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Multiple sclerosis has affected millions of people worldwide - but there is now fresh evidence that it's triggered in part by the Epstein-Barr virus. Matt Galloway talks to Allison Markin, who has been living with MS for almost 20 years; and Dr. Jiwon Oh, medical director of the Barlo Multiple Sclerosis Program at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto.

When Dr. Katherine Knox first arrived in Saskatchewan more than two decades ago, the province covered one prescription drug for patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Beyond that, patients had to pay for drugs out-of-pocket. Today, Knox said the province reimburses MS patients for 14 different drugs. \"MS is an expensive disease on many levels,\" said Knox, noting Saskatchewan's coverage is now the most favourable for MS patients anywhere in Canada. In Saskatchewan, three in 1,000 people have Multiple Sclerosis - one of the highest incidences of Multiple Sclerosis in the world. As treatments improve, the number of people living with this chronic autoimmune disease is rising. \"It's probably a combination of genetic and environmental factors that play a role,\" said Knox, who first learned about the disease as a student volunteer with the MS Society of Canada. \"Everyone had such a unique disease experience,\" Knox said. \"So I just became more curious.\" Her research these days focuses on non-drug approaches which prevent the onset of disability. After 15 years with the disease, it's estimated roughly half of MS patients need a cane or walking aid. \"Understandably many people don't want to use a walker for good reason,\" said Knox. \"It's bulky, it's awkward, it certainly lets people know that you have an issue with your walking.\" To delay that, Knox turned to researchers at the College of Kinesiology's Biomechanics of Balance and Movement Lab, to look at the power of a 'light touch'. The goal is to help people with MS regain - and keep - their balance and mobility. \"Patients would tell us you know when I walk the dog and hold the leash, my balance feels better. Or when I lightly touch the back of the chair I can be re-orientated,\" she said. By teaming up with Dr. Alison Oates, fourth-year resident Najala Orrell, and Pawan Kumar, an engineer and kinesiology research fellow, Knox studies patients' balance and stability, using various haptic inputs. \"Even just a light touch on a walker or perhaps a different object can help them regain their balance,\" said Knox. In this episode, she said keeping her patients moving and avoiding falls is crucial. \"We do need innovation and technology to come up with ways that can provide sensory feedback that would be discreet, socially acceptable, and easy to use,\" said Knox.

This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing literature on cognitive phenotypes in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Cognitive impairment is recognized as a prevalent and debilitating symptom of MS, especially deficits in memory and processing speed, affecting a substantial proportion of individuals across different disease stages and clinical phenotypes. However, the identification and characterization of discrete cognitive phenotypes remain inconsistently defined across studies, posing a challenge for research, clinical assessment, and personalized treatment planning. The primary purpose of this scoping review is to identify and synthesize how cognitive phenotypes have been conceptualized, defined, and operationalized in the MS literature. Specifically, we aim to: (1) describe the number and types of phenotypes reported, including their core cognitive features and prevalence; and (2) summarize the methods used to identify cognitive phenotypes (e.g., clustering techniques, neuropsychological batteries, diagnostic thresholds). Expected outcomes include a comprehensive mapping of the current state of knowledge on cognitive phenotyping in MS, identification of consistent patterns across the literature, and recommendations for future research directions, with potential implications for clinical care and intervention development.

This week on Sickboy we sit down with Ardra and dig into what it's like to live with MS, what it's like to rock a walker as a young woman, and how simple catheters can be, although, Taylor is still a little confused. Accessibility becomes a hot topic and we learn just how much of our society is constructed without it in mind. We had a really enlightening conversation and we want to give a huge shoutout to Ardra's blog, Tripping on Air, at trippingonair.com

Joliet Junior College

Joliet Junior College

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Objectives: A novel characterization of Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) patients according to lesion patterns is proposed. More specifically, patients are classified according to the nature of inflammatory lesions patterns. It is expected that this characterization can infer new prospective figures from the earliest imaging signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), since it can provide a classification of different types of lesions across patients. Methods: The method is based on a two-tiered classification. Initially, the spatio-temporal lesion patterns are classified. The discovered lesion patterns are then used to characterize groups of patients. The patient groups are validated using statistical measures and by correlations at 24-month follow-up with hypointense lesion loads. Results: The methodology identified 3 statistically significantly different clusters of lesion patterns showing p-values smaller than 0.01. Moreover, these patterns defined at baseline correlated with chronic hypointense lesion volumes by follow-up with an score of . Conclusions: The proposed methodology is capable of identifying three major different lesion patterns that are heterogeneously present in patients, allowing a patient classification using only two MRI scans. This finding may lead to more accurate prognosis and thus to more suitable treatments at early stage of MS.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Objectives: A novel characterization of Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) patients according to lesion patterns is proposed. More specifically, patients are classified according to the nature of inflammatory lesions patterns. It is expected that this characterization can infer new prospective figures from the earliest imaging signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), since it can provide a classification of different types of lesions across patients. Methods: The method is based on a two-tiered classification. Initially, the spatio-temporal lesion patterns are classified. The discovered lesion patterns are then used to characterize groups of patients. The patient groups are validated using statistical measures and by correlations at 24-month follow-up with hypointense lesion loads. Results: The methodology identified 3 statistically significantly different clusters of lesion patterns showing p-values smaller than 0.01. Moreover, these patterns defined at baseline correlated with chronic hypointense lesion volumes by follow-up with an score of . Conclusions: The proposed methodology is capable of identifying three major different lesion patterns that are heterogeneously present in patients, allowing a patient classification using only two MRI scans. This finding may lead to more accurate prognosis and thus to more suitable treatments at early stage of MS.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Objectives: A novel characterization of Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) patients according to lesion patterns is proposed. More specifically, patients are classified according to the nature of inflammatory lesions patterns. It is expected that this characterization can infer new prospective figures from the earliest imaging signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), since it can provide a classification of different types of lesions across patients. Methods: The method is based on a two-tiered classification. Initially, the spatio-temporal lesion patterns are classified. The discovered lesion patterns are then used to characterize groups of patients. The patient groups are validated using statistical measures and by correlations at 24-month follow-up with hypointense lesion loads. Results: The methodology identified 3 statistically significantly different clusters of lesion patterns showing p-values smaller than 0.01. Moreover, these patterns defined at baseline correlated with chronic hypointense lesion volumes by follow-up with an score of . Conclusions: The proposed methodology is capable of identifying three major different lesion patterns that are heterogeneously present in patients, allowing a patient classification using only two MRI scans. This finding may lead to more accurate prognosis and thus to more suitable treatments at early stage of MS.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Objectives: A novel characterization of Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) patients according to lesion patterns is proposed. More specifically, patients are classified according to the nature of inflammatory lesions patterns. It is expected that this characterization can infer new prospective figures from the earliest imaging signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), since it can provide a classification of different types of lesions across patients. Methods: The method is based on a two-tiered classification. Initially, the spatio-temporal lesion patterns are classified. The discovered lesion patterns are then used to characterize groups of patients. The patient groups are validated using statistical measures and by correlations at 24-month follow-up with hypointense lesion loads. Results: The methodology identified 3 statistically significantly different clusters of lesion patterns showing p-values smaller than 0.01. Moreover, these patterns defined at baseline correlated with chronic hypointense lesion volumes by follow-up with an score of . Conclusions: The proposed methodology is capable of identifying three major different lesion patterns that are heterogeneously present in patients, allowing a patient classification using only two MRI scans. This finding may lead to more accurate prognosis and thus to more suitable treatments at early stage of MS.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Objectives: A novel characterization of Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) patients according to lesion patterns is proposed. More specifically, patients are classified according to the nature of inflammatory lesions patterns. It is expected that this characterization can infer new prospective figures from the earliest imaging signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), since it can provide a classification of different types of lesions across patients. Methods: The method is based on a two-tiered classification. Initially, the spatio-temporal lesion patterns are classified. The discovered lesion patterns are then used to characterize groups of patients. The patient groups are validated using statistical measures and by correlations at 24-month follow-up with hypointense lesion loads. Results: The methodology identified 3 statistically significantly different clusters of lesion patterns showing p-values smaller than 0.01. Moreover, these patterns defined at baseline correlated with chronic hypointense lesion volumes by follow-up with an score of . Conclusions: The proposed methodology is capable of identifying three major different lesion patterns that are heterogeneously present in patients, allowing a patient classification using only two MRI scans. This finding may lead to more accurate prognosis and thus to more suitable treatments at early stage of MS.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Objectives: A novel characterization of Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) patients according to lesion patterns is proposed. More specifically, patients are classified according to the nature of inflammatory lesions patterns. It is expected that this characterization can infer new prospective figures from the earliest imaging signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), since it can provide a classification of different types of lesions across patients. Methods: The method is based on a two-tiered classification. Initially, the spatio-temporal lesion patterns are classified. The discovered lesion patterns are then used to characterize groups of patients. The patient groups are validated using statistical measures and by correlations at 24-month follow-up with hypointense lesion loads. Results: The methodology identified 3 statistically significantly different clusters of lesion patterns showing p-values smaller than 0.01. Moreover, these patterns defined at baseline correlated with chronic hypointense lesion volumes by follow-up with an score of . Conclusions: The proposed methodology is capable of identifying three major different lesion patterns that are heterogeneously present in patients, allowing a patient classification using only two MRI scans. This finding may lead to more accurate prognosis and thus to more suitable treatments at early stage of MS.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Objectives: A novel characterization of Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) patients according to lesion patterns is proposed. More specifically, patients are classified according to the nature of inflammatory lesions patterns. It is expected that this characterization can infer new prospective figures from the earliest imaging signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), since it can provide a classification of different types of lesions across patients. Methods: The method is based on a two-tiered classification. Initially, the spatio-temporal lesion patterns are classified. The discovered lesion patterns are then used to characterize groups of patients. The patient groups are validated using statistical measures and by correlations at 24-month follow-up with hypointense lesion loads. Results: The methodology identified 3 statistically significantly different clusters of lesion patterns showing p-values smaller than 0.01. Moreover, these patterns defined at baseline correlated with chronic hypointense lesion volumes by follow-up with an score of . Conclusions: The proposed methodology is capable of identifying three major different lesion patterns that are heterogeneously present in patients, allowing a patient classification using only two MRI scans. This finding may lead to more accurate prognosis and thus to more suitable treatments at early stage of MS.

This article is from Iranian Journal of Neurology , volume 11 . Abstract Background: There is a known inverse association between solar radiation and the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS). Some studies have investigated the link between vitamin D and MS. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 concentration and the severity of disease in Iranian patients with MS. Methods: Patients with relapsing–remitting MS underwent neurological examination, including measurement of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and were categorized by disease severity into mild (0 ≤ EDSS ≤3), moderate (3.5 ≤ EDSS ≤5.5) and severe (6 ≤ EDSS). Serum concentrations of 25(OH) vitamin D3, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and parathyroid hormone were also measured. Results: A total of 78 (73.1% female) patients with MS were evaluated. The mean (± standard deviation) of age was 33.9 ± 9.2 years. The mean (± standard error) serum concentrations of 25(OH) vitamin D3 were 36.6 ± 5.1 mg/dL, 50.1 ± 12.6 mg/dL and 19.8 ± 6.5 mg/dL in patients with mild, moderate and severe disease, respectively. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between 25(OH) vitamin D3 concentration and EDSS score (P = 0.016, r= –0.273 by Spearman rank correlation test), which was observed in women only (P = 0.021, r = –0.305). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that a serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 concentration cutoff of 16.5 mg/dL could differentiate patients with mild/moderate MS from severe disease with 74.6% accuracy. Conclusion: Our findings further support the association between vitamin D and disease severity in MS.

This article is from BMC Neurology , volume 14 . Abstract Background: Although common and often disabling in multiple sclerosis (MS), visual dysfunction is currently not adequately accounted for in both clinical routine and MS trials. Sloan low contrast letter acuity (SLCLA) is a standardised chart-based measure of visual function particular at low contrast and has been suggested as additional visual component to the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC). Here, we evaluate the relations between SLCLA, retinal integrity, MSFC, and quality of life (QoL) in MS patients. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, MSFC, SLCLA (2.5% and 1.25% contrast levels), visual evoked potentials, and QoL (Short Form (SF) 36, National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEIVFQ)) using baseline data of 92 MS patients from an ongoing prospective longitudinal trial. Relations between RNFL thickness or P100 latency and SLCLA were analysed using generalised estimating equations (GEE) accounting for intra-individual inter-eye dependencies and corrected for age, gender, and history of optic neuritis. Pearson’s correlations were used to assess relations between SLCLA, MSFC, and QoL. Results: SLCLA reflected RNFL thickness (p = 0.021) and P100 latency (p = 0.004) and predicted vision-related QoL, reflected by the NEIVFQ39 subscores “general vision” and “near activities” (p 

This article is from Interactive Journal of Medical Research , volume 3 . Abstract Background: Low health literacy is generally associated with poor health outcomes; however, health literacy has received little attention in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the health literacy of persons with MS using the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry. Methods: In 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study of health literacy among NARCOMS participants. Respondents completed the Medical Term Recognition Test (METER) which assesses the ability to distinguish medical and nonmedical words, and the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) instrument which evaluates reading, interpretation, and numeracy skills. Respondents reported their sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, comorbidities, visits to the emergency room (ER), and hospitalizations in the last 6 months. We used logistic regression to evaluate the characteristics associated with functional literacy, and the association between functional literacy and health care utilization. Results: Of 13,020 eligible participants, 8934 (68.6%) completed the questionnaire and were US residents. Most of them performed well on the instruments with 81.04% (7066/8719) having functional literacy on the METER and 74.62% (6666/8933) having adequate literacy on the NVS. Low literacy on the METER or the NVS was associated with smoking, being overweight or obese (all P

This article is from Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry , volume 85 . Abstract None

This article is from Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation , volume 11 . Abstract Background: Balance control relies on accurate perception of visual, somatosensory and vestibular cues. Sensory flow is impaired in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and little is known about the ability of the sensory systems to adapt after neurological lesions reducing sensory impairment. The aims of the present study were to verify whether:1. Balance rehabilitation administered in a challenging sensory conditions would improve stability in upright posture.2. The improvement in a treated sensory condition would transfer to a non treated sensory condition. Methods: Fifty three persons with MS, median (min-max) EDSS score of 5 (2.5-6.5), participated in a RCT and were randomly assigned to two groups. The Experimental group received balance rehabilitation aimed at improving motor and sensory strategies. The Control group received rehabilitation treatment which did not include training of sensory strategies. Persons with MS were blindly assessed by means of a stabilometric platform with eyes open, eyes closed and dome, on both firm surface and foam. Anterior-posterior and medio-lateral sway, velocity of sway and the length of Center of Pressure (CoP) trajectory were calculated in the six sensory conditions. Results: Experimental group showed statistically significant improvement (P 

This article is from Health and Quality of Life Outcomes , volume 11 . Abstract Background: Trials have not assessed the effect of dalfampridine-extended release (dalfampridine-ER) on health utility. We sought to evaluate the effect of dalfampridine-ER tablets (prolonged-release fampridine in Europe) on health utility in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) by mapping subjects’ individual item scores from the 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) onto the Euroqol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) health utility index. Methods: Data from study MS-F203, a randomized trial of dalfampridine-ER tablets, 10 mg twice daily, in patients with MS, were used to calculate the health utility scores with two MSWS-12 to EQ-5D mapping equations (one derived in a North American [NA] registry, the other a United Kingdom [UK] registry). MS-F203 participants were categorized as dalfampridine-ER 20%-responders (achieving ≥20% improvement on the Timed 25-Foot Walk), dalfampridine-ER 20%-nonresponders (  0.05 for all). When using the UK-derived equation, improvement was seen in dalfampridine-ER 20%-responders vs. placebo at weeks 2, 6, 10, and 14 (ESs = 0.49, 0.55, 0.59, and 0.99; p   0.05 for both). Dalfampridine-ER 20%-nonresponders showed no improvement at any visit (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Regardless of the equation used, dalfampridine-ER response was associated with an improvement in health utility.

This article is from Health and Quality of Life Outcomes , volume 11 . Abstract Background: Trials have not assessed the effect of dalfampridine-extended release (dalfampridine-ER) on health utility. We sought to evaluate the effect of dalfampridine-ER tablets (prolonged-release fampridine in Europe) on health utility in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) by mapping subjects’ individual item scores from the 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) onto the Euroqol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) health utility index. Methods: Data from study MS-F203, a randomized trial of dalfampridine-ER tablets, 10 mg twice daily, in patients with MS, were used to calculate the health utility scores with two MSWS-12 to EQ-5D mapping equations (one derived in a North American [NA] registry, the other a United Kingdom [UK] registry). MS-F203 participants were categorized as dalfampridine-ER 20%-responders (achieving ≥20% improvement on the Timed 25-Foot Walk), dalfampridine-ER 20%-nonresponders (  0.05 for all). When using the UK-derived equation, improvement was seen in dalfampridine-ER 20%-responders vs. placebo at weeks 2, 6, 10, and 14 (ESs = 0.49, 0.55, 0.59, and 0.99; p   0.05 for both). Dalfampridine-ER 20%-nonresponders showed no improvement at any visit (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Regardless of the equation used, dalfampridine-ER response was associated with an improvement in health utility.

Councilmember Roger Berliner presents a proclamation recognizing Multiple Sclerosis to local activists dedicated to raising awareness on the health condition.

This scoping review will review what scientific evidence is available so far pertaining to functional connectivity perturbations in brain fog in multiple sclerosis patients.

I am visiting Gandhamardan Hills since year 1990 for Ethnobotanical surveys and collected information worth several TBs in these years. The present series is an effort to bring all aspects of Biodiversity rich Gandhamardan Hills among world community. For details please visit pankajoudhia.com Related References Oudhia, P. (2014). Medicinal Rice Baisur with Red, Brown and Black Rice based Traditional Herbal Formulations (Gandhamardan Hills Series) for Guttate psoriasis. Medicinal Rice Formulations (1990-2014) in Encyclopedia of Tribal Medicines by Pankaj Oudhia at pankajoudhia.com Oudhia, P. (2014). Medicinal Rice Baisur with Red, Brown and Black Rice based Traditional Herbal Formulations (Gandhamardan Hills Series) for Hürthle cell carcinoma. Medicinal Rice Formulations (1990-2014) in Encyclopedia of Tribal Medicines by Pankaj Oudhia at pankajoudhia.com Oudhia, P. (2014). Medicinal Rice Baisur with Red, Brown and Black Rice based Traditional Herbal Formulations (Gandhamardan Hills Series) for H1N1 Flu. Medicinal Rice Formulations (1990-2014) in Encyclopedia of Tribal Medicines by Pankaj Oudhia at pankajoudhia.com Oudhia, P. (2014). Medicinal Rice Baisur with Red, Brown and Black Rice based Traditional Herbal Formulations (Gandhamardan Hills Series) for Hair Loss. Medicinal Rice Formulations (1990-2014) in Encyclopedia of Tribal Medicines by Pankaj Oudhia at pankajoudhia.com Oudhia, P. (2014). Medicinal Rice Baisur with Red, Brown and Black Rice based Traditional Herbal Formulations (Gandhamardan Hills Series) for Head and neck cancers. Medicinal Rice Formulations (1990-2014) in Encyclopedia of Tribal Medicines by Pankaj Oudhia at pankajoudhia.com Oudhia, P. (2014). Medicinal Rice Baisur with Red, Brown and Black Rice based Traditional Herbal Formulations (Gandhamardan Hills Series) for Hearing Loss. Medicinal Rice Formulations (1990-2014) in Encyclopedia of Tribal Medicines by Pankaj Oudhia at pankajoudhia.com

Bottom Line 'Understanding Parkinson's & Multiple Sclerosis'

Bottom Line 'Understanding Parkinson's & Multiple Sclerosis'

The objective of this project was to determine whether a controlled period of head and torso cooling would enhance the cognitive performance of multiple sclerosis patients. Nineteen MS patients (11 men and 8 women) participated in the study. Control data were taken from nineteen healthy volunteers (12 men and 7 women). All but six of nineteen MS patients tested improved their cognitive performance, as measured by their scores on the Rao test battery. A second objective was to gain insight into the neurological effects of cooling. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) stimulated by a reversing checkerboard pattern were recorded before and after cooling. We found that cooling selectively benefited the cognitive performance of those MS patients whose pre-cooling VEPs were abnormally shaped (which is an indication of visual pathway impairment due to demyelinization). Moreover, for female MS patients, the degree of cognitive performance improvement following cooling was correlated with a change in the shape of their VEPs toward a more normal shape following cooling.

The objective of this project was to determine whether a controlled period of head and torso cooling would enhance the cognitive performance of multiple sclerosis patients. Nineteen MS patients (11 men and 8 women) participated in the study. Control data were taken from nineteen healthy volunteers (12 men and 7 women). All but six of nineteen MS patients tested improved their cognitive performance, as measured by their scores on the Rao test battery. A second objective was to gain insight into the neurological effects of cooling. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) stimulated by a reversing checkerboard pattern were recorded before and after cooling. We found that cooling selectively benefited the cognitive performance of those MS patients whose pre-cooling VEPs were abnormally shaped (which is an indication of visual pathway impairment due to demyelinization). Moreover, for female MS patients, the degree of cognitive performance improvement following cooling was correlated with a change in the shape of their VEPs toward a more normal shape following cooling.

ABSTRACT Aims: Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and melatonin levels, sleep disturbances and fatigue in persons with MS (pwMS). Methods: The study included 50 pwMS and 30 healthy controls. Levels of serum melatonin, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in both groups. Persons with MS (pwMS) were evaluated using the extended disability status scale (EDDS) while Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Epworth sleepiness scale, insomnia severity index, fatigue severity scale and Beck depression scale were used for both groups. Results: Persons with MS (pwMS) exhibited significantly higher sleep disturbances (p

ABSTRACT Aims: Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and melatonin levels, sleep disturbances and fatigue in persons with MS (pwMS). Methods: The study included 50 pwMS and 30 healthy controls. Levels of serum melatonin, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in both groups. Persons with MS (pwMS) were evaluated using the extended disability status scale (EDDS) while Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Epworth sleepiness scale, insomnia severity index, fatigue severity scale and Beck depression scale were used for both groups. Results: Persons with MS (pwMS) exhibited significantly higher sleep disturbances (p

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a vital role in the scientific investigation and clinical management of multiple sclerosis. Analyses of binary multiple sclerosis lesion maps are typically "mass univariate" and conducted with standard linear models that are ill suited to the binary nature of the data and ignore the spatial dependence between nearby voxels (volume elements). Smoothing the lesion maps does not entirely eliminate the non-Gaussian nature of the data and requires an arbitrary choice of the smoothing parameter. Here we present a Bayesian spatial model to accurately model binary lesion maps and to determine if there is spatial dependence between lesion location and subject specific covariates such as MS subtype, age, gender, disease duration and disease severity measures. We apply our model to binary lesion maps derived from $T_2$-weighted MRI images from 250 multiple sclerosis patients classified into five clinical subtypes, and demonstrate unique modeling and predictive capabilities over existing methods.

The literature was reviewed in regard to acute optic neuritis: prognosis for the development of multiple sclerosis, with specific reference to our flying population. Two major factors were found that influence the large discrepancy in statistics. The first was that the patient population, in many series, was preselected and not prospective, causing a higher incidence of later multiple sclerosis. The second factor was the definition of multiple sclerosis used by various groups. When strict criteria were followed for such definition, many of the apparently dissimilar series were, in fact, quite similar. Two series which most closely parallel our flying population are reviewed in detail. Both series suggest a very low incidence of later development of multiple sclerosis in patients affected with acute optic neuritis. This finding leads us to conclude that an incidence of 13% to 17% (calculated on life tables) most accurately represents the risk that our flyers who are afflicted with optic neuritis will later develop multiple sclerosis. (Author)

195 pages ; 22 cm

195 pages ; 22 cm

195 pages ; 22 cm

195 pages ; 22 cm

This article is from Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) , volume 18 . Abstract Background:: Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been tried in the last 15 years as a therapeutic option in patients with poor-prognosis autoimmune disease who do not respond to conventional treatments. Worldwide, more than 600 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been treated with HSCT, most of them having been recruited in small, single-centre, phase 1–2 uncontrolled trials. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes from case series reports or Registry-based analyses suggest that a major response is achieved in most patients; quality and duration of response are better in patients transplanted during the relapsing–remitting phase than in those in the secondary progressive stage. Objectives:: An interdisciplinary group of neurologists and haematologists has been formed, following two international meetings supported by the European and American Blood and Marrow Transplantation Societies, for the purpose of discussing a controlled clinical trial, to be designed within the new scenarios of evolving MS treatments. Conclusions:: Objectives of the trial, patient selection, transplant technology and outcome assessment were extensively discussed. The outcome of this process is summarized in the present paper, with the goal of establishing the background and advancing the development of a prospective, randomized, controlled multicentre trial to assess the clinical efficacy of HSCT for the treatment of highly active MS.

This article is from Journal of Pain Research , volume 7 . Abstract In patients, the perception of pain intensity may be influenced by the subjective representation of their disease. Although both multiple sclerosis (MS) and fibromyalgia (FM) possibly include chronic pain, they seem to elicit different disease representations because of the difference in their respective etiology, the former presenting evidence of underlying lesions as opposed to the latter. Thus, we investigated whether patients with FM differed from patients with MS with respect to their perception of “own” pain as well as others’ pain. In addition, the psychological concomitant factors associated with chronic pain were considered. Chronic pain patients with FM (n=13) or with MS (n=13) participated in this study. To assess specific pain-related features, they were contrasted with 12 other patients with MS but without chronic pain and 31 controls. A questionnaire describing imaginary painful situations showed that FM patients rated situations applied to themselves as less painful than did the controls. Additionally, pain intensity attributed to facial expressions was estimated as more intense in FM compared with the other groups of participants. There is good evidence that the mood and catastrophizing reactions expressed in FM differentially modulated the perception of pain according to whether it was their own pain or other’s pain.

This article is from Frontiers in Neurology , volume 5 . Abstract None

Aim: Multiple sclerosis represents an autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory, and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Inflammation and oxidative stress are considered to take a significant part in its pathogenesis. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzymes, which are involved in purine metabolism, are critical for regulating inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, this study’s goal is to evaluate the levels of these two enzymes in patients with the relapsing-remitting type of multiple sclerosis (MS) in their remission period. Material and Methods: Thirty patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who were in their remission period and diagnosed in accordance with the Mc Donald 2010 criteria along with 30 healthy volunteer controls, matched with regard to age and gender, were enrolled in the research. Serum ADA levels were studied by the sensitive colorimetric method that was defined by Giusti, while XO levels were studied by the Worthington method. Results: RRMS patients had significantly higher serum ADA and XO levels compared to the control subjects (both of the P values = 0.004). Discussion: In our study, we conclude that two of the most crucial underlying pathogenic mechanisms of MS, inflammation and oxidative stress, may be associated with the increased levels of ADA and XO, and an approach of targeting the activity of these two enzymes can be considered in treatment strategies. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that ADA and XO enzymes were elevated even in the remission phases of RRMS, reflecting the continuity of inflammation through the whole course of RRMS. Thus, in this disease, which is thought to have a dynamic process, the importance of continuous immunomodulatory treatment is emphasized once again.

John has opened a Substack, https://substack.com/@johninengland Covid-19 vaccination can induce multiple sclerosis via cross-reactive CD4+ T cells recognizing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and myelin peptides https://pesquisa.bvsalud.org/global-literature-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/resource/pt/covidwho-2138820?lang=en Both natural infection and the mRNA based vaccinations can be accompanied by transient autoimmune phenomena, or onset of autoimmune diseases. Objective Two cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), with clinical and new radiological signs, beginning in close temporal relation to spike (S) protein mRNA based vaccinations. Aim The onset of MS in these two cases is very likely caused by CD4+ T cell clones, that cross-recognize SARSCoV- 2 S protein, from myelin proteins. Method Spike specific CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood, and CD4+ T cells from CSF sample were isolated, then underwent autoantigen screening test. (An endogenous antigen that stimulates the production of autoantibodies) A list of well-known MS related autoantigens, Result(s) Self-reactive T cells were detected from Spike specific T cell population, also showed reactivity to MBP, MOG, (Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) peptides PLP peptide pools. Multiple sclerosis and myelin basic protein: insights into protein disorder and disease https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8810476/ Myelin basic protein (MBP) is an abundant protein in central nervous system (CNS) myelin. MBP has long been studied as a factor in the pathogenesis of the autoimmune neurodegenerative disease multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is characterized by CNS inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss. Finally, we found proinflammatory T cell clones, that recognize both Spike protein and immunodominant Myelin basic protein peptides, and Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptides, which have previously been implicated in MS. Conclusion(s) Detailed studies of both peripheral blood, and CSF derived CD4+ T cells show that the onset of MS in these two cases is very likely caused by CD4+ T cell clones that cross-recognize SARS-CoV-2 S protein derived peptides and peptides derived from myelin proteins, which have previously been implicated in MS. Posts misrepresent research on multiple sclerosis and COVID-19 vaccines found in WHO database https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-WHO-COVID-multiple-sclerosis-591321248797 New diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in the setting of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine exposure (January 2022) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34922126/ Multiple sclerosis (MS) with onset in the setting of acute SARS-CoV-2 virus infection has been reported, and reactivation of MS following non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccination has been noted, There have been three reports of newly diagnosed MS following exposure to mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The association cannot be determined to be causal, We report a series of 5 cases of newly diagnosed MS following recent exposure to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Latency from vaccination to initial presentation varied. Neurological manifestations and clinical course appeared to be typical for MS, including response to high dose steroids Conclusion Acute neurological deficits in the setting of recent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine administration may represent new onset multiple sclerosis. Hold a parliamentary vote on whether to reject amendments to the IHR 2005 https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/635904 https://twitter.com/Johnincarlisle We are concerned that Parliament has not discussed and will not have a say on the 307 proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations, AND the amendments to 5 Articles of the IHR that were ADOPTED by the 75th World Health Assembly on 27 May 2022.

This article is from Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal , volume 16 . Abstract Background:: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the nervous system which has numerous disabling effects on patients. Objectives:: This study aimed at investigating the short- and long-term effects of a period of combination exercise therapy on walking distance, balance, fatigue and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients referred to the physiotherapy clinic of Iran's Multiple Sclerosis Society in 2013. Patients and Methods:: This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial on 59 patients divided into the intervention (n = 39) and control groups (n = 20). The intervention group received 10 weeks of combination therapy including aerobic, strengthening, balancing and stretching exercises. A week before, a week later and a year after the beginning of the exercises, both groups of patients received BBSS, six minute walking, Family Support Services (FSS), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and quality of life tests. The scores of two groups were then compared using statistical tests such as repeated measures ANOVA test. Results:: The results indicated significant changes in the intervention group in comparison to the control group in the second phase of the study comparing to the first one for all tests except EDSS (Mean difference scores of EDSS: -0.13), P-value = 0.60; FSS: -6.9, P-value = 0.02, Mental Quality of Life (QOL): 16.36, P-value = 0.001; Physical QOL: 12.17, P-value = 0.001, six minute walking: 137.2, P-value < 0.0001; and Berg: 3.34, P-value < 0.0001. These changes were not significant in the second phase of the study comparing to the third one; however, they were again significant in the third phase comparing to the first phase of the study (P < 0.05). Conclusions:: Exercise has significant effect on improving symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and cessation of exercise may cause recurrence of symptoms in the intervention group with a slope similar to that of the control group. Therefore, continuous rather than short period exercises have valuable symptomatic and supportive relief effects in patients.

This article is from BMC Neuroscience , volume 15 . Abstract Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that white matter (WM) lesions bias automated brain tissue classifications and cerebral volume measurements. However, filling WM lesions using the intensity of neighbouring normal-appearing WM has been shown to increase the accuracy of automated volume measurements in the brain. In the present study, we investigate the influence of WM lesions on cortical thickness (CTh) measures and assessed the impact of lesion filling on both cross-sectional/longitudinal and global/regional measurements of CTh in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: Fifty MS patients were studied at baseline as well as after three and six years of follow-up. CTh was estimated using a fully automated pipeline (CIVET) on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images data acquired at 1.5 Tesla without (original) and with WM lesion filling (filled). WM lesions were semi-automatically segmented and then filled with the mean intensity of the neighbouring voxels. For both original and filled T1 images we investigated and compared the main CIVET’s steps: tissue classification, surfaces generation and CTh measurement. Results: On the original T1 images, the majority of WM lesion volume (72%) was wrongly classified as gray matter (GM). After lesion filling the accuracy of WM lesions classification improved significantly (p 

Multiple sclerosis is a disabling disease of the central nervous system involving an immune-mediated process. Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2JjpnIb - - - - - - - - - - - - - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Newsweek Twitter: https://twitter.com/Newsweek Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Newsweek

This paper is in the public domain in USA. Metadata comes from the CrossRef API, see full record in the source URL below.

This paper is in the public domain in USA. Metadata comes from the CrossRef API, see full record in the source URL below.

artykuł w: Annales Universitatis Mariae Curie-Skłodowska. Sectio D, Medicina. Vol. 60, N2, 148 (2005), strony 757-761. ; Bibliografia na stronach 760-761.

Angela is joined by Dr. Luanne Metz, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and an MD. Dr. Metz was the lead author on a new study which shows common everyday acne medications can offer new treatment for multiple sclerosis.

Angela is joined by Dr. Luanne Metz, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and an MD. Dr. Metz was the lead author on a new study which shows common everyday acne medications can offer new treatment for multiple sclerosis.

Angela is joined by Dr. Luanne Metz, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and an MD. Dr. Metz was the lead author on a new study which shows common everyday acne medications can offer new treatment for multiple sclerosis.

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system that accounts for up to 10% of all MS cases. Compared to adult-onset multiple disease, POMS is characterized by a more aggressive disease course, with frequent relapses and earlier attainment of disability milestones. A structured, well-implemented transition-to-adult care is critical for maintaining long-term health. While significant research exists on transition-to-adult care for children with chronic conditions, its study in POMS remains largely unexplored—leaving youth with MS vulnerable to preventable complications and poor outcomes. The purpose of this scoping review is to 1) synthesize the existing literature on transition-to-adult care in POMS within the broader context of chronic pediatric conditions, and 2) identify evidence gaps that can shape future research and practice.