Digital Commons Network^™

The Fit-Hansa Demonstrates Reliability And Convergent Validity Of Functional Performance In Patients With Shoulder Disorders, Prajyot Kumta, Joy C. Macdermid, Saurabh Mehta, Paul W. Stratford

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Study

DesignPsychometric study design.

Objectives

To assess the test-retest reliability and convergent validity of the Functional Impairment Test-Hand and Neck/Shoulder/Arm (FIT-HaNSA) in patients with shoulder disorders.

Background

Performance tests that assess functional ability of patients with shoulder disorders can provide useful information for making clinical or return-to-activity decisions. No performance-based shoulder test has yet demonstrated sufficient relevance or clinical measurement properties. The FIT-HaNSA examines upper extremity performance during repetitive tasks that emphasize shoulder reaching and static postures and, therefore, has greater relevance for assessing performance.

Methods

Thirty-six patients with shoulder disorders and 65 healthy controls were recruited for the study. …

The Role Of Epigenetics In Evolution: The Extended Synthesis, Aaron W. Schrey, Christina L. Richards, Victoria Meller, Vincent Sollars, Douglas M. Ruden

Integrative Biology Faculty and Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Epigenetic Variation May Compensate For Decreased Genetic Variation With Introductions: A Case Study Using House Sparrows (Passer Domesticus) On Two Continents, Aaron W. Schrey, Courtney A. C. Coon, Michael T. Grispo, Mohammed Awad, Titus Imboma, Earl D. Mccoy, Henry R. Mushinsky, Christina L. Richards, Lynn B. Martin

Integrative Biology Faculty and Staff Publications

Epigenetic mechanisms impact several phenotypic traits and may be important for ecology and evolution. The introduced house sparrow (Passer domesticus) exhibits extensive phenotypic variation among and within populations. We screened methylation in populations from Kenya and Florida to determine if methylation varied among populations, varied with introduction history (Kenyan invasion < 50 years old, Florida invasion ~150 years old), and could potentially compensate for decrease genetic variation with introductions. While recent literature has speculated on the importance of epigenetic effects for biological invasions, this is the first such study among wild vertebrates. Methylation was more frequent in Nairobi, and outlier loci suggest that populations may be differentiated. Methylation diversity was similar between populations, in spite of known lower genetic diversity in Nairobi, which suggests that epigenetic variation may compensate for decreased genetic diversity as a source of phenotypic variation during introduction. Our results suggest that methylation differences may be common among house sparrows, but research is needed to discern whether methylation impacts phenotypic variation.

Primary Uterine Cervix Schwannoma: A Case Report And Review Of The Literature, Maryam Tahmasbi, Johnny Nguyen, Masoumeh Ghayouri, Yuan Shan, Ardeshir Hakam

Pathology and Cell Biology Faculty Publications

Schwannoma (neurilemmoma) is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor that occurs in a wide variety of locations; however, its finding in the uterine cervix is extremely rare. We report a case of an incidental primary benign cervical schwannoma in a 48-year-old woman. In the English literature, a few cases of primary schwannoma of the cervix have been reported, which include seven cases of primary malignant cervical schwannoma and only two that are benign. These cases are reviewed in the following discussion.

Identification Of Sumoylated Proteins And Investigation Of Protein Ubiquitination In The Nf-Κb Pathway, Xiaoyan Liu

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

SUMOylation and ubiquitination are important post-translational modifications. While ubiquitination is well known for targeting proteins for degradation, SUMOylation often regulates the intracellular localization of substrates. In the first project of this dissertation, we developed proteomic strategies to identify novel SUMOylated proteins in mammalian cells. In the second project, we investigated the regulation of protein ubiquitination in the NF-κB signaling pathway in the context of Paget’s disease of bone (PDB).

Identification of SUMOylated proteins has been a challenge because of low abundance of SUMOylation substrates. Here, we utilized a mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic approach to identify novel SUMOylated proteins in mammalian …

Treatment Choices Based On Oncotypedx In The Breast Oncology Care Setting, Teri L. Malo, Isaac Lipkus, Tobi Wilson, Hyo S. Han, Geza Acs, Susan T. Vadaparampil

Pathology and Cell Biology Faculty Publications

Introduction. This study aimed to evaluate whether OncotypeDx test results predict receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients who received an OncotypeDx recurrence score (RS). Materials and Methods. Pathology records were used to identify breast cancer patients who had OncotypeDx testing between December 2004 and January 2009 (𝑛 = 1 1 8). Patient sociodemographic information, tumor characteristics, RS, and treatment-specific data were collected via chart review. RS was classified as follows: low (R S ≤ 1 7), intermediate (RS = 18–30), or high (R S ≥ 3 1). Bivariate analyses were …

How To Write An Article: Preparing A Publishable Manuscript!, Vinod B. Shidham, Martha B. Pitman, Richard M. Demay

Department of Pathology

Most of the scientific work presented as abstracts (platforms and posters) at various conferences have the potential to be published as articles in peer-reviewed journals. This DIY (Do It Yourself) article on how to achieve that goal is an extension of the symposium presented at the 36th European Congress of Cytology, Istanbul, Turkey (presentation available on net at http://alturl.com/q6bfp). The criteria for manuscript authorship should be based on the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts. The next step is to choose the appropriate journal to submit the manuscript and review the 'Instructions to …

Seroprevalencia De Pestivirus De Rumiantes En Ovinos Reproductores De Una Empresa De La Sierra Central Del Perú, Nathalie A. Llancares, Hermelinda G. Rivera, Mariluz Araínga, Nestor Falcon P.

Journal Articles: Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) and Border Disease virus (BDV) in breeding sheep from a large cooperative farm in the Central highlands of Peru. Blood samples from apparently healthy sheep of 4 years old, both sexes (female = 165; male = 165) were collected for antibodies detection against BVDV and BDV using the virus neutralization test. The 2.1 ± 1.5% (7/330) and 28.5 ± 4.9% (94/330) of breeding sheep had antibodies against BVDV and BDV respectively, with antibodies titers of 1:2 and 1:16. There was significant association between …

Prevalence Of Latent Prostate Cancer And Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia In İstanbul, Turkey: An Autopsy Study, Nusret Akpolat, Yalçin Büyük, İbrahi̇m Uzun, İlhan Geçi̇t, Gülay Kurnaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the frequency of latent prostatic carcinoma (PCa) and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) in the Turkish population. Materials and methods: PCa and PIN were evaluated in 116 male autopsy cases in which the cause of death was nontumoral. All patients were Turkish, living in İstanbul, and aged 40-79 years. Results: The prevalence of PCa was 19.8% and the decade rates (decades 5-8) were 9.5%, 12.5%, 18.8%, and 37%, respectively (P < 0.011). The rates of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) were 33.3%, 31.3%, 56.3%, and 25.9% for decades 5-8, respectively (P > 0.05). A total of 68.4% of PCa cases were HGPIN. There was a statistically significant correlation among HGPIN, PCa, and Gleason scores (P < 0.002). Conclusion: The prevalence of latent PCa in the Turkish population is very high (19.7%). In order to determine latent PCa cases, males over 40 years of age must be screened more strictly.

Effects Of Lycopene On Plasma Glucose, Insulin Levels, Oxidative Stress, And Body Weights Of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats, Muhsi̇n Aydin, Sefa Çeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine possible therapeutic effects of oral lycopene supplementation on plasma insulin levels, lipid peroxidation, blood glucose levels, and the antioxidant defense system of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Classical biochemical methods were used to determine plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine plasma insulin levels and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the levels of brain antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px). Results: It was found that the diabetes-related increase in blood glucose levels was reduced by supplementation …

The Relative Frequency Of Odontogenic Tumors In The Black Sea Region Of Turkey: An Analysis Of 86 Cases, Fi̇gen Çi̇zmeci̇ Şenel, Ezher Hamza Dayisoylu, Şafak Ersöz, Nuray Yilmaz Altintaş, Emre Tosun, Cem Üngör, Fati̇h Taşkesen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the relative frequency and distribution of different types of odontogenic tumors in southeastern Europe, focusing on the Black Sea region of Turkey. Materials and methods: In total 1165 oromaxillofacial biopsy records were evaluated for histologic diagnosis of odontogenic tumors over a 7-year period from patients referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Department of Pathology, Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Dentistry and Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey. Results: A total of 86 odontogenic tumors were reported. Malignant transformation only occurred in 6 cases (6.8%), while the others were benign (93.2%). Odontoma was the most common odontogenic tumor …

Primary Anorectal Malignant Melanoma: Rare But Highly Lethal Malignancy, Özlem Sönmez, Ümmügül Üyetürk, Kaan Helvaci, İbrahi̇m Türker, Fahri̇ye Tuğba Köş, Lütfi̇ Doğan, Burçi̇n Budakoğlu, Ülkü Yalçintaş Arslan, Ömür Berna Çakmak Öksüzoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Primary anorectal malignant melanoma (MM) is a rare but highly lethal malignancy. The aim of this study was to present an overview of the clinical features and treatment strategies in patients with anorectal MM. Materials and methods: Nine patients who were diagnosed with anorectal MM between 1998 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The median age of the patients was 51 years (range: 28-75). The sex ratio of male to female was 1:2. The main presenting symptom was rectal bleeding. At the time of diagnosis, 1 patient was stage IV and 8 patients were stage III. All of the patients …

Evaluation Of Vitamin B-12 Level In Middle-Aged Obese Women With Metabolic And Non-Metabolic Syndrome: Case-Control Study, Davut Baltaci, Ali̇ Kutlucan, Serkan Öztürk, İsmai̇l Karabulut, Hayri̇ye Ak Yildirim, Ahmet Çeler, Gökhan Celbek, İsmai̇l Hamdi̇ Kara

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the correlation between vitamin B12 and body mass index (BMI) along with insulin resistance (IR) in middle-aged obese women. Materials and methods: The study was designed as a case-control study. The study group included middle-aged obese women and the control group included aged-matched lean women. Weight, height, and hip and waist circumferences were measured. Biochemical parameters such as fasting and postprandial glucose, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels, and lipid profiles were assayed. Results: Enrolled in the study were 116 middle-aged obese and 103 aged-matched healthy lean women. The vitamin B12 level of the obese women was significantly …

Endovascular Treatment Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms With Endologix® Stent Graft: Single-Site Experiences And Short-Term Follow-Up Outcomes, Mustafa Kayan, Turhan Yavuz, Mustafa Etli̇, Şeyma Benzi̇n, Seda İbi̇şoğlu, Esma Di̇lek Üstün, Mert Köroğlu, Ergün Ceylan, Ulaş Sağlam

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term results of endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms with the Endologix IntuiTrak Powerlink XL® (Endologix) stent graft and to share our clinical experiences in our center. Materials and methods: Endovascular stent graft treatment was applied in 16 cases with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (13 men and 3 women; mean age: 70.2 years) in 2009 and 2010. Before treatment, all of the patients were examined with 128-slice computed tomography (CT) angiography for the assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The Endologix stent graft (bifurcated system) was used for all of the patients. …

The Effect Of Early Loss Of Anterior Primary Tooth On Speech Production In Preschool Children, Melek Di̇lek Turgut, Gülsüm Aydan Genç, Fi̇gen Başar, Meryem Uzamiş Tekçi̇çek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a progressive dental caries in children that may cause premature loss of the anterior primary teeth. In this study, the aim was to investigate the effects of primary anterior tooth loss and removable dentures on the speech of children with ECC. Materials and methods: Included in the study were 15 patients with ECC who required extraction of the primary anterior teeth and needed dentures (case group), and 15 healthy children (control group). The articulation of the control group was evaluated once and that of the case group was evaluated before and after extraction, before and …

Sprinting, Isokinetic Strength, And Range Of Motion Of Ankle Joints In Turkish Male And Female National Sprinters May Have A Relationship, Habi̇be Serap İnal, Burçi̇n Erbuğ, Christos Kotzamanidis

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

We aimed to observe the isokinetic muscular strength differences of the ankle-foot complex of sprinters of both sexes to understand the effectiveness of the ankle and subtalar ranges of motion on the sprint performances of elite athletes. Materials and methods: Elite Turkish national sprinters (n = 11; 5 females and 6 males) were assessed regarding their ankle joint isokinetic performance (30°/s and 120°/s), joint ranges, and sprint times. Results: A significant difference was observed between the average power of the right dorsiflexors (P < 0.001) of female athletes and the right invertors (P < 0.05) of male athletes at 120°/s for the 100-m sprint time. The average powers of the right (P < 0.05) and left (P < 0.05) evertors of the male athletes at 30°/s were significantly negatively correlated with sprint time. Additionally, only the plantar flexion range was significant for male athletes' sprint times, and the dominant invertors' peak torque at 120°/s in female athletes was significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The strength of the nondominant side dorsiflexors of female athletes and the nondominant invertors of male athletes are important in decreasing the strength asymmetry to disregard the strength of the nondominant side in relation to sprint performance.

Better Marital Adjustment Is Associated With Lower Disease Activity In Early Inflammatory Arthritis, Sally Sabry Mustafa, Karl Julian Looper, Margaret Purden, Phyllis Zelkowitz, Murray Baron

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The aim of this study was to examine the association between marital adjustment and disease outcomes in patients with early inflammatory arthritis. Materials and methods: Patients with average disease duration of 7.66 ± 3.79 months were recruited from a larger early inflammatory arthritis registry, which recorded sociodemographic data and disease characteristics. The acute phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured and disease activity was estimated using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). Patient and spouse perceived marital adjustment was assessed by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Results: The study sample consisted of 73 patients living with their …

Outcomes In 12 Gynecologic Cancer Patients With Brain Metastasis: A Single Center’S Experience, Esra Çabuk Cömert, Tevfi̇k Berk Bi̇ldaci, Burcu Kisa Karakaya, Nefi̇se Çağla Tarhan, Özlem Özen, Sali̇h Gülşen, Polat Dursun, Ali̇ Ayhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To present 12 gynecologic cancer cases with brain metastasis and a discussion of the relevant literature. Gynecologic malignancy is the second most common cancer in elderly women, following breast cancer. These cancers usually spread locally at first, and common distant metastatic sites are the lungs, liver, spleen, and distant lymph nodes. The brain is not a usual site of metastatic involvement. Materials and methods: The study included 12 cases with various gynecologic malignancies that were retrospectively analyzed. Therapeutic modalities, survival, and time between initial surgery and brain metastasis were recorded. Results: The mean survival was 41.4 months in 6 patients …

The Evaluation Of Plasma Arginine, Arginase, And Nitric Oxide Levels In Patients With Esophageal Cancer, İbrahi̇m Kaplan, Yener Aydin, Yusuf Bi̇len, Fatma Genç, Mevlüt Sai̇t Keleş, Ati̇la Eroğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Many studies have been conducted to investigate plasma arginine, arginase, and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with different types of cancer, and it has been suggested that these might be important factors for patients with cancer. In the present study, plasma arginine, arginase, and nitric oxide levels were evaluated in patients with esophageal cancer. Materials and methods: A total of 100 patients (51 females and 49 males) diagnosed with esophageal cancer but not yet operated on were included in the study. The mean age of the study population was 62.03 ± 12.4 years. Patients treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy …

Relation Between Aortic Stiffness And Extension Of Coronary Artery Disease, Ömer Şatiroğlu, Mehmet Bostan, Nermi̇n Bayar, Yüksel Çi̇çek, Mustafa Çeti̇n, Engi̇n Bozkurt

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the relation between aortic stiffness and the extension/severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and methods: A consecutive 100 patients with suspicion of CAD who underwent elective coronary angiography were enrolled in this study. Of those patients determined as having CAD, 63 were classified as Group I (mean age: 62.1 ± 10.3 years; 47 male and 16 female). Group II included 37 patients with normal coronary arteries (mean age: 51.4 ± 10.8 years; 20 male and 17 female). Aortic flexibility (aortic distensibility and stiffness index) was evaluated by echocardiography after coronary angiography in all of the patients. Patient …

Clinical And Electrophysiological Evaluation Of Shoulder Functions In Spinal Accessory Nerve-Preserving Neck Dissection, Özgür Tarkan, Ülkü Tuncer, Hacer Bozdemi̇r, Tunay Sarpel, Süleyman Özdemi̇r, Özgür Sürmeli̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The aim of this study was to evaluate shoulder functions after neck dissection with preservation of the spinal accessory nerve by objective physical examination, electromyographic findings, and subjective patient complaints, and also to investigate the effect of the type of neck dissection. Materials and methods: The present study included 29 patients on whom unilateral selective or modified radical neck dissection was performed for head and neck cancer and/or metastasis to the neck. Electromyographical findings, range of motion, and pain scores of the shoulder joint were determined for the operated and nonoperated (control) sides. Results: An electromyographic examination of the trapezius …

Minimum Inhibitory And Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations Of Boron Compounds Against Several Bacterial Strains, Murat Tolga Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Boron compounds are essential micronutrients for many organisms. However, they negatively affect plant, soil, and water microflora if excessive amounts exist in irrigation water. Therefore, this study aimed to define the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of boric acid and borax by selecting the bacteria that can survive in all environments. Materials and methods: The antibacterial efficacy of boric acid and borax against several bacterial strains was evaluated 3 times with the macrodilution broth method. Results: The MICs and MBCs of boric acid were obtained as 3.80 mg/mL, 3.80 mg/mL, 7.60 mg/mL, and 7.60 mg/mL against …

Problem Of Antibiotic Resistance In Patients With Acute Bacterial Cystitis And Treatment Options, Ahmet Karakaş, Vedat Turhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

C-Abl And Arg Drive Cancer Chemoresistance Via Activation Of Multiple Signaling Pathways, Jonathan Thomas Sims

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Despite 35 years of clinical trials, there has been little improvement in one-year survival rates with any chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of metastatic melanoma due to resistance to all known agents. Regardless of advances in detection and prevention, diagnosis of metastatic disease remains a death sentence. Resistance mechanisms, including aberrant kinase signaling and drug transport pumps, indicate a need for identification of other therapeutic targets that impinge upon multiple signaling pathways. The Abl family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (c-Abl, Arg) has been indicted as a causative force in leukemia for more than three decades; however, their role in solid …

The Esr1 Gene Polymorphisms In Patients With Coronary Artery Disease In The Southeastern Turkish Population, Abdussemet Hazar, Fuat Di̇lmeç, Aydemi̇r Koçarslan, Mustafa Göz, Mehmet Sali̇h Aydin, Abbas Heval Demi̇rkol

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene variants and their possible association with coronary artery disease (CAD) in Şanlıurfa province. Materials and methods: We used polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion to determine the prevalence of the ESR1 gene (NM_001122742.1, GI: 2099): c.454-351 A>G (XbaI A>G) and c.454-397 T>C (PvuII T>C) polymorphisms in 100 healthy individuals and 80 angiographically confirmed CAD patients. Results: The body mass index (28.1 ± 5.4), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (126.1 ± 42 mg/dL), diabetes (n = 13), and hypertension (n = …

Development Of A Bi-Directional Electronics Platform For Advanced Neural Applications, Luca Abbati

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This work presents a high-voltage, high-precision bi-directional multi-channel system capable of stimulating neural activity through bi-phasic pulses of amplitude up to ∓50 V while recording very low-voltage responses as low as tens of microvolts. Most of the systems reported from the scientific community possess at least one of the following common limitations: low stimulation voltages, low gain capabilities, or insufficient bandwidth to acquire a wide range of different neural activities.

While systems can be found that present remarkable capabilities in one or more specific areas, a versatile system that performs over all these aspects is missing. Moreover, as many novel …

Stroke Rehabilitation, Length-Of-Stay, And Re-Admission Rates: A Literature Review, Morgen Hagedorn

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Stroke is shown to be a significant U.S. health problem with a profound impact on the nation’s rising healthcare costs (Hall, Levant, & DeFrances, 2012). Longer patient length-of-stay [LOS] and higher re-admission rates have brought consequences to healthcare systems as institutional budgets are unable to reconcile the additional services and the influx of healthcare demands. Through a comprehensive literature review, the author illustrates the general knowledge available on the stroke experience, on stroke care and rehabilitation, and on patient LOS and re-admission rates. The literature review is based on general medical research with a focus on the stroke population. The …

Is Etanercept A Safe And Effective Treatment For Ankylosing Spondylitis?, Robyn M. Albert

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not etanercept is a safe and effective treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized control trials published in 2007, 2008, and 2010.

Data Sources: Two double-blind placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials and one placebo-controlled randomized control trial comparing etanercept to placebo were found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Work instability was measured through the Ankylosing Spondylitis Work Instability Scale (AS-WIS) based on scores of 1-20. Quality of life was measured through the EuroQOL-5D (EQ-5D), which assesses mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. …

Is Dabigatran Non-Inferior To Warfarin For The Prevention Of Stroke In Those With Atrial Fibrillation?, Brittany Burlakoff

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not dabigatran 150 mg twice daily is non-inferior to warfarin for the prevention of stroke in those with atrial fibrillation with similar rates of bleeding events.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 English language primary studies. All three trials were randomized controlled trials which were blinded for those receiving dabigatran and un-blinded for those receiving warfarin.

DATA SOURCES: Articles were found using PUBMED and COCHRANE databases.

OUTCOME MEASURED: The primary outcomes of these studies were either incidence of stroke or systemic embolism and/or major bleeding events.

RESULTS:The RE-LY …

Is 1.25 Mg Oral Fingolimod Effective In Reducing Relapses In Adults With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis?, Caitlin M. Cook

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not is 1.25 mg oral fingolimod effective in reducing relapses in adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published between 2006 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials comparing daily 1.25 mg oral fingolimod to either identical placebo capsules or weekly intramuscular interferon beta-1a therapy were found using Pubmed and Cochrane Databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Annualized relapse rate was assessed in all studies. Relapses were confirmed by neurologists and assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to evaluate worsening …