Endothelial cell signature in muscle stem cells validated by VEGFA-FLT1-AKT1 axis promoting survival of muscle stem cell.

Endothelial and skeletal muscle lineages arise from common embryonic progenitors. Despite their shared developmental origin, adult endothelial cells (ECs) and muscle stem cells (MuSCs; satellite cells) have been thought to possess distinct gene signatures and signaling pathways. Here, we shift this paradigm by uncovering how adult MuSC behavior is affected by the expression of a subset of EC transcripts.

Interpreting change on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis using the reliable change methodology.

Background: The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is increasingly utilized in clinical trials. A SDMT score change of 4 points is considered clinically important, based on association with employment anchors. Optimal thresholds for statistically reliable SDMT changes, accounting for test reliability and measurement error, are yet to be applied to individual cases.

Benchmarks of meaningful improvement on neurocognitive tests in multiple sclerosis.

Background: Previous studies have established benchmarks of clinically meaningful decline on neuropsychological tests. However, little is known about meaningful testing benchmarks based on gains in function.

Objective: Investigate neuropsychological changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with work gains and calculate benchmarks of meaningful improvement on neuropsychological tests.

Staging and stratifying cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

Background: The sequence in which cognitive domains become impaired in multiple sclerosis (MS) is yet to be formally demonstrated. It is unclear whether processing speed dysfunction temporally precedes other cognitive impairments, such as memory and executive function.

Objective: Determine the order in which different cognitive domains become impaired in MS and validate these findings using clinical and vocational outcomes.

Quantifying cognition and fatigue to enhance the sensitivity of the EDSS during relapses.

Background: Cognition is affected by relapses in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), yet the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) does not readily detect cognitive changes.

Objective: The objective of this study is to improve the detection of cognitive decline during relapses, by incorporating the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) into the cerebral Functional System Score (CFSS) of the EDSS.

Methods: This prospective study recruited PwMS from three dedicated MS centers.