) but not omission errors. The model of lineal regression shows a differential impact of every measure in global functioning.ConclusionsReaction time, processing speed and sustained attention are different variables and each of them have impact on functioning in schizophrenia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Comparative study of the side-effect profile between clozapine and non-clozapine patients
Authors: Ramos Perdigues S. , Mane Santacana A. , Salgado Serrano P. , Jove Badia E. , Valiente Torrelles X. , Ortiz Sanz L. , Dinamarca F. , Fortuny Olive J.R. , Perez Sola V. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionFor resistant schizophrenia, the only approved treatment is clozapine. However, clozapine is underused, mainly due to its wide range of side-effects. Secondary effects differ amongst antipsychotics (Leucht et al., 2009). Despite that there is no good evidence that combined antipsychotics offer any advantage over the use of a single antipsychotic, combination increases the frequency of adverse events (Maudsley guidelines).ObjectivesTo compare the side-effect profile between clozapine and non-clozapinepatients.AimsTo provide evidence that clozapine patients do not show a worse side-effects profile.MethodsWe cross-sectionally analysed all patients from a Spanish long-term mental care facility (n = 139). Schizophrenic/schizoaffective patients were selected (n = 118) and their treatment was assessed, 31 patients used clozapine. We paired clozapine and non-clozapine patients by sex and age and assessed antipsychotic side effects and possible confounder variables.ResultsOur sample was 27 clozapine patients and 29 non-clozapine patients. 67,9% were male with a mean age of 51.3 (SD 9.6) years. For continuous variables: age, BMI, waist/hip, cholesterol, TG, glucose, prolactin, heart-rate, blood pressure, sleeping hours, the only statistical differences found were lower heart-rate (P = 0.001) in clozapine group and higher salivation subscale of SAS (P = 0.002) in clozapine group. For discrete variables: monotherapy, obesity, overweight, metabolic syndrome or possible confounders as propranolol, laxative, diet, antiglycemiant or insulin, fibrates or statins, antihypertensive or anticholinergic, no statistical differences were found.ConclusionsWe did not find differences in cardiometabolic parameters, which are the main barrier to prescribing clozapine, probably due to the concomitant use of other drugs in both groups.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Time to relapse monotherapy and acquisition in a sample of schizophrenic patients over 3 years of follow-up
Authors: González Rivera P. , Benito Ruiz A.J. , Prados Gomez J. , Hidalgo Borreguero A. , Soto Laguna M. , Preckler Peña K. , Bolaño Mendoza S. , González Díaz F.J. , González Rivera V. , Fernando-Torija Daza M. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionPoor adherence to treatment is one of the main problems in health care to psychiatric patients. The second-generation antipsychotics, and the subsequent emergence of the depot forms (long acting formulations) have facilitated this aspect, increasing the time to clinical relapse in patients with schizophrenia.GoalsDetermine the time to relapse in a clinical sample of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia treated with paliperidone palmitate over 3 years. Other objectives include the possible reduction in hospital admissions, as well as the possible reduction of psychiatric emergency visits, concomitant medication (benzodiazepines and Biperiden) and the possible increase in drug monotherapy.MethodologyThis is a study with a sample of 101 patients with schizophrenia who had started treatment with PP (consecutive sampling). Quantified variables in the 12 months prior to the change of PP treatment with variables at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after initiation of treatment with PP were compared.Results and conclusionsAt the end of the tracking, 72.22% (73 patients) remained clinically stable, with adequate adherence to treatment and there have been no clinical relapses. It has obtained a statistically significant reduction in the use of concomitant medication, emergency room visits and the average duration of revenues, with no clinical relapse should occur in patients of the sample in the second and third year.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Glycine transporter inhibitor sarcosine changes neuronal and glial parameters in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and glutamatergic parameters in the left hippocampus in stable schizophrenia
Authors: Strzelecki D. , Podgórski M. , Kałużyńska O. , Kotlicka-Antczak M. , Gawlik-Kotelnicka O. , Gmitrowicz A. , Stefańczyk L. , Grzelak P. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionSarcosine - glycine transporter inhibitor - increases glycine concentration around NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors. Function of the glutamatergic system in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus is impaired in schizophrenia, which may lead to negative and cognitive symptomatology.AimsWe evaluated the influence of sarcosine therapy on the concentration of metabolites (NAA, N-acetylaspartate; Glx, complex of glutamate, glutamine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA); mI, myo-inositol; Cr, creatine; Cho, choline) in the left dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and left hippocampus in patients with stable schizophrenia.MethodsFifty patients with schizophrenia, treated with constant antipsychotics doses, in stable clinical condition were randomly assigned (25 patients in each group) to administration of sarcosine (2 g) or placebo for six months. 1H-NMR spectroscopy (1.5 T) in both localisations and clinical evaluation (PANSS) was performed before and after sarcosine addition.ResultsInitially we noted no differences in metabolite concentrations between groups. In the left DLPFC, NAA/Cho, mI/Cr and mI/Cho ratios were significantly higher in the sarcosine than the placebo group after six months. In the sarcosine group, NAA/Cr, NAA/Cho, mI/Cr, mI/Cho ratios also increased compared to baseline values. In the placebo group, only the NAA/Cr ratio increased. In the left hippocampus Glx/Cr and Glx/Cho decreased in sarcosine group at the end of our study.ConclusionsThe addition of sarcosine to antipsychotic therapy for six months caused increase of neurons viability (NAA) and neurogilal activity (mI) markers in the left DLPFC and decrease of hyperglutamatergic overstimulation parameters in the left hippocampus with simultaneous improvement of clinical parameters including negative symptoms.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Selected metabolites of kynurenine pathway and response to antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia
Authors: Szymona K. , Karakuła-Juchnowicz H. , Flis M. , Kocki T. , Urbanska A. , Kloc R. , Szymona Z. , Rosa W. , Urbańska E.M. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionDeficit of glutamatergic transmission and aberrant function of kynurenine pathway, with disturbed synthesis of glutamate receptors antagonist, kynurenic acid (KYNA) and neurotoxic metabolite of kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-OH-KYN) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.ObjectivesDemonstrated by others higher level of KYNA in the brain may cause relative deficiency of glutamate-mediate transmission with resulting behavioural and cognitive changes.AimsSearch for predictors of satisfactory response to antipsychotic treatment based on the analysis of KYNA and 3-OH-KYN serum levels.MethodsFifty-three patients with chronic schizophrenia and 46 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Quantitative analyses of KYNA and 3-OH-KYN were performed using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrochemical detection, respectively. Clinical assessments (PANSS, SANS, SAPS) and blood analyses were conducted at 3 time-points: during the active phase of disease, after 4 weeks of modified pharmacotherapy, and after reaching remission.ResultsIn schizophrenia group, lower levels of KYNA (P = 0.002) and non-altered levels of 3-OH-KYN (p = 0.195), as compared to control, were detected during active phase of disease. Despite clinical improvement, no significant changes in the level of studied metabolites were observed later on. The initial level of 3-OH-KYN correlated negatively (r = –0.368; Spearman's rank) with clinical improvement (negative symptoms) (P < 0.05).Conclusions1. The peripheral dysregulation of kynurenine pathway metabolites in chronic schizophrenia manifests as relative increase in the ratio between neurotoxic 3-OH-KYN and neuroprotective KYNA. 2. The higher serum level of 3-OH-KYN during relapse of schizophrenia seems to predict poor response to antipsychotic treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The effects of fluvoxamine on cognition in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Zamir S.M. , Haji Seyed Javadi S.A. , Farzaneh Khanshir Z. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionSchizophrenia is a severe disease which affects different aspects of behavior, including cognitive functions. The most important fields of cognitive disorders in schizophrenia are working memory, vigilance/attention, learning by oral and visual memory, argument and resolving, analysis rate and social knowledge.AimsThis study was designed to assess the effects of fluvoxamine on cognitive functions of schizophrenic patients.MethodThirty-six patients with schizophrenia, all male, were treated with 100 mg fluvoxamine and a second generation anti-psychotic for 4 weeks and before and after treatment, their cognitive functions were assessed by Wechsler-3 memory scale (WMS-revised) and negative symptoms by scale for the assessment of negative symptoms (SANS).ResultsIn our study, the average patients’ scores increased in Wechsler-3 memory scale (WMS-revised) before and after receiving fluvoxamine (P < 0.001). This study couldn’t show a statistically significant difference between the patients’ scores in negative symptoms (SANS test) before and after the treatment course (P = 0.59) There was a negative statistically significant correlation found between WMS score before and after the intervention and the level of education, living area and cigarette smoking. Increasing scores in the test was statistically correlated with lower education, cigarette smoking and living in rural area.ConclusionAugmented treatment with fluvoxamine, probably has effects on some parts of cognitive abilities of male schizophrenic patients which are assessable by Wechsler-3 memory scale. Therefore further studies on evaluation of fluvoxamine effects in other fields of cognitive abilities like concentration and attention in schizophrenic patients are still required.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Suicidal plan and dissociation
Authors: Preve M. , Mula M. , Degrate A. , Suardi N.E. , Godio M. , Colombo R.A. , Traber R. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionThe social and economic impact of mood disorders and suicide is extremely high. In depression, suicide is included among the cognitive disturbances, together with guilt, paranoid and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depersonalization/derealization and agitation [1,2]. The aim of this report is to study a sample of depressed patients with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder, to evaluate the level of impulsivity and dissociation in a context of a suicidal plan.MethodTwenty inpatients with suicidal plan were assessed with: the SCID-P for Axis I diagnosis, SCI-DER, DSS, HRSD, HAS, YMRS, GSR. We conducted a systematic literature review (PubMed, Embase, PsychInfo) using the key terms “depression”, “suicide”, “suicidal plan”, “depersonalization”, “derealization” AND “dissociation”.ResultsAn independent sample T-Test analysis suggested that the patient with high sucidal plan present significant highter score at SCI-DER TOT (P = 0.015), DSS TOT (P = 0.037), BIS-11 motor perseveration factor (P = 0.023) and inversely significant HAS TOT (P = .029).Discussion and conclusionIt's suggestive that when are lost the boundaries of the self, the clarity of suicidal's purpose reduces the levels of anxiety and suicide appears the only way to achieve the liberation of the suffering of depression. Methodological limitations, clinical implications and suggestions for future research directions are considered.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Post-partum depression risk factors in pregnant women
Authors: Ugarte A. , López P. , Serrulla C. , Zabalza M.T. , Torregaray J.G. , González-Pinto A. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionPostpartum depression has a prevalence of 15% and has consequences for mother and baby (delayed physical, social and cognitive development). It's essential to prevent the illness with an early identification of Risk Factors (RF).MethodsFive hundred and seventy-two women in 3rd trimester of pregnancy were evaluated and selected those with ≥ 1 RF (n = 290). We re-evaluated in the postpartum with Edinburgh Depression Scale and selected those with subsyndromal depressive symptoms (≥ 7.5) (n = 57). Clinical, demographic and functional data were collected.ResultsA total of 50.7% had RF. A percentage of 48.6 had family history of mental illness (MI), 34.1%had personal history of (MI) and 34.1% had some pregnancy associated illness. Twenty percent had needed some assisted reproductive technique, 14.1% had little family support and 15.2% had little couple support, 3.8% showed anxiety-depressive disorders during pregnancy, 19.7% had depressive symptoms after delivery. The mean age was 33.67. No significant differences between patients with and without RF (T-1858, P 0.064). Among women with RF, 59.6% were married, 35.1% single and 3.0% had other situation. 89.5% live with their own family, 8.8% with their family of origin, 1.8% alone. 50.8% had university studies.ConclusionsAssessing RF during pregnancy can help these women, since we see that the 19.7% will have serious risk of developing postpartum depression. The RF to take more into account are not those related to social-academic development, neither the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms during pregnancy, but the family or personal history of (MI) and the presence of a pregnancy associated illness. Early detection and treatment may prevent the development of this disease improving the quality of life of mother and babies’ development.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Cardiovascular risk assessment in psychiatric inpatient setting
Authors: Dahmer E. , Lokunarangoda N.C. , Romain K. , Kumar M. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo assess the general cardiac health of inpatients in acute psychiatric units and to evaluate the practice of ECG use in this setting.AimsOverall cardiac risk is assessed using QRISK2. Clinically significant ECG abnormality detection by psychiatric teams are compared with same by cardiologist.MethodsTen percent of patients (n = 113) admitted to five acute psychiatric wards during a period of 13 months across three hospital sites, covering a population of 1.1 million, were randomly selected. Electronic health care records were used to collect all data, in the form of typed entries and scanned notes. An experienced cardiologist, blind to the psychiatrist assessments, performed ECG analysis. The QRISK2 online calculator was used to calculate 10-year cardiovascular risk as recommended by NIHR, UK.ResultsA score of 10% or more indicates a need for further intervention to lower risk.13.5% of patients had a QRISK2 score of 10–20%, 5.2% had a score of 20–30%, and 1 patient had a QRISK2 score > 30%. In total, 19.7% had a QRISK2 of 10% or greater. A total of 2.9% had prolonged QTC interval (> 440 ms), with 2.9% having a borderline QTC (421–440). A total of 34.3% of ECGs were identified by the ward doctors as abnormal, with action being taken on 41.6% of these abnormal ECGs. Cardiologist analysis identified 57.1% of ECGs with abnormalities of potential clinical significance.ConclusionsOne in five patients admitted to psychiatry wards have poor cardiac health requiring interventions. Though QTC interval prolongation is rare, half of patients may have abnormal ECGs that require further analysis.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.