Collaborative Uses of Geospatial Technology to Support Climate Change Adaptation in Indigenous Communities of the Circumpolar North

A literature review is conducted of geospatial technologies in community-based research on ice and mobility among Indigenous people of the circumpolar north. Numerous studies explore the use of traditional knowledge in the Arctic on sea ice, but limited evidence of community-based research in sub-Arctic communities and in freshwater ice systems is found. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools have been applied in a variety of ways in support of community adaptations. These include the production of living memory maps, ice classification systems, and geodatabases that reflect the relationship-building nature of collaborations between Indigenous traditional knowledge holders and scientists. Satellite imagery—particularly synthetic aperture radar (SAR)—is widely used to characterize traditional understandings of ice to help tailor geospatial tools, climate research, and early warning systems, so that they may be used more effectively to address community interests and needs. As numerous mapping platforms have been developed in the circumpolar north, there are important considerations with respect to data management, Indigenous rights, and data sharing. We see opportunities for further research in lake and river ice, and in further developing early warning systems to address the growing problem of unpredictable ice regimes in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions

Interferon-β1a reduces plasma CD31+ endothelial microparticles (CD31+EMP) in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: A correlation between plasma CD31+ endothelial microparticles (CD31+EMP) levels and clinical, as well as brain MRI activity, in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has been previously reported. However, the effect(s) of treatment with interferon-β1a (IFN-β1a) on plasma levels of CD31+EMP has not been assessed. In a prospective study, we measured plasma CD31+EMP levels in 30 patients with relapsing-remitting MS. METHODS: Using flow cytometry, in a blinded study, we measured plasma CD31+EMP in 30 consecutive patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) prior to and 4, 12, 24 and 52 weeks after initiation of intramuscular therapy with interferon-β1a (IFN-β1a), 30 micrograms weekly. At each visit, clinical examination was performed and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores were assessed. RESULTS: Plasma levels of CD31+EMP were significantly reduced from 24 through 52 weeks following initiation of treatment with IFN-β1a. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that serial measurement of plasma CD31+EMP levels may be used as a surrogate marker of response to therapy with INF-β1a. In addition, the decline in plasma levels of CD31+EMP further supports the concept that IFN-β1a exerts stabilizing effect on the cerebral endothelial cells in pathogenesis of MS

Evidence of platelet activation in multiple sclerosis

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The role of CD4+ T-cells in the development of MS

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive central nervous system (CNS) disease with unknown cause. Considerable evidence supports an autoimmune origin with an important role for cellular immune responses in its pathogenesis. Methods: We have reviewed the current literature dealing with lymphocyte responses and their interactions as it relates to MS and present supporting evidence from animal models. Results: Issues regarding CD4+ T-cell subpopulations, their functional differentiation and regulatory interactions as they relate to their presumed role in MS-related pathology have been updated with references to the current literature. Discussion: The evidence reviewed supports an important role of CD4+ T-cells in the immunopathogenesis of MS. The successful outcome of blocking CD4 cells entry into the CNS of animals with experimental demyelinating disease and humans with MS is a strong support for other evidence of an important role of these cell populations in the pathogenesis of MS. The understanding of the specific roles of CD4+ T-cells in the development of MS is crucial for better disease management and the prevention of neurological disability

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and Friedreich's ataxia in siblings

Two female siblings with Friedreich's ataxia became acutely diabetic at ages 15 and 21 years, requiring insulin therapy for the duration of their lives. Diffuse precordial T wave inversion was present in the electrocardiograms of both, typical of the myocardial fibrosis of Friedreich's ataxia. The younger patient had a myocardial infarction at age 43 and died of a pulmonary embolus after 31 years of diabetes mellitus. The older sister is 59 years of age at the time of this report, and severely handicapped, having been diabetic for 38 years. Seventy-two previous cases have been reported with both diabetes mellitus and Friedreich's ataxia. Practically all were insulin dependent. In 13 prior instances the association also occurred in two or more members of a family. Twenty-two of the 29 members of families have been female, although Friedreich's ataxia alone is slightly more common in males. Consanguinity was established to be present in four of the 14 families. The connection between juvenile diabetes and Friedreich's ataxia may be due to pleiotropic effects of an abnormal gene in homozygous form

Experimental allergic neuritis: a new experimental approach

The technique of macrophage migration, as a specific measure of delayed or cellular hypersensitivity, was applied to the guinea-pig model of experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) to explore the relevance of hypersensitivity to peripheral and central nervous system antigens. Results indicate that in EAN there is hypersensitivity to central as well as peripheral nervous tissue antigens. In contrast, animals with experimental allergic encephalitis showed hypersensitivity only to the central nervous system antigen used. These studies provide further evidence of the role of hypersensitivity to nervous system antigens in the pathogenesis of EAN and provide evidence of a common antigenic component to both peripheral and central nervous system antigens. A preliminary hypothesis is proposed

Persistent Neurological Deficit Precipitated by Hot Bath Test in Multiple Sclerosis

For a half century, the hot bath test has been used as a "diagnostic test" in multiple sclerosis. The appearance of new neurological signs or aggravation of preexisting signs generally is transient, with resolution on return of body temperature to normal. We have observed four patients, however, with considerable and prolonged neurological debilitation after hot bath testing. We suggest caution in the application of such testing.(JAMA 1983;249:1751-1753

Transient movement disorders and multiple sclerosis

Movement disorders associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) are uncommon, except for tremor. We report two patients with relapsing-remitting MS, who developed either dystonia or chorea during clinical exacerbation of their MS. The movement disorders resolved during treatment with adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). Acute exacerbations of MS may be associated with transient movement disorders, which are responsive to ACTH

Paroxysmal Dystonia as the Initial Manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis

• Paroxysmal dystonia was the initial manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS) in eight patients. The disorder was generally characterized by dystonic posturing of unilateral extremities, averaging less than one minute in duration. Facial grimacing and dysarthria occurred in two of the eight patients. This paroxysmal phenomenon was frequently the cause of diagnostic confusion. The time elapsing before other neurological symptoms of MS developed was as long as ten years