Oligoclonal Bands in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Black Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Genetic susceptibility is a well-recognized factor in the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of oligoclonal bands (OCB) restricted to the cerebrospinal fluid, in an ethnically mixed group of MS patients in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Techniques used to detect OCB consisted of isoelectric focusing followed by immunoblotting. OCB were found in 49 (54.4%) out of 90 patients with clinically definite MS; out of the 23 brown/black patients, 17 (73.9%) were OCB+; out of the 66 white patients, 32 (48.5%) were OCB+; and the only patient yellow was OCB+ (p=0.05). Analysis of the IgG index was also consistent with the findings, but with lower statistical significance. The data presented in our study show that the ethnic differences in MS extend to the immune response.

Advertising as a possible determinant of private consumption

Private consumption represents an important component of aggregate demand, i.e. private consumption becomes a significant aspect of GDP determination. The objective of this paper is to examine private consumption in terms of a potential short-run influence of advertising on private consumption as one of the factors that determine consumption. GDP (disposable personal income), interest rates, but also advertising may be considered as important factors that can accelerate the development or change the direction of development of private consumption. A debate on effects of these factors is carried on in the paper. Determinants of advertising expenses as well as potential influence of advertising on private consumption will be studied. This general theme will be specified under conditions of American economy and examined during a period of almost 80 years (1929–2008). The GLS method of estimation with application of Cochrane-Orcutt regression is used. Despite of lower statistical significance the model indicates that advertising expenses variable is not an important variable of private consumption at aggregate level on the contrary to disposable personal income and private savings.