Monday, May 12

15 STUDIES IN WEDNESDAY'S NEWS

PLUS: 441 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Tuesday 12/3 Start at the Bottom!


The association of alcohol consumption and smoking with quality of life, disability and disease activity in an international sample of people with multiple sclerosis.
Modifiable lifestyle factors represent important targets for preventive intervention in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to explore the association of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption with major MS morbidity outcomes.  This cross-sectional study supports previous research showing a link between morbidity indicators in MS and alcohol use and smoking. While people with MS should be advised of the potential risks of smoking, any risks and benefits of alcohol consumption require validation using a prospective cohort of people with MS.

Burden of disease in multiple sclerosis patients with spasticity in Germany: mobility improvement study (Move I).
To describe the current management patterns of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with spasticity in Germany and the impact of MS spasticity on quality of life (QoL) and associated costs. 
MS patients with spasticity suffer a significant burden because of resulting disabilities and reduced QoL, especially in cases of severe spasticity. Moreover, spasticity causes high costs that increase with increasing severity.

Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: Current Concepts and Consensus Definitions.

Risk evaluation and monitoring in multiple sclerosis therapeutics.
Risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapies (DMT) must be assessed on an ongoing basis. Early concerns regarding the first-approved DMTs for MS have been mitigated, but recently licensed therapies have been linked to possibly greater risks.  It is difficult to produce a general risk-assessment algorithm for all MS therapies. Specific algorithms are required for each DMT in every treated-patient population. New and evolving risks must be evaluated and communicated rapidly to allow patients and physicians to be well informed and able to share treatment decisions.

Five-year results from a phase 2 study of oral fingolimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis.
We present here results at 60 months (M), from the extension component of a phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, six-month study evaluating oral fingolimod (1.25 mg or 5 mg daily) in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Placebo patients from the core study were re-randomized to fingolimod 1.25 mg or 5 mg in the extension. All patients received 1.25 mg fingolimod after the M24 visit. A total of 140/281 (49.8%) patients completed M60. Fingolimod treatment was associated with a low annualized relapse rate (0.2 relapses/ year), low MRI activity, and a modest rate of disability progression in those treated for five years. No new safety issues were reported.

Immunology for understanding the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.

The coexistence of well- and ill-being in persons with multiple sclerosis, their caregivers and health professionals.
Studies on emotional distress and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) broadened the traditional bio-medical focus in MS research, but little attention was paid to general well-being indicators. 
Well-being coexists with ill-being. It can counterbalance the negative effects of disease or caregiving, and its measurement could complement and support medical intervention.

[Autonomic nervous system alteration in multiple sclerosis patients with urinary symptoms. Clinical, urodynamic and cardiovascular study].
To assess symptoms related to autonomic nervous system alteration in a population of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) and presenting with urinary symptoms.  In this series, the prevalence of dysautonomia was high in patients suffering from MS and presenting with urinary disorders.

Fine-Mapping the Genetic Association of the Major Histocompatibility Complex in Multiple Sclerosis: HLA and Non-HLA Effects.
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region is strongly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. HLA-DRB1*15:01 has the strongest effect, and several other alleles have been reported at different levels of validation. Using SNP data from genome-wide studies, we imputed and tested classical alleles and amino acid polymorphisms in 8 classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes in 5,091 cases and 9,595 controls.

The reliability and validity study of the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
Motor imagery (MI) has been recently considered as an adjunct to physical rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is necessary to assess MI abilities and benefits in patients with MS by using a reliable tool. The Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire (KVIQ) was recently developed to assess MI ability in patients with stroke and other disabilities. Considering the different underlying pathologies, the present study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the KVIQ in MS patients.  The results of the present study revealed that the KVIQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing MI in MS patients.

Pregnancy and Fetal Outcomes After Glatiramer Acetate Exposure in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Only few studies have assessed safety of in utero exposure to glatiramer acetate (GA). Following a previous study assessing the safety of interferon beta (IFNB) pregnancy exposure in multiple sclerosis (MS), we aimed to assess pregnancy and fetal outcomes after in utero exposure to GA, using the same dataset, with a specific focus on the risk of spontaneous abortion. Data in our cohort show that mother's GA exposure is not associated with a higher frequency of spontaneous abortion, neither other negative pregnancy and fetal outcomes. Our findings point to the safety of in utero GA exposure and can support neurologists in the therapeutic counselling of MS women planning a pregnancy.

Smoking and Two Human Leukocyte Antigen Genes Interact to Increase the Risk for Multiple Sclerosis
Both genetic and environmental factors display low or modest associations with multiple sclerosis. Hypothetically, gene–environment interactions may exert much stronger effects. In this study, we investigated potential interactions between genetic risk factors and smoking in relation to risk of developing multiple sclerosis. A population-based case–control study involving incident cases of multiple sclerosis (843 cases, 1209 controls) was performed in Sweden. Cases and controls were classified according to their smoking status and human leukocyte antigen DRB1 as well as human leukocyte antigen A genotypes.

Treating Multiple Sclerosis With Monoclonal Antibodies

Current Disease-Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis

Chemotherapeutics in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

441 STUDIES FROM 11/1 to Tuesday 12/3 are below: 

The month of birth effect in multiple sclerosis: systematic review, meta-analysis and effect of latitude. 
Month of birth has previously been described as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). This has been hypothesised to be related to maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy, although conclusive evidence to support this is lacking. To date, no large studies of latitudinal variation in the month of birth effect have been performed to advance this hypothesis.  Month of birth has a significant effect on subsequent MS risk. This is likely to be due to ultraviolet light exposure and maternal vitamin D levels, as demonstrated by the relationship between risk and latitude. 

Carnitine for fatigue in multiple sclerosis.
Fatigue is reported to occur in up to 92% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and has been described as the most debilitating of all MS symptoms by 28% to 40% of MS patients.  There is insufficient evidence that carnitine for the treatment of MS-related fatigue offers a therapeutic advantage over placebo or active comparators. Results of the ongoing trial are eagerly anticipated in order to provide clarity.


Treating multiple sclerosis with monoclonal antibodies: a 2013 update.

Objectively quantified physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis.
To investigate levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in a large sample of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and controls using accelerometry as a measure of physical activity, and to compare the rates of meeting public health guidelines for MVPA (ie, 30min/d) between persons with MS and controls.  We provide data using an objective physical activity measure and a large sample to indicate that only a small proportion of persons with MS are achieving adequate amounts of daily MVPA.

Management of lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and Turkish consensus report.
Since lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) related to multiple sclerosis (MS) has a different behavior pattern than other types of neurogenic voiding dysfunction, we aimed to prepare a national consensus report for the management of LUTD due to multiple sclerosis in light of available literature.  Patients with MS and LUTD could be best managed through the use of this consensus report.

Relevance of Spinal Cord Abnormalities to Clinical Disability in Multiple Sclerosis: MR Imaging Findings in a Large Cohort of Patients.
To determine whether spinal cord atrophy differs among disease subtypes in multiple sclerosis (MS) and whether it offers diagnostic and clinical correlative information beyond that provided by other magnetic resonance (MR) imaging markers.Spinal cord abnormalities have a strong effect on clinical disability in MS. MR imaging-derived UCCA was found to be the most significant spinal cord parameter for explaining EDSS score.

New Data on How MS Patients Fare Long-Term

To review patients with tumefactive MS and compare them with those in other studies investigating tumefactive demyelinating lesions and our Taiwanese typical MS patients.  Tumefactive MS is not common in Taiwan. Although the tumefactive demyelinating lesions seem to be terrible initially, their prognosis is relatively more favorable than expected.







Immunology and Oxidative Stress in Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical and Basic Approach.

TNFRSF1A in multiple sclerosis: A tale of soluble receptors and signaling cascades.

Current recommendations for multiple sclerosis treatment in pregnancy and puerperium.

Prevalence and incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in Campobasso (Molise region chieftown, southern Italy). 
Multiple Sclerosis in southern Italy was not epidemiologically studied until 2006 in Salerno (Campania region), with data based on the registry of district MS centers established since 1996 by Italian Ministry of Health. This paper reports data about Molise region by the same metodology as Campanian study.   Prevalence is coherent with previous Campanian data, and with last epidemiologic papers on middle Italy, confirming also the validity of MS district centers registries. A possible underestimation of data, for some patients could still migrate to northern centers, could contribute to the differences in incidence. Nevertheless, prevalence data confirm southern Italy as high risk area for MS, and stands against a latitude gradient in this country.

Adverse events after endovascular treatment of chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) in patients with multiple sclerosis.

RebiSmart™ (version 1.5) device for multiple sclerosis treatment delivery and adherence.

First-line disease-modifying drugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) are mostly administered by injection. Although these treatments can control the symptoms and progression of the disease to some extent, patients often fail to adhere to their therapy in the long term, so may not obtain the maximum clinical benefits. As injection-related problems are common barriers to adherence, autoinjectors have been developed to improve the ease and convenience of self-injection.
The device is the first electronic autoinjector for use in MS and offers several innovative features, including adjustable injection settings and an electronic dosing log, which may improve adherence. The dosing log can be reviewed with the patient, allowing the physician to open a dialogue to discuss possible issues with treatment adherence. The use of multidose cartridges also provides a softer impact on the environment and easier disposal. The hidden needle helps avoid needle phobia and reduces the risk of needle stick injury.

Assess, compare and enhance the status of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Europe: a European Register for MS.

Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

High nationwide prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Sweden.

Drug Class Review: Disease-modifying Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis: Final Update 1 Report [Internet].
We compared the effectiveness and safety of disease-modifying drugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis: Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®), interferon beta-1a (Avonex®, Rebif®), interferon beta-1b (Betaseron®, Extavia®), mitoxantrone (Novantrone®), and natalizumab (Tysabri®).   There was fair evidence that interferon beta-1a IM (Avonex®) is less effective than interferon beta-1a SC (Rebif®) and interferon beta-1b (Betaseron®) for preventing relapse in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. On other outcomes and in other populations, direct evidence is either lacking or shows few differences in effectiveness or safety among the disease-modifying drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis.

The town of Cabar, Croatia, familiar pseudocluster for multiple sclerosis--descriptive epidemiological study.

Association of UV radiation with multiple sclerosis prevalence and sex ratio in France.
French farmers and their families constitute an informative population to study multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence and related epidemiology. We carried out an ecological study to evaluate the association of MS prevalence and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a candidate climatologic risk factor. 
The findings suggest that regional UVB radiation is predictive of corresponding MS prevalence rates and supports the hypothesis that sunlight exposure influences MS risk. The evidence also supports a potential role for gender-specific effects of UVB exposure.

The polymorphisms of the TNF-α gene in multiple sclerosis?--a meta-analysis.
The association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene (TNF-α) polymorphisms has been analyzed in several studies, but conflicting results have been reported. The main purpose of this study was to integrate previous findings and explore whether the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; -238G/A, -308G/A, and -376G/A) of TNF-α are associated with susceptibility to MS. A total of 2,639 patients and 3,303 controls from 21 studies, which were identified by searching the ISI Web of Knowledge database and the PubMed database up to December 2009, were collected for this meta-analysis.

All-cause health care utilization and costs associated with newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis in the United States.

A seasonal periodicity in relapses of multiple sclerosis? A single-center, population-based, preliminary study conducted in Bologna, Italy.

Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis With Chinese Scalp Acupuncture.
Chinese scalp acupuncture is a contemporary acupuncture technique with just 40 years of history. It integrates traditional Chinese needling methods with Western medical knowledge of the cerebral cortex and has been proven to be a very effective technique for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and other central nervous system disorders. A 65-year-old male patient who had had MS for 20 years was treated with Chinese scalp acupuncture. The motor area, sensory area, foot motor and sensory area, balance area, hearing and dizziness area, and tremor area were stimulated once a week for 10 weeks, then once a month for six sessions. After the 16 treatments, the patient showed remarkable improvements. He was able to stand and walk without any problems. The numbness and tingling in his limbs did not bother him anymore. He had more energy and had not experienced incontinence of urine or dizziness after the first treatment. He was able to return to work full time. At this writing, the patient has been in remission for 26 months. This case demonstrates that Chinese scalp acupuncture can be a very effective treatment for patients with MS. Chinese scalp acupuncture holds the potential to expand treatment options for MS in both conventional and complementary or integrative therapies. It can not only relieve symptoms, increase the patient's quality of life, and slow and reverse the progression of physical disability but also reduce the number of relapses and help patients with multiple sclerosis to remain in remission.


Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for fatigue in multiple sclerosis.

Visual search as a tool for a quick and reliable assessment of cognitive functions in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Despite the high frequency of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis, its assessment has not gained entrance into clinical routine yet, due to lack of time-saving and suitable tests for patients with multiple sclerosis.  Visual search is a promising instrument for the assessment of cognitive functions and potentially cognitive changes in patients with multiple sclerosis thanks to its good discriminatory power and insusceptibility to practice effects.

Current and Future Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis.

Decreased circulating miRNA levels in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Characteristics influencing therapy switch behavior after suboptimal response to first-line treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis.
The objective of this paper is to identify patient characteristics and clinical events predictive of therapy switching in patients with suboptimal response to DMT.  Younger patients with disease activity, especially MRI changes, are more likely to have their therapy switched sooner than patients who are older at the time of MS diagnosis and DMT initiation.

Genetic burden of common variants in progressive and bout-onset multiple sclerosis.
The contribution of genetic variants underlying the susceptibility to different clinical courses of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear.  Our results suggest that the liability of disease is better captured by common genetic variants in BOMS than PrMS cases. The absence of inflammatory activity and male gender further raise the difference between clinical courses.

Age-Related Vascular Differences Among Patients Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.

Role of Pathogens in Multiple Sclerosis.

Transplantation of umbilical cord and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Combination of robot-assisted and conventional body-weight-supported treadmill training improves gait in persons with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.
The majority of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience problems with gait, which they characterize as highly disabling impairments that adversely impact their quality of life. Thus, it is crucial to develop effective therapies to improve mobility for these individuals. The purpose of this study was to determine whether combination gait training, using robot-assisted treadmill training followed by conventional body-weight-supported treadmill training within the same session, improved gait and balance in individuals with MS.  Combination of robot with body-weight-supported treadmill training gait training is feasible and improved 6MWT and FRT distances in persons with MS.Video Abstract available (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A62) for more insights from the authors.

Targeting the Immune System in Multiple Sclerosis

Endogenous Retroviruses and Multiple Sclerosis

Evidence for a two-stage disability progression in multiple sclerosis.

Sodium accumulation is associated with disability and a progressive course in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis presenting initially with a worsening of migraine symptoms
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that targets myelinated axons in the central nervous system. Headache has been reported as a subtle symptom of the onset of MS, with a variable frequency of 1.6–28.5%; however, it remains unclear whether headache is a true symptom of MS onset. Here, we report the case of a female patient who had a history of migraine without aura and experienced worsening of migraine-headache symptoms as the initial manifestation of MS. Three similar cases were reported previously; however, unlike this case, those cases had no history of migraine without aura.

To investigate the presence and the nature of cognitive impairment in a large sample of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and to identify clinical and demographic determinants of cognitive impairment in MS.  Our results corroborate the evidence about the presence and the nature of cognitive impairment in a large sample of patients with MS. Furthermore, our findings identify significant clinical and demographic determinants of cognitive impairment in a large sample of MS patients for the first time. Implications for further research and clinical practice were discussed.



Multiple sclerosis (MS) is universally found to be more prevalent in women than men. This has led to extensive studies of differences in the immune system or nervous system between women and men, which might be caused by the effects of gonadal hormones, genetic differences, and different environmental exposures and modern lifestyle in men and women. We review the effects of sex and gender from a genetic, immunological and clinical point of view. We discuss the effects of sex on the clinical expression of MS and responses to therapy, as well as issues concerning pregnancy.

The study of muscle metabolism by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been poorly implemented in multiple sclerosis (MS). Aims of the study were to compare resting muscle oxygen consumption (rmVO2) at gastrocnemius in MS patients and in age-matched healthy controls (HC) measured using NIRS, and to evaluate its possible relationship with patients’ mobility.




Background. Many people with MS fall, but the best method for identifying those at increased fall risk is not known. Objective. To compare how accurately fall history, questionnaires, and physical tests predict future falls and injurious falls in people with MS. Methods. 52 people with MS were asked if they had fallen in the past 2 months and the past year. Subjects were also assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence, Falls Efficacy Scale-International, and Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 questionnaires, the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Timed 25-Foot Walk, and computerized dynamic posturography and recorded their falls daily for the following 6 months with calendars. The ability of baseline assessments to predict future falls was compared using receiver operator curves and logistic regression. Results. All tests individually provided similar fall prediction (area under the curve (AUC) 0.60–0.75). A fall in the past year was the best predictor of falls (AUC 0.75, sensitivity 0.89, specificity 0.56) or injurious falls (AUC 0.69, sensitivity 0.96, specificity 0.41) in the following 6 months. Conclusion. Simply asking people with MS if they have fallen in the past year predicts future falls and injurious falls as well as more complex, expensive, or time-consuming approaches.




Several studies have demonstrated benefits of rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the neuroscientific foundations for rehabilitation in MS are poorly established.  Mechanisms for short- and long-term plasticity may compensate for impaired functional connectivity in MS to mediate behavioural improvements. Future studies are needed to define the neurobiological substrates of this plasticity and the extent to which mechanisms of plasticity in patients may be distinct from those used for motor learning in controls.


Sexual Dysfunction in Male Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Need for Counseling!
Sexuality and sexual health are significant factors in determining the quality of life (QoL). Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most serious causes of neurological disability in young adults, therefore it can considerably reduce sexuality. Physical and cognitive symptoms of MS as well as mental and psycho-social issues can directly affect sexual life and body representation, causing reduced libido and self-esteem. Male patients with MS frequently develop sexual dysfunction (SD) as a result of their neurological impairment: in fact physical, psychological and neuropsychological changes indirectly interfere in the sexual response. Thus, MS physicians' greater concern on SD has led to the enhancement of diagnostic and therapeutic diagnoses on neurogenic SD. Given the increasing number of people coping with MS, a more effective focus on MS-related problems, including SD, is absolutely essential to provide the patients and their partner with the necessary information to achieve a better sexual health and consequently improve their QoL. This review aims to investigate the epidemiology and pathophysiology of SD in male patients, provide an insight into multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and focus on the need of proper counseling.

The relationship between fear of falling to spatiotemporal gait parameters measured by an instrumented treadmill in people with multiple sclerosis.
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) identify mobility limitations as one of the greatest challenges of this disease. Continued loss of mobility and falls are among their greatest concerns for the future. Our objective was to determine if fear of falling is associated with spatial and temporal gait parameters in persons with MS, when measured by an instrumented treadmill.

Targeting the Immune System in Multiple Sclerosis



Down-regulation of Myelin Gene Expression in Human Oligodendrocytes by Nitric Oxide: Implications for Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis.

Profile of Circulatory Metabolites in a Relapsing-remitting Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis using Global Metabolomics.

The stress-buffering effects of hope on changes in adjustment to caregiving in multiple sclerosis.

Epigenome-wide differences in pathology-free regions of multiple sclerosis-affected brains.
sing the Illumina 450K array and a stringent statistical analysis with age and gender correction, we report genome-wide differences in DNA methylation between pathology-free regions derived from human multiple sclerosis-affected and control brains. Differences were subtle, but widespread and reproducible in an independent validation cohort. 

[Paroxysmal dystonia and multiple sclerosis.]
Movement disorders are uncommon in multiple sclerosis, except for tremor. Patients rarely have paroxysmal dystonia (or tonic spasm), which can be the presenting manifestation of the disease.
Dystonia is an under-recognized aspect of paroxysmal events during multiple sclerosis. It might involve ephaptic transmission among abnormal demyelinated neurons; this ectopic excitation can arise at variable levels of the corticospinal tract, but the analysis of reported cases and those described in this study shows that impairment of the posterior limb of the internal capsule seems to be a prevalent topography. Inflammation is likely to play a role because steroids often improve these phenomena. In this article, we review the clinical aspects, pathophysiology and outcome of paroxysmal dystonia in multiple sclerosis.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from multiple sclerosis patients have distinct gene expression profile and decreased suppressive function compared with healthy counterparts.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, due to immune reaction against myelin proteins. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) present immunosuppressive effects and have been used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In our study, gene expression profile and in vitro immunomodulatory function tests were used to compare bone marrow?derived MSCs obtained from MS patients, at pre? and post?autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), with those from healthy donors.

[Cognitive deficits and dementia in patients with multiple sclerosis: status quo and open questions].
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic immune-mediated disease which goes along with serious somatic and psychic symptoms. Whereas recent research rather focussed on the neurological symptoms of MS, there is nowadays an increasing interest among researchers in psychological symptoms of the disease.

Frequency analysis approach to study balance control in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
The ability to control balance is often compromised in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is considered to be a strong contributing factor toward their increased risk of falls.  The observed redistribution of the COP power spectrum when vision is absent indicates that people with MS rely more on the vestibular/somatosensory and proprioceptive systems. The outcome of the study suggests that the COP frequency analysis could be used in identifying the possible sources of balance impairment in people with MS.

Deficits in memory and visuospatial learning correlate with regional hippocampal atrophy in MS.
The hippocampus has a critical role in episodic memory and visuospatial learning and consolidation. We assessed the patterns of whole and regional hippocampal atrophy in a large group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and their correlations with neuropsychological impairment.

CCL2 induction by 1,25(OH)2D3 in dendritic cells from healthy donors and multiple sclerosis patients.


Stress as Provoking Factor for the First and Repeated Multiple Sclerosis Seizures
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory, autoimmune, disease of the white mass of the brain, which sometimes may involve the gray matter (subcortical and ones in the anterior horns of the spinal cord) with the chronic nature and generally with progressive course. As a possible cause of this disease state are listed genetic predisposition, early viral infections and environmental factors, with special effects of stress as a provoking factor in first episode of the disease and relapses because stress leads to modulation of the immune system and immune response to various causes.  An intensive stressor is certainly one of the triggers for the development of Multiple Sclerosis, as the first episode and worsening of previously established disease.

Study provides first class 1 evidence for cognitive rehabilitation in MS
Although disabling cognitive problems that affect functional performance and employment are common in persons with MS, there are very few evidence-based protocols for cognitive rehabilitation in MS.

New understanding, warning signs, and potential treatments for multiple sclerosis
Scientists are gaining a new level of understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) that may lead to new treatments and approaches to controlling the chronic disease, according to new research released at Neuroscience 2013, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world's largest source of emerging news about brain science and health. 

Neuroimaging study sheds light on mechanisms of cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis
A new study by Kessler Foundation scientists sheds light on the mechanisms underlying cognitive fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Cognitive fatigue is fatigue resulting from mental work rather than from physical labor. Genova H et al: Examination of cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis using functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging" was published in PlosOne. This is the first study to use neuroimaging to investigate aspects of cognitive fatigue. The study was funded by grants from the National MS Society and Kessler Foundation. 

Aerobic Exercise Benefits Memory in Persons With MS
A research study headed by Victoria Leavitt, Ph.D. and James Sumowski, Ph.D., of Kessler Foundation, provides the first evidence for beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on brain and memory in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The article, "Aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume and improves memory in multiple sclerosis: Preliminary findings," was released as an epub ahead of print on October 4 by Neurocase: The Neural Basis of Cognition.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease of the central nervous system with a prominent genetic component. The primary genetic risk factor is the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*1501 allele; however, much of the remaining genetic contribution to MS has not been elucidated. The authors investigated the relation between variation in DNA repair pathway genes and risk of MS. Single-locus association testing, epistatic tests of interactions, logistic regression modeling, and nonparametric Random Forests analyses were performed by using genotypes from 1,343 MS cases and 1,379 healthy controls of European ancestry. A total of 485 single nucleotide polymorphisms within 72 genes related to DNA repair pathways were investigated, including base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, and double-strand breaks repair.  

As brain tumours and their treatment may theoretically have a poorer prognosis in inflammatory central nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), all-cause mortality following a brain tumour diagnosis was compared between patients with and without MS. The potential role of age at tumour diagnosis was also examined.  Younger age at tumour diagnosis may contribute to mortality reduction in those with high-grade and uncertain-grade brain tumours. Survival following a brain tumour is not worse in patients with MS; even after age at brain tumour diagnosis and grade of malignancy are taken into account.

Fatigue and sleep problems are very commonly observed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique (PMRT), used as one of the alternative methods in recent years, is reported to have benefits such as facilitating sleep and reducing sensitivity against fatigue. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of PMRT on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with MS.  This study supports the effect of PMRT on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with MS, and it is recommended that further studies be conducted on this subject in the future.

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of intravenous methylprednisolone therapy (IVMP) on the recovery of walking ability in patients experiencing multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, to compare the responsiveness of walking-based measures, and to estimate the impact of different walking-based measures responsiveness on clinical trials.  All applied walking-based measures showed significant improvement of walking ability 1 month after the IVMP. Responsiveness of various walking-based measures notably differ, thus affecting sample size calculations.

We investigated the association between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and cognitive impairment (CI) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Moreover, we evaluated the association between CCSVI and other frequent self-reported MS symptoms.  Our findings suggest a lack of association between CCSVI and CI in MS patients. Fatigue, depressive, bladder/sexual symptoms and self-reported quality of life are not associated with CCSVI.

The efficacy of mitoxantrone induction therapy in rapidly worsening multiple sclerosis (MS) is well established. Plasma exchange is also applied as an adjuvant in exacerbations of relapsing MS. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of combination therapy with mitoxantrone and plasma exchange versus mitoxantrone alone in patients with aggressive MS.  Administration of mitoxantrone as an induction therapy in patients of aggressive relapsing remitting MS results in significant improvement of their clinical state and MRI activity. However, combination of plasma exchange with mitoxantrone gives no more benefits than mitoxantrone alone and sometimes worsens the situation possibly by reduction of mitoxantrone efficacy as a result of plasma exchange.





A passive exoskeleton can push your life up: application on multiple sclerosis patients.
n the present study, we report the benefits of a passive and fully articulated exoskeleton on multiple sclerosis patients by means of behavioral and electrophysiological measures, paying particular attention to the prefrontal cortex activity.

Pupillary response to sparse multifocal stimuli in multiple sclerosis patients.
The objective of this paper is to investigate the pattern of abnormalities and establish the diagnostic power of multifocal objective pupil perimetry (mfPOP) in multiple sclerosis (MS).
mfPOP is well tolerated and potentially has a role in the diagnosis and assessment of patients with MS.

Long-term effects of whole body cryostimulation on uric acid concentration in plasma of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis patients.
Uric acid (UA) has been suggested to be a marker of multiple sclerosis (MS) activity. Whole body cryostimulation (WBCT) is a new form of additional treatment and becoming popular in medicine. Objectives. The aims of this study were to determine the long-term effects of WBCT on the level of plasma UA in selected group of MS patients only with secondary progressive (SPMS) clinical form and verify results with functional state of patients assessed by expanded disability status scale (EDSS).

An RCT to treat learning impairment in multiple sclerosis: The MEMREHAB trial.
To examine the efficacy of the modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT), a 10-session behavioral intervention teaching context and imagery to facilitate learning, to improve learning and memory abilities in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).  The mSMT is effective for improving learning and memory in MS.

Body Mass Index in Multiple Sclerosis: Associations with CSF Neurotransmitter Metabolite Levels.
Body weight and height of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) or clinically isolated syndrome suggesting MS (CIS) in the age range 18 to 60 years (154 males and 315 females) were compared with those of subjects (146 males and 212 females) free of any major neurological disease. In drug-free patients, CSF levels of the metabolites of noradrenaline (MHPG), serotonin (5-HIAA), and dopamine (HVA), neurotransmitters involved in eating behavior, were estimated in searching for associations with body mass index (BMI). 


Treatment of pediatric multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) in children and adolescents has received increased attention during the past decade. Although not tested in randomized placebo-controlled trials, first-line disease-modifying therapies are widely used in patients with MS who are younger than 18 years. 

Accuracy of Postcontrast 3D Turbo Spin Echo MR Sequence for the Detection of Enhanced Inflammatory Lesions in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

MicroRNA Profiling May Provide Biomarkers for Monitoring MS

Shorter Washout Reduces MS Relapse Switching Off Natalizumab

Sodium May Make MS Worse
OPENHAGEN, Denmark — A study for the first time links higher sodium intake with increased clinical and radiologic disease activity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
A high-sodium diet has recently been shown to worsen disease in the animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. "Our study adds some evidence that this effect might be also present in humans as individuals that consume high amounts of sodium have a higher number of lesions on MRI and also more clinical bouts," Mauricio Farez, MD, from the Institute for Neurological Research, Buenos Aires, Argentina, told Medscape Medical News.

 Cholesterol Transport Protein Implicated in MS

Don't Freeze Medicare Rates, Docs Tell Congress

Doctors Complain They Will Be Paid Less by Exchange Plans

Cognitive Therapy, Meds Equal in Curbing Depression Relapse

EU patent call sets stage for Tecfidera launch in Europe 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids of No Benefit in Multiple Sclerosis
The finding, from the 4-year Omega-3 Fatty Acid Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis (OFAMS) trial, goes against those of preliminary studies that suggested omega-3 supplementation would have a protective effect in MS, lead author Øivind Torkildsen, MD, PhD, from Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway, told Medscape Medical News.

Masitinib Treatment in Patients With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Immunotherapy in Multiple Sclerosis

Influence of multiple sclerosis, age and degree of disability, in the position of the contrast sensitivity curve peak.

A polymorphism in the resistin gene promoter and the risk of multiple sclerosis.

The Evaluation of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Multiple Sclerosis with Special-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

Y-39983, a Selective Rho-Kinase Inhibitor, Attenuates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis via Inhibition of Demyelination.

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in multiple sclerosis pathology.

Discovery of peptoid ligands for anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies.

A pragmatic parallel arm multi-centre randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based fatigue management programme (FACETS) for people with multiple sclerosis 

Immune competence after alemtuzumab treatment of multiple sclerosis

Retinal periphlebitis is associated with multiple sclerosis severity

Cytomegalovirus seropositivity is negatively associated with multiple sclerosis

Endogenous Retroviruses and Multiple Sclerosis

Interdependence and Contributions of Sun Exposure and Vitamin D to MRI Measures in Multiple Sclerosis

Exercise and Disease Progression in Multiple Sclerosis
It has been suggested that exercise (or physical activity) might have the potential to have an impact on multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology and thereby slow down the disease process in MS patients. The objective of this literature review was to identify the literature linking physical exercise (or activity) and MS disease progression.

Revisiting Statins in Multiple Sclerosis

A Role in Monitoring Multiple Sclerosis?

Possible Immune Target Identified in Multiple Sclerosis
t is assumed that in MS, the immune system recognizes proteins of the myelin sheath as antigenic, setting in motion an inflammatory reaction resulting in demyelination of the axons, breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, and the formation of lesions. However, the exact target of the immune response involved in MS has continually eluded researchers.

Smoking: Effects on Multiple Sclerosis Susceptibility and Disease Progression
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with both genetic and environmental factors that influence disease susceptibility. Exposure to cigarette smoke is emerging as a viable environmental risk factor for MS that contributes to both increased disease susceptibility and more rapid disease advancement. The relative risk for MS development is approximately 1.5 for smokers compared with nonsmokers. Furthermore, there may be important interactions between smoking, an individual's genetic background, and other environmental risk exposures. This review summarizes the current evidence supporting the association of smoking with MS risk and disease course, with additional comments on causation.

Behavioral Interventions in Multiple Sclerosis
Managing uncertainty is a major challenge associated with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). In addition to physical symptoms, neuropsychiatric symptoms are highly prevalent in this disease. Depression in particular is more common in MS than in other chronic diseases. While substantial achievements have been made in the therapy of MS and an increasing number of immunomodulatory treatments are now available, the long-term benefits of these are still a matter of debate. Importantly, while the approved therapies show good efficacy on inflammatory lesions and relapse rate, and may slow certain aspects of disease progression, improvements in function have rarely been reported.

Neurogenesis In The Chronic Lesions Of Multiple Sclerosis
Subcortical white matter in the adult human brain contains a population of interneurons that helps regulate cerebral blood flow. We investigated the fate of these neurons following subcortical white matter demyelination. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine neurons in normal-appearing subcortical white matter and seven acute and 59 chronic demyelinated lesions in brains from nine patients with multiple sclerosis and four controls.

Women With Multiple Sclerosis Have High Rate of Migraine




Multiple Sclerosis Cases Hit 2.3 Million Worldwide

Multiple Sclerosis: Autoimmune or Neurodegenerative?

Therapeutic Decision Making in a New Drug Era in Multiple Sclerosis

Cortical Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis

Studies Show Promise for Angioplasty in Multiple Sclerosis

Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Immunotherapy in Multiple Sclerosis
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are specialized APCs implicated in the pathogenesis of many human diseases.

Jacobian integration method increases the statistical power to measure gray matter atrophy in multiple sclerosis.

Brain atrophy: an in-vivo measure of disease activity in multiple sclerosis.

Exercise therapy and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable disease, and despite current pharmacologic treatment being effective in reducing relapse rates and lesion burden, there is little evidence that these treatments work as effectively in preventing disability progression. In such cases, non-pharmacologic techniques such as exercise therapy with rehabilitation purposes may play an important role.

Using magnetic resonance imaging in animal models to guide drug development in multiple sclerosis.
Major advances are taking place in the development of therapeutics for multiple sclerosis (MS), with a move past traditional immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive therapies toward medications aimed at promoting remyelination or neuroprotection. With an increase in diversity of MS therapies comes the need to assess the effectiveness of such therapies.

Cortical plasticity predicts recovery from relapse in multiple sclerosis.
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is characterized by the occurrence of clinical relapses, followed by remitting phases of a neurological deficit. Clinical remission after a relapse can be complete, with a return to baseline function that was present before, but is sometimes only partial or absent. Remyelination and repair of the neuronal damage do contribute to recovery, but they are usually incomplete.  Synaptic plasticity may contribute to symptom recovery after a relapse in MS; and PAS, measured during a relapse, may be used as a predictor of recovery.

Disclosure of diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in the workplace positively affects employment status and job tenure.
For many employees with multiple sclerosis (MS), disclosure of their diagnosis at work is seen as a high-risk strategy that might lead to diminished perceptions of their capabilities by supervisors and colleagues, if not outright discrimination. The consequence of this mistrust surrounding the disclosure process is that employees with MS may leave it until too late to effectively manage symptoms at work.  This study provides the first empirical support for the positive role of disclosure in maintaining employment status, measured both as job retention and tenure in current employment.

Extending technology-aided leisure and communication programs to persons with spinal cord injury and post-coma multiple disabilities.

Clinical and demographic factors affecting disease severity in patients with multiple sclerosis.
The clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) evolves over many years. Its prognosis is highly variable among affected individuals, i.e. while some suffer from early severe disabilities, others remain ambulatory and functional for many years. We used Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) and the new classification for MS severity Herbert et al. introduced in 2006 according to MSSS, to investigate some clinical and demographic factors as potential indicators of disease severity in in MS.  Early prediction of disease severity by demographic and clinical features is currently impossible. We need to determine stronger predictors, possibly a combination of demographic, clinical, biomarkers, and imaging findings.

Magnetic Resonance Monitoring of Lesion Evolution in Multiple Sclerosis
Disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) is strongly linked to the formation of new lesions, which involves a complex sequence of inflammatory, degenerative, and reparative processes. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, such as T2-weighted and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted sequences, are highly sensitive in demonstrating the spatial and temporal dissemination of demyelinating plaques in the brain and spinal cord. Hence, these techniques can provide quantitative assessment of disease activity in patients with MS, and they are commonly used in monitoring treatment efficacy in clinical trials and in individual cases. However, the correlation between conventional MRI measures of disease activity and the clinical manifestations of the disease, particularly irreversible disability, is weak.

Employment and multiple sclerosis in new zealand.

A preliminary path analysis: Effect of psychopathological symptoms, mental and physical dysfunctions related to quality of life and body mass index on fatigue severity of Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease with fatigue as most prevalent symptom. Psychopathological symptoms, physical and mental dysfunctions and body mass abnormalities potentially could deteriorate fatigue. Thus, in this study, we aimed at evaluating the effect of these factors on fatigue severity of MS patients.  Present study made the role of psychopathological symptoms and physical and mental dysfunctions prominent in exacerbation of fatigue severity. Moreover, we can refer to more sensible effect of physical dysfunction related to life on fatigue.


Growth Hormone and Disease Severity in Early Stage of Multiple Sclerosis.

The Fluctuating Natural Course of CCSVI in MS Patients and Controls, a Prospective Follow-Up.
OBJECTIVES: A new treatable venous disorder, chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), has been proposed in patients with multiple sclerosis. The natural course of CCSVI has not been examined yet. This is crucial given the fact that surgical procedures are increasingly offered to MS patients to treat venous stenosis.
CONCLUSIONS: ECD examination shows a fluctuating natural course of the extracranial venous haemodynamics, which makes determination of CCSVI by ECD examination unreliable.


Evolutive Study of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis with Cervical Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. A Case Report.

Spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis - clinical characteristics, treatment and quality of life.
Aims: To gain real-life data on demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, treatment satisfaction and quality-of-life of multiple sclerosis-related spasticity (MSS) in Germany.
Conclusions: Spasticity and its symptoms impair personal well-being and quality-of-life. Treatment of spasticity with drugs and physiotherapy is common, but satisfaction with the currently available anti-spastic pharmacotherapy is low.

The molecular study of IFNβ pleiotropic roles in MS treatment.
MS) is one of the most important autoimmune diseases recognized by demyelination and axonal lesion. It is the most common cause of disability in the young population. Various immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapies, including different formulations of interferon beta (IFNβ), glatiramer acetate (GA), mitoxantrone, and natalizumab are available for this disease. However, interferon has been the best prescribed.

Dietary pattern and risk of multiple sclerosis.
It has been suggested that nutrition might play a role in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, dietary patterns associated with MS risk are unknown. This study was conducted to compare the dietary patterns of patients with MS and healthy controls to find the relationship between dietary patterns and MS.  Our findings showed that the risk of RRMS can be affected by major dietary patterns.

Optical coherence tomography versus visual evoked potential in multiple sclerosis patients.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive instrument, which can be used to estimate the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and provides an indirect measurement of axonal destruction in multiple sclerosis (MS). The main aim of this study was to find out any correlations between P100 latency in visual evoked potential (VEP) and RNFL thickness. 
OCT does have good correlations with P100 latency, indicating retinal non-myelinated axonal involvement in early stages in addition to the myelinated axonal involvement. However, it cannot be used as the sole test in evaluating visual pathway in optic neuritis and complementary tests as VEPs are recommended.

Reversible therapy-related dysplastic hematopoiesis following Beta Interferon Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Report of 2 Cases.
Interferon beta-la and -1b have been increasingly used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The most frequent systemic adverse effects are flu-like symptoms. Laboratory abnormalities include asymptomatic leukopenia and elevated hepatic transaminases. Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) refers to a spectrum of hematological disorders which can occur in different situations. Several hematological abnormalities have been reported following interferon therapy.  Both of our cases were reversible; although treatment with IFNβ-1a and-1b is safe and well tolerated in the majority of population, we should be careful about this premalignant hematological disorder.

Effect of honey bee venom on lewis rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, a model for multiple sclerosis.
(MS) is a progressive and autoimmune neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). This disease is recognized through symptoms like inflammation, demyelination and the destruction of neurological actions. Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely accepted animal model for MS. EAE is created in animals by injecting the tissue of myelin basic protein (MBP), CNS, or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) along with the adjuvant. EAE and MS are similar diseases. Honey Bee venom (Apis mellifera) contains a variety of low and high molecular weight peptides and proteins, including melittin, apamin, adolapin, mast cell degranulating peptide and phospholipase A2.

Neuroprotection in a novel mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

Mortality following a brain tumour diagnosis in patients with multiple sclerosis.
As brain tumours and their treatment may theoretically have a poorer prognosis in inflammatory central nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), all-cause mortality following a brain tumour diagnosis was compared between patients with and without MS. The potential role of age at tumour diagnosis was also examined.  Younger age at tumour diagnosis may contribute to mortality reduction in those with high-grade and uncertain-grade brain tumours. Survival following a brain tumour is not worse in patients with MS; even after age at brain tumour diagnosis and grade of malignancy are taken into account.

Let's rehabilitate cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis.
Up to 60% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience cognitive dysfunction, with prominent involvement of complex attention, information processing speed, executive functions, episodic memory, and visuospatial abilities. Since MS-related cognitive deficits can substantially affect a wide range of daily life activities (e.g., work, driving, social integration, and adherence to medication regimens), it is imperative that we identify and develop strategies to alleviate them.


Efficacy and safety of BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate) and other disease modifying therapies for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and mixed treatment comparison.
Currently, direct comparative evidence or head-to-head data between BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate) and other disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) is limited. This study is a systematic review and data synthesis of published randomized clinical trials comparing the efficacy and safety of existing DMTs to BG-12 for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS).   Based on indirect comparison, BG-12 offers an effective oral treatment option for patients with RRMS with an overall promising efficacy and safety profile compared to currently approved DMTs. Key limitations of the systematic review were the large heterogeneity in patients enrolled, and the variability in the definition of outcomes in included trials.

Prevalence of joint contractures and muscle weakness in people with multiple sclerosis.
Abstract Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of joint contracture (limited passive range of joint motion) and muscle weakness in a population with multiple sclerosis (MS). A secondary aim was to establish normative data of functional tests of mobility and balance of people with MS who are still ambulant.  These data show that in addition to muscle weakness joint contractures are highly prevalent among people with MS, especially in the ankle joint. This implicates that prevention of contracture is crucial in providing rehabilitation to people with MS. Implications for Rehabilitation Joint contractures are highly prevalent of people with MS, especially in the lower limb, even at an early stage. While many interventions such as stretching and serial casting have been implemented to reduce contractures, there is not yet strong evidence for their effectiveness. Further research is required.

Relating relapse and T2 lesion changes to disability progression in multiple sclerosis: a systematic literature review and regression analysis.
In the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), the most important therapeutic aim of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) is to prevent or postpone long-term disability. Given the typically slow progression observed in the majority of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients, the primary endpoint for most randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is a reduction in relapse rate. It is widely assumed that reducing relapse rate will slow disability progression. Similarly, MRI studies suggest that reducing T2 lesions will be associated with slowing long-term disability in MS. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between treatment effects on relapse rates and active T2 lesions to differences in disease progression (as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]) in trials evaluating patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), RRMS, and secondary progressive MS (SPMS).  Treatment differences in relapse reduction and T2 lesions are positively related to differences in disease progression over the first two years of treatment.

Treatment options for patients with multiple sclerosis who have a suboptimal response to interferon-β therapy.
Although the first-line disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) interferon beta and glatiramer acetate have a favourable benefit-to-risk profile, they are only partially effective for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The optimization of treatment in patients who do not show a maximum response to first-line therapy is critical for achieving the best long-term outcomes. Treatment strategies for patients with a suboptimal response include switching to another first-line DMT or a second-line DMT. Natalizumab and fingolimod are approved for RRMS with high disease activity in the European Union and Canada.  A descriptive comparison of fingolimod and natalizumab is provided in the context of the decision-making process of how and when to switch patients who have a suboptimal response to first-line therapy.

Patient-related factors may affect the outcome of neuropsychological rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis.
The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with neuropsychological rehabilitation outcome in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).  Patient-related factors may affect neuropsychological rehabilitation outcome in MS.

Low contrast visual acuity testing is associated with cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional pilot study.

Effect of treadmill training on fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.
People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) tend to be less physically active than the general population. Limited physical activity increases fatigue, possibly affecting other functions such as balance. Treadmill training is a promising method to ameliorate these symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of treadmill training on fatigue and balance.

Multiple Sclerosis International Federation: Stimulating international cooperation in researc.

A novel pH-sensitive interferon-β (INF-β) oral delivery system for application in multiple sclerosis.

Lower Serum Levels of Th2-Related Chemokine CCL22 in Women Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Comparison Between Patients and Healthy Women.

The glutathione S-transferase T1 deletion is associated with susceptibility to multiple sclerosis.

The influence of disease duration, clinical course, and immunosuppressive therapy on the synthesis of intrathecal oligoclonal IgG bands in multiple sclerosis.

Metabolomic approach to human brain spectroscopy identifies associations between clinical features and the frontal lobe metabolome in multiple sclerosis.

Muscle-specific kinase antibody positive myaesthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis co-presentation: A case report and literature review.

Electroconvulsive therapy in patient with psychotic depression and multiple sclerosis.

Fatigue and sleep-disordered breathing in multiple sclerosis: a clinically relevant association?
Objective. To evaluate the importance of routine respirography in MS patients with severe fatigue and to explore the effects of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Conclusion. Respirography in MS patients with severe fatigue should be considered in daily medical practice, because SDB frequency is high and CPAP therapy reduces fatigue severity.

Factors affecting bone mineral density in multiple sclerosis patients.
 BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease which can cause many disabilities for the patient. Recent data suggests that MS patients have higher risk for osteoporosis. This study was performed to investigate if the osteoporosis prevalence is higher in MS patients and to determine the possible factors affecting bone mineral density (BMD).
CONCLUSION: As a result of this study, bone loss inevitably occurs in MS patients. The major factor of BMD loss is immobility. Osteoporosis should be managed as part of MS patients' treatment protocols.

Comparison of serum levels of copper and zinc among multiple sclerosis patients and control group.

Can multiple sclerosis as a cognitive disorder influence patients' dreams?
Dream should be considered as a kind of cognitive ability that is formed parallel to other cognitive capabilities like language. On the other hand, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease that can involve different aspects of our cognition. Therefore, MS may influence patients' dreams. In fact, we do not know what the importance of dream is in MS, but further studies may introduce dream and dreaming as a sign of improvement or progression in MS disease.

The relation between peptide hormones and sex hormone in patients with multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND: Hormones can play a significant role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to compare levels of ghrelin, leptin, and testosterone hormones of MS patients with healthy subjects, and assess the relationship between levels of peptide hormone and sex hormones in MS patients.
CONCLUSION: According to the results, there was no significant difference between peptide and sex hormones of MS patients and healthy persons. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between peptide and sex hormones of MS patients and healthy persons.

Is serum vitamin D levels associated with disability in patients with newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis?
BACKGROUND: Although the precise etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unknown, it seems that both genetic and environmental factors are important. Recent studies suggest that low serum vitamin D levels are important environmental factor in MS. The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of vitamin D between MS patients and healthy subjects, and to determine its association with disability in MS patients.
CONCLUSION: Our findings did not suggest a protective association for serum vitamin D levels against disability in MS patients.

Prevalence of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis and its effect on the quality of life.
OBJECTIVE: This prospective study was carried out to observe the prevalence of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and its effect on quality-of-life (QoL).
CONCLUSION: Prevalence of fatigue was found to be high in the MS patients in the study. All four domains of QoL were significantly more impaired in the group with fatigue than in those without fatigue.

Baló's concentric sclerosis in a girl with interesting presentation.

Neurological manifestations in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.

Physical trauma and risk of multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Relating relapse and T2 lesion changes to disability progression in multiple sclerosis: a systematic literature review and regression analysis.

Anesthetic technique in a patient with multiple sclerosis scheduled for laparoscopic nephrectomy for a renal tumor: a case report.

Prevalence of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis: a blinded sonographic evaluation.

Cladribine interferes with IL-1β synaptic effects in experimental multiple sclerosis.

Elevated and dysregulated bone morphogenic proteins in immune cells of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Promoting Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis-Recent Advances.

Anesthetic technique in a patient with multiple sclerosis scheduled for laparoscopic nephrectomy for a renal tumor: a case report.


Modeling disease severity in multiple sclerosis using electronic health records.


Prevalence of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis: a blinded sonographic evaluation.
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency is a haemodynamic condition strongly associated with multiple sclerosis and is not found in normal controls. The addition of M-mode ultrasound to the diagnostic protocol allows improved observation of venous valve abnormalities.


Clinical Outcomes Following Surgical Management of Coexistent Cervical Stenosis and Multiple Sclerosis: A Cohort Controlled Analysis.
Myelopathic patients with coexisting MS and CS improve after surgery, although at a lower rate and to a lesser degree than those without MS. Therefore, surgery should be considered for these patients. MS patients should be informed that 1) myelopathy symptoms are less likely to be alleviated completely or may only be alleviated temporarily due to progression of MS, and 2) that surgery can help alleviate neck pain and radicular symptoms.


[Impact of physical activity level on alexithymia and coping strategies in an over-40 multiple sclerosis population: A pilot study.]
This study provides insight for future research about the impact of physical activity on multiple sclerosis.


What do multiple sclerosis patients and their caregivers perceive as unmet needs?
A better understanding of MS patient needs, starting from the point of view of patients and caregivers, could have a great impact on quality of life and on management of the disease.


Treatment options for patients with multiple sclerosis who have a suboptimal response to interferon-β therapy.

A descriptive comparison of fingolimod and natalizumab is provided in the context of the decision-making process of how and when to switch patients who have a suboptimal response to first-line therapy.


Prolonged-release fampridine improves walking in a proportion of patients with multiple sclerosis.
Fampridine is indicated to improve walking in adult multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Indications vary between countries and the prescribing neurologist should be aware of the labeling and indication in his own country. 


Prevalence of joint contractures and muscle weakness in people with multiple sclerosis.
Abstract Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of joint contracture (limited passive range of joint motion) and muscle weakness in a population with multiple sclerosis (MS). A secondary aim was to establish normative data of functional tests of mobility and balance of people with MS who are still ambulant. Design: Cross-sectional study.


Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and encephalomyelitis disseminata/multiple sclerosis show remarkable levels of similarity in phenomenology and neuroimmune characteristics.


Examination of Cognitive Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging.


Preserved Antigen-Specific Immune Response in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Responding to IFNβ-Therapy.


Care ethics for guiding the process of multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Assessment of cardiac safety during fingolimod treatment initiation in a real-world relapsing multiple sclerosis population: a phase 3b, open-label study.


Is There Extra Cost of Institutional Care for MS Patients?
hroughout life, patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) require increasing levels of support, rehabilitative services, and eventual skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. There are concerns that access to SNF care for MS patients is limited because of perceived higher costs of their care. This study compares costs of caring for an MS patient versus those of a typical SNF patient. We merged SNF cost report data with the 2001-2006 Nursing Home Minimum Data Set (MDS) to calculate percentage of MS residents-days and facility case-mix indices (CMIs).

Cost minimisation analysis of fingolimod vs natalizumab as a second line of treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Fingolimod is more efficient than natalizumab as a second-line treatment option for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and it generates savings for the Spanish national health system.

[Need for creating Polish registry of multiple sclerosis patients].

Predictors of effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment on motor dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.
These data confirm that an intensive inpatient rehabilitation program is able to produce a short-term relevant improvement on clinical and functional outcome measures and suggest some clinical features which can be considered as potential predictors of the outcome of rehabilitative intervention.


The Promoter SNP, but not the Alternative Splicing SNP, is Linked to Multiple Sclerosis Among Jordanian Patients.

Rare Inflammatory Diseases of the White Matter and Mimics of Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.

Effects of a 4-month Ananda Yoga Program on Physical and Mental Health Outcomes for Persons With Multiple Sclerosis.

Adding to the burden: gastrointestinal symptoms and syndromes in multiple sclerosis.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness, Brain Atrophy, and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.
This study shows that RNFL thickness correlates with BCR and with MS subtypes. Additionally, our study indicates that OCT is better suited for MS assessment than GDx. We conclude that the damage of retinal axons appears related to brain damage in patients with MS.

Functional brain network analysis using minimum spanning trees in Multiple Sclerosis: An MEG source-space study.

Impact of delayed diagnosis and treatment in clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis research: diagnostics, disease-modifying treatments, and emerging therapies.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease that affects the central nervous system. It is believed to be an immune mediated disease, and although the etiology remains unknown, it is believed to occur from a combination of genetic risk factors and environmental risk factors. There is no single diagnostic test for MS, and diagnostic criteria have been developed to aid the provider in making an accurate and timely diagnosis.

Regional brain atrophy and functional connectivity changes related to fatigue in multiple sclerosis.
Fatigue is one of the most frequent symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS), and recent studies have described a relationship between the sensorimotor cortex and its afferent and efferent pathways as a substrate of fatigue. The objectives of this study were to assess the neural correlates of fatigue in MS through gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) atrophy, and resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) of the sensorimotor network (SMN).  Efficacy and safety of laquinimod in multiple sclerosis: current status.

Voxel-Wise Displacement as Independent Features in Classification of Multiple Sclerosis.

Activation of MSRV-Type Endogenous Retroviruses during Infectious Mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr Virus Latency: The Missing Link with Multiple Sclerosis?

A Mathematical Framework for the Registration and Analysis of Multi-Fascicle Models for Population Studies of the Brain Microstructure.

Percutaneous sclerotherapy with ethanolamine oleate for venous malformations of the head and neck.
Percutaneous sclerotherapy with ethanolamine oleate appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of venous malformations and should be considered when treating these complex lesions. The efficacy of this agent appears to match or exceed that of other sclerosants used for such treatment, and further investigation in prospective controlled research is warranted.

No evidence for shared genetic basis of common variants in multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis-induced neuropathic pain: pharmacological management and pathophysiological insights from rodent EAE models.
In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), pain is a frequent and disabling symptom. The prevalence is in the range 29-86 % depending upon the assessment protocols utilised and the definition of pain applied. Neuropathic pain that develops secondary to demyelination, neuroinflammation and axonal damage in the central nervous system is the most distressing and difficult type of pain to treat.

Risk of multiple sclerosis after optic neuritis in patients with normal baseline brain MRI.
When assessing and managing a patient with optic neuritis (ON), the risk of future development of multiple sclerosis (MS) is an important issue, as this can be the first presentation of the disease. Although the presence of lesions on baseline brain MRI is the strongest predictor of MS conversion, some patients with normal imaging also develop MS.

Characteristics of multiple sclerosis in the Middle East with special reference to the applicability of international guidelines to the region.
Abstract We have reviewed the clinical literature with reference to the local applicability of guidelines for the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Middle East.

Quantitative MRI analysis in children with multiple sclerosis: a multicenter feasibility pilot study.
Assessment of MRI lesion LV characteristics is feasible in a multicenter cohort of children with MS.

Assessments of nursing home guidelines for quality of care provided to residents with multiple sclerosis.

IL-12, but not IL-23, induces the expression of IL-7 in microglia and macrophages: Implications for multiple sclerosis.


TNFRSF1A in multiple sclerosis: A tale of soluble receptors and signaling cascades
   Pentti J. Tienari and Reinhard Hohlfeld
   Neurology. published 30 October 2013,
   10.1212/01.wnl.0000436624.56026.eb
   http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/01.wnl.0000436624.56026.ebv1?ct=ct


Clinical relevance and functional consequences of the TNFRSF1A multiple sclerosis locus
   Linda Ottoboni, Irene Y. Frohlich, Michelle Lee, Brian C. Healy,
   Brendan T. Keenan, Zongqi Xia, Tanuja Chitnis, Charles R. Guttmann,
   Samia J. Khoury, Howard L. Weiner, David A. Hafler, and Philip L. De
   Jager
   Neurology. published 30 October 2013,
   10.1212/01.wnl.0000436612.66328.8a
   http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/01.wnl.0000436612.66328.8av1?ct=ct


Early pathological alterations of lower lumbar cords detected by ultrahigh-field MRI in a mouse multiple sclerosis model   Yuki Mori, Masaaki Murakami, Yasunobu Arima, Dasong Zhu, Yasuo
   Terayama, Yutaka Komai, Yuji Nakatsuji, Daisuke Kamimura, and
   Yoshichika Yoshioka
   Int. Immunol. published 29 October 2013, 10.1093/intimm/dxt044
   http://intimm.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/dxt044v2?ct=ct

Alemtuzumab-Related Thyroid Dysfunction in a Phase 2 Trial of Patients with
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
   Gilbert H. Daniels, Anton Vladic, Vesna Brinar, Igor Zavalishin,
   William Valente, Pedro Oyuela, Jeffrey Palmer, and David H. Margolin
   J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. published 29 October 2013,
   10.1210/jc.2013-2201
   http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/jc.2013-2201v1?ct=ct

 
Assessments of nursing home guidelines for quality of care provided to residents with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis International Federation: Stimulating international cooperation in research.The MS International Federation (MSIF), established in 1967, links the activities of over 85 national multiple sclerosis (MS) societies worldwide. Over those 45 years, and particularly in the last 20, it has seen dramatic changes in our understanding, treatment, and multidisciplinary management of people with MS.

Multiple sclerosis research: diagnostics, disease-modifying treatments, and emerging therapies.

Effects of walking direction and cognitive challenges on gait in persons with multiple sclerosis.


Long-term impact of interferon beta-1b in patients with CIS: 8-year follow-up of BENEFIT.


No evidence for shared genetic basis of common variants in multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.


Dalfampridine improves walking speed, walking endurance, and
Neuroimaging biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia.

community participation in veterans with multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal cohort study.

Efficacy and safety of BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate) and other disease modifying therapies for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and mixed treatment comparison.

Low contrast visual acuity testing is associated with cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional pilot study.
Our data show that: a) cognitive impairment and performance in visual function tests such as low contrast sensitivity testing are associated; b) the main cognitive domains correlating with visual test performance are information processing speed and, to a lesser degree, memory; This preliminary data needs to be substantiated in further studies investigating patients with a higher cognitive burden, healthy controls and in longitudinal settings.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness, Brain Atrophy, and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Review of laquinimod and its therapeutic potential in multiple sclerosis.

Teriflunomide: A Review of Its Use in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis.

Effect of treadmill training on fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

The Regulation of Reactive Changes Around Multiple Sclerosis Lesions by Phosphorylated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription.


It is well documented that disability accumulation in multiple sclerosis is correlated with axonal injury and that the extent of axonal injury is correlated with the degree of inflammation. However, the interdependence between focal inflammation, diffuse inflammation and neurodegeneration, and their relative contribution to clinical deficits, remains ambiguous.

PRO measures were improved with natalizumab in a real-world setting. The improvements were observed as early as after 3 months and sustained over a 12-month period. The improvements in PROs show that, in clinical practice, the clinical benefits of natalizumab are translated into patient-reported benefits.

The association between MS disease and the MSRV-type HERV-W element now appears quite strong, as evidenced ex-vivo from serum and PBMC with post-mortem confirmation in brain lesions. Chronic progressive MS, RRMS and clinically isolated syndrome show different ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and/or PCR profiles suggestive of an increase with disease evolution, and amplicon sequencing confirms the association with particular HERV-W elements.

Differential diagnosis leading to MS or alternatives is complex and a strong evidence base is lacking. Consensus-determined guidelines provide a practical path for diagnosis and will be useful for the non-MS specialist neurologist. Recommendations are made for future research to validate and support these guidelines. Guidance on the differential diagnosis process when MS is under consideration will enhance diagnostic accuracy and precision.

We demonstrated for the first time, albeit only with preliminary data, the aprioristic possibility of distinguishing naive and IFN-treated MS groups from controls, and naive from IFN-treated MS patients using a blood sample-based methodology (i.e. proteomics) alone. The functional profile of the identified molecules provides new pathophysiological insight into MS. Future development of these techniques could open up novel applications in terms of molecular diagnosis and therapy monitoring in MS patients.

These results do not support a major role of stress in the development of the disease, but repeated and more focused measures of stress are needed to firmly exclude stress as a potential risk factor for MS.


Poor sleep is common in patients with MS. Early identification and treatment of modifiable risk factors may improve sleep and quality of life in MS.


Our findings, show no correlation between EA, CD and postpartum relapses and disability. Therefore these procedures can safely be applied in MS patients. On the other hand, post-partum relapses are significantly associated with increased disability, which calls for the need of preventive therapies after delivery.





Nearly one-half of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis using natalizumab are DNA-JC virus positive.
Objective Natalizumab is a new and efficient treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). The risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) during the use of this drug has created the need for better comprehension of JC virus (JCV) infection.

Evaluation of changes in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and visual functions in cases of optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis.
RNFL thickness is reduced in ON and MS cases in a pattern similar to Caucasians and is associated with the magnitude of impairment of other visual parameters. Contrast sensitivity and stereoacuity are useful tests to identify subclinical optic nerve involvement in multiple sclerosis.


Utilization of physical rehabilitation among people with multiple sclerosis.
Rehabilitation of MS patients is not systematically provided, especially in early stages of disease when best results can be achieved.

Treatment patterns in multiple sclerosis: administrative claims analysis over 10 years.
Changes in treatment patterns in the first half of the observation period were reflective of the addition of IFNβ-1a SC to the market in 2002. Following the 2003 and 2008 anchor prescriptions there were differences in treatment patterns, with more IFNβ-1a IM users being changed to IFNβ-1a SC after the 2003 anchor DMT, and more of each of the interferons and NZ being changed to GA following the 2008 anchor DMT. With the introduction of oral therapies for MS, treatment patterns will again be impacted.

Factors related to difficulties with employment in patients with multiple sclerosis: a review of 2002-2011 literature.
We assess the knowledge available on the difficulties experienced by multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in work-related activities. A literature review was carried out using the keywords 'multiple sclerosis' and 'employment' or 'work' through PubMed and EMBASE.

Level of mobility limitations and falls status in persons with multiple sclerosis.
The current findings highlight that fall rates including recurrent fall prevalence is not uniform across mobility aid categories in persons with MS. Those using bilateral assistance for gait have the highest prevalence of fallers and those with walking limitations and not yet using an aid had the greatest prevalence of multiple falls.

Multiple sclerosis starting before the age of 18 years: the Brazilian experience.

Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Verona, Italy: an epidemiological and genetic study.
Indications for hospitalization and in-hospital mortality in Thai systemic sclerosis.

The month of birth effect in multiple sclerosis: systematic review, meta-analysis and effect of latitude.

Epileptic seizures in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.

Multiple Sclerosis International Federation: Stimulating international cooperation in research.

[Resources and Self-Management Skills in Multiple Sclerosis Patients - Can the Scale Structure of the Questionnaire FERUS be Replicated?]

Single-Institution Retrospective Series of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis-Related Trigeminal Neuralgia: Factors that Predict Efficacy.

Fully automatic detection of deep white matter T1 hypointense lesions in multiple sclerosis.

A decade of data for the uk multiple sclerosis risk-sharing scheme.

Respiratory tract rather than cutaneous atopic allergy inversely associate with multiple sclerosis: a case-control study.

Neuroborreliosis during natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis.

Impact of disease-modifying therapies on the survival of patients with multiple sclerosis in Taiwan, 1997-2008.
The results of this study support the notion that DMTs can improve the survival of patients with MS, and show that individuals with the risk factors of older age, rural residence and lower economic status had a higher MS-related mortality risk in Taiwan.

Detection of B-cell populations with monotypic light chain expression in cerebrospinal fluid specimens from patients with multiple sclerosis by polychromatic flow cytometry.

Preliminary study related the incidence of methylprednisolone pulse therapy in patients visited multiple sclerosis clinic located at the isfahan kashani hospital.

Effects of exercise training on fitness, mobility, fatigue, and health-related quality of life among adults with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review to inform guideline development.
Among those with mild to moderate disability from MS, there is sufficient evidence that exercise training is effective for improving both aerobic capacity and muscular strength. Exercise may improve mobility, fatigue, and health-related quality of life.

Incidence of multiple sclerosis in multiple racial and ethnic groups.
Our findings do not support the widely accepted assertion that blacks have a lower risk of MS than whites. A possible explanation for our findings is that people with darker skin tones have lower vitamin D levels and thereby an increased risk of MS, but this would not explain why Hispanics and Asians have a lower risk of MS than whites or why the higher risk of MS among blacks was found only among women.

Month of birth and risk of multiple sclerosis in a Portuguese population.

Squinting through layers of fog: assessing the cost effectiveness of treatments for multiple sclerosis.
There are many complexities for those designing and reporting cost-effectiveness studies of treatments for MS. Analysts, and ultimately decision makers, face multiple data and methodological challenges. Policy makers, technology developers, clinicians, patients and researchers need to acknowledge and address these challenges and to consider recommendations that will improve the current scenario. There  is a need for further research that can constructively inform decision-making regarding the funding of treatments for MS.

Increased incidence of multiple sclerosis in the Veneto region, Italy.

A novel method for calculating prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Australia.

Newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis in state of Qatar.
MS in Qatar is an emerging disorder especially in the native population. The pattern of disease differs from other Middle Eastern countries by its milder clinical and aggressive radiologic disease presentation.

Lung volume recruitment in multiple sclerosis.

Risk of multiple sclerosis following clinically isolated syndrome: a 4-year prospective study.
The aim of the study was to estimate the rate of conversion from clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) to multiple sclerosis (MS) and to investigate variables predicting conversion in a cohort of patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of MS. Patients with a first symptom suggestive of MS in the preceding 6 months and exclusion of other diseases were enrolled in an observational prospective study  from December 2004 through June 2007.






Advances in the treatment of relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis — critical appraisal of fingolimod











How does fingolimod (gilenya(®)) fit in the treatment algorithm for highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis?

Adverse events during the titration phase of interferon-beta in remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis are not predicted by body mass index nor by pharmacodynamic biomarkers

A pragmatic parallel arm multi-centre randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based fatigue management programme (FACETS) for people with multiple sclerosis.

Teriflunomide in relapsing multiple sclerosis: therapeutic utility.

Magnetic resonance monitoring of lesion evolution in multiple sclerosis.

The effect of fluoxetine on progression in progressive multiple sclerosis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

The effect of vitamin a supplementation on biochemical parameters in multiple sclerosis patients.

Updates on clinically isolated syndrome and diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis.

Epidemiology in multiple sclerosis: a pilgrim's progress.

[Multiple sclerosis and pregnancy].

Regional cortical thickness in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: A multi-center study.

Multicentre absolute myelin water content mapping: Development of a whole brain atlas and application to low-grade multiple sclerosis.

Improving the clinical correlation of multiple sclerosis black hole volume change by paired-scan analysis.

Mimotopic peptide immunotherapy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease.

P300 wave changes in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Is There Extra Cost of Institutional Care for MS Patients?

Adding to the burden: gastrointestinal symptoms and syndromes in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple cancers in a patient with systemic sclerosis and aggravated interstitial lung disease by chemotherapy.

Growth hormone response to clonidine administration for evaluation of autonomic dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients.

Third ventricular enlargement in early stages of multiple sclerosis is a predictor of motor and neuropsychological deficits: a cross-sectional study.

Predictors of effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment on motor dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

Effects of exercise on fitness and cognition in progressive MS: a randomized, controlled pilot trial.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Duloxetine for the Treatment of Pain in Patients withMultiple Sclerosis.

Quality of life outcomes with BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: The DEFINE study.

Tolerability and pharmacokinetics of delayed-release dimethyl fumarate administered with and without aspirin in healthy volunteers.

BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate): a review of mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety.

Stress in multiple sclerosis: review of new developments and future directions.

Does pain in individuals with multiple sclerosis affect employment? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Emerging injectable therapies for multiple sclerosis.

Aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume and improves memory in multiple sclerosis: Preliminary findings.
                       
Changes of brain resting state functional connectivity predict the persistence of cognitive rehabilitation effects in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Effect of textured insoles on balance and gait in people with multiple sclerosis: an exploratory trial.

Inflammation Markers in Multiple Sclerosis: CXCL16 Reflects and May Also Predict Disease Activity.

Increased breast cancer risk for patients with multiple sclerosis: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

Immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects of Hot-nature diet and co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention in multiple sclerosis patients.

Measuring response in the gastrointestinal tract in systemic sclerosis.

Natalizumab (tysabri)-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: insights from perfusion magnetic resonance imaging.

Placebo-controlled trial of oral laquinimod in multiple sclerosis: MRI evidence of an effect on brain tissue damage.

Disease-activity-free status in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with daclizumab high-yield process in the SELECT study.

Neuropsychological rehabilitation has beneficial effects on perceived cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosisduring nine-month follow-up.

The discovery of natalizumab, a potent therapeutic for multiple sclerosis




Immunoregulatory Effects of Interferon-β in Suppression of Th17 cells.















Quantification of multiple-sclerosis-related brain atrophy in two heterogeneous MRI datasets using mixed-effects modeling.


Intra-individual variability in information processing speed reflects white matter microstructure in multiple sclerosis.

Cognition in MS correlates with resting-state oscillatory brain activity: An explorative MEG source-space study.

OASIS is Automated Statistical Inference for Segmentation, with applications to multiple sclerosis lesion segmentation in MRI.

DTI detects water diffusion abnormalities in the thalamus that correlate with an extremity pain episode in a patient with multiple sclerosis.

A comprehensive approach to the segmentation of multichannel three-dimensional MR brain images in multiple sclerosis.

Regional cortical thickness in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: A multi-center study.

Multicentre absolute myelin water content mapping: Development of a whole brain atlas and application to low-grade multiple sclerosis.

Improving the clinical correlation of multiple sclerosis black hole volume change by paired-scan analysis.

Mimotopic peptide immunotherapy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease.

The changing landscape of voltage-gated calcium channels in neurovascular disorders and in neurodegenerative diseases.

Relative contribution of cognitive and physical disability components to quality of life in MS.

Improvement of driving skills in persons with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: a pilot study.

Initial Immunopathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis: Innate Immune Response.

TNFRSF1A in multiple sclerosis: A tale of soluble receptors and signaling cascades.

Clinically meaningful performance benchmarks in MS: Timed 25-Foot Walk and the real world.

A nine-year population-based cohort study on the risk of multiple sclerosis in patients with optic neuritis.

Mood and coping in clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis.

Alemtuzumab-Related Thyroid Dysfunction in a Phase 2 Trial of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

A single session of 1 mA anodal tDCS-supported motor training does not improve motor performance in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Regional brain atrophy and functional connectivity changes related to fatigue in multiple sclerosis.

Functional brain network analysis using minimum spanning trees in Multiple Sclerosis: An MEG source-space study.

Fatty fish intake is associated with decreased occurrence of multiple sclerosis.


Control of spasticity in a multiple sclerosis model using central nervous system-excluded CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists 

Vowel Acoustics in Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis: Comparison of Clear, Loud, and Slow Speaking Conditions

Predictors of effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment on motor dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Duloxetine for the Treatment of Pain in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Rare Inflammatory Diseases of the White Matter and Mimics of Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness, Brain Atrophy, and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.




Reduced axonal motor protein expression in non-lesional grey matter in multiple sclerosis

HLA-E restricted CD8+ T cell subsets are phenotypically altered in multiple sclerosis patients 

Automated extraction of clinical traits of multiple sclerosis in electronic medical records

Quality of life outcomes with BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate) in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: The DEFINE study 

Early pathological alterations of lower lumber cords detected by ultrahigh-field MRI in a mouse multiple sclerosis model

The CYP27B1 variant associated with increased risk of autoimmune disease is underexpressed in tolerising dendritic cells.

Intraoperative smile in a multiple sclerosis patient with medication-refractory tremor.