Journal of neurotrauma
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Journal of neurotrauma · Mar 2024
Increased Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Levels Predict Recovery of Consciousness in Patients with Disorders of Consciousness.
The potential influence of pituitary-related hormones (including both pituitary gland and target gland hormones) on functional recovery after traumatic brain injury has been observed. However, the relationship between these hormones and the recovery of consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) remains unclear. In this retrospective and observational study, 208 patients with DOC were recruited. ⋯ Moreover, higher ACTH levels and shorter days since injury were significantly associated with a better prognosis, with odds ratios of 0.928 (95% CI = 0.873-0.985, p = 0.014) and 1.015 (95% CI = 1.005-1.026, p = 0.005), respectively. A subsequent receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the potential to predict patients' prognosis with an area under the curve value of 0.78, an overall accuracy of 75.5%, a sensitivity of 77.5%, and a specificity of 66.7%. Our findings indicate that ACTH levels could serve as a clinically valuable and convenient predictor for patients' prognosis.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Mar 2024
Recovery after Sport-Related Concussion in Collegiate Athletes with Self-Reported Pre-Injury Migraines.
Pre-injury migraines might be a risk factor for prolonged recovery after sport-related concussion (SRC). We sought to examine whether a pre-injury history of migraines is associated with worse recovery following SRC in collegiate athletes. Data were collected through a prospective concussion surveillance system in 11 NCAA Division III college athletic programs between 09/2014-03/2020. ⋯ In collegiate athletes, pre-injury migraine history was independently associated with longer RTL but not RTP. When comparing the proportions of those with successful RTP by days, significantly lower proportions of those with migraines showed successful RTP at ≤ 28 days and ≤ 56 days. Futures studies should study the generalizability of our findings in other school levels.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Mar 2024
An Investigation of mTBI Home Cage Behavior: The Home Cage Assay Advantages.
This study utilized the Noldus PhenoTyper Home Cage Monitoring system (HCM) to assess the behavioral and cognitive changes of experimental closed-head mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). ⋯ Home cage monitoring is a valuable tool for studying the subtle effects of mTBI, complementing traditional assays. The automated evaluation of habituation to novel stimuli (e.g., novel environment) could serve as a potentially sensitive tool for assessing mTBI-associated behavioral deficits.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Mar 2024
Visual Impairment in Preclinical Models of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
Impairment in visual function is common after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the clinical setting, a phenomenon that translates to pre-clinical animal models as well. Our laboratory's previous work has reported histological changes following weight-drop induced TBI in a rodent model including retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, decreased electroretinogram (ERG) evoked potential, optic nerve diameter reduction, induced inflammation and gliosis, and loss of myelin accompanied by markedly impaired visual acuity. ⋯ This underscores the importance of understanding the role of the visual system and the potential detrimental sequelae to this sensory modality post-TBI. Given that most commonly employed behavioral tests such as Elevated Plus Maze, Morris Water Maze, and more, rely on an intact visual system, interpretation of functional deficits in diffuse models may be confounded by off target effects on the visual system.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Mar 2024
Shaking up our approach: The need for characterization and optimization of preclinical models of infant abusive head trauma.
Traumatic brain injuries are a large societal and individual burden. In the first year of life, the vast majority of these injuries are the result of inflicted abusive events by a trusted caregiver. Abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants, formerly known as shaken baby syndrome, is the leading cause of inflicted mortality and morbidity in this population. ⋯ We draw on insights from other injury models such as repetitive, mild traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic epilepsy, hypoxic-ischemic injuries, and maternal neglect, to speculate on key knowledge gaps and underline important new opportunities in preclinical AHT research. Finally, potential treatment options to facilitate healthy development in children following an AHT are considered. Together, this review aims to drive the field towards optimized, well-characterized animal models of AHT, which will allow for greater insight into the underlying neuropathological and neurobehavioral consequences of AHT.