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Profile of the month page now in Arabic

MSIF are pleased to announce the monthly Arabic translation of profile of the month.

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An atlas for treating MS – joint MSIF and MS Society Canada opinion piece published

An opinion piece written by MSIF and the MS Society of Canada was published in the Canadian National Post on October 30, 2008.

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Spasticity edition of MS in focus now in Spanish and German

Issue 12 of our biannual magazine is now available to download free in Spanish and German.

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Profile of the Month : January 2009

Raz Khatibi

Country: Iran
Age: 34
Type of MS: Secondary progressive
Year of diagnosis: 1997

I recommend that people overcome this disease and don't let it prevent them from their personal and social activities.

English Espanol Italiano Francais Deutsch Русский

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Efficacy and safety of oral fumarate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIb study

In this multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled phase IIb trial, the effects of a new oral drug called fumarate were investigated in people with MS. A high dose of fumarate reduced MRI activity, was safe and had a similar effect on relapses to interferons. Further larger phase III trials are now needed to confirm these encouraging results.

authors: Kappos L, Gold R, Miller DH, Macmanus DG, Havrdova E, Limmroth V, Polman CH, Schmierer K, Yousry TA, Yang M, Eraksoy M, Meluzinova E, Rektor I, Dawson KT, Sandrock AW, O'Neill GN; BG-12 Phase IIb Study Investigators

source: Lancet 2008 Oct 25;372(9648):1463-72

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Monthly ambient sunlight, infections and relapse rates in multiple sclerosis

The pathogenesis of MS is complex and environmental factors like sun exposure and vitamin D levels may influence relapse rate. In this prospective study the authors found that more sunlight and therefore vitamin D was associated with fewer relapses.

authors: Tremlett H, van der Mei IA, Pittas F, Blizzard L, Paley G, Mesaros D, Woodbaker R, Nunez M, Dwyer T, Taylor BV, Ponsonby AL

source: Neuroepidemiology 2008 Oct 30;31(4):271-279

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Comorbidity delays diagnosis and increases disability at diagnosis in MS

In this cross-sectional study the authors found that if people with MS had other medical conditions, it took longer to make the diagnosis. These people also had higher disability at the time of diagnosis.

authors: Marrie RA, Horwitz R, Cutter G, Tyry T, Campagnolo D, Vollmer T

source: Neurology 2008 Oct 29

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Improving gait in multiple sclerosis using robot-assisted, body weight supported treadmill training

In this crossover trial a new training intervention for improving gait was tested in people with MS. The authors found no benefit from robotic assistance but people did improve with treadmill training.

authors: Lo AC, Triche EW

source: Neurorehabil. Neural Repair 2008 Nov-Dec;22(6):661-71

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Changes in matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors during interferon-beta treatment in multiple sclerosis

Whilst people with MS often have a good response to interferon, some do not. The mechanisms of different responses are not fully understood and several molecules may be involved. In this study the authors found that in patients with good response, there were changes in the levels of a certain type of protein. The authors suggested that this protein might be used as an early marker of response to treatment.

authors: Comabella M, Río J, Espejo C, Ruiz de Villa M, Al-Zayat H, Nos C, Deisenhammer F, Baranzini SE, Nonell L, López C, Julià E, Oksenberg JR, Montalban X

source: Clin. Immunol. 2008 Oct 20

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Effect of exercise training on quality of life in multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis.

This review consolidates previous research findings on the effect of exercise on quality of life in MS, and found that exercise was associated with a small improvement in quality of life.

authors: Motl RW, Gosney JL.

source: Mult Scler. 2008 Jan;14(1):129-35. Epub 2007 Sep 19.

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EMSP Information Day 2008

source: European MS Platform

An “EMSP Information Day” launching the 2008 results of the “MS Barometer” is planned for 13 November 2008 in the European Parliament.

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