Multiple Sclerosis News Blog: September 2008

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Vitamin B12 brain shrinkage

Fingolimod
Forecast Insight - Multiple Sclerosis - www.companiesandmarkets ...
PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung) - Wien,Austria
Datamonitor remains highly positive on Novartis´s FTY720 (fingolimod).
FTY720 is expected to achieve the greatest sales of all current late-stage pipeline ...

Fampridine
Market Report -- In Play (WIRES)
MSN Money - USA
On The Wires Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR) announces that data from its recently-completed Fampridine-SR Phase 3 trial will be presented during a poster ...
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?

feed=BCOM&date=20080912&id=9135146
Acorda Therapeutics To Present Phase 3 Fampridine-SR Data at World ...
Centre Daily Times - Centre,PA,USA
The poster, "Sustained-Release Fampridine Consistently Improves Walking Speed And Leg Strength In Multiple Sclerosis: A Phase 3 Trial," will be presented by ...
http://www.centredaily.com/business/technology/story/835521.html
Acorda Therapeutics To Present Phase 3 Fampridine-SR Data at World ...

MarketWatch - USA
today announced that data from its recently-completed Fampridine-SR Phase 3 trial (MS-F204) will be presented during a poster session at the World Congress ...
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/acorda-therapeutics-present-phase-3/story.aspx?guid=%7B8AB6E8BE-E968-43FF-AE47-175F51B55D70%7D&dist=hppr
New mechanism behind autoimmunity development found

Smash Hits - India
The researchers observed that mice lacking furin in these cells developed systemic autoimmune disease, suggesting that the immune systems of the mice ...
http://news.smashits.com/283284/New-mechanism-behind-autoimmunity-development-found.htm

Clinical Drug Trials listed on CenterWatch.com

You are receiving this email because you registered your email address with CenterWatch to stay informed about clincial trials. New clinical trials have been posted on the CenterWatch web site www.centerwatch.com in your areas of interest and geographic locations.

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder.
Berkeley, CA

Downey, CA

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Long Beach, CA

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Laguna Hills, CA

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Denver, CO

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder
Fairfield, CT

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Middlebury, CT

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder.
Miami, FL

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder
Bradenton, FL

Melbourne, FL

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Bradenton, FL

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Sarasota, FL

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Greenbelt, MD

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder
Chapel Hill, NC

Winston Salem, NC

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Sewell, NJ

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
West Orange, NJ

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder.
Rochester, NY

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Garden City, NY

Williamsville, NY

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder
Philadelphia, PA

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Lancaster, PA

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Pittsburgh, PA

A research study for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Myrtle Beach, SC

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Vitamin B12 brain shrinkage

Vitamin B12 may help protect brain in elderly
Canada.com - Don Mills,Ontario,Canada
People who had higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less likely to experience brain shrinkage compared with those who had lower levels, according to a ...
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=841f6b59-1c61-4949-9602-c59466e6e294

Key vitamin can protect ageing
Londra Gazete - London,UK
The study showed that those with lower vitamin B12 levels in their blood were six times more likely to experience brain shrinkage compared with those who ...
http://www.londragazete.com/haber_detay.asp?haberID=1945

Going veggie shrinks the brain
Courier Mail - Australia
... were retested five years later the medics found those with the lowest levels of vitamin B12 were also the most likely to have brain shrinkage. ...
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24336544-23272,00.html

FDA Cites Brain Virus With Rituxan

http://www.therapeuticsdaily.com/news/article.cfm?contentValue=1836409&contentType=sentryarticle&channelID=33

Associated Press DataStream FFF - Sep. 11, 2008
WASHINGTON_Federal regulators said Thursday one case of a deadly brain infection has been reported in a patient taking Genentech and Biogen Idec's blockbuster arthritis and cancer drug Rituxan.

The Food and Drug Administration said the woman died of the rare viral infection more than a year and a half after discontinuing the drug. Genentech and Biogen Idec comarket the drug in the U.S.

Cases of the infection have previously been reported in patients taking Rituxan for unapproved uses, including lupus. But FDA said the latest case is the first reported in a patient taking the drug for arthritis. The drug is also approved for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A company spokeswoman for Genentech noted the drug's label already mentions risks of the infection.
"The patient had a number of confounding factors that make it difficult to assess the potential role, if any, that Rituxan exposure may have played," said Tara Cooper. Genentech first disclosed the death during its July earnings call, Cooper added.

According to the posting on FDA's Web site, the patient was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer in the months before she developed the infection.
FDA said doctors should immediately stop using Rituxan in patients who develop the infection, called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML. The agency noted there are no known treatments for PML.

South San Francisco-based Genentech sent a letter to doctors about the case earlier this month.

Rituxan is Genentech's second-best selling drug with $2.28 billion in sales last year, just behind the cancer therapy Avastin. Cambridge, Mass.-based Biogen claimed $617 million from those sales in 2007.

Reports of PML with Biogen Idec's multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri have weighed on company shares in recent months. In July the company reported two new cases of the disease in European patients. The drug was pulled from the market in 2005 after being linked to the rare brain disease but was reintroduced under restricted sales conditions in mid-2006.

Shares of Genentech Inc. rose $1.41, or 1.5 percent, to $97.1 Thursday. Shares of Biogen Idec Inc. gained $1.17, or 2.5 percent, to $48.47.Of Rituxan
http://www.therapeuticsdaily.com/news/article.cfm?contentValue=1836409&contentType=sentryarticle&channelID=33

Big Pharma Set for Costly Shopping Spree
http://www.therapeuticsdaily.com/news/article.cfm?contentValue=1835542&contentType=sentryarticle&channelID=33

Reuters Health - Sep. 11, 2008
By Ben Hirschler, European Pharmaceuticals Correspondent

LONDON (Reuters) - The existing drugs aren't working, so big pharmaceutical companies are set to step up the hunt for assets to buy in promising fields like biotechnology, as well as non-prescription areas of healthcare.

The risk is they could end up overpaying.
Screening for acquisitions will be high on the "to do" list of newly appointed Sanofi-Aventis Chief Executive Chris Viehbacher, when he takes the helm at the French drugmaker on Dec. 1, industry analysts and bankers say.

He is not alone. GlaxoSmithKline -- the company Viehbacher is leaving -- is also expected to strike one or more significant deals to boost its consumer health business as part of a new growth strategy.
Roche and Bristol-Myers Squibb, meanwhile, are locked in multibillion-dollar battles for two prime biotech assets, Genentech and ImClone Systems.
News this week of a second bid for ImClone, topping an earlier offer from Bristol, suggests competition is fierce.

The identity of the new bidder is unknown but analysts said ImClone could attract the likes of Pfizer, Novartis, Glaxo and Sanofi -- but it might be too big a bite for Merck KGaA, its partner on cancer drug Erbitux.
"I think it's the natural way of things that Big Pharma is going to take over the biotech world sooner or later," Carl Icahn, ImClone's billionaire chairman, told the company's annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday.
Japanese companies, too, are flexing their muscles on the global scene, with Takeda splashing out for U.S. biotech firm Millennium earlier this year and Daiichi Sankyo buying India's Ranbaxy.
SHAKING UP SANOFI

"The large guys worldwide are looking really aggressively for assets wherever they can find them, and diversification is a strong theme," said one banker, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The ousting of Gerard Le Fur as Sanofi's CEO after less than two years in the job and the appointment of an outsider signals radical change inside a group that has suffered worse than most from an inability to get enough new drugs to market.
With shareholders demanding action, dealmaking is an obvious way forward.
"We see this option as a practicable way to shake things up quickly," said Morgan Stanley analyst Andrew Baum.

Just what Viehbacher might decide to buy is less clear. A brief statement from Sanofi announcing his appointment on Wednesday highlighted overhauling drug research, growth in emerging markets and diversification as key priorities.

The last two both imply acquisitions, according to Amit Roy and colleagues at Citigroup.

French financial daily Les Echos reported that Sanofi was planning to diversify even more widely than most of its peers into health foods, vitamins and mineral supplements.

And Deutsche Bank analyst Michael Leuchten thinks a mega-merger could also be back on the cards for Sanofi, with its powerful chairman, Jean-Francois Dehecq, likely open to the idea.

Sanofi has long been tipped as a buyer for its U.S. partner Bristol-Myers, which has a market value of around $43 billion.
RISK FOR INVESTORS

The risk for investors in all these cases is that drug company executives, desperate to reinvigorate anaemic sales, may end up overpaying.

Roche stock has been capped in the last two months by worries it will have to offer substantially more than $44 billion for the rest of Genentech, while Bristol-Myers fell on Wednesday on fears of a costly bidding war for ImClone.

In the case of Sanofi, Citi's Roy said likely competition for assets with other pharmaceutical or consumer companies clearly raised the risk of overpayment.

So far, though, the biggest player in the pharmaceutical industry has been surprisingly quiet. Pfizer's failure to buy another big rival has surprised many, given its need to find new products to offset the 2011 loss of U.S. patent on its $13 billion-a-year blockbuster Lipitor.

The combination of growing generic competition, major research problems for particular drugs, and fears of a tougher U.S. regulatory and political climate mean drug stocks have been a poor investment overall this year.

Yet since June, the American Stock Exchange's pharmaceutical index, which includes leading U.S. and European companies, has outperformed the broader market by some 13 percent as fears for the global economy have fuelled demand for defensive stocks.
(Additional reporting by Lewis Krauskopf in New York; Editing by Erica Billingham)
http://www.therapeuticsdaily.com/news/article.cfm?contentValue=1835542&contentType=sentryarticle&channelID=33

Study: Retail Stores With Pharmacies Have $2.4 Trillion Impact on Economy
According to a new study, the total economic impact of retail stores with pharmacies have a total annual economic impact of $2.42 trillion, based on 2007 data - approximately 17 percent of the gross domestic product. The report also said the 39,000 chain pharmacies across the country dispensed more than 2.5 billion prescriptions in 2007, about 72 percent of the total filled in the U.S. Overall, the retail prescription market reached nearly $260 billion in 2007.
http://pharmalive.com/news/index.cfm?articleID=570701&categoryid=9&newsletter=1

Discovery Of Protein That Regulates Gene Critical To Dopamine-Releasing Brain Cells
Researchers have identified a protein they say appears to be a primary player in maintaining normal functioning of an important class of neurons - those brain cells that produce, excrete and then reabsorb dopamine neurotransmitters.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/121161.php

The Human Brain Relies On Old And New Mechanisms For Diminishing Fear
A new study suggests that although humans may have developed complex thought processes that can help to regulate their emotions, these processes are linked with evolutionarily older mechanisms that are common across species.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/121148.php

Meat may prevent memory loss
meatinfo.co.uk - Crawley,England,UK
A vitamin found in meat can help prevent brain shrinkage and protect against memory loss in old age, a new study has found. In a study conducted by the ...
http://www.meatinfo.co.uk/articles/66570/Meat-may-prevent-memory-loss.aspx?categoryid=9045

Varied aspects of research revelations - VI
Merinews - New Delhi,India
... slows down their brain shrinkage and helps in fighting memory loss among them. It has been found that the elderly with lower than average vitamin B12 ...
http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?title=Varied%20aspects%20of%20research%20revelations%20-%20VI&articleID=140993

High Levels of Vitamin B12 in Elders Reduce Risk of Brain Shrinkage

http://www.docguide.com/gpc.nsf/doc?CreateDocument&n=22&id=66B03AF3258F523F85256FAA0021D865&t=00-00-00;AM&l=email-09-11-2008w&u=/redirect.nsf/we_link?OpenForm&id=66B03AF3258F523F85256FAA0021D865&ntype=int&newsid=852571020057CCF6852574BF0064DB78

Combination Treatment for Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Induces Remission, Prevents Progression

Combination Drug Taken Early Relieves Migraine Symptoms (DGNews)

NJ, PA hospital mistakes not being reported

http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=69l,11xk7,osy,7lih,8pkj,5ewk,1y5l

By Anne Zieger
While hospitals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are supposed to be reporting serious mistakes, it appears that too often, they aren't doing so. That, at least, is the conclusion drawn by observers in those states who argue that the hospitals' failure to comply with regs is compromising ongoing efforts to boost patient safety. In theory, hospitals in both states have been required to report mistakes and complications to state monitoring agencies for a number of years. But in practice, it doesn't always happen.

For example, researchers found several major errors and complications at hospitals in Pennsylvania last year, none of which had been reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. In New Jersey, five of the state's 80 hospitals didn't report any preventable mistakes at all last year, and in Pennsylvania, some facilities didn't report any serious mistakes or even near misses. While good safety records are admirable, it's unlikely that these facilities had absolutely perfect records, which suggests that something is wrong, observers say.

Such reporting gaps, in part, can be solved by training more staff members and working to improve treatment, according to hospital associations in both states. However, reporting gaps like these also suggest that it may be quite some time before the large number of states requiring such reporting--a total of 26 at present--can actually have a shot at making the impact they'd hoped to make. (Whether such reporting can really help hospitals make appropriate changes in the first place, of course, is a discussion all its own.)
To learn more about this issue:
- read this Philadelphia Inquirer piece
http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=69l,11xk7,osy,61v9,6u7c,5ewk,1y5l

MS Vaccines

Sexy Impulses: Treating Multiple Sclerosis with Hormones
Miller-McCune.com - Santa Barbara,CA,USA
But when it breaks down, as it does with the disease multiple sclerosis, unwieldy symptoms emerge. Paralysis, tingling, uncoordinated movements, ...
http://www.miller-mccune.com/article/672

Identificaion Of A Protein Essential In Long Term Memory Consolidation
New research at the University of Haifa identified a specific protein essential for the process of long term memory consolidation. This is the latest of several discoveries that are leading us towards a better understanding of one of the most complex processes in nature - the process of memory creation and consolidation in the human brain. 11 Sept 2008

California Approves End-of-Life Bill
Catholic.net - North Haven,CT,USA
“I was on hospice and I almost died,” said Koch, who has Multiple Sclerosis. “If it wasn’t for my mom trying to feed me what little I could eat, ...
http://www.catholic.net/index.php?option=dedestaca&id=979&category=News%20&%20Media~News

Spirit Of Da Vinci Award Goes To MIT Bio-Mechantron Professor - Amputee Designing The Next Generation Of Prostheses
Medical News Today Fri, 12 Sep 2008 3:11 AM PDT
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter has announced the 2008 Spirit of da Vinci Award winner: MIT Professor Hugh Herr. The Spirit of da Vinci Award is presented annually to an individual for their courage, perseverance and creative use of assistive technology.

Treatment

Dr. Schapiro
Clinical Professor of Neurology

View BIO

http://www.msanswers.ca/ExpertBio.aspx?L=2&EID=19

Q :

I have been taking Rebif for a number of years. I need to take a blood test every six months. What exactly does the blood test analyses?

A :

All of the interferons have the potential to react in the body in ways that are not intended. We may call those reactions "side-effects" but sometimes they are silent side-effects in that we do not feel them. They are metabolized or disposed of in the liver. If they cause an over-reaction in the liver, damage to the liver may occur. We can measure whether liver damage is happening by measuring the enzymes produce by a damaged liver. We expect some elevation of the enzymes when taking interferon but if it is more than expected, a dose adjustment of the interferon is necessary. Other medications may influence the liver as well and may work in conjunction with the interferon to cause an issue. We also measure the blood count and distribution of blood cells to insure that the interferon is not producing too great an immune effect which could result in increased likelihood of infection. That is why we test these about every 6 months--trying to get ahead of any potential problem.
9/13/2008 1:47:13 AM

More answers from Dr. Randall T. Schapiro
http://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionListByExpert.aspx?EID=19&L=2
More answers in the category: Treatment
http://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionList.aspx?CID=2&L=2

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that this information does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MS Society of Canada, and is not intended as medical advice. For specific advice and opinion, always consult a physician.
© 2008 Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada | www.mssociety.ca

http://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionView.aspx?L=2&QID=1626

Daily Living with MS

Dr. Myles
Associate Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Alberta
View BIO
http://www.msanswers.ca/ExpertBio.aspx?L=2&EID=2

Q :

I have experienced symptoms that I know are not attacks or serious enough to see my neurologist about. Such as sharp pains in my legs or problems with my vision that last for 2-3 days. I am not sure if these symptoms are because I am lacking something or doing something wrong, or that there is just no explanation for them. My question is besides rest, is there something I should do when experiencing theses symptoms?

A :

Transient neurologic symptoms in MS may be related to symptom fluctuations, pseudo-relapses or true MS relapses/attacks and sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate them with certainty when they first appear. Some non-specific symptoms, such as pain or periods of fatigue may or may not even be directly related to MS, and should be checked out by your family physician to rule out other causes.

It is not uncommon for MS symptoms to fluctuate somewhat in severity from day to day. Sometimes this is because of fatigue, stress, or other factors, such as an elevation of body temperature or with one’s menstrual period. This typically involves a very transient worsening of previous symptoms that then settle back down to their baseline level. This does not mean that new damage is occurring. Some people certainly do find that rest helps, and this may be their body’s way of saying it needs to re-energize. No medical treatment is required for day to day symptom fluctuations.

A more pronounced but transient worsening of symptoms, called a “pseudo-relapse” can also occur in MS. This can vary from a mild and transient worsening of symptoms in someone with mild relapsing-remitting MS to a more pronounced worsening of symptoms that can temporarily alter function in those with more severe disease or progressive MS. The most common cause is infection (such as a bladder infection or cold) but it can also occur for other reasons, such as with a hot spell in summer. Again, this does not mean that new damage is occurring. The symptoms resolve back to baseline as the infection (or other precipitant) resolves. If the worsening of symptoms occurs in the one to two weeks after an infection however (rather than only during it), then it is much more likely that the symptoms represent a true relapse (especially common after viral infections).

A distinct and persistent worsening of old symptoms can represent a true relapse. The appearance of brand new neurologic symptoms is also more likely to represent a true relapse. To be considered a true relapse the symptoms must be present on a continuous basis for at least 24 hours but the truth is that most relapses last weeks. Disabling relapses are frequently treated with corticosteroids whereas rest alone may be used if the symptoms are milder and non-disabling. It is sometimes tough to be certain if symptoms represent a true relapse if they are short-lived but it is very important that you mention to your neurologist any new symptoms that have occurred and lasted over 24 hours and whether or not any potential cause for the transient worsening could be identified (extra stress, poor sleep, etc). Short-lived, self-limiting relapses would not be treated with corticosteroids but the occurrence of multiple mild relapses may prompt re-evaluation of your disease modifying therapy. Your neurologist may be able to find subtle changes on your examination even months later if the symptoms were indeed related to true relapses. In some cases, if new disease activity is suspected, but the examination cannot determine whether or not there has been new damage, a repeat MRI might even be considered. While it would not be appropriate or helpful to switch therapy for symptom fluctuations or pseudo-relapses, if there were ongoing mild relapses and an accumulation of new lesions on MRI then a change in therapy might reasonably be considered.
9/13/2008 2:56:11 AM

More answers from Dr. Mary Lou Myles
http://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionListByExpert.aspx?EID=2&L=2
More answers in the category: Daily Living with MS
http://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionList.aspx?CID=8&L=2

In the Spotlight
from Julie Stachowiak, Ph.D.
After a couple of alarmed calls and e-mails following last week's newsletter on fatigue and depression, I thought I'd swing the pendulum the other way. I'd like to introduce you all to my new friends, MS vaccines. Yes, they are still in trials (and, no, I am not participating in any of these trials) - but these guys just make me smile. They are a new hopeful approach to stopping this stupid disease in its tracks. I'll be bringing you more about these soon.
For those of you fortunate enough to be feeling the first hints of Fall, congratulations - we made it through that summer (for the rest of you - it's not much longer)... Take care of yourselves, my friends.
http://search.about.com/fullsearch.htm?terms=Julie%20Stachowiak,%20Ph.D.
http://search.about.com/fullsearch.htm?terms=Julie%20Stachowiak,%20Ph.D.

In the Spotlight

MS Vaccines
A vaccine for multiple sclerosis (MS)? Okay, I know it sounds a little weird. It might seem even more bizarre when you learn more about this exciting new class of MS therapy. However, to me, it seems like the researchers are getting closer and closer to finding the "big one." In order to get on board with the notion of an MS vaccine, you are going to have to change your ideas about what vaccines are and bend your brain a little to understand what exactly these experimental vaccines are trying to do. However, once you get a glimpse into the world of how scientists are trying to tweak the immune system and target the nasty T-cells that are causing those of us with MS to tingle, stumble and hurt, I promise you - you will be excited, too.
Read the full article: MS Vaccines
http://glclk.about.com/?zi=8/5rVf
http://ms.about.com/od/multiplesclerosis101/a/ms_intro.htm
http://ms.about.com/od/newsresearch/a/ms_vaccines.htm

FTY720

Rare case explains why some infected with HIV remain symptom free ...
News-Medical.net - Sydney,Australia
AIDS experts at Johns Hopkins say they have compelling evidence that some people with HIV who for years and even decades show extremely low levels of the ...
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=40669
Burnham medical researcher describes the challenge of brain illnesses

Orlando Sentinel - Orlando,FL,USA
They are some of the world's most vexing diseases: Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig's. Though treatments exist, better therapies ...
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-burnham1108sep11,0,4894722.story

Furin Autoimmunity
Novel Mechanism That Controls The Development Of Autoimmunity ...
Science Daily (press release) - USA
They focused on the protein furin, an enzyme that plays an important role in the functioning of T cells. Scientists have been limited in their ability to ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813144359.htm
Hollis-Eden Pharmaceuticals Reports Update on Autoimmunity Program ...

Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USA
Likewise, in two models of chronic autoimmune inflammation (lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis), disease scores were reduced after treatment with ...
http://www.businesswire.com/news/google/20080912005208/en
The Best Fish to Eat

Stop Aging Now - Washington,DC,USA
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help you live a longer, healthier life. And, if you select the fish you eat carefully, ...
http://www.stopagingnow.com/news/news_flashes/4676/The-Best-Fish-to-Eat
Celery Works Great for Inflammation, Gout, Cancer, and High Blood ...

Natural News.com - Phoenix,AZ,USA
An old Chinese remedy for high blood pressure is to drink celery juice, which you can make in a blender or juicer. One to two glasses daily can help prevent ...
http://www.naturalnews.com/024135.html
Survey: Health Info Websites Grow 21 Percent

A new study says the health information website category has grown 21 percent during the past year – more than four times the growth rate of the total U.S. Internet population. The survey cited WebMD as the top site with 17.3 million visitors in July, followed by Everyday Health, Revolution Health Network, AOL Health and About.com Health.
http://emailactivity.ecn5.com/engines/linkfrom.aspx?b=129992&e=27496801&l=http://pharmalive.com/news/index.cfm?articleID=570360&categoryid=9&newsletter=1
Heavier People Have Heart Attacks Earlier (09/09/2008, HealthDay)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_69082.html
World's Largest-Ever Study Of Near-Death Experiences

The University of Southampton is launching the world's largest-ever study of near-death experiences this week. The AWARE (AWAreness during REsuscitation) study is to be launched by the Human Consciousness Project of the University of Southampton - an international collaboration of scientists and physicians who have joined forces to study the human brain, consciousness and clinical death.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/121028.php

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Killing Bacteria Not Enough to Restore Full Immunity

BioMS Medical's lead drug, dirucotide (MBP8298) for the treatment ...
Stockhouse - Vancouver,BC,Canada
Dirucotide (MBP8298) is currently being evaluated in a US pivotal phase III trial, named MAESTRO-03, at 68 sites with approximately 510 patients. ...
http://www.stockhouse.com/News/CanadianReleasesDetail.aspx?n=7034962

Top-Line Data from Opexa's Phase IIb Tovaxin(R) Study to be ...
MarketWatch - USA
... measure of MS treatment effectiveness) for Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) and Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS) patients comparable to, or greater than, ... http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/top-line-data-opexas-phase-iib/story.aspx?guid=%7BB9777FC2-B949-4B47-AF06-C19BC14716BE%7D&dist=hppr

Tories 'would only pay drug companies if treatments work'
Telegraph.co.uk - United Kingdom
It has blocked treatments for kidney diseases, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis and arthritis. Many Britons lost their sight after NICE took two-years to ...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/2778088/Tories-would-only-pay-drug-companies-if-treatments-work.html

Neural Cells Derived From Human Embryonic Stem Cells Reduce Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Hadassah University Hospital and Hadasit, the technology transfer company of Hadassah Medical Organization, announced that scientists at Hadassah University Hospital have discovered a new application for human embryonic stem cells.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120874.php

DNA origami based nanomachine for future microsurgery and neuro ...
Next Big Future - San Ramon,CA,USA
... targeted to attach cells like neurons, and deliver an electrical impulse to stimulate a damaged region from diseases such as multiple sclerosis.s.
http://nextbigfuture.com/2008/09/dna-origami-based-nanomachine-for.html

Sugar's Healing Powers
MarketWatch - USA
>From the Microbiology Infectious Diseases Journal, Vol. 7, 1998, p. 524-25: "Sugar is thought to exert an antibacterial effect by lowering water activity; ...
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/sugars-healing-powers/story.aspx?guid=%7B54896CB9-34BB-40D8-8B64-8309488BDB23%7D&dist=hppr

SPOTLIGHT ON... Could your doctor be laughing at you?

Have you ever wondered if your doctor has secretly laughed at you? Well, according to a survey of 110 medical interns, 17 percent have made fun of a patient while they were knocked out. At least most of those surveyed realized that doing so was wrong. Article

http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=69l,11wlu,osy,lxn6,kuaz,5ewk,1y5l

Treatment

Dr. Marrie

Assistant Professor of Medicine and Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba
View BIO

http://www.msanswers.ca/ExpertBio.aspx?L=2&EID=55

Q :

I have just been diagnosed with MS and had a discussion with my doctor concerning the preferred medication, either Copaxone or interferon. Other than dosage, what is the difference? I was surprised to hear that with Copaxone there is a possibility of regenerating neurons! Is this true?

A :

Several differences exist between glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) and the interferon-betas (Avonex, Betaseron, Rebif). These include frequency of administration, route of administration, onset of action, and mechanisms of action. Copaxone is taken daily. Avonex is taken once weekly. Betaseron is taken every other day, and Rebif is taken three times weekly. Copaxone is taken subcutaneously (under the skin, like insulin) as are Betaseron and Rebif. Avonex is given into muscle. The onset of action of Copaxone is later than for the interferon-betas. Recent research has suggested that Copaxone may have neuroprotective effects, but further research is needed.
9/11/2008 9:27:07 PM

More answers from Dr. Ruth Anne Marrie
http://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionListByExpert.aspx?EID=55&L=2
More answers in the category: Treatment
http://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionList.aspx?CID=2&L=2

http://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionView.aspx?L=2&QID=2078

DG Alert: The FDA is working with the manufacturer to amend the label for Tysabri (natalizumab) based on 2 new cases of PML in European patients with multiple sclerosis receiving Tysabri monotherapy for more than 1 year.

More at www.docguide.com

http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/852571020057CCF6852574B0007050D9

and in the next Doctor's Guide Weekly Edition.
This alert is brought to you by DG Alert (tm), a service from Doctor's Guide designed to highlight breaking news our medical editors identify as being of major importance to our readers.

Killing Bacteria Not Enough to Restore Full Immunity
DALLAS -- Even though the bacteria causing an infection have been killed off, the immune system may not be recovered fully to withstand a second attack, researchers here said. full story

http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/GeneralInfectiousDisease/tb/10864

FDA: Genentech's Rituxan may be linked to brain disorder death
Bizjournals.com - Charlotte,NC,USA
Both Rituzxn and multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri -- which reportedly also triggered the brain disorder in rare cases -- are built on antibodies that ...
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2008/09/08/daily79.html

FDA warns of PML risk for Rituxan
MarketWatch - USA
Both Rituxan and Tysabri are based on antibodies that manipulate the immune system. The FDA said that the Rituxan PML patient developed PML about 18 months ...
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/fda-warns-pml-risk-rituxan/story.aspx?guid=%7BD7A6C4C2-83C1-4777-93FD-4EB9C7185997%7D&dist=hplatest

Yale Scientists May Have Found Brain's Center For Self-Control
Intelligence offers some protection against succumbing to immediate gratification, but psychologists have been unsure why. Yale University researchers report that they may have found the first clue to the mystery in an area of the brain that governs abstract problem solving and goal management.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120963.php

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes Brain Shrinkage, Neurological Disorders

Neural Cells Derived From Human Embryonic Stem Cells Reduce Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Medical News Today Wed, 10 Sep 2008 5:15 AM PDT
Hadassah University Hospital and Hadasit, the technology transfer company of Hadassah Medical Organization, announced that scientists at Hadassah University Hospital have discovered a new application for human embryonic stem cells.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120874.php

Multiple sclerosis support group revitalized
NRToday.com - Roseburg,OR,USA
In March 2003, Francis was diagnosed with primary-progressive multiple sclerosis, which means that his symptoms and condition continually get more severe. ...
http://www.nrtoday.com/article/20080910/NEWS/809099923/1063/NEWS&ParentProfile=1055

Total Recall - MIT Researchers: Human Memory Capacity Much Bigger Than Previously Thought
In recent years, demonstrations of memory's failures have convinced many scientists that human memory does not store the details of our experiences. However, a new study from MIT cognitive neuroscientists may overturn this widespread belief: They have shown that given the right setting, the human brain can record an amazing amount of information.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120460.php

How Memories Are Made, And Recalled
What makes a memory? Single cells in the brain, for one thing. For the first time, scientists at UCLA and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have recorded individual brain cells in the act of calling up a memory, thus revealing where in the brain a specific memory is stored, and how it is able to recreate it.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120783.php

Cannabis extract or skin cancer?
PR CannaZine (press release) - South Wales,UK
Clearly this could be a valid theory as it has also been announced today that another Multiple Sclerosis drug, Tysabri, has been placed under FDA ...
http://pr.cannazine.co.uk/content/view/654/27/

Tysabri Trial for Multiple Myeloma Gets Under Way
FDA news (subscription) - Falls Church,VA,USA
Elan and Biogen Idec have started a Phase I/II clinical trial of their multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri to treat multiple myeloma, a plasma cancer. ...
http://fdanews.com/newsletter/article?issueId=11938&articleId=110212

Male Ejaculation
Corsavoo.com - Bastia,Corse,France
It is commonly found in men who have multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or after some types of prostate surgery. Before you get worried, it can also occur ...
http://www.corsavoo.com/men-s-issues/0,2577,315764,00.html

Alnylam Adds Another RNA Approach, Vertex Tackles Hardest Hep C ...
Xconomy - Cambridge,MA,USA
... (LON:ASM) and learned about the British biotech company’s strategy in buying Cambridge, MA, drug developer Xanthus Pharmaceuticals this past spring. ...
http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2008/09/10/alnylam-adds-another-rna-approach-vertex-tackles-hardest-hep-c-cases-zafgen-places-big-bet-on-fat-shrinkers-more-life-sciences-news/

Brain Injury Patients Cope by Using More of Their Brains

TORONTO -- Patients who recover fully from brain trauma may have to use more of their brains than they did before the injury to perform the same mental tasks, researchers found. full story

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/HeadTrauma/tb/10844

http://broadcaster.medpagetoday.com/t?r=2&c=2033&l=15&ctl=DEA4:961584531C0AE512D520BFF9334D9ABF

Symptoms and Management

Ms. Spring
MS Nurse Clinician at the Fraser Health MS Clinic in Burnaby, BC
View BIO
Q :
Besides exercise and rest, is their anything to alleviate numbness and discomfort of the legs and feet?
A :
“Numbness” by itself is sometimes regarded as a more manageable symptom of MS for some patients and is generally not an indication that the disease is worsening, nor is it related to the degree of disability that a person has or will develop. If the numbness is related to an active “relapse” that is producing these symptoms, steroids may be considered to speed up the recovery time from the relapse to provide relief from the symptoms sooner.
The is currently no medical treatment for “numbness” when it is present as an isolated symptom (i.e. not related to a relapse), however numbness is very often reported in conjunction with other symptoms including temperature sensitivity, various descriptions or types of pain, tingling or allodynia (which is when pain is induced in situations that should otherwise not produce pain, such as when simply touching the skin with clothing can cause discomfort). If any of these other symptoms are present with numbness, then assessment is made to determine the best treatment which may include medication to treat the pain or tingling sensations which in turn can provide some comfort from the overall discomfort that the numbness is causing.
9/11/2008 2:39:43 AM
More answers from Ms. Janene Spring

More answers in the category: Symptoms and Management

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that this information does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MS Society of Canada, and is not intended as medical advice. For specific advice and opinion, always consult a physician.
© 2008 Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada | www.mssociety.ca
http://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionView.aspx?L=2&QID=1924

CNN’s Toobin: Palin ‘Very Extreme’ on Embryonic Stem Cell Research
NewsBusters - USA
... families who have multiple sclerosis, who have Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, all these decisions where stem cell research is promising. ...
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/matthew-balan/2008/09/10/cnn-s-toobin-palin-very-extreme-embryonic-stem-cell-research

Neural Cells Derived From Human Embryonic Stem Cells Reduce ...
Medical News Today (press release) - UK
Multiple sclerosis, the most common cause of neurological disabilities in young adults, is caused by an inflammatory reaction of the patient's own immune ...
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120874.php

Pluristem Successfully Concludes Final Pre-Clinical Safety Studies ...
MarketWatch - USA
The Company's products in development also include PLX-IBD, targeting Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD); PLX-MS, targeting Multiple Sclerosis; PLX-BMT, http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/pluristem-successfully-concludes-final-pre-clinical/story.aspx?guid=%7BFF6C185A-C1C3-4845-8AEB-E42378CA5BEA%7D&dist=hppr

Vitamin B12 Linked to Brain Shrinkage
HealthNews - Carslbad,CA,USA
However, those with the lowest levels of B12 were more than six times as likely to experience brain shrinkage, compared to those with the highest B12 levels ...
http://www.healthnews.com/medical-updates/vitamin-b12-linked-brain-shrinkage-1737.html

Vitamin B-12 may help lessen dreaded brain shrinkage
Philadelphia Inquirer - Philadelphia,PA,USA
But a new study shows that getting plenty of vitamin B-12 may minimize brain shrinkage. British researchers measured the brain volume in 107 people between ...
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20080910_Vitamin_B-12_may_help_lessen_dreaded_brain_shrinkage.html

Vitamin B-12 may help you live longer
WNDU-TV - South Bend,IN,USA
They found those who had the highest amount of vitamin B-12 in their blood were six times less likely to have brain shrinkage.
http://www.wndu.com/healthnews/headlines/28055519.html

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes Brain Shrinkage, Neurological Disorders
Natural News.com - Phoenix,AZ,USA
Subscribe now to receive a summary of each day's most important natural health stories, plus get full, free access to the entire archives of books on ...
http://www.naturalnews.com/News_000272_vitamin_B12_brain_function_neurological_disorders.html

Take vitamin B12 to counter memory loss.
ITvoir - New Delhi,Delhi,India
B12 in their body are likely to suffer from brain shrinkage, research has proved this. ITVoir brings to you highly comphrensive database of computer vendors ...
http://www.itvoir.com/portal/boxx/modules/blogs/Blog-Detail.asp?BlogID=3529

Vitamin B-12 may prevent memory loss
SmartBrief - Washington,DC,USA
Older people with lower-than-average levels of vitamin B-12 are more likely to experience brain shrinkage, which is linked to memory loss and dementia. ...
http://www.smartbrief.com/news/fmi_pharma/storyDetails.jsp?issueid=7A5710B4-CC97-494B-BD58-14DF7891F9A8&copyid=9B7CA5FF-3096-437F-8F9A-2D59D4283A70

Type 1 Diabetes In Adults Better Controlled With Continuous Monitors
A study by a diabetes research foundation discovered that adults with type 1 diabetes were better at controlling their glucose levels when instead of the traditional method of pricking a finger a few times a day, they used continuous monitors that sampled blood every five minutes through a small tube under the skin and alerted them so they could adjust their eating or take insulin more promptly.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120725.php

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Improves Blood Sugar Control For People With Type 1 Diabetes
Patients with type 1 diabetes who used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices to help manage their disease experienced significant improvements in blood sugar control, according to initial results of a major multicenter clinical trial funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120736.php

Brush Your Teeth To Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. However, many people with cardiovascular disease have none of the common risk factors such as smoking, obesity and high cholesterol. Now, researchers have discovered a new link between gum disease and heart disease that may help find ways to save lives, scientists heard (Tuesday 9 September 2008) at the Society for General Microbiology's Autumn meeting being held this week at Trinity College, Dublin.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120687.php

Study: Biotech patent system broken

By Maureen Martino
Researchers at Canada's McGill University studied patent systems from around the world and have found that, regardless of the country, the world's patent system is in serious trouble. "We found the same stumbling blocks in the traditional communities of Brazil as we did in the boardroom of a corporation." said Richard Gold, chair of the International Expert Group that produced the report. "Most striking is that no matter where we looked, the lack of trust played a vital role in blocking negotiations that could have benefited both sides, as well as the larger public." The study authors call the biotech patent system "outdated," and contrast it with the far more successful IT patenting system.
The problems, they say, is that fixation on patents and privately-controlled research has hampered innovation. Those that hold the the most patents are the least likely to collaborate, and the current system breeds mistrust among companies and researchers. "We need an IP system that will support collaborations...This means the laws may have to be changed, but more importantly, it means that we have a lot of work to do to change behaviors and build trust among all the players," observed Gold.
The study, which can be viewed here, included recommendations for governments, industry leaders, researchers and universities.
- see the patent study release
http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/landmark-study-reports-breakdown-biotech-patent-system?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal&cmp-id=EMC-NL-FB&dest=FB

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

MS Patient Turns To TroubleShooter For Help Getting Medical Lift - vitamin B12 brain shrinkage

My Impression of Frankenstein
By TickledPink(TickledPink)
It was my entry into the No Kidding This is IT part of the trial where I don't have to wonder, "Is it Fingolimod or is it Avonex? Only her hairdresser knows for sure." I'm just hoping the lack of the proper verbiage...where they were ...
Fingolimod and Me - http://fty720.blogspot.com/

Gene Therapy For Blindness Improves Vision, Safety Study Indicates
Science Daily (press release) - USA
"This groundbreaking gene therapy trial builds on 15 years of research sponsored by the National Eye Institute of NIH," said Paul A. Sieving, MD, Ph.D., ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908185316.htm

MS Patient Turns To TroubleShooter For Help Getting Medical Lift
WKRC TV Cincinnati - Cincinnati,OH,USA
44 year old Connie Johnson, of Guilford, has primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Her husband Ralph, along with their two young daughters, help care for ...
http://www.local12.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=d94aee15-4366-4824-baeb-97210f659803

A diabetic turns to the tattoo as medical I.D.

By Joshua Sandoval

A personalized design reflects his vocation and defines his illness. >>

Pre-diabetes is worth treating

By Valerie Ulene

Millions of Americans fall in between normal blood glucose levels and diabetic. Treatment, including exercise, better diet and weight loss, may prevent the full-on disease. >>

Positive Sativex® Study Confirms Long Term Efficacy in MS ...
PipelineReview.com (press release) - Barcelona,Spain
... positive results from a placebo-controlled “randomized withdrawal” study of Sativex® in patients with neuropathic pain due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). ...
http://www.pipelinereview.com/content/view/21931/109/

Neuroinformatics 2008, Sept. 7-9: The First Congress Dedicated To The Emerging Field Of Neuroinformatics
The first INCF Congress of Neuroinformatics will convene September 7-9 at the Stockholm City Conference Center in Stockholm. The emerging neuroinformatics field combines neuroscience and informatics research to develop advanced tools and approaches to understanding the structure and function of the brain.http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120598.php

vitamin B12 brain shrinkage

Low vitamin B12 level may cause brain shrinkage in old
Xinhua - China
9 (Xinhuanet)-- Low vitamin B12 level in old people may cause brain atrophy or shrinkage, according to a UK study in Tuesday's Neurology. ...
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-09/09/content_9867745.htm

Low Vitamin B-12 Seems To Cause Faster Brain Shrinkage
Methuselah Foundation - Washington,DC,USA
Keep up your vitamin B-12 levels so that your brain doesn't shrink any faster than it has to. Oh, and we really need gene therapies, stem cell therapies, ...
http://www.mprize.org/index.php?ctype=news&pagename=blogdetaildisplay&BID=2008095-08081753&detaildisplay=N
Health: Overweight Children
CBS 3 - Philadelphia,PA,USA
Older people who had higher vitamin B-12 levels... were six times less likely to experience brain shrinkage. Doctors say the nutrient can found in meat, ...
http://cbs3.com/local/overweight.children.obesity.2.812734.html
Neuromyelitis Optica Responds to Rituximab
LIVERPOOL, England -- Rituximab (Rituxan) appeared to be effective in slowing progression of neuromyelitis optica, but the drug is no panacea, researchers here said. full story
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/MultipleSclerosis/tb/10839

Low B12 Linked to Brain Atrophy
OXFORD, England -- Low levels of vitamin B 12 are associated with increased rates of brain atrophy in older people, researchers here said. full story
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/GeneralNeurology/tb/10835
Poor Sleep Elevates Fall Risk for Older Women
SAN FRANCISCO -- For older women, poor sleep at night may be an independent risk factor for falls, according to researchers here. full story

http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/SleepDisorders/tb/10838

http://broadcaster.medpagetoday.com/t?r=2&c=2028&l=15&ctl=DD61:961584531C0AE5128877C8E795A22769

Scientists uncover the key to controlling how stem cells develop
Laboratory Products News - Toronto,Ontario,Canada
Drs Séguin and Rossant, along with their colleagues Dr Jonathan Draper of the Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute at McMaster University, and Dr Andras ...
http://www.labcanada.com/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=87987&issue=08072008
Hadassah Hospital Study Shows That Neural Cells Derived From Human ...
MarketWatch - USA
... that transplanted neural cells derived from human embryonic stem cells can reduce the clinical symptoms in animals with a form of multiple sclerosis. ...
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/hadassah-hospital-study-shows-neural/story.aspx?guid=%7B8A603512-F245-4B77-8F4A-999A389E9339%7D&dist=hppr

Tysabri

Latest FDA Report Highlights: 8 Drugs That Carry Potential Risks
Seeking Alpha - New York,NY,USA
In February 2005, Tysabri was voluntarily removed from the market after two cases of PML were reported. However, the FDA has recently issued a statement ...See all stories on this topic
http://seekingalpha.com/article/94557-latest-fda-report-highlights-8-drugs-that-carry-potential-risks

Elan's MS treatment listed as possibly harmful
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
By Ailish O'Hora ELAN'S Multiple Sclerosis treatment, Tysabri, has been added to a Federal Drug Administration (FDA) list of drugs currently being used by ...
http://www.independent.ie/business/world/elans-ms-treatment-listed-as-possibly-harmful-1472189.html

New Tysabri Trials Underway, Despite Serious Risks
Newsinferno.com - New York,NY,USA
Despite the fact that it has been tied to a deadly brain infection, and is being investigated for a possible link to melanoma, the makers of Tysabri are ...
http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/3778

Biogen, Elan start testing Tysabri as cancer treatment
SmartBrief - Washington,DC,USA
Biogen Idec and Elan began a Phase I/II clinical trial of Tysabri -- a multiple sclerosis drug -- as a treatment for multiple myeloma. ...
http://www.smartbrief.com/news/aabb/storyDetails.jsp?issueid=7CA933C4-C3F8-4011-90C5-F7709E18BC83&copyid=6C36E4D3-F1BB-4D3A-9BD8-1BD795B66243

Daily Living with MS

Dr. Myles

Associate Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Alberta
View BIO

Q :
I was diagnosed with MS in 2001, I go through episodes when breathing becomes difficult and will have to focus on getting a deep breath by yawning. I feel like I am suffocating but I know that I am not. Eating definitely aggravates the feeling. Any ideas on the cause and why I feel like this?
A :
Excessive yawning has been reported with a number of different neurologic conditions, including MS. In MS, it is believed to be due to involvement of the brainstem by MS plaques, yet it occurs only in a very small number of people with MS with brainstem involvement. Excessive yawning can also occur as a prodrome before migraine and this is actually fairly common so if you have headaches (migraine affects about 18 % of women and 6% of men in the population), watch for this connection. Excessive yawning can also occur with certain medications, including certain commonly used anti-depressants that work on serotonin (the SSRIs or selective serontonin reuptake inhibitors). The feeling of suffocating can sometimes be a symptom of anxiety. I am not sure why eating would aggravate the symptoms. It might be helpful to discuss these episodes in greater detail with your physician to determine if your MS, anxiety, medication side effects or some other medical condition is causing your symptoms.9/9/2008 9:09:15 PM
More answers from Dr. Mary Lou Myles
More answers in the category: Daily Living with MS

http://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionView.aspx?L=2&QID=1783

vitamin D
Light shines on vitamin D deficiency epidemic
Scarlet Scuttlebutt - East Brunswick,NJ,USA
They still might be susceptible to an epidemic that's starting to gain the notice of pediatricians and bone doctors across the country: vitamin D deficiency ...
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080909/HEALTH/809090308/-1/newsfront

Food, Disease, and You
American Chronicle - Beverly Hills,CA,USA
Oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, and parsley are excellent sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin D deficiency that is associated with weak bones now has been ...
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=73577

Treat Seasonal Depression With Vitamin D Supplements
Corsavoo.com - Bastia,Corse,France
Luckily, we can easily treat seasonal depression with Vitamin D Supplementation. Believe it or not, the sun supplies our bodies with Vitamin D. When our ...
http://www.corsavoo.com/depression/0,2577,455085,00.html

Teens Should Increase Vitamin D Intake by 1000 Percent to Avoid ...
Natural News.com - Phoenix,AZ,USA
(NaturalNews) The vitamin D recommendations for older children should be raised by 10 times, according to a study conducted by researchers from the American ...
http://www.naturalnews.com/024099.html

Today's Top News

1. Salary survey shows big hike in scientists' pay

By John Carroll

U.S. life scientists are feeling somewhat flush these days. The Scientists' fifth annual salary survey shows that median compensation in the U.S. jumped 15 percent since 2006, rising from $74,000 to $85,000. As usual, industry scientists set the pace, at $107,000 a year compared to $77,900 for academics and private institutions. And a growing slice of the annual take-home is coming in the form of bonuses. Close to 12 percent of company pay is provided for bonuses now, compared to only 3.8 percent in 1991.

The salary survey also shows some big gaps between women and men in science. Female professors with 15 to 19 years experience earned a median salary of $126,000 compared to $164,000 for men. And the coasts offered more than anyplace in between. Tenured faculty earned $150,000 in California while the younger set of assistant professors can often earn more than $100,000 in Massachusetts.

- read the article from The Scientist

Also Noted

Stem Cell Research

A showdown between the board of the Australian Stem Cell Centre and the universities and research institutions that belong to it has led to the mass resignation of all board members. The exodus follows the firing of chief executive Stephen Livesey over their commercial direction. In announcing the move, the board said that the goal of becoming self-financing by 2011 was unrealistic. Report

Implanting embryonic stem cells into the brains of mice developed with MS halted progression of the disease. Story

The World Stem Cell Summit is headed to Madison, WI September 22 and 23. Story

Genetics

The Broad Institute has gained a $400 million endowment to further its work exploring the link between genetics and disease. Some 1,200 researchers at Harvard, MIT and the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research work on Broad Institute projects. Report

After decades of often ineffective work in identifying which toxic therapies could attack cancer, powerful new gene sequencing machines are honing in on which genetic variations trigger cancer--offering a more targeted approach to finding new therapies. Researchers herald this as a new era in cancer research. Story

Scientists have uncovered new evidence that strengthens the link between a host-cell gene called Apobec3 and the production of neutralizing antibodies to retroviruses. Published in the Sept. 5 issue of Science, the finding adds a new dimension to the set of possible explanations for why most people who are infected with HIV do not make neutralizing antibodies that effectively fight the virus. Release

Cancer Research

A German-American scientific team has developed a new method to make gold nanoparticles that can be more effective at fighting cancer. By using ionic liquid as their medium of crystallization they eliminate the need for cytotoxic materials currently used to make the rod-shaped particles needed to kill tumor cells. Report

Reactivating the RUNX3 gene may slow colorectal cancer, according to a team of investigators in Singapore. Report

Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, may reduce serum levels of the prostate biomarker, PSA, and hence may alter the detection of prostate cancer in individuals who take these medications. Release

And Finally... A study of the Amish shows that plenty of physical activity can overcome a genetic propensity for fat. Article

Multiple Sclerosis News Blog

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Vitamin B12 brain shrinkage

Vitamin B12 brain shrinkage

FDA Cites Brain Virus With Rituxan

NJ, PA hospital mistakes not being reported

MS Vaccines

Treatment

Daily Living with MS

In the Spotlight

More Topics

FTY720

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Killing Bacteria Not Enough to Restore Full Immunity

Treatment

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes Brain Shrinkage, Neurological Disorders

Symptoms and Management

Study: Biotech patent system broken

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

MS Patient Turns To TroubleShooter For Help Getting Medical Lift - vitamin B12 brain shrinkage

vitamin B12 brain shrinkage

Tysabri

Today's Top News

Also Noted

About Me

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