
Digitalization of Neurofunctional Tests Via a Mobile Application DAMS for Multiple Sclerosis Patients...
Multiple SclerosisMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease with a broad diversity of symptoms and fluctuating progression patterns. Clinical assessments are challenging and are continually reviewed and enhanced. Optimal multiple sclerosis care depends on early detection of disease progression. The Digital self-Assessment for Multiple sclerosis (DAM) mobile program was developed by Ad Scientiam in order to create a robust and clinically validated remote monitoring platform for MS patients and clinicians. The correlation between DAM version 0 (the first iteration of DAMS) and Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) has been clinically evaluated in a preliminary study in 30 subjects. DAM version 0 and MFSC global scores were correlated. However, the cognition test had a poor reproducibility and clinicians expressed the wish to measure a walking range rather than a walking speed. Even though vision is the main sense impacting all other tests, particularly when interacting with a mobile, visual tests are rarely performed in real life. A new version of DAM version 0, DAMS, was therefore developed with the addition of the Sloan Low Contrast Letter Acuity Test (SLCLAT), the replacement of the walking speed test with a walking distance test and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) by a new version of the cognitive test which resembles the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). The hypothesis is that systematic and prospective multi-dimensional data collection of MS disabilities through the DAMS mobile application will refine the quality and accuracy of both clinicians and patients' knowledge of the disease progression and will ultimately improve the current care of patients. To test this assumption, the statistician will analyze: The global diagnostic performance of DAMS with (DAMS 4 tests) and without (DAMS 3 tests) the low contrast vision test versus standard MS scales The test-retest reliability of DAMS' scores at a 15 day interval

Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Hand Program Feasibility Study
SclerodermaSystemic SclerosisThe Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) is an organization established by researchers, health care providers, and people living with scleroderma from Canada, the USA, and Europe. The objectives of SPIN are (1) to assemble a large cohort of scleroderma patients to complete outcome assessments regularly in order to learn more about important problems faced by people living with scleroderma and (2) to develop and test a series of internet-based interventions to help patients manage aspects of scleroderma, including hand limitations. In the SPIN-HAND feasibility trial, SPIN Cohort participants with at least mild hand function limitations and an indicated interest in using an online hand exercise program will be randomized to be offered the SPIN hand exercise program or to usual care only. The core SPIN hand exercise program consists of 4 modules that address specific aspects of hand function, including Thumb Flexibility and Strength; Finger Bending; Finger Extension; and Wrist Flexibility and Strength. The program also integrates tools to support key components of successful self-management programs, including goal-setting. The aim of the SPIN-HAND feasibility study is to collect data to assess the feasibility of the steps that need to take place as part of the main trial; required resources; and scientific aspects (e.g., withdrawal rate, outcomes measures). Data will be used to determine whether it is feasible to carry out the main study or whether changes need to be made before conducting a full-scale RCT of the SPIN-HAND program.

Tele-Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisThe purpose of this study is to compare the effects of two delivery models of an evidence-based complementary alternative medicine (CAM) program that combines neurorehabilitative (functional) exercise, yoga, and Pilates for adults age 18-70 with multiple sclerosis (MS). CAM will be delivered as a 12-week program through two different delivery forms: On-site at a clinic (DirectCAM) and telerehabilitation (TeleCAM). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two groups. **On March 16th, 2020, the University of Alabama at Birmingham halted all onsite non-essential research in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, the study has begun to conduct all testing remotely through videoconferencing technology. In addition, another study group, remote DirectCAM (rDirectCAM), has been incorporated into the study to continue the 12-week program delivery for newly recruited participants via videoconferencing technology.**

Effect of MD1003 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
ALSAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis1 moreThis is a 6-month double blind randomized 2:1 placebo-controlled study with two arms (placebo, biotin 300 mg/day). The study will be followed by a 6-month extension phase during which all patients will receive biotin 300 mg/day.

Testing a Resilience Intervention for Individuals Aging With Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple SclerosisThis study aims to test the efficacy of the EverydayMatters Multiple Sclerosis (MS) program for individuals age 45 or older living with multiple sclerosis. The program involves a 6-week telephone-delivered program to promote resilience and happiness for individuals living with MS.

A Study of Immune Phenotype Biomarkers in Patients With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS) After...
Relapsing Multiple SclerosisA study of immune phenotype biomarkers in patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS) after treatment with 0.5mg fingolimod

The Effect of RNS60 on ALS Biomarkers
Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare lethal neurodegenerative disease involving inflammation. Riluzole, the only drug for ALS, improves median survival by 3 months. This prompts new treatments of ALS. RNS60 is an experimental drug with favorable effects in preclinical studies of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Based on significant efficacy demonstrated in preclinical studies and its excellent clinical safety profile, RNS60 is a promising candidate for a drug to treat ALS. Developing a pharmacodynamic marker will be a first and important step for dose finding and exploration of the mechanism of action in human, and pave the way to trials measuring drug efficacy. The Investigator propose a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, Phase II trial. The study centers will be located in Italy and at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston. A total of 142 ALS patients will be randomly assigned to RNS60 or placebo (administered by intravenous infusion once/week and inhaled via nebulization every morning for 24 weeks). All participants will also take riluzole (50-mg tablet twice/day). Blood samples for biomarker analysis (protein, RNA) will be collected in the screening period, on day 1, week 4,12 and 24. Both safety and potential therapeutic effects of RNS60 will be also assessed.

The Multiple Sclerosis Continuous Quality Improvement (MSCQI) Collaborative
Multiple SclerosisTo establish the first systems level continuous quality improvement (CQI) collaborative for multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States, to conduct benchmarking analyses and assessments of geographic variation in MS care quality and value, and study the effect of CQI interventions on improvement of selected performance (quality) indicators.

Coping and Adjusting to Living With Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisThe purpose of this project is to test a brief, telephone-based psychological intervention, CBT-UT, to improve the ability to tolerate uncertainty-and thereby to reduce distress-in people with a recent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). There are three treatment arms for this study. Participants will receive either (1) CBT for Uncertainty Tolerance, (2) Traditional CBT, or (3) treatment as usual.

The Effect of Nurse Practitioner (NP-led) Care Upon Mood in People With Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisNurse's RoleMS is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults. Canada and Alberta, have the highest prevalence of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in the world. To keep PwMS as functional as possible, a multi-disciplinary team is considered essential in the approach to treating people with MS. Because of the high numbers of PwMS in Northern Alberta, private-practice general neurologists provide care to a large number of PwMS outside of a multi-disciplinary tertiary care setting. It is challenging for these general neurologists with busy office practices to deliver optimal care to PwMS who have high care needs. The investigators wish to evaluate the effects of nurse practitioner (NP) led care for PwMS on their depression and anxiety levels at 3 and 6 months compared to "usual care' (community neurologists and MS registered nurses) in addition to measuring quality of life for PwMS and their caregivers, fatigue levels, monitor their outpatient healthcare usage and patient's satisfaction of care provided. The investigators wish to conduct a prospective randomized controlled trial examining NP intervention care for PwMS. It is hypothesized that PwMS whose care is managed by an NP will have less depression and anxiety (as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HADS) at 3 months.