Fwd: [jjworld] Fwd: World of MS Update Service

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/15/2003 12:12:24 PM Eastern Standard Time, jooly@... writes:

WORLD OF MS UPDATE SERVICE, 11 November 2003

>

>People With MS News

>====================

>

>The Danish MS Society’s new ’Ask an Expert’ web service “Spørg osâ€Â

>--------------------

>The Danish MS Society has launched a new ask an expert web service “Spørg

>os†(in English: “Ask usâ€Â). The service allows all those affected by

>MS to

>aks 27 leading experts MS related questions. Within 48 hours experts from a

>broad range of subjects: Medicine, psychology, legal advice, diet and

>nutrition, physiotherapy, insurance, alternative therapies etc. provide

>answers.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10771

>

>Danny O’Leary

>--------------------

>In October 2003, Danny O’Leary hosted a drag night in his local pub to

>raise money for MS. With the help of other locals he pulled it off and

>raised twice the amount he expected.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10772

>

>UK MS Society National Convention - read the reviews

>--------------------

>The UK MS Society recently held its first ever National Convention at the

>International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Here you can read about this

>excellent event which attracted over 2000 delegates from all over the UK.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10773

>

>Proceedings Of Eighth Annual ACTRIMS Meeting

>--------------------

>The eighth annual meeting of the Americas Committee for Treatment and

>Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) was held in San Francisco on

>October 19. The US National MS Society has summarised the proceedings.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10774

>

>Profile of the Month: November 2003

>--------------------

>Sue Lawrence-er from the USA is the November Profile of the Month. Over

>the last few years Sue has set up an award winning television and

>production company. In her profile she talks of how she has combined work

>and living with MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10778

>

>Cannabis-Derived Medicines can improve Quality of Life, Says UK MS Society

>--------------------

>The UK MS Society has commented on the results of the world's largest study

>to assess the medicinal potential of cannabinoids to treat people with MS

>which were published in The Lancet. The trial was funded by the Medical

>Research Council and supported by the Society.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10779

>

>

>Research News

>====================

>

>Treatment of multiple sclerosis with intravenous immunoglobulin: review of

>clinical trials.

>--------------------

>A review article that considers the use of intravenous immunoglobulin as a

>disease modifying treatment in relapsing remitting and secondary

>progressive MS. The author concludes that there may be some role for this

>treatment in the former but not the latter on the basis of currently

>available evidence.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10780

>

>Immunoglobulin treatment of multiple sclerosis: future prospects.

>--------------------

>A review article considering possible mechanisms of action of

>immunoglobulin in the context of likely pathogenetic mechanisms in MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10781

>

>Double-blind crossover study with dolasetron mesilate, a 5-HT(3) receptor

>antagonist in cerebellar syndrome secondary to multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>A placebo controlled trial of dolasetron mesilate, a 5HT3 receptor

>antagonist, as a possible treatment for cerebellar symptoms in MS. No

>treatment effect was seen although there was some inter-individual

>variability in the treatment response.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10782

>

>Does trauma trigger multiple sclerosis? 1: A controversy.

>--------------------

>A review article considering some of the studies that have looked at a

>possible relationship between trauma and the onset of MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10783

>

>In Vitro Modulation of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS)-Associated Retrovirus by

>Cytokines: Implications for MS Pathogenesis.

>--------------------

>A human endogenous retrovirus with gliotoxic and superantigenic properties

>is studied in this paper. Cell cultures from individuals with or without

>the virus were prepared and it was found that interleukins 4 and 6 and

>cytokines tumour necrosis factor and interferongamma increased virus

>release. Interferon Beta was found to decrease virus release.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10784

>

>Describing and predicting the possession of assistive devices among persons

>with multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>A survey of assistive devices owned and used by people affected by MS.

>Seeing an occupational therapist, not working, having a progressive type of

>MS, having more activity limitations and more symptoms, and having MS for a

>longer period were found to increase the probability of possessing

>assistive devices.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10785

>

>Are CSF neopterin levels a marker of disease activity in multiple sclerosis?

>--------------------

>Neopterin is a substance released from macrophages and monocytes at

>increased rates in immune reactions. Levels in cerebrospinal fluid are

>studied in CSF, healthy control subjects and other neurological conditions

>in this paper. No difference was found in neopterin levels between these

>three groups.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10786

>

>T2 relaxation time analysis in patients with multiple sclerosis:

>correlation with magnetization transfer ratio.

>--------------------

>A study looking at the correlation between two MRI measures (T2 relaxation

>time and magnetisation transfer ratio) in various tissue types in patients

>affected by MS and healthy controls aiming to improve tissue

>characterisation.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10787

>

>Effect of glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) on CD4(+)CD25(high) T regulatory

>cells and their IL-10 production in multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>A study looking at the effect of glatiramer acetate on T regulatory cells

>in patients affected by MS both on and off disease modifying drugs and in

>healthy control subjects. An increase in interleukin 10 production is

>reported in all three groups in response to glatiramer acetate.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10788

>

>Cannabinoids for treatment of spasticity and other symptoms related to

>multiple sclerosis (CAMS study): multicentre randomised placebo-controlled

>trial

>--------------------

>Results from a randomised placebo control trial of 630 patients with MS and

>stable spasticity treated with oral cannabis extract,

>Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) or placebo for fifteen weeks are

>presented in this paper. No effect was seen on the primary outcome measure

>(Ashworth spasticity score) but there was evidence of a treatment effect on

>patient-reported spasticity and pain, with improvement in spasticity

>reported in 61% and 60% participants on cannabis extract and Delta9-THC,

>respectively, compared to 46% of participants on placebo.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10789

>

>

>

>WORLD OF MS UPDATE SERVICE, 11 November 2003

>

>People With MS News

>====================

>

>The Danish MS Society’s new ’Ask an Expert’ web service “Spørg osâ€

>--------------------

>The Danish MS Society has launched a new ask an expert web service “Spørg

>os†(in English: “Ask usâ€). The service allows all those affected by

>MS to

>aks 27 leading experts MS related questions. Within 48 hours experts from a

>broad range of subjects: Medicine, psychology, legal advice, diet and

>nutrition, physiotherapy, insurance, alternative therapies etc. provide

>answers.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10771

>

>Danny O’Leary

>--------------------

>In October 2003, Danny O’Leary hosted a drag night in his local pub to

>raise money for MS. With the help of other locals he pulled it off and

>raised twice the amount he expected.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10772

>

>UK MS Society National Convention - read the reviews

>--------------------

>The UK MS Society recently held its first ever National Convention at the

>International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Here you can read about this

>excellent event which attracted over 2000 delegates from all over the UK.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10773

>

>Proceedings Of Eighth Annual ACTRIMS Meeting

>--------------------

>The eighth annual meeting of the Americas Committee for Treatment and

>Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) was held in San Francisco on

>October 19. The US National MS Society has summarised the proceedings.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10774

>

>Profile of the Month: November 2003

>--------------------

>Sue Lawrence-er from the USA is the November Profile of the Month. Over

>the last few years Sue has set up an award winning television and

>production company. In her profile she talks of how she has combined work

>and living with MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10778

>

>Cannabis-Derived Medicines can improve Quality of Life, Says UK MS Society

>--------------------

>The UK MS Society has commented on the results of the world's largest study

>to assess the medicinal potential of cannabinoids to treat people with MS

>which were published in The Lancet. The trial was funded by the Medical

>Research Council and supported by the Society.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10779

>

>

>Research News

>====================

>

>Treatment of multiple sclerosis with intravenous immunoglobulin: review of

>clinical trials.

>--------------------

>A review article that considers the use of intravenous immunoglobulin as a

>disease modifying treatment in relapsing remitting and secondary

>progressive MS. The author concludes that there may be some role for this

>treatment in the former but not the latter on the basis of currently

>available evidence.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10780

>

>Immunoglobulin treatment of multiple sclerosis: future prospects.

>--------------------

>A review article considering possible mechanisms of action of

>immunoglobulin in the context of likely pathogenetic mechanisms in MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10781

>

>Double-blind crossover study with dolasetron mesilate, a 5-HT(3) receptor

>antagonist in cerebellar syndrome secondary to multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>A placebo controlled trial of dolasetron mesilate, a 5HT3 receptor

>antagonist, as a possible treatment for cerebellar symptoms in MS. No

>treatment effect was seen although there was some inter-individual

>variability in the treatment response.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10782

>

>Does trauma trigger multiple sclerosis? 1: A controversy.

>--------------------

>A review article considering some of the studies that have looked at a

>possible relationship between trauma and the onset of MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10783

>

>In Vitro Modulation of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS)-Associated Retrovirus by

>Cytokines: Implications for MS Pathogenesis.

>--------------------

>A human endogenous retrovirus with gliotoxic and superantigenic properties

>is studied in this paper. Cell cultures from individuals with or without

>the virus were prepared and it was found that interleukins 4 and 6 and

>cytokines tumour necrosis factor and interferongamma increased virus

>release. Interferon Beta was found to decrease virus release.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10784

>

>Describing and predicting the possession of assistive devices among persons

>with multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>A survey of assistive devices owned and used by people affected by MS.

>Seeing an occupational therapist, not working, having a progressive type of

>MS, having more activity limitations and more symptoms, and having MS for a

>longer period were found to increase the probability of possessing

>assistive devices.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10785

>

>Are CSF neopterin levels a marker of disease activity in multiple sclerosis?

>--------------------

>Neopterin is a substance released from macrophages and monocytes at

>increased rates in immune reactions. Levels in cerebrospinal fluid are

>studied in CSF, healthy control subjects and other neurological conditions

>in this paper. No difference was found in neopterin levels between these

>three groups.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10786

>

>T2 relaxation time analysis in patients with multiple sclerosis:

>correlation with magnetization transfer ratio.

>--------------------

>A study looking at the correlation between two MRI measures (T2 relaxation

>time and magnetisation transfer ratio) in various tissue types in patients

>affected by MS and healthy controls aiming to improve tissue

>characterisation.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10787

>

>Effect of glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) on CD4(+)CD25(high) T regulatory

>cells and their IL-10 production in multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>A study looking at the effect of glatiramer acetate on T regulatory cells

>in patients affected by MS both on and off disease modifying drugs and in

>healthy control subjects. An increase in interleukin 10 production is

>reported in all three groups in response to glatiramer acetate.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10788

>

>Cannabinoids for treatment of spasticity and other symptoms related to

>multiple sclerosis (CAMS study): multicentre randomised placebo-controlled

>trial

>--------------------

>Results from a randomised placebo control trial of 630 patients with MS and

>stable spasticity treated with oral cannabis extract,

>Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) or placebo for fifteen weeks are

>presented in this paper. No effect was seen on the primary outcome measure

>(Ashworth spasticity score) but there was evidence of a treatment effect on

>patient-reported spasticity and pain, with improvement in spasticity

>reported in 61% and 60% participants on cannabis extract and Delta9-THC,

>respectively, compared to 46% of participants on placebo.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10789

>

>

>

---

Drop into Jooly's Joint: our award-winning online community

for people living with Multiple Sclerosis

http://www.mswebpals.org Email: jooly@...

New Statesman New Media Award winner 2000

Yell UK Web Award winner 2000

MS Society (UK) http://www.mssociety.org.uk

MS Society (USA) http://www.nmss.org

MS Trust (UK) http://www.mstrust.org.uk

MS Resource Centre (UK) http://www.msrc.co.uk

World of MS http://www.msif.org

[Guest guest]

>WORLD OF MS UPDATE SERVICE, 02 December 2003

>

>People With MS News

>====================

>

>National Institute for Clinical Excellence, UK, launch new guidelines on

>the management of the MS.

>--------------------

>The UK MS Society has welcomed the launch of the new National Institute for

>Clinical Excellence guidelines for the NHS on the management of the disease

>on Wednesday 26 November 2003.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10860

>

>US Medicare Reform & Prescription Drug Coverage

>--------------------

>US Medicare Reform & Prescription Drug Coverage.On November 25th, by a vote

>of 54-44, the Senate approved the broadest changes in the Medicare

>program's 38-year history by adding a prescription drug benefit.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10861

>

>Clinical Trials in MS - Getting Involved

>--------------------

>Clinical Trials in MS - Getting Involved.The US National MS Society has a

>new " Spotlight " on Clinical Trials. These webpages provide resources for

>participating in studies, the latest news/results, and information about

>clinical research funded by the National MS Society.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10862

>

>

>Research News

>====================

>

>Functional roles and therapeutic targeting of gelatinase B and chemokines

>in multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>Naturally produced enzymes known to degrade interferon beta are upregulated

>in MS. Drug strategies to inhibit the action of such enzymes (such as

>matrix metalloproteinase gelatinase or decrease their production may

>have a role in treatment, and this is discussed in this review article.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10838

>

>The use of mitoxantrone (Novantrone) for the treatment of multiple

>sclerosis Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee

>of the American Academy of Neurology

>--------------------

>An assessment of the evidence from clinical trials that recently led to FDA

>approval of Mitoxantrone as a treatment for MS (with specific indications)

>in the US is found in this article, together with advice on what the

>authors consider to be the most appropriate current clinical role of this

>agent in the management of patients with MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10839

>

>Alpha-Tocopherol and NADPH in the Erythrocytes and Plasma of Multiple

>Sclerosis Patients: Effect of Interferon-beta-1b Treatment

>--------------------

>A study looking at the effects of interferon beta 1b on the blood

>antioxidants alpha-tocopherol and NADPH. Levels of the former rose with

>treatment, but the latter showed an initial transient decrease that

>occurred in parallel to a rise in plasma triglycerides, possibly related to

>stimulation of fatty acid synthesis.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10840

>

>The relationship of brain and cervical cord volume to disability in

>clinical subtypes of multiple sclerosis: a three-dimensional MRI study.

>--------------------

>This study looks at atrophy in relapsing remitting and secondary

>progressive MS in the upper cervical cord and in the supratentorial brain,

>lateral ventricles, brainstem and cerebellum. The authors conclude that

>atrophy is confined to the supratentorial compartment early in the disease

>course corresponding to the RR stage, but becomes more pronounced in the

>brain and cervical spinal cord in the SP phase. A multiple regression

>analysis found that supratentorial brain volume in RR group, and upper

>cervical cord volume in the SP group, were single significant contributors

>to disability.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10841

>

>Fatigue associated with stroke and other neurologic conditions:

>Implications for stroke rehabilitation.

>--------------------

>A systematic review article, focussing mainly on post stroke fatigue, that

>also covers the subject of fatigue in general, including MS associated

>fatigue. With a discussion of possible underlying pathophysiological

>mechanisms and current treatment strategies.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10842

>

>An improved ELISA for screening for neutralizing anti-IFN-beta antibodies

>in MS patients.

>--------------------

>A technical paper describing an improved technique for detecting

>neutralising antibodies to interferon beta in patients affected by MS on

>treatment with this agent.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10843

>

>Incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Olmsted County,

>Minnesota, 1985-2000.

>--------------------

>After adjustment for shifts in age and sex in the population, prevalence

>and incidence rates of MS in this US population appear to have been stable

>rather than increasing over the past twenty years.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10844

>

>Contrast letter acuity as a visual component for the Multiple Sclerosis

>Functional Composite.

>--------------------

>Current measures of disability in MS may not adequately reflect visual

>dysfunction according to the authors of this paper. Contrast letter acuity

>and contrast sensitivity are proposed as the most sensitive tests to

>identify visual dysfunction as part of an expanded MS Functional Composite

>measure.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10845

>

>A post-marketing study on interferon beta 1b and 1a treatment in

>relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: different response in drop-outs and

>treated patients.

>--------------------

>A study looking at outcomes of treatment with interferon beta 1a and 1b in

>routine clinical practice in Italy. A reduction of relapse rate by

>approximately 60% with both agents was seen with differences in the

>frequency of side effect and discontinuation rates. A more marked effect on

>clinical outcome than might have been predicted on the basis of

>experimental trial results for both agents may be explained, according to

>the authors, by a selective retention of patients who responded to

>treatment.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10846

>

>Management of adult spasticity.

>--------------------

>A review article looking at all aspects of muscle spasticity, including

>pathophysiology and treatment. With schematic figures illustrating the

>physiology of spasticity and case studies.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10847

>

>Treatments for spasticity and pain in multiple sclerosis: a systematic

>review.

>--------------------

>A detailed, systematic and critical review of the evidence underpinning the

>use of current antispasticity treatments in MS. The authors conclude that

>further studies of currently used agents with outcomes, including

>functional benefit and impact on quality of life, might be useful, together

>with the development of better outcomes measures for pain and spasticity

>and possibly, cost-utility studies.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10848

>

>Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis: Translation in French Canadian of

>the MSQoL-54.

>--------------------

>The authors describe the translation and testing of a useful and widely

>used questionnaire based measure of quality of life into French Canadian. A

>discussion of areas where translation proved particularly difficult is

>included.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10849

>

>Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis in Sicily: A Population-based Study.

>--------------------

>This study examines the incidence of epilepsy in a population based

>incidence cohort in Sicily. Of 170 patients affected by MS, four developed

>epilepsy after the diagnosis of MS, in line with previous studies that have

>reported a three fold higher risk of developing epilepsy in MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10850

>

>Stereotactic co-registration of magnetic resonance imaging and

>histopathology in post-mortem multiple sclerosis brain.

>--------------------

>When the MRI appearances of post mortem material are examined a technique

>is needed to co-register regions of interest between the MTI image and the

>tissue specimen. In this paper a technique involving the use of a

>stereotactic frame is described. Standard T2 weighted MRI imaging was found

>to be the most useful approach for lesion detection in fresh and fixed

>specimens.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10851

>

>Chemokine receptors on infiltrating leucocytes in inflammatory pathologies

>of the central nervous system (CNS).

>--------------------

>The role of chemokine receptor expression on leukocyte infiltration in MS

>and other inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system receives

>further study in this paper, although the focus here is mainly on

>neurological disorders other than MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10852

>

>CNS involvement in overactive bladder: pathophysiology and opportunities

>for pharmacological intervention.

>--------------------

>A comprehensive review article looking at the pathophysiology and treatment

>of bladder overactivity in a number of neurological disorders, including MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10853

>

>Multislice T1 relaxation time measurements in the brain using IR-EPI:

>Reproducibility, normal values, and histogram analysis in patients with

>multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>A specific technique for measuring T1 relaxation time is described. This

>measure is found to differ between patients affected by MS and control

>subjects and to relate strongly to lesion volume and brain atrophy measures.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10854

>

>Maintenance of B lymphocyte-related clones in the cerebrospinal fluid of

>multiple sclerosis patients.

>--------------------

>A longitudinal study of Ig V gene segments utilized by B cells from the

>cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of two patients with MS, at one year and at nine

>and thirteen years respectively is described. A substantial proportion of

>shared clones in the samples taken at different times was seen.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10855

>

>Immune modulation in multiple sclerosis patients treated with the pregnancy

>hormone estriol.

>--------------------

>This study examines the cytokine profile of stimulated peripheral blood

>mononuclear cells form patients with relapsing remitting MS treated with

>oral estriol.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10856

>

>Identical twins discordant for multiple sclerosis have a shift in their

>T-cell receptor repertoires.

>--------------------

>Shifts in T-cell receptor repertoire (specifically CDR3 repertoire) are

>found in both affected and unaffected twins in identical twins discordant

>for MS when compared to healthy identical twins.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10857

>

>Genomic and proteomic analysis of multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>A review article looking broadly at disruptions of immune homeostasis in

>the pathogenesis of MS, and their possible genetic origin.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10858

>

>MS Research Bulletins

>--------------------

>Listing of monthly MS Research Bulletins from the UK MS Society

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10864

>

>

---

Drop into Jooly's Joint: our award-winning online community

for people living with Multiple Sclerosis

http://www.mswebpals.org Email: jooly@...

New Statesman New Media Award winner 2000

Yell UK Web Award winner 2000

MS Society (UK) http://www.mssociety.org.uk

MS Society (USA) http://www.nmss.org

MS Trust (UK) http://www.mstrust.org.uk

MS Resource Centre (UK) http://www.msrc.co.uk

World of MS http://www.msif.org

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01/31/2004 7:43:08 AM Eastern Standard Time, jooly@... writes:

WORLD OF MS UPDATE SERVICE, 27 January 2004>>People With MS News>====================>>Comment from UK MS Society CEO on reclassification of cannabis>-------------------->On 29 January the British goverment will reclassify cannabis from a Class B>to a Class C drug. Read Mike O'Donovan (UK MS Society CEO)'s statement.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10970>>New Funding Opportunity from the US National MS Society>-------------------->The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has announced the implementation of>a new research initiative on nervous system repair and protection in MS.>The goal of this initiative is to foster aggressive translational research>efforts that will bring possible neural repair and neuroprotective>therapies from the “bench to the bedside†more rapidly.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10985>>>Research News>====================>>Immunomodulation by the copolymer glatiramer acetate.>-------------------->This review article discusses the mechanism of action of glatiramer acetate.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10971>>Role of lipid interactions in autoimmune demyelination.>-------------------->Loss of adhesion between myelin layers and the formation of myelin vesicles>may be part of the mechanism of demyelination in MS. This paper describes>experiments that suggest that lipids, as well as proteins, contribute to>myelin stability. It is proposed that immune mediated changes to the>composition of myelin lipids increase the likelihood of demyelination.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10972>>Serial MRI in multiple sclerosis: a prospective pilot study of lesion load,>whole brain volume and thalamic atrophy>-------------------->A serial MRI study finds no association between cerebral atrophy and a>measure of disability in 11 patients affected by MS over three years.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10973>>Signaling through JAK2-STAT5 pathway is essential for IL-3-induced>activation of microglia>-------------------->This paper describes experiments that support a critical role for the>JAK2-STAT5 intracellular pathway in the activation of microglia, the cells>which mediate immune and inflammatory responses in the central nervous>system.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10974>>CNS axons retain their competence for myelination throughout life>-------------------->Chronically demyelinated axons might still be able to be remyelinated>according to the authors of this study which examined myelination in a rat>model using transplanted oligodendrocyte precursor cells. The extent of>myelination was found to be the same irrespective of whether old or young>animals were used as recipients.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10975>>Skin cancer in people with multiple sclerosis: a record linkage study>-------------------->This study uses the incidence of skin cancer as a measure of a population’s>sun exposure to explore the hypothesis that solar exposure has a protective>influence on the development of MS. The finding that skin cancer is>significantly less common in people with MS, and that there is no>equivalent deficit of skin cancer in people with other neurological or>autoimmune diseases supports this hypothesis.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10976>>Do hyporesponsive genetic variants of the melanocortin 1 receptor>contribute to the etiology of multiple sclerosis?>-------------------->Genetic variants of the melanocortin 1 receptor are responsible for>pigmentary phenotypes, for example light skin, that are common in>populations that have high rates of MS. This receptor is also found on>various cells involved in the immune response and hormones which stimulate>this receptor are known to influence the immune response. The author>speculates whether these variants could form part of the spectrum of genes>involved in the aetiology of MS.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10977>>Theiler's Virus Infection: a Model for Multiple Sclerosis>-------------------->A review article discussing similarities between the demyelinating illness>caused by infection with Theiler’s virus in mice and MS in humans.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10978>>Neutralising antibodies against interferon beta in multiple sclerosis - a>series of letters>-------------------->Correspondence resulting from a recent article discussing the clinical>relevance of anti-interferon antibodies in MS will be found in this issue>of The Lancet.***Subscription is required to read these letters***>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10979>>Health care communication issues in multiple sclerosis: an interpretive>description>-------------------->The results of in-depth interview and focus group work looking at disease>experience in 12 persons with longstanding MS are described in this paper.>Patient accounts were analysed to try and identify communications that were>perceived as being either helpful or unhelpful to living well with the>disease.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10980>>two-stage study on multiple sclerosis susceptibility and chromosome 2q33>-------------------->A study examining the association between chromosome 2q33 with multiple>sclerosis (MS). Preliminary evidence for two distinct MS susceptibility>genes on 2q33 outside of CTLA4 is reported.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10981>>What makes it so hard? Barriers to health promotion experienced by people>with multiple sclerosis and polio>-------------------->A study looking at barriers to health promotion in patients affected by MS>and patients affected by polio. Fatigue and impairment are the most>frequently reported problems and for all groups financial and interpersonal>resources contributed significantly to the prediction of barriers, after>accounting for perceived impairment.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10982>>The Effects of Interferon-alpha2a on Concentrations of Immunoglobulins,>Complement and Lymphocytes in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis>-------------------->The effects of interferon-alpha2a (IFNA) on immunoglobulin, complement and>lymphocytes are investigated in 24 patients with MS treated at two doses>and compared to a placebo group. It is found that IFNA modulates and>activates the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10983>>Cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis : do they have a therapeutic role?>-------------------->A review article discussing the potential role for cannabinoids in MS>treatment looking critically at the evidence from existing studies.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10984>---Drop into Jooly's Joint: our award-winning online communityfor people living with Multiple Sclerosishttp://www.mswebpals.org Email: jooly@...---New Statesman New Media Award winner 2000Yell UK Web Award winner 2000---MS Society (UK) http://www.mssociety.org.ukMS Society (USA) http://www.nmss.orgMS Trust (UK) http://www.mstrust.org.ukMS Resource Centre (UK) http://www.msrc.co.ukWorld of MS http://www.msif.org---

>WORLD OF MS UPDATE SERVICE, 27 January 2004

>

>People With MS News

>====================

>

>Comment from UK MS Society CEO on reclassification of cannabis

>--------------------

>On 29 January the British goverment will reclassify cannabis from a Class B

>to a Class C drug. Read Mike O'Donovan (UK MS Society CEO)'s statement.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10970

>

>New Funding Opportunity from the US National MS Society

>--------------------

>The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has announced the implementation of

>a new research initiative on nervous system repair and protection in MS.

>The goal of this initiative is to foster aggressive translational research

>efforts that will bring possible neural repair and neuroprotective

>therapies from the “bench to the bedside†more rapidly.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10985

>

>

>Research News

>====================

>

>Immunomodulation by the copolymer glatiramer acetate.

>--------------------

>This review article discusses the mechanism of action of glatiramer acetate.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10971

>

>Role of lipid interactions in autoimmune demyelination.

>--------------------

>Loss of adhesion between myelin layers and the formation of myelin vesicles

>may be part of the mechanism of demyelination in MS. This paper describes

>experiments that suggest that lipids, as well as proteins, contribute to

>myelin stability. It is proposed that immune mediated changes to the

>composition of myelin lipids increase the likelihood of demyelination.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10972

>

>Serial MRI in multiple sclerosis: a prospective pilot study of lesion load,

>whole brain volume and thalamic atrophy

>--------------------

>A serial MRI study finds no association between cerebral atrophy and a

>measure of disability in 11 patients affected by MS over three years.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10973

>

>Signaling through JAK2-STAT5 pathway is essential for IL-3-induced

>activation of microglia

>--------------------

>This paper describes experiments that support a critical role for the

>JAK2-STAT5 intracellular pathway in the activation of microglia, the cells

>which mediate immune and inflammatory responses in the central nervous

>system.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10974

>

>CNS axons retain their competence for myelination throughout life

>--------------------

>Chronically demyelinated axons might still be able to be remyelinated

>according to the authors of this study which examined myelination in a rat

>model using transplanted oligodendrocyte precursor cells. The extent of

>myelination was found to be the same irrespective of whether old or young

>animals were used as recipients.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10975

>

>Skin cancer in people with multiple sclerosis: a record linkage study

>--------------------

>This study uses the incidence of skin cancer as a measure of a population’s

>sun exposure to explore the hypothesis that solar exposure has a protective

>influence on the development of MS. The finding that skin cancer is

>significantly less common in people with MS, and that there is no

>equivalent deficit of skin cancer in people with other neurological or

>autoimmune diseases supports this hypothesis.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10976

>

>Do hyporesponsive genetic variants of the melanocortin 1 receptor

>contribute to the etiology of multiple sclerosis?

>--------------------

>Genetic variants of the melanocortin 1 receptor are responsible for

>pigmentary phenotypes, for example light skin, that are common in

>populations that have high rates of MS. This receptor is also found on

>various cells involved in the immune response and hormones which stimulate

>this receptor are known to influence the immune response. The author

>speculates whether these variants could form part of the spectrum of genes

>involved in the aetiology of MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10977

>

>Theiler's Virus Infection: a Model for Multiple Sclerosis

>--------------------

>A review article discussing similarities between the demyelinating illness

>caused by infection with Theiler’s virus in mice and MS in humans.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10978

>

>Neutralising antibodies against interferon beta in multiple sclerosis - a

>series of letters

>--------------------

>Correspondence resulting from a recent article discussing the clinical

>relevance of anti-interferon antibodies in MS will be found in this issue

>of The Lancet.***Subscription is required to read these letters***

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10979

>

>Health care communication issues in multiple sclerosis: an interpretive

>description

>--------------------

>The results of in-depth interview and focus group work looking at disease

>experience in 12 persons with longstanding MS are described in this paper.

>Patient accounts were analysed to try and identify communications that were

>perceived as being either helpful or unhelpful to living well with the

>disease.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10980

>

>two-stage study on multiple sclerosis susceptibility and chromosome 2q33

>--------------------

>A study examining the association between chromosome 2q33 with multiple

>sclerosis (MS). Preliminary evidence for two distinct MS susceptibility

>genes on 2q33 outside of CTLA4 is reported.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10981

>

>What makes it so hard? Barriers to health promotion experienced by people

>with multiple sclerosis and polio

>--------------------

>A study looking at barriers to health promotion in patients affected by MS

>and patients affected by polio. Fatigue and impairment are the most

>frequently reported problems and for all groups financial and interpersonal

>resources contributed significantly to the prediction of barriers, after

>accounting for perceived impairment.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10982

>

>The Effects of Interferon-alpha2a on Concentrations of Immunoglobulins,

>Complement and Lymphocytes in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

>--------------------

>The effects of interferon-alpha2a (IFNA) on immunoglobulin, complement and

>lymphocytes are investigated in 24 patients with MS treated at two doses

>and compared to a placebo group. It is found that IFNA modulates and

>activates the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10983

>

>Cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis : do they have a therapeutic role?

>--------------------

>A review article discussing the potential role for cannabinoids in MS

>treatment looking critically at the evidence from existing studies.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10984

>

---

Drop into Jooly's Joint: our award-winning online community

for people living with Multiple Sclerosis

http://www.mswebpals.org Email: jooly@...

---

New Statesman New Media Award winner 2000

Yell UK Web Award winner 2000

---

MS Society (UK) http://www.mssociety.org.uk

MS Society (USA) http://www.nmss.org

MS Trust (UK) http://www.mstrust.org.uk

MS Resource Centre (UK) http://www.msrc.co.uk

World of MS http://www.msif.org

---

The perfect present!

'The Wish List' CD sold to raise funds for MS research.

http://www.mswebpals.org/wishlist.htm

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 02/08/2004 10:52:17 AM Eastern Standard Time, jooly@... writes:

WORLD OF MS UPDATE SERVICE, 03 February 2004>>People With MS News>====================>>Goat Serum Drug Trial taking place in London>-------------------->National media coverage in the UK of a potential MS drug treatment derived>from goat serum has attracted considerable interest.A placebo controlled,>double-blind randomised trial of the drug, Caprivax, is being carried out>by Dr at the Atkinson Morley Wing of St 's Hospital in>Tooting, London.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10986>>MS Counselling Survey for Masters study>--------------------> Kemp is researching the kind of couselling people with MS and ME>receive as part of his M. A. in counselling at Thames Valley University in>the UK. If you have received counselling as part of your treatment for MS,>you might consider taking 5 minutes to complete his survey.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10988>>Webcast - Understanding the Complexities of Multiple Sclerosis>-------------------->An interactive webcast for people with MS and their families.Presentations>are on: - Optimal Treatment Response- A Nursing PerspectiveThe>presentations will be followed by a question-and-answer session.Tuesday,>February 10, 2004, 8:30 PM EST (GMT time: February 11, 1.30 AM)>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10989>>US National MS Society launches large funding initiative to speed nervous>system repair strategies in MS>-------------------->The National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the USA has launched a new>initiative to speed research on nervous system repair and protection in MS.> The Society has invited proposals from research teams to compete for>grants of up to $5.5 million each to pave the way for clinical testing of>repair and protection strategies in people with MS.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10992>>New Research Funding Opportunity from the UK MS Society>-------------------->The UK MS Society aims to fund research on any research topic relevant to>MS (in the Open strand), while the Themed strand will focus on the>Society's research priorities of:- Mechanisms of nerve damage and nerve>repair- Fatigue related to MSApplications are welcome from outside the UK.>Closing date for this call is midday, 27 Febraury 2004.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11006>>Profile of the Month: February 2004>-------------------->The profile of the month is chosen by the MSIF editor from those submitted.>February's Profile is Rosquillas, from Mexico.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11005>>>Research News>====================>>Discriminatory features of acute transverse myelitis: a retrospective>analysis>-------------------->The present paper studies the clinical and radiological features of>patients presenting with acute transverse myelopathies. Monosegmental>involvement and absence of neurophysiological evidence of peripheral nerve>involvement were found to be predictive of multiple sclerosis.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10990>>The risk of cancer from azathioprine as a treatment for multiple sclerosis.>-------------------->This paper reports follow-up data on mortality from cancer in patients with>multiple sclerosis treated with azathioprine. A non-significant absolute>increase in risk of cancer of 3.4% is found.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10991>>Detection of oligoclonal free kappa chains in the absence of oligoclonal>IgG in the CSF of patients with suspected multiple sclerosis.>-------------------->Oligoclonal free kappa bands are markers of intrathecal immune activation.>In this study they are found to be related to symptoms and MR appearances>suggestive of multiple sclerosis in a group of patients negative for IgG>oligoclonal bands.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10994>>Tiagabine for treating painful tonic spasms in multiple sclerosis: a pilot>study.>-------------------->The present paper reports on an open label pilot study of tiagabine in a>group of patients with multiple sclerosis and painful tonic spasms>non-responsive or intolerant to other treatments. Amelioration of symptoms>was obtained in four out of seven patients included.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10995>>The multiple sclerosis impact scale (MSIS-29) is a reliable and sensitive>measure.>-------------------->This study assesses the psychometric properties of the Multiple Sclerosis>Impact Scale (MSIS-29) in patients with multiple sclerosis in the community>(n=172) and in a hospital setting (n=102). The psychometric properties of>the MSIS-29 are found to be acceptable.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10996>>Marijuana and multiple sclerosis.>-------------------->A concise review on the potentially beneficial effects of marijuana for>patients with multiple sclerosis focusing on the results of the recent>trial of cannabis for spasticity.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10997>>Genetics of multiple sclerosis.>-------------------->A timely review on the genetic aspects of multiple sclerosis.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10998>>Clinical and MRI outcome after autologous hematopoietic stem cell>transplantation in MS.>-------------------->The outcome of 14 patients who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell>transplantation for an agressive course of multiple sclerosis is reported>in this paper. In this group of patients and after this therapeutic>intervention the probability of remaining stable after a median time of>three years is of 85%.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10999>>Peripheral blood leukocyte NO production in MS patients with a benign vs>progressive course.>-------------------->Nitric oxide has been invoked as a mediator of axonal damage in multiple>sclerosis. In this study no differences are found in nitric oxide>production between patients with a benign or progressive course of multiple>sclerosis.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11001>>Brain activation patterns associated with working memory in>relapsing-remitting MS.>-------------------->Abnormalities in brain activation patterns during the performance of>working memory tasks are found by means of functional MRI in patients with>relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11002>>Spinal cord abnormalities in recently diagnosed MS patients: added value of>spinal MRI examination.>-------------------->This study investigates the presence of abnormalities in the spinal cord of>patients with multiple sclerosis early in the disease course and assesses>their impact on diagnostic classification according to Mc criteria.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11003>>Serial magnetization transfer imaging in acute optic neuritis.>-------------------->The present paper reports the results of a magnetization transfer (MT)>longitudinal study of the optic nerve after an episode of acute optic>neuritis. Correlations of MT values with clinical and neurophysiological>findings are also reported.>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11004---Drop into Jooly's Joint: our award-winning online communityfor people living with Multiple Sclerosishttp://www.mswebpals.org Email: jooly@...---New Statesman New Media Award winner 2000Yell UK Web Award winner 2000---MS Society (UK) http://www.mssociety.org.ukMS Society (USA) http://www.nmss.orgMS Trust (UK) http://www.mstrust.org.ukMS Resource Centre (UK) http://www.msrc.co.ukWorld of MS http://www.msif.org---The perfect present!'The Wish List' CD sold to raise funds for MS research.http://www.mswebpals.org/wishlist.htm

>WORLD OF MS UPDATE SERVICE, 03 February 2004

>

>People With MS News

>====================

>

>Goat Serum Drug Trial taking place in London

>--------------------

>National media coverage in the UK of a potential MS drug treatment derived

>from goat serum has attracted considerable interest.A placebo controlled,

>double-blind randomised trial of the drug, Caprivax, is being carried out

>by Dr at the Atkinson Morley Wing of St 's Hospital in

>Tooting, London.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10986

>

>MS Counselling Survey for Masters study

>--------------------

> Kemp is researching the kind of couselling people with MS and ME

>receive as part of his M. A. in counselling at Thames Valley University in

>the UK. If you have received counselling as part of your treatment for MS,

>you might consider taking 5 minutes to complete his survey.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10988

>

>Webcast - Understanding the Complexities of Multiple Sclerosis

>--------------------

>An interactive webcast for people with MS and their families.Presentations

>are on: - Optimal Treatment Response- A Nursing PerspectiveThe

>presentations will be followed by a question-and-answer session.Tuesday,

>February 10, 2004, 8:30 PM EST (GMT time: February 11, 1.30 AM)

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10989

>

>US National MS Society launches large funding initiative to speed nervous

>system repair strategies in MS

>--------------------

>The National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the USA has launched a new

>initiative to speed research on nervous system repair and protection in MS.

> The Society has invited proposals from research teams to compete for

>grants of up to $5.5 million each to pave the way for clinical testing of

>repair and protection strategies in people with MS.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10992

>

>New Research Funding Opportunity from the UK MS Society

>--------------------

>The UK MS Society aims to fund research on any research topic relevant to

>MS (in the Open strand), while the Themed strand will focus on the

>Society's research priorities of:- Mechanisms of nerve damage and nerve

>repair- Fatigue related to MSApplications are welcome from outside the UK.

>Closing date for this call is midday, 27 Febraury 2004.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11006

>

>Profile of the Month: February 2004

>--------------------

>The profile of the month is chosen by the MSIF editor from those submitted.

>February's Profile is Rosquillas, from Mexico.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11005

>

>

>Research News

>====================

>

>Discriminatory features of acute transverse myelitis: a retrospective

>analysis

>--------------------

>The present paper studies the clinical and radiological features of

>patients presenting with acute transverse myelopathies. Monosegmental

>involvement and absence of neurophysiological evidence of peripheral nerve

>involvement were found to be predictive of multiple sclerosis.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10990

>

>The risk of cancer from azathioprine as a treatment for multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>This paper reports follow-up data on mortality from cancer in patients with

>multiple sclerosis treated with azathioprine. A non-significant absolute

>increase in risk of cancer of 3.4% is found.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10991

>

>Detection of oligoclonal free kappa chains in the absence of oligoclonal

>IgG in the CSF of patients with suspected multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>Oligoclonal free kappa bands are markers of intrathecal immune activation.

>In this study they are found to be related to symptoms and MR appearances

>suggestive of multiple sclerosis in a group of patients negative for IgG

>oligoclonal bands.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10994

>

>Tiagabine for treating painful tonic spasms in multiple sclerosis: a pilot

>study.

>--------------------

>The present paper reports on an open label pilot study of tiagabine in a

>group of patients with multiple sclerosis and painful tonic spasms

>non-responsive or intolerant to other treatments. Amelioration of symptoms

>was obtained in four out of seven patients included.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10995

>

>The multiple sclerosis impact scale (MSIS-29) is a reliable and sensitive

>measure.

>--------------------

>This study assesses the psychometric properties of the Multiple Sclerosis

>Impact Scale (MSIS-29) in patients with multiple sclerosis in the community

>(n=172) and in a hospital setting (n=102). The psychometric properties of

>the MSIS-29 are found to be acceptable.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10996

>

>Marijuana and multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>A concise review on the potentially beneficial effects of marijuana for

>patients with multiple sclerosis focusing on the results of the recent

>trial of cannabis for spasticity.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10997

>

>Genetics of multiple sclerosis.

>--------------------

>A timely review on the genetic aspects of multiple sclerosis.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10998

>

>Clinical and MRI outcome after autologous hematopoietic stem cell

>transplantation in MS.

>--------------------

>The outcome of 14 patients who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell

>transplantation for an agressive course of multiple sclerosis is reported

>in this paper. In this group of patients and after this therapeutic

>intervention the probability of remaining stable after a median time of

>three years is of 85%.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=10999

>

>Peripheral blood leukocyte NO production in MS patients with a benign vs

>progressive course.

>--------------------

>Nitric oxide has been invoked as a mediator of axonal damage in multiple

>sclerosis. In this study no differences are found in nitric oxide

>production between patients with a benign or progressive course of multiple

>sclerosis.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11001

>

>Brain activation patterns associated with working memory in

>relapsing-remitting MS.

>--------------------

>Abnormalities in brain activation patterns during the performance of

>working memory tasks are found by means of functional MRI in patients with

>relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11002

>

>Spinal cord abnormalities in recently diagnosed MS patients: added value of

>spinal MRI examination.

>--------------------

>This study investigates the presence of abnormalities in the spinal cord of

>patients with multiple sclerosis early in the disease course and assesses

>their impact on diagnostic classification according to Mc criteria.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11003

>

>Serial magnetization transfer imaging in acute optic neuritis.

>--------------------

>The present paper reports the results of a magnetization transfer (MT)

>longitudinal study of the optic nerve after an episode of acute optic

>neuritis. Correlations of MT values with clinical and neurophysiological

>findings are also reported.

>http://www.msif.org/go.rm?id=11004

---

Drop into Jooly's Joint: our award-winning online community

for people living with Multiple Sclerosis

http://www.mswebpals.org Email: jooly@...

---

New Statesman New Media Award winner 2000

Yell UK Web Award winner 2000

---

MS Society (UK) http://www.mssociety.org.uk

MS Society (USA) http://www.nmss.org

MS Trust (UK) http://www.mstrust.org.uk

MS Resource Centre (UK) http://www.msrc.co.uk

World of MS http://www.msif.org

---

The perfect present!

'The Wish List' CD sold to raise funds for MS research.

http://www.mswebpals.org/wishlist.htm