bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphophenotypical patterns in patients with negative symptoms in schizophrenia
Authors: Kornetova E. , Semke A.V. , Kornetov A.N. , Dmitrieva E.G. , Dubrovskaya V.V. , Bokhan N.A. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionPositive-negative dichotomy in course of schizophrenia leads to search for factors which could influence the formation of basic symptoms. The study of patients’ body types and morphological peculiarities according clinical feature of schizophrenia could find some influence factors. Body type and regional morphologic dysplasias (RMD) are basically morphophenotypical patterns available for routine examination in usual clinical psychiatric practice.AimsTo reveal associations between body type, morphologic dysplasias and course of schizophrenia.MethodsAnthropometric, somatoscopy examination of patients with schizophrenia with gradually progressive negative disorders: emotional, volition, thought disturbances, increasing autism and social isolation, stable anhedonia with motivation defect were conducted. The accounted morbidity of 168 patients from the whole group of individuals with schizophrenia was about 10% (128 [76%] males, 40 [23.8%] females). Clinical presentations of schizophrenia met the criteria of ICD-10. Anthropometric investigation was conducted with the help of Martin's anthropometer and major thickness compasses for recognition of body type. RMD was registered descriptively.ResultsIt was shown that in patients with negative course of schizophrenia asthenic body type prevailed (60%) with the accumulation of RMD (94,4%) in comparison with healthy individuals (26.2%, P< 0.001). Among patients with positive symptoms of schizophrenia picnic body type prevailed (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAsthenic body type, accumulation of multiple RMD is associated with the domination of negative symptoms and continuous course of schizophrenia. Results of the study indicate the need for a deeper study of this issue on constitutional approach.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Neural modulations in processing of natural information in patients with schizophrenia and their unaffected siblings
Authors: Lerner Y. , Bleich-Cohen M. , Madah W. , Solnik S. , Yogev-Seligmann G. , Kremer I. , Hendler T. 
Published: June 2017

Recent studies in healthy populations have shown a hierarchical network of brain areas to process information over time. Specifically, we revealed that the capacity to accumulate information changes gradually from the early sensory areas toward high-order perceptual and cognitive areas. Previous research in schizophrenia pointed to impairment in comprehension of information. Yet, the neural mechanisms underlying the breakdown of information processing are poorly known. Better understanding of the neural circuits involved in information processing may assist in early identification of predisposition to the disease. Using fMRI, we examined different levels of information comprehension elicited by naturally presented stimuli. Healthy participants, patients with first episode schizophrenia and their undiagnosed siblings listened to a real-life narrated story and scrambled versions of it. To estimate the level of synchronization in response time courses, we calculated inter-subject correlation (inter-SC) across the entire stimuli within each group. The time-scale gradients found in healthy and siblings groups were consistent with our previous findings. Within the schizophrenia group, the reliability patterns obtained for the shortest and intermediate temporal scales were similar to patterns observed in healthy groups. However, the analysis of responses to story condition (long temporal scale) revealed robust and widespread disruption of the inter-SC. In comparison to healthy groups, the response time courses to the story were highly variable within the schizophrenia group, although some significant inter-SCs in the TPJ and precuneus were found. The hierarchical temporal deficit is a fundamental trait that may be a better target for the study of the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Efficacy of memantine in schizophrenic patients: A systematic review
Authors: Montemitro C. , Spano M.C. , Lorusso M. , Baroni G. , Di Iorio G. , diGiannantonio M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionSeveral evidences support the hypothesis that glutamatergic dysfunction may be implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and in the last few year great interest has been focused on the role of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Memantine is a noncompetitive NMDARs antagonist, binds the same site of NMDARs of Mg2+, endogenous blocker of NMDARs, with moderate affinity, rapid unblocking kinetics and strong functional voltage-dependency. Memantine does not affect the physiological activation of NMDARs whereas it blocks the sustained activation under pathological conditions. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that memantine at high concentrations targets many receptors, including serotonin, nicotinic acetylcholine, sigma-1 and serotonin and dopamine receptors.ObjectivesIncreasing interest in memantine add-on therapy in schizophrenic patients with negative and cognitive symptoms may suggest that memantine could be a new promising treatment in schizophrenia.AimsThe aim of this update was to evaluate clinical data about the memantine effectiveness in schizophrenic patients.MethodsWe searched on PubMed to identify original studies about the use of memantine in treatment of schizophrenic patients. The search conducted on June 16th, 2016 yielded 135 records. Neuf papers met our inclusion criteria.ResultsNegative symptoms improved in the large majority of patients treated, however there is not a clear evidence on cognitive and positive symptoms (Table 1)ConclusionsMemantine therapy in schizophrenic patients has given unclear results. It seems that memantine improves mainly negative symptoms, while cognitive and positive symptoms did not improve significantly. Further trials with a more numerous sample are required obtain an objective result.Table 1Observation during Memantime administration.↓: reduction in severity of symptoms; -: no relevant modifications; +: onset of new symptomsDisclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Insight and apathy in patients with paranoid schizophrenia: Rehabilitation approaches
Authors: Papsuev O. , Movina L. , Minyaycheva M. , Gurovich I. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionFor many decades, clinicians were very well aware of lack of insight in patients with paranoid form of schizophrenia. This group of patients is not only less compliant with pharmacotherapy, but also is hard to manage in the rehabilitation setting. This dictates the necessity to develop special approaches to this group of patients, based on clinical data.MethodFifty patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder were randomly recruited to be assessed by PANSS scale and Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), which was introduced both by trained clinicians (C) and as a self-assessment measure (S). Demographic data was collected along with clinical description on prevailing symptoms during acute phase.ResultsWhile AES-C scores were very well correlated with PANSS motivation subscale, AES-S scores showed prominent discrepancies both with PANSS items and AES-C version. Lower scores on AES-S were also associated with paranoid schizophrenia and prevailing delusional symptoms in acute phase. As well AES-C/AES-S ratio also correlated with paranoid form and delusional symptoms in manifest psychoses.DiscussionPatients with paranoid schizophrenia not only lack insight into positive symptoms, but tend to underestimate their negative symptoms such as motivation and apathy. Clinically, this can be described by overestimated strengths, overstated expectations, exaggerated hopes, mistakenly overrated beliefs. But when faced with reality, these patients are unable to adjust themselves and frequently are negativistic to offered help and therapies.ConclusionWe assume that paranoid patients should be treated not with straightforward strategies, such as psychoeducation, but with less stigmatizing methods that work on metacognitive and motivational levels.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The association between first-episode psychosis and abnormal glycaemic control: Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies
Authors: Perry B. , McIntosh G. , Weich S. , Singh S. , Rees K. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundSchizophrenia, which is linked to a range of physical health conditions, might share intrinsic inflammatory disease pathways with type-two diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Psychotropic medication has presented a major confounder in examining this association. First-episode psychosis (FEP) patients present an interesting cohort to study this potential association, being generally younger with less comorbidity, and with limited exposure to antipsychotic medication.AimsTo assess whether FEP, which could be described as ‘developing schizophrenia’, is associated with prediabetes, or ‘developing diabetes’, to determine whether intrinsic disease links could cause the conditions to develop in unison.MethodsUsing PRISMA criteria, we searched Embase, Medline, PsychInfo, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to 6th January 2016. We assessed case-control studies with biochemical assessment of prediabetic states in FEP patients alongside matched controls.ResultsTwelve studies were included, involving 1137 participants. Several measurements examined prediabetes, including fasting plasma glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance. Pooled analysis found FEP to be related to impaired glucose tolerance (mean difference 1.31 [0.37, 2.25]), insulin resistance (mean difference 0.30 [0.18, 0.42]), and the number of patients with impaired glucose tolerance (odds ratio 5.44 [2.63–11.27]).ConclusionOur findings suggest a potential link between prediabetic markers, in particular impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, and FEP. However, we cannot establish causality, and the studies contributing to this review were at some risk of bias. Nevertheless, the findings might help to explain the increased prevalence of T2DM in patients with schizophrenia and could have implications for the management of schizophrenia patients.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Can the ‘mediation’ approach help to understand the role of lack of insight in the relationship between symptoms and functioning in schizophrenia?
Authors: Rossi R. , Santarelli V. , Marucci C. , Pizziconi G. , Pacitti F. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe relationship between Lack of insight (LoI) and other symptoms in schizophrenia is complex. LoI could be associated with severity of symptoms at one side and global functioning at the other. For this nature LoI is a candidate ‘mediator’ for the relationship between psychotic symptoms and global functioning.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to explore the possible role of LoI as a mediator between psychotic symptoms and global functioning in a sample of people with schizophrenia.MethodsSeventy-three patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were included. The five-factor model of the PANSS by Wall work was used to assess psychopathology and G12 item as an estimate of LoI. Global assessment of functioning (GAF) was used to measure global disability. Pearson's r correlations and linear regressions for Sobel test for mediation were performed. PANSS factors were modeled as predictors of global functioning and LoI as the mediator.ResultsCorrelations revealed the prerequisite relationships between LoI, positive, negative and disorganized PANSS factors and global functioning. Mediation analyses show that LoI partially mediates the relationship between positive and disorganized factor scores and global functioning. No mediation for negative factor score was observed.ConclusionsLack of insight mediates the relationships between positive and disorganized factors and global functioning. The partial mediation we report suggests that LoI on the one hand is an independent contributor to global function, but further shows an indirect effect of PANSS positive and disorganized factors to GAF total score.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Increased prevalence of toxoplasma gondii seropositivity in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Authors: Sagud M. , Vlatkovic S. , Svob Strac D. , Sviben M. , Zivkovic M. , Vilibic M. , Vuksan-Cusa B. , Mihaljevic-Peles A. , Pivac N. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionPrevious studies suggested that patients with schizophrenia had an increased prevalence of antibodies against toxoplasma gondii (TG) and that those seropositive patients had higher symptom severity. However, there is no data on the relationship between treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) and TG seroprevalence.ObjectivesTo determine the association between TRS and TG seropositivity, and to further investigate the relationship between TG seropositivity and different clinical features of schizophrenia.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we included 210 male inpatients with schizophrenia. TG seropositivity was determined by ELFA assay. Treatment-resistance was defined as a failure of at least 2 adequate anti-psychotic trials. Data were analyzed using χ2 test or Mann–Whitney test.ResultsThe rate of TG seropositivity in the entire sample was 52.3%, whereas 47.6% of patients met the definition for treatment-resistance. Seropositive patients had twice the rate of treatment–resistance compared to seronegative patients (63.6% vs. 30.0%, P < 0.0001). Moreover, in the seropositive group, the patients were older (47.6 ± 12.2 vs. 39.81 ± 12.01 years, P < 0.0001), had higher number of previous hospitalizations (13.9 ± 11.7 vs. 9.6 ± 8.5, P = 0.0073), and increased Calgary depression scale for schizophrenia (CDSS) total score (7.8 ± 4.5 vs. 6.3 ± 3.8, P = 0.012). There were no differences between the groups in the age of disease onset, smoking, positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) total, positive and negative scores, and the life-time history of suicide attempts.ConclusionsOur results support the hypothesis that TG seropositivity might contribute to treatment-resistance in schizophrenia, at least in male patients.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
From polipharmacy to monotheraphy a case about schizoaffective disorder
Authors: Salonia S.F. , Asensio Pascual P.E. , Pérez Molina B. , García Herrero A.M. , Martinez Tomás M.D.C. , Martinez Martinez J. , Maroto Hernández Á.A. , Gea Jimenez A.M. , Sanchís Lledó F.J. , de Lugarnuevo M. Infante Sánchez 
Published: June 2017

The aim of the present poster is to describe an initial complex case of schizoaffective disorder with other clinical adverse conditions (metabolic disorders) in a young adult male, which gradually went into a positive treatment way from polipharmacy to monoteraphy. His psychiatric history started when he was 25-year-old, he was diagnosed of heroine dependence, hypercholesterolemia and hypertrigliceridemia. In 2000 he had a suicide attempt in a context of depressive mood and delusions. He needed a psychiatric hospitalization for the first time in his life and he received anti-psychotics for the first time too. Drug abuse was detected in that hospitalization (cannabis and alcohol). In 2001 was diagnosed of paranoid schizophrenia. In 2007 the diagnosis was modified to schizoaffective disorder and also was detected high blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus II and overweight. From 2007 to the present he passed from a scheme treatment composed by four or more psychotropic drugs to monotherapy (only one psychotropic drug, an anti-psychotic), he stayed clinically stable and all his metabolic parameters remained equal or improved.Disclosure of interestJanssen-Cilag research study.
Is there a “critical age” for first use of marijuana? Analysis of cannabis induced experiences by age at first use in a large internet-based sample
Authors: Sami M. , Bhattacharyya S. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIncreased psychotomimetic response to cannabis is demonstrated in psychosis-prone individuals. Early use of cannabis has poorer prognostic outcomes. However, as yet no cut-off age for early use has been established.Aims and objectivesTo determine, if age at first use affects later cannabis experiences and to determine if a “critical age” of first use exists for psychotomimetic cannabis experiences.MethodsThe cannabis experiences questionnaire (CEQ) (EUGEI version) was administered to a large internet-based non-clinical sample. Regression analysis was conducted of age at first use against CEQ scores controlling for gender, age frequency of use and duration of use. To determine cut-off age: independent ‘t’ tests (parametric) and Mann–Whitney-U tests (non-parametric) were used to determine significance of differences in CEQ scores at cut-off ages from 12-25.ResultsWe obtained data for 1115 participants. Younger age at first use was significantly associated with increased psychotomimetic experiences (adjusted P < 0.001). All cannabis experiences were increased in in those commencing at younger age at every cut off age from 17 to 22 (P < 0.001) with maximal difference at 22. Psychotic experiences significantly varied from age of first use of 19 to 22 with maximal difference at cut-off ages 20, 21 and 22 (P < 0.001). Pleasurable experiences were significantly reduced in those commencing later at every cut-off age from age of use 17 to 22 (P < 0.001) with maximal difference between groups at age 20.ConclusionsLater onset of use is associated with reduced cannabis experiences till the early 1920s. This may have public health implications.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Tracking referrals to early intervention in psychosis team: An audit
Authors: Sharma J. 
Published: June 2017

AimsTo monitor if the early intervention services (EIS) in Sandwell meet the standard of assessing all patients referred to the team within the set target. To monitor factors that affects the outcome including the source of referral, whether the patients, are known to another team, and the demographic features of the patient.BackgroundProviding timely, appropriate and coordinated care for patients presenting with a first episode of psychosis has been a focus for EIS teams to improve outcomes, experiences and in reducing costs. In April 2016, new target times of 5–10 days for referral-to-assessment and 14 days for referral-to-treatment were introduced by the government.MethodAll the referrals that were made since 01/04/2016 were followed up. A comparison was made with the referral-to-assessment and referral-to-treatment target for referrals made before the 01/04/16.ResultsThere has been an increase in referrals. Preliminary evidence gathered suggests that there has been a marked improvement in the referral-to-assessment pathway and referral-to-management pathway. Patients referred to the EIS are offered an earlier assessment. Majority of the referrals made are however not appropriate to receive care from the EIS, and are not taken on by the team. All the patients that are accepted by the team are offered a NICE treatment package. Most of the referrals that come from other EIS teams or wards, are accepted by the team, at least for an extended assessment. Referrals from Children services are usually at the point when they are due to turn 18, for a second opinion.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Parkinson's disease and psychosis: Report of a case
Authors: Barea M. Valverde , Osuna A. España , Moreno F. Cartas 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionJealous delusional ideation appears in 7-14% of cases of Parkinson's disease. Treatment with dopaminomimetics drugs is a significant risk factor for psychosis. However, the most likely etiology of psychosis in these patients is a loss of central cholinergic function associated with age since described psychosis even before the introduction of the L-Dopamine. Cognitive impairment and sleep disorders are predictors of development of psychosis.ObjectivePresent a clinical case of psychosis in Parkinson's disease and its treatment.MethodReason for consultation. Patient diagnosed with Parkinson's disease with behavioral disorder and delusional.Current illnessThe patient after antiparkinsonian medication has increased suspicion, self-referentiality, delusional jealousy ideation to her husband, delusional interpretations regarding somatic symptoms, insomnia and behavioral disorders with aggression.Family backgroundMother with Alzheimer's.Personal historyNo contact with mental health.Psychopathological examinationConscious, repetitive language, dysphoric mood with delusions of prejudice and jealousy.Mixed insomnia.DiagnosisPsychosis in Parkinson's disease.TreatmentQuetiapine 300 mg/day. Carbidopa 25 mg/L-dopa 100 mg: 1-0-1. On subsequent visits quetiapine was suspended and replaced by clozapine 200 mg/day.ResultsThe treatment of psychosis was effective with the use of quetiapine and subsequently clozapine with good tolerance and effectiveness. He also said lower antiparkinsonian medication.ConclusionsPsychotic symptoms are the most common psychiatric clinic in Parkinson's disease. Often not enough antiparkinsonian dopaminomimetics reduced to control psychotic symptoms and use of antipsychotics is required. The use of antipsychotics in Parkinson's disease should be careful for the likely increase in motor clinical and increased mortality. The most useful, are especially quetiapine and clozapine atypical antipsychotics.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Serum testosterone level and its relation to aggressive behavior in schizophrenia
Authors: Zholob M. , Godinova S. , Zelman M. 
Published: June 2017

This work is presenting partial preliminary outcomes of our study focused on evaluating the levels of testosterone in psychotic patients and its relationship to aggressive behavior.Our study group included 10 male patients (from planned 20), with history of aggressive behavior at baseline and 24 male patients (from planned 40), without history of aggressive behavior. Non-aggressive patients were considered as control group. All included patients were hospitalized in psychiatric hospital Hronovce with diagnose of psychotic disorder. Levels of testosterone were measured by laboratory evaluation. Aggressive behavior was assessed by HCR scale, which was linked with every TSH evaluation. The level of testosterone was measured in all subjects at the baseline and in the group of aggressive patients was realized next measurement after 14 days of hospitalization.According to our preliminary findings, the average level of TSH in our whole study group was 478.66 ng/dl (range from 158.06 to 767.81). The control group showed average value of TSH 486,84 ng/dl (range from 158.06 to 767.81). The group of patients with history of aggressive behavior showed average value of TSH 459.04 ng/dl (range from 191.81 to 638.02) and after 14 days of cure the levels were of average value 452.55 ng/dl (range from 253.53 to 657.92).These preliminary findings don’t show significant intergroup differences, but there are some clear casuistic declines in TSH. After collecting the envisaged group of patients we plan to correlate values of testosterone level with the score of HCR, intergroup comparison and detailed analysis (including demography, pharmacology).Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.