Biomarkers of Multiple Sclerosis

The search for an ideal multiple sclerosis biomarker with good diagnostic value, prognostic reference and an impact on clinical outcome has yet to be realized and is still ongoing. The aim of this review is to establish an overview of the frequent biomarkers for multiple sclerosis that exist to date. The review summarizes the results obtained from electronic databases, as well as thorough manual searches. In this review the sources and methods of biomarkers extraction are described; in addition to the description of each biomarker, determination of the prognostic, diagnostic, disease monitoring and treatment response values besides clinical impact they might possess. We divided the biomarkers into three categories according to the achievement method: laboratory markers, genetic-immunogenetic markers and imaging markers. We have found two biomarkers at the time being considered the gold standard for MS diagnostics. Unfortunately, there does not exist a single solitary marker being able to present reliable diagnostic value, prognostic value, high sensitivity and specificity as well as clinical impact. We need more studies to find the best biomarker for MS.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Inflation and growth dynamics: the Indian experience

This study investigates the impact of inflation on economic growth in India during the period 1960 to 2005. Applying cointegration procedures, I find that inflation rates have a significant adverse impact on economic growth while investment has a favorable impact. This suggests a policy of targeting price stability is desirable to achieve a higher rate of economic growth in emerging markets.inflation, economic growth, investment, monetary and fiscal policies,

The effect of oil exchange receipts on import in the Islamic Republic of Iran

This paper examines the determinants of aggregate imports in Iran between 1960 and 2000. With respect to the fact that the Islamic Republic of Iran is an oil-exporting country, and most foreign exchange earnings result from oil export, recent study variable of oil exchange receipts to variables of traditional import demand function is added. Quantitative estimates, based on multivariate and univariate co-integration analysis, indicate that oil exchange receipts, real income and relative prices all significantly determine the behaviour of total import in the long-run. Findings also show that the income elasticity generally is within the range of 0.58 to 0.76. On the other hand, relative prices elasticity is within the range of - 0.56 to - 0.67. Additionally, we have used an error correction model to show the behaviour of import demand function in the short-run. Finally, our analysis show that oil exchange receipts, as well as real income and relative prices, play a remarkable role in shaping import behaviour both in the long-run and short-run. Copyright 2006 Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.