Assessing the Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisThe purpose of this project is to study genetic determinants of mitochondrial impairment in primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Specific aims are: 1) identify mitochondrial-related pathways, inherited and somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations associated to primary progressive multiple sclerosis, 2) functionally assess the identified genetic alterations.
Retinal Neuro-vascular Coupling in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisRelapsing-Remitting1 moreMultiple sclerosis (MS) affects approximately 2.3 million patients worldwide, with a global median prevalence of 33 per 100,000. MS is diagnosed at an average of 30 years and affects twice as many women as men. MS is traditionally diagnosed by the presentation of lesions of the central nervous system, disseminated in time and in space, proven by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging. Several anatomical parameters in the eye, both vascular and neural, have been found to be altered in MS patients. Because of its unique optical properties, the eye offers the possibility of the non-invasive assessment of both structural and functional alterations in neuronal tissue. As the neuro-retina is part of the brain, it does not come as a surprise that neuro-degenerative changes in the brain are accompanied by structural and possibly also functional changes in the neuro-retina and the ocular vasculature. The current study seeks to test the hypothesis that beside the known anatomical changes, also functional changes can be detected in the retina of patients with MS. For this purpose, flicker light induced hyperemia will be measured in the retina as a functional test to assess the coupling between neural activity and blood flow. Further, structural parameters such as retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and function parameters such as ocular blood flow and retinal oxygenation will be assessed and compared to age and sex matched controls.
Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of an IT Administration of SCM-010 in SPMS
Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS)Prospective, single center, open label, phase I/IIa escalating dose study. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of escalating doses of SCM-010 in subjects with SPMS.
Impact of Neuropsychological Disorders in Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisThe study involves MS patients with and without neuropsychological disorders. The patient will benefit from: A routine neuropsychological assessment, including a cognitive and emotional assessment A clinical examination A three-dimensional analysis of movement
Validation of a Novel Instrument Task for Assessing Upper Limb
Assessment of Arm and Hand Sensorimotor Functions in Multiple Sclerosis SubjectsThe aim of this study i to investigate a new approach (Physical Peg Insertion Test, PPIT) to measure sensorimotor function in the arm and hand. To achieve this, this novel approach will be compared with an existing approach (Virtual Peg Insertion Test, VPIT).
Deficient T Regulatory Cell (Treg) Function in Patients With Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis...
Relapse Remitting Multiple SclerosisThe purpose of this research is to find out how the T regulatory (Treg) cells control autoimmune response in multiple sclerosis. The investigators will identify Treg molecular markers and changes in function in patients with relapse remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The investigators plan to study T regulatory immune cells in the blood of RRMS patients and control subjects to examine how Treg immune cells' deficient function may be involved in the development of mulitple sclerosis.
COVID-19 Vaccine Biomarker Study in Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisCOVID-19SARS CoV-2 is the virus responsible for the pandemic COVID-19, which has resulted in nearly five million deaths worldwide since its spread in the beginning of 2020. In the United States, there are now two emergency use authorized vaccines that make use of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) based technology that are highly effective for preventing COVID. However, because multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition, many individuals with multiple sclerosis take medicines that affect the immune system. The investigators are not sure whether individuals on certain MS medications, including medications that lower a type of immune cell called B lymphocytes, will form as robust of a response to the vaccines. In this study, the investigators will be gathering more information about effectiveness of these vaccines and bloodwork that looks at antibodies and other markers of vaccine response and by asking patients about COVID-19 infections.
Predictive Indices of Independent Activity of Daily-living in Neurorehabilitation
StrokeBrain Injuries3 morePostural and balance disorders are common in neurological disorders. They are often associated with reduced mobility and fear of falling, which strongly limit independent activities of daily living (ADL), compromise the quality of life and reduce social participation. Here the investigators apply an existing software solution to: 1) obtain biomarkers of gait deficits in 5 neurological conditions, 2) develop an automatic procedure supporting clinicians in the early identification of patients at high risk of falling as to tailor rehabilitation treatment; 3) longitudinally assess these patients to test the efficacy of rehabilitation. High-density electroencephalography (EEG), and inertial sensors located at lower limbs and at upper body levels will be used to extract the most appropriate indexes during motor tasks. The ultimate goal is to develop cost-effective treatment procedures to prevent recurrent falls and fall-related injuries and favour the reintegration of the patient into everyday activities. The first hypothesis of this study is that clinical professionals (e.g., medical doctors and rehabilitative staff) would strongly benefit from the possibility to rely on quantitative, reliable and reproducible information about patients motor deficits. This piece of information can be nowadays readily available through miniaturized wearable technology and its information content can be effectively conveyed thanks to ad hoc software solution, like the A.r.i.s.e. software. The second hypothesis of the present study is that early identification of patients at high risk of dependence and the subsequent application of personalized treatment would allow for cost-effective treatment procedures to favor the autonomy into everyday activities. The results of this project could represent a valuable support in the clinical reasoning and decision-making process.
The MS-LINK™ Outcomes Study
Multiple SclerosisThe Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Leadership and Innovation Network (MS-LINK™) is comprised of networks working cooperatively to advance Multiple Sclerosis (MS) science and improve MS participant outcomes. In this study participants will be followed from the time of consent through the lifetime of the study (currently 3 years), unless the participant chooses to withdraw from the study. Collection of participant's medical history, including MS and treatment history, will be automated through extraction from the participant's electronic medical record (EMR) and other health information systems (for example, radiology). Participants will complete patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and other health-related information digitally. Participating participants will have access to their own data in an ongoing manner via a web-based Participant Portal.
TRPMS to Improve Mobility and Depression in Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisThis study is aimed to test the efficacy of 10 sessions of Transcranial Rotating Permanent Magnetic Stimulation (TRPMS) paired with aerobic exercise or computerized cognitive training (CT) on mobility and depression symptoms in 40 individuals affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants in Arm 1 will complete 10x40 minutes daily sessions of TRPMS+aerobic exercise. Participants in Arm 2 will complete TRPMS+computerized CT. Primary outcomes for both arms will be assessed at baseline, at treatment end and after 4-week from the treatment end (follow-up).