Multiple sclerosis during an emergency or crisis: A narrative review focused on the effect of war and COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract
Background
Armed conflict fractures the systems that multiple sclerosis (MS) care depends on, yet MS-specific guidance for war is scarce. The aim of this study is to synthesize evidence on MS care during armed conflict and other crises, and to develop practical, crisis-ready recommendations to maintain treatment continuity, reduce inequities, and guide clinicians and policymakers.
Methods
We reviewed peer-reviewed literature (2000–2025) on MS during conflicts; when MS-war data were scarce, we utilized transferable evidence from COVID-19 MS studi
link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211034826003974
Pregnancy among women with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: An updated case series from Iran
Abstract
Background: Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is primarily afflicted on women during their reproductive ages and complicates multiple aspects of their pregnanci
Objective: To provide an updated assessment of conception attempts and pregnancy outcomes in a Middle Eastern group of women with NMOSD
Methods: Retrospective observational study including all female NMOSD referrals of the Isfahan MS clinic from 1998 to 2024. Those with definitive diagnosis and attempting conception from one year before their NMOSD onset onwards were deemed eligible. Methodical history taking and medical records at the clinic were used to gather information on clinical characteristics, pregnancy history, and demographics. Fecundity, pregnancy complication(s) and outcome, neonatal health status, and clinical markers of disease status (relapse rate and disability worsening) were among the outcomes
link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42413315
Revealing Sex Disparities in the Burden of Diarrheal Diseases Among Children Under 5: Global and Asian Trends and Projections, 1990–2050 – A Population‐Based Observational Analysis Using GBD 2021 Data
ABSTRACT
Background
Although the global burden of diarrheal diseases (DDs) among children under 5 years of age has declined substantially over recent decades, sex‐specific disparities and regional heterogeneity across Asia—particularly regarding non‐ fatal outcomes—remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated long‐term global and Asian trends in the burden of DDs by sex and projected future patterns to inform equitable child health strategies.
link:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42504219
Relationships between cannabis and cocaine use in a randomized trial of combined buprenorphine and naltrexone for DSM-IV cocaine dependence
Abstract
Background: Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the United States, and among people who use cannabis, polysubstance use is common and understudied. We aimed to examine the association of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) positive urine drug screen (+UDS) with the odds of submitting a cocaine + UDS during cocaine use disorder treatment.
Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of a previously reported double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, CTN0048. Participants meeting criteria for opioid abuse/dependence were assigned to receive extended-release naltrexone and one of three conditions of buprenorphine (placebo, 4 mg/day, 16 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze urine samples (Liu et al., 2018) collected over time, examining the association between THC + UDS and cocaine + UDS during treatment.
Effects of decellularized biological scaffolds on motor function recovery following spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta‑analysis
Abstract
Objective
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of decellularized scaffolds (DCS) in improving motor function recovery in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods
A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted on 26 individual studies investigating DCS alone and 13 studies investigating DCS combined with cells. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to assess the overall effect size. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate sources of heterogeneity and the impact of variables such as gender, SCI model, scaffold source, implantation time, and follow-up duration.
Results
The overall analysis revealed that implantation of DCS alone had a significant and large effect on motor function recovery compared to untreated controls (SMD = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.88–3.31; P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed scaffolds derived from spinal cord tissue were significantly more effective (SMD=2.78, p < 0.0001) than those from other sources. Crucially, immediate implantation (within 30 min post-injury) yielded a strong significant effect (SMD=2.54, p < 0.0001), while a 24-hour delay abolished the significant benefit (SMD=0.903, p = 0.38). The effect was sustained over short (≤4 weeks), medium (4–8 weeks), and long-term (8 weeks) follow-ups. The combination of DCS with cell therapy showed a larger overall effect (SMD = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.21–2.79; P < 0.0001) compared with DCS alone.
Conclusion
The implantation of DCS is a highly effective intervention for promoting motor recovery after SCI in animal models, especially when derived
from spinal cord tissue and implanted immediately after injury.
Safety and efficacy of continuous dimethyl fumarate treatment during conception, pregnancy, and lactation in females with multiple sclerosis: A case series
Background:
There is a delicate balance between managing the underlying disease and avoiding potential risks to the fetus in pregnant MS patients. This study aims to assess the impacts of continuing dimethyl fumarate (DMF) before, during, and after pregnancy in women with MS. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at an MS clinic in Isfahan, Iran, from August 2023 to March 2025. This study is part of a larger cohort of patients with relapsing-remitting MS who initiated treatment with DMF. Data were gathered in three categories: disease, pregnancy, and infantile profile. Clinical and demographic properties of the patients, including EDSS scores, relapse rates, pregnancy and lactation complications, neonatal outcomes, and infantile development at six months postpartum, were collected. Results: Twelve pregnancies were analyzed, resulting in 11 live births (91.7%), with 10 full‑term and one preterm delivery. One fetal death occurred at 22 weeks in a 38‑year‑old patient. Birth weights were within the normal range, and no congenital anomalies or developmental abnormalities were observed during the six‑month fol low‑up. Maternal outcomes showed no relapses during pregnancy or postpartum, and EDSS remained stable. Pregnancy complications included gestational diabetes (n = 2), hypertension (n = 1), and anemia (n = 1). Conclusion: These findings provide data regarding continued DMF treatment during pregnancy. Larger pro spective studies with appropriate comparators and longer-term follow-up of offspring are warranted.
link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666459326000247
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