Hello, International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC) readers. I sit here in my kitchen hoping that spring is finally actually on its way. There is just something about the blooming trees, warmer temperatures, and more regular sunshine that awakens the spirit, the heart, the body. Spring is especially welcome this year as we read the news and wonder what the rest of 2022 will bring.
With spring comes new awakening and so it seems a fitting time to inform our readers that we recently changed publishers, joining the family of MJH Life Sciences®. We are excited about the opportunities for growth and evolution made possible by this change, while, of course, remaining true to our identity as a peer-reviewed journal highlighting research into providing the best possible care for patients with multiple sclerosis. We hope to modernize our look and make some necessary improvements to our processes. The clinical staff of the journal, myself, Dr. Bethoux, and Charlene Belsole, remains unchanged, but we welcome Alicia Bigica and Erin Gyomber from the MJH side.
This month we debut a refreshed logo and design to the print journal, with thanks to MJH senior designer Helena Coppola for her hard work updating IJMSC’s look.
The current issue of IJMSC is accompanied by our annual abstract supplement, which features full-text abstracts from the 36th annual meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.
The online-only supplement can be accessed at IJMSC.org.
In this issue, you’ll find 1 of the first documented investigations into how the COVID-19 pandemic affected a particular group of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) after 1 year. Comparing this subset to other larger national and international strategies, Baker et al find that resilience and support figured largely into how well the individuals with MS perceived their situations. Readers can earn free continuing education credits by reading this article.
Algahtani et al presents findings and implications of a case study of a family in Saudi Arabia affected by MS, in which genetic testing reveals 2 novel variants of the HLA-DRB1 gene.
Gromisch et al delve into an increasing trend in MS care: screening, assessment, and treatment of cognitive dysfunction comparing survey data from Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers’ members collected in 2010 and 2021.
Karhula et al conducted a multidisciplinary study of individuals with MS and their participation in a 2-year rehabilitation program covering cognition, mood, energy conservation, and body control, and Kasser et al investigates how to increase the amount of physical activity done by individuals with MS.
Margolin et al undertake a literature review of individuals with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and sleep quality, and finally, Yang et al led a pilot study on vibration training and how it affected quality of life and cognition for individuals with MS.
We hope you’ll take the opportunity to meet the IJMSC team in person at the CMSC Annual Meeting this coming June 1 through 4 at the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center in National Harbor, Maryland. IJMSC will be hosting a booth throughout the meeting and would love to say hello.
