Journal of neurotrauma
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Journal of neurotrauma · Jul 2015
Alterations in Hippocampal Network Activity after In Vitro Traumatic Brain Injury.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) alters function and behavior, which can be characterized by changes in electrophysiological function in vitro. A common cognitive deficit after mild-to-moderate TBI is disruption of persistent working memory, of which the in vitro correlate is long-lasting, neuronal network synchronization that can be induced pharmacologically by the gamma-aminobutyric acid A antagonist, bicuculline. ⋯ A second challenge with bicuculline 24 h after the first challenge significantly decreased the normalized spontaneous event rate in the DG. In addition, we illustrate the utility of the SMEA for TBI research by combining multiple experimental paradigms in one platform, which has the potential to enable novel investigations into the mechanisms responsible for functional consequences of TBI and speed the rate of drug discovery.
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Calcium dysfunction is involved in secondary traumatic brain injury (TBI). Manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI), in which the manganese ion acts as a calcium analog and a MRI contrast agent, was used to study rats subjected to a controlled cortical impact. Comparisons were made with conventional T2 MRI, sensorimotor behavior, and immunohistology. ⋯ We concluded that MEMRI detected early excitotoxic injury in the hyperacute phase, preceding vasogenic edema. In the subacute phase, MEMRI detected contrast consistent with tissue cavitation and reactive gliosis. MEMRI offers novel contrasts of biological processes that complement conventional MRI in TBI.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Jul 2015
ReviewNear-Infrared Spectroscopy in the monitoring of adult traumatic brain injury: a review.
Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has long represented an exciting prospect for the noninvasive monitoring of cerebral tissue oxygenation and perfusion in the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI), although uncertainty still exists regarding the reliability of this technology specifically within this field. We have undertaken a review of the existing literature relating to the application of NIRS within TBI. We discuss current "state-of-the-art" NIRS monitoring, provide a brief background of the technology, and discuss the evidence regarding the ability of NIRS to substitute for established invasive monitoring in TBI.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Jul 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialLong-term Behavioral Outcomes following a Randomized Clinical Trial of Counselor-Assisted Problem-Solving for Adolescents with Complicated Mild to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.
Family problem-solving therapy (FPST) has been shown to reduce behavior problems after pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is unclear whether treatment gains are maintained. We sought to evaluate the maintenance of improvements in behavior problems after a Web-based counselor-assisted FPST (CAPS) intervention compared to an Internet resource comparison (IRC) intervention provided to adolescents within the initial year post-TBI. ⋯ Post-hoc analyses to elucidate the nature of effects on internalizing problems revealed significant group×time×grade interactions for the anxious/depressed (p=0.03) and somatic complaints subscales (p=0.04). Results also indicated significant improvement over time for CAPS participants who reported elevated externalizing behavior problems at baseline (F(1, 310)=7.17; p=0.008). Findings suggest that CAPS may lead to long-term improvements in behavior problems among older adolescents and those with pretreatment symptoms.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Jul 2015
The trajectory of long-term psychosocial development 16 years following childhood traumatic brain injury.
Childhood traumatic brain injury (CTBI) is one of the most common causes of impairment in children and adolescents, with psychosocial difficulties found to be the most persisting. Given that the transition into adolescence and adulthood can be a stressful period, it is likely that young people who have sustained a CTBI will be more vulnerable to developing psychosocial problems. To date, most research has focused on psychosocial development up to five years following a CTBI and it is unclear how survivors develop in the long-term as young adults. ⋯ The mild CTBI group scored in the borderline range for externalizing symptoms six months post-CTBI; however, all other mean scores were within the normal range. Over a period of 16 years, young adults with CTBI showed similar developmental trajectories regarding psychosocial outcomes, compared with healthy controls. This study confirmed previous literature that CTBI is associated with increased levels of psychosocial problems.