The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to involve genetic, environmental, infective, and immunological factors which affect the integrity of a normally assembled myelin sheath, either directly or indirectly resulting in demyelination. In a correlative study involving protein chemical, mass spectrometric, and electron microscopic techniques we have determined that myelin obtained from victims of MS is arrested at the level of the first growth spurt (within the first 6 yr of life) and is therefore developmentally immature. The data supporting this conclusion include (a) the pattern of microheterogeneity of myelin basic protein (MBP); (b) the NH2-terminal acylation of the least cationic component of MBP ("C-8"); (c) the phase transition temperature (TJ) of myelin isolated from victims of MS correlated with the increased proportion of the least cationic component of MBP; and (d) immunogold electron microscopy using an antibody specific for "C-8" showed that the distribution of gold particles in a 2-yr-old infant was similar to the distribution found in a victim of MS. We postulate that this developmentally immature myelin is more susceptible to degradation by one or a combination of factors mentioned above, providing the initial antigenic material to the immune system. (J. Clin. Invest 1994.94:146-154.)

Objective: The adverse events (AEs) with botulinum toxin type-A (BoNTA), used for indications other than spasticity, are widely reported in the literature. However, the site, dose, and frequency of injections are different for spasticity when compared to the treatment for other conditions and hence the AEs may be different as well. The objective of this study was to summarize the AEs reported in Canada and systematically review the AEs with intramuscular botulinum toxin injections to treat focal spasticity. Methods: Data were gathered from Health Canada (2009-2013) and major electronic databases. Results: In a 4 year period, 285 AEs were reported. OnabotulinumtoxinA (n = 272 events): 68% females, 53% serious, 18% hospitalization, and 8% fatalities. The type of AEs reported weremuscle weakness (19%), oropharyngeal (14%), respiratory (14%), eye related (8%), bowel/bladder related (8%), and infection (5%). IncobotulinumtoxinA (n = 13): 38% females, 62% serious, and 54% hospitalization. The type of AEs reported were -muscle weakness (15%), oropharyngeal (15%), respiratory (38%), eye related (23%), bowel/bladder related (15%), and infection (15%). Commonly reported AEs in the literature were muscle weakness, pain, oropharyngeal, bowel/bladder, blood circulation, neurological, gait, and respiratory problems. Conclusion: While BoNTA is useful in managing spasticity, future studies need to investigate the factors that can minimize AEs. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the AEs can also improve guidelines for BoNTA administration and enhance outcomes.RÉSUMÉ: Réactions indésirables à des injections intramusculaires de toxine botulique utilisée pour traiter la spasticité. Objectif: Les réactions indésirables (RI) à la toxine botulique de type A (BoNTA) utilisée à des fins autres que le traitement de la spasticité ont été abondamment rapportées dans la littérature. Cependant, le point d'injection, la dose et la fréquence des injections sont différents quand elle est utilisée pour traiter la spasticité par rapport à son utilisation pour traiter d'autres affections et donc les RI peuvent également être différentes. Le but de cette étude était de présenter un sommaire des RI rapportées au Canada et de revoir systématiquement les RI rencontrées lors d'injections intramusculaires de toxine botulique pour traiter la spasticité focale. Méthode: Nous avons recueilli les données de Santé Canada de 2009 à 2013 et ainsi que celles des principales bases de données électroniques. Résultats: Au cours d'une période de 4 ans, 285 RI ont été rapportées, dont 272 RI avec l'onabotulinum toxine A. Soixante-huit pour cent sont survenues chez des femmes, 53% étaient des RI sérieuses, 18% ont nécessité une hospitalisation et 8% ont été fatales. Les RI rapportées étaient de la faiblesse musculaire (19%), des RI oropharyngées (14%), respiratoires (14%), oculaires (8%), en lien à l'intestin / la vessie (8%) et infectieuses (5%). Avec l'incobotulinum toxine A (n = 13) les RI rapportées sont survenues chez des femmes dan...

A combination of water- and land-based exercises has potential for improving balance. The results of this study extend the work showing benefit of water-based exercise in chronic and less-impaired stroke groups to patients with sub-acute stroke.