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International Stem Cell Conference

Last week, a four-day international conference about stem cell research took place in San Francisco, USA. It was convened by MSIF and the US National MS Society. Leading stem cell and MS experts from around the world met to explore the potential of stem cell research for the treatment, prevention and cure of MS.

Peer Baneke, MSIF's CEO, said "MSIF was proud to link with the NMSS in supporting this excellent meeting. As well as the formal sessions, the corridors were buzzing with contact between researchers specialising in MS and those with a wider background in stem cell research, making crucial cross-connections. We will work with NMSS to consider the outcome of the summit and continue this catalyst role amongst the global research community."

Key highlights and summaries of each day's presentations can be read by clicking here.

IAPO Declaration of Patient-Centred Healthcare

MSIF is delighted to officially endorse the The International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (IAPO) Declaration of Patient-Centred Healthcare.

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Reminder: one month until deadline for MSIF awards

The deadline for nominations for MSIF's Evelyn Nicholson Award for International Caregiver 2007 and the James D. Wolfensohn Award for International Person with MS 2007 are due on 23 February.

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Global Dinner Party 2007 - one month to go!

The 5th annual MS Global Dinner Party (GDP) is now only one month away. On Saturday 24 February 2007, supporters around the world will be helping us in our global fight against MS by hosting an event and raising vital funds to support people affected by MS and further research into finding a cure.

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Expedition across Quebec by dogsled

In March 2007, Sophie Froger, a former attorney from France who has MS, is undertaking a dogsled expedition across Quebec, Canada, to challenge herself and to raise awareness of MS.

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Profile of the Month : January 2008

Stuart Schlossman

Country: USA
Age: 48
Year of diagnosis: 1998
Occupation: Retired, formerly in International Sales and Marketing

"I hope that one day there is a cure for all of us living with MS."

English Italiano Espanol Deutsch Francais Russian

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Cardiorespiratory fitness: A predictor of cortical plasticity in multiple sclerosis

The authors studied the impact of aerobic fitness on cognitive performance in people with MS using fMRI, a new imaging technique. They found that higher fitness levels were associated with a faster cognitive performance.

authors: Prakash RS, Snook EM, Erickson KI, Colcombe SJ, Voss MW, Motl RW, Kramer AF.

source: Neuroimage. 2007 Feb 1;34(3):1238-44. Epub 2006 Nov 28.

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Acute and chronic neuroendocrine effects of interferon-beta 1a in multiple sclerosis

This study evaluated the impact of acute and chronic injections of IFN-beta on patients’ hormones. Some of these effects reduce upon prolonged treatment, while others change with oral indomethacin pretreatment.

authors: Then Bergh F, Kumpfel T, Yassouridis A, Lechner C, Holsboer F, Trenkwalder C.

source: Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2007 Feb;66(2):295-303.

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Evidence for synaptic stripping by cortical microglia

This study helps to clarify the possible neuroprotective role of some immune cells of the CNS in a rat model of MS. If activated, these microglia cells can support nerve survival and function.

authors: Trapp BD, Wujek JR, Criste GA, Jalabi W, Yin X, Kidd GJ, Stohlman S, Ransohoff R.

source: Glia. 2007 Mar;55(4):360-8.

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Neurodegeneration in autoimmune demyelination: Recent mechanistic insights reveal novel therapeutic targets

The authors review the most recently discovered molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal degeneration in MS. This is very important for the development of more efficient therapy strategies.

authors: Aktas O, Waiczies S, Zipp F.

source: J Neuroimmunol. 2007 Jan 9; [Epub ahead of print]

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Plasma S100beta and NSE levels and progression in multiple sclerosis

The authors studied two markers of nerve damage in people with MS to see whether they could be related to different types of disease. They found that NSE is inversely related to disease progression.

authors: Koch M, Mostert J, Heersema D, Teelken A, De Keyser J.

source: J Neurol Sci. 2007 Jan 31;252(2):154-8. Epub 2006 Dec 21.

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Early prediction of the long-term evolution of multiple sclerosis: the BREMS score

In this study of over 1,200 people with MS, the authors tested the trustworthiness of the BREMS, that is an estimate score of the risk of reaching secondary progression within the first year of disease. They conclude that BREMS is a useful tool to identify the high-risk patients.

authors: Bergamaschi R, Quaglini S, Trojano M, Amato MP, Tavazzi E, Paolicelli D, Zipoli V, Romani A, Fuiani A, Portaccio E, Berzuini C, Montomoli C, Bastianello S, Cosi V.

source: J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2007 Jan 12; [Epub ahead of print]

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Charities join forces to improve multiple sclerosis awareness in India

source: UK MS Society

A unique educational trip to India organised by the UK’s MS Society in conjunction with the MS Society India will see leading neurologists, MS specialist therapists and nurses share their knowledge with health care professionals in the country.

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German MS Society's "Ask the Expert"

source: German MS Society

The German MS Society, Deutsche Multiple Sklerose Gesellschaft Bundesverband e.V. (DMSG), currently has an "Ask the expert" feature on their website focusing on rehabilitation in MS.

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MS Frontiers 2007 - UK MS Society's flagship research event

source: UK MS Society

The 2007 conference, MS Frontiers, will take place from 14-15 June in London, and provides a collaboration between the MS societies of the UK, US, Australia and Canada and brings together experts from across the world to speak on MS research.

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