@phdthesis{Kohl2009,
  author    = {Kohl, Bianca Dorothea},
  title     = {PMP22-overexpressing mice as a model for Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A neuropathy implicate a role of immune-related cells},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-43066},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2009},
  abstract  = {Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a cohort of human hereditary disorders of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) which exhibit symptoms like sensory dysfunction, muscle weakness and gait disturbances. Different mutations are described as causation for this neuropathy, such as a duplication of chromosome 17 comprising the gene for the peripheral myelin protein-22 (PMP22). Based on different animal models former studies identified immune cells, i.e. macrophages and T-lymphocytes, as crucial mediators of pathology in these neuropathies. In this study, PMP22-overexpressing mice (PMP22tg, C61), serving as a model for a specific type of CMT - CMT1A - were crossbred with immune-deficient mutant mice to examine the impact of the immune system on nerve pathology. Crossbreeding of PMP22tg mice with recombination activating gene-1 (RAG-1) deficient mice, lacking mature T- and B-lymphocytes, caused no striking alterations of pathogenesis in peripheral nerves of mutant mice. In contrast, crossbreeding of PMP22tg myelin mutants with mice deficient in the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, CCL2) caused an amelioration of the demyelinating phenotype of peripheral nerves when MCP-1 was either reduced or completely absent. Furthermore, functional investigations, i.e. neurographic recordings and examinations of the grip strength of the extremities, revealed an amelioration in PMP22tg/MCP-1-/- mice in regard to a symptomatic improvement in the compound action muscle potential (CMAP) and stronger grip strength of the hindlimbs. Interestingly, peripheral nerves of PMP22tg mice showed an irregular distribution of potassium channels in presence of MCP-1, whereas the absence of MCP-1 in the myelin mutants rescued the ion channel distribution and resulted in a more wild type-like phenotype. Having shown the impact of MCP-1 as an important mediator of nerve pathology in PMP22/MCP-1 double mutants, the regulation of this chemokine became an important target for potential treatment strategies. We found that the signaling cascade MEK1/2/ERK1/2 was more strongly activated in peripheral nerves of PMP22tg mice compared to nerves of wild type mice. This activation corresponded to an increase in MCP-1 mRNA expression in peripheral nerves at the same age. Furthermore, a MEK1/2-inhibitor was used in vivo to confirm the regulation of MCP-1 by the MEK1/2/ERK1/2 pathway. After a treatment period of three weeks, a clear reduction of ERK1/2-phosphorylation as well as a reduction of MCP-1 mRNA expression was observed, accompanied by a decline in macrophage number in peripheral nerves of PMP22tg mice. These observations suggest that the expression of MCP-1 is crucial for the neuropathological progression in a mouse model for CMT1A. Therefore, this chemokine could provide a basis for a putative treatment strategy of inherited neuropathies.},
  subject      = {Myelin},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Raban2021,
  author    = {Raban, Rebecca Emmi Hildegard},
  title     = {Sicherheit und Wirksamkeit von intrathekalem Triamcinolon bei Patienten mit chronisch-progredienter Multipler Sklerose : eine retrospektive Longitudinalstudie},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-22047},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-220478},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Im Zeitraum von 2004 bis 2016 erhielten an der Neurologischen Universit{\"a}tsklinik W{\"u}rzburg Patienten mit einer chronisch progredienten Multiplen Sklerose insgesamt 595 Injektionen von intrathekalem Triamcinolonacetonid. Diese Arbeit befasst sich mit Sicherheit, Nebenwirkungen und Wirksamkeit der intrathekalen Therapieform.},
  subject      = {Intrathekale Applikation},
  language  = {de}
}
@phdthesis{KuettnergebWeber2021,
  author    = {K{\"u}ttner [geb. Weber], Sarah-Lucia},
  title     = {Der Optikusnervenscheidendurchmesser als Instrument zur Prognoseeinsch{\"a}tzung bei Patienten mit hypoxischer Enzephalopathie nach erfolgreicher Reanimation},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-23766},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237669},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Eine Prognoseeinsch{\"a}tzung bei Patienten mit hypoxischer Enzephalopathie (HIE) nach Reanimation wird fr{\"u}hestens 72 Stunden nach Reanimation empfohlen. Bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt besteht eine f{\"u}r {\"A}rzte und Angeh{\"o}rige belastende prognostische L{\"u}cke. Und auch nach 72 Stunden bestehen nur ungenaue Angaben zum weiteren Vorgehen, sodass eine fundierte Prognoseeinsch{\"a}tzung aktuell eine deutliche Herausforderung im Alltag klinisch t{\"a}tiger {\"A}rzte darstellt. Der Nervus opticus ist als Bestandteil des zentralen Nervensystems mit dem Liquorsystem verbunden. Intrazerebrale Druckerh{\"o}hungen wirken sich daher unmittelbar auf die ihn ummantelnde Nervenscheide und deren Durchmesser aus, sodass sich die Bestimmung des Optikusnervenscheidendurchmessers (ONSD) mittels transorbitaler Sonographie in der Diagnostik unterschiedlicher intrakranieller Erkrankungen bereits bew{\"a}hrt hat. Das Krankheitsbild der HIE wurde als weiteres m{\"o}gliches Einsatzgebiet des ONSD jedoch bisher nicht untersucht. 
Ziel dieser Dissertation war es daher, den ONSD grunds{\"a}tzlich auf seine Verl{\"a}sslichkeit als Prognoseparameter bei HIE nach Reanimation zu {\"u}berpr{\"u}fen. Besonderes Augenmerk lag hierbei auf der Erm{\"o}glichung einer fr{\"u}hzeitigen Prognoseeinsch{\"a}tzung innerhalb von 24 Stunden sowie auf der Definition eines prognostischen Cut-Off-Wertes als klare Entscheidungshilfe f{\"u}r weitere therapeutische Strategien. 24, 48 und 72 Stunden nach Reanimation werden signifikant unterschiedliche ONSD unter {\"u}berlebenden und verstorbenen Patienten nachgewiesen. Letztere weisen dabei im Vergleich sowohl h{\"o}here als auch im zeitlichen Verlauf signifikant ansteigende ONSD-Werte auf. Als prognostischer Cut-Off-Wert konnte eine Grenze bei 5,75mm festgelegt werden. Zusammenfassend stellt die sonographische Bestimmung des ONSD eine sinnvolle Zusatzdiagnostik in der Prognoseeinsch{\"a}tzung bei Patienten mit HIE nach Reanimation dar.},
  subject      = {Wiederbelebung},
  language  = {de}
}
@phdthesis{Auchter2021,
  author    = {Auchter, Antonia},
  title     = {Schlafassoziierte Ver{\"a}nderung der lokalen Feldpotential Aktivit{\"a}t im Nucleus subthalamicus bei Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-23782},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237822},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Die tiefe Hirnstimulation ist eine etablierte und hocheffiziente operative Behandlungsmethode f{\"u}r Patienten mit idiopathischem Parkinson- Syndrom (IPS). Als Zielgebiet dient in den meisten F{\"a}llen der Nucleus subthalamicus. Die Indikationen zur Implantation einer tiefen Hirnstimulation (THS) sind medikament{\"o}s nicht behandelbare motorische Fluktuationen und Dyskinesien oder ein medikament{\"o}s nicht kontrollierbarer Tremor. Bislang erfolgt eine kontinuierliche Stimulation. Little et al. konnten jedoch bereits in ihrer 2013 ver{\"o}ffentlichen Studie zeigen, dass eine adaptive Stimulation, gemessen am UPDRS, um 27 \% effektiver war und entsprechend die Stimulationszeit um 56 \% gesenkt werden konnte. Voraussetzung f{\"u}r die Anwendbarkeit einer adaptiven Stimulation im klinischen Alltag ist der Nachweis eines oder mehrerer Physiomarker, welche als R{\"u}ckkopplungssignal f{\"u}r den Stimulationsbeginn dienen. Diese Marker m{\"u}ssen verl{\"a}sslich mit dem Auftreten und der Auspr{\"a}gung der Bewegungsst{\"o}rungen korrelieren. Die Systeme m{\"u}ssen die Signale auslesen und entsprechend darauf reagieren k{\"o}nnen, damit ein sogenanntes Closed- loop- Verfahren entstehen kann. Bei diesen Markern handelt es sich um sogenannte lokale Feldpotenzialaktivit{\"a}ten, das heißt niederfrequente Potential{\"a}nderungen von Zellen in subkortikalen Arealen des Gehirns, welche {\"u}ber Elektroden der THS abgeleitet werden k{\"o}nnen. Der Stimulator Activa PC+S (Medtronic) erm{\"o}glicht es erstmalig Aufzeichnungen von LFP- Daten, außerhalb eines experimentellen Laboraufbaus, mittels dauerhaft implantiertem Ger{\"a}t vorzunehmen und damit auch Langzeitanalysen durchzuf{\"u}hren. Erkenntnisse vergangener Studien ergaben, dass die synchronisierte, pathologisch gesteigerte oszillatorische Aktivit{\"a}t im Beta-Frequenzband (13- 35 Hz) eine bedeutende Rolle im Bezug auf die Pathophysiologie des IPS spielt und als krankheitsspezifische Aktivit{\"a}t gilt. Es konnte bereits belegt werden, dass die Verbesserung der motorischen Symptome (Bradykinese und Rigor) mit dem Ausmaß der Suppression der Betaband- Aktivit{\"a}t korreliert. Die Betabandaktivit{\"a}t als lokale Feldpotentialaktivit{\"a}t kann als Physiomarker einer adaptiven Stimulation dienen. Unser Hauptaugenmerk galt daher der Analyse der Betabandaktivit{\"a}t oder anderer Frequenzbereiche w{\"a}hrend des Schlafes um hier die THS bedarfsgerecht einzusetzen. Hierf{\"u}r wurden n{\"a}chtliche subkortikale LFP- Aufzeichnungen parallel zur Schlaf- Polysomnographie durchgef{\"u}hrt. Zudem erfolgte in der vorliegenden Arbeit sowohl in unserem Vorversuch als auch in unserem Hauptversuch die Anwendung des UPDRS Teil III zur Erfassung der motorischen Symptome, sowie die Durchf{\"u}hrung von Frageb{\"o}gen zur Erfassung der nicht- motorischen Symptome, insbesondere des Schlafes vor und nach Implantation der tiefen Hirnstimulation. Wir konnten belegen, dass es nach Implantation der THS zu einer Erh{\"o}hung der Schlafeffizienz und zu einer Erh{\"o}hung des Anteils der Schlafstadien II und III und damit einhergehend zu einer Steigerung der Schlafqualit{\"a}t kommt. {\"U}bereinstimmend mit anderen Studien konnten wir zeigen, dass sich die Motorik unter Stimulation deutlich verbessert. Im Vorversuch reduzierte sich der mittlere pr{\"a}operative MDS- UPDRS III im MedsOFF verglichen mit dem mittleren postoperativ MDS- UPDRS III im MedsOFF/StimON um 37 \%. In der PC+S- Studie imponierte eine Reduktion um 67\%. Zudem zeigte sich eine Reduktion der nicht- motorischen Symptome durch die THS, insbesondere in der Kategorie Schlaf. Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Arbeit ergaben außerdem, dass die Betabandaktivität im Schlafstadium II und vor allem im Schlafstadium III am geringsten ist. Im Schlafstadium I und REM ist die Betabandaktivit{\"a}t höher als im Schlafstadium II und III. Hierbei war entscheidend, dass die Patienten eine klar abgrenzbare Betabandaktivit{\"a}t im Wachstadium aufwiesen und die Elektrodenkontakte im dorsolateralen Kerngebiet des STN lokalisiert waren. Gegenl{\"a}ufig dazu verh{\"a}lt sich die Deltaaktivität. Sie ist im Schlafstadium II und besonders im Stadium III am h{\"o}chsten. Stadium I ist mit durchschnittlich um 7,3 \% niedriger als im Wachstadium. Am geringsten ist sie jedoch im REM-Schlafstadium. Indem wir mit der Betabandaktivit{\"a}t und Deltaaktivit{\"a}t in den einzelnen Schlafstadien einen stabilen und reproduzierbaren Physiomarker finden konnten, sind wir unserem Ziel der adaptiven THS ein St{\"u}ck n{\"a}her gekommen.},
  subject      = {Parkinson},
  language  = {de}
}
@phdthesis{Koeberle2021,
  author    = {K{\"o}berle, Philipp},
  title     = {High-resolution ultrasound for the identification of pathological patterns in patients with polyneuropathies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-24580},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-245800},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Neuropathies are a group of potentially treatable diseases with an often disabling and restricting course. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal disease without causal treatment possibilities. The objective of this study was to examine the diagnostic utility of HRUS for the differentiation of subtypes of axonal and demyelinating neuropathies and to investigate its utility for the sonological differentiation of ALS. The hypothetical statement that neuropathy causes enlargement of peripheral nerves compared to healthy controls proved to be right, but the adjunctive assumption that ALS does not cause enlargement of peripheral nerves proved to be wrong - in patients with ALS slight enlargement of peripheral nerves was visible as well. The statement that nerve enlargement can be detected by measurement of the cross-sectional area (CSA) and the longitudinal diameter (LD) with comparable results proved to be right, but the enlargement was slightly less present by measurement of the LD. The statement that axonal and demyelinating neuropathies show distinct patterns of nerve enlargement must be answered differentiated: The comparison between axonal and demyelinating neuropathies showed a stronger nerve enlargement in patients with demyelinating neuropathies than in patients with axonal neuropathies at proximal nerve segments of upper extremities. In the comparison of diagnose-defined subgroups of inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies a respective specific pattern of nerve enlargement was visible. However, remarkable in this context was the strong nerve enlargement found in patients with NSVN, which is classified as an axonal neuropathy. Stratification for specific findings in nerve biopsy did not lead to constructive differences in comparison between the different groups. To sum up, HRUS showed to provide a useful contribution in the diagnostic process of neuropathies and ALS but needs to be integrated in a multimodal diagnostic approach.},
  subject      = {Polyneuropathie},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Christ2021,
  author    = {Christ, Nicolas},
  title     = {Die Auswirkung zerebraler Mikroblutungen auf die kognitive Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit nach isch{\"a}mischem Schlaganfall},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-24367},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-243679},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {In der vorliegenden Studie wurde untersucht, ob zerebrale Mikroblutungen (CMB) bereits im fr{\"u}hen Verlauf nach isch{\"a}mischem Schlaganfall (IS) oder Transitorisch-Isch{\"a}mischer Attacke (TIA) mit kognitivem Abbau assoziiert sind und ob spezifische kognitive Dom{\"a}nen besonders betroffen sind. Der Vergleich zweier Probandengruppen mit IS/TIA und CMB bzw. IS/TIA ohne CMB hinsichtlich ihrer Ergebnisse in der neuropsychologischen Testbatterie CERAD ergab, dass CMB bereits sechs Monate nach dem zerebrovaskul{\"a}ren Ereignis mit einem kognitiven Abbau assoziiert sind. Multilokul{\"a}re CMB zeigen eine st{\"a}rkere Auswirkung auf die Kognition als solche CMB, die in einer einzigen Hirnregion gefunden wurden. Zudem wurde eine signifikante Korrelation zwischen dem Grad der kognitiven Einschr{\"a}nkung und der Anzahl der CMB errechnet. Die separate Betrachtung derjenigen Testungen, welche das episodische Ged{\"a}chtnis erfassen, zeigte eine Beeintr{\"a}chtigung der Testpersonen beim Wiedererkennen von zuvor gelernten W{\"o}rtern. Bei der Untersuchung des semantischen Ged{\"a}chtnisses der ProbandInnen fiel eine signifikant eingeschr{\"a}nkte phonematische Wortfl{\"u}ssigkeit auf, die semantische Fl{\"u}ssigkeit und das Benennen jedoch waren weniger betroffen. Die Dom{\"a}ne „Visuokonstruktive F{\"a}higkeiten" wurde ebenfalls in drei Untertests beurteilt. Hierbei zeigten sich keine Defizite der Testgruppe beim Abzeichnen der dargebotenen Figuren, die Reproduktion hingegen war signifikant gest{\"o}rt. Es zeigte sich keine CMB-bedingte Einschr{\"a}nkung der exekutiven Funktionen.},
  subject      = {Hirnblutung},
  language  = {de}
}
@article{SchreweLillLiuetal.2015,
  author    = {Schrewe, L. and Lill, C. M. and Liu, T. and Salmen, A. and Gerdes, L. A. and Guillot-Noel, L. and Akkad, D. A. and Blaschke, P. and Graetz, C. and Hoffjan, S. and Kroner, A. and Demir, S. and B{\"o}hme, A. and Rieckmann, P. and El Ali, A. and Hagemann, N. and Hermann, D. M. and Cournu-Rebeix, I. and Zipp, F. and K{\"u}mpfel, T. and Buttmann, M. and Zettl, U. K. and Fontaine, B. and Bertram, L. and Gold, R. and Chan, A.},
  title     = {Investigation of sex-specific effects of apolipoprotein E on severity of EAE and MS},
  series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {Journal of Neuroinflammation},
  number    = {234},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12974-015-0429-y},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-136252},
  year      = {2015},
  abstract  = {Background: Despite pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects of apolipoprotein E (apoE) in vitro, its effects on the clinical course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are still controversial. As sex hormones modify immunomodulatory apoE functions, they may explain contentious findings. This study aimed to investigate sex-specific effects of apoE on disease course of EAE and MS. Methods: MOG\(_{35-55}\) induced EAE in female and male apoE-deficient mice was assessed clinically and histopathologically. apoE expression was investigated by qPCR. The association of the MS severity score (MSSS) and APOE rs429358 and rs7412 was assessed across 3237 MS patients using linear regression analyses. Results: EAE disease course was slightly attenuated in male apoE-deficient (apoE\(^{-/-}\)) mice compared to wildtype mice (cumulative median score: apoE\(^{-/-}\) = 2 [IQR 0.0-4.5]; wildtype = 4 [IQR 1.0-5.0]; n = 10 each group, p = 0.0002). In contrast, EAE was more severe in female apoE\(^{-/-}\) mice compared to wildtype mice (cumulative median score: apoE\(^{-/-}\) = 3 [IQR 2.0-4.5]; wildtype = 3 [IQR 0.0-4.0]; n = 10, p = 0.003). In wildtype animals, apoE expression during the chronic EAE phase was increased in both females and males (in comparison to naive animals; p < 0.001). However, in MS, we did not observe a significant association between MSSS and rs429358 or rs7412, neither in the overall analyses nor upon stratification for sex. Conclusions: apoE exerts moderate sex-specific effects on EAE severity. However, the results in the apoE knock-out model are not comparable to effects of polymorphic variants in the human APOE gene, thus pinpointing the challenge of translating findings from the EAE model to the human disease.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Reymann2016,
  author    = {Reymann, Stephan Andreas},
  title     = {Pathophysiologische Rolle und therapeutische Relevanz von Plasmakallikrein beim experimentellen Schlaganfall},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-135834},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Die Rolle thromboinflammatorischer Vorg{\"a}nge in der Pathogenese des isch{\"a}mischen Schlaganfalls ist in den letzten Jahren immer mehr in den wissenschaftlichen Fokus ger{\"u}ckt. Plasmakallikrein (PK) spaltet von hochmolekularem Kininogen (KNG) Bradykinin (BK) ab und ist dadurch Ausgangspunkt des proinflammatorischen Kallikrein-Kinin-Systems (KKS). Zum anderen kann es den Gerinnungsfaktor XII (FXII) aktivieren, den Ausgangspunkt der intrinsischen Gerinnungskaskade. Es initiiert also sowohl inflammatorische als auch thrombotische Vorg{\"a}nge. Daher wurde in dieser Arbeit der Effekt einer Blockade PKs in einem Mausmodell der fokalen zerebralen Isch{\"a}mie untersucht - und zwar sowohl durch genetische Depletion als auch durch pharmakologische Blockade. Beide Ans{\"a}tze brachten einen nachhaltigen protektiven Effekt in Bezug auf Infarktgr{\"o}ßen und funktionelles Outcome, ohne die Blutungsgefahr zu erh{\"o}hen.},
  subject      = {Plasmakallikrein},
  language  = {de}
}
@article{MinnerupSutherlandBuchanetal.2012,
  author    = {Minnerup, Jens and Sutherland, Brad A. and Buchan, Alastair M. and Kleinschnitz, Christoph},
  title     = {Neuroprotection for Stroke: Current Status and Future Perspectives},
  series = {International Journal of Molecular Science},
  volume    = {13},
  journal   = {International Journal of Molecular Science},
  number    = {9},
  doi       = {10.3390/ijms130911753},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134730},
  pages     = {11753-11772},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {Neuroprotection aims to prevent salvageable neurons from dying. Despite showing efficacy in experimental stroke studies, the concept of neuroprotection has failed in clinical trials. Reasons for the translational difficulties include a lack of methodological agreement between preclinical and clinical studies and the heterogeneity of stroke in humans compared to homogeneous strokes in animal models. Even when the international recommendations for preclinical stroke research, the Stroke Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) criteria, were followed, we have still seen limited success in the clinic, examples being NXY-059 and haematopoietic growth factors which fulfilled nearly all the STAIR criteria. However, there are a number of neuroprotective treatments under investigation in clinical trials such as hypothermia and ebselen. Moreover, promising neuroprotective treatments based on a deeper understanding of the complex pathophysiology of ischemic stroke such as inhibitors of NADPH oxidases and PSD-95 are currently evaluated in preclinical studies. Further concepts to improve translation include the investigation of neuroprotectants in multicenter preclinical Phase III-type studies, improved animal models, and close alignment between clinical trial and preclinical methodologies. Future successful translation will require both new concepts for preclinical testing and innovative approaches based on mechanistic insights into the ischemic cascade.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GolombeckWessigMonoranuetal.2013,
  author    = {Golombeck, Stefanie Kristin and Wessig, Carsten and Monoranu, Camelia-Maria and Sch{\"u}tz, Ansgar and Solymosi, Laszlo and Melzer, Nico and Kleinschnitz, Christoph},
  title     = {Fatal atypical reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome: a case report},
  series = {Journal of Medical Case Reports},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {Journal of Medical Case Reports},
  number    = {14},
  doi       = {10.1186/1752-1947-7-14},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-135517},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Introduction: Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome - a reversible subacute global encephalopathy clinically presenting with headache, altered mental status, visual symptoms such as hemianopsia or cortical blindness, motor symptoms, and focal or generalized seizures - is characterized by a subcortical vasogenic edema symmetrically affecting posterior brain regions. Complete reversibility of both clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging lesions is regarded as a defining feature of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome is almost exclusively seen in the setting of a predisposing clinical condition, such as pre-eclampsia, systemic infections, sepsis and shock, certain autoimmune diseases, various malignancies and cytotoxic chemotherapy, transplantation and concomitant immunosuppression (especially with calcineurin inhibitors) as well as episodes of abrupt hypertension. We describe for the first time clinical, radiological and histological findings in a case of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome with an irreversible and fatal outcome occurring in the absence of any of the known predisposing clinical conditions except for a hypertensive episode. Case presentation: A 58-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a two-week history of subacute and progressive occipital headache, blurred vision and imbalance of gait and with no evidence for raised arterial blood pressure during the two weeks previous to admission. Her past medical history was unremarkable except for controlled arterial hypertension. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated cortical and subcortical lesions with combined vasogenic and cytotoxic edema atypical for both venous congestion and arterial infarction. Routine laboratory and cerebrospinal fluid parameters were normal. The diagnosis of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome was established. Within hours after admission the patient showed a rapidly decreasing level of consciousness, extension and flexion synergisms, bilaterally extensor plantar responses and rapid cardiopulmonary decompensation requiring ventilatory and cardiocirculatory support. Follow-up cerebral imaging demonstrated widespread and confluent cytotoxic edematous lesions in different arterial territories, global cerebral swelling, and subsequent upper and lower brainstem herniation. Four days after admission, the patient was declared dead because of brain death. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that fulminant and fatal reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome may occur spontaneously, that is, in the absence of any of the known predisposing systemic conditions.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BittnerBobakFeuchtenbergeretal.2011,
  author    = {Bittner, Stefan and Bobak, Nicole and Feuchtenberger, Martin and Herrmann, Alexander M and G{\"o}bel, Kerstin and Kinne, Raimund W and Hansen, Anker J and Budde, Thomas and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Frey, Oliver and Tony, Hans-Peter and Wiendl, Heinz and Meuth, Sven G},
  title     = {Expression of K\(_2\)\(_P\)5.1 potassium channels on CD4\(^+\)T lymphocytes correlates with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients},
  series = {Arthritis Research \& Therapy},
  volume    = {13},
  journal   = {Arthritis Research \& Therapy},
  number    = {R21},
  doi       = {10.1186/ar3245},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-139334},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {Introduction CD4+ T cells express K2P5.1 (TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channel 2 (TASK2); KCNK5), a member of the two-pore domain potassium channel family, which has been shown to influence T cell effector functions. Recently, it was shown that K2P5.1 is upregulated upon (autoimmune) T cell stimulation. The aim of this study was to correlate expression levels of K2P5.1 on T cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to disease activity in these patients. Methods Expression levels of K2P5.1 were measured by RT-PCR in the peripheral blood of 58 patients with RA and correlated with disease activity parameters (C-reactive protein levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, disease activity score (DAS28) scores). Twenty patients undergoing therapy change were followed-up for six months. Additionally, synovial fluid and synovial biopsies were investigated for T lymphocytes expressing K2P5.1. Results K2P5.1 expression levels in CD4+ T cells show a strong correlation to DAS28 scores in RA patients. Similar correlations were found for serological inflammatory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein). In addition, K2P5.1 expression levels of synovial fluid-derived T cells are higher compared to peripheral blood T cells. Prospective data in individual patients show a parallel behaviour of K2P5.1 expression to disease activity parameters during a longitudinal follow-up for six months. Conclusions Disease activity in RA patients correlates strongly with K2P5.1 expression levels in CD4+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood in cross-sectional as well as in longitudinal observations. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact pathophysiological mechanisms and to evaluate the possible use of K2P5.1 as a potential biomarker for disease activity and differential diagnosis.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{PuschmannSommer2011,
  author    = {Puschmann, Anne-Katrin and Sommer, Claudia},
  title     = {Hypervigilance or avoidance of trigger related cues in migraineurs? - A case-control study using the emotional stroop task},
  series = {BMC Neurology},
  volume    = {11},
  journal   = {BMC Neurology},
  number    = {141},
  doi       = {10.1186/1471-2377-11-141},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137750},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {Background "Negative affect" is one of the major migraine triggers. The aim of the study was to assess attentional biases for negative affective stimuli that might be related to migraine triggers in migraine patients with either few or frequent migraine and healthy controls. Methods Thirty-three subjects with frequent migraine (FM) or with less frequent episodic migraine, and 20 healthy controls conducted two emotional Stroop tasks in the interictal period. In task 1, general affective words and in task 2, pictures of affective faces (angry, neutral, happy) were used. For each task we calculated two emotional Stroop indices. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVAs. Results The expected attentional bias in migraine patients was not found. However, in task 2 the controls showed a significant attentional bias to negative faces, whereas the FM group showed indices near zero. Thus, the FM group responded faster to negative than to positive stimuli. The difference between the groups was statistically significant. Conclusions The findings in the FM group may reflect a learned avoidance mechanism away from affective migraine triggers.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WeiseBasseLuesebrinkKleinschnitzetal.2011,
  author    = {Weise, Gesa and Basse-L{\"u}sebrink, Thomas C. and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Kampf, Thomas and Jakob, Peter M. and Stoll, Guido},
  title     = {In Vivo Imaging of Stepwise Vessel Occlusion in Cerebral Photothrombosis of Mice by \(^{19}\)F MRI},
  series = {PLoS One},
  volume    = {6},
  journal   = {PLoS One},
  number    = {12},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0028143},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137792},
  pages     = {e28143},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {Background \(^{19}\)F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was recently introduced as a promising technique for in vivo cell tracking. In the present study we compared \(^{19}\)F MRI with iron-enhanced MRI in mice with photothrombosis (PT) at 7 Tesla. PT represents a model of focal cerebral ischemia exhibiting acute vessel occlusion and delayed neuroinflammation. Methods/Principal Findings Perfluorocarbons (PFC) or superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIO) were injected intravenously at different time points after photothrombotic infarction. While administration of PFC directly after PT induction led to a strong \(^{19}\)F signal throughout the entire lesion, two hours delayed application resulted in a rim-like \(^{19}\)F signal at the outer edge of the lesion. These findings closely resembled the distribution of signal loss on T2-weighted MRI seen after SPIO injection reflecting intravascular accumulation of iron particles trapped in vessel thrombi as confirmed histologically. By sequential administration of two chemically shifted PFC compounds 0 and 2 hours after illumination the different spatial distribution of the \(^{19}\)F markers (infarct core/rim) could be visualized in the same animal. When PFC were applied at day 6 the fluorine marker was only detected after long acquisition times ex vivo. SPIO-enhanced MRI showed slight signal loss in vivo which was much more prominent ex vivo indicative for neuroinflammation at this late lesion stage. Conclusion Our study shows that vessel occlusion can be followed in vivo by \(^{19}\)F and SPIO-enhanced high-field MRI while in vivo imaging of neuroinflammation remains challenging. The timing of contrast agent application was the major determinant of the underlying processes depicted by both imaging techniques. Importantly, sequential application of different PFC compounds allowed depiction of ongoing vessel occlusion from the core to the margin of the ischemic lesions in a single MRI measurement.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{UeceylerTopuzoğluSchiesseretal.2011,
  author    = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Topuzoğlu, Teng{\"u} and Schießer, Peter and Hahnenkamp, Saskia and Sommer, Claudia},
  title     = {IL-4 Deficiency Is Associated with Mechanical Hypersensitivity in Mice},
  series = {PLoS One},
  volume    = {6},
  journal   = {PLoS One},
  number    = {12},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0028205},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137924},
  pages     = {e28205},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic cytokine that induces opioid receptor transcription. We investigated IL-4 knockout (ko) mice to characterize their pain behavior before and after chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve as a model for neuropathic pain. We investigated opioid responsivity and measured cytokine and opioid receptor gene expression in the peripheral and central nervous system (PNS, CNS) of IL-4 ko mice in comparison with wildtype (wt) mice. Na{\"i}ve IL-4 ko mice displayed tactile allodynia (wt: 0.45 g; ko: 0.18 g; p<0.001), while responses to heat and cold stimuli and to muscle pressure were not different. No compensatory changes in the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-13 were found in the PNS and CNS of na{\"i}ve IL-4 ko mice. However, IL-1β gene expression was stronger in the sciatic nerve of IL-4 ko mice (p<0.001) 28 days after CCI and only IL-4 ko mice had elevated IL-10 gene expression (p = 0.014). Remarkably, CCI induced TNF (p<0.01), IL-1β (p<0.05), IL-10 (p<0.05), and IL-13 (p<0.001) gene expression exclusively in the ipsilateral spinal cord of IL-4 ko mice. The compensatory overexpression of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic cytokines IL-10 and IL-13 in the spinal cord of IL-4 ko mice may explain the lack of genotype differences for pain behavior after CCI. Additionally, CCI induced gene expression of μ, κ, and δ opioid receptors in the contralateral cortex and thalamus of IL-4 ko mice, paralleled by fast onset of morphine analgesia, but not in wt mice. We conclude that a lack of IL-4 leads to mechanical sensitivity; the compensatory hyperexpression of analgesic cytokines and opioid receptors after CCI, in turn, protects IL-4 ko mice from enhanced pain behavior after nerve lesion.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{RuckBittnerAfzalietal.2015,
  author    = {Ruck, Tobias and Bittner, Stefan and Afzali, Ali Maisam and G{\"o}bel, Kerstin and Glumm, Sarah and Kraft, Peter and Sommer, Claudia and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Preusse, Corinna and Stenzel, Werner and Wiendl, Heinz and Meuth, Sven G.},
  title     = {The NKG2D-IL-15 signaling pathway contributes to T-cell mediated pathology in inflammatory myopathies},
  series = {Oncotarget},
  volume    = {6},
  journal   = {Oncotarget},
  number    = {41},
  doi       = {10.18632/oncotarget.6462},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-136047},
  year      = {2015},
  abstract  = {NKG2D is an activating receptor on T cells, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. T cells are critically involved in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and have been proposed as specific therapeutic targets. However, the mechanisms underlying T cell-mediated progressive muscle destruction in IIM remain to be elucidated. We here determined the involvement of the NKG2D - IL-15 signaling pathway. Primary human myoblasts expressed NKG2D ligands, which were further upregulated upon inflammatory stimuli. In parallel, shedding of the soluble NKG2D ligand MICA (sMICA) decreased upon inflammation potentially diminishing inhibition of NKG2D signaling. Membrane-related expression of IL-15 by myoblasts induced differentiation of naive CD8\(^+\) T cells into highly activated, cytotoxic \(CD8^+NKG2D^{high}\) T cells demonstrating NKG2D-dependent lysis of myoblasts in vitro. \(CD8^+NKG2D^{high}\) T cell frequencies were increased in the peripheral blood of polymyositis (PM) patients and correlated with serum creatinine kinase concentrations, while serum sMICA levels were not significantly changed. In muscle biopsy specimens from PM patients expression of the NKG2D ligand MICA/B was upregulated, IL-15 was expressed by muscle cells, CD68\(^+\) macrophages as well as CD4\(^+\) T cells, and \(CD8^+NKG2D^+\) cells were frequently detected within inflammatory infiltrates arguing for a local signaling circuit in the inflammatory muscle milieu. In conclusion, the NKG2D - IL-15 signaling pathway contributes to progressive muscle destruction in IIM potentially opening new therapeutic avenues.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{VolkmannAlbaneseAntoninietal.2013,
  author    = {Volkmann, Jens and Albanese, Alberto and Antonini, Angelo and Chaudhuri, K. Ray and Clarke, Karl E. and de Bie, Rob M. A. and Deuschl, G{\"u}nther and Eggert, Karla and Houeto, Jean-Luc and Kulisevsky, Jaime and Nyholm, Dag and Odin, Per and Ostergaard, Karen and Poewe, Werner and Pollak, Pierre and Rabey, Jose Martin and Rascol, Olivier and Ruzicka, Evzen and Samuel, Michael and Speelman, Hans and Sydow, Olof and Valldeoriola, Francesc and van der Linden, Chris and Oertel, Wolfgang},
  title     = {Selecting deep brain stimulation or infusion therapies in advanced Parkinson's disease: an evidence-based review},
  series = {Journal of Neurology},
  volume    = {260},
  journal   = {Journal of Neurology},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00415-012-6798-6},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-132373},
  pages     = {2701-2714},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Motor complications in Parkinson's disease (PD) result from the short half-life and irregular plasma fluctuations of oral levodopa. When strategies of providing more continuous dopaminergic stimulation by adjusting oral medication fail, patients may be candidates for one of three device-aided therapies: deep brain stimulation (DBS), continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion, or continuous duodenal/jejunal levodopa/carbidopa pump infusion (DLI). These therapies differ in their invasiveness, side-effect profile, and the need for nursing care. So far, very few comparative studies have evaluated the efficacy of the three device-aided therapies for specific motor problems in advanced PD. As a result, neurologists currently lack guidance as to which therapy could be most appropriate for a particular PD patient. A group of experts knowledgeable in all three therapies reviewed the currently available literature for each treatment and identified variables of clinical relevance for choosing one of the three options such as type of motor problems, age, and cognitive and psychiatric status. For each scenario, pragmatic and (if available) evidence-based recommendations are provided as to which patients could be candidates for either DBS, DLI, or subcutaneous apomorphine.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{IsaiasMarzeganPezzolietal.2012,
  author    = {Isaias, Ioannis U. and Marzegan, Alberto and Pezzoli, Gianni and Marotta, Giorgio and Canesi, Margherita and Biella, Gabriele E. M. and Volkmann, Jens and Cavallari, Paolo},
  title     = {A role for locus coeruleus in Parkinson tremor},
  series = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience},
  volume    = {5},
  journal   = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience},
  number    = {179},
  doi       = {10.3389/fnhum.2011.00179},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133955},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {We analyzed rest tremor, one of the etiologically most elusive hallmarks of Parkinson disease(PD), in 12 consecutive PD patients during a specific task activating the locus coeruleus (LC) to investigate a putative role of noradrenaline (NA) in tremor generation and suppression. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed in all subjects by reduced dopamine reuptake transporter (DAT) binding values investigated by single photon computed tomography imaging (SPECT) with [\(^{123}\)I] N-\(\omega\)-fluoropropyl-2 \(\beta\)-carbomethoxy-3 \(\beta\)-(4-iodophenyl) tropane (FP-CIT). The intensity of tremor (i.e., the power of Electromyography [EMG] signals), but not its frequency, significantly increased during the task. In six subjects, tremor appeared selectively during the task. In a second part of the study, we retrospectively reviewed SPECT with FP-CIT data and confirmed the lack of correlation between dopaminergic loss and tremor by comparing DAT binding values of 82 PD subjects with bilateral tremor (n = 27), unilateral tremor (n = 22), and no tremor (n = 33). This study suggests a role of the LC in Parkinson tremor.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{IsaiasVolkmannMarzeganetal.2012,
  author    = {Isaias, Ioannis U. and Volkmann, Jens and Marzegan, Alberto and Marotta, Giorgio and Cavallari, Paolo and Pezzoli, Gianni},
  title     = {The Influence of Dopaminergic Striatal Innervation on Upper Limb Locomotor Synergies},
  series = {PLoS One},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {PLoS One},
  number    = {12},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0051464},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133976},
  pages     = {e51464},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {To determine the role of striatal dopaminergic innervation on upper limb synergies during walking, we measured arm kinematics in 13 subjects with Parkinson disease. Patients were recruited according to several inclusion criteria to represent the best possible in vivo model of dopaminergic denervation. Of relevance, we included only subjects with normal spatio-temporal parameters of the stride and gait speed to avoid an impairment of upper limbs locomotor synergies as a consequence of gait impairment per se. Dopaminergic innervation of the striatum was measured by FP-CIT and SPECT. All patients showed a reduction of gait-associated arms movement. No linear correlation was found between arm ROM reduction and contralateral dopaminergic putaminal innervation loss. Still, a partition analysis revealed a 80\% chance of reduced arm ROM when putaminal dopamine content loss was >47\%. A significant correlation was described between the asymmetry indices of the swinging of the two arms and dopaminergic striatal innervation. When arm ROM was reduced, we found a positive correlation between upper-lower limb phase shift modulation ( at different gait velocities) and striatal dopaminergic innervation. These findings are preliminary evidence that dopaminergic striatal tone plays a modulatory role in upper-limb locomotor synergies and upper-lower limb coupling while walking at different velocities.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BrandtZimmermannKaufholdetal.2012,
  author    = {Brandt, Alexander U. and Zimmermann, Hanna and Kaufhold, Falko and Promesberger, Julia and Schippling, Sven and Finis, David and Aktas, Orhan and Geis, Christian and Ringelstein, Marius and Ringelstein, E. Bernd and Hartung, Hans-Peter and Paul, Friedemann and Kleffner, Ilka and D{\"o}rr, Jan},
  title     = {Patterns of Retinal Damage Facilitate Differential Diagnosis between Susac Syndrome and MS},
  series = {PLoS One},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {PLoS One},
  number    = {6},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0038741},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134013},
  pages     = {e38741},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {Susac syndrome, a rare but probably underdiagnosed combination of encephalopathy, hearing loss, and visual deficits due to branch retinal artery occlusion of unknown aetiology has to be considered as differential diagnosis in various conditions. Particularly, differentiation from multiple sclerosis is often challenging since both clinical presentation and diagnostic findings may overlap. Optical coherence tomography is a powerful and easy to perform diagnostic tool to analyse the morphological integrity of retinal structures and is increasingly established to depict characteristic patterns of retinal pathology in multiple sclerosis. Against this background we hypothesised that differential patterns of retinal pathology facilitate a reliable differentiation between Susac syndrome and multiple sclerosis. In this multicenter cross-sectional observational study optical coherence tomography was performed in nine patients with a definite diagnosis of Susac syndrome. Data were compared with age-, sex-, and disease duration-matched relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients with and without a history of optic neuritis, and with healthy controls. Using generalised estimating equation models, Susac patients showed a significant reduction in either or both retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and total macular volume in comparison to both healthy controls and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients. However, in contrast to the multiple sclerosis patients this reduction was not distributed over the entire scanning area but showed a distinct sectorial loss especially in the macular measurements. We therefore conclude that patients with Susac syndrome show distinct abnormalities in optical coherence tomography in comparison to multiple sclerosis patients. These findings recommend optical coherence tomography as a promising tool for differentiating Susac syndrome from MS.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{JariusRuprechtWildemannetal.2012,
  author    = {Jarius, Sven and Ruprecht, Klemens and Wildemann, Brigitte and Kuempfel, Tania and Ringelstein, Marius and Geis, Christian and Kleiter, Ingo and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Berthele, Achim and Brettschneider, Johannes and Hellwig, Kerstin and Hemmer, Bernhard and Linker, Ralf A. and Lauda, Florian and Hayrettin, Christoph A. and Tumani, Hayrettin and Melms, Arthur and Trebst, Corinna and Stangel, Martin and Marziniak, Martin and Hoffmann, Frank and Schippling, Sven and Faiss, J{\"u}rgen H. and Neuhaus, Oliver and Ettrich, Barbara and Zentner, Christian and Guthke, Kersten and Hofstadt-van Oy, Ulrich and Reuss, Reinhard and Pellkofer, Hannah and Ziemann, Ulf and Kern, Peter and Wandinger, Klaus P. and Bergh, Florian Then and Boettcher, Tobias and Langel, Stefan and Liebetrau, Martin and Rommer, Paulus S. and Niehaus, Sabine and M{\"u}nch, Christoph and Winkelmann, Alexander and Zettl, Uwe K and Metz, Imke and Veauthier, Christian and Sieb, J{\"o}rn P. and Wilke, Christian and Hartung, Hans P. and Aktas, Orhan and Paul, Friedemann},
  title     = {Contrasting disease patterns in seropositive and seronegative neuromyelitis optica: A multicentre study of 175 patients},
  series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {Journal of Neuroinflammation},
  number    = {14},
  doi       = {10.1186/1742-2094-9-14},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133636},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {Background: The diagnostic and pathophysiological relevance of antibodies to aquaporin-4 (AQP4-Ab) in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) has been intensively studied. However, little is known so far about the clinical impact of AQP4-Ab seropositivity. Objective: To analyse systematically the clinical and paraclinical features associated with NMO spectrum disorders in Caucasians in a stratified fashion according to the patients' AQP4-Ab serostatus. Methods: Retrospective study of 175 Caucasian patients (AQP4-Ab positive in 78.3\%). Results: Seropositive patients were found to be predominantly female (p < 0.0003), to more often have signs of co-existing autoimmunity (p < 0.00001), and to experience more severe clinical attacks. A visual acuity of <= 0.1 during acute optic neuritis (ON) attacks was more frequent among seropositives (p < 0.002). Similarly, motor symptoms were more common in seropositive patients, the median Medical Research Council scale (MRC) grade worse, and MRC grades <= 2 more frequent, in particular if patients met the 2006 revised criteria (p < 0.005, p < 0.006 and p < 0.01, respectively), the total spinal cord lesion load was higher (p < 0.006), and lesions >= 6 vertebral segments as well as entire spinal cord involvement more frequent (p < 0.003 and p < 0.043). By contrast, bilateral ON at onset was more common in seronegatives (p < 0.007), as was simultaneous ON and myelitis (p < 0.001); accordingly, the time to diagnosis of NMO was shorter in the seronegative group (p < 0.029). The course of disease was more often monophasic in seronegatives (p < 0.008). Seropositives and seronegatives did not differ significantly with regard to age at onset, time to relapse, annualized relapse rates, outcome from relapse (complete, partial, no recovery), annualized EDSS increase, mortality rate, supratentorial brain lesions, brainstem lesions, history of carcinoma, frequency of preceding infections, oligoclonal bands, or CSF pleocytosis. Both the time to relapse and the time to diagnosis was longer if the disease started with ON (p < 0.002 and p < 0.013). Motor symptoms or tetraparesis at first myelitis and > 1 myelitis attacks in the first year were identified as possible predictors of a worse outcome.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Oehler2015,
  author    = {Oehler, Steffen Claus},
  title     = {Deeskalation der Immuntherapie bei Patienten mit Multipler Sklerose},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133666},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2015},
  abstract  = {Die vorliegende Arbeit ist die erste, die sich mit der Frage besch{\"a}ftigt, mit welcher zur Deeskalation eingesetzten Therapie nach Beendigung einer Eskalationstherapie mit Mitoxantron am besten Krankheitsstabilit{\"a}t erreicht werden kann bzw. ob Patienten-/Krankheitscharakteristika existieren, die eine bestimmte Nachfolge-Therapie favorisieren. Trotz neuer Behandlungsm{\"o}glichkeiten der hochaktiven MS mit Fingolimod, Natalizumab und Alemtuzumab hat Mitoxantron im klinischen Alltag nach wie vor einen hohen Stellenwert, so dass die Fragestellung dieser Studie weiter relevant ist. Es zeigten sich keine Patientencharakteristika, die auf eine erfolgsversprechende Therapie in der Deeskalationsphase nach Mitoxantron schließen ließen. Bei Patienten, bei denen w{\"a}hrend der Eskalation mit Mitoxantron die Dosis reduziert werden konnte, wurden w{\"a}hrend der Deeskalationstherapie ein stabilerer Verlauf und weniger Therapiewechsel beobachtet. Bei Patienten, die wegen einer rein chronischen Krankheitsprogredienz eskaliert wurden, trat eine Verschlechterung nach Deeskalation h{\"a}ufiger auf als bei denjenigen, welche wegen Schubaktivit{\"a}t eskaliert wurden. Die Aussagekraft der Daten wird durch die nur niedrige Anzahl der in diese Studie eingeschlossenen Patienten limitiert. Rekrutierungsprobleme stellten die Hauptursache f{\"u}r die geringe Anzahl der Studienteilnehmer dar.},
  subject      = {Multiple Sklerose},
  language  = {de}
}
@article{EhlingGoebBittneretal.2013,
  author    = {Ehling, Petra and G{\"o}b, Eva and Bittner, Stefan and Budde, Thomas and Ludwig, Andreas and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Meuth, Sven G.},
  title     = {Ischemia-induced cell depolarization: does the hyperpolarization-activated cation channel HCN2 affect the outcome after stroke in mice?},
  series = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine},
  volume    = {5},
  journal   = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine},
  number    = {16},
  doi       = {10.1186/2040-7378-5-16},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-131887},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Background Brain ischemia is known to include neuronal cell death and persisting neurological deficits. A lack of oxygen and glucose are considered to be key mediators of ischemic neurodegeneration while the exact mechanisms are yet unclear. In former studies the expression of two different two-pore domain potassium \((K_{2P})\) channels (TASK1, TREK1) were shown to ameliorate neuronal damage due to cerebral ischemia. In neurons, TASK channels carrying hyperpolarizing \(K^+\) leak currents, and the pacemaker channel HCN2, carrying depolarizing \(I_h\), stabilize the membrane potential by a mutual functional interaction. It is assumed that this ionic interplay between TASK and HCN2 channels enhances the resistance of neurons to insults accompanied by extracellular pH shifts. Methods In C57Bl/6 (wildtype, WT), \(hcn2^{+/+}\) and \(hcn2^{-/-}\) mice we used an in vivo model of cerebral ischemia (transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)) to depict a functional impact of HCN2 in stroke formation. Subsequent analyses comprise behavioural tests and hcn2 gene expression assays. Results After 60 min of tMCAO induction in WT mice, we collected tissue samples at 6, 12, and 24 h after reperfusion. In the infarcted neocortex, hcn2 expression analyses revealed a nominal peak of hcn2 expression 6 h after reperfusion with a tendency towards lower expression levels with longer reperfusion times. Hcn2 gene expression levels in infarcted basal ganglia did not change after 6 h and 12 h. Only at 24 h after reperfusion, hcn2 expression significantly decreases by ~55\%. However, 30 min of tMCAO in hcn2-/- as well as hcn2+/+ littermates induced similar infarct volumes. Behavioural tests for global neurological function (Bederson score) and motor function/coordination (grip test) were performed at day 1 after surgery. Again, we found no differences between the groups. Conclusions Here, we hypothesized that the absence of HCN2, an important functional counter player of TASK channels, affects neuronal survival during stroke-induced tissue damage. However, together with a former study on TASK3 these results implicate that both TASK3 and HCN2 which were supposed to be neuroprotective due to their pH-dependency, do not influence ischemic neurodegeneration during stroke in the tMCAO model.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BrechtWeissbrichBraunetal.2012,
  author    = {Brecht, Isabel and Weissbrich, Benedikt and Braun, Julia and Toyka, Klaus Viktor and Weishaupt, Andreas and Buttmann, Mathias},
  title     = {Intrathecal, Polyspecific Antiviral Immune Response in Oligoclonal Band Negative Multiple Sclerosis},
  series = {PLoS One},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {PLoS One},
  number    = {7},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0040431},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134426},
  pages     = {e40431},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {Background: Oligoclonal bands (OCB) are detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in more than 95\% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Western hemisphere. Here we evaluated the intrathecal, polyspecific antiviral immune response as a potential diagnostic CSF marker for OCB-negative MS patients. Methodology/Principal Findings: We tested 46 OCB-negative German patients with paraclinically well defined, definite MS. Sixteen OCB-negative patients with a clear diagnosis of other autoimmune CNS disorders and 37 neurological patients without evidence for autoimmune CNS inflammation served as control groups. Antibodies against measles, rubella, varicella zoster and herpes simplex virus in paired serum and CSF samples were determined by ELISA, and virus-specific immunoglobulin G antibody indices were calculated. An intrathecal antibody synthesis against at least one neurotropic virus was detected in 8 of 26 (31\%) patients with relapsing-remitting MS, 8 of 12 (67\%) with secondary progressive MS and 5 of 8 (63\%) with primary progressive MS, in 3 of 16 (19\%) CNS autoimmune and 3 of 37 (8\%) non-autoimmune control patients. Antibody synthesis against two or more viruses was found in 11 of 46 (24\%) MS patients but in neither of the two control groups. On average, MS patients with a positive antiviral immune response were older and had a longer disease duration than those without. Conclusion: Determination of the intrathecal, polyspecific antiviral immune response may allow to establish a CSF-supported diagnosis of MS in OCB-negative patients when two or more of the four virus antibody indices are elevated.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{IpKronerGrohetal.2012,
  author    = {Ip, Chi Wang and Kroner, Antje and Groh, Janos and Huber, Marianne and Klein, Dennis and Spahn, Irene and Diem, Ricarda and Williams, Sarah K. and Nave, Klaus-Armin and Edgar, Julia M. and Martini, Rudolf},
  title     = {Neuroinflammation by Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes Impairs Retrograde Axonal Transport in an Oligodendrocyte Mutant Mouse},
  series = {PLoS One},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {PLoS One},
  number    = {8},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0042554},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134982},
  pages     = {e42554},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {Mice overexpressing proteolipid protein (PLP) develop a leukodystrophy-like disease involving cytotoxic, CD8+ T-lymphocytes. Here we show that these cytotoxic T-lymphocytes perturb retrograde axonal transport. Using fluorogold stereotactically injected into the colliculus superior, we found that PLP overexpression in oligodendrocytes led to significantly reduced retrograde axonal transport in retina ganglion cell axons. We also observed an accumulation of mitochondria in the juxtaparanodal axonal swellings, indicative for a disturbed axonal transport. PLP overexpression in the absence of T-lymphocytes rescued retrograde axonal transport defects and abolished axonal swellings. Bone marrow transfer from wildtype mice, but not from perforin- or granzyme B-deficient mutants, into lymphocyte-deficient PLP mutant mice led again to impaired axonal transport and the formation of axonal swellings, which are predominantly located at the juxtaparanodal region. This demonstrates that the adaptive immune system, including cytotoxic T-lymphocytes which release perforin and granzyme B, are necessary to perturb axonal integrity in the PLP-transgenic disease model. Based on our observations, so far not attended molecular and cellular players belonging to the immune system should be considered to understand pathogenesis in inherited myelin disorders with progressive axonal damage.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Hullin2016,
  author    = {Hullin, Marcus},
  title     = {Zusammenhang zwischen Raumwahrnehmung, K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl und Puppenhandillusion bei gesunden {\"A}lteren und Patienten mit kortikobasalem Syndrom},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134291},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Das K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl (KSG) bezeichnet das Gef{\"u}hl, einen bestimmten K{\"o}r-perteil als dem eigenen K{\"o}rper zugeh{\"o}rig zu empfinden. Es erscheint stabil und nicht st{\"o}rbar, l{\"a}sst sich jedoch bei den meisten Menschen experimentell beein-flussen. Ein Beispiel hierf{\"u}r ist die Puppenhandillusion (PHI), bei der die nicht sichtbare eigene Hand des Probanden und eine sichtbare Plastikhand in glei-cher Stellung an den gleichen Fingerstellen synchron mit zwei Pinseln bestri-chen wird, wodurch die Wahrnehmung entsteht, die Plastikhand sei die eigene. Ver{\"a}nderungen des KSG k{\"o}nnen jedoch auch im Rahmen neurodegenerativer Erkrankungen vorkommen. So nimmt beim kortikobasalen Syndrom (CBS) etwa die H{\"a}lfte der Patienten im Krankheitsverlauf einen Arm und seine Bewegungen als fremd war ("Alien-limb"-Ph{\"a}nomen). Das CBS beginnt oft einseitig und ist durch eine rasch fortschreitende, akinetisch-rigide Parkinson-Symptomatik, aber auch durch kortikale Funktionsst{\"o}rungen gekennzeichnet, so dass es ne-ben einer St{\"o}rung des KSG auch zu einer St{\"o}rung der r{\"a}umlichen Aufmerk-samkeit (Hemineglect) kommt. Bislang wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen Raumwahrnehmung, KSG und PHI bei gesunden {\"a}lteren Menschen noch nicht systematisch untersucht. Ebenso wenig war bisher bekannt, inwieweit das KSG bei CBS-Patienten durch die PHI modulierbar ist. Wir untersuchten 65 gesunde {\"a}ltere Probanden (60 - 90 Jahre) ohne neurologi-sche Vorerkrankungen sowie zehn Patienten zwischen 59 und 77 Jahren mit wahrscheinlichem oder m{\"o}glichem CBS. Den kognitiven und orientierend seeli-schen Zustand eruierten wir mit Hilfe des PANDA- und des Uhrentests, die Raumwahrnehmung testeten wir mittels des Milner-Landmark-Tests sowie des Letter-Cancellation-Tests, das spontane K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl wurde mittels eines Fragebogens erfasst. Der PHI-Versuch wurde mit synchroner sowie asynchro-ner taktiler Stimulation durchgef{\"u}hrt, das Auftreten eines Selbstgef{\"u}hls f{\"u}r die Plastikhand wurde subjektiv {\"u}ber spontane {\"A}ußerungen und einen etablierten Fragebogen, objektiv {\"u}ber den sog. propriozeptiven Drift der stimulierten Hand erfasst. Unter den Kontrollprobanden fanden sich 12\% mit einer wahrscheinlichen De-menz, wohingegen dies bei 80\% der CBS-Patienten der Fall war. Im Milner-Landmark-Test zeigte sich bei den Kontrollprobanden eine {\"U}bersch{\"a}tzung des rechten Segmentes einer mittig geteilten Linie, entsprechend einem milden Hemineglect, bei den CBS-Patienten konnte keine einheitliche Tendenz festge-stellt werden. Das spontane K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl stellte sich bei nahezu allen Probanden als intakt dar, w{\"a}hrend sich bei vier Patienten mit CBS Hinweise auf aktuelle oder intermittierende St{\"o}rungen desselben ergaben. Die Puppenhandil-lusion war in der Gruppe gesunder {\"A}lterer bei synchroner Stimulation ausl{\"o}s-bar, nicht jedoch bei asynchroner Stimulation. Eine Lateralisierungstendenz zeigte sich nicht. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus konnte bei den Probanden eine positive Korre-lation zwischen dem propriozeptiven Drift der linken Hand nach synchroner Stimulation und dem Hemineglect nach links gefunden werden. Bei den CBS-Patienten fand sich unabh{\"a}ngig von der Stimulationsart (synchron oder asyn-chron) eine erh{\"o}hte Bereitschaft, die linke Puppenhand ins eigene K{\"o}rperbild zu integrieren. Das Auftreten der PHI bei gesunden {\"a}lteren Probanden ist vergleichbar mit den Daten j{\"u}ngerer Probandengruppen. Hinweise auf eine hemisph{\"a}rische Laterali-sierungstendenz der PHI ergaben sich nicht, jedoch scheint der in dieser Grup-pe festgestellte leichtgradige Hemineglect nach links den multisensorischen Prozess zu beeinflussen, eine k{\"u}nstliche Hand in das eigene K{\"o}rperschema zu integrieren. Bei den CBS-Patienten war die PHI unabh{\"a}ngig vom Stimulations-modus links besser ausl{\"o}sbar als rechts, was mit vorwiegend rechtshemisph{\"a}-rischen krankheitsbedingten Ver{\"a}nderungen des multisensorischen Integrati-onsprozesses vereinbar ist.},
  subject      = {Raumwahrnehmung},
  language  = {de}
}
@article{BurlinaSimsPoliteietal.2011,
  author    = {Burlina, Alessandro P. and Sims, Katherine B. and Politei, Juan M. and Bennett, Gary J. and Baron, Ralf and Sommer, Claudia and Moller, Anette Torvin and Hilz, Max J.},
  title     = {Early diagnosis of peripheral nervous system involvement in Fabry disease and treatment of neuropathic pain: the report of an expert panel},
  series = {BMC Neurology},
  volume    = {11},
  journal   = {BMC Neurology},
  number    = {61},
  doi       = {10.1186/1471-2377-11-61},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-135309},
  pages     = {1-11},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {Background: Fabry disease is an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by progressive lysosomal accumulation of lipids in a variety of cell types, including neural cells. Small, unmyelinated nerve fibers are particularly affected and small fiber peripheral neuropathy often clinically manifests at young age. Peripheral pain can be chronic and/or occur as provoked attacks of excruciating pain. Manifestations of dysfunction of small autonomic fibers may include, among others, impaired sweating, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and abnormal pain perception. Patients with Fabry disease often remain undiagnosed until severe complications involving the kidney, heart, peripheral nerves and/or brain have arisen. Methods: An international expert panel convened with the goal to provide guidance to clinicians who may encounter unrecognized patients with Fabry disease on how to diagnose these patients early using simple diagnostic tests. A further aim was to offer recommendations to control neuropathic pain. Results: We describe the neuropathy in Fabry disease, focusing on peripheral small fiber dysfunction - the hallmark of early neurologic involvement in this disorder. The clinical course of peripheral pain is summarized, and the importance of medical history-taking, including family history, is highlighted. A thorough physical examination (e. g., angiokeratoma, corneal opacities) and simple non-invasive sensory perception tests could provide clues to the diagnosis of Fabry disease. Reported early clinical benefits of enzyme replacement therapy include reduction of neuropathic pain, and adequate management of residual pain to a tolerable and functional level can substantially improve the quality of life for patients. Conclusions: Our recommendations can assist in diagnosing Fabry small fiber neuropathy early, and offer clinicians guidance in controlling peripheral pain. This is particularly important since management of pain in young patients with Fabry disease appears to be inadequate.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{DupuisDenglerHenekaetal.2012,
  author    = {Dupuis, Luc and Dengler, Reinhard and Heneka, Michael T. and Meyer, Thomas and Zierz, Stephan and Kassubek, Jan and Fischer, Wilhelm and Steiner, Franziska and Lindauer, Eva and Otto, Markus and Dreyhaupt, Jens and Grehl, Torsten and Hermann, Andreas and Winkler, Andrea S. and Bogdahn, Ulrich and Benecke, Reiner and Schrank, Bertold and Wessig, Carsten and Grosskreutz, Julian and Ludolph, Albert C.},
  title     = {A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Pioglitazone in Combination with Riluzole in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis},
  series = {PLoS One},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {PLoS One},
  number    = {6},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0037885},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-130255},
  pages     = {e37885},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {Background: Pioglitazone, an oral anti-diabetic that stimulates the PPAR-gamma transcription factor, increased survival of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods/Principal Findings: We performed a phase II, double blind, multicentre, placebo controlled trial of pioglitazone in ALS patients under riluzole. 219 patients were randomly assigned to receive 45 mg/day of pioglitazone or placebo (one: one allocation ratio). The primary endpoint was survival. Secondary endpoints included incidence of non-invasive ventilation and tracheotomy, and slopes of ALS-FRS, slow vital capacity, and quality of life as assessed using EUROQoL EQ-5D. The study was conducted under a two-stage group sequential test, allowing to stop for futility or superiority after interim analysis. Shortly after interim analysis, 30 patients under pioglitazone and 24 patients under placebo had died. The trial was stopped for futility; the hazard ratio for primary endpoint was 1.21 (95\% CI: 0.71-2.07, p = 0.48). Secondary endpoints were not modified by pioglitazone treatment. Pioglitazone was well tolerated. Conclusion/Significance: Pioglitazone has no beneficial effects on the survival of ALS patients as add-on therapy to riluzole.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GolombeckWessigMonoranuetal.2013,
  author    = {Golombeck, Stefanie Kristin and Wessig, Carsten and Monoranu, Camelia-Maria and Sch{\"u}tz, Ansgar and Solymosi, Laszlo and Melzer, Niko and Kleinschnitz, Christoph},
  title     = {Fatal atypical reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome: a case report},
  series = {Journal of Medical Case Reports},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {Journal of Medical Case Reports},
  number    = {14},
  doi       = {10.1186/1752-1947-7-14},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-129456},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Introduction: Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome - a reversible subacute global encephalopathy clinically presenting with headache, altered mental status, visual symptoms such as hemianopsia or cortical blindness, motor symptoms, and focal or generalized seizures - is characterized by a subcortical vasogenic edema symmetrically affecting posterior brain regions. Complete reversibility of both clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging lesions is regarded as a defining feature of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome is almost exclusively seen in the setting of a predisposing clinical condition, such as pre-eclampsia, systemic infections, sepsis and shock, certain autoimmune diseases, various malignancies and cytotoxic chemotherapy, transplantation and concomitant immunosuppression (especially with calcineurin inhibitors) as well as episodes of abrupt hypertension. We describe for the first time clinical, radiological and histological findings in a case of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome with an irreversible and fatal outcome occurring in the absence of any of the known predisposing clinical conditions except for a hypertensive episode. Case presentation: A 58-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a two-week history of subacute and progressive occipital headache, blurred vision and imbalance of gait and with no evidence for raised arterial blood pressure during the two weeks previous to admission. Her past medical history was unremarkable except for controlled arterial hypertension. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated cortical and subcortical lesions with combined vasogenic and cytotoxic edema atypical for both venous congestion and arterial infarction. Routine laboratory and cerebrospinal fluid parameters were normal. The diagnosis of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome was established. Within hours after admission the patient showed a rapidly decreasing level of consciousness, extension and flexion synergisms, bilaterally extensor plantar responses and rapid cardiopulmonary decompensation requiring ventilatory and cardiocirculatory support. Follow-up cerebral imaging demonstrated widespread and confluent cytotoxic edematous lesions in different arterial territories, global cerebral swelling, and subsequent upper and lower brainstem herniation. Four days after admission, the patient was declared dead because of brain death. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that fulminant and fatal reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome may occur spontaneously, that is, in the absence of any of the known predisposing systemic conditions.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{FluriHeinenKleinschnitz2013,
  author    = {Fluri, Felix and Heinen, Florian and Kleinschnitz, Christoph},
  title     = {Intravenous Thrombolysis in a Stroke Patient Receiving Rivaroxaban},
  series = {Cerebrovascular Disease Extra},
  volume    = {2013},
  journal   = {Cerebrovascular Disease Extra},
  number    = {3},
  doi       = {10.1159/000355839},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-128816},
  pages     = {153-155},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {No abstract available.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LinkerMagnusKornetal.2013,
  author    = {Linker, Ralf A. and Magnus, Tim and Korn, Thomas and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Meuth, Sven G.},
  title     = {Report on the 5'th scientific meeting of the "Verein zur F{\"o}rderung des Wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses in der Neurologie" (NEUROWIND e.V.) held in Motzen, Germany, Oct. 25th - Oct. 27th, 2013},
  series = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine},
  volume    = {5},
  journal   = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine},
  number    = {15},
  doi       = {10.1186/2040-7378-5-15},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-129230},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {From october 25th - 27th 2013, the 5th NEUROWIND e.V. meeting was held in Motzen, Brandenburg, Germany. This year more than 60 doctoral students and postdocs from over 25 different groups working in German university hospitals or research institutes attended the meeting to discuss their latest findings in the fields of neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration and neurovascular research. All participants appreciated the stimulating environment in Motzen, Brandenburg, and people took the opportunity for scientific exchange, discussion about ongoing projects and already started further collaborations. Like in the previous years, the symposium was regarded as a very well organized platform to support research of young investigators in Germany. According to the major aim of NEUROWIND e.V. to support younger researchers in Germany the 3rd NEUROWIND YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARD for experimental neurology was awarded to Ruth Stassart working in the group of Klaus Armin Nave and Wolfgang Br{\"u}ck (MPI G{\"o}ttingen and Department of Neuropathology, G{\"o}ttingen Germany). The successful work was published in Nature Neuroscience entitled "A role for Swann cell-derived neuregulin-1 in remyelination". This outstanding paper deals with the function of Schwann cell neuregulin as an endogenous factor for myelin repair. The award is endowed with 20.000 Euro sponsored by Merck Serono GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany (unrestricted educational grant). This year's keynote lecture was given by Albert Ludolph, Head of the Department of Neurology at the University Clinic of Ulm. Dr. Ludolph highlighted the particular role of individual scientists for the development of research concepts in Alzheimer´s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{EhlingGoebBittneretal.2013,
  author    = {Ehling, Petra and G{\"o}b, Eva and Bittner, Stefan and Budde, Thomas and Ludwig, Andreas and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Meuth, Sven G.},
  title     = {Ischemia-induced cell depolarization: does the hyperpolarization-activated cation channel HCN2 affect the outcome after stroke in mice?},
  series = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine},
  volume    = {5},
  journal   = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine},
  number    = {16},
  doi       = {10.1186/2040-7378-5-16},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-129240},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Background Brain ischemia is known to include neuronal cell death and persisting neurological deficits. A lack of oxygen and glucose are considered to be key mediators of ischemic neurodegeneration while the exact mechanisms are yet unclear. In former studies the expression of two different two-pore domain potassium \((K_{2P})\) channels (TASK1, TREK1) were shown to ameliorate neuronal damage due to cerebral ischemia. In neurons, TASK channels carrying hyperpolarizing \(K^+\) leak currents, and the pacemaker channel HCN2, carrying depolarizing Ih, stabilize the membrane potential by a mutual functional interaction. It is assumed that this ionic interplay between TASK and HCN2 channels enhances the resistance of neurons to insults accompanied by extracellular pH shifts. Methods In C57Bl/6 (wildtype, WT), \(hcn2^{+/+}\) and \(hcn2^{-/-}\) mice we used an in vivo model of cerebral ischemia (transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)) to depict a functional impact of HCN2 in stroke formation. Subsequent analyses comprise behavioural tests and hcn2 gene expression assays. Results After 60 min of tMCAO induction in WT mice, we collected tissue samples at 6, 12, and 24 h after reperfusion. In the infarcted neocortex, hcn2 expression analyses revealed a nominal peak of hcn2 expression 6 h after reperfusion with a tendency towards lower expression levels with longer reperfusion times. Hcn2 gene expression levels in infarcted basal ganglia did not change after 6 h and 12 h. Only at 24 h after reperfusion, hcn2 expression significantly decreases by ~55\%. However, 30 min of tMCAO in hcn2-/- as well as hcn2+/+ littermates induced similar infarct volumes. Behavioural tests for global neurological function (Bederson score) and motor function/coordination (grip test) were performed at day 1 after surgery. Again, we found no differences between the groups. Conclusions Here, we hypothesized that the absence of HCN2, an important functional counter player of TASK channels, affects neuronal survival during stroke-induced tissue damage. However, together with a former study on TASK3 these results implicate that both TASK3 and HCN2 which were supposed to be neuroprotective due to their pH-dependency, do not influence ischemic neurodegeneration during stroke in the tMCAO model.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Stallforth2007,
  author    = {Stallforth, Sabine},
  title     = {Unterschiedliche Wirkungen der TNF-alpha-Rezeptoren auf De- und Regeneration peripherer NervenEine Studie an TNF-alpha-Rezeptor-Knockoutm{\"a}usen in zwei verschiedenen Tiermodellen f{\"u}r Nervenl{\"a}sionen},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-24808},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2007},
  abstract  = {Noch immer ist die Behandlung von Neuropathien mit den g{\"a}ngigen therapeutischen Mitteln f{\"u}r viele Patienten sehr unbefriedigend. Als erfolgsversprechender therapeutischer Ansatz werden zur Zeit Wege erforscht, welche direkt in die molekularen Entstehungsmechanismen pathologischer Ver{\"a}nderungen und regenerationsf{\"o}rdernder Mechanismen eingreifen, um dadurch eine Heilung von Nervensch{\"a}den zu erm{\"o}glichen. Bisher sind die Erkenntnisse {\"u}ber diese Mechanismen nicht vollst{\"a}ndig genug, um daraus eine sichere Behandlungsm{\"o}glichkeit abzuleiten. Wegweisende Erkenntnisse deuten sich allerdings durch Studien von unterschiedlichen Vertretern des Zytokinnetzwerkes an - darunter auch TNF-alpha - welche als molekulare Ursache neuropathischer Ver{\"a}nderungen diskutiert werden. In dieser Studie wurde an Knockoutm{\"a}usen der Einfluss des jeweiligen TNF-alpha-Rezeptors auf morphologische Ver{\"a}nderungen nach CCI (Chronic constriction injury) und Crush-Verletzung des N. ischiadicus untersucht. Nach 3,7,15 und 36 Tagen (CCI) bzw. 3,7 und 28 Tagen (Crush) wurden in Methylenblau gef{\"a}rbten Semid{\"u}nnschnitten intakte und degenerierte Nervenfasern, Makrophagen, Angioproliferation, {\"O}dembildung udn Ver{\"a}nderung des Anteils nicht neuronaler Zellen lichtmikroskopisch beurteilt. Zus{\"a}tzlich wurden Mac-1+ Makrophagen immunzytochemisch erfasst. Die Ergebnisse zeigten in beiden Modellen und bei beiden Knockouttypen eine starke axonale Sch{\"a}digung, die von einer großen endoneuroalen Makrophagenansammlung begleitet war. Bei TNF-R1-/- M{\"a}usen war eine st{\"a}rkere und verl{\"a}ngerte Degeneration mit entsprechend h{\"o}heren Makrophagenzahlen sichtbar. In den Immunzytochemischen F{\"a}rbungen wiesen die TNF-R1-/- M{\"a}use hingegen den geringsten Makropahgenanteil auf.Trotz der starken Sch{\"a}digung war die anschließende Regeneration im Gegensatz zu WT und TNF-R2-/- M{\"a}usen besser. Die {\"O}dembildung war bei den TNF-R2-/- nach CCI besonders stark ausgepr{\"a}gt und von einer schlechten Regeneration gefolgt. W{\"a}hrend die gefundenen Daten auf eine Beteiligung beider Rezeptoren w{\"a}hrend degenerativer Prozesse hindeuten, scheint insbesondere TNF-R2 regenerationsf{\"o}rdernde Effekte zu vermitteln.},
  subject      = {peripheral nerve},
  language  = {de}
}
@phdthesis{He2009,
  author    = {He, Lan},
  title     = {Small fiber involvement in Fabry's disease},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32844},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2009},
  abstract  = {Aim of Investigation: The neurological manifestations of Fabry's disease, a rare, X-linked, multisystem disorder caused by alpha-galactosidase A deficiency and globotriosylceramide (Gb3) accumulation, include both peripheral and central nervous system symptoms. Here we evaluated a prospectively recruited cohort of patients with Fabry's disease for pain, small nerve fiber function, and skin innervation. Methods: 66 patients (31 male and 35 female) were enrolled\&\#65292;31 patients were on ERT. All patients underwent quantitative sensory testing (QST), electrophysiological examination, and extra- and transcranial Doppler sonography. For pain and mood assessment standardized questionnaires were used. Skin biopsies were performed at the left distal leg in 38 patients for intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) assessment. Results: Age at examination did not differ significantly between women (40.2+/-16.2 years) and men (38.9+/-13.8; n.s.). 29/31 male and 19/35 female patients complained of acroparesthesias or neuropathic pain. QST abnormalities indicative of small fiber impairment were found in 26/31 male and 28/35 female patients. Electrophysiological examination of large fibers and autonomic fibers revealed pathological findings in 11/31 male and 3/35 female patients. All patients had normal Doppler sonography results. Indicators for depression were present in 14/31 male and 10/35 female patients. 20/31 male and 18/35 female patients had a skin biopsy, the IENFD was significantly reduced in male (2.0+/-2.8 fibers/mm) compared with female patients (6.7 +/- 4.4 fibers/mm). In 10 patients free from neurological symptoms, QST and IENFD abnormalities were still detected. Follow up examination after one year in 12 patients under ERT (2.1+/-1.7 years) showed improvement in some symptoms and in QST and neurophysiology in six patients with normal renal function. 20/35 female patients older than 40 y had concomitant diseases, while none of the 18 younger female patients did. The corresponding radio in male patients was 5/19 (>=40y) and 2/13 (<40y) respectively. Conclusions: Neuropathic pain and sensory deficits of the distal extremities are common in patients with Fabry's disease. QST and IENFD analysis are important for early diagnosis of nerve involvement in Fabry's disease. Small fiber function may improve under ERT in patients without severe renal impairment.},
  subject      = {Fabry's disease},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{YuHwa2009,
  author    = {Yu-Hwa, Huang},
  title     = {The Role of HLA-G-expressing Regulatory T cells in Multiple Sclerosis: A Perspective of Beneficial Inflammation in the Central Nervous System Inflammation},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39957},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2009},
  abstract  = {Die Regulation von Effektor-T-Zellen ist ein wichtiger Mechanismus zur Kontrolle organspezifischer Entz{\"u}ndungen. Dabei sind regulatorische T-Zellen (Treg) maßgeblich an der Aufrechterhaltung peripherer Immuntoleranz und parenchymaler Immunhom{\"o}ostase beteiligt. Eine neue Population von humanen, nat{\"u}rlich vorkommenden Treg Zellen wurde durch ihre konstitutive Expression des immuntolerogenen Molek{\"u}ls HLA-G identifiziert. Im ersten Teil dieser Arbeit wurden die Mechanismen, durch die CD4+ HLA-Gpos Treg Zellen ihre Zielzellen (autologe HLA-Gneg T-Zellen) modulieren, aufgekl{\"a}rt. Unter Verwendung eines Suppressionsansatzes in Abwesenheit von antigenpr{\"a}sentierenden Zellen (APC) wurden T-T-Zell-Interaktionen, die die Proliferation von HLA-Gneg T-Zellen hemmen, demonstriert. Diese Suppression, die durch die Stimulierung des T-Zell-Rezeptors auf HLA-Gpos Treg Zellen verst{\"a}rkt wurde, war unabh{\"a}ngig vom Zell-Zell-Kontakt. Die HLA-Gneg T-Zellen erlangten nach Entfernung der HLA-Gpos Treg Zellen und einer erneuten Stimulierung ihrer T-Zell- Rezeptoren ihre F{\"a}higkeit zur Proliferation wieder. Dies wies auf die Umkehrbarkeit dieser Suppression hin. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus war die HLA-Gpos Treg-vermittelte Suppression entscheidend von der IL-10- Sekretion, nicht jedoch von TGF-\&\#946; abh{\"a}ngig. Zusammengefasst beschreibt dieser Teil der Arbeit eine detaillierte Charakterisierung der Mechanismen, wie HLA-Gpos Treg HLA-Gneg TZellen supprimieren. Das tiefere Verst{\"a}ndnis der Wirkmechanismen von HLA-Gpos Treg k{\"o}nnte in therapeutischen Strategien verwendet werden, in denen die regulatorische Funktion der T-Zell-Suppression verst{\"a}rkt oder moduliert werden soll. Im zweiten Teil dieser Arbeit wurde die potenzielle Rolle von HLA-Gpos Treg bei der Multiplen Sklerose (MS) untersucht, einer klassischen Autoimmunerkrankung des Zentralnervensystems (ZNS). Im Gegensatz zu Vergleichspatienten mit nicht-entz{\"u}ndlichen Erkrankungen konnte im Liquor von MS Patienten eine erh{\"o}hte Anzahl von HLA-Gpos Treg gefunden werden. Diese aus dem Liquor isolierten HLA-Gpos Treg wiesen ph{\"a}notypische Merkmale von zentralen Ged{\"a}chtnis-T-Zellen (CD45RA- CD27+) auf, exprimierten den Aktivierungsmarker ICOS sowie deutlich h{\"o}here Level des Chemokinrezeptors (CCR) CCR5 und agierten als starke Suppressoren der autologen CD4+ T-Zellproliferation. Durch Verwendung eines in vitro Modells der humanen Bluthirnschranke konnte demonstriert werden, dass HLA-Gpos Treg eine starke Neigung zur Migration haben, die durch die CCR5- Liganden MIP1\&\#945; und RANTES, nicht jedoch durch MIP3\&\#946; (Ligand von CCR7) unterst{\"u}tzt wird. Diese Chemokin-induzierte Migration von HLA-Gpos Treg war auch mit einer Steigerung der suppressiven Kapazit{\"a}t nach Zelltransmigration assoziiert. Im Gegensatz zu CD4+CD25+, FoxP3-exprimierenden Treg zeigten HLA-Gpos Treg von MS-Patienten keine beeintr{\"a}chtigte Funktionalit{\"a}t. Dies deutet auf eine selektive Rekrutierung von HLA-Gpos Treg zu Entz{\"u}ndungsherden im ZNS und ihre Beteiligung an der Bek{\"a}mpfung der destruktiven Entz{\"u}ndung hin. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studien tragen zum weitergehenden Verst{\"a}ndnis der Rolle und Funktion HLA-Gpos Treg Zellen bei und stellen somit ein wichtiges pathophysiologisches Beispiel „gutartiger" T-Zell-Entz{\"u}ndung w{\"a}hrend der ZNS Autoimmunit{\"a}t dar, das sowohl aus pathophysiologischer als auch therapeutischer Sicht interessant ist.},
  subject      = {Regulatorische T-Zellen},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GiordanoCanesiIsalbertietal.2014,
  author    = {Giordano, Rosaria and Canesi, Margherita and Isalberti, Maurizio and Isaias, Ioannis Ugo and Montemurro, Tiziana and Vigan{\`o}, Mariele and Montelatici, Elisa and Boldrin, Valentina and Benti, Riccardo and Cortelezzi, Agostino and Fracchiolla, Nicola and Lazzari, Lorenza and Pezzoli, Gianni},
  title     = {Autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy for progressive supranuclear palsy: translation into a phase I controlled, randomized clinical study},
  series = {Journal of Translational Medicine},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {Journal of Translational Medicine},
  number    = {14},
  doi       = {10.1186/1479-5876-12-14},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-117594},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a sporadic and progressive neurodegenerative disease which belongs to the family of tauopathies and involves both cortical and subcortical structures. No effective therapy is to date available. Methods/design: Autologous bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from patients affected by different type of parkinsonisms have shown their ability to improve the dopaminergic function in preclinical and clinical models. It is also possible to isolate and expand MSC from the BM of PSP patients with the same proliferation rate and immuphenotypic profile as MSC from healthy donors. BM MSC can be efficiently delivered to the affected brain regions of PSP patients where they can exert their beneficial effects through different mechanisms including the secretion of neurotrophic factors. Here we propose a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase I clinical trial in patients affected by PSP with MSC delivered via intra-arterial injection. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial to be applied in a no-option parkinsonism that aims to test the safety and to exploit the properties of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in reducing disease progression. The study has been designed to test the safety of this " first-in-man" approach and to preliminarily explore its efficacy by excluding the placebo effect. Trial registration: NCT01824121},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{NorrmenFigliaLebrunJulienetal.2014,
  author    = {Norrmen, Camilla and Figlia, Gianluca and Lebrun-Julien, Frederic and Pereira, Jorge A. and Tr{\"o}tzm{\"u}ller, Martin and K{\"o}feler, Harald C. and Rantanen, Ville and Wessig, Carsten and van Deijk, Anne-Lieke F. and Smit, August B. and Verheijen, Mark H. G. and R{\"u}egg, Markus A. and Hall, Michael N. and Suter, Ueli},
  title     = {mTORC1 Controls PNS Myelination along the mTORC1-RXR gamma-SREBP-Lipid Biosynthesis Axis in Schwann Cells},
  series = {Cell Reports},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {Cell Reports},
  number    = {2},
  issn      = {2211-1247},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.celrep.2014.09.001},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-114847},
  pages     = {646-660},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Myelin formation during peripheral nervous system (PNS) development, and reformation after injury and in disease, requires multiple intrinsic and extrinsic signals. Akt/mTOR signaling has emerged as a major player involved, but the molecular mechanisms and downstream effectors are virtually unknown. Here, we have used Schwann-cell-specific conditional gene ablation of raptor and rictor, which encode essential components of the mTOR complexes 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2), respectively, to demonstrate that mTORC1 controls PNS myelination during development. In this process, mTORC1 regulates lipid biosynthesis via sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). This course of action is mediated by the nuclear receptor RXRg, which transcriptionally regulates SREBP1c downstream of mTORC1. Absence of mTORC1 causes delayed myelination initiation as well as hypomyelination, together with abnormal lipid composition and decreased nerve conduction velocity. Thus, we have identified the mTORC1-RXR gamma-SREBP axis controlling lipid biosynthesis as a major contributor to proper peripheral nerve function.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{CruccuPennisiAntoninietal.2014,
  author    = {Cruccu, Giorgio and Pennisi, Elena M. and Antonini, Giovanni and Biasiotta, Antonella and Di Stefano, Giulia and La Cesa, Silvia and Leone, Caterina and Raffa, Salvatore and Sommer, Claudia and Truini, Andrea},
  title     = {Trigeminal isolated sensory neuropathy (TISN) and FOSMN syndrome: despite a dissimilar disease course do they share common pathophysiological mechanisms?},
  series = {BMC Neurology},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {BMC Neurology},
  issn      = {1471-2377},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12883-014-0248-2},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-114249},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background: Patients presenting with bilateral trigeminal hypoesthesia may go on to have trigeminal isolated sensory neuropathy, a benign, purely trigeminal neuropathy, or facial-onset sensory motor neuronopathy (FOSMN), a malignant life-threatening condition. No diagnostic criteria can yet differentiate the two conditions at their onset. Nor is it clear whether the two diseases are distinct entities or share common pathophysiological mechanisms. Methods: Seeking pathophysiological and diagnostic information to distinguish these two conditions at their onset, in this neurophysiological and morphometric study we neurophysiologically assessed function in myelinated and unmyelinated fibres and histologically examined supraorbital nerve biopsy specimens with optic and electron microscopy in 13 consecutive patients with recent onset trigeminal hypoesthesia and pain. Results: The disease course distinctly differed in the 13 patients. During a mean 10 year follow-up whereas in eight patients the disease remained relatively stable, in the other five it progressed to possibly life-threatening motor disturbances and extra-trigeminal spread. From two to six years elapsed between the first sensory symptoms and the onset of motor disorders. In patients with trigeminal isolated sensory neuropathy (TISN) and in those with FOSMN neurophysiological and histological examination documented a neuronopathy manifesting with trigeminal nerve damage selectively affecting myelinated fibres, but sparing the Ia-fibre-mediated proprioceptive reflex. Conclusions: Although no clinical diagnostic criteria can distinguish the two conditions at onset, neurophysiological and nerve-biopsy findings specify that in both disorders trigeminal nerve damage manifests as a dissociated neuronopathy affecting myelinated and sparing unmyelinated fibres, thus suggesting similar pathophysiological mechanisms.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BischoffRingstedPetersenetal.2014,
  author    = {Bischoff, Joakim M. and Ringsted, Thomas K. and Petersen, Marian and Sommer, Claudia and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Werner, Mads U.},
  title     = {A Capsaicin (8\%) Patch in the Treatment of Severe Persistent Inguinal Postherniorrhaphy Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial},
  series = {PLOS ONE},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {PLOS ONE},
  number    = {10},
  issn      = {1932-6203},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0109144},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-115198},
  pages     = {e109144},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background: Persistent pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy is a disabling condition with a lack of evidence-based pharmacological treatment options. This randomized placebo-controlled trial investigated the efficacy of a capsaicin 8\% cutaneous patch in the treatment of severe persistent inguinal postherniorrhaphy pain. Methods: Forty-six patients with persistent inguinal postherniorrhaphy pain were randomized to receive either a capsaicin 8\% patch or a placebo patch. Pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS 0-10]) was evaluated under standardized conditions (at rest, during movement, and during pressure) at baseline and at 1, 2 and 3 months after patch application. Skin punch biopsies for intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) measurements were taken at baseline and 1 month after patch application. Quantitative sensory testing was performed at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months after patch application. The primary outcome was comparisons of summed pain intensity differences (SPIDs) between capsaicin and placebo treatments at 1, 2 and 3 months after patch application (significance level P<0.01). Results: The maximum difference in SPID, between capsaicin and placebo treatments, was observed at 1 month after patch application, but the pain reduction was not significant (NRS, mean difference [95\% CI]: 5.0 [0.09 to 9.9]; P=0.046). No differences in SPID between treatments were observed at 2 and 3 months after patch application. Changes in IENFD on the pain side, from baseline to 1 month after patch application, did not differ between capsaicin and placebo treatment: 1.9 [-0.1 to 3.9] and 0.6 [-1.2 to 2.5] fibers/mm, respectively (P=0.32). No significant changes in sensory function, sleep quality or psychological factors were associated with capsaicin patch treatment. Conclusions: The study did not demonstrate significant differences in pain relief between capsaicin and placebo treatment, although a trend toward pain improvement in capsaicin treated patients was observed 1 month after patch application.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{MeyerzuHoersteCordesMausbergetal.2014,
  author    = {Meyer zu H{\"o}rste, Gerd and Cordes, Steffen and Mausberg, Anne K. and Zozulya, Alla L. and Wessig, Carsten and Sparwasser, Tim and Mathys, Christian and Wiendl, Heinz and Hartung, Hans-Peter and Kieseier, Bernd C.},
  title     = {FoxP3+Regulatory T Cells Determine Disease Severity in Rodent Models of Inflammatory Neuropathies},
  series = {PLOS ONE},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {PLOS ONE},
  number    = {10},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0108756},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-115239},
  pages     = {e108756},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Inflammatory neuropathies represent disabling human autoimmune disorders with considerable disease variability. Animal models provide insights into defined aspects of their disease pathogenesis. Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) are anti-inflammatory cells that maintain immune tolerance and counteract tissue damage in a variety of immune-mediated disorders. Dysfunction or a reduced frequency of Tregs have been associated with different human autoimmune disorders. We here analyzed the functional relevance of Tregs in determining disease manifestation and severity in murine models of autoimmune neuropathies. We took advantage of the DEREG mouse system allowing depletion of Treg with high specificity as well as anti-CD25 directed antibodies to deplete Tregs in mice in actively induced experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN). Furthermore antibody-depletion was performed in an adoptive transfer model of chronic neuritis. Early Treg depletion increased clinical EAN severity both in active and adoptive transfer chronic neuritis. This was accompanied by increased proliferation of myelin specific T cells and histological signs of peripheral nerve inflammation. Late stage Treg depletion after initial disease manifestation however did not exacerbate inflammatory neuropathy symptoms further. We conclude that Tregs determine disease severity in experimental autoimmune neuropathies during the initial priming phase, but have no major disease modifying function after disease manifestation. Potential future therapeutic approaches targeting Tregs should thus be performed early in inflammatory neuropathies.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{UeceylerValetKafkeetal.2014,
  author    = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Valet, Michael and Kafke, Waldemar and T{\"o}lle, Thomas R. and Sommer, Claudia},
  title     = {Local and Systemic Cytokine Expression in Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0105269},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-113041},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the painful complication of a varicella zoster virus reactivation. We investigated the systemic and local gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in patients with PHN. Methods Thirteen patients with PHN at the torso (Th4-S1) were recruited. Skin punch biopsies were obtained from the painful and the contralateral painless body area for intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and cytokine profiling. Additionally, blood was withdrawn for systemic cytokine expression and compared to blood values of healthy controls. We analyzed the gene expression of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF] and interleukins [IL]-1β, IL-2, and IL-8). Results IENFD was lower in affected skin compared to unaffected skin (p<0.05), while local gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines did not differ except for two patients who had 7fold higher IL-6 and 10fold higher IL-10 gene expression in the affected skin compared to the contralateral unaffected skin sample. Also, the systemic expression of cytokines in patients with PHN and in healthy controls was similar. Conclusion While the systemic and local expression of the investigated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was not different from controls, this may have been influenced by study limitations like the low number of patients and different disease durations. Furthermore, other cytokines or pain mediators need to be considered.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KleinschnitzMenclGarzetal.2013,
  author    = {Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Mencl, Stine and Garz, Cornelia and Niklass, Solveig and Braun, Holger and G{\"o}b, Eva and Homola, Gy{\"o}rgy and Heinze, Hans-Jochen and Reymann, Klaus G. and Schreiber, Stefanie},
  title     = {Early microvascular dysfunction in cerebral small vessel disease is not detectable on 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging: a longitudinal study in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats},
  series = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine},
  journal   = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine},
  doi       = {10.1186/2040-7378-5-8},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-97056},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Background Human cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) has distinct histopathologic and imaging findings in its advanced stages. In spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats (SHRSP), a well-established animal model of CSVD, we recently demonstrated that cerebral microangiopathy is initiated by early microvascular dysfunction leading to the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and an activated coagulatory state resulting in capillary and arteriolar erythrocyte accumulations (stases). In the present study, we investigated whether initial microvascular dysfunction and other stages of the pathologic CSVD cascade can be detected by serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Findings Fourteen SHRSP and three control (Wistar) rats (aged 26-44 weeks) were investigated biweekly by 3.0 Tesla (3 T) MRI. After perfusion, brains were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and histology was correlated with MRI data. Three SHRSP developed terminal CSVD stages including cortical, hippocampal, and striatal infarcts and macrohemorrhages, which could be detected consistently by MRI. Corresponding histology showed small vessel thromboses and increased numbers of small perivascular bleeds in the infarcted areas. However, 3 T MRI failed to visualize intravascular erythrocyte accumulations, even in those brain regions with the highest densities of affected vessels and the largest vessels affected by stases, as well as failing to detect small perivascular bleeds. Conclusion Serial MRI at a field strength of 3 T failed to detect the initial microvascular dysfunction and subsequent small perivascular bleeds in SHRSP; only terminal stages of cerebral microangiopathy were reliably detected. Further investigations at higher magnetic field strengths (7 T) using blood- and flow-sensitive sequences are currently underway.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{UeceylerKahnKrameretal.2013,
  author    = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Kahn, Ann-Kathrin and Kramer, Daniela and Zeller, Daniel and Casanova-Molla, Jordi and Wanner, Christoph and Weidemann, Frank and Katsarava, Zaza and Sommer, Claudia},
  title     = {Impaired small fiber conduction in patients with Fabry disease: a neurophysiological case-control study},
  series = {BMC Neurology},
  journal   = {BMC Neurology},
  doi       = {10.1186/1471-2377-13-47},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-96527},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Background Fabry disease is an inborn lysosomal storage disorder which is associated with small fiber neuropathy. We set out to investigate small fiber conduction in Fabry patients using pain-related evoked potentials (PREP). Methods In this case-control study we prospectively studied 76 consecutive Fabry patients for electrical small fiber conduction in correlation with small fiber function and morphology. Data were compared with healthy controls using non-parametric statistical tests. All patients underwent neurological examination and were investigated with pain and depression questionnaires. Small fiber function (quantitative sensory testing, QST), morphology (skin punch biopsy), and electrical conduction (PREP) were assessed and correlated. Patients were stratified for gender and disease severity as reflected by renal function. Results All Fabry patients (31 men, 45 women) had small fiber neuropathy. Men with Fabry disease showed impaired cold (p < 0.01) and warm perception (p < 0.05), while women did not differ from controls. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) was reduced at the lower leg (p < 0.001) and the back (p < 0.05) mainly of men with impaired renal function. When investigating A-delta fiber conduction with PREP, men but not women with Fabry disease had lower amplitudes upon stimulation at face (p < 0.01), hands (p < 0.05), and feet (p < 0.01) compared to controls. PREP amplitudes further decreased with advance in disease severity. PREP amplitudes and warm (p < 0.05) and cold detection thresholds (p < 0.01) at the feet correlated positively in male patients. Conclusion Small fiber conduction is impaired in men with Fabry disease and worsens with advanced disease severity. PREP are well-suited to measure A-delta fiber conduction.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KleinschnitzGoebelMeuthetal.2014,
  author    = {Kleinschnitz, Christoph and G{\"o}bel, Kerstin and Meuth, Sven G. and Kraft, Peter},
  title     = {Glatiramer acetate does not protect from acute ischemic stroke in mice},
  doi       = {10.1186/2040-7378-6-4},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-110528},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background The role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke is increasingly recognized. However, targeted treatment strategies to modulate immunological pathways in stroke are still lacking. Glatiramer acetate is a multifaceted immunomodulator approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Experimental studies suggest that glatiramer acetate might also work in other neuroinflammatory or neurodegenerative diseases apart from multiple sclerosis. Findings We evaluated the efficacy of glatiramer acetate in a mouse model of brain ischemia/reperfusion injury. 60 min of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in male C57Bl/6 mice. Pretreatment with glatiramer acetate (3.5 mg/kg bodyweight) 30 min before the induction of stroke did not reduce lesion volumes or improve functional outcome on day 1. Conclusions Glatiramer acetate failed to protect from acute ischemic stroke in our hands. Further studies are needed to assess the true therapeutic potential of glatiramer acetate and related immunomodulators in brain ischemia.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GrohStadlerButtmannetal.2014,
  author    = {Groh, Janos and Stadler, David and Buttmann, Mathias and Martini, Rudolf},
  title     = {Non-invasive assessment of retinal alterations in mouse models of infantile and juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis by spectral domain optical coherence tomography},
  doi       = {10.1186/2051-5960-2-54},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-110566},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Introduction The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses constitute a group of fatal inherited lysosomal storage diseases that manifest in profound neurodegeneration in the CNS. Visual impairment usually is an early symptom and selective degeneration of retinal neurons has been described in patients suffering from distinct disease subtypes. We have previously demonstrated that palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 deficient (Ppt1-/-) mice, a model of the infantile disease subtype, exhibit progressive axonal degeneration in the optic nerve and loss of retinal ganglion cells, faithfully reflecting disease severity in the CNS. Here we performed spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in Ppt1-/- and ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal 3 deficient (Cln3-/-) mice, which are models of infantile and juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, respectively, in order to establish a non-invasive method to assess retinal alterations and monitor disease severity in vivo. Results Blue laser autofluorescence imaging revealed increased accumulation of autofluorescent storage material in the inner retinae of 7-month-old Ppt1-/- and of 16-month-old Cln3-/- mice in comparison with age-matched control littermates. Additionally, optical coherence tomography demonstrated reduced thickness of retinae in knockout mice in comparison with age-matched control littermates. High resolution scans and manual measurements allowed for separation of different retinal composite layers and revealed a thinning of layers in the inner retinae of both mouse models at distinct ages. OCT measurements correlated well with subsequent histological analysis of the same retinae. Conclusions These results demonstrate the feasibility of OCT to assess neurodegenerative disease severity in mouse models of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and might have important implications for diagnostic evaluation of disease progression and therapeutic efficacy in patients. Moreover, the non-invasive method allows for longitudinal studies in experimental models, reducing the number of animals used for research.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{UeceylerKewenigKafkeetal.2014,
  author    = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Kewenig, Susanne and Kafke, Waldemar and Kittel-Schneider, Sarah and Sommer, Claudia},
  title     = {Skin cytokine expression in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome is not different from controls},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12883-014-0185-0},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-110624},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown etiology. There is increasing evidence for small nerve fiber impairment in a subgroup of patients with FMS. We investigated whether skin cytokine and delta opioid receptor (DOR) gene expression in FMS patients differs from controls as one potential contributor to small nerve fiber sensitization. Methods We investigated skin punch biopsies of 25 FMS patients, ten patients with monopolar depression but no pain, and 35 healthy controls. Biopsies were obtained from the lateral upper thigh and lower calf. Gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 and of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR and normalizing data to 18sRNA as housekeeping gene. Additionally, we assessed DOR gene expression. Results All cytokines and DOR were detectable in skin samples of FMS patients, patients with depression, and healthy controls without intergroup difference. Also, gene expression was not different in skin of the upper and lower leg within and between the groups and in FMS patient subgroups. Conclusions Skin cytokine and DOR gene expression does not differ between patients with FMS and controls. Our results do not support a role of the investigated cytokines in sensitization of peripheral nerve fibers as a potential mechanism of small fiber pathology in FMS.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Herrmann2014,
  author    = {Herrmann, Alexander Michael},
  title     = {CD8+ Lymphozyten mediierter Angriff auf Neuronen des ZNS: Relevanz von Granzym B und Perforin f{\"u}r akute elektrophysiologische Ver{\"a}nderungen},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-109124},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Zytotoxische CD8+ T-Lymphozyten spielen in vielen inflammatorischen, aber auch prim{\"a}r neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen eine wichtige Rolle. Daher besitzt die Fragestellung inwiefern CD8+ ZTL Neurone direkt sch{\"a}digen und ggf. welche mechanistischen Aspekte dieser Sch{\"a}digung zugrunde liegen, eine hohe Relevanz. Um diese Fragestellung eingehender zu beleuchten, wurde mit dem OT-I-System gearbeitet. Dieses gut vorcharakterisierte CD8+ T-Zell-Modell besitzt den Vorteil, dass diese transgenen Zellen nur eine Peptidsequenz des Ovalbumin (OVA) Protein als spezifisches Antigen erkennen. Zun{\"a}chst wurden in der vorliegenden Arbeit Co-Kultivierungs-Experimente durchgef{\"u}hrt. Hierzu wurden akut isolierte murine Hippokampus-Neurone unter verschiedenen Bedingungen mit OT-I Lymphozyten co-kultiviert. Hierbei konnte gezeigt werden, dass unter Antigenpr{\"a}sentation der Neurone signifikant mehr Neurone in die Apoptose/Nekrose gef{\"u}hrt werden, als unter Kontroll-Bedingungen, in denen entweder kein Antigen oder ein Antigen, das nicht von OT-I Lymphozyten erkannt wird, pr{\"a}sentiert wird. Nachdem die Antigen-abh{\"a}ngigen zytotoxischen Effekte auf Neurone gezeigt werden konnten, wurde mithilfe elektrophysiologischer Techniken die mechanistischen und funktionellen Konsequenzen des direkten neuronalen/OT-I-vermittelten Zellkontakts untersucht. Bei diesem experimentellen Ansatz wurde durch elektrisches Auslenken eines Neurons nach Kontakt mit einem OT-I Lymphozyt die passiven elektrischen Parameter der Neuronenmembran gemessen. In diesen Messungen konnte gezeigt werden, dass nach unmittelbarem Kontakt eines Neurons mit einem OT-I Lymphozyt der neuronale Membranwiderstand reduziert wird bzw. die Leitf{\"a}higkeit der Zellmembran erh{\"o}ht wird. Diese {\"A}nderung der neuronalen Membran-Leitf{\"a}higkeit findet in einem Zeitraum von 10 min nach dem Zell-Zell-Kontakt statt. Auch hier konnte gezeigt werden, dass dieser Einfluss von OT-I Lymphozyten auf Neurone strikt Antigen-abh{\"a}ngig ist. Zur Untersuchung des Mechanismus der OT-I T-Lymphozyten auf Neurone wurde das Augenmerk auf verschiedene T-Zell-induzierte Apoptosewegegelegt. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass durch Blockieren der Fas/FasL-Interaktion mittels eines Antik{\"o}rpers kein Unterschied, weder in der neuronalen Apoptoserate nach Co-Kultivierung, noch eine {\"A}nderung der passiven neuronalen Membran-Leitf{\"a}higkeit auftritt. Weiterhin wurde die Rolle der von T-Zellen sezernierten Granula Perforin und Granzym B untersucht. Um den Einfluss dieser Granula aufzukl{\"a}ren, wurden OT-I Lymphozyten verwendet, die entweder defizient f{\"u}r Perforin oder Granzym B waren. In diesem experimentellen Ansatz wurde gezeigt, dass ausschließlich Perforin f{\"u}r die Erniedrigung des passiven neuronalen Membran-Widerstandes verantwortlich ist. Diese Erh{\"o}hung der neuronalen Membranleitf{\"a}higkeit f{\"u}hrte aber nicht direkt zum neuronalen Zelltod. Vielmehr wurde durch die einhergehende Depolarisation des Neurons die elektrische Aktivit{\"a}t der Zelle vermindert, sodass es zu einem sogenannten „electrical silencing" kommt. Dieser Umstand konnte auch in der Betrachtung der spontanen Netzwerkaktivit{\"a}t von Neuronenkulturen gezeigt werden. Hierf{\"u}r wurden hoch dichte Neuronenkulturen auf MEA-Chips kultiviert. Mit Hilfe dieser MEA konnten die Summenfeldpotentiale der Neuronenkulturen detektiert werden. Hierbei wurde beobachtet, dass nach Beladung der Neuronen mit dem spezifischen OT-I-Antigen und OT-I Zellen eine Verringerung der spontanen Netzwerkaktivit{\"a}t einhergeht. Auch in diesem Effekt konnte eine Antigen-Spezifit{\"a}t nachgewiesen werden. Da der Prozess der zellul{\"a}ren Apoptose mit einem Anstieg der intrazellul{\"a}ren Ca2+-Konzentration einhergeht, und Perforin als Ca2+-durchl{\"a}ssiger unselektiver Porenbildner fungiert, wurden zur {\"U}berpr{\"u}fung der Hypothese calcium imaging-Experimente durchgef{\"u}hrt. Analog zu den elektrophysiologischen Messungen wurde gezeigt, dass nach direktem Zell-Zell-Kontakt zwischen Neuron und OT-I Lymphozyt eine Erh{\"o}hung der intrazellul{\"a}ren Ca2+-Konzentration zu messen ist. Dass diese {\"A}nderung des neuronalen Ca2+-Einstroms durch Perforin-abh{\"a}ngige Membranporen hervorgerufen wird, konnte durch die Verwendung von Perforin-defizienten OT-I Lymphozyten bewiesen werden. Unter Verwendung von Perforin-defizienten OT-I Lymphozyten wurde keine {\"A}nderung der neuronalen Ca2+-Konzentration ermittelt. Weiterhin wurde in diesem experimentellen Ansatz gezeigt, dass auch der OT-I-vermittelte neuronale Ca2+-Anstieg strikt Antigen-abh{\"a}ngig ist.Zusammengefasst konnte in dieser Arbeit gezeigt werden, dass MHC-I/Antigen-vermittelte CD8+ Lymphozyten-Interaktion mit einem Neuron zu „electrical silencing" des Neurons f{\"u}hrt. Dieser Prozess ist klar Perforin-abh{\"a}ngig, f{\"u}hrt jedoch nicht zum unmittelbaren Zelltod des Neurons.},
  subject      = {Antigen CD8},
  language  = {de}
}
@phdthesis{Klaus2021,
  author    = {Klaus, Laura-Christin},
  title     = {Generierung und Charakterisierung eines neuen Mausmodells des Morbus Parkinson durch AAV1/2 vermittelte {\"U}berexpression von humanem mutiertem A53T-α-Synuclein in der Substantia nigra},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-23921},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-239217},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Auch wenn die {\"A}tiopathogenese von Morbus Parkinson bis heute nicht vollst{\"a}ndig gekl{\"a}rt ist, scheint α-Synuclein (α-Syn) eine zentrale Rolle zu spielen. Die Entdeckung als genetische Ursache der Erkrankung, als Hauptbestandteil der Lewy-K{\"o}rper (LK) und seine Assoziation mit verschiedenen anderen potenziellen {\"a}tiologischen Faktoren verdeutlichen dies. Bei Ratten und Affen f{\"u}hrte eine AAV1/2-vermittelte {\"U}berexpression von A53T-α-Syn zu einer Degeneration dopaminerger Neurone in der Substantia nigra (SN), einem striatalen dopaminergen Defizit sowie Verhaltensauff{\"a}lligkeiten. In Anbetracht bestimmter Vorteile der Mausspezies, war es das Ziel dieser Dissertation - die im Rahmen eines kollaborativen Projektes mit dem Toronto Western Research Institut in Ontario, Kanada entstanden ist - dieses auf AAV1/2-A53T-α-Syn basierende Parkinson-Modell auf M{\"a}use zu {\"u}bertragen. Dazu wurde AAV1/2-A53T-α-Syn oder leerer AAV1/2-Vektor in einer Dosis von 1,5 µl mit einer Konzentration von 5,16 x 10^12 gp/ml stereotaktisch einseitig in die rechte SN von C57BL/6-wt-M{\"a}usen injiziert. {\"U}ber einen Zeitraum von 11 Wochen wurden verschiedene Verhaltensexperimente durchgef{\"u}hrt und die beiden Versuchstiergruppen miteinander verglichen. Post-mortem erfolgten verschiedene immunhistochemische Untersuchungen. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass die einseitige Injektion von AAV1/2-A53T-α-Syn in die SN bei M{\"a}usen eine weit verbreitete {\"U}berexpression von A53T-α-Syn in dopaminergen Neuronen der SN induzierte, die innerhalb von 10 Wochen zu signifikanten fr{\"u}hen und persistierenden motorischen Verhaltensauff{\"a}lligkeiten, nigrostriataler Degeneration und Entwicklung einer Lewy-{\"a}hnlichen Pathologie f{\"u}hrte. Durch die Generierung und Charakterisierung dieses neuen Parkinson-Mausmodells, das klinische und histopathologische Merkmale der menschlichen Erkrankung widerspiegelt, besteht nun die M{\"o}glichkeit es weiterzuentwickeln und z.B. auf transgene M{\"a}use zu {\"u}bertragen, um u.a. molekulare Mechanismen der Parkinson-Krankheit zu entschl{\"u}sseln und pr{\"a}klinische Tests von krankheitsmodifizierenden Therapien durchzuf{\"u}hren.},
  subject      = {Parkinson-Krankheit},
  language  = {de}
}
@phdthesis{Yuan2023,
  author    = {Yuan, Xidi},
  title     = {Aging and inflammation in the peripheral nervous system},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-23737},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237378},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2023},
  abstract  = {Aging is known to be a risk factor for structural abnormalities and functional decline in the nervous system. Characterizing age-related changes is important to identify putative pathways to overcome deleterious effects and improve life quality for the elderly. In this study, the peripheral nervous system of 24-month-old aged C57BL/6 mice has been investigated and compared to 12-month-old adult mice. Aged mice showed pathological alterations in their peripheral nerves similar to nerve biopsies from elderly human individuals, with nerve fibers showing demyelination and axonal damage. Such changes were lacking in nerves of adult 12-month-old mice and adult, non-aged humans. Moreover, neuromuscular junctions of 24-month-old mice showed increased denervation compared to adult mice. These alterations were accompanied by elevated numbers of macrophages in the peripheral nerves of aged mice. The neuroinflammatory conditions were associated with impaired myelin integrity and with a decline of nerve conduction properties and muscle strength in aged mice. To determine the pathological impact of macrophages in the aging mice, macrophage depletion was performed in mice by oral administration of CSF-1R specific kinase (c-FMS) inhibitor PLX5622 (300 mg/kg body weight), which reduced the number of macrophages in the peripheral nerves by 70\%. The treated mice showed attenuated demyelination, less muscle denervation and preserved muscle strength. This indicates that macrophage-driven inflammation in the peripheral nerves is partially responsible for the age-related neuropathy in mice. Based on previous observations that systemic inflammation can accelerate disease progression in mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases, it was hypothesized that systemic inflammation can exacerbate the peripheral neuropathy found in aged mice. To investigate this hypothesis, aged C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 500 μg/kg body weight) to induce systemic inflammation by mimicking bacterial infection, mostly via activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Altered endoneurial macrophage activation, highlighted by Trem2 downregulation, was found in LPS injected aged mice one month after injection. This was accompanied by a so far rarely observed form of axonal perturbation, i.e., the occurrence of "dark axons" characterized by a damaged cytoskeleton and an increased overall electron density of the axoplasm. At the same time, however, LPS injection reduced demyelination and muscle denervation in aged mice. Interestingly, TREM2 deficiency in aged mice led to similar changes to LPS injection. This suggests that LPS injection likely mitigates aging-related demyelination and muscle denervation via Trem2 downregulation. Taken together, this study reveals the role of macrophage-driven inflammation as a pathogenic mediator in age-related peripheral neuropathy, and that targeting macrophages might be an option to mitigate peripheral neuropathies in aging individuals. Furthermore, this study shows that systemic inflammation may be an ambivalent modifier of age-related nerve damage, leading to a distinct type of axonal perturbation, but in addition to functionally counteracting, dampened demyelination and muscle denervation. Translationally, it is plausible to assume that tipping the balance of macrophage polarization to one direction or the other may determine the functional outcome in the aging peripheral nervous system of the elderly.},
  subject      = {Maus},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Waldmann2021,
  author    = {Waldmann, Amelie Friederike},
  title     = {K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl und Puppenhandillusion bei Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson im medikament{\"o}sen ON und OFF},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-23200},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232009},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {In der vorliegenden Studie untersuchten wir das K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl von Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson und altersgematchten gesunden Teilnehmern mithilfe der Puppenhandillusion. Bei diesem Paradigma wird dadurch, dass die verdeckte Hand der Testperson zeitgleich mit einer sichtbaren Puppenhand bestrichen wird, das Gef{\"u}hl hervorgerufen, die Kunsthand sei die eigene (gemessen mittels Fragebogen zur Illusion und propriozeptivem Drift). Eine zeitlich versetzte (asynchrone) Stimulation dient als Kontrollbedingung. Innerhalb der Parkinsonpatienten wurde dar{\"u}ber hinaus eine Untergruppe zus{\"a}tzlich im medikament{\"o}sen OFF-Zustand untersucht. Die Annahme, dass die Parkinsonerkrankung mit einer gest{\"o}rten K{\"o}rperselbstwahrnehmung einhergeht, spiegelt sich in den Ergebnissen wider: Bei den Patienten mit Parkinsonerkrankung trat unabh{\"a}ngig vom Stimulationsmodus ein h{\"o}herer propriozeptiver Drift als bei den Gesunden ein. Wurden die Patienten anschließend nach dem Erleben der Illusion befragt, fielen die Antworten allerdings nur w{\"a}hrend der asynchronen Durchf{\"u}hrung positiver als bei der Kontrollgruppe aus. Die Untersuchungen des Drifts und Fragebogens im ON- gegen{\"u}ber OFF-Zustand lieferten keinen Unterschied. Die vorliegende Studie liefert Hinweise darauf, dass die gemessenen Unterschiede bei Parkinsonpatienten gegen{\"u}ber Gesunden auf ein internes Rauschen eingehender sensorischer Signale beim Morbus Parkinson sowie auf die Beteiligung nicht-dopaminerger Systeme zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren sein k{\"o}nnten. Die zunehmende Aufmerksamkeit gegen{\"u}ber einer ver{\"a}nderten K{\"o}rperwahrnehmung bei Parkinsonpatienten und deren Grundlagen im Bereich der multisensorischen Integration k{\"o}nnte k{\"u}nftig neue M{\"o}glichkeiten in der ganzheitlichen Therapie liefern mit dem Ziel, die Lebensqualit{\"a}t der Patienten zu steigern.},
  subject      = {Parkinson-Krankheit},
  language  = {de}
}
@article{EgenolfAltenschildescheKressetal.2021,
  author    = {Egenolf, Nadine and Altenschildesche, Caren Meyer zu and Kreß, Luisa and Eggermann, Katja and Namer, Barbara and Gross, Franziska and Klitsch, Alexander and Malzacher, Tobias and Kampik, Daniel and Malik, Rayaz A. and Kurth, Ingo and Sommer, Claudia and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan},
  title     = {Diagnosing small fiber neuropathy in clinical practice: a deep phenotyping study},
  series = {Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders},
  issn      = {1756-2864},
  doi       = {10.1177/17562864211004318},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232019},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Background and aims: Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is increasingly suspected in patients with pain of uncertain origin, and making the diagnosis remains a challenge lacking a diagnostic gold standard. Methods: In this case-control study, we prospectively recruited 86 patients with a medical history and clinical phenotype suggestive of SFN. Patients underwent neurological examination, quantitative sensory testing (QST), and distal and proximal skin punch biopsy, and were tested for pain-associated gene loci. Fifty-five of these patients additionally underwent pain-related evoked potentials (PREP), corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), and a quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART). Results: Abnormal distal intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) (60/86, 70\%) and neurological examination (53/86, 62\%) most frequently reflected small fiber disease. Adding CCM and/or PREP further increased the number of patients with small fiber impairment to 47/55 (85\%). Genetic testing revealed potentially pathogenic gene variants in 14/86 (16\%) index patients. QST, QSART, and proximal IENFD were of lower impact. Conclusion: We propose to diagnose SFN primarily based on the results of neurological examination and distal IENFD, with more detailed phenotyping in specialized centers.},
  language  = {en}
}