Journal of neurotrauma
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Journal of neurotrauma · Dec 2019
Restoring ventilatory control using an adaptive bioelectronic system.
Ventilatory pacing by electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve or of the diaphragm has been shown to enhance quality of life compared to mechanical ventilation. However, commercially available ventilatory pacing devices require initial manual specification of stimulation parameters and frequent adjustment to achieve and maintain suitable ventilation over long periods of time. Here, we have developed an adaptive, closed-loop, neuromorphic, pattern-shaping controller capable of automatically determining a suitable stimulation pattern and adapting it to maintain a desired breath-volume profile on a breath-by-breath basis. ⋯ Closed-loop adaptive pacing partially mitigated hypoventilation as indicated by reduction of end-tidal CO2 values during pacing. The closed-loop controller was developed and parametrized in a computational testbed before in vivo assessment. This bioelectronic technology could serve as an individualized and autonomous respiratory pacing approach for support or recovery from ventilatory deficiency.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Dec 2019
ReviewElucidating the Role of ApoE Isoforms in Spinal Cord Injury-Associated Neuropathology.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating, life-altering, neurological event that affects ∼300,000 individuals in the United States. Currently, there are no effective treatments to reverse the neurological impairments caused by the lesion. ⋯ Genetic links to outcomes after SCI may provide insights into the pathological mechanisms, and possible new avenues for drug development. In the present review, we discuss the current knowledge linking apolipoprotein E genotypes with better or worse functional outcomes after an SCI, and the possible molecular mechanisms that may contribute to this association.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Dec 2019
BAFF is Associated with Testosterone and Smoking Status in Non-ambulatory Men with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.
B cell-mediated autoimmunity may contribute to poor neurological outcomes after spinal cord injury (SCI). B cell-activating factor (BAFF) is a key cytokine involved in B cell development, proliferation, activation, and survival whose expression is elevated in men with chronic SCI. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with circulating BAFF in non-ambulatory males with chronic SCI. ⋯ Our findings suggest that modifiable health habits may be associated with elevated BAFF levels in men with non-ambulatory chronic SCI. Further, the significant and independent negative association between testosterone levels and BAFF would suggest a link between androgen deficiency and autoimmunity observed in SCI via modulation of BAFF and B cell numbers. This points toward BAFF as a potential biomarker of injury severity and a target of therapies designed to reduce neuroinflammation and improve neurological outcomes after SCI.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Dec 2019
Comparative StudyImpact of a quality improvement program on the neurological outcome of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. A before-after mono-centric study.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major cause of severe disability. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a quality improvement program on neurological recovery after SCI. Before-after study during two phases was done in one intensive care unit in a university hospital. ⋯ No secular time trend unrelated to the intervention was highlighted. One year after trauma, the Delta ASIA was higher in the intervention period than in the control period (+34 [15-60] vs. +11 [0-33]; p < 0.05). After adjustment on potential confounders, an early in-ICU rehabilitation program in SCI patients was associated with higher neurological score upon ICU discharge.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Dec 2019
AO Spine Global Survey - International Trends in Utilization of MRI/CT for Spinal Trauma and Spinal Cord Injury across AO Regions.
The aim of this study was to determine the current trends in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/computed tomography (CT) utilization for spine trauma in various clinical scenarios. We conducted a survey across six AO regions and preformed pair-wise comparisons between responses obtained from different AO regions. The survey was sent to 5813 surgeons and had a 9.6% response rate with the majority being orthopedic followed by neurosurgeons. ⋯ In summary, decisions about the use of a particular imaging modality across AO regions appears to be influenced by the neurological status of the patient upon admission and the presence of neurological deficits post-surgery. Type of residency training and fellowship training did not have an influence on choosing the appropriate imaging modality for both intact and impaired patients. Further study is needed to determine whether accessibility to MRI would change surgeons' attitude toward obtaining MRI in patients with SCI.