Journal of neurotrauma
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Journal of neurotrauma · May 2019
Proteomic Analysis and Biochemical Correlates of Mitochondrial Dysfunction following Low-Intensity Primary Blast Exposure.
Service members during military actions or combat training are frequently exposed to primary blasts by weaponry. Most studies have investigated moderate or severe brain injuries from blasts generating overpressures >100 kPa, whereas understanding the pathophysiology of low-intensity blast (LIB)-induced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) leading to neurological deficits remains elusive. Our recent studies, using an open-field LIB-induced mTBI mouse model with a peak overpressure at 46.6 kPa, demonstrated behavioral impairments and brain nanoscale damages, notably mitochondrial and axonal ultrastructural changes. ⋯ With observations of proteomic changes, we found LIB-induced oxidative stress associated with mitochondrial dysfunction mainly at 7 and 30 DPI. These dysfunctions included impaired fission-fusion dynamics, diminished mitophagy, decreased oxidative phosphorylation, and compensated respiration-relevant enzyme activities. Insights on the early pathogenesis of primary LIB-induced brain damage provide a template for further characterization of its chronic effects, identification of potential biomarkers, and targets for intervention.
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Journal of neurotrauma · May 2019
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyComparison of Performance of Different Optimal Cerebral Perfusion Pressure Parameters for Outcome Prediction in Adult Traumatic Brain Injury: A Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) Study.
It has been postulated previously that individualized cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) targets can be derived from cerebrovascular reactivity indices. Differences between real CPP and target CPP (named generically optimal CPP) has been linked to global outcome in adult traumatic brain injury (TBI). Different vascular reactivity indices can be utilized in the determination. ⋯ PRx- and RAC-based CPPopt performed similarly, with RAC parameters trending towards highest AUC values. PAx-based CPPopt parameters failed to reach significant associations with dichotomized outcomes at 6 to 12 months. CPPopt parameters derived from PRx and RAC appear similar in their overall ability for 6- to 12-month outcome prediction in moderate/severe adult TBI.
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Journal of neurotrauma · May 2019
Early levels of GFAP and NF-L in predicting the outcome of mild TBI.
The purpose of this study was to correlate the early levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light protein (NF-L) with outcome in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). A total of 107 patients with mTBI (Glasgow Coma Scale ≥13) who had blood samples for GFAP and NF-L available within 24 h of arrival were included. Patients with mTBI were divided into computed tomography (CT)-positive and CT-negative groups. ⋯ Moreover, the level of NF-L was a significant predictor for complete recovery in CT-positive patients (OR = 1.009; 95% CI, 1.001-1.016). The early levels of GFAP and NF-L are significantly correlated with the outcome in patients with mTBI. The level of NF-L within 24 h from arrival has a significant predictive value in mTBI also in a multi-variate model.
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Journal of neurotrauma · May 2019
Comprehensive Characterization of Cerebrovascular Dysfunction in Blast Traumatic Brain Injury Using Photoacoustic Microscopy.
Blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is a leading contributor to combat-related injuries and death. Although substantial emphasis has been placed on blast-induced neuronal and axonal injuries, co-existing dysfunctions in the cerebral vasculature, particularly the microvasculature, remain poorly understood. Here, we studied blast-induced cerebrovascular dysfunctions in a rat model of bTBI (blast overpressure: 187.8 ± 18.3 kPa). ⋯ This study is the most comprehensive assessment of cerebrovascular structure and physiology in response to blast exposure to date. The observed impairment in CVR can potentially cause cognitive decline due to the mismatch between cognitive metabolic demands and vessel's ability to dynamically respond to meet the demands. Also, the impaired CVR can lead to increased vulnerability of the brain to metabolic insults, including hypoxia and ischemia.
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Journal of neurotrauma · May 2019
Interhemispheric anatomical disconnection in disorders of consciousness patients.
In patients with disorder of consciousness (DOC), the corpus callosum (CC) and subcortical white matter (SWM) integrity were shown to discriminate between diagnostic categories. The aims of the study were: (1) to clarify the link between the integrity of CC and of SWM and the clinical status in DOC patients, disentangling the role played by the different brain injuries (traumatic or hemorrhagic brain injury); (2) to investigate the relationship between the CC integrity and the brain metabolism. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the CC and SWM integrity, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI), in a sample of DOC individuals, well balanced for diagnosis and etiology. ⋯ No significant diagnostic accuracy emerged for the CC sMRI evaluation and the SWM measures. Our results indicate that: (1) the degree of the interhemispherical anatomical disconnection is a marker of the level of consciousness independent from the type of brain injury; (2) CC alterations might be the consequence of the reduced brain metabolism. Remarkably, our results suggest that the functional interplay between the two hemispheres is linked tightly to the level of consciousness.