Articles: traumatic-brain-injuries.
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Molecular neurobiology · Dec 2016
bFGF Protects Against Blood-Brain Barrier Damage Through Junction Protein Regulation via PI3K-Akt-Rac1 Pathway Following Traumatic Brain Injury.
Many traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors sustain neurological disability and cognitive impairments due to the lack of defined therapies to reduce TBI-induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown. Exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has been shown to have neuroprotective function in brain injury. The present study therefore investigates the beneficial effects of bFGF on the BBB after TBI and the underlying mechanisms. ⋯ Both the in vivo and in vitro effects are related to the activation of the downstream signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt/Rac-1. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt or Rac-1 by specific inhibitors LY294002 or si-Rac-1, respectively, partially reduces the protective effect of bFGF on BBB integrity. Overall, our results indicate that the protective role of bFGF on BBB involves the regulation of tight junction proteins and RhoA in the TBI model and OGD-induced HBMECs injury, and that activation of the PI3K/Akt /Rac-1 signaling pathway underlies these effects.
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Long-term diffuse traumatic brain injury (dTBI) causes neuronal hyperexcitation in supragranular layers in sensory cortex, likely through reduced inhibition. Other forms of TBI affect inhibitory interneurons in subcortical areas but it is unknown if this occurs in cortex, or in any brain area in dTBI. We investigated dTBI effects on inhibitory neurons and astrocytes in somatosensory and motor cortex, and hippocampus, 8 weeks post-TBI. ⋯ J. Comp. Neurol. 524:3530-3560, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Traumatic brain injury in England and Wales: prospective audit of epidemiology, complications and standardised mortality.
To provide a comprehensive assessment of the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) relating to epidemiology, complications and standardised mortality across specialist units. ⋯ We provide the first comprehensive report of the management of TBI in England and Wales, including data from all neurosurgical units. These data provide transparency and suggests equity of access to high-quality TBI management provided in England and Wales.
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Restor. Neurol. Neurosci. · Nov 2016
ReviewThe role of physical exercise in cognitive recovery after traumatic brain injury: A systematic review.
There is a growing body of evidence revealing exercise-induced effects on brain structure and cognitive function across the lifespan. Animal models of traumatic brain injury also suggest exercise is capable of modulating not only the pathophysiological changes following trauma but also the associated cognitive deficits. ⋯ Evidence of an effect of physical exercise on cognitive recovery suggests further studies should explore this treatment option with greater methodological approaches. Recommendations to reduce risk of bias and methodological shortfalls are discussed and include stricter inclusion criteria to create homogenous groups and larger patient pools, more rigorous cognitive assessments and the study and reporting of additional and combined rehabilitation techniques.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Early Enteral Combined with Parenteral Nutrition Treatment for Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Effects on Immune Function, Nutritional Status and Outcomes.
Objective To compare the conjoint effect of enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) with single EN or PN on immune function, nutritional status, complications and clinical outcomes of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI). Methods A prospective randomized control trial was carried out from January 2009 to May 2012 in Neurological Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Patients of STBI who met the enrolment criteria (Glasgow Coma Scale score 6~8; Nutritional Risk Screening ≥3) were randomly divided into 3 groups and were admi- nistrated EN, PN or EN+PN treatments respectively. ⋯ Compared to the EN group, the complication occurrence rates of EN+PN group were significantly lower in aspirated pneumonia (27.5% vs. 50.0%; χ2= 6.39, P<0.05), hypoproteinemia (17.5% vs. 55.0%; χ2= 18.26, P<0.01) and diarrhea (20.0% vs. 60.0%; χ2= 20.00, P<0.01). The EN+PN group also had significant less length of stay in NICU (t=2.51, 4.82; P<0.05, P<0.01), number of patients receiving assisted mechanical ventilation (χ2= 6.08, 12.88; P<0.05, P<0.01) and its durations (t=3.41, 9.08; P<0.05, P<0.01), and the death rate (χ2=7.50, 16.37; P<0.05, P<0.01) than those of EN or PN group. Conclusion Early EN+PN treatment could promote the recovery of the immune function, enhance nutritional status, decrease complications and improve the clinical outcomes in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.