Effect of methylphenidate on oculomotor function in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Introduction: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently experience visual and oculomotor symptoms that may impact and confound neuropsychological assessments of information processing speed (IPS). In this study, we examined the effect of the psychostimulant methylphenidate on oculomotor function and the association between change in oculomotor speed and change in information processing speed. Methods: We used a repeated measures crossover design in which a sample of 11 participants with MS were randomly assigned to one of two treatment arms: one that received methylphenidate for 4 weeks and another that received a placebo for 4 weeks. After a 7-day washout period, the treatments were crossed over. The King Devick test, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test were administered at baseline and after each of the two study arms. Results: We found a significant improvement in oculomotor speed in the methylphenidate condition as compared to placebo. This improvement was significantly correlated with improvement on a visuomotor assessment of IPS (Symbol Digit Modalities Test), but no such association was found for an auditory-verbal assessment of IPS (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test). Discussion: These findings suggest that individuals with MS experience improved oculomotor speed while taking methylphenidate, which may, in turn, improve performance on assessments of IPS with visuomotor demands.

Behavioral Interventions to Improve Sleep Outcomes in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The objective of this systematic review was to determine effective behavioral interventions to improve their sleep. METHODS: Literature searches were performed in December 2021 in Ovid MEDLINE, Elsevier Embase, and Web of Science, along with hand searching for grey literature and cited references. Four reviewers independently reviewed titles and abstracts (2 reviewers for each article; n = 830) and the full-text articles (n = 81). Consensus for inclusion was achieved by a fifth reviewer. Thirty-seven articles were eligible for inclusion. Four reviewers extracted relevant data from each study (2 reviewers for each article) using a standard data extraction table. Consensus was achieved for completeness and accuracy of the data extraction table by a fifth reviewer. The same 4 reviewers conducted a quality appraisal of each article to assess the risk of bias and quality of the articles, and consensus was achieved by a fifth reviewer as needed. Descriptive data were used for types of interventions, sleep outcomes, results, and key components across interventions. RESULTS: Overall, the cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy/psychotherapy, and education/self-management support interventions reported positive improvements in sleep outcomes. Quality appraisal scores ranged from low to high, indicating potential for bias. CONCLUSIONS: Variability in the intervention type, intervention dose, outcomes used, training/expertise of interventionist, specific sample, and study quality made it difficult to compare and synthesize results. Further research is necessary to demonstrate the efficacy of most of the interventions.

The influence of information processing speed on benefit from learning and memory rehabilitation in TBI: a sub-analysis of the TBI-MEM trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the influence of processing speed (PS) on benefit from treatment with the Kessler Foundation modified Story Memory Technique® (KF-mSMT®), a cognitive rehabilitation intervention shown to improve new learning and memory in traumatic brain injury (TBI). SETTING: Non-profit research center. PARTICIPANTS: 62 participants with moderate-to-severe TBI were included, 31 assigned to the treatment group and 31 to the placebo-control group. DESIGN: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. The present study represents a post-hoc analysis to examine the role of PS on treatment efficacy. MAIN MEASURES: Baseline and follow-up neuropsychological assessment including the California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II), Memory Assessment Scales - Prose Memory (MAS-PM) and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). RESULTS: A treatment effect was not observed on the CVLT-II learning slope in the treatment group relative to the placebo group post-treatment, after co-varying for education, baseline CVLT slope and PS performance. However, performance on a measure of PS, the SDMT, was a significant predictor of post-treatment change following KF-mSMT® treatment. PS was not a significant predictor of benefit from treatment as documented by the MAS-PM immediate or delayed recall score, both of which showed a significant treatment effect. CONCLUSION: Performance on measures of cognitive dysfunction aside from learning and memory impact the benefit from KF-mSMT® treatment. Implications for cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with TBI are discussed.

The Efficacy of the Speed of Processing Training Program in Improving Functional Outcome: From Restoration to Generalization.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of Speed of Processing Training (SOPT) in improving everyday functional outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A nonprofit rehabilitation research institution and the community. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 60 participants with MS with impaired processing speed were randomly assigned to SOPT (n=33) or an active control group (n=27). INTERVENTION: SOPT, a restorative computerized cognitive intervention involving 10 treatment sessions consisting of visual tasks designed to improve speed and accuracy of information processing MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes included performance on the Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (TIADL) and self-report of functional behavior, quality of life, and affect. RESULTS: The treatment group showed improvement in the total TIADL score and 2 subtests compared with the active control group. Participants in the treatment group who demonstrated improved cognitive performance after the intervention also showed improved performance on one TIADL subtest. Quality of life, affective symptomatology, and self-reported functional status were not changed after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in underlying cognitive or perceptual deficits is thought to promote recovery and everyday performance as per the restorative approach to cognitive rehabilitation. However, this study showed only selected improvements in everyday functional outcomes for persons with MS.

Renal function at 12 months of kidney transplantation comparing tacrolimus and mycophenolate with tacrolimus and mTORi in donors with different KDPI ranges. A multicenter cohort study using propensity scoring.

Introduction: The combination of tacrolimus/mTORi compared to tacrolimus/mycophenolate (MMF) was shown to be safe in the TRANSFORM trial. For donors with a high KDPI (Kidney Donor Profile Index), however, there are no data to support the effectiveness of this regimen. The main objective of this study was to explore the influence of the KDPI on 12-month renal function (eGFR) in patients receiving mTORi or MMF. Methods: Multicenter cohort study of four Brazilian services that use the tacrolimus with mTORi as a protocol. Data from 2008 to 2018 of the tacrolimus/mycophenolate (MMF) and tacrolimus/mTORi (mTORi) regimens in renal transplant recipients over 18 years old were collected. For better homogeneity, the propensity score was used. Afterward, the method used for group selection ("match") was the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) method. New analyses were performed on this new balanced sample, and two different subsamples were constituted based on the median KDPI. Results: The global analysis (n = 870) showed that the major determinant of worse kidney function was high KDPI. Afterward, the three strata were analyzed. In the first stratum (KDPI up to 50), 242 patients were evaluated, with 121 in each group. The eGFR was 64 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the mTORi group compared to 63 in the MMF group, p = 0.4, and when imputed eGFR was evaluated, 61 in the mTORi and 53 in the MMF, p = 0.065. In the second stratum (KDPI from 50 to 85), 282 patients were evaluated, with 141 in each group. eGFR was 46 ml/min/1.73 m2 in mTORi compared to 48 in MMF, p = 0.4, and when imputed eGFR was evaluated, 40 mTORi and 41 MMF, p = 0.8. In the last stratum (KDPI higher than 85) with n = 126 and 63 cases per group, eGFR was 36 ml/min/1.73 m2 in mTORi compared to 39 in MMF, p = 0.2, and when imputed eGFR was evaluated, 30 mTORi and 34 MMF, p = 0.2. Discussion: The regimen using mTOR inhibitor is an effective and safe regimen when compared to the standard regimen. In addition, the scheme seems to offer additional protection against infections and may be an important ally in cases of high risk for these pathologies.

Quality of life of people with intestinal ostomies and associated factors / Calidad de vida de personas con estomas intestinales y factores asociados / Qualidade de vida das pessoas com estomias intestinais e fatores associados

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the quality of life of individuals with intestinal ostomies and its association with sociodemographic and clinical factors. Method: a cross-sectional and correlational study conducted between August 2019 and December 2021, involving individuals with intestinal ostomies registered at the Orthotics and Prosthetics Service of the Municipal Health Department of São Luís-Maranhão. The questionnaires used included a sociodemographic one, a clinical one, and the City Of Hope - Quality Of Life - Ostomy Questionnaire (COH-QOL-OQ). The statistical analyses were conducted using the SPSS Statistics 20.1 software for Windows, with a 5% significance level. Normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and the correlations between independent and dependent variables were assessed using paired t-tests. Results: the sample consisted of 154 participants, mostly men (62.6%), with a mean age of 49.94 years old and Incomplete Elementary School (35%). The majority had colostomies (81.2%), temporary (61%), and cancer as etiology (47.4%). In terms of quality of life, the mean scores for the spiritual well-being domain (8.45) stood out, followed by the physical (4.05), psychological (5.85) and social (6.33) domains. The association between sociodemographic/clinical factors, and quality of life was statistically significant (p≤0.05) for religion, schooling, type and characteristics of the household, ostomy permanence and complications, post-ostomy employment, presence of spouse, physical activity, and access to health services. Etiology of the ostomy was found to be significantly associated with the physical (p=0.03), psychological (p=0.01) and social (p=0.01) domains, as well as overall (p=0.05). Conclusion: the study revealed a significant association for the physical, psychological, social and spiritual domains, impacting the quality of life and care practices for individuals with ostomies and their families.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de vida de personas con estomas intestinales y la asociación con factores sociodemográficos y clínicos. Métodos: estudio transversal y correlacional realizado entre agosto de 2019 y diciembre de 2021 con personas ostomizadas registradas en el Servicio de Órtesis y Prótesis de la Secretaría Municipal de Salud de São Luís-Maranhão. Se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico, uno clínico y el City Of Hope - Quality Of Life - Ostomy Questionnary (COH-QOL-OQ). Los análisis estadísticos se procesaron en el programa de software SPSS Statistics 20.1 para Windows, con nivel de significancia del 5%. En la prueba de Shapiro-Wilk se verificó la normalidad y, con la prueba t pareada, las correlaciones de las variables independientes y dependientes. Resultados: la muestra estuvo compuesta por 154 participantes, con mayoría de hombres (62,6%), media de edad de 49,94 años, con estudios primarios incompletos (35%), colostomías (81,2%), temporarias (61%) y cáncer como etiología (47,4%). En relación con la calidad de vida, se destacaron los valores medios correspondientes a los dominios de bienestar espiritual (8,45), físico (4,05), psicológico (5,85) y social (6,33). La asociación entre factores sociodemográficos/clínicos y calidad de vida presentó significancia estadística (p ≤ 0,05) para religión, nivel de estudios, tipo y característica del hogar, permanencia del estoma y complicaciones, trabajar después del estoma, presencia de cónyuge, actividad física y acceso a servicios de salud. Se verificó que la mayor significancia de la etiología del estoma correspondió a los dominios físico (p=0,03), psicológico (p=0,01), social (p=0,01) y general (p=0,05). Conclusión: el estudio demostró una asociación significativa para los dominios físico, psicológico, social y espiritual, con efecto sobre la calidad de vida y en las prácticas de atención a personas con estomas y sus familiares.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida das pessoas com estomias intestinais e associação com fatores sociodemográficos e clínicos. Método: estudo transversal e correlacional realizado entre agosto de 2019 e dezembro de 2021, com pessoas estomizadas cadastradas no Serviço de Órtese e Prótese da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de São Luís-Maranhão. Utilizou-se questionários sociodemográfico, clínico e City OF Hope - Quality Of Life - Ostomy Questionnary (COH-QOL-OQ). As análises estatísticas foram processadas pelo Software SPSS Statistics 20.1 para Windows, nível de significância 5%. No teste Shapiro-Wilk verificou-se a normalidade e no teste-t pareado as correlações das variáveis independentes e dependente. Resultados: amostra composta por 154 participantes, maioria homens (62,6%), idade média 49,94 anos, com ensino fundamental incompleto (35%), colostomia (81,2%), temporária (61%) e câncer como etiologia (47,4%). Em relação à qualidade de vida, destacaram-se as médias para os domínios bem-estar espiritual (8,45), físico (4,05), psicológico (5,85) e social (6,33). A associação entre fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos e qualidade de vida foi estatisticamente significante (p ≤ 0,05) para religião, escolaridade, tipo e característica do domicílio, permanência da estomia e complicações, trabalho pós-estomia, presença de cônjuge, atividade física e acesso ao serviço de saúde. Verificou-se a maior significância da etiologia da estomia para domínios físico (p=0,03), psicológico (p=0,01), social (p=0,01) e geral (p=0,05). Conclusão: o estudo mostrou associação significante para os domínios físico, psicológico, social e espiritual, com impacto a qualidade de vida e nas práticas de cuidado às pessoas com estomias e seus familiares.

Associations between smartphone keystroke dynamics and cognition in MS.

Objective: Examine the associations between smartphone keystroke dynamics and cognitive functioning among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Sixteen persons with MS with no self-reported upper extremity or typing difficulties and 10 healthy controls (HCs) completed six weeks of remote monitoring of their keystroke dynamics (i.e., how they typed on their smartphone keyboards). They also completed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and symptom ratings about fatigue, depression, and anxiety at baseline. Results: A total of 1,335,787 keystrokes were collected, which were part of 30,968 typing sessions. The MS group typed slower (P < .001) and more variably (P = .032) than the HC group. Faster typing speed was associated with better performance on measures of processing speed (P = .016), attention (P = .022), and executive functioning (cognitive flexibility: P = .029; behavioral inhibition: P = .002; verbal fluency: P = .039), as well as less severe impact from fatigue (P < .001) and less severe anxiety symptoms (P = .007). Those with better cognitive functioning and less severe symptoms showed a stronger correlation between the use of backspace and autocorrection events (P < .001). Conclusion: Typing speed may be sensitive to cognitive functions subserved by the frontal-subcortical brain circuits. Individuals with better cognitive functioning and less severe symptoms may be better at monitoring their typing errors. Keystroke dynamics have the potential to be used as an unobtrusive remote monitoring method for real-life cognitive functioning among persons with MS, which may improve the detection of relapses, evaluate treatment efficacy, and track disability progression.

The efficacy of speed of processing training for improving processing speed in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The current study examines the efficacy of speed of processing training (SOPT) to improve processing speed (PS) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Outcomes included changes in the useful field of view (UFOV) and neuropsychological evaluation (NPE). METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial included 84 participants with clinically definite MS and impaired PS, 43 in the treatment group and 41 in the placebo control group. Participants completed a baseline NPE and a repeat NPE post-treatment. The treatment group was randomized to booster sessions or no contact. Long-term follow-up assessments were completed 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: A significant effect of SOPT was observed on both the UFOV (large effect) and pattern comparison with a similar pattern of results noted on letter comparison, albeit at a trend level. The treatment effect was maintained 6 months later. The impact of booster sessions was not significant. Correlations between degree of improvement on the UFOV and the number of levels completed within each training task were significant for both speed and divided attention indicating that completion of more levels of training correlated with greater benefit. CONCLUSION: SOPT is effective for treating PS deficits in MS with benefit documented on both the UFOV and a neuropsychological measure of PS. Less benefit was observed as the outcome measures became more distinct in cognitive demands from the treatment. Long-term maintenance was observed. The number of training levels completed within the 10-sessions exerted a significant impact on treatment benefit, with more levels completed resulting in greater benefit.

Marine heatwaves hamper neuro-immune and oxidative tolerance toward carbamazepine in Mytilus galloprovincialis.

The increased frequency and intensity of short-term extreme warming phenomena have been associated to harsh biological and ecosystem outcomes (i.e., mass mortalities in marine organisms). Marine heatwaves (MHWs), occurring when seasonal temperature threshold is exceeded for at least 5 consecutive days, may reduce the tolerance of coastal species toward additional pressures, but interactions between such multiple stressors are virtually unexplored. The present study aimed to characterize in Mytilus galloprovincialis the influence of a simulated MHW scenario on the toxicological effects of the pharmaceutical carbamazepine (CBZ), ubiquitously detected in the marine environment and chosen as model compound for this relevant class of emerging contaminants. The bioaccumulation of CBZ and responsiveness of various biological parameters, including immune system, antioxidant status, lipid metabolism and cellular integrity, were analyzed in exposed mussels both during and after the end of the heatwave. MHW appeared to strongly modulate accumulation of CBZ, paralleled by weakened immunocompetence and onset of oxidative disturbance that finally evolved to cellular damages and lipid metabolism disorders. Elaboration of the overall results through a quantitative Weight of Evidence model, revealed the highest hazard in organisms exposed to both the stressors 10 days after the end of the heatwave, suggesting that MHWs could leave a footprint on the capability of mussels to counteract CBZ toxicity, thus affecting their vulnerability and predisposition to adverse effects toward multiple stressors.

The adapted symbol digit modalities test: Examining the impact of response modality.

BACKGROUND: Information processing speed is often impaired in neurological disorders, as well as with healthy aging. Thus, being able to accurately assess information processing speed is of high importance. One of the most commonly used tests to examine information processing speed is the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), which has been shown to have good psychometric properties. OBJECTIVES: The current study aims to examine differences between two response modalities, written and oral, on the performance of an adapted version of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. METHODS: Ninety-nine individuals completed two alternate forms of the adapted version of the SDMT (aSDMT). Participants were instructed to complete the five lines of the task as quickly and accurately as possible. On one form participants were instructed to provide their response in writing and on the other one, orally. Form and response modality (oral vs. written) were counterbalanced to control for practice effects. RESULTS: On average, there was a significant difference between response modalities, such that participants needed more time to respond when the response modality was written. For both response modalities, time to complete each line of stimuli decreased as the task progressed. While changes in response time on the first four lines of stimuli on the oral version were not found, there was a substantial improvement in response time on the fifth line. In contrast, on the written version a gradual learning effect was observed, in which response time was the slowest on the first two lines, an intermediate response time was noted on line 3, and the fastest response time was achieved on lines four and five. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that response modality, oral versus written, can significantly impact performance efficiency (the length of time it takes to complete a task), but not accuracy (total correct responses), on a new adaptation of the SDMT, the aSDMT.

Tropical Infections in the Context of Kidney Transplantation in Latin America.

Reports on tropical infections among kidney transplant (KT) recipients have increased in recent years, mainly because of the growing number of KT programs located in tropical and subtropical areas, and greater mobility or migration between different areas of the world. Endemic in emerging and developing regions, like most countries in Latin America, tropical infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. Tropical infections in KT recipients may exhibit different pathways for acquisition compared with those in nonrecipients, such as transmission through a graft and reactivation of a latent infection triggered by immunosuppression. Clinical presentation may differ compared with that in immunocompetent patients, and there are also particularities in diagnostic aspects, treatment, and prognosis. KT patients must be screened for latent infections and immunized properly. Last, drug-drug interactions between immunosuppressive agents and drugs used to treat tropical infections are an additional challenge in KT patients. In this review, we summarize the management of tropical infections in KT patients.

Effects of triclosan exposure on the energy budget of Ruditapes philippinarum and R. decussatus under climate change scenarios.

We built a simulation model based on Dynamic Energy Budget theory (DEB) to assess the growth and reproductive potential of the native European clam Ruditapes decussatus and the introduced Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum under current temperature and pH conditions in a Portuguese estuary and under those forecasted for the end of the 21st c. The climate change scenario RCP8.5 predicts temperature increase of 3 °C and a pH decrease of 0.4 units. The model was run under additional conditions of exposure to the emerging contaminant triclosan (TCS) and in the absence of this compound. The parameters of the DEB model were calibrated with the results of laboratory experiments complemented with data from the literature available for these two important commercial shellfish resources. For each species and experimental condition (eight combinations), we used data from the experiments to produce estimates for the key parameters controlling food intake flux, assimilation flux, somatic maintenance flux and energy at the initial simulation time. The results showed that the growth and reproductive potential of both species would be compromised under future climate conditions, but the effect of TCS exposure had a higher impact on the energy budget than forecasted temperature and pH variations. The egg production of R. philippinarum was projected to suffer a more marked reduction with exposure to TCS, regardless of the climatic factor, while the native R. decussatus appeared more resilient to environmental causes of stress. The results suggest a likely decrease in the rates of expansion of the introduced R. philippinarum in European waters, and negative effects on fisheries and aquaculture production of exposure to emerging contaminants (e.g., TCS) and climate change.

Exploring the causes of the high incidence of delayed graft function after kidney transplantation in Brazil: a multicenter study.

This retrospective multicenter (n = 18) cohort study evaluated the incidence, risk factors, and the impact of delayed graft function (DGF) on 1-year kidney transplant (KT) outcomes. Of 3992 deceased donor KT performed in 2014-2015, the incidence of DGF was 54%, ranging from 29.9% to 87.7% among centers. Risk factors (lower-bound-95%CI OR upper-bound-95%CI ) were male gender (1.066 1.2491.463 ), diabetic kidney disease (1.053 1.2961.595 ), time on dialysis (1.005 1.0071.009 ), retransplantation (1.035 1.3971.885 ), preformed anti-HLA antibodies (1.011 1.3831.892 ), HLA mismatches (1.006 1.0661.130 ), donor age (1.011 1.0171.023 ), donor final serum creatinine (sCr) (1.239 1.3171.399 ), cold ischemia time (CIT) (1.031 1.0431.056 ), machine perfusion (0.401 0.5420.733 ), and induction therapy with rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) (0.658 0.8000.973 ). Duration of DGF > 4 days was associated with inferior renal function and DGF > 14 days with the higher incidences of acute rejection, graft loss, and death. In conclusion, the incidence and duration of DGF were high and associated with inferior graft outcomes. While late referral and poor donor maintenance account for the high overall incidence of DGF, variability in donor and recipient selection, organ preservation method, and type of induction agent may account for the wide variation observed among transplant centers.

The Impact of Hypothermic Pulsatile Machine Perfusion Versus Static Cold Storage: A Donor-Matched Paired Analysis in a Scenario of High Incidence of Delayed Kidney Graft Function.

BACKGROUND The present study analyzed the impact of hypothermic pulsatile machine perfusion (MP) following a long period of static cold (SC) storage in the peculiar Brazilian scenario of high incidence of delayed graft function (DGF), despite good donor characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective analysis, with a 1-year follow-up, of 206 recipients of donor-matched paired kidneys was performed. Of the 206 donor kidneys, 103 were maintained exclusively in static cold storage (SC group) and 103 were kept on machine perfusion after a period of SC preservation (MP group). All donors were brain dead. RESULTS Only 4.9% of the kidneys were from expanded-criteria donors. Static cold ischemia time (CIT) in the SC group was 20.8±4.1 hours vs. 15.8±6.2 hours in the MP group (P<0.001). Dynamic CIT in the MP group was 12.3±5.7 hours. MP significantly reduced DGF incidence (29.1% vs. 55.3%, P<0.001), and this effect was confirmed in multivariable analysis (OR, 1.115; 95% CI, 1.033-1.204, P=0.001). No differences were observed between the groups with regard to DGF duration, length of hospital stay, incidence of primary nonfunction and acute rejection, graft loss, death, or renal function. CONCLUSIONS In this Brazilian setting, MP following a long period of SC preservation was associated with reduced DGF incidence in comparison with SC storage without MP.

Smell as a clinical-marker for functional limitations in multiple sclerosis: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). The questions of whether and to what degree olfactory dysfunction can serve as a clinical marker of MS disability (i.e. cognitive impairments and functional limitations) are not yet answered. The current study aimed to explore associations between olfactory function (i.e. smell identification) with cognitive capacities, functional performance and quality of life (QOL) in persons with MS. METHODS: Olfactory function was measured by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Functional ability was assessed by the Actual RealityTM (AR) task. QOL was assessed by the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54). Cognition was assessed by the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) in 23 MS patients and 15 matched healthy controls. RESULTS: MS patients had lower UPSIT scores than healthy controls. Worse UPSIT scores were associated with reduced performances on the BICAMS and AR task as well as lower MSQOL-54 scores. Specifically, UPSIT scores were related to MSQOL-54 scores independent of BICAMS composite scores, while the relationship between UPSIT score and AR performance was mediated by BICAMS composite score. CONCLUSION: This study confirms previous studies which concluded that olfactory function is impaired in MS. Furthermore, olfactory dysfunction is related to limitations in activity performance and QOL. Taken together with previous studies, olfactory function may be considered as a clinical marker related to MS disability. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results.

Visual and motor confounds on the symbol digit modalities test.

BACKGROUND: Slowed information processing speed is the most prevalent cognitive symptom in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The most commonly used instrument to measure information processing speed in MS is the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). However, visual, oculomotor, and oralmotor deficits are frequently observed in persons with MS, and performance on the SDMT relies on these visual and motor functions, in addition to cognition. METHODS: The current study examined the relationship between the SDMT and the King-Devick Test (KDT). The KDT encompasses similar oculomotor and oralmotor demands as the SDMT but requires a smaller attentional load. One hundred and thirty participants with MS completed the oral version of the SDMT and the KDT. Ordinary nonparametric bootstrapped regression models were performed with 1000 bootstrapped samples. Bootstrapped confidence intervals (CIs) were bias-corrected. RESULTS: KDT performance explained 31% (bootstrapped CI: 18 - 43%) of the variance of SDMT performance (moderate correlation), much more than demographic and disease-related variables (0.7% and 10%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Visual, oralmotor, and oculomotor functions contributed significantly to SDMT performance. Therefore, these sensory and motor functions must be taken into account when interpreting SDMT scores.

Biochemical and physiological responses of two clam species to Triclosan combined with climate change scenario.

Ocean acidification and warming are among the man-induced factors that most likely impact aquatic wildlife worldwide. Besides effects caused by temperature rise and lowered pH conditions, chemicals of current use can also adversely affect aquatic organisms. Both climate change and emerging pollutants, including toxic impacts in marine invertebrates, have been investigated in recent years. However, less information is available on the combined effects of these physical and chemical stressors that, in nature, occur simultaneously. Thus, this study contrasts the effects caused by the antimicrobial agent and plastic additive, Triclosan (TCS) in the related clams Ruditapes philippinarum (invasive) and Ruditapes decussatus (native) and evaluates if the impacts are influenced by combined temperature and pH modifications. Organisms were acclimated for 30 days at two conditions (control: 17 °C; pH 8.1 and climate change scenario: 21 °C, pH 7.7) in the absence of the drug (experimental period I) followed by a 7 days exposure under the same water physical parameters but either in absence (unexposed) or presence of TCS at 1 µg/L (experimental period II). Biochemical responses covering metabolic, oxidative defences and damage-related biomarkers were contrasted in clams at the end of experimental period II. The overall picture showed a well-marked antioxidant activation and higher TCS bioaccumulation of the drug under the forecasted climate scenario despite a reduction on respiration rate and unaltered metabolism in the exposed clams. Since clams are highly consumed shellfish, the consequences for higher tissue bioaccumulation of anthropogenic chemicals to final consumers should be alerted not only at present conditions but more significantly under predicted climatic conditions for humans but also for other components of the marine trophic chain.