Oligodendroglial fatty acid metabolism as a central nervous system energy reserve.

Brain function requires a constant supply of glucose. However, the brain has no known energy stores, except for glycogen granules in astrocytes. In the present study, we report that continuous oligodendroglial lipid metabolism provides an energy reserve in white matter tracts.

In vivo spectrally unmixed multi-photon imaging of longitudinal axon-glia changes in injured spinal white matter.

Understanding the sequence of cellular responses and their contributions to pathomorphogical changes in spinal white matter injuries is a prerequisite for developing efficient therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury (SCI) as well as neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases of the spinal cord such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. We have developed several types of surgical procedures suitable for acute one-time and chronic recurrent in vivo multiphoton microscopy of spinal white matter [1]. Sophisticated surgical procedures were combined with transgenic mouse technology to image spinal tissue labeled with up to four fluorescent proteins (FPs) in axons, astrocytes, microglia, and blood vessels.

Patient experiences of interprofessional collaboration and intersectoral communication in rare disease healthcare in Germany - a mixed-methods study.

Background: Rare diseases are often complex, chronic and many of them life-shortening. In Germany, healthcare for rare diseases is organized in expert centers for rare diseases. Most patients additionally have regional general practicioners and specialists for basic medical care.

Plastic Spinal Motor Circuits in Health and Disease.

In the past, the spinal cord was considered a hard-wired network responsible for spinal reflexes and a conduit for long-range connections. This view has changed dramatically over the past few decades. It is now recognized as a plastic structure that has the potential to adapt to changing environments.