Publications by authors named "Mary Ehlinger"
Background: Individuals who are newly diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) may choose not to undergo disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) due to concerns about expenses or potential adverse effects. Thus, many individuals will opt for alternative therapies, such as dietary modifications. Among these dietary approaches, the modified Paleolithic elimination diet has shown promise for improving MS-related symptoms; however, restriction of certain food groups can lead to inadequate intake of nutrients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Interventions involving diet, physical activity, and breathing exercises are shown to be beneficial in managing both fatigue and quality of life (QoL) related to MS; however, the impact of such interventions among people newly diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who decline disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) is unknown.
Methods: A 12-month prospective quasi-experimental non-inferiority trial recruited people newly diagnosed with CIS or RRMS who voluntarily declined DMTs (health behavior group; HB, n = 29) or followed standard of care (SOC, n = 15). Participants in the HB group were remotely coached on the study diet, moderate-intensity walking, and breathing exercises.
Background: Wellness is a promising area of research in multiple sclerosis (MS); however, considerable questions remain regarding the efficacy of behavioral interventions to improve wellness and which delivery methods yield favorable results.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a wellness intervention consisting of diet, stress reduction techniques, sleep hygiene, and exercise, delivered via a 7-week web-based program with no tailored intervention support (e.g.
Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently report implementing dietary strategies as part of their personal wellness programs; however, little is known about the perceived themes of healthy behavior change in people with MS.
Methods: Semistructured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 20 women with MS enrolled in 2 different restrictive dietary intervention studies and their 18 self-identified support persons consisting of partners and adult children. Interviews were transcribed, coded, categorized, and then grouped into summative themes.
Objective: To investigate whether mutations in NPHP5 can cause Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) without early-onset renal disease.
Methods: DNA samples from 276 individuals with nonsyndromic LCA were screened for variations in the NPHP5 gene. Each had been previously screened for mutations in 8 known LCA genes without identifying a disease-causing genotype.
Purpose: To determine if a positive response of macular cysts to treatment with dorzolamide eye drops in patients with juvenile X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) can occur with mutations that result in different types of retinoschisin protein dysfunction.
Design: Retrospective case series.
Methods: Thirteen eyes of seven patients seen at the University of Illinois at Chicago with a known diagnosis of XLRS were included.
Purpose: To identify the chromosomal location of the gene involved in the pathogenesis of cavitary optic disk anomalies in a large pedigree with autosomal dominant inheritance of disease.
Design: Linkage analysis of a pedigree affected with cavitary optic disk anomalies.
Methods: Optic disk photographs were examined for the presence of cavitary optic disk anomalies.