bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functioning in patients with recently diagnosed vs. chronic schizophrenia treated with paliperidone ER
Authors: Tessier C. , Franco M. , Millet B. , Sachetti E. , Turczynsky J. , Vauth R. , Hoeben D. , Lahaye M. , Schreiner A. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveTo explore functioning in adult patients with recently diagnosed (< 5 years) and more chronic (> 5 years) schizophrenia treated with flexible doses of paliperidone ER.MethodsInternational prospective open-label 6-month study. Endpoints were the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), patient functioning (Personal and Social Performance Scale; PSP) and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).ResultsOf 713 recently diagnosed patients, most were male (60.9%), mean age was 33.6 ± 11.2 years and mean time since diagnosis was 2.3 ± 1.7 years. Chronic patients (n = 1003) were predominantly male (59.2%) with a mean age of 43.8 ± 11.4 and mean time since diagnosis of 15.6 ± 9.2 years. Mean mode doses of paliperidone ER were similar between recently diagnosed and chronic patients (7.0 ± 2.9 mg/day and 7.2 ± 2.9 mg/day). At endpoint PANSS total scores were improved by 13.7 and 12.9 points, respectively, in recently diagnosed and chronic patients. The rate of patients with mild or less functional impairment increased from 17.7% to 39.8% in recently diagnosed and from 14.4% to 32.9% in chronic patients. Major functional improvements were observed for socially useful activities and personal and social relationships. TEAEs reported in >5% of recently diagnosed or chronic patients were insomnia (10.7% and 8.1%), anxiety (8.6% and 6.0%) and somnolence (5.8% and 3.4%), respectively.ConclusionThese data suggest that both recently diagnosed and chronic patients previously unsuccessfully treated with other oral antipsychotics may benefit from paliperidone ER, with a tendency for recently diagnosed patients showing some higher treatment response in psychotic symptoms and patient functioning, particularly in socially useful activities and personal and social relationships.
Is escitalopram exchangeable by citalopram? A systematic survey
Authors: Volz H.-P. , Flürenbrock W. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveEfficacy differences between antidepressants have only been detected exceptionally (Bauer et al., 2009). Due to the fact that escitalopram is the enantiomer of the racemate citalopram the question arose whether this compound possesses besides pharmacodynamic differences (e.g. Sánchez, 2006) also clinical relevant advantages.MethodsIn order to investigate this issue thoroughly the relevant studies of evidence level Ia (systematic surveys of randomized controlled studies) and Ib (randomized controlled trials) were summarized regarding three main outcome parameters: response (decrease of the depressive symptomatology of at least 50% on a depression scale), remission (reduction of the depressive symptomatology below a certain threshold on a depression scale) and change in depression symptomatology (point difference on a depression scale during the treatment period).ResultsOverall, approximately 20% more patients responded under escitalopram than under Citalopram. Regarding remission, this difference is approximately 30%. The point difference on the Montgomery-Åsberg depression scale was between 1 and 2 (statistically significant). In a subanalysis it was found that the superiority of escitalopram increased with increasing initial depression severity.ConclusionThese very robust data are discussed regarding their clinical implications.
Relapse frequency and quality of life in day-treatment programme for psychotic disorders: One-year outcomes
Authors: Motlová L. Bankovská , Dragomirecká E. , Blabolová A. , Ĉermák J. , Holub D. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionWe introduce clinically-based 6-week structured group day-treatment programme for out-patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders in the stabilization phase of the treatment. It consists of family psychoeducation, lifestyle improvement intervention, social skills training and art therapy.Objectives and aimsTo assess relapse frequency, psychopathology (PANSS) and quality of life (Schwartz Outcomes Scale-10, WHO-QOL BREF and Social Integration Survey) we designed one-year prospective follow-up field study.MethodsAfter informed consent procedure 144 patients entered the project. Psychopatology and Quality of life were assessed at the entry of the programme, at the end of the programme and at one-year follow-up (N = 86).ResultsPsychopathology decreased after programme significantly and PANSS scores remained low in one-year follow-up. Quality of life assessed by SOS-10 improved after programme significantly. Scores of WHOQOL-BREF raised significantly in Subjective health domain and Psychological health. In one-year follow-up Environment domain improved significantly. Social quality of life (SIS) improved in Behaviour to strangers, Communication, Activities of daily living and Empathy. Quality of life in patients was lower compared to common population, improved after the programme and this improvement was stable in one-year follow-up. One-year relapse rate in participants was 12%.ConclusionsWe conclude that participation at the group day-treatment programme early after discharge is beneficial as it improves quality of life, prevents social isolation and early non-compliance and ensures continuity of care.AcknowledgementThis project was supported by Ministry of Education and Youth, CR: CNS 2005–2009 1M0517; Ministry of Health, CR: IGA MZ CR, NS 1036-3 and VZCR MZ0PCP 2005.
Case report of treatment resistant schizophreniaresponding to high dose quetiapine following clozapine withdrawal due to neutropenia
Authors: Chandrappa P. , Ho L. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPatients suffering from treatment-resistant schizophrenia pose a difficult therapeutic challenge. Although Clozapine is a well-established treatment in such cases, there is a significant proportion of patients who have to discontinue Clozapine due to life-threatening side-effects, despite achieving good therapeutic response. There is very limited literature on the therapeutic alternatives to Clozapine in the treatment of resistant schizophrenia.ObjectiveTo report a case of resistant schizophrenia responding to high dose Quetiapine, following discontinuation of Clozapine due to neutropenia.Clinical details of the case: We are presenting a case of a forty-two year old female patient with treatment resistant schizophrenia who achieved remission following treatment with Clozapine, but had to discontinue treatment due to neutropenia, which occurred on two occasions. Clozapine discontinuation resulted in rapid and severe relapse in her condition and re-admission to hospital. Quetiapine was initiated as this stage, but only partial improvement was noted at the manufacturer's stated maximum daily dose of 800 mg/day. Since the drug was being well tolerated the dose was gradually further increased.ResultsThe dose of Quetiapine was eventually increased up to 1400 mg/day, which produced significant response and the patient was discharged from hospital. Quetiapine at this dose was well tolerated with minimal side effects.ConclusionThe above report indicates that high-dose Quetiapine is a viable alternative to Clozapine in treating refractory schizophrenia. The findings from this report support further investigation of this approach in the form of larger scale clinical trials.
Representativeness of the patients admitted to psychiatric inpatient units for hypothetical participation in practical clinical trial CATIE
Authors: Díaz M.C. , Morales N. , Nieto K. , Iniesta E. , Martin M.A. , Ruiz J. , Fraguas D. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPharmacological treatment of patients with schizophrenia and other psychoses get scientific backing of its main clinical trials. Methodological guarantees these test tend to strengthen the internal validity of the results at the expense of external validity and the ability to generalize the results to the clinical population. For this reason, and to minimize the shortcomings of external validity while maintaining internal validity, has been promoted in recent years to carry out large clinical trials based on clinical practice. This type of test expands the criteria for inclusion, limiting the exclusion criteria to incorporate as many patients as possible. The first and most significant of these trials was the CATIE trial (Lieberman et al, 2005).ObjectivesDiscuss eligibility patients admitted during the year 2009 in a psychiatric inpatient unit with a diagnosis of schizophrenia for participation in CATIE.MethodsA total of 145 patients (27.6% females, mean age 39.6+/−12.8 years), consecutively admitted to an inpatient psychiatric ward with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychoses were assessed to test if they would fulfill criteria for participation in CATIE.Results60 (41.4%) patients did not fulfill CATIE inclusion criteria. Mental retardation (n = 22, p < 0.001), absence of consent (n = 15, p < 0.001) and refusal to take oral medication (n = 12, p < 0.001) were the main factors responsible for not meeting criteria. Meeting the criteria was not significantly related to gender or specific diagnosis.ConclusionsThe 41.38% of patients did not meet criteria for participation in the CATIE study.
Serum levels of BCL-2 protein in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Djordjević V.V. , Lazarević D. , Ćosić V. , Vlahović P. , Tošić S. , Ristić T. , Djordjević V.B. 
Published: May 2011

In order to identify a patophysiological mechanism that could explain the progressive elements of schizophrenia and its relationship with neurodevelopment, oxidant stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, neurochemical sensitisation and a disregulation of apoptosis were considered.To test apoptotic process in schizophrenia, Bcl-2 protein was determined in sera from 30 patients with schizophrenia and from 30 age and gender matched healthy subjects by an ELISA method. Although mean serum Bcl-2 protein concentration in patients with schizophrenia was lower than in healthy volunteers, there was no any significant difference between patient (0.276 ± 0.07 ng/mL) and control (0.332 ± 0.22 ng/mL) values. No significant difference was found between males and females. Similar Bcl-2 concentrations were obtained in the group showing almost equally positive and negative symptoms, in the group with a relative predomination of positive symptoms and in the group with a relative predomination of negative symptoms. Serum Bcl-2 protein concentration in patients treated with first generation antipsychotics was 0.301 ± 0.075 ng/mL, and it was significantly higher in comparison with the values obtained in patients receiving the second generation antipsychotics (0.233 ± 0.052 ng/mL, p< 0.05). A significant correlation was found between serum levels of Bcl-2 and FasL (r = 0.418, p < 0.01). There was not any significant correlation between serum Bcl-2 concentration and heredity, the first onset of the disease, the number of psychotic episodes and the duration of psychosis. To our knowledge to date, this has been the first demonstration of Bcl-2 concentration in sera of patients with schizophrenia, showing significantly different values between patients treated with typical or atypical antipsychotics.
Schizophrenia quality indicators for integrated care - results from a feasibility study
Authors: Kösters M. , Lahmeyer C. , Zhang Y. , Weinmann S. , Becker T. 
Published: May 2011

Introduction/objectivesThere is currently a variety of initiatives to improve the quality of care for schizophrenia, but there is no established core set of quality indicators in schizophrenia. In 2009, Weinmann and Becker published a set of indicators for quality monitoring of schizophrenia care. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of these indicators.MethodsAdult schizophrenic patients insured by the Federal Association of Local Health Insurance Funds (AOK) were recruited in two large psychiatric hospitals. Participants were evaluated using PANSS, CGI, Camberwell Assessment of Need-European Version (CAN-EU) and the Verona Service Satisfaction Scale (VSSS) at discharge and after six month. Furthermore, 18-month AOK administrative data was available for all patients included. Feasibility of structural and quality indicators described by Weinmann and Becker (2009) will be tested by applying the full set of indicators.Results82 patients with a mean age of 40 and an average GAF score of 44.3 were included. We were able to calculate all indicators. Outpatient data was available with a delay of over six month. Patients had on average 1.6 additional psychiatric diagnoses (S1) and a mean length of stay of 44 days (S6). 67% of the patients were satisfied with the treatment received (Q17). 25% of the patients were re-admitted to an inpatient psychiatric care within 30 days after discharge.ConclusionsThe usage of Quality Indicators seems to be feasible in routine care. However, delay in the availability of outpatient data has to be considered if these indicators are implemented.
Attenuation of long-range temporal correlations in neuronal oscillations in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Nikulin V.V. , Jönsson E.G. , Curio G. , Brismar T. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionAlthough schizophrenia was previously associated with affected spatial neuronal synchronization, surprisingly little is known about the temporal dynamics of neuronal oscillations in schizophrenia. However, since coordination of neuronal process in time represents an essential aspect of practically all cognitive processes, it might be strongly affected in schizophrenia patients.ObjectivesTo test the hypothesis of abnormal temporal neuronal dynamics in patients with schizophrenia.AimsWe aimed at quantification and comparisons of long-range temporal correlations (LRTCs) in patients and normal subjects.MethodsWe measured 21 patients with schizophrenia (n = 18) or schizoaffective disorder (n = 3) and 28 age and gender matched controls. Ongoing neuronal oscillations were recorded with multi-channel EEG at rest condition. EEG was analyzed with spectral analysis and with the detrended fluctuation analysis allowing quantification of LRTCs.ResultsThe amplitude of neuronal oscillations in alpha and beta frequency ranges did not differ between the patients and controls. However, LRTCs were strongly attenuated in schizophrenia patients: in centro-parietal areas and fronto-central areas for alpha and beta oscillations, respectively. In addition we observed a negative correlation between the strength of the negative symptoms and LRTCs.ConclusionsSmall values of LRTCs and their correlation with the negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients demonstrate that the temporal dynamics of neuronal oscillations are essential for normal brain functioning. Attenuated LRTCs might indicate a more intermittent neuronal dynamics possibly allowing for more random associations between neuronal activations, which in turn might relate to the occurrence of positive symptoms in schizophrenia.
Functional resting-state dysconnectivity in schizophrenic patients with persistent auditory verbal hallucinations
Authors: Osterfeld N. , Frasch K. , Sambataro F. , Vasic N. , Schmid M. , Schoenfeldt-Lecuona C. , Thomann P.A. , Wolf R.C. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPrevious functional neuroimaging studies in schizophrenia have suggested abnormal patterns of functional connectivity during the resting state. However, little is known about the relationship between specific symptom dimensions and resting-state network (RSN) connectivity.ObjectivesUsing fMRI, this study investigated the relationship between multiple RSN and auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsResting state data were acquired from 10 patients with treatment resistant AVH and 14 healthy controls. The data were analyzed using a spatial group independent component analysis, and random effects t-tests were used to compare spatial components between groups (p < 0.001).Results16 RSN were identified, from which four networks were selected for further analyses. Within three RSN patients showed increased connectivity of right lateral prefrontal areas and bilateral superior temporal regions as well as decreased connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex. Correlations were found between measures of AVH severity and functional connectivity of the left anterior cingulate, left superior temporal gyrus and the right lateral prefrontal cortex.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that functional changes of multiple RSN associated with language processing, attention and executive control could underlie persistent AVH in patients with schizophrenia. The relationship between AVH severity and functional connectivity measures suggests that distinct cortical loci of dysfunction could contribute to the phenomenological diversity of AVH.
Empty words in schizophrenia. Semantic satiation as the mechanism of formal language disorders
Authors: Prochwicz K. 
Published: May 2011

The aim of the research was to explain the cognitive mechanisms responsible for formal language disorders in schizophrenia by relating them to the semantic satiation effect.The semantic satiation is the subjective and temporary experience of loss of meaning of words which are repeatedly and rapidly pronounced. Saying it aloud or fixating it the person ceases to understand the word's meaning still being able to recognizing its formal features. The loss of access to the meaning of words and building the utterances on the basis of formal aspects of words is a common feature of schizophrenic language. Therefore it could be assumed that schizophrenic patients would be prone to satiation effect more than healthy subjects.Semantic satiation was determined for patients suffering from schizophrenia and for healthy controls. Participants task was to compare the meanings of two words presented on a computer screen and decide if they are semantically related. Negative, positive and emotionally neutral words were used as the first element for each pair and they were satiated by the prolonged presentation. It was expected that the loss of meaning of satiated word would delay participants’ lexical decision and that this effect should be stronger for the schizophrenic than for control group.The results confirmed that people suffering from schizophrenia are more susceptible for semantic satiation effect. Also it was observed that in this group the satiation effect depends on valence of words. Emotionally positive and negative words were satiated faster than neutral ones.
Relationship between positive symptoms and anxiety sensitivity in psychosis: A research centered on the symptom
Authors: Sanz-Largo V. , Rivas-Marîn F. , Pastor-Morales J. , Castillo-Gordillo E. , Fernândez-Jiménez E. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionResearching from a symptom approach avoids possible spurious associations, given the co-occurrence of symptoms in a disorder (Costello, 1992). Here, we deepen the evidenced relationships among anxiety, delusions and hallucinations.ObjectivesWe intended to assess differences in Anxiety Sensitivity dimensions between patients with psychosis depending on presence/absence of hallucinations and/or delusions.Methods/ participants49 patients with DSM psychosis diagnosis (42 men and 7 women; mean age: 40), who attended a Mental Health Rehabilitation Service in 2008, of whom 7 only deluded, 6 only hallucinated, 11 deluded-hallucinated and the remaining 25 neither hallucinated nor deluded.Design, materials and procedureA Cross-sectional design (one measurement) for a co-relational method of comparison between groups.We used the Spanish validated Anxiety Sensitivity lndex-3 -ASI 3- (Sandín et al., 2007), a 18-item Likert self-report that assesses fears of anxious symptoms. It presents a hierarchical structure (a general factor and three subscales -Physical, Cognitive and Social Concerns-). It's also used the first and third items (delusions and hallucinatory behaviour) of The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale -PANSS- (Kay, Opler and Lindenmayer, 1988) to detect positive symptoms.ResultsAll analysis were accepted at p < .05. Patients only hallucinators showed a higher anxiety sensitivity in Social Subscale than non-hallucinative/non-delusional patients; the former presented lower punctuations in ASI-total and ASI-cognitive than patients with hallucinations and delusions. The latter showed a higher anxiety sensitivity in Cognitive Subscale than patients who only deluded.ConclusionsIt's hypothetized that both delusional and hallucinative activity is necessary for emergence of cognitive anxiety sensitivity.
Immunological and psychological responses to psychosocial stress in caregivers of autistic offspring
Authors: De Andrés-García S. , Sariñana-González P. , Romero-Martínez Á. , Sanchis-Calatayud M.V. , Moya-Albiol L. , González-Bono E. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionCaregivers of relatives with chronic diseases has shown lower rest levels of immunoglobulin A than non-caregivers (Gallagher et al., 2008). In response to mental stress, IgA levels used to be increased in healthy population (Okamura et al. 2010). Scarce studies have been focused on immunological effects of caregiving in response to stress, and the results are controversial. To our knowledge, there are no studies stressing this field in chronically stressed populations such as caregivers of autistic offspring.Objectives and aimsEvaluate whether caregivers present different psychosocial and immunological responses to acute stress than non-caregivers, as well as what is the role of gender in these responses.Methods38 caregivers of persons with autism and 35 non-caregivers were exposed to a psychosocial laboratory stress. IgA levels were measured before, during and after a set of several mental tasks, while the state of mood was evaluated before and after the stressors.ResultsCaregivers showed blunted IgA response to stress in men and women compared with non-caregivers, although the response pattern was different for each gender. Moreover, caregivers presented worse mood (depression, anger, fatigue, vigor and total score) than non-caregivers. Moreover, psychological effects of stress are inversely associated with levels of IgA, fundamentally during the task.ConclusionsCaregiving reduces IgA secretion in response to psychosocial stress, although differently in men and women. Further studies are necessary to explore other neuroendocrine factors, together with mood, that could be involved in this buffered response.