Search

Introduction: This study explores a relatively unexplored aspect of multiple sclerosis (MS) by examining the sensitivity threshold of dental pulp as a potential indicator of neuropathy in MS patients. Building upon earlier research that focused on assessing the response to electrical pulp testing in MS patients who did not have a history of trigeminal neuralgia, this survey is aimed at delving into the relationship between MS duration and the threshold for stimulation in response to pulp sensitivity tests. Materials and Methods: This study encompassed a total of 124 maxillary central incisors from patients diagnosed with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The participants were uniform in terms of age, falling within the 18–50 years range, and all had RRMS with no history of trigeminal neuralgia. The electric pulp sensitivity test was conducted on all samples, and the results of the electric pulp testing (EPT) were recorded according to the grade of the pulp tester that elicited a response. The threshold was considered reached when the patient first experienced a burning sensation after EPT application and the use of 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane spray. Data analysis employed paired t‐tests, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman correlation, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Based on the study's findings, the average response value to EPT was 2.69 ± 1.17, while the response time to the cold test was 2.61 ± 1.03 s. There was no statistically significant difference in the response to the cold test based on age (p = 0.45). However, it was observed that the mean response time to the cold test was significantly longer among male participants (p = 0.001). No significant differences were identified in the pulpal response to EPT or the cold test between patients with and without sensory‐motor involvement (p > 0.05). Furthermore, Spearman's analysis revealed a noteworthy positive correlation between the electrical pulp threshold and the time taken to respond to the cold test (p = 0.025, r = 0.2). Conclusions: The utilization of the pulpal sensitivity test in MS patients holds promise for practical clinical use. Notably, individuals with a more extended duration of the disease exhibited a notably elevated threshold for both the EPT and the cold test conducted on their maxillary central incisors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The link between moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity physical activity (MVPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unclear. This study examined the relationship between self‐reported MVPA and objectively assessed cardiorespiratory fitness, emphasizing sex differences. Methods. 107 adults with MS (77 females), aged (mean ± standard deviation) 47.2 ± 10.2 years, were recruited from a local MS clinic. Fitness was measured as maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) during a graded maximal exercise test using a recumbent stepper. MVPA (24‐hour recall) was estimated as the duration of activities ≥ 3 MET (metabolic equivalent of task). MET‐minutes were calculated by multiplying MET by duration. We explored sex differences in self‐reported MVPA, cardiorespiratory fitness, and disability; examined sex differences in associations between these variables; and investigated whether MET‐minutes of MVPA predicted V̇O2max in females and males. Results. Mean V̇O2max was 24.79 mL·kg-1·min-1, indicating poor cardiorespiratory fitness levels, despite high levels of self‐reported MVPA (mean = 412.5 MET‐minutes). Fifty‐three percent of males and 40% of females had V̇O2max levels below the 20th age‐ and sex‐standardized population percentile, indicating poor cardiorespiratory fitness. There were statistically significant associations between MVPA and V̇O2max (Rho = 0.27, p =.01), as well as disability and V̇O2max (Rho = −0.35, p =.02), in females but not males. A regression model using sex, age, body mass, disability, and MVPA to estimate V̇O2max was valid in predicting V̇O2max values that were statistically equivalent to those measured in the laboratory in females but not males. However, the inclusion of MVPA did not add to the predictive value of this equation. Conclusions. Despite reporting high levels of MVPA, people with MS had poor cardiorespiratory fitness. MVPA, fitness, and disability were associated in females only, indicating that sex differences should be considered in fitness appraisal. Self‐reported MVPA did not predict fitness, suggesting 24‐hour recall may not be representative of true activity or fitness levels in persons with MS. Future work should examine sex differences in associations between MVPA and fitness using objective measures such as accelerometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to identify bond strength and bond-slip behavior of deformed reinforcing bars under high sustained loads. ASTM A944 beam-end test specimens were subjected to sustained load levels ranging from 71 to 100% of their ultimate capacity. The sustained loading tests were conducted until bond failure or at least 20 days. Three of the specimens failed under sustained load at load levels as low as 80% of the control specimens. Subsequent loading of the specimens that survived the high sustained load showed that the residual ultimate capacity was not reduced by the application of sustained load. The slip creep under sustained load was on average 124% of the initial slip, and over 45% of the slip creep occurred in the first day. The effects of concrete cover depth and bond length were examined. With the available data, a simple time-dependent model for determining the bond-slip under high sustained loading was suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This correction notice addresses errors in the article "Collapse Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Frame Beams under Sustained Loads" by Ghazaleh M. Laleh, Ying Tian, and Sarah L. Orton. The errors occurred when converting imperial units to metric units in the "Bending Moment" section of the paper. The correction involves dividing the numbers on the horizontal axes of Figures 16 and 17, as well as the vertical axis of Figure 18, by 12. Additionally, two values in the last paragraph of this section need to be changed. The corrected figures are provided in the erratum. The purpose of this correction is to ensure the accuracy of the published version. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Background There is a strong maternal parent-of-origin effect in determining susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). One hypothesis is that an abnormal intrauterine milieu leading to impaired fetal development could plausibly also result in increased susceptibility to MS. A possible marker for this intrauterine insult is the presence of a non-fatal congenital anomaly. Methods We investigated whether or not congenital anomalies are associated with MS in a population-based cohort. We identified 7063 MS index cases and 2655 spousal controls with congenital anomaly information from the Canadian Collaborative Project on Genetic Susceptibility to MS (CCPGSMS). Results The frequency of congential anomalies were compared between index cases and controls. No significant differences were found. Conclusions Congenital anomalies thus do not appear to be associated with MS. However, we did not have complete data on types and severity of congenital anomalies or on maternal birth history and thus this study should be regarded as preliminary.

Abstract Background Genetic and environmental factors have important roles in multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. A clear parent of origin effect has been shown in several populations, perhaps resulting from factors operating during gestation. Preterm birth (birth at less than 37 weeks gestational age) has been shown to result in long-term health problems, including impaired neurological development. Here, in a population-based cohort, we investigate whether preterm birth increases the risk to subsequently develop MS. Methods We identified 6585 MS index cases and 2509 spousal controls with preterm birth information from the Canadian Collaborative Project on Genetic Susceptibility to MS. Rates of individuals born preterm were compared for index cases and controls. Results There were no significant differences between cases and controls with respect to preterm births. 370 (5.6%) MS index cases and 130 (5.2%) spousal controls were born preterm, p = 0.41. Conclusion Preterm birth does not appear to contribute to MS aetiology. Other factors involved in foetal and early development need to be explored to elucidate the mechanism of the increased risk conferred by the apparent maternal effect.

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex trait in which alleles at or near the class II loci HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 contribute significantly to genetic risk. The MHC class II transactivator (MHC2TA) is the master controller of expression of class II genes, and methylation of the promoter of this gene has been previously been shown to alter its function. In this study we sought to assess whether or not methylation of the MHC2TA promoter pIV could contribute to MS disease aetiology. Methods In DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a sample of 50 monozygotic disease discordant MS twins the MHC2TA promoter IV was sequenced and analysed by methylation specific PCR. Results No methylation or sequence variation of the MHC2TA promoter pIV was found. Conclusion The results of this study cannot support the notion that methylation of the pIV promoter of MHC2TA contributes to MS disease risk, although tissue and timing specific epigenetic modifications cannot be ruled out.