Hesperetin but not ellagic acid increases myosin heavy chain expression and cell fusion in C2C12 myoblasts in the presence of oxidative stress.

Introduction: Skeletal muscle regeneration is impaired in elderly. An oxidative stress-induced decrease in differentiation capacity of muscle satellite cells is a key factor in this process. The aim of this study is to investigate whether orange polyphenol hesperetin and pomegranate polyphenol ellagic acid enhance myoblast differentiation in the presence and absence of oxidative stress, and to explore underlying mechanisms.

Computationally designed Spike antigens induce neutralising responses against the breadth of SARS-COV-2 variants.

Updates of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are required to generate immunity in the population against constantly evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VOCs). Here we describe three novel in-silico designed spike-based antigens capable of inducing neutralising antibodies across a spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. Three sets of antigens utilising pre-Delta (T2_32), and post-Gamma sequence data (T2_35 and T2_36) were designed.

Duration of spreading depression is the electrophysiological correlate of infarct growth in malignant hemispheric stroke.

Spreading depolarizations (SD) contribute to lesion progression after experimental focal cerebral ischemia while such correlation has never been shown in stroke patients. In this prospective, diagnostic study, we investigate the association of SDs and secondary infarct progression after malignant hemispheric stroke. SDs were continuously monitored for 3-9 days with electrocorticography after decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant hemispheric stroke.

Reversible Restrain and Release of the Dynamic Valence Isomerization in a Shape-shifting Bullvalene by Complex Formation.

In search for structural features that enable the control of the valence isomerization of the fluxional bullvalene, a bullvalene-bis(harmane) conjugate is identified that acts as chelating ligand in complexes with metal ions. Spectrometric titrations show that this ligand forms 1 : 1 complexes with Ag, Cu, Cu, and Zn. Most importantly, detailed NMR-spectroscopic analysis at different temperatures reveals that the complexation with Ag strongly affects the dynamic isomerization of the bullvalene unit of the ligand such that only one predominant valence isomer is formed, even at 5 °C.

Spreading depolarization and angiographic spasm are separate mediators of delayed infarcts.

In DISCHARGE-1, a recent Phase III diagnostic trial in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patients, spreading depolarization variables were found to be an independent real-time biomarker of delayed cerebral ischaemia. We here investigated based on prospectively collected data from DISCHARGE-1 whether delayed infarcts in the anterior, middle, or posterior cerebral artery territories correlate with (i) extravascular blood volumes; (ii) predefined spreading depolarization variables, or proximal vasospasm assessed by either (iii) digital subtraction angiography or (iv) transcranial Doppler-sonography; and whether spreading depolarizations and/or vasospasm are mediators between extravascular blood and delayed infarcts. Relationships between variable groups were analysed using Spearman correlations in 136 patients.

Switching between DNA binding modes with a photo- and redox-active DNA-targeting ligand.

A disulfide-functionalized bis-benzo[]quinolizinium is presented that is transformed quantitatively into its cyclomers in a fast intramolecular [4 + 4] photocycloaddition. Both the bis-quinolizinium and the photocyclomers react with glutathione (GSH) or dithiothreitol (DTT) to give 9-(sulfanylmethyl)benzo[]quinolizinium as the only product. As all components of this reaction sequence have different DNA-binding properties, it enables the external control and switching of DNA association.

Course of Preexisting Migraine Following Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Background: Our objective was to observe the course of preexisting migraine following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in patients with and without craniotomy.

Methods: We designed an exploratory analysis and hypothesis-generating study of prospectively collected data starting by recruiting patients suffering from SAH with the Hunt and Hess scale score of ≤ 4. Out of 994 cases, we identified 46 patients with preexisting active migraine defined by at least four attacks in the year before SAH.

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage during the Shutdown for COVID-19.

The aim was to evaluate hospitalization rates for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) within an interdisciplinary multicenter neurovascular network (NVN) during the shutdown for the COVID-19 pandemic along with its modifiable risk factors. In this multicenter study, admission rates for SAH were compared for the period of the shutdown for the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany (calendar weeks (cw) 12 to 16, 2020), the periods before (cw 6-11) and after the shutdown (cw 17-21 and 22-26, 2020), as well as with the corresponding cw in the years 2015-2019. Data on all-cause and pre-hospital mortality within the area of the NVN were retrieved from the Department of Health, and the responsible emergency medical services.

Association of Intraventricular Fibrinolysis With Clinical Outcomes in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis.

Background: In patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage constitutes a promising therapeutic target. Intraventricular fibrinolysis (IVF) reduces mortality, yet impact on functional disability remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to determine the influence of IVF on functional outcomes.

Spreading depolarizations in ischaemia after subarachnoid haemorrhage, a diagnostic phase III study.

Focal brain damage after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage predominantly results from intracerebral haemorrhage, and early and delayed cerebral ischaemia. The prospective, observational, multicentre, cohort, diagnostic phase III trial, DISCHARGE-1, primarily investigated whether the peak total spreading depolarization-induced depression duration of a recording day during delayed neuromonitoring (delayed depression duration) indicates delayed ipsilateral infarction. Consecutive patients (n = 205) who required neurosurgery were enrolled in six university hospitals from September 2009 to April 2018.

Seronegative myasthenic crisis: a multicenter analysis.

Myasthenic crisis (MC) is a life-threatening condition for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Seronegative patients represent around 10-15% of MG, but data on outcome of seronegative MCs are lacking. We performed a subgroup analysis of patients who presented with MC with either acetylcholine-receptor-antibody-positive MG (AChR-MG) or seronegative MG between 2006 and 2015 in a retrospective German multicenter study.

Decline in the number of patients with meningitis in German hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background And Objectives: In 2020, a wide range of hygiene measures was implemented to mitigate infections caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In consequence, pulmonary infections due to other respiratory pathogens also decreased. Here, we evaluated the number of bacterial and viral meningitis and encephalitis cases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Dynamic mRNA polyplexes benefit from bioreducible cleavage sites for in vitro and in vivo transfer.

Currently, messenger RNA (mRNA)-based lipid nanoparticle formulations revolutionize the clinical field. Cationic polymer-based complexes (polyplexes) represent an alternative compound class for mRNA delivery. After establishing branched polyethylenimine with a succinylation degree of 10% (succPEI) as highly effective positive mRNA transfection standard, a diverse library of PEI-like peptides termed sequence-defined oligoaminoamides (OAAs) was screened for mRNA delivery.

MuSK-antibodies are associated with worse outcome in myasthenic crisis requiring mechanical ventilation.

Myasthenic crisis (MC) is a life-threatening condition for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Muscle-specific kinase-antibodies (MuSK-ABs) are detected in ~ 6% of MG, but data on outcome of MuSK-MCs are still lacking. We made a subgroup analysis of patients who presented with MC with either acetylcholine-receptor-antibody positive MG (AchR-MG) or MuSK-MG between 2006 and 2015 in a retrospective German multicenter study.

Early Tracheostomy Is Associated With Shorter Ventilation Time and Duration of ICU Stay in Patients With Myasthenic Crisis-A Multicenter Analysis.

Background: Myasthenic crisis (MC) requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) is a rare and serious complication of myasthenia gravis. Here we analyzed the frequency of performed tracheostomies, risk factors correlating with a tracheostomy, as well as the impact of an early tracheostomy on ventilation time and ICU length of stay (LOS) in MC.

Methods: Retrospective chart review on patients treated for MC in 12 German neurological departments between 2006 and 2015 to assess demographic/diagnostic data, rates and timing of tracheostomy and outcome.

Tachyarrhythmia discriminator for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in bundle branch block.

Background: Inaccurate arrhythmia classification by implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) contributes to inappropriate shocks and increased health care utilization.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a novel discriminator using far-field (FF) and near-field (NF) right ventricular lead electrograms (EGMs) to differentiate ventricular tachycardia (VT) from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in patients with underlying conducted narrow QRS, right bundle branch block (RBBB), and left bundle branch block (LBBB).

Methods: ICD interrogations were reviewed, identifying subjects with tachycardia events at least 5 beats in duration with stable morphology and cycle length.

Myasthenic crisis demanding mechanical ventilation: A multicenter analysis of 250 cases.

Objective: To determine demographic characteristics, clinical features, treatment regimens, and outcome of myasthenic crisis (MC) requiring mechanical ventilation (MV).

Methods: Analysis of patients who presented with MC between 2006 and 2015 in a German multicenter retrospective study.

Results: We identified 250 cases in 12 participating centers.

Association of Surgical Hematoma Evacuation vs Conservative Treatment With Functional Outcome in Patients With Cerebellar Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Importance: The association of surgical hematoma evacuation with clinical outcomes in patients with cerebellar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not been established.

Objective: To determine the association of surgical hematoma evacuation with clinical outcomes in cerebellar ICH.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of 4 observational ICH studies incorporating 6580 patients treated at 64 hospitals across the United States and Germany (2006-2015).

Successful Treatment of Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus with High-Intensity Electroconvulsive Therapy - A Case Report and Review of the Current Literature.

Status epilepticus (SE) is a severe neurological condition in which epileptic activity is prolonged or recurring, and the likelihood of spontaneous seizure cessation decreases over time. Evidence on the appropriate treatment regimen in therapy-refractory cases is still sparse. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is known as a last resort treatment for SE due its anticonvulsant properties mediated by an increase in seizure threshold during the course of a treatment series.

Synthesis of a crystallochromic indolizine dye by a base- and catalyst-free photochemical route.

Indolizine derivatives are obtained by irradiation of 2-benzoyl-N-benzylpyridinium derivatives and dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate, thus providing a competitive and complementary base- and catalyst-free synthesis. With this method, the first example of a crystallochromic indolizine is presented, whose color in the solid state depends on the out-of-plane torsion of the benzoyl substituent.