Cognitive-perceptual deficits and symptom correlates in first-episode schizophrenia.

Background: Thought disorder and visual-perceptual deficits have been well documented, but their relationships with clinical symptoms and cognitive function remain unclear. Cognitive-perceptual deficits may underscore clinical symptoms in schizophrenia patients.

Aim: This study aimed to explore how thought disorder and form perception are related with clinical symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in first-episode schizophrenia.

The use of for natural control of gastrointestinal nematodes in Merino sheep.

Lespedeza cuneata (poorman's lucerne; sericea lespedeza), a tannin-rich perennial legume, was offered as hay to dry Merino ewes in a confined feeding experiment to evaluate the effect on the level of gastrointestinal parasite infection in sheep. Medicago sativa (a low tannin containing perennial legume) was used as the control treatment. Parameters faecal egg count (FEC), FAMACHA© scores and rectal temperatures were used.

Cognitive performance during the first year of treatment in first-episode schizophrenia: a case-control study.

Background: Several questions remain unanswered regarding the magnitude and time course of cognitive improvement in response to antipsychotic treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in cognitive performance in antipsychotic-naive or minimally medicated patients with first-episode schizophrenia during the first 12 months of treatment, in a case-control design. Patients were treated with flupenthixol decanoate depot injection, according to a standard algorithm.

Changes in body mass and metabolic profiles in patients with first-episode schizophrenia treated for 12 months with a first-generation antipsychotic.

Objectives: To assess changes in body mass and metabolic profiles in patients with first-episode schizophrenia receiving standardised, assured treatment and to identify predictors and moderators of the effects.

Methods: We investigated the changes in body mass, fasting blood glucose and lipids in 107 largely antipsychotic naïve, first-episode schizophrenia patients who were treated according to a standard algorithm with long-acting injectable flupenthixol decanoate over 12 months.

Results: Eighty-three (78%) participants completed the 12 months of treatment, and 104 (97%) received 100% of the prescribed injections during their participation.

Combining depot antipsychotic with an assertive monitoring programme for treating first-episode schizophrenia in a resource-constrained setting.

Aim: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of depot antipsychotic (flupenthixol decanoate) combined with an assertive monitoring programme (AMP) in first-episode schizophrenia.

Methods: This was a prospective, non-comparative, longitudinal study conducted over 12 months assessing patient acceptance, adherence, outcome in domains of psychopathology, functionality and quality of life, and tolerability.

Results: Of 207 participants, 149 (72%) completed 12 months of treatment.