Articles: traumatic-brain-injuries.
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Neurological research · May 2014
Small interfering RNA directed against CTMP reduces acute traumatic brain injury in a mouse model by activating Akt.
Protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), which is phosphorylated and activated by upstream activators, exerts critical neuroprotective effects by phosphorylating downstream targets after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies on the regulation of Akt will be crucial for our understanding of neuronal survival. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of carboxyl-terminal modulator protein (CTMP) on phosphorylation of Akt and neurological function in a mouse model of TBI. ⋯ We conclude that Akt is phosphorylated and translocated to nucleus after TBI to exert neuroprotective effects. However, CTMP is simultaneously triggered to inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt. Inhibition of CTMP by siRNA improves the recovery of neurological functions after TBI.
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Review Meta Analysis
Acute traumatic coagulopathy in the setting of isolated traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) has been reported in the setting of isolated traumatic brain injury (iTBI) and associated with high mortality and poor outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the incidence and outcome of patients with ATC in the setting of iTBI. ⋯ ATC is commonly associated with iTBI and almost uniformly associated with worse outcomes. Any disorder of coagulation above the normal range appears to be associated with worse outcomes and therefore a clinically important target for management. Earlier identification of patients with ATC and iTBI, for recruitment into prospective trials, presents avenues for further research.
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The present study outlines a series of questions and reflections upon the recent publication of Chesnut et al., who compared 2 approaches to the treatment of intracranial hypertension (ICH) in severe head injuries: one with and the other without intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP). The authors concluded that no improved outcome was observed in the treatment group guided by ICP monitoring. The main concerns relate to the degree of training of the physicians involved in the monitoring and management of ICH in the ICP group, as well as to the possible inter-observer variability in interpreting the CT scans, the capacity of clinical signs to guide the treatment of ICH, and the suitability of randomization. The analysis of this trial should not be taken to suggest the futility of ICP monitoring but rather the need to correctly use the information afforded by ICP monitoring, with emphasis on the importance of the definition of alternative methods for non-invasive monitoring.
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To determine whether a model of transient mass-type brain damage (MTBD) in the rat produces early release of neurospecific enolase (NSE) and protein S100B in peripheral blood, as an expression of the induced brain injury. ⋯ Serum NSE and S100B concentrations offer an early indication of brain injury affecting the gray and white matter in an experimental model of mass-type MTBD in the rat.
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Psychiatry research · Apr 2014
Lower health related quality of life in U.S. military personnel is associated with service-related disorders and inflammation.
Military personnel who have combat exposures are at increased risk for the service-related disorders of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, sleep disturbances and decreased health related quality of life (HRQOL). Those with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at even greater risk. Inflammation is associated with these disorders and may underlie the risk for health declines. ⋯ In a linear regression model, 41% of the relationship between HRQOL and IL-6 concentrations was mediated by PTSD and depression. Military personnel with PTSD and depression are at high risk for lower HRQOL, and higher IL-6 concentrations. Comprehensive treatment is required to address co-occurring service-related disorders in military personnel to promote health and well-being.