bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Niacin sensitivity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, their 1st Degree Relatives and Healthy Controls
Authors: Schloegelhofer M. , Mossaheb N. , Kaufmann R. , Aninilkumparambil T. , Gold A. , Himmelbauer C. , Inreiter S. , Schlehaider L. , Aschauer H. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionSchizophrenia has often been associated with a reduced skin flush response to niacin. Blunted response suggests potential disturbance in phospholipid metabolism.ObjectivesWe performed niacin skin tests in patients with schizophrenia, their first-degree relatives and healthy controls.AimsTo examine possible differences in skin flush response to niacin.MethodsWe examined 51 patients (female 49%, age 33.1 years, SD 11), with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, 51 matched healthy controls (female 49%, age 33 years, SD 12.1), and 21 first-degree relatives (female 61,9%, age 49,5 years, SD 17,6, one affected, others non-affected). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Mini International Neuropsychiatrie Interview were used to assess psychopathology and diagnosis, respectively. The non-invasive niacin skin flush test was used to assess vasodilatative reaction to four different concentrations of niacin on the forearms of subjects.ResultsWe found no differences in total scores on the niacin skin flush test between the three groups (p = 0.774). Mean scores were 60.27 (SD 14.2) in healthy controls, 58.84 (SD 10.2) in patients and 58.48 (SD 9.4) in first-degree relatives.ConclusionContrary to our expectations we did not find a significantly blunted niacin skin flush reaction in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders compared to healthy controls or 1st degree relatives.
Tolerability and treatment response in patients with recently diagnosed vs. chronic schizophrenia treated with paliperidone ER
Authors: Schreiner A. , Hoeben D. , Tessier C. , Lahaye M. , Turczynski J. , Vauth R. , Millet B. , Franco M. , Sacchetti E. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveTo explore tolerability and treatment response in adult patients with recently diagnosed (≤5 years) and 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 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. 70.4% and 71.7% of patients completed the study, respectively. 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). 63.1% of recently diagnosed and 60.8% of chronic patients switching due to lack of efficacy with their previous antipsychotic had a ≥20% improvement in PANSS total score at endpoint, and improvement with other switching reasons was consistently numerically higher in recently diagnosed patients. The rate of patients with mild or no functional impairment increased from 17.7% to 39.8% in recently diagnosed and from 14.4% to 32.9% in chronic patients. TEAEs reported in ≥5% 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.
Impact of care and support rendered by families on schizophrenic patients following discharge
Authors: Sefasi A.P. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionWe recruited patients with schizophrenia four weeks post-discharge from Zomba mental hospital and followed them for six months to find out if care and support had an impact on their staying well and avoid relapse in their local communities.ObjectiveTo establish skills and knowledge family members hold to take care of their schizophrenic relative.AimsWe hypothesized that good support and care would be positively associated with good recovery and reduced relapse rate among schizophrenic patients.MethodThis Study was carried out in Zomba city and areas surrounding Zomba mental hospital. We used both quantitative and qualitative approach to research; simple random sampling was used to get a sample of 70 participants in this study. In-depth interviews were used to collect data from discharged schizophrenic patients while focus group discussion was used to get views of family members and nurses who take part in provision of care and support.ResultsOur findings indicate that where patients following discharge receive good support and care from family members the rate of relapse becomes low and patients also live a more productive life in society. However, 31% of family members felt they had no knowledge as how to handle their sick relative at home hence they were unsure on what to do to help.ConclusionWe recommend to intensify carer educatioin order to equip guardians with necessary knowledge which will in the long run reduce re-admissions and hence congestion in mental hospitals.
Planum parietale volume in antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia
Authors: Shivakumar V. , Kalmady S.V. , Venkatasubramanian G. , Gautham S. , Aditi S. , Rao N.P. , Gangadhar B.N. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionFirst Rank Symptoms (FRS) - a group of intriguing experiences characterized by striking breach of ‘self versus non-self’ boundaries - have had a critical influence on the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Inferior Parietal Lobule is implicated in the pathogenesis of FRS in Schizophrenia. However, the role of Planum Parietale (PP) in the genesis of FRS is yet to be examined.Aims & objectivesThis first time study (to the best of our knowledge), aims to examine antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia patients for the effect of FRS status on volume of PP.MethodIn this study we examined the volume of PP in antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia patients (n = 32; M:F = 16:16) in comparison with age, sex, and handedness matched (as a group) healthy comparison subjects (n = 34; M:F = 16:18) using valid method with good inter-rater reliability.ResultsFemale Schizophrenia patients showed significant volume reduction in right PP in comparison with female healthy controls (F = 7.2; p = 0.01). However, male patients did not. There was a significant effect of schneiderian FRS in female patients in that those who had FRS had significantly smaller volume of right PP than healthy controls (F = 3.8; p = 0.03); where those female patients who were FRS negative did not differ. Left PP volume did not differ between patients and controls.ConclusionsCurrent study supports previous studies which have implicated the role of parietal lobe in pathogenesis of FRS. Specific role of PP in FRS generation and possible implication of sex differences needs further systematic studies.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for schizophrenia
Authors: Singh J. , Kour K. , Jayaram M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionAs evidenced by ongoing research and partial effectiveness of the antipsychotics on cognitive and negative symptoms, the search is on for drugs that may improve these domains of functioning for someone suffering from schizophrenia.ObjectivesTo do a sytematic review to find out if acetylcholinesterase inhibitors could be used for schizophrenia condisering there use in dementia for cognitive symptoms.AimThe aim of review was to determine the clinical effects, safety and cost effectiveness of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for treating patients with schizophrenia.MethodsWe searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group’s Register and references of all identified studies were inspected. We included all clinical randomised trials comparing acetylcholinesterase inhibitors with antipsychotics or placebo either alone or in combination for schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychoses. For dichotomous data we calculated relative risks (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) on an intention-to-treat basis based on a random-effects model. For continuous data, we calculated weighted mean differences (WMD) again using random-effects model.ResultsThe acetylcholiesterase inhibitor plus antipsychotic showed benefit over antipsychotic and placebo in the mental state, cognitive domain and tolerability. No difference was noted between the two arms in other outcomes. The overall rate of participants leaving studies early was low and showed no clear difference between the two groups.ConclusionsThe results seem to favour the use of acetylcholiesterase inhibitors in combination with antipsychotics in different oucomes, but because of the various limitations, this review highlights the need for large, independent, well designed, conducted and reported pragmatic randomised studies.
Levomepromazine for schizophrenia
Authors: Sivaraman P. , Rattehalli R. , Jayaram M.B. ,   Cochrane Schizophrenia Group
Published: May 2011

Levomepromazine is an ‘older’ typical antipsychotic licensed for use in schizophrenia but sparingly prescribed in the UK. Our objective is to determine the clinical effects and safety of levomepromazine compared with placebo or antipsychotics for schizophrenia and schizophreniform psychoses. All randomised trials comparing levomepromazine with placebo or other antipsychotics for schizophrenia and schizophreniform psychoses were included in our systematic review which currently includes 4 RCTs with 192 participants. For our primary outcome of leaving the study early, levomepromazine was not significantly different compared with other antipsychotics. The levomepromazine arm was significantly better on CGI severity compared with chlorpromazine (n = 38, 1 RCT, WMD -0.80 CI -1.51 to -0.09). Recipients given levomepromazine had a better BPRS endpoint score (n = 38, 1 RCT, WMD -9.00, CI -17.46 to -0.54) and PANSS total score (n = 38, 1 RCT, WMD -15.90, CI -30.30 to -1.50) than chlorpromazine. Levomepromazine caused less tremor (n = 41, 1 RCT RR 0.12 CI 0.02 to 0.87 NNTB 3 CI 2 to 8), less antiparkinsonian medication administration (n = 79, 2 RCTs, RR 0.39 CI 0.17 to 0.90, NNTB 5, CI 2 to 21) compared with haloperidol.Levomepromazine caused less akathisia compared with chlorpromazine, but more hypotension compared with risperidone (n = 42, 1 RCT, RR 2.50 CI 1.21 to 5.18, NNTH 3, CI 2 to 7). Dizziness was common with levomepromazine compared with other antipsychotic medications. Available data does not enable us to confidently comment on the effectiveness of levomepromazine for schizophrenia. Larger, more robust, studies comparing levomepromazine with other antipsychotics including clozapine are much needed.
Four European countries survey of patients with schizophrenia treated in everyday clinical practice: characteristics of patients in long-term hospitalization
Authors: Sturlason R. 
Published: May 2011

AimThe survey performed in four European countries (Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain) aimed to characterize 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 long 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).ResultsOf 3,996 surveyed patients, 15.8% were in long term hospitalization. They had a mean of 7.1 previous episodes and 5.5 previous hospitalizations. They typically presented with positive symptoms, with delusions, hallucinatory behavior and ideas of persecusion being most frequently observed. 78% of subjects were smokers, 19% had drug and 9% alcohol addiction. 36% of subjects had a verified cardiometabolic comorbidity and 22% were obese. 54% of subjects had verified medication non-adherence. Most frequently used antipsychotic was risperidone (in 24% of subjects). Ziprasidone was used in 9% of subjects. 13% of subjects were on depot medication and 17% was receiving orally disintegrating tablets.ConclusionSubjects with schizophrenia in long term hospitalization have high rates of positive symptoms despite receiving antipsychotic treatment regularly. Smoking rates were alarmingly high.
A pooled analysis of the effects of asenapine on the persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia
Authors: Potkin S.G. , Phiri P. , Zhao J. , Alphs L. , Buchanan R.W. , Szegedi A. , Panagides J. , Cazorla P. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionAsenapine and olanzapine reduced persistent negative symptoms (PNS) of schizophrenia in 2 double-blind, randomized 26-week studies and subsequent 26-week extensions; superiority of asenapine over olanzapine was observed in neither core study and only 1 extension.ObjectiveFurther explore the efficacy of asenapine on PNS using pooled data.AimDemonstrate superiority of asenapine over olanzapine on PNS.MethodsCore study participants were randomized to twice-daily asenapine 5 or 10 mg or once-daily olanzapine 5–20 mg; extension participants continued existing treatment. Changes from core study 16-item Negative Symptom Assessment (NSA-16) Scale baseline at Weeks 26 and 52 were estimated using MMRM.ResultsOf 949 treated participants (asenapine, 485; olanzapine, 464), 613 (277; 336) completed the core studies and 412 (170; 242) completed the extensions. Discontinuation due to lack of therapeutic effect was significantly greater with asenapine vs olanzapine for the first 26 weeks (13.6% vs 7.3%, p = 0.0016) and during the extension (5.5% vs 2.1%, p = 0.0458) for core and extension study participants, respectively. Between-group differences in least squares mean ± SE NSA-16 score change from core study baseline were significantly greater with asenapine at Week 52 for core (-14.6 ± 0.8 vs -12.6 ± 0.7; p = 0.0497) and extension (-16.5 ± 0.9 vs -13.6 ± 0.7; p = 0.0083) participants, but were not significant at Week 26.ConclusionsIn pooled analyses, asenapine and olanzapine reduced PNS, with statistical superiority of asenapine observed at Week 52 but not Week 26. These results should be interpreted in view of the fact that participants who entered the extensions did so without rerandomization.
Maladaptive connectivity of broca’s area in schizophrenia during audiovisual speech perception: an FMRI study
Authors: Szycik G.R. , Ye Z. , Mohammadi B. , Dillo W. , te Wildt B.T. , Samii A. , Frieling H. , Bleich S. , Münte T.F. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionNatural speech perception relies on both, auditory and visual information. Both sensory channels provide redundant and complementary information, such that speech perception is enhanced in healthy subjects, when both information channels are present.ObjectivesPatients with schizophrenia have been reported to have problems regarding this audiovisual integration process, but little is known about which neural processes are altered.AimsIn this study we investigated functional connectivity of Broca’s area in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in 15 schizophrenia patients and 15 healthy controls to study functional connectivity of Broca’s area during perception of videos of bisyllabic German nouns, in which audio and video either matched (congruent condition) or die not match (incongruent; e.g. video = hotel, audio = island).ResultsThere were differences in connectivity between experimental groups and between conditions. Broca’s area of the patient group showed connections to more brain areas than the control group. This difference was more prominent in the incongruent condition, for which only one connection between Broca's area and the supplementary motor area was found in control participants, whereas patients showed connections to 8 widely distributed brain areas.ConclusionsThe findings imply that audiovisual integration problems in schizophrenia result from maladaptive connectivity of Broca's area in particular when confronted with incongruent stimuli and are discussed in light of recent audio visual speech models.
Analisis of quality of life long-term hospitalized schizophrenic patients
Authors: Tasic G. , Anakiev S. , Milosevic D. , Cvetanovic M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionLong term hospitalization are often caused by social reasons wich significantly affects the quality of the patients.AimComparing the quality of long-term hospitalized schizophrenic patients in relation to sex.MethodWe have used following rating scale: a brief psychiatric assessment scale BPRS, QLS Quality of life scale, “Lancashir” profile quality of life scale LQOLP, a short questionnaire for the “needs assessment Cambersels” scale CANSAS. Analysis included 80 inpatients, 40 male and 40 female, with Schizophrenia according to ICD 10 criteria. All patients were hospitalized according to ICD 10 criteria. All patients were hospitalized in a Special Hospital For Psychiatric Illness G. Toponica more than two years.ResultsSignificant differences in quality of life between male and female patients about what is discussed in further study.ConclusionsResearch has shown that long-term hospitalizing has adverse effects on quality of life of schizophrenic patients of both sexes. His essential that the length of hospital stay should be reduced to the period reduced to the period for reduction of symptoms and provide the patient a stable life in the community after hospital treatment.
Tardive dyskinesia and deficit schizophrenia
Authors: Telfer S. , Shivashankar S. , McCreadie R. , Kirkpatrick B. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionDespite comparable antipsychotic exposure, some patients experience involuntary movements yet others do not. Negative symptoms have been associated with tardive dyskinesia, but it is not certain that this is an association with primary negative symptoms.AimsTo determine whether patients with deficit schizophrenia (who have primary negative symptoms) are more likely to experience tardive dyskinesia than those with non-deficit schizophrenia.MethodsIn 2006 all the people with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia in Nithsdale, South West Scotland, were identified using the ‘key informant’ method. These patients were assessed using the Schedule for the Deficit Syndrome (SDS) and for the presence of dyskinesia using the Abnormal Involuntary Movements Scale (AIMS). Patients were also assessed for akathisia using the Barnes-Akathisia Scale and for extrapyramidal side effects using the Simpson and Angus rating scale.ResultsThere is a significant association between deficit and TD when controlling for age. Those with tardive dyskinesia are more likely to have deficit schizophrenia. The odds ratio is 3.08 (95% CI 1.28, 7.37), p = 0.012.ConclusionsOur findings support the proposal that the pathological process underlying deficit schizophrenia can predispose to the development of tardive dyskinesia.
Thyroid dysfunction in chronic schizophrenia in albania
Authors: Themeli Y. , Aliko I. , Hashorva A. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundThyroid dysfunction is relatively common in patients with schizophrenia.This study seeks to determine the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid antibodies presence in a group of adult psychiatric inpatients with chronic schizophrenia.MethodsThyroid function tests and thyroid antibodies measurement were performed on 88 patients hospitalized in Psichiatric Clinic of UHC “Mother Teresa” from december 2006 to december 2007.55 of them (62,5%) were females and 33 of them (37,5%) males. A median age of 43 years (range16 to 70 years) and a median duration of hospitalization of 10 years (range 1 to 30 years) was assessed.ResultsTAb were found in 22 patients (25%), of which 18 females and 4 males. 16% of them resulted with positive anticorps for Hashimoto Thyroiditis; 9% for Graves‘disease.According to thyroid function tests70% had normal test, 8% had elevated TSH: 3% of them with low thyroid hormones and 5% with normal thyroid hormones. 20% of cases had low TSH: 5% of them with high level of thyroid hormones, 15% with normal thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism was more frequent in elderly patients ( > 60 years old), and in those treated with Risperidone. Most of cases (73%) with thyroid disorders resulted from endemic geographic areas. 37% of them mentioned familial history for thyroid pathology, and 23% for diabetes mellitus type 1.ConclusionThyroid abnormalities are common in patients with chronic schizophrenia.This fact call for caution in the use and interpretation of thyroid function tests in these patients.
A group psychoeducational intervention for parents of individuals with schizophrenia
Authors: Tsiouri I. , Gena A. , Mouzas O. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionFamilies of individuals with schizophrenia experience disempowerment and helplessness because of unique stressors in their everyday life, mainly derived from the positive and negative symptoms of the illness (Bauml, et al., 2006). Another line of research provides evidence that working with families of people with schizophrenia is effective in reducing family burden and distress levels, through structured psychoeducational interventions (Falloon, 2003; Bauml, et al., 2006).Objectives, aimsDespite evidence of their efficacy, psychoeducational interventions have not been widely implemented in standard clinical practice. The goal of this ongoing research project is to investigate the efficacy of a group psychoeducational intervention for parents of individuals with schizophrenia in reducing family burden and in improving their communication and problem solving skills, as well as their general family functioning.MethodsThe theoretical foundations of family psychoeducation is mainly derived from behavioral family therapy. Four couples (all parents of one or two individuals with schizophrenia) participated in this psychoeducational intervention program. Twenty three group sessions were conducted, organized around three primary goals: a) provision of information about the nature and the treatment of schizophrenia b) management of social and self-stigmatization and c) teaching family members problem-solving and communication skills (Solomon, 2000).Results and conclusionsPre and post treatment measures, as well as direct measures during treatment, were used to quantitatively assess family burden, family rituals, knowledge about the nature of the disorder, coping with stigma, communication and problem solving skills and general family functioning. Findings will be discussed.