Sema 4A as a Marker for Inflammatory Disease in Multiple Sclerosis
Relapsing Multiple SclerosisMultiple SclerosisMeasure serum and cerebrospinal fluid Sema4A levels in female subjects with newly diagnosed and untreated relapsing multiple sclerosis, clinically stable relapsing multiple sclerosis receiving disease modifying therapy, relapsing multiple sclerosis receiving disease modifying therapy with breakthrough disease, or non-multiple sclerosis controls (patients without inflammatory central nervous system disease).
High-Field MRI Iron-Based Contrast-Enhanced Characterization of Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelinating...
Multiple SclerosisFeraheme (ferumoxytol) is FDA-approved for iron supplementation and is composed of iron oxide nanoparticles classified among the ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxides (USPIO). In this project we hypothesize that Feraheme could become a sensitive and specific marker of active inflammation in multiple sclerosis. We will explore this hypothesis taking advantage of ultra high field strength (7T) MRI to further increase the effectiveness of the contrast agent Feraheme at revealing inflammatory activity.
Rajavtihi Neuronal Adult Stem Cells Project
Alzheimer's DiseaseParkinson's Disease1 moreTo study the success of Oligodendrocyte progenitor cell culture project in Rajavithi Hospital to identify an unlimited clone human neuronal progenitor stem cells from the human brain in the Biomolecular Research Center. This study aims to produce the reproductive clone of neuronal development protocols and advance projects. Neuronal cells such as pyramidal cells, oligodendrocyte, and dopaminergic neuron differentiation protocol/projects for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease respectively in next phase of clinical trials.
VALIDATE: Factor VIII Trending for MS Relapse
Multiple SclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) patients hospitalized with an acute motor or visual relapse will be consented. Factor VIII-related labs will be systematically drawn for six months. During this time, patients will be followed with clinical assessments including: Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), Low Contrast Sloan Letter Chart Testing, Symbol Digital Modality Test (SDMT), and NeuroQol. MRIs of the brain, cervical spine, and thoracic spine with and without contrast will be obtained. All patients will be treated with 1 gram IV solumedrol daily for five days per standard care. Clinical, imaging, and Factor VIII-related lab data individually or in aggregate will be correlated with relapse presence, severity, and extent of recovery following standard intravenous (IV) solumedrol treatment
Head Circumference Growth in Children Who Develop Multiple Sclerosis Later in Life
Multiple SclerosisMultiple sclerosis patients commonly develop generalized ventricular dilation with or without cerebral atrophy over time. Case studies in the literature have noted some multiple sclerosis patients develop the typical "normal pressure hydrocephalus" triad of dementia, gait disturbance and incontinence which were responsive to shunts. Many patients with connective tissue disorders (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) develop Multiple Sclerosis and studies indicate that in the Multiple Sclerosis population, there exists over 10% more Ehlers-Danlos patients than in the normal population. Because studies are indicating a form of external communicating hydrocephalus in the Ehlers-Danlos population, the author hypothesizes the same type of hydrocephalus may occur in the Multiple Sclerosis population. To evaluate this hypothesis, investigators will retroactively evaluate the head circumference of Multiple Sclerosis patients between birth and 15 months (before the skull sutures have closed).
Comparison of Two Community Based Exercise Protocols in People With Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisThis study will compare the benefits of two community based exercise programs, personal training and whole body vibration on balance and gait in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Anyone with a diagnosis of MS can participate in the personal training. Only people who can walk with or without an assistive device with a diagnosis of MS can participate in the Whole Body Vibration. Pre testing and post testing will be completed using balance and gait measures and self reporting measures for balance confidence and impact of MS. The program will run two times per week for six weeks.
Comparison of Rebif Compared to Tecifdera on Six-month Outcomes in Patients With Relapsing-remitting...
Multiple SclerosisTo compare two commonly used MS medications, IFN β-1a subcutaneous three times per week (Rebif) and oral twice daily dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera), on mean number of new or enlarging T2 lesions at 6 months in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who are prescribed these medications and receive a 6 month MRI scan as standard of care.
Establishment of a Human Tissue Bank for Studying the Microbial Etiology of Neurodegenerative Diseases...
Neurodegenerative DiseasesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis2 moreThe etiology of many neurodegenerative diseases is unknown. A few studies have suggested the role of infection in the gastrointestinal tract in the etiology and pathogenesis of neurological diseases such as idiopathic Parkinson. For example, infection with Helicobacter pylori has been suggested to play a role in Parkinson disease. In addition, bacterial pathogens such as spirochetes and bacterial products such as cyanobacterial toxins have been speculated as the contributing factors in the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The effect of microbial composition of the gut in the pathogenesis of ALS is suspected. The difference in the bacterial profile of the gut has been documented in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and obesity. The goal of this IRB protocol is to create a human tissue bank and to obtain patients' demographic information for future investigation of the role of bacterial pathogens and the role of gut flora composition in the development of neurodegenerative diseases including but not limited to ALS, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Prediction of Non-motor Symptoms in Fully Ambulatory MS Patients Using Vocal Biomarkers
Multiple SclerosisThe investigator will set up a study evaluating vocal biomarkers in people with MS in order to identify persons with non-motor symptoms: depression, cognitive deterioration, and fatigue. Up to now, to the best of the investigator's knowledge, there is no study reporting the use of vocal biomarkers to predict these three non-motor symptoms in people with MS.
Figure of 8 Walk Test in Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisBalance disorder is common in people with MS. As the disease worsens, it is associated with impaired balance, difficulty walking, decreased mobility, and an increased risk of falling. Given the prevalence and clinical significance of balance dysfunction in individuals with MS, the assessment of balance has become an important focus in MS clinical practice and research. The figure of 8 Walk Test is a standard clinical measure used to evaluate the forward walking performance required in daily life. Beyond walking straight, turning ability is required in many situations in daily life such as walking around a table, avoiding obstacles and navigating the street. The gait characteristics of walking on a straight and curved road are different. During curved walking, the center of mass of the body shifts to the inner leg as the stance time of the inner leg increases, as opposed to walking on a straight track. Compared to other standardized tests, scoring is not dependent on the subjectivity of the examiner, can be administered by a person with minimal training, and requires minimal time, space, and equipment. The test assesses the ability to quickly change direction of movement and is a timed test involving the use of assistive devices.