@article{pmid37392716,

title = {Exploring the relation between reserve and fatigue in multiple sclerosis},

author = {Mario Tranfa and Valentina Virginia Iuzzolino and Pierpaolo Perrella and Antonio Carotenuto and Giuseppe Pontillo and Marcello Moccia and Sirio Cocozza and Andrea Elefante and Roberta Lanzillo and Arturo Brunetti and Vincenzo Brescia Morra and Maria Petracca},

doi = {10.1016/j.msard.2023.104842},

issn = {2211-0356},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-08-01},

journal = {Mult Scler Relat Disord},

volume = {76},

pages = {104842},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Intellectual enrichment and brain reserve modulate the expression of cognitive and motor disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Their association with fatigue, one of the most debilitating and common symptoms of MS, has never been explored.nnMATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight MS patients underwent clinical and MRI examination at baseline and after 1 year. Physical and cognitive MS-related fatigue were evaluated via Modified Fatigue Impact subscales (MFIS-P and MFIS-C). Differences in reserve indexes between fatigued and non-fatigued patients were tested. The relationship between clinico-demographic features, global brain structural damage, indexes of reserve (age-adjusted intracranial volume and cognitive reserve index) and fatigue were tested via correlations and hierarchical linear/binary logistic regression, to predict MFIS-P and MFIS-C (at baseline) or new-onset fatigue and meaningful worsening in MFIS (at follow-up).nnRESULTS: At baseline, although a significant difference was identified for cognitive reserve questionnaire between fatigued and non-fatigued patients (18.19 ± 4.76 versus 15.15 ± 3.56, p = 0.015), only depression accounted for significant variance in MFIS-P and MFIS-C (R=0.248, p = 0.002; R=0.252, p<0.001). MFIS-T, MFIS-P and MFIS-C changes over time were associated to depression changes over time (r = 0.56, r = 0.55, and r = 0.57, respectively; all p<0.001). Indexes of reserve did not differ between non-fatigued patients and patients developing new-onset fatigue at follow-up. None of the baseline features was able to predict the new-onset fatigue or meaningful worsening in MFIS at follow-up.nnCONCLUSIONS: Among the explored features, only depression was strongly associated to both physical and cognitive fatigue. Intellectual enrichment and brain reserve did not seem to affect fatigue symptoms in MS patients.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid37405689,

title = {Effectiveness of teriflunomide on No Evidence of Disease Activity and cognition in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: results of the NEDA3PLUS study},

author = {Maria Pia Amato and Roberto Bergamaschi and Diego Centonze and Massimiliano Mirabella and Girolama Alessandra Marfia and Rocco Totaro and Giacomo Lus and Vincenzo Brescia Morra and Umberto Aguglia and Cristoforo Comi and Paola Cavalla and Mauro Zaffaroni and Marco Rovaris and Luigi Maria Grimaldi and Stefania Leoni and Simona Malucchi and Eleonora Baldi and Marcello Romano and Mario Falcini and Paola Perini and Maurizio Assetta and Emilio Portaccio and Sergio Sommacal and Nunzio Olivieri and Franco Parodi and Daniele Santo Todaro and Nicoletta Grassivaro and Alberto Farina and Margaret Mary Mondino and Massimo Filippi and Maria Trojano},

doi = {10.1007/s00415-023-11820-0},

issn = {1432-1459},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-07-01},

journal = {J Neurol},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment (CI) is a prevalent and debilitating manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS); however, it is not included in the widely used concept of No Evidence of Disease Activity (NEDA-3). We expanded the NEDA-3 concept to NEDA-3 + by encompassing CI assessed through the Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) and evaluated the effect of teriflunomide on NEDA3 + in patients treated in a real-world setting. The value of NEDA-3 + in predicting disability progression was also assessed.nnMETHODS: This 96-weeks observational study enrolled patients already on treatment with teriflunomide for ≥ 24 weeks. The predictiveness of NEDA-3 and NEDA-3 + at 48 weeks on the change in motor disability at 96 weeks was compared through a two-sided McNemar test.nnRESULTS: The full analysis set (n = 128; 38% treatment naïve) featured relatively low level of disability (baseline EDSS = 1.97 ± 1.33). NEDA-3 and NEDA-3 + statuses were achieved by 82.8% and 64.8% of patients, respectively at 48 weeks vs. baseline, and by 57.0% and 49.2% of patients, respectively at 96 weeks vs. baseline. All patients except one were free of disability progression at Week 96, and NEDA-3 and NEDA-3 + were equally predictive. Most patients were free of relapse (87.5%), disability progression (94.5%) and new MRI activity (67.2%) comparing 96 weeks with baseline. SDMT scores were stable in patients with baseline score ˃35 and improved significantly in those with baseline score ≤ 35. Treatment persistence was high (81.0% at Week 96).nnCONCLUSION: Teriflunomide confirmed its real-world efficacy and was found to have a potentially beneficial effect on cognition.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid37466471,

title = {Cost-Analysis of Telemedicine Interventions Compared with Traditional Care in the Management of Chronic Neurological Diseases: A Systematic Review},

author = {Elisabetta Maida and Vincenzo Bresciamorra and Maria Triassi and Roberta Lanzillo and Simona Bonavita and Luigi Lavorgna},

doi = {10.1089/tmj.2023.0106},

issn = {1556-3669},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-07-01},

journal = {Telemed J E Health},

abstract = {         },

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid37454568,

title = {Quality of care provided by Multiple Sclerosis Centers during Covid-19 pandemic: Results of an Italian multicenter patient-centered survey},

author = {Manuela Altieri and Rocco Capuano and Alvino Bisecco and Alessandro d'Ambrosio and Mario Risi and Paola Cavalla and Marco Vercellino and Pietro Annovazzi and Mauro Zaffaroni and Nicola De Stefano and Maria Laura Stromillo and Emanuele D'Amico and Aurora Zanghì and Maria Chiara Buscarinu and Roberta Lanzillo and Giovanna De Luca and Massimiliano Calabrese and Lorena Lorefice and Massimiliano Di Filippo and Paola Valentino and Alberto Gajofatto and Girolama Alessandra Marfia and Aurora Fuiani and Viviana Nociti and Gioacchino Tedeschi and Antonio Gallo},

doi = {10.1016/j.msard.2023.104870},

issn = {2211-0356},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-07-01},

journal = {Mult Scler Relat Disord},

volume = {77},

pages = {104870},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Covid-19 pandemic impacted on management of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Level of satisfaction of pwMS regarding the care received by the staff of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (MSCs) during the pandemic was not fully investigated. In a large patient-centered multicenter study, the therapeutic adherence and quality of care of MSCs was assessed.nnMETHODS: In April-May 2021, an online survey was widespread by 16 Italian MSCs. Frequencies, percentages and/or means and standard deviations were calculated to describe the sample. ANOVAs were performed to evaluate the effect of sociodemographic and clinical variables on overall pwMS' rating of MSC assistance.nnRESULTS: 1670 pwMS completed the survey (67.3% women). During the pandemic, 88% did not change their disease modifying therapy schedule, and 89.1% reached their MSCs with no or little difficulties. Even if only 1.3% of participants underwent a tele-health follow-up visit with their MSC staff, the 80.1% believed that tele-health services should be improved regardless of pandemic. 92% of participants were satisfied of how their MSC took charge of their needs; ANOVAs revealed an effect of disease duration on pwMS' level of satisfaction on MSCs management during the pandemic.nnCONCLUSIONS: The results revealed an efficient MSCs response to Covid-19 pandemic and provided the basis for the implementing of tele-health services that would further improve the taking charge of patients, particularly those with longer disease, higher disability, and/or living far from their MSC.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid37163840,

title = {Health related quality of life in the domain of physical activity predicts confirmed disability progression in people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis},

author = {Gianmarco Abbadessa and Marta Ponzano and Floriana Bile and Giuseppina Miele and Alessio Signori and Simone Cepparulo and Maddalena Sparaco and Elisabetta Signoriello and Giorgia Teresa Maniscalco and Roberta Lanzillo and Vincenzo Brescia Morra and Giacomo Lus and Maria Pia Sormani and Luigi Lavorgna and Simona Bonavita},

doi = {10.1016/j.msard.2023.104731},

issn = {2211-0356},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-07-01},

journal = {Mult Scler Relat Disord},

volume = {75},

pages = {104731},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of the progression phase of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is still retrospective and based on the objectivation of clinical disability accumulation.nnOBJECTIVES: To assess whether the Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) scores predict the occurrence of disease progression within three years of follow-up.nnMETHODS: Observational prospective multicenter study. Stable Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) patients were enrolled. At enrollment, patients completed the following PROMs: Beck Depression Inventory- II, The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36- Item (SF36), Fatigue Severity Scale. EDSS was assessed at enrollment and three years later. The outcome measure was defined as the occurrence of confirmed disability progression (CDP) within three years of follow-up. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to study the association between the final score of each test and the outcome.nnRESULTS: SF36-Physical Functioning (SF36-PF) was the only independent variable associated with the outcome. The ROC curve analysis determined a score of 77.5 at SF36-PF as the cut-off point identifying patients experiencing CDP within three years of follow-up [AUC: 0.66 (95% CI: 0.56-0.75)].nnCONCLUSIONS: RRMS patients scoring higher (>77.5) at SF36-PF subscale have a higher likelihood to experience CDP within the next three years.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid36930389,

title = {Concomitant diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: case report and the review of literature},

author = {Assunta Trinchillo and Antonio Luca Spiezia and Antonio Carotenuto and Enrico Tedeschi and Giuseppe Servillo and Carmine Iacovazzo and Francesco Borrelli and Giovanni Di Filippo and Vincenzo Brescia Morra and Roberta Lanzillo},

doi = {10.1007/s10072-023-06727-7},

issn = {1590-3478},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-07-01},

journal = {Neurol Sci},

volume = {44},

number = {7},

pages = {2305--2309},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: To date, few cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with concomitant Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection have been described. However, none of the previously described cases has been treated with Natalizumab, probably due to the increasing risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).nnCASE: We report the case of a patient concomitantly diagnosed for HIV infection and MS treated with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and Natalizumab for 19 months, without clinical or radiological MS activity.nnCONCLUSIONS: Our case might suggest considering Natalizumab in patients with concomitant HIV infection, especially for those with significant disease activity requiring a high efficacy disease modifying treatment.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid37311951,

title = {Data monitoring roadmap. The experience of the Italian Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Register},

author = {Paola Mosconi and Tommaso Guerra and Pasquale Paletta and Antonio D'Ettorre and Michela Ponzio and Mario Alberto Battaglia and Maria Pia Amato and Roberto Bergamaschi and Marco Capobianco and Giancarlo Comi and Claudio Gasperini and Francesco Patti and Maura Pugliatti and Monica Ulivelli and Maria Trojano and Vito Lepore and },

doi = {10.1007/s10072-023-06876-9},

issn = {1590-3478},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-06-01},

journal = {Neurol Sci},

pages = {1--11},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Over the years, disease registers have been increasingly considered a source of reliable and valuable population studies. However, the validity and reliability of data from registers may be limited by missing data, selection bias or data quality not adequately evaluated or checked. This study reports the analysis of the consistency and completeness of the data in the Italian Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Register.nnMETHODS: The Register collects, through a standardized Web-based Application, unique patients. Data are exported bimonthly and evaluated to assess the updating and completeness, and to check the quality and consistency. Eight clinical indicators are evaluated.nnRESULTS: The Register counts 77,628 patients registered by 126 centres. The number of centres has increased over time, as their capacity to collect patients. The percentages of updated patients (with at least one visit in the last 24 months) have increased from 33% (enrolment period 2000-2015) to 60% (enrolment period 2016-2022). In the cohort of patients registered after 2016, there were ≥ 75% updated patients in 30% of the small centres (33), in 9% of the medium centres (11), and in all the large centres (2). Clinical indicators show significant improvement for the active patients, expanded disability status scale every 6 months or once every 12 months, visits every 6 months, first visit within 1 year and MRI every 12 months.nnCONCLUSIONS: Data from disease registers provide guidance for evidence-based health policies and research, so methods and strategies ensuring their quality and reliability are crucial and have several potential applications.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid37086633,

title = {Validation of an iPad version of the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS)},

author = {Teresa Costabile and Elisabetta Signoriello and Francesca Lauro and Manuela Altieri and Antonio Rosario Ziello and Alessandro D'Ambrosio and Alvino Bisecco and Giorgia Maniscalco and Simona Bonavita and Antonio Gallo and Vincenzo Brescia Morra and Giacomo Lus and Francesco Saccà and Cinzia Valeria Russo},

doi = {10.1016/j.msard.2023.104723},

issn = {2211-0356},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-06-01},

journal = {Mult Scler Relat Disord},

volume = {74},

pages = {104723},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) is the most widely used screening tool for cognitive impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, the administration and scoring procedures of the paper version are time consuming and prone to errors. Aim of our study was to develop a tablet version of BICAMS (iBICAMS), and to assess its reliability compared to the paper version.nnMETHODS: We administered both BICAMS and iBICAMS to 139 MS patients in two different sessions. We compared scores on both versions using a paired t-test. We used a repeated measures ANOVA to test the impact of rater, order of administration and test-retest time on test-retest performances. We used the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) to assess the reliability between BICAMS and iBICAMS.nnRESULTS: All three sub-tests of the BICAMS (SDMT, CVLT-II and BVMT-R) were different between the paper and the tablet versions. Order of administration influenced test-retest performances at the SDMT (p<0.001), CVLT- II (p<0.001) and BVMT-R (p<0.001). Intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) revealed a high level of agreement between the paper BICAMS and the iPad version for all three tests: SDMT (0.92), CVLT-II (0.83) and BVMT-R (0.82).nnCONCLUSIONS: We found a high reliability between BICAMS and iBICAMS. Considering the inherent advantages of automated scoring, digital storage of data, standardized timing, the iBICAMS could become a standard in clinical practice.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid37232279,

title = {Sars-CoV2 infection in pregnant women with multiple sclerosis},

author = {Maria Grazia Aprea and Irene Schiavetti and Emilio Portaccio and Chiara Ballerini and Mario Alberto Battaglia and Roberto Bergamaschi and Giampaolo Brichetto and S Destan Bunul and Massimiliano Calabrese and Marco Capobianco and Paola Cavalla and Maria Grazia Celani and Marinella Clerico and Eleonora Cocco and Giancarlo Comi and Paolo Confalonieri and Antonella Conte and Cinzia Cordioli and Giovanna De Luca and Nicola De Rossi and Massimo Filippi and Haluk Gumes and Paolo Immovilli and Matilde Inglese and Rana Karabudak and Doriana Landi and Roberta Lanzillo and Maria Rita L'Episcopo and Lorena Lorefice and Vittorio Mantero and Sabrina Marangoni and Girolama Alessandra Marfia and Camilla Masciulli and Eva Milano and Lucia Moiola and Riccardo Orlandi and Francesco Patti and Paola Perini and Ilaria Pesci and Eugenio Pucci and Marco Puthenparampil and Marta Radaelli and Marco Salvetti and Arianna Sartori and Cinzia Scandellari and Sedat Sen and Aksel Siva and Silvia Strumia and Francesco Teatini and Gioacchino Tedeschi and Maria Trojano and Melih Tutuncu and Giovanna Vaula and Maria Pia Sormani and Maria Pia Amato and },

doi = {10.1177/13524585231176174},

issn = {1477-0970},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-05-01},

journal = {Mult Scler},

pages = {13524585231176174},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: In the general population, maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is associated with worse maternal outcomes; however, only one study so far has evaluated COVID-19 clinical outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women with multiple sclerosis, showing no higher risk for poor COVID-19 outcomes in these patients.nnOBJECTIVE: In this multicenter study, we aimed to evaluate COVID-19 clinical outcomes in pregnant patients with multiple sclerosis.nnMETHODS: We recruited 85 pregnant patients with multiple sclerosis who contracted COVID-19 after conception and were prospectively followed-up in Italian and Turkish Centers, in the period 2020-2022. A control group of 1354 women was extracted from the database of the Multiple Sclerosis and COVID-19 (MuSC-19). Univariate and subsequent logistic regression models were fitted to search for risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 course (at least one outcome among hospitalization, intensive care unit [ICU] admission and death).nnRESULTS: In the multivariable analysis, independent predictors of severe COVID-19 were age, body mass index ⩾ 30, treatment with anti-CD20 and recent use of methylprednisolone. Vaccination before infection was a protective factor. Vaccination before infection was a protective factor. Pregnancy was not a risk nor a protective factor for severe COVID-19 course.nnCONCLUSION: Our data show no significant increase of severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis who contracted the infection during pregnancy.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid37254895,

title = {Effects of concurrent training and CoQ10 on neurotrophic factors and physical function in people with Multiple Sclerosis: a pilot study},

author = {Amir Hossein Haghighi and Amin Ahmadi and Antonio Carotenuto and Roya Askari and Karim Nikkhah and Behnam Bagherzadeh-Rahmani and Hadi Sharabadi and Daniel Souza and Paulo Gentil},

doi = {10.4081/ejtm.2023.11253},

issn = {2037-7452},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-05-01},

journal = {Eur J Transl Myol},

volume = {33},

number = {2},

abstract = {The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 8-week of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation alone or combined with concurrent training (CT) on functional capacity, serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Our hypothesis is that CT promotes improvements in the studied outcomes with higher results for the combination of CT and CoQ10. Randomized placebo-controlled trial. Twenty-eight patients with MS were randomly divided into 4 groups: CT+placebo, CT+CoQ10, CoQ10 and placebo. CT involved two resistance training sessions and one aerobic training session per week. CoQ10 was supplemented with 200 mg daily. Serum levels of BDNF, NGF and functional tests [timed up and go (TUG), 6-min walk (6MW), chest press, lateral pull down, leg extension, and lying leg curls one repetition maximum] were measured before and after the intervention period. CT+placebo and CT+CoQ10 significantly improved performance in TUG, 6MW, chest press, lateral pull down, leg extension, and lying leg curls, with superior results to both CoQ10 and placebo groups. Changes in TUG for CT+placebo were significantly higher than CT+CoQ10 (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in NGF and BDNF among the four groups (p >0.05). CT improves physical abilities in patient with MS, regardless CoQ10 supplementation. CT should be recommended for MS patients to increase functional capacity, but there seems to be no benefit in supplementing CoQ10.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid36863844,

title = {MR Imaging Signs of Gadolinium Retention Are Not Associated with Long-Term Motor and Cognitive Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis},

author = {A Scaravilli and M Tranfa and G Pontillo and F Falco and C Criscuolo and M Moccia and S Monti and R Lanzillo and V Brescia Morra and G Palma and M Petracca and E Tedeschi and A Elefante and A Brunetti and S Cocozza},

doi = {10.3174/ajnr.A7807},

issn = {1936-959X},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-04-01},

journal = {AJNR Am J Neuroradiol},

volume = {44},

number = {4},

pages = {396--402},

abstract = {BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The long-term impact of gadolinium retention in the dentate nuclei of patients undergoing administration of seriate gadolinium-based contrast agents is still widely unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of gadolinium retention on motor and cognitive disability in patients with MS during long-term follow-up.nnMATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, clinical data were obtained from patients with MS followed in a single center from 2013 to 2022 at different time points. These included the Expanded Disability Status Scale score to evaluate motor impairment and the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS battery to investigate cognitive performances and their respective changes with time. The association with qualitative and quantitative MR imaging signs of gadolinium retention (namely, the presence of dentate nuclei T1-weighted hyperintensity and changes in longitudinal relaxation R1 maps, respectively) was probed using different General Linear Models and regression analyses.nnRESULTS: No significant differences in motor or cognitive symptoms emerged between patients showing dentate nuclei hyperintensity and those without visible changes on T1WIs ( = .14 and 0.92, respectively). When we tested possible relationships between quantitative dentate nuclei R1 values and both motor and cognitive symptoms, separately, the regression models including demographic, clinical, and MR imaging features explained 40.5% and 16.5% of the variance, respectively, without any significant effect of dentate nuclei R1 values ( = .21 and 0.30, respectively).nnCONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that gadolinium retention in the brains of patients with MS is not associated with long-term motor or cognitive outcomes.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid37017322,

title = {Ovarian reserve in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis},

author = {Luigi Carbone and Raffaella Di Girolamo and Alessandro Conforti and Giuseppe Gabriele Iorio and Vittorio Simeon and Doriana Landi and Girolama Alessandra Marfia and Roberta Lanzillo and Carlo Alviggi},

doi = {10.1002/ijgo.14757},

issn = {1879-3479},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-04-01},

journal = {Int J Gynaecol Obstet},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To summarize recent evidence about ovarian reserve markers in women affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with healthy controls, as women with MS seem to be characterized by lower anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels.nnMETHODS: The research was conducted using PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, ClinicalTrial.gov, OVID and Cochrane Library from inception of each database to June 30, 2022. Studies comparing ovarian reserve markers between women with MS and healthy controls were considered eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was serum AMH (ng/mL) levels. Results were reported as pooled odds ratio (OR) for categorical outcomes and as mean difference (MD) for continuous variables, with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The random effect model of DerSimonian and Laird was adopted for all analyses. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.nnRESULTS: Serum AMH circulating levels were not significantly different (MD -0.25, 95% CI -0.83 to 0.32; P = 0.390), as well as blood levels of follicle-stimulating hormone or ovarian volume. However, antral follicle count (AFC) and estradiol blood levels were significantly lower, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly higher in women with MS than in controls.nnCONCLUSION: A significant difference in AFC, estradiol and LH levels was observed, but not for AMH levels.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid37017957,

title = {Phacoemulsification Tip Elongation Under Standardized Resistance: An Objective Measure of Human Crystalline Lens Hardness},

author = {Tommaso Rossi and Mario R Romano and Antonio Carotenuto and Carlo Malvasi and Giov Battista Angelini and Alessandro Rossi and Serena Telani and Guido Ripandelli and Giorgio Querzoli},

doi = {10.1167/tvst.12.4.6},

issn = {2164-2591},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-04-01},

journal = {Transl Vis Sci Technol},

volume = {12},

number = {4},

pages = {6},

abstract = {PURPOSE: To establish a correlation between phacoemulsification tip normalized driving voltage (NDV) and crystalline lens hardness and use it as an objective measure of lens hardness. The study used a phaco tip equipped with previously validated elongation control adjusting the driving voltage (DV) to produce invariant elongation regardless of resistance.nnMETHODS: The laboratory study measured the mean and maximum DV of the phaco tip immersed in glycerol-balanced salt solution and correlated the DV with the kinematic viscosity at 25, 50, and 75 µm tip elongation. The NDV were obtained by dividing the DV in glycerol by the DV in the balanced salt solution. The clinical arm of the study recorded DV of 20 consecutive cataract surgeries. The correlation of mean and maximum NDV to Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III classification, patient's age and effective phaco time were evaluated.nnRESULTS: The mean and maximum NDV correlated with the kinematic viscosity of the glycerol solution (P < 0.001 in all cases). Mean and maximum NDV during cataract surgery correlated with patients' age, effective phaco time, LOCS III nuclear color, and nuclear opalescence (P < 0.001 in all cases).nnCONCLUSIONS: When a feedback algorithm is running, DV variation strictly correlates with encountered resistance in glycerol solutions and real-life surgery. NDV significantly correlates with the LOCS classification. Future developments might include sensing tips that react to lens hardness in real time.nnTRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: The study correlates for the first time phaco tip DV and crystalline lens mechanical properties, establishing an objective and reliable measure of lens hardness. This may lead to smart phaco tips reacting to cataract hardness change in real time and sparing ultrasound dispersion.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid37068930,

title = {Fertility, pregnancy and childbirth in women with multiple sclerosis: a population-based study from 2018 to 2020},

author = {Marcello Moccia and Giuseppina Affinito and Maria Grazia Fumo and Roberta Giordana and Massimo Di Gennaro and Michelangelo Mercogliano and Antonio Carotenuto and Maria Petracca and Roberta Lanzillo and Maria Triassi and Vincenzo Brescia Morra and Raffaele Palladino},

doi = {10.1136/jnnp-2022-330883},

issn = {1468-330X},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-04-01},

journal = {J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: We aim to evaluate whether fertility, pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding have been actually improving in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), compared with general population, and in relation to treatment features.nnMETHODS: We included 2018-2020 population-level healthcare data on women with MS living in the Campania region (Italy). Fertility, pregnancy and delivery outcomes were obtained from Certificate of Delivery Assistance; breastfeeding was collected up to 6 months after delivery by trained personnel.nnRESULTS: Out of 2748 women with MS in childbearing age, 151 women delivered 156 babies. Fertility rate was 0.58 live births per woman with MS, compared with 1.29 in Campania region and 1.25 in Italy. Disease-modifying treatment (DMT) continuation during pregnancy was associated with lower birth weight (coeff -107.09; 95% CI -207.91 to -6.26; p=0.03). Exposure to DMTs with unknown/negative effects on pregnancy was associated with birth defects (OR 8.88; 95% CI 1.35 to 58.41; p=0.02). Birth defects occurred in pregnancies exposed to dimethyl fumarate (2/21 exposed pregnancies), fingolimod (1/11 exposed pregnancies) and natalizumab (2/30 exposed pregnancies). After delivery, 18.8% of women with MS were escalated of DMT efficacy, while 50.7% started on same/similar-efficacy DMTs, and 30.5% did not receive DMT. The probability of breastfeeding was higher in women who were treated with breastfeeding-safe DMTs (OR 5.57; 95% CI 1.09 to 28.55; p=0.03).nnCONCLUSIONS: Fertility rate in women with MS remains below the general population. Family planning and subsequent DMT decisions should aim to achieve successful pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding outcomes, while controlling disease activity.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid36706770,

title = {Global investments in pandemic preparedness and COVID-19: development assistance and domestic spending on health between 1990 and 2026},

author = { },

doi = {10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00007-4},

issn = {2214-109X},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-03-01},

journal = {Lancet Glob Health},

volume = {11},

number = {3},

pages = {e385--e413},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted gaps in health surveillance systems, disease prevention, and treatment globally. Among the many factors that might have led to these gaps is the issue of the financing of national health systems, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), as well as a robust global system for pandemic preparedness. We aimed to provide a comparative assessment of global health spending at the onset of the pandemic; characterise the amount of development assistance for pandemic preparedness and response disbursed in the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic; and examine expectations for future health spending and put into context the expected need for investment in pandemic preparedness.nnMETHODS: In this analysis of global health spending between 1990 and 2021, and prediction from 2021 to 2026, we estimated four sources of health spending: development assistance for health (DAH), government spending, out-of-pocket spending, and prepaid private spending across 204 countries and territories. We used the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s Creditor Reporting System (CRS) and the WHO Global Health Expenditure Database (GHED) to estimate spending. We estimated development assistance for general health, COVID-19 response, and pandemic preparedness and response using a keyword search. Health spending estimates were combined with estimates of resources needed for pandemic prevention and preparedness to analyse future health spending patterns, relative to need.nnFINDINGS: In 2019, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, US$9·2 trillion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 9·1-9·3) was spent on health worldwide. We found great disparities in the amount of resources devoted to health, with high-income countries spending $7·3 trillion (95% UI 7·2-7·4) in 2019; 293·7 times the $24·8 billion (95% UI 24·3-25·3) spent by low-income countries in 2019. That same year, $43·1 billion in development assistance was provided to maintain or improve health. The pandemic led to an unprecedented increase in development assistance targeted towards health; in 2020 and 2021, $1·8 billion in DAH contributions was provided towards pandemic preparedness in LMICs, and $37·8 billion was provided for the health-related COVID-19 response. Although the support for pandemic preparedness is 12·2% of the recommended target by the High-Level Independent Panel (HLIP), the support provided for the health-related COVID-19 response is 252·2% of the recommended target. Additionally, projected spending estimates suggest that between 2022 and 2026, governments in 17 (95% UI 11-21) of the 137 LMICs will observe an increase in national government health spending equivalent to an addition of 1% of GDP, as recommended by the HLIP.nnINTERPRETATION: There was an unprecedented scale-up in DAH in 2020 and 2021. We have a unique opportunity at this time to sustain funding for crucial global health functions, including pandemic preparedness. However, historical patterns of underfunding of pandemic preparedness suggest that deliberate effort must be made to ensure funding is maintained.nnFUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid36543569,

title = {Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in People With Active Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis},

author = {Giacomo Boffa and Alessio Signori and Luca Massacesi and Alice Mariottini and Elvira Sbragia and Salvatore Cottone and Maria Pia Amato and Claudio Gasperini and Lucia Moiola and Stefano Meletti and Anna Maria Repice and Vincenzo Brescia Morra and Giuseppe Salemi and Francesco Patti and Massimo Filippi and Giovanna De Luca and Giacomo Lus and Mauro Zaffaroni and Patrizia Sola and Antonella Conte and Riccardo Nistri and Umberto Aguglia and Franco Granella and Simonetta Galgani and Luisa Maria Caniatti and Alessandra Lugaresi and Silvia Romano and Pietro Iaffaldano and Eleonora Cocco and Riccardo Saccardi and Emanuele Angelucci and Maria Trojano and Giovanni Luigi Mancardi and Maria Pia Sormani and Matilde Inglese and },

doi = {10.1212/WNL.0000000000206750},

issn = {1526-632X},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-03-01},

journal = {Neurology},

volume = {100},

number = {11},

pages = {e1109--e1122},

abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Uncontrolled evidence suggests that autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) can be effective in people with active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). In this study, we compared the effect of AHSCT with that of other anti-inflammatory disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on long-term disability worsening in active SPMS.nnMETHODS: We collected data from the Italian Bone Marrow Transplantation Study Group and the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Register. Patients were considered eligible if treatment had been started after the diagnosis of SPMS. Disability worsening was assessed by the cumulative proportion of patients with a 6-month confirmed disability progression (CDP) according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. Key secondary endpoints were the EDSS time trend after treatment start and the prevalence of disability improvement over time. Time to first CDP was assessed by means of proportional hazard Cox regression models. A linear mixed model with a time × treatment group interaction was used to assess the longitudinal EDSS time trends. Prevalence of improvement was estimated using a modified Kaplan-Meier estimator and compared between groups by bootstrapping the area under the curve.nnRESULTS: Seventy-nine AHSCT-treated patients and 1975 patients treated with other DMTs (beta interferons, azathioprine, glatiramer-acetate, mitoxantrone, fingolimod, natalizumab, methotrexate, teriflunomide, cyclophosphamide, dimethyl fumarate, and alemtuzumab) were matched to reduce treatment selection bias using propensity score and overlap weighting approaches. Time to first CDP was significantly longer in transplanted patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.31-0.81;  = 0.005), with 61.7% of transplanted patients free from CPD at 5 years. Accordingly, EDSS time trend over 10 years was higher in patients treated with other DMTs than in AHSCT-treated patients (+0.157 EDSS points per year compared with -0.013 EDSS points per year; interaction  < 0.001). Patients who underwent AHSCT were more likely to experience a sustained disability improvement: 34.7% of patients maintained an improvement (a lower EDSS than baseline) 3 years after transplant vs 4.6% of patients treated by other DMTs ( < 0.001).nnDISCUSSION: The use of AHSCT in people with active SPMS is associated with a slowing of disability progression and a higher likelihood of disability improvement compared with standard immunotherapy.nnCLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants prolonged the time to CDP compared with other DMTs.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid36983224,

title = {Sexual Dysfunction in People with Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of Disease Severity, Illness Perception, and Depression},

author = {Cristiano Scandurra and Laura Rosa and Antonio Carotenuto and Marcello Moccia and Sebastiano Arena and Antonio Ianniello and Agostino Nozzolillo and Mariavittoria Turrini and Lidia Mislin Streito and Gianmarco Abbadessa and Elisabetta Ferraro and Manuela Mattioli and Alessandro Chiodi and Nelson Mauro Maldonato and Simona Bonavita and Marinella Clerico and Cinzia Cordioli and Lucia Moiola and Francesco Patti and Luigi Lavorgna and Massimo Filippi and Giovanna Borriello and Emanuele D'Amico and Carlo Pozzilli and Vincenzo Brescia Morra and Maria Petracca and Roberta Lanzillo},

doi = {10.3390/jcm12062215},

issn = {2077-0383},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-03-01},

journal = {J Clin Med},

volume = {12},

number = {6},

abstract = {Despite being a common issue in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), sexual dysfunction is still underinvestigated. This work aims to assess the potential determinants of sexual dysfunction in pwMS by considering its relationship with disease severity (in terms of global disability), illness perception, and depressive symptoms. In this multicenter study, 1010 pwMS responded to an online survey. A serial mediation model considering negative illness perception and depressive symptoms as mediators of the relationship between disease severity and sexual dysfunction was conducted using the SPSS PROCESS Macro with bias-corrected bootstrapping (5000 samples). Disease severity exerts an indirect effect on sexual dysfunction via illness perception, both independently and through depressive symptoms. However, the results indicated that illness perception plays a more crucial role in sexual dysfunction in pwMS with mild disability than in pwMS with moderate-severe disability. This study suggests that higher disability increases its magnitude by enhancing negative illness perception, that, in turn, affects sexual dysfunction both directly and through depressive symptoms, especially in pwMS with mild disability. Modulating the effect of illness perception by favoring adaptive coping strategies might represent a valid approach to mitigate sexual dysfunction symptoms in MS.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid36902830,

title = {Epidemiological and Immune Profile Analysis of Italian Subjects with Endometriosis and Multiple Sclerosis},

author = {Brunella Zizolfi and Virginia Foreste and Simona Bonavita and Valentina Rubino and Giuseppina Ruggiero and Vincenzo Brescia Morra and Roberta Lanzillo and Antonio Carotenuto and Francesca Boscia and Maurizio Taglialatela and Maurizio Guida},

doi = {10.3390/jcm12052043},

issn = {2077-0383},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-03-01},

journal = {J Clin Med},

volume = {12},

number = {5},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To report for the first time an Italian epidemiological analysis of the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients with endometriosis (EMS), through the study of the endometriosis population of our referral center; to analyze the clinical profile and perform a laboratory analysis to examine the immune profile and the possible correlation to other autoimmune diseases of the enrolled patients.nnMETHODS: We evaluated 1652 women registered with EMS in the University of Naples Federico II and retrospectively searched patients with a co-diagnosis of MS. Clinical features of both conditions were recorded. Serum autoantibody and immune profiles were analyzed.nnRESULTS: 9 out of 1652 patients presented a co-diagnosis of EMS and MS (9/1652 = 0.005%). Clinically, EMS and MS presented in mild forms. Hashimoto's thyroiditis was found in two patients (2/9). Even if not statistically significant, a trend of variation in CD4- CD8 T lymphocytes and of B cells were found.nnCONCLUSION: Our findings suggest an increased risk of MS in women with EMS. However, large-scale prospective studies are needed.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}