Myelination of axons in the neonatal brain is a highly complex process primarily achieved by oligodendroglial cells (OLs). OLs express receptors for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is released from cortical interneurons on a basal level, while glial cells can be a source of GABA, too. We investigated GABA-induced oligodendroglial maturation, proliferation, apoptosis, and myelin production after pharmacological inhibition of GABA A and GABA B in the neonatal rat brain. Daily injections of the reverse GABA A receptor agonist (DMCM) and the GABA B receptor antagonist (CGP35348) were performed from postnatal day 6 (P6) to P11. MBP expression was examined by Western blots and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we determined the number of CC1 + OLIG2 + and CNP + OLIG2 + cells to assess maturation, the number of PCNA + OLIG2 + oligodendrocytes to assess proliferation, the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (PDGFRα + OLIG2 + ), and apoptosis of OLs (CASP3A + OLIG2 + ) as well as apoptotic cells in total (CASP3A + DAPI + ) at P11 and P15. In addition, we analyzed the expression Pdgfrα and CNP. MBP expression was significantly reduced after CGP treatment at P15. In the same animal group, CNP expression and CNP + OLIG2 + cells decreased temporarily at P11. At P15, the proliferation of PCNA + OLIG2 + cells and the number of PDGFRα + OLIG2 + cells increased after GABA B receptor antagonization whereas no significant differences were visible in the Pdgfrα gene expression. No changes in apoptotic cell death were observed. CGP treatment induced a transient maturational delay at P11 and deficits in myelin expression at P15 with increased oligodendroglial proliferation. Our in vivo study indicates GABA B receptor activity as a potential modulator of oligodendroglial development.
By applying an explorative approach, we aimed to identify a wide set of challenges and opportunities for the compatibility of the work and life domains in emergency department (ED) physicians as well as their suggestions for practical approaches to improve work-life balance. Four focus groups with 14 physicians of differing hierarchical position and family status were carried out at two EDs of one major university hospital. Data analysis was based on qualitative content analysis. Discussed themes within main categories included ED work conditions, aspects of residency training, physician’s mentality and behaviors as well as context factors of university medicine. Working in an ED is associated with a comparatively high work-life-interference, mostly due to the unpredictable nature of ED work. Based on our context-specific findings, further research might address factors influencing work-life balance in ED physicians with a mixed-methods approach for identification of relevant associations and intervention approaches in this field.
Background During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, school-related leisure activities were either completely prohibited or only feasible to a limited extent. Especially group musical activities carry a high risk of transmission. Up until now, the question of whether they can be safely re-implemented, has hardly been systematically examined. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the feasibility of school music trips with a hygiene and testing concept in times of high SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates and the Omicron wave. Methods We accompanied a one-week school music trip (January 2022). 81 students and 14 teachers of three big bands, mainly from two schools in Berlin, took part. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) pool tests and a questionnaire before departure as well as a follow-up survey after return were performed. During the trip, a hygiene concept (including daily antigen tests) was applied. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 tests during the study period. The health status before and afterwards as well as the individually perceived fear and risk of a getting a SARS-CoV-2 infection were defined as secondary endpoints. An evaluation of the music trip experience was likewise done. Results 95 PCR pool tests and 95 survey responses were evaluated from outward journey. 79 follow-up questionnaires were sent in. One positive SARS-CoV-2 pool was detected, containing one positive participant who was excluded from the journey. One student turned positive in antigen-testing (day four), was isolated and sent home after PCR confirmation testing. In both cases, the Omicron variant was detected. After return, a reduction of physical symptoms was visible among students, especially regarding cold signs (p = 0.002, McNemar test). The perceived risk of infection increased in the children’s group afterwards (p = 0.019, Wilcoxon rank test). All participants indicated that they want to attend such a music trip again. Conclusion School music trips under pandemic conditions are feasible with a hygiene concept and a safe cohort, regardless of the high incidence rates during the Omicron wave. Although we found an increase in perceived risk of infection among students, this did not negatively affect the perception of the trip experience.
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