Faculty Bibliography

Background: Clinical observations and emerging studies suggest that African American (AA) people with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to fare worse than their Caucasian American (CA) counterparts. Existing studies are limited by few AA participants and could often not evaluate other potential con-tributing factors. Objective: To compare socio-economic and relevant clini-cal characteristics of a large population of AA and CA people with MS. Methods: MS PATHS is a Biogen-sponsored network of 10 large MS centers located in the US (7) and Europe (3); standardized collection of socio-demographic characteristics, including self-reported race and clinical and disease information are acquired at least annually during routine clinic visits. We included US-based MS PATHS participants with self-reported AA and CA race who provided socio-economic and baseline MS characteristics. We compared AA vs. CA with respect to education, employment, and insurance status and MS characteristics including self-reported disability (via Patient Determined Disease Steps [PDDS]) and objective assessments of neurological function (via walking speed, electronically-assessed manual dexterity, and processing speed). To compare socio-economic characteristics between AAs and CAs, we fit generalized linear regression models. For PDDS, we fit multinomial regression models comparing severe vs. mild and moderate vs. mild disability. For neurological assessments, we fit linear regression models. Models for PDDS and neurologic outcomes were adjusted for age, sex, disease subtype and duration, employment, and insurance status. Results: Of US-based eligible participants in MS PATHS, 909 (14%) identified as AAs while 5842 (86%) identified as CAs and were included in the analyses. AAs were younger (mean 45.6y [SD:12.5] vs. 49.7y [12.3y]; p<0.0001), had fewer years of education (14.1y [2.8] vs. 14.8y [2.6]; p<0.0001), had Medicaid health insurance (20% vs. 7%; P<0.0001), and were currently on disability or not working (39% vs. 29%; p<0.0001) relative to CAs. With respect to MS characteristics, AAs had a 58% multivariable-adjusted higher odds of severe vs. mild disability relative to CAs (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.22-2.04). They also had significantly slower walking and manual dexterity speeds and lower cognitive performance scores relative to CAs (multivariable-adjusted mean difference [95% CI]: 25-foot walking speed: 1.11 seconds [1.07-1.14]; manual dexterity: 1.07 seconds [1.05-1.08]; processing speed scores:-4.23 [-5.00-3.47]. Conclusions: In this large sample, self-reported AA identity was associated with indicators of lower socio-economic status and with greater MS severity across a broad array of neurological assessments

Background/UNASSIGNED:We previously identified air quality as a risk factor of interest for pediatric multiple sclerosis. The purpose of this study is to more closely examine the association between the six criteria air pollutants and pediatric MS as well as identify specific areas of toxic release using data from the Toxic Release Inventory. Methods/UNASSIGNED:= 442) were included as part of an ongoing case-control study. We used the National Emissions Inventory system to estimate particulate exposure by county of residence for each participant. Proximity to Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) sites was also assessed using ArcGIS mapping tools. Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) classified counties at risk to exposure of environmental toxic releases. Results/UNASSIGNED:= 0.002). Average RSEI scores did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Conclusion/UNASSIGNED:, CO, and lead) were statistically associated with higher odds for pediatric MS.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:To promote understanding of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS), recommend optimal screening, monitoring, and treatment strategies, and address barriers to optimal management. METHODS:The National MS Society ("Society") convened experts in cognitive dysfunction (clinicians, researchers, and lay people with MS) to review the published literature, reach consensus on optimal strategies for screening, monitoring, and treating cognitive changes, and propose strategies to address barriers to optimal care. RECOMMENDATIONS/CONCLUSIONS:Based on current evidence, the Society makes the following recommendations, endorsed by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and the International Multiple Sclerosis Cognition Society: Increased professional and patient awareness/education about the prevalence, impact, and appropriate management of cognitive symptoms. For adults and children (8+ years of age) with clinical or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of neurologic damage consistent with MS: As a minimum, early baseline screening with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) or similarly validated test, when the patient is clinically stable; Annual re-assessment with the same instrument, or more often as needed to (1) detect acute disease activity; (2) assess for treatment effects (e.g. starting/changing a disease-modifying therapy) or for relapse recovery; (3) evaluate progression of cognitive impairment; and/or (4) screen for new-onset cognitive problems. For adults (18+ years): more comprehensive assessment for anyone who tests positive on initial cognitive screening or demonstrates significant cognitive decline, especially if there are concerns about comorbidities or the individual is applying for disability due to cognitive impairment. For children (<18 years): neuropsychological evaluation for any unexplained change in school functioning (academic or behavioral). Remedial interventions/accommodations for adults and children to improve functioning at home, work, or school.

BACKGROUND:Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been explored as a potential intervention in Parkinson's disease (PD) and recent studies have shown promising results in cognitive, gait and motor function. However, evidence of efficacy is limited due to small size studies, short treatment periods, lack of standardization of methodologies and other study design limitations. Remotely supervised-tDCS (RS-tDCS) allows "at-home" study participation, potentially easing recruitment, compliance and overall feasibility for clinical studies. OBJECTIVE:Here, we aim to explore preliminary effects of RS-tDCS paired with cognitive training in PD by delivering RS-tDCS neuromodulation at participant's home while still maintaining clinical trial standards. METHODS:This was a prospective, open-label study using RS-tDCS paired with cognitive training. Each PD participant completed 10 tDCS sessions (20-min, 1.5-2.0-mA, bi-hemispheric DLPFC montage, left anodal), over a span of two weeks. All tDCS sessions were supervised in real-time through videoconferencing. Outcomes included the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Grooved Pegboard Test. RESULTS:All RS-tDCS sessions were well tolerated and completed successfully. Total UPDRS and motor UPDRS-III scores decreased significantly. Pegboard completion time improved significantly for the non-dominant hand. There was a strong positive correlation between the time of the sessions, and motor improvements in UPDRS part-III. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:RS-tDCS paradigm through a 'telemedicine protocol' holds therapeutic potential for motor symptoms in PD while maximizing compliance and ease of recruitment. Conducting afternoon sessions might be more effective than during the morning. Our paradigm may be influential in designing future studies and facilitating larger and longer duration clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE:Cognitive impairment is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) that can lead to declines in daily functioning. Timed instrumental activities of daily living (TIADLs) have been useful to bridge between cognitive testing and real-world functioning in disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. However, these have not been standardized for general use, and the tasks that are typically employed have not been sensitive to the detection of milder forms of cognitive deficits. We developed a test of ten TIADLs tasks to measure a broader range of functioning, entitled the "Test of Everyday Cognitive Ability" or TECA, and tested its utility in a diverse sample of participants with MS. METHOD/METHODS:TECA performance was characterized in n = 177 participants with MS and compared to healthy controls (n = 49). A subset from each group received repeated administration. In addition, all participants completed a standard battery of neuropsychological measures. RESULTS:TECA performances were significantly different between MS and control participants. Further, MS participants with cognitive impairment performed significantly slower relative to those MS participants without impairment. CONCLUSIONS:The TECA is a TIADLs assessment appropriate for use in those with MS as it includes a broad range of task difficulties, requires minimum motor involvement, and is sensitive to MS-related cognitive impairment. The TECA is a brief and repeatable test of TIADLs and its ease of administration makes it suitable for both clinical practice and research settings.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177177.].