bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional connectivity in remission after the first episode of schizophrenia
Authors: Kasparek T. , Prikryl R. , Rehulova J. , Marecek R. , Prikrylova H. , Vanicek J. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionAbnormal task-related activation and connectivity is present in schizophrenia. However, whether it is a trait or state marker and what components of brain networks are affected remains unclearThe aim of the present study was the analysis of functional networks in schizophrenia patients in remission after the first episode.MethodsTwenty-nine patients in remission after the first episode of schizophrenia and 22 healthy controls underwent examination by functional magnetic resonance during Verbal Fluency Tasks. The functional connectivity of brain networks was analyzed using Independent Component Analysis.ResultsThe patients showed lower activation of the network implicated in verbal fluency processing, consisting of the fronto-temporo-parietal cortex, the thalamus, caudate nucleus, and cerebellum. They also showed lower deactivation of the medial frontal cortex, temporal neocortex, hippocampus, posterior cingulate, precuneus, and lateral parietal cortex during VFT processing. Moreover, there was abnormal co-operation between individual networks - the patients had a lower anti-correlation between VFT activated and deactivated networks, hyper-connectivity between task-activated networks, and lower connectivity within deactivated networks. This functional abnormality was linked with the magnitude of clinical symptoms, cognitive task performance, and global functioning of the patients.ConclusionsThere is still an abnormal functional connectivity of several brain networks in remission after the first episode of schizophrenia. Therefore, the normalization of functional connectivity should be a target of schizophrenia treatment and a marker of disease stabilization. The effect of different treatment modalities on brain connectivity, together with temporal dynamics of this functional abnormality should be the objective of further studies.
Extended-release quetiapine fumarate (quetiapine XR) versus risperidone in the treatment of depressive symptoms in schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients
Authors: Kasper S. , Di Fiorino M. , Montagnani G. , Trespi G. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionDepressive symptoms are associated with poor outcomes, increased risk of relapse and high suicide rates in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder (1, 2).ObjectiveAssess the efficacy of quetiapine XR (QTP-XR) versus risperidone on depressive symptoms in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.MethodsA randomised, open-label, parallel-group, flexible-dose study (NCT00640562).Primary endpointLSM change from baseline to Week 12 in Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) (3) score. Secondary endpoints: change in HAM-D and PANSS scores, and adverse events (AEs). No scorrection for multiplicity was done for the secondary endpoints.Results216 patients received QTP-XR (n = 109; 400–800 mg/day) or risperidone (n = 107; 4–6 mg/day). From baseline, QTP-XR significantly reduced CDSS, HAM-D and PANSS negative total scores compared with risperidone (QTP-XR vs risperidone: -7.31 versus -5.53, p = 0.0107; -14.68 versus -11.53, p = 0.0005; -8.23 versus -5.45, p = 0.0008, respectively). No major differences in AEs were observed between QTP-XR and risperidone. Four serious AEs were experienced with QTP-XR and 5 with risperidone. Two patients receiving QTP-XR died (unrelated to study drug). Prolactin levels were significantly reduced from baseline with QTP-XR versus risperidone (-9.15 ng/mL and +22.18 ng/mL respectively; p < 0.0001). No important differences were seen in other laboratory parameters.ConclusionsIn this study, QTP-XR was superior to risperidone at reducing depressive symptoms in schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to CDSS, HAM-D and PANSS negative scores.
Sex-related differences in smell identification in patients with schizophrenia, their first-degree relatives and matched healthy controls
Authors: Kaufmann R.M. , Mossaheb N. , Schlögelhofer M. , Aninilkumparambil T. , Gold A. , Himmelbauer C. , Inreiter S. , Schlehaider L. , Aschauer H.N. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionSex-related differences in smell identification have been shown in healthy subjects, however, in patients with schizophrenia these findings are still controversial.ObjectivesWe analyzed sex-related differences with respect to smell identification in patients with schizophrenia, their first-degree relatives and healthy controls.AimsTo assess possible sex-related differences in smell identification.MethodsThe sample consisted of 51 patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (49% female; mean age 33.1 years; SD: 11), 21 first-degree relatives (61.9% female, age 49.5 years, SD 17.6, one affected, others non-affected) ; mean age 49.5 years; SD: 17.6) and 51 matched healthy controls (49% female; mean age 33 years; SD: 12.1). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) were used to assess psychopathology and diagnosis, respectively. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), a standardized, multiple- and forced-choice scratch- and sniff test consisting of 40 items, was administered to all subjects.ResultsWe found no significant differences in smell identification between the three groups (p = 0.182). Also, the female and male subgroups did not differ significantly in smell identification (p = 0.105, p = 0.387, respectively). The mean UPSIT scores were 34.4 (SD: 4.1) for healthy women (males: 33.2; SD: 3.5), 32.0 (SD: 5.1) for women with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (males: 32.5; SD: 4.4), and 34.5 (SD: 2.6) for female first-degree relatives (males: 30.5; SD: 2.8).ConclusionWe found neither significant differences in smell identification in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, their first-degree relatives or healthy controls, nor sex-related differences.
Prevalence of cigarette smoking in schizophrenic patients compared to other hospital admitted psychiatric patients
Authors: Kheradmand A. , Ziaaddini H. , Vahabi M. 
Published: May 2011

Introduction & aimsEstimate the prevalence of cigarette smoking and some of the related factors among schizophrenic and other hospitalized psychiatric patients.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study on 120 patients hospitalized in Shahid Beheshti hospital in Kerman in 2005. Patients were equally devided in two groups of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Sampling was based on statistical census and data were collected using a questionnaire including 27 questions on demographic data, psychiatric disorder, smoking cigarettes and other substances, and Fagerstrom test. Data were analyzed by Chi-square and ANOVA tests using SPSS software.ResultsPrevalence and severity of cigarette smoking was 71.6% and 6.47% among schizophrenic and 51.6% and 6.40% among other psychiatric patients, respectively and the difference was not significant. History of withdrawal was 25.6% and 58.1% in the schizophrenia and other disorders respectively and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). Addiction to other substances was 51.6% in schizophrenic and 45% in the other patients and the most prevalent substances in both groups were opium and alcohol. The severity of smoking cigarettes was 6.9 along with other drug abuses and 5.1 in cases with just smoking based on Fagerstrom test and the difference was significant (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe prevalence of cigarette smoking in both schizophrenia and other psychiatric patients is higher than normal population, but there is no significant difference between these two groups. Schizophrenic patients need persistent supportive and supervising programs for cigarette smoking abuse treatment because of their cognitive, motivate and social problems.
Psychoeducation of early psychosis patient's helps to improve on compliance
Authors: Solonenko A. , Khlopina I. 
Published: May 2011

The given clinical-catamnethetic research was carried out on the basis of the department of the first psychotic epizode in « Specialized Clinical Psychiatric hospital №1» of the Department of Public Health Services of Krasnodar territory, Russia on the sample of 286 patients with the first psychotic symptoms who underwent treatment during 2006–2008 years. The medical-rehabilitation programme included psychopharmacological treatment and psychoeducational studies of both patients and their relatives, and a control group (100 individuals). Psychoeducational studies with relatives of the patients of the control group were not organized.The research shows the evident effectiveness of psycho-education of relatives of the patients with first psychotic episode for better patients’ compliance.
Is executive function distinguishing schizophrenia from bipolar disorder?
Authors: Khodaee M.R. , Derakhshan M.K. , Khodabakhshi Kooalee A. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectivesThere is an evidence for differential executive function in bipolar type 1 disorder (B1D) and schizophrenia that may tend different cognitive deficits and abnormalities. The objective of this study was to compare the executive function of B1D and schizophrenic patients.MethodWe studied 50 patients with B1D, and 50 schizophrenic participants. All participants completed the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) of the Persian version. The participants were match in three basic variables which had most contributions in cognitive conditions in patients. They were Age, educational status and period of illness.ResultsThe two patient groups had compared performance on the WCST. In the WCST, schizophrenic patients showed impairment executive function more than B1D patients.ConclusionsFindings indicated that schizophrenic patients had more dysfunctions executive function than the Bipolar type 1 disorder patients. Although, both disorders may show the impairment in executive function, but the dysfunction in schizophrenia greater than bipolar type 1disorder patients.
The role of stigma resistance in persons with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
Authors: Kollmann W. , Amering M. , Schrank B. , Sibitz I. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe stigma of schizophrenia is well established as a complicating feature of psychiatric treatment. The fight against stigma and discrimination may benefit from individuals’ capacity to counteract stigma (=stigma resistance). In our recently published study[i] stigma resistance emerged as a separate construct. The very nature of stigma resistance, however, is still not fully revealed.AimsThe aim of our study is to shed more light on stigma resistance and gain a better insight in its genesis and impact.MethodsQualitative interviews are carried out with patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder following a semi-structured guideline. Transcripts of recorded interviews are coded and analysed thematically using a modified grounded theory approach. Interviews are continued until theoretical saturation is achieved.ResultsPreliminary results relating to the genesis of stigma resistance, its contribution to auto-protection and the concepts of life of a patient, as well as their influence on recovery will be presented.ConclusionFinding out more about determinants and consequences of stigma resistance could be a crucial step in improving the effectiveness of interventions targeting stigma and social exclusion.
Cognitive complaints in schizophrenia are associated with clinical symptoms and global functioning but not actual cognitive performance
Authors: Kontis D. , Theochari E. , Kleisas S. , Makris I. , Kalogerakou S. , Frissyra H. , Andreopoulou A. , Karouzos C. , Tsaltas E. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionAlthough it is well established that patients with schizophrenia demonstrate cognitive impairments, little is known about their complaints concerning their cognition. We investigate the association of these complaints with clinical symptoms, global functioning and cognitive performance.Method93 patients with chronic schizophrenia (mean age = 42,59 years, SD = 9,83; mean illness duration = 18,43 years, SD = 11,84) were recruited from one psychiatric department. Their cognitive complaints (Subjective Scale to Investigate Cognition in Schizophrenia-SSTICS), clinical symptoms (Calgary depression scale-CDS, PANSS, GAF), and neuropsychological performance (7 non-verbal CANTAB tests involving psychomotor speed, attention, memory, and executive function and WAIS-III) were assessed at a time that they were able to cooperate with neuropsychological testing. Correlation analyses were performed between SSTICS scores and measures of symptoms, functioning or cognition, using the SPSS.ResultsSSTICS total score positively correlated with CDS total score (Spearman's rho = 0.311, p = 0.03). Positive correlations were also found between the SSTICS items and CDS total score. Similarly, SSTICS total score positively correlated with PANSS total score (Pearson r = 0,294, p = 0.04). PANSS negative and general psychopathology scores (r = 0,219, p = 0.035 and r = 0.333, p = 0.01, respectively), but not PANSS positive scores accounted for this relationship. SSTICS total score negatively correlated with GAF (rho = −0.251, p = 0.017). No significant associations were revealed between SSTICS total scores and PANSS insight item, PANSS cognitive score, CANTAB or WAIS scores.ConclusionsThe complaints of patients with schizophrenia about their cognitive impairments are mostly related to their depressive, negative, general psychopathological symptoms and global functioning, rather than their actual cognitive deficits.
The characteristics of prodromal symptoms in the development of the psychotic disorder
Authors: Kostic J.S. , Milosavljevic L. , Stankovic M. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectivesIn most cases, prodromal changes in behavior, lasting from several days to several years, often precede psychotic disorders and indicate the beginning of psychosis. Prodromal symptoms are nonspecific, making an accurate detection difficult. It is typical that the earlier stadium of the appearance of the disorder, the more insidious the prodromal stage is.MethodRetrospectively, authors analyzed periods of nonspecific symptoms in ten patients, aged 16 to 20 years, who developed a clinical picture of psychosis.ResultsThe most frequent prodromal symptoms in our research were anxiety, irritability and sleep disorder, which were followed by the attention deficit disorder, a sense of confusion and difficulty in dealing with the environment, accompanied by social withdrawal.ConclusionAuthors pay attention to the cognition and early detection of prodromal symptoms, which gives the opportunity for earlier therapeutic interventions in the course of the disorder and the possibility for a better outcome and prognosis of the disorder.
The relationship between the P 300 wave and symptom improvement in adolescent psychosis -case report
Authors: Kostic J.S. , Stankovic M. , Milosavljevic L. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectivesEvent-related potentials are a powerful tool for real-time investigation of the brain’s electrical activity during cognitive processes. There is little data in literature on P 300 evaluation among adolescents suffering from schizophrenia psychosis.MethodsOur goal was to see the relation between the clinical symptoms, improvement of symptoms and medical state on P 300. P 300, were recorded in two adolescent patients - one, with a first episode of psychosis, and another, with long-term diagnosis of schizophrenia. The P 300 wave was evaluated at the begining of the medical treatment and after 8 weeks of medication. We also monitored patient’s clinical state and looked for any improvements on the PANSS.ResultsAt the start of the tretman we found a reduced amplitude and a prolonged latency of the P 300 wave. In a follow-up test, a well-formed responses of latency and amplitude, within normal range, were detected in the first case, which coincided with improvements of clinical state and on the PANSS. In the second case, despite an observed clinical improvement and an improvement on the PANSS, the P 300 wave of the patient remained unchanged when compared with the first test.ConclusionOur humble results in the context of adolescent schizophrenic psychosis fit in with the fact that the P 300 wave is modulated by changes in positive, but not by changes in negative symptoms or different neuroleptics, which may go to further the claim that the P 300 wave can depend on the clinical state of the patient.
Metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia patients observed in German clinical practice - how do untreated patients differ from patients with previous antipsychotic medication?
Authors: Kraemer S. , Minarzyk A. , Pamulapati S. , Forst T. , Kopf D. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionFor antipsychotic therapy and for schizophrenia associations with increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been reported. This post-hoc analysis of a German, prospective, observational study assessed MetS-prevalence at baseline and month-3 in adults with schizophrenia.MethodsPatients previously untreated (UT, N = 108; 60.2% females) or on different antipsychotic therapy (PT, N = 367; 47.7% females) were initiated or switched to new antipsychotic medication at baseline (choice unrestricted). Analyzed were patients with complete metabolic data (fasting blood samples, physical parameters, baseline/month-3) without medication change. Prevalence of MetS (AHA/NHLB-definition) and MetS-factors were determined; 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived from exploratory ANCOVA analyses, adjusting for treatment group and sex.ResultsPT had significantly higher MetS prevalence at both visits than UT (baseline: 49.9% [CI 44.6;55.1] vs. 25.9% [18.0;35.3]; month-3: 54.5% [49.3;59.7] vs. 32.4% [23.7;42.1]); MetS prevalence increased by 4.6% in PT and 6.5% in UT. At baseline, UT had significantly better values than PT for triglycerides (p = 0.0048), HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.0044), blood pressure (SBP/ DBP; p = 0.0090/0.0067), fasting glucose (P = 0.0304), waist circumference (p=< .0001). At month-3 differences were no longer significant, except for DBP (p = 0.0227). ANCOVA for both groups pooled revealed a significant effect on change from baseline for DBP (p = 0.0227), and a sex effect for fasting triglycerides (p = 0.0006) and HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.0015 in favor of women.ConclusionPhysical and metabolic parameters initially were better in UT, compared to PT. At month-3, UT and PT values had converged, indicating that antipsychotic treatment may be associated with increased metabolic burden in an at-risk population.
Dysfunctional impulsivity in schizophrenia: a functional MRI investigation
Authors: Kumari V. , Raghuvanshi S. , Sumich A. , Barkataki I. , Taylor P. , Williams S. , Das M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionDysfunctional impulsivity reflects ‘recklessness without deliberation and evaluation of consequences’ and has negative consequences whereas functional impulsivity reflects ‘rapid responding to situational demands in order to maximise one's circumstances’ and often has positive consequences (1).ObjectiveTo examine the functional brain basis of dysfunctional impulsivity in healthy people and in people with schizophrenia.MethodsThirteen healthy controls and 21 schizophrenia patients (10/21 with serious repetitive violence) underwent fMRI during a Go/ NoGo task. Dysfunctional impulsivity was indexed using the Impulsiveness subscale and functional impulsivity using the Venturesomeness subscale of the Impulsiveness-Venturesomeness-Empathy questionnaire (2).ResultsViolent patients had elevated Impulsiveness scores relative to non-violent patients and controls. Impulsiveness did not correlate significantly with task performance in healthy controls or patients. Impulsiveness, but not Venturesomeness, scores correlated during the NoGO condition with lower activity in the anterior cingulate (AC) in controls, and lower inferior temporal and hippocampal activity in patients.ConclusionsThese findings accord with previously reported associations between reduced hippocampal volume and dysfunctional impulsivity in schizophrenia (3) and, combined with our earlier observations of reduced AC activation during a working memory task in violent antisocial individuals (4), suggest that the influence of dysfunctional impulsivity in antisocial and criminal behaviour is mediated via deficient (inhibitory) functions of the AC and hippocampus.
Sense of familiarity and face emotion recognition in schizophrenia
Authors: Lahera G. , de los Ángeles V. , Fernández C. , Bardón M. , Herrera S. , Fernández-Liria A. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPatients with schizophrenia show a deficit in emotion recognition through facial expression. Familiarity means the implicit memory of past affective experiences and it involves fast cognitive processes and it is triggered by certain signals.ObjectivesTo assess the emotion recognition in familiar and unfamiliar faces in a sample of schizophrenic patients and healthy controls.Methods18 outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia (DSM-IVTR) and 18 healthy volunteers were assessed with the Ekman Test of emotion recognition in unfamiliar faces. In addition each subject was accompanied by 4 familiar people (parents, siblings or friends), which was photographed by expressing the 6 Ekman’s basic emotions.ResultsSchizophrenic patients recognize worse emotions in their relatives than in neutral faces, a greater extent than controls (Mann-Whitney U = 81, p = .01). The patient group showed a mean score on the Ekman test (neutral faces) lower than control group (16 (SD 2.38) versus 17.82 (2.13; U p = 0.03). Regarding familiar faces, the group patients showed a worse performance than the control group (13.22 (3.8) versus 17.18 (2.82); U p = 0.00). In both tests, the highest number of errors was with emotions of anger and fear. The patients group showed a lower level of familiarity and emotional valence to their families (U = 33, p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe sense of familiarity may be a factor involved in face emotion recognition and it may be disturbed in schizophrenia.
Four European countries survey of patients with schizophrenia treated in everyday clinical practice: characteristics of patients in short-term hospitalization
Authors: Larmo I. 
Published: May 2011

AimThe survey performed in four European countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain) aimed at characterizing patients with schizophrenia treated in everyday clinical practice in terms of demographic characteristics, presenting symptomatology, and current antipsychotic treatement. We present here characteristics of patients in short term hospitalization.MethodsA survey involving 744 psychiatrists gathered anonimous retrospective data from 3,996 patients with schizophrenia. To ensure representativeness of participating physicians, the dataset was adjusted post hoc. Principal component analysis was used to structure the patient attributes relevant for antipsychotic choice, identifying two discriminating variables (disease severity and socioeconomic level) accounting for 91% of the variance in the data. Methodology is described in full detail by Gorwood (2010).ResultsOut of 3,996 surveyed patients, 21.7% were in short term hospitalization, with a mean of 7.5 previous episodes and 5.5 previous hospitalizations. Two thirds of subjects lived with theirfamily, with primary caregiver in 47% of subjects) being a relative. Most frequently observed symptoms were delusions (in 54% of subjects) and ideals of persecution (in 41% of subjects). 71% of subjects were smokers, 21% had drug and 18% alcohol addiction. 43% of subjects had a verified cardiometabolic comorbidity and 21% were obese. 29% of subjects had verified medication non-adherence. Most frequently used drug was risperidone (in 22% of subjects). Ziprasidone was used in 11% of subjects. 10% of subjects were on depot medication and 19% on orally disintegrating tablets.ConclusionSubjects with schizophrenia in current short-term hospitalization have high rates of cardiometabolic risk factors or cardiometabolic comorbidity.