A probiotic modulates the microbiome and immunity in multiple sclerosis.

Objective: Effect of a probiotic on the gut microbiome and peripheral immune function in healthy controls and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Methods: MS patients (N = 9) and controls (N = 13) were orally administered a probiotic containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus twice-daily for two months. Blood and stool specimens were collected at baseline, after completion of the 2-month treatment, and 3 months after discontinuation of therapy.

Investigation of probiotics in multiple sclerosis.

None of the disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) currently being used for the management of multiple sclerosis (MS) are 100% effective. In addition, side effects associated with the use of these DMTs have limited the practice of combination therapy. Hence, there is a need for safe immunomodulatory agents to fine-tune the management of MS.

Treatment satisfaction across injectable, infusion, and oral disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis.

Background: The recent approval of oral disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) has provided patients with a new route of therapy administration. Little research has compared patients' experiences with and perceptions of injectable, infusion and oral MS therapies.

Methods: Three hundred fifty-seven treated MS patients enrolled in the CLIMB study completed the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM).

Alterations of the human gut microbiome in multiple sclerosis.

The gut microbiome plays an important role in immune function and has been implicated in several autoimmune disorders. Here we use 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate the gut microbiome in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS, n=60) and healthy controls (n=43). Microbiome alterations in MS include increases in Methanobrevibacter and Akkermansia and decreases in Butyricimonas, and correlate with variations in the expression of genes involved in dendritic cell maturation, interferon signalling and NF-kB signalling pathways in circulating T cells and monocytes.

Patient-reported outcomes in multiple sclerosis: Relationships among existing scales and the development of a brief measure.

Several patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are commonly used in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, but the relationship among items across measures is uncertain. We proposed to evaluate the associations between items from a standard battery of PRO measures used in MS research and to develop a brief, reliable and valid instrument measure by combining these items into a single measure. Subjects (N = 537) enrolled in CLIMB complete a PRO battery that includes the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Medical Outcomes Study Modified Social Support Survey, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54.

The Knowledge Exchange-Decision Support Model: application to cancer navigation programs.

Purpose: The Knowledge Exchange-Decision Support (KE-DS) Model provides a framework outlining essential components of knowledge generation and exchange. The purpose of this research was to illustrate how the Model makes explicit the different contextual aspects implicit in the planning and implementation of two cancer navigation programs in Canada.

Methods: The KE-DS Model guided the collection and analysis of interviews with program personnel and narrative data.

Core areas of practice and associated competencies for nurses working as professional cancer navigators.

Unlabelled: Fillion et al. (2012) recently designed a conceptual framework for professional cancer navigators describing key functions of professional cancer navigation.

Purpose: Building on this framework, this study defines the core areas of practice and associated competencies for professional cancer navigators.

Professional navigation: a comparative study of two Canadian models.

For many cancer control programs, cancer navigation has emerged as a specific strategy to improve access to supportive care and the patients' experience of cancer care. This study contributes to a better understanding of professional navigation by comparing two Canadian models: Quebec's Pivot Nurse in Oncology (PNO) and Nova Scotia's Cancer Patient Navigator (CPN). Qualitative interviews were conducted with professional navigators, patients and family members, front-line staff, physicians and health administrators (interviews: n = 49; focus groups: n = 10).

Professional navigation framework: elaboration and validation in a Canadian context.

Purpose/objectives: To elaborate, refine, and validate the professional navigation framework in a Canadian context.

Research Approach: A two-step approach consisting of a qualitative evaluative design and formal consultations.

Setting: Two applications of professional navigators in Quebec and Nova Scotia, Canada.

A randomized controlled double-masked trial of albuterol add-on therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Interleukin 12 (IL-12), a cytokine that promotes generation of helper T cells subtype 1, is increased in multiple sclerosis. Albuterol sulfate, a β2-adrenergic agonist, reduces IL-12 expression, so we tested the effect of albuterol as an add-on treatment to glatiramer acetate therapy.

Objectives: To investigate the clinical and immunologic effects of albuterol treatment as an add-on therapy in patients starting glatiramer acetate treatment.

Professional patient navigation in head and neck cancer.

Objectives: To discuss professional cancer navigation roles, models, implementation process and outcomes of patients and families dealing with head and neck cancers. One specific research is presented as an illustration.

Data Sources: Published scientific papers, research review articles, implementations studies.