scholarly journals Correlation between disability measure and Black Hole (T1 hypointense lesion) lesion load in brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS): Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Valizadeh ◽  
Elham Barati ◽  
Mohammad Ali Sahraian ◽  
Mohammad Reza Fattahi ◽  
Mana Moassefi
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Formation And Evolution ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Abstract Introduction: As the role of neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has become more prominent, the formation and evolution of chronic or persistent T1-hypointense lesions (Black Holes) have been used as markers of axonal loss and neuronal destruction to measure disease activity. However, findings regarding this subject are controversial. In this study we aim to clarify the level of importance of T1 hypointense lesions for estimating the prognosis of patients.Methods: We will search MEDLINE (through PubMed), Embase and Web of Science for relevant studies. We will extract the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SRCC) between the T1 hypointense lesion volume and Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in participants. All included studies will be evaluated for the risk of bias. We will also perform a meta-analysis on the data. The risk of publication bias will be evaluated using Funnel plots. Finally, we will assess the confidence in cumulative evidence using an adapted version of GRADE.

scholarly journals Correlation Between Disability Measure and Black Hole (T1 Hypointense Lesion) Lesion Load in Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Valizadeh ◽  
Elham Barati ◽  
Mohammad Ali Sahraian ◽  
Mohammad Reza Fattahi ◽  
Mana Moassefi
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Formation And Evolution ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Abstract Introduction: As the role of neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has become more prominent, the formation and evolution of chronic or persistent T1-hypointense lesions (Black Holes) have been used as markers of axonal loss and neuronal destruction to measure disease activity. However, findings regarding this subject are controversial. In this study we aim to clarify the level of importance of T1 hypointense lesions for estimating the prognosis of patients.Methods: We will search MEDLINE (through PubMed), Embase and Web of Science for relevant studies. We will extract the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SRCC) between the T1 hypointense lesion volume and Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in participants. All included studies will be evaluated for the risk of bias. We will also perform a meta-analysis on the data. The risk of publication bias will be evaluated using Funnel plots. Finally, we will assess the confidence in cumulative evidence using an adapted version of GRADE.

Combined visual and motor evoked potentials predict multiple sclerosis disability after 20 years

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 1348-1354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regina Schlaeger ◽  
Christian Schindler ◽  
Leticia Grize ◽  
Sophie Dellas ◽  
Ernst W Radue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Disease Modifying Therapy ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Adaptive Processes ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
Predictive Relationships ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Background: The development of predictors of multiple sclerosis (MS) disability is difficult due to the complex interplay of pathophysiological and adaptive processes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether combined evoked potential (EP)-measures allow prediction of MS disability after 20 years. Methods: We examined 28 patients with clinically definite MS according to Poser’s criteria with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, combined visual and motor EPs at entry (T0), 6 (T1), 12 (T2) and 24 (T3) months, and a cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at T0 and T2. EDSS testing was repeated at year 14 (T4) and year 20 (T5). Spearman rank correlation was used. We performed a multivariable regression analysis to examine predictive relationships of the sum of z-transformed EP latencies ( s-EPT0) and other baseline variables with EDSST5. Results: We found that s-EPT0 correlated with EDSST5 (rho=0.72, p<0.0001) and ΔEDSST5-T0 (rho=0.50, p=0.006). Backward selection resulted in the prediction model: E (EDSST5)=3.91–2.22×therapy+0.079×age+0.057× s-EPT0 (Model 1, R2=0.58) with therapy as binary variable (1=any disease-modifying therapy between T3 and T5, 0=no therapy). Neither EDSST0 nor T2-lesion or gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesion quantities at T0 improved prediction of EDSST5. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.89 for model 1. Conclusions: These results further support a role for combined EP-measures as predictors of long-term disability in MS.

Relevance of hypointense brain MRI lesions for long-term worsening of clinical disability in relapsing multiple sclerosis

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Giorgio ◽  
Maria Laura Stromillo ◽  
Maria Letizia Bartolozzi ◽  
Francesca Rossi ◽  
Marco Battaglini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Brain Lesion ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Stepwise Multiple Regression ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Background: The accrual of brain focal pathology is considered a good substrate of disability in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). However, knowledge on long-term lesion evolution and its relationship with disability progression is poor. Objective: The objective of this paper is to evaluate in RRMS the long-term clinical relevance of brain lesion evolution. Methods: In 58 RRMS patients we acquired, using the same scanner and protocol, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and 10±0.5 years later. MRI data were correlated with disability changes as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results: The annualized 10-year lesion volume (LV) growth was +0.25±0.5 cm3 (+6.7±8.7%) for T2-weighted (T2-W) lesions and +0.20±0.31 cm3 (+11.5±12.3%) for T1-weighted (T1-W) lesions. The univariate analysis showed moderate correlations between baseline MRI measures and EDSS at 10 years ( p < 0.001). Also, 10-year EDSS worsening correlated with LV growth and the number of new/enlarging lesions measured over the same period ( p < 0.005). In the stepwise multiple regression analysis, EDSS worsening over 10 years was best correlated with the combination of baseline T1-W lesion count and increasing T1-W LV ( R = 0.61, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In RRMS patients, long-term brain lesion accrual is associated with worsening in clinical disability. This is particularly true for hypointense, destructive lesions.

scholarly journals A Meta-Analysis of Critical Causes of Project Delay Using Spearman's Rank and Relative Importance Index Integrated Approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qais Amarkhil ◽  
Emad Elwakil ◽  
Bryan Hubbard
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Project Delay

This Meta-Analysis has examined the past ten years' studies concerning the causes of construction project delay. It aims to update the subject area and investigate critical causes of project delay in three different conditions of the external environment. The data from 50 studies have been analyzed and synthesized to determine the top ten critical causes of delay. The Relative Importance Index (RII) technique was applied to rank the critical causes; subsequently, the Spearman's Rank correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate the critical causes. The review findings indicate substantial differences between the critical causes of project delay in defined situations. The top ten critical causes of delay in developed countries root in the project's internal environment. The leading causes of delays in developing countries are from the project's internal and task environment.

scholarly journals Is There Any Relationship between Upper and Lower Limb Impairments in People with Multiple Sclerosis? A Kinematic Quantitative Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giancarlo Coghe ◽  
Federica Corona ◽  
Giuseppina Pilloni ◽  
Micaela Porta ◽  
Jessica Frau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Motor Tasks ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Spatiotemporal Parameters

Background. In people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), disability is generally assessed on the basis of ambulation abilities, whereas upper limb motor dysfunctions are less frequently considered. Nevertheless, they can severely affect the quality of life of pwMS. To date, it remains mostly unknown whether a relationship exists between upper and lower limb impairments. Aim. To investigate the existence of a relationship between upper and lower limb impairments in pwMS based on two fundamental motor tasks, namely walking and hand-to-mouth (HTM) movement. Methods. Twenty-eight pwMS with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores in the range of 1–6, and 21 healthy controls (HC) underwent a kinematic analysis of gait and HTM movement performed with a motion capture system. The spatiotemporal parameters for the two tasks were calculated and correlated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Results. The pwMS performed worse than HC on both tasks. Small to large correlations were found between the total HTM movement duration and most of the gait parameters (rho, 0.35–0.68; p<0.05). Conclusions. Both upper and lower limb motor abilities in pwMS worsen as disability increases. Nevertheless, their relationship is only moderate. This finding emphasizes the need for specific tests to quantify disability considering the overall motor function in pwMS.

scholarly journals Role of β-defensins in immune response in tuberculosis patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-106
Author(s):  
O. Pohorielova ◽  
O. Shevchenko
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Tuberculosis Patients ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Healthy Persons

ROLE OF Β-DEFENSINS IN IMMUNE RESPONSE IN TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS Shevchenko O., Pohorielova O. Expanding of tuberculosis drug-resistance makes host-directed treatment an important part of tuberculosis treatment. Host-directed treatment is aimed at stimulating the production of antimicrobial peptides by the patient's immune cells. The use of β-defensins is very interesting in this field because of their pronounced bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects, as well as the ability to stimulate the chemotaxis of immune cells. The article presents a review on the immunological properties of the defensin family and the possibility of their use in practice. To complete the review 114 articles from “PubMed” resource were analyzed to perform the study. 34 of them were chosen to review immunomodulatory and antimicrobial action of β-defensins. The own research results on Human-beta-defensine-1 use as tuberculosis severity marker are also added to the research. To obtain our own research results, 100 TB patients and 20 healthy persons were included in the study. Human-beta-defensin-1 level in serum was investigated in all the patients at the treatment onset and in healthy persons. Mann-Whitney U test (for comparison of 2 independent groups) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical data processing. It was found that Human-beta-defensin-1 level was significantly higher in TB patients than in healthy persons. A correlation of medium strength (r=+0.53, p<0.05) between Human-beta-defensin-1 and tuberculosis lesion volume was revealed. The data obtained allows to use human β-defensin-1 as a diagnostic marker of tuberculosis. Key words: tuberculosis, β-defensins, immunity, prognostic marker   Резюме. РОЛЬ Β-ДЕФЕНЗИНІВ В ІМУННІЙ ВІДПОВІДІ У ХВОРИХ НА ТУБЕРКУЛЬОЗ Шевченко О.С., Погорєлова О.О. Розширення лікарської стійкості туберкульозу робить лікування, спрямоване на активацію власних резервів організму-хазяїна, важливою частиною терапії. Таке лікування спрямоване на стимулювання продукції антимікробних пептидів імунними клітинами пацієнта. Використання β-дефензинів в даній області є перспективним через їх виражену бактерицидну і бактеріостатичну дію, а також здатність стимулювати хемотаксис імунних клітин. У статті представлений огляд імунологічних властивостей сімейства дефензинів і можливостей їх використання на практиці. Для створення огляду було проаналізовано 114 статей з ресурсу «PubMed». З них 34 були обрані для вивчення імуномодулюючої і антимікробної дії β-дефензинів. Результати власного дослідження можливостей використання β-дефензину-1 також були включені в роботу. Для отримання власних результатів у дослідження було включено 100 хворих на туберкульоз і 20 здорових людей. Рівень β-дефензіну-1 в сироватці крові був досліджений у всіх пацієнтів на початку лікування і у здорових людей. U-критерій Манна-Уїтні (для порівняння 2 незалежних груп) і коефіцієнт кореляції застосовувалися для статистичної обробки даних. Було виявлено, що рівень β-дефензину-1 був значно вищим у хворих на туберкульоз, ніж у здорових людей. Виявлено кореляцію середньої сили (r = + 0,53, р <0,05) між рівнем β-дефензину-1 і об’ємом туберкульозного ураження. Отримані дані дозволяють використовувати β-дефензин-1 в якості діагностичного маркеру перебігу туберкульозу. Ключові слова: туберкульоз, β-дефензини, імунітет, прогностичний маркер   Резюме. РОЛЬ Β-ДЕФЕНЗИНОВ В ИММУННОМ ОТВЕТЕ У БОЛЬНЫХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ Шевченко О.С., Погорелова О.А. Расширение лекарственной устойчивости туберкулеза делает лечение, направленное на активацию резервов организма-хозяина, важной частью терапии. Такое лечение направлено на стимулирование производства антимикробных пептидов иммунными клетками пациента. Использование β-дефензинов в данной области является перспективным из-за их выраженного бактерицидного и бактериостатического действия, а также способности стимулировать хемотаксис иммунных клеток. В статье представлен обзор иммунологических свойств семейства дефензинов и возможности их использования на практике. Для создания обзора было проанализировано 114 статей из ресурса «PubMed». 34 из них были выбраны для изучения иммуномодулирующего и антимикробного действия β-дефензинов. Собственные результаты исследования возможностей использования β-дефензина-1 в качестве маркера тяжести туберкулеза также были включены в работу. Для получения собственных результатов в исследование были включены 100 больных туберкулезом и 20 здоровых людей. Уровень β-дефензина-1 в сыворотке был исследован у всех пациентов в начале лечения и у здоровых людей. U-критерий Манна-Уитни (для сравнения 2 независимых групп) и коэффициент корреляции Спирмена были использованы для статистической обработки данных. Было обнаружено, что уровень β-дефензина-1 был значительно выше у больных туберкулезом, чем у здоровых людей. Выявлена ​​корреляция средней силы (r = + 0,53, р <0,05) между уровнем β-дефензина-1 и туберкулезного поражения. Полученные данные позволяют использовать β-дефензин-1 в качестве диагностического маркера течения туберкулеза. Ключевые слова: туберкулез, β-дефензины, иммунитет, прогностический маркер

Glatiramer acetate after induction therapy with mitoxantrone in relapsing multiple sclerosis

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 663-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Vollmer ◽  
H Panitch ◽  
A Bar-Or ◽  
J Dunn ◽  
MS Freedman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Glatiramer Acetate ◽  
Induction Therapy ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Forty relapsing multiple sclerosis patients with 1–15 gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesions on screening brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores 0–6.5 were randomized to receive short-term induction therapy with mitoxantrone (three monthly 12 mg/m2 infusions) followed by 12 months of daily glatiramer acetate (GA) therapy 20 mg/day subcutaneously for a total of 15 months (M-GA, n = 21) or daily GA 20 mg/day for 15 months (GA, n = 19). MRI scans were performed at months 6, 9, 12 and 15. The primary measure of outcome was the incidence of adverse events; secondary measures included number of Gd-enhanced lesions, confirmed relapses and EDSS changes. Except age, baseline demographic characteristics were well matched in both treatment arms. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated. M-GA induction produced an 89% greater reduction (relative risk (RR) = 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04–0.36, p = 0.0001) in the number of Gd-enhancing lesions at months 6 and 9 and a 70% reduction (RR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11–0.86, p = 0.0147) at months 12 and 15 versus GA alone. Mean relapse rates were 0.16 and 0.32 in the M-GA and GA groups, respectively. Short-term immunosuppression with mitoxantrone followed by daily GA for up to 15 months was found to be safe and effective, with an early and sustained decrease in MRI disease activity.

Effectiveness and side effects of dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis after 12 months of follow up: An Iranian clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Foroughipour ◽  
Sahar Gazeran
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Dimethyl Fumarate ◽  
Liver Function Tests ◽  
First Year ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic disorder with a considerable global burden. During the last decades, some pharmaceutical treatments have been approved for patients with MS. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is one of these drugs which has been reported to have early promising results in recent studies, but the efficacy of this drug in patients with MS is still being studied in different parts of the world. In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of DMF therapy on reducing relapses, lesions, and disability in Iranian patients with MS. Methods: The present single-arm before-after study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran [Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (IRCT) code: IRCT20190121042439N1]. Every patient who was diagnosed with relapsing MS was considered eligible to enroll in the present clinical trial. Before receiving DMF therapy, the baseline liver function tests and complete blood count were obtained from all individuals. Also, a baseline brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was documented from all patients. After receiving 240 mg DMF twice daily for 12 months, the laboratory and imaging measurements as well as EDSS were repeated. Furthermore, the total number of relapses within the study period was recorded. Satisfaction with DMF treatment was determined by answering a yes-no question. Results: A total number of 50 patients enrolled in the study and most of them were female (80%). There was a significant decrease in EDSS score and gadolinium (GD)-enhancing lesions after the study period (P < 0.001 for each). Moreover, the attacks significantly dropped after the study period (P < 0.001) and 86% of patients were satisfied with their treatment. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that 240 mg DMF administered twice daily can effectively reduce disability and provide satisfaction within the first year of therapy in patients with MS.

scholarly journals Airspace Dimension Assessment (AiDA) by inhaled nanoparticles: benchmarking with hyperpolarised 129Xe diffusion-weighted lung MRI

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeleine Petersson-Sjögren ◽  
Ho-Fung Chan ◽  
Guilhem J. Collier ◽  
Graham Norquay ◽  
Lars E. Olsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Diffusivity Coefficient ◽  
In Vivo Measurement ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Diffusion Weighted ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Inhaled Nanoparticles ◽  
Distal Airspace

AbstractEnlargements of distal airspaces can indicate pathological changes in the lung, but accessible and precise techniques able to measure these regions are lacking. Airspace Dimension Assessment with inhaled nanoparticles (AiDA) is a new method developed for in vivo measurement of distal airspace dimensions. The aim of this study was to benchmark the AiDA method against quantitative measurements of distal airspaces from hyperpolarised 129Xe diffusion-weighted (DW)-lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). AiDA and 129Xe DW-MRI measurements were performed in 23 healthy volunteers who spanned an age range of 23–70 years. The relationship between the 129Xe DW-MRI and AiDA metrics was tested using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Significant correlations were observed between AiDA distal airspace radius (rAiDA) and mean 129Xe apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) (p < 0.005), distributed diffusivity coefficient (DDC) (p < 0.001) and distal airspace dimension (LmD) (p < 0.001). A mean bias of − 1.2 µm towards rAiDA was observed between 129Xe LmD and rAiDA, indicating that rAiDA is a measure of distal airspace dimension. The AiDA R0 intercept correlated with MRI 129Xe α (p = 0.02), a marker of distal airspace heterogeneity. This study demonstrates that AiDA has potential to characterize the distal airspace microstructures and may serve as an alternative method for clinical examination of the lungs.

Mean upper cervical cord area (MUCCA) measurement in long-standing multiple sclerosis: Relation to brain findings and clinical disability

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 1860-1865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marita Daams ◽  
Florian Weiler ◽  
Martijn D Steenwijk ◽  
Horst K Hahn ◽  
Jeroen JG Geurts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Spinal Cord Atrophy ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Upper Cervical ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Background: The majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) present with spinal cord pathology. Spinal cord atrophy is thought to be a marker of disease severity, but in long-disease duration its relation to brain pathology and clinical disability is largely unknown. Objective: Our aim was to investigate mean upper cervical cord area (MUCCA) in patients with long-standing MS and assess its relation to brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures and clinical disability. Methods: MUCCA was measured in 196 MS patients and 55 healthy controls using 3DT1-weighted cervical images obtained at 3T MRI. Clinical disability was measured using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Nine-Hole-Peg test (9-HPT), and 25 feet Timed Walk Test (TWT). Stepwise linear regression was performed to assess the association between MUCCA and MRI measures, and between MUCCA and clinical disability. Results: MUCCA was smaller (mean 11.7%) in MS patients compared with healthy controls (72.56±9.82 and 82.24±7.80 mm2 respectively; p<0.001), most prominently in male patients. MUCCA was associated with normalized brain volume, and number of cervical cord lesions. MUCCA was independently associated with EDSS, TWT, and 9-HPT. Conclusion: MUCCA was reduced in MS patients compared with healthy controls. It provides a relevant marker for clinical disability in long-standing disease, independent of other MRI measures.

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