Abstract The goal of this report was to highlight lateral ventricle morphology and volume differences between schizophrenia patients and matched controls. Subjects identified as suitable for analysis ...comprised 15 schizophrenia patients and 15 healthy subjects. The method applied is three-dimensional (3D) volume rendering starting from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of selected ventricular regions. Differences between groups relative to the global ventricular system and its subdivisions were found. Total lateral ventricle volume, right ventricle volume and left ventricle volume were all higher in schizophrenia patients than in controls; unilateral differences between the two groups were also outlined (right ventricle volume > left ventricle volume in schizophrenia patients vs. healthy subjects). Furthermore, occipital and frontal horn enlargement was found in schizophrenia patients compared with normal controls, but the difference in the temporal horn was not statistically significant. A substantial difference was noted in lateral ventricle morphology between the two groups. Our findings were consistent with the literature and may shed light on some of the discrepancies in previous reports on differences in lateral ventricle volume enlargement.
Maria Rosaria A Muscatello, Antonio Bruno, Gianluca Pandolfo, Umberto Micò, Salvatore Settineri, Rocco ZoccaliSection of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Psychiatric and ...Anaesthesiological Sciences, University of Messina, ItalyAbstract: The antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia is still marked by poor compliance, and drug discontinuation; the development of more effective and safer drugs still remains a challenge. Sertindole is a second-generation antipsychotic with high affinity for dopamine D2, serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and α1-adrenergic receptors, and low affinity for other receptors. Sertindole undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism by the cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 and has an elimination half-life of approximately three days. In controlled clinical trials sertindole was more effective than placebo in reducing positive and negative symptoms, whereas it was as effective as haloperidol and risperidone against the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. The effective dose-range of sertindole is 12–20 mg, administered orally once daily. The most common adverse events are headhache, insomnia, rhinitis/nasal congestion, male sexual dysfunction, and moderate weight gain, with few extrapyramidal symptoms and metabolic changes. Sertindole is associated with corrected QT interval prolongation, with subsequent risk of serious arrythmias. Due to cardiovascular safety concerns, sertindole is available as a second-line choice for patients intolerant to at least one other antipsychotic agent. Further clinical studies, mainly direct “head-to-head” comparisons with other second-generation antipsychotic agents, are needed to define the role of sertindole in the treatment of schizophrenia.Keywords: antipsychotics, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety
The aim was to assess the prevalent defense mechanisms in a sample of obese subjects; since specific defensive styles may interfere with the management of stressors and emotions, they may also ...influence the onset, the severity, and the maintenance of obesity. 70 obese subjects and 70 healthy normal-weight volunteers were assessed using the Defense Mechanisms Inventory — DMI. Significant differences between groups have emerged at Turning Against Object (
t
=
−
5.30;
p
<
0.0001), Projection (
t
=
−
5.55;
p
<
0.0001), Turning Against Self (
t
=
−
4.87;
p
<
0.0001) and Reversal (
t
=
−
3.61;
p
<
0.0001) variables. Within the obese group, significant differences have been found at Turning Against Object (
U
=
264;
p
=
.001) and Projection (
U
=
359;
p
=
.042) scales, both higher in males. No significant differences on DMI scores in relation to the severity of obesity have been observed. An inadequate defensive structure might represent a vulnerability to emotional states and stressful life events. The assessment of defense mechanisms may provide a valid tool for long-term treatments of obesity.
Gender role is a multifactorial concept, as gender-related attitudes, behaviors, and personality are partially autonomous. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalent gender role identity in a ...sample of male homosexuals. One hundred male homosexuals and 50 male heterosexuals matched for age and sex, have been assessed with the Italian version of the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI;
Bem, 1974
). Statistically significant differences have been found between the two groups at the dimensions "Masculine" (z = 1.963; p = 0.001) and "Androgyny" (z = 2.367; p < 0.0001). The results obtained from the present study tend to confirm that homosexuals view themselves as adrogynous individuals, sharing both features of masculine and feminine gender roles.
To investigate the relationship between CA-125 production and ovarian steroidogenesis, serum CA-125 levels were evaluated in patients with normal pelvis in different ovarian endocrine situations: (1) ...during the menstrual cycle, (2) during stimulatory treatment with gonadotropin for the induction of ovulation, and (3) during suppression treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. In spite of the spontaneous or the markedly induced variations of estradiol (E2) or ovarian volume, CA-125 levels remained unvaried in all patients. Moreover, CA-125 serum levels did not correlate with the increasing values of the plasma E2 or ovarian volume. In conclusion, steroidogenetic activity of the ovary is unlikely to affect CA-125 production.
Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate a combination of aripiprazole and topiramate in the treatment of opioid-dependent patients with schizoaffective disorder undergoing methadone ...maintenance therapy (MMT) and, further, to taper off patients from methadone treatment. Methods: Twenty patients who met DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) criteria for opioid dependence and schizoaffective disorder receiving MMT (80 mg/day) were given aripiprazole (10 mg/day) plus topiramate (up to 200 mg/day) for 8 weeks. A methadone dose reduction of 3 mg/day until suspension at week 4 was established. Results: Aripiprazole plus topiramate was effective in reducing clinical symptoms, and a rapid tapering off of MMT was achieved. Conclusions: Combining aripiprazole and topiramate may be effective in patients with a dual diagnosis of opioid dependency and schizoaffective disorder.
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