P2X7R antagonism suppresses long-lasting brain hyperexcitability following traumatic brain injury in mice.

Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is one of the most common life-quality reducing consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, to date there are no pharmacological approaches to predict or to prevent the development of PTE. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a cationic ATP-dependent membrane channel that is expressed throughout the brain.

Functional expression of the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor in human iPSC-derived astrocytes.

Activation of the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), implicated in numerous diseases of the brain, can trigger diverse responses such as the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulation of neurotransmission, cell proliferation or cell death. However, despite the known species-specific differences in its pharmacological properties, to date, most functional studies on P2X7R responses have been analyzed in cells from rodents or immortalised cell lines. To assess the endogenous and functional expression of P2X7Rs in human astrocytes, we differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into GFAP and S100 β-expressing astrocytes.

[Interprofessional collaboration of general practitioners and nurses in primary care: A qualitative study].

Interprofessional collaboration of general practitioners and nurses in primary care: A qualitative study There is a need to strengthen interprofessional collaboration of general practitioners and home care nurses in the primary care of people with chronic diseases and long-term care needs. This study investigated a) how general practitioners and nurses in Germany perceive their collaboration in primary care and b) which development perspectives of collaboration exist from their point of view. Expert interviews were conducted with seven general practitioners and eight home care nurses.

[Oral health in nursing homes as an interprofessional task : Results of qualitative interviews with nurses and dentists on their current and future collaboration].

Background: People with long-term care needs have significantly poorer oral health than their peers without care needs. Internationally, this is increasingly being addressed through interprofessional collaboration and expanded roles of nurses. This article investigates the perspectives of dentists and nurses in Germany on the current status and future of their collaboration in nursing homes.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health status and care of adults with epilepsy in Germany.

Background: To mitigate the potential consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on public life, the German Federal Government and Ministry of Health enacted a strict lockdown protocol on March 16, 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health status and the supply of medical care and medications for people with epilepsy (PWE) in Germany.

Methods: The Epi2020 study was a large, multicenter study focused on different healthcare aspects of adults with epilepsy.