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Viitasalo V, Laakko E, Hakkarainen AJ, Oura P. Background characteristics and neuropathology findings of medico-legal autopsy cases with and without β-amyloid precursor protein positive diffuse traumatic axonal injury. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 70:102495. [PMID: 39053137 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The postmortem diagnosis of diffuse traumatic axonal injury (dTAI) relies on β-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) immunohistochemistry. Most reports of factors associating with dTAI are decades old. We compared background characteristics and neuropathology findings of today's Finnish medico-legal autopsy cases with and without β-APP-positive dTAI (dTAI+ and dTAI-, respectively). The cases had suffered a head injury prior to death and underwent a full neuropathological examination including β-APP stain. Background and circumstantial data as well as neuropathology findings were collected from police documents, medical records, and autopsy and neuropathology reports. Prevalence ratios were calculated for each factor to facilitate comparisons between the dTAI+ and dTAI- groups. The dataset comprised 57 cases (66.7% males), with 17 classified as dTAI+ and 40 as dTAI-. Based on prevalence ratios, the factors that had at least two-fold prevalence among dTAI+ cases compared to dTAI- cases were: an unknown injury mechanism; concurrent epidural or subdural haemorrhage; and an accidental manner of death. In contrast, the factors that had at least two-fold prevalence among dTAI- cases compared to dTAI+ cases were: a short postinjury survival (<30 min); concurrent intracerebral/ventricular haemorrhage or contusion; vermal atrophy; and a natural or homicidal manner of death. This study revealed differences in circumstantial features and neuropathology findings between dTAI+ and dTAI- cases in today's medico-legal autopsy material. Data on typical case profiles may help estimate the prior probability of dTAI not only in medico-legal autopsies but also among living patients with head injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Viitasalo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Essi Laakko
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti J Hakkarainen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petteri Oura
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland.
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Delteil C, Manlius T, Bailly N, Godio-Raboutet Y, Piercecchi-Marti MD, Tuchtan L, Hak JF, Velly L, Simeone P, Thollon L. Traumatic axonal injury: Clinic, forensic and biomechanics perspectives. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 70:102465. [PMID: 38838409 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Identification of Traumatic axonal injury (TAI) is critical in clinical practice, particularly in terms of long-term prognosis, but also for medico-legal issues, to verify whether the death or the after-effects were attributable to trauma. Multidisciplinary approaches are an undeniable asset when it comes to solving these problems. The aim of this work is therefore to list the different techniques needed to identify axonal lesions and to understand the lesion mechanisms involved in their formation. Imaging can be used to assess the consequences of trauma, to identify indirect signs of TAI, to explain the patient's initial symptoms and even to assess the patient's prognosis. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the skull can highlight fractures suggestive of trauma. Microscopic and immunohistochemical techniques are currently considered as the most reliable tools for the early identification of TAI following trauma. Finite element models use mechanical equations to predict biomechanical parameters, such as tissue stresses and strains in the brain, when subjected to external forces, such as violent impacts to the head. These parameters, which are difficult to measure experimentally, are then used to predict the risk of injury. The integration of imaging data with finite element models allows researchers to create realistic and personalized computational models by incorporating actual geometry and properties obtained from imaging techniques. The personalization of these models makes their forensic approach particularly interesting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Delteil
- Forensic Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone, 264 rue St Pierre, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, Marseille, France.
| | - Thais Manlius
- Aix Marseille Univ, Univ Gustave Eiffel, LBA, Marseille, France.
| | - Nicolas Bailly
- Aix Marseille Univ, Univ Gustave Eiffel, LBA, Marseille, France; Neuroimagery Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone, 264 rue St Pierre, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France.
| | | | - Marie-Dominique Piercecchi-Marti
- Forensic Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone, 264 rue St Pierre, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, Marseille, France.
| | - Lucile Tuchtan
- Forensic Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone, 264 rue St Pierre, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, Marseille, France.
| | | | - Lionel Velly
- Département d'Anesthésie-Réanimation, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone, Marseille, France; Université Aix-Marseille/CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR7289, Marseille, France.
| | - Pierre Simeone
- Département d'Anesthésie-Réanimation, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone, Marseille, France; Université Aix-Marseille/CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR7289, Marseille, France.
| | - Lionel Thollon
- Aix Marseille Univ, Univ Gustave Eiffel, LBA, Marseille, France.
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He G, Fan L, Horstemeyer MF. Embedded finite element modeling of the mechanics of brain axonal fiber tracts under head impact conditions. Comput Biol Med 2024; 181:109063. [PMID: 39178807 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Investigating and understanding the biomechanical kinematics and kinetics of human brain axonal fibers during head impact process is crucial to study the mechanisms of Traumatic Axonal Injury (TAI). Such a study may require the explicit incorporation of brain fiber tracts into the host brain in order to distinguish the mechanical states of axonal fibers and brain tissue. Herein we extend our previously developed human head model by using an embedded element method to include fiber tracts reconstructed from diffusion tensor images in a host brain with the purpose of numerically tracking the deformation state of axonal fiber tracts during a head impact simulation. The updated model is validated by comparing its prediction of intracranial pressures with experimental data, followed by a thorough study of the effects of element types used for fiber tracts and the stiffness ratios of fiber to host brain. The validated model is also used to predict and visualize the damaged region of fiber tracts during the head impact process based on different injury criteria. The model is promising in tracking the state of fiber tracts and can add more objective functions such as axonal fiber deformation if used in the future design optimization of head protective equipment such as a football helmet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA.
| | - Lei Fan
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - M F Horstemeyer
- School of Engineering, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 24515, USA
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Moen KG, Flusund AMH, Moe HK, Andelic N, Skandsen T, Håberg A, Kvistad KA, Olsen Ø, Saksvoll EH, Abel-Grüner S, Anke A, Follestad T, Vik A. The prognostic importance of traumatic axonal injury on early MRI: the Trondheim TAI-MRI grading and quantitative models. Eur Radiol 2024:10.1007/s00330-024-10841-1. [PMID: 38896232 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-024-10841-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We analysed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings after traumatic brain injury (TBI) aiming to improve the grading of traumatic axonal injury (TAI) to better reflect the outcome. METHODS Four-hundred sixty-three patients (8-70 years) with mild (n = 158), moderate (n = 129), or severe (n = 176) TBI and early MRI were prospectively included. TAI presence, numbers, and volumes at predefined locations were registered on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and diffusion-weighted imaging, and presence and numbers on T2*GRE/SWI. Presence and volumes of contusions were registered on FLAIR. We assessed the outcome with the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended. Multivariable logistic and elastic-net regression analyses were performed. RESULTS The presence of TAI differed between mild (6%), moderate (70%), and severe TBI (95%). In severe TBI, bilateral TAI in mesencephalon or thalami and bilateral TAI in pons predicted worse outcomes and were defined as the worst grades (4 and 5, respectively) in the Trondheim TAI-MRI grading. The Trondheim TAI-MRI grading performed better than the standard TAI grading in severe TBI (pseudo-R2 0.19 vs. 0.16). In moderate-severe TBI, quantitative models including both FLAIR volume of TAI and contusions performed best (pseudo-R2 0.19-0.21). In patients with mild TBI or Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 13, models with the volume of contusions performed best (pseudo-R2 0.25-0.26). CONCLUSIONS We propose the Trondheim TAI-MRI grading (grades 1-5) with bilateral TAI in mesencephalon or thalami, and bilateral TAI in pons as the worst grades. The predictive value was highest for the quantitative models including FLAIR volume of TAI and contusions (GCS score <13) or FLAIR volume of contusions (GCS score ≥ 13), which emphasise artificial intelligence as a potentially important future tool. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT The Trondheim TAI-MRI grading reflects patient outcomes better in severe TBI than today's standard TAI grading and can be implemented after external validation. The prognostic importance of volumetric models is promising for future use of artificial intelligence technologies. KEY POINTS Traumatic axonal injury (TAI) is an important injury type in all TBI severities. Studies demonstrating which MRI findings that can serve as future biomarkers are highly warranted. This study proposes the most optimal MRI models for predicting patient outcome at 6 months after TBI; one updated pragmatic model and a volumetric model. The Trondheim TAI-MRI grading, in severe TBI, reflects patient outcome better than today's standard grading of TAI and the prognostic importance of volumetric models in all severities of TBI is promising for future use of AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent Gøran Moen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
- Department of Radiology, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen Hospital, 3004, Drammen, Norway.
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006, Trondheim, Norway.
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Anne-Mari Holte Flusund
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Radiology, Møre and Romsdal Hospital Trust, Molde Hospital, 6412, Molde, Norway
| | - Hans Kristian Moe
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, P.O. Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nada Andelic
- Institute of Health and Society, Research Centre for Habilitation and Rehabilitation Models and Services (CHARM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1130 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål Hospital, P.O. Box 4956 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Toril Skandsen
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Asta Håberg
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491, Trondheim, Norway
- MI Lab and Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Kvistad
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Øystein Olsen
- Department of Radiology, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger Hospital, 7600, Levanger, Norway
| | - Elin Hildrum Saksvoll
- Department of Radiology, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger Hospital, 7600, Levanger, Norway
| | - Sebastian Abel-Grüner
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Audny Anke
- Department of Rehabilitation, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038, Tromsø, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT- The Arctic University of Norway, 9038, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Turid Follestad
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Clinical Research Unit Central Norway, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne Vik
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491, Trondheim, Norway
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Zhang C, Bartels L, Clansey A, Kloiber J, Bondi D, van Donkelaar P, Wu L, Rauscher A, Ji S. A computational pipeline towards large-scale and multiscale modeling of traumatic axonal injury. Comput Biol Med 2024; 171:108109. [PMID: 38364663 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Contemporary biomechanical modeling of traumatic brain injury (TBI) focuses on either the global brain as an organ or a representative tiny section of a single axon. In addition, while it is common for a global brain model to employ real-world impacts as input, axonal injury models have largely been limited to inputs of either tension or compression with assumed peak strain and strain rate. These major gaps between global and microscale modeling preclude a systematic and mechanistic investigation of how tissue strain from impact leads to downstream axonal damage throughout the white matter. In this study, a unique subject-specific multimodality dataset from a male ice-hockey player sustaining a diagnosed concussion is used to establish an efficient and scalable computational pipeline. It is then employed to derive voxelized brain deformation, maximum principal strains and white matter fiber strains, and finally, to produce diverse fiber strain profiles of various shapes in temporal history necessary for the development and application of a deep learning axonal injury model in the future. The pipeline employs a structured, voxelized representation of brain deformation with adjustable spatial resolution independent of model mesh resolution. The method can be easily extended to other head impacts or individuals. The framework established in this work is critical for enabling large-scale (i.e., across the entire white matter region, head impacts, and individuals) and multiscale (i.e., from organ to cell length scales) modeling for the investigation of traumatic axonal injury (TAI) triggering mechanisms. Ultimately, these efforts could enhance the assessment of concussion risks and design of protective headgear. Therefore, this work contributes to improved strategies for concussion detection, mitigation, and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaokai Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lara Bartels
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Adam Clansey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julian Kloiber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel Bondi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul van Donkelaar
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Lyndia Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexander Rauscher
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Songbai Ji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Ninomiya K, Nakaza E, Yamashiro T, Abe T, Ikematsu N, Nagama H, Kakazu K, Fukasawa M. Shaken adult syndrome due to ocean wave: an autopsy case. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024; 20:233-238. [PMID: 37659006 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00699-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Severe intracranial trauma during torture or assault is reportedly caused by shaken adult syndrome. However, intracranial traumas caused by natural forces, excluding human factors and collision impact, are extremely rare. We report an autopsy case of shaken adult syndrome caused by ocean wave forces. A man in his 40s without any medical history was washed away by a wave during recreational fishing. He was found approximately 500 m away from the fishing point drifting on the ocean in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest and was confirmed dead, with no response to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 3 h after the accident. The autopsy revealed no mechanical trauma to the entire body surface, including the head. Both lungs were inflated, and pleural effusion was observed. The brain was swollen and congested, and subarachnoid hemorrhage was observed in the interhemispheric fissure and the convexity of the parietal occipital lobe. Macroscopic and microscopic hemorrhage spots were found in the brain, and the results of the blood alcohol test and urinary toxicological screening were negative. The cause of death was determined as drowning. This case demonstrates a rare but notable mechanism of injury observed in immersed bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ninomiya
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Eizo Nakaza
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Tsuneo Yamashiro
- Department of Radiology, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takayuki Abe
- Department of Surgery, Chubu Tokusyukai Hospital, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Natsuki Ikematsu
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hanae Nagama
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Kakazu
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Maki Fukasawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
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Vieira RDCA, Pipek LZ, de Oliveira DV, Paiva WS, de Sousa RMC. The Relationship between Injury Characteristics and Post-Traumatic Recovery after Diffuse Axonal Injury. Biomedicines 2024; 12:311. [PMID: 38397913 PMCID: PMC10886783 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis and prognosis of diffuse axonal injury (DAI) remain challenging. This research aimed to analyze the impact on activities of daily living (ADL), functional outcomes, quality of life (QoL), and the association between lesion severity and DAI location identified through imaging exams. METHODS This prospective cohort study included 95 patients diagnosed with DAI. Data were collected at admission, three, six, and twelve months post-injury. The associations between variables were evaluated using a mixed-effects model. RESULTS Functional recovery and QoL improved between three and twelve months after DAI. An interaction was observed between independence in performing ADL and subarachnoid hemorrhage (p = 0.043) and intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.012). Additionally, an interaction over time was observed between the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and DAI severity (p < 0.001), brain lesions (p = 0.014), and the Disability Rating Scale (DRS) with injury in brain hemispheres (p = 0.026) and Adams classification (p = 0.013). Interaction effects over time were observed with the general health perceptions and energy/vitality domains with intraventricular hemorrhage, and the social functioning domain with the obliteration of basal cisterns and Gentry's classification. CONCLUSION The use of CT in the acute phase of DAI is important for predicting outcomes. The severity and location of DAI are associated with functional outcomes, ADL, and QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita de Cássia Almeida Vieira
- Department of Nursing, University of Sergipe, Lagarto 49400-000, Brazil;
- Nursing School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-010, Brazil;
| | - Leonardo Zumerkorn Pipek
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Hospital of the University of Sao Paulo, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | - Wellingson Silva Paiva
- Division of Neurosurgery, Clinical Hospital of the University of Sao Paulo, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
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To XV, Mohamed AZ, Cumming P, Nasrallah FA. Diffusion tensor imaging and plasma immunological biomarker panel in a rat traumatic brain injury (TBI) model and in human clinical TBI. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1293471. [PMID: 38259455 PMCID: PMC10800599 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1293471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neuroinflammatory reactions play a significant role in the pathology and long-term consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may mediate salutogenic processes that white matter integrity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between inflammatory markers and white matter integrity following TBI in both a rat TBI model and clinical TBI cases. Methods In the rat model, blood samples were collected following a controlled cortical impact (CCI) to assess a panel of inflammatory markers; MR-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was employed to evaluate white matter integrity 60 days post-injury. 15 clinical TBI patients were similarly assessed for a panel of inflammatory markers and DTI post-intensive care unit discharge. Blood samples from healthy controls were used for comparison of the inflammatory markers. Results Time-dependent elevations in immunological markers were observed in TBI rats, with a correlation to preserved fractional anisotropy (FA) in white matter. Specifically, TBI-induced increased plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-6, G-CSF, CCL3, CCL5, and TNF-α were associated with higher white matter integrity, as measured by FA. Clinical cases had similar findings: elevated inflammatory markers (relative to controls) were associated with preservation of FA in vulnerable white matter regions. Discussion Inflammatory markers in post-TBI plasma samples are ambivalent with respect to prediction of favourable outcome versus a progression to more pervasive pathology and morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Vinh To
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Abdalla Z. Mohamed
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul Cumming
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fatima A. Nasrallah
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
- The Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
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Zhang Y, Li Z, Wang H, Pei Z, Zhao S. Molecular biomarkers of diffuse axonal injury: recent advances and future perspectives. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:39-47. [PMID: 38183228 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2303319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diffuse axonal injury (DAI), with high mortality and morbidity both in children and adults, is one of the most severe pathological consequences of traumatic brain injury. Currently, clinical diagnosis, disease assessment, disability identification, and postmortem diagnosis of DAI is mainly limited by the absent of specific molecular biomarkers. AREAS COVERED In this review, we first introduce the pathophysiology of DAI, summarized the reported biomarkers in previous animal and human studies, and then the molecular biomarkers such as β-Amyloid precursor protein, neurofilaments, S-100β, myelin basic protein, tau protein, neuron-specific enolase, Peripherin and Hemopexin for DAI diagnosis is summarized. Finally, we put forward valuable views on the future research direction of diagnostic biomarkers of DAI. EXPERT OPINION In recent years, the advanced technology has ultimately changed the research of DAI, and the numbers of potential molecular biomarkers was introduced in related studies. We summarized the latest updated information in such studies to provide references for future research and explore the potential pathophysiological mechanism on diffuse axonal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youyou Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Linfen People's Hosiptal, the Seventh Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Linfen, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhaoyang Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Geriatrics Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhiyong Pei
- Linfen People's Hosiptal, the Seventh Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Linfen, Shanxi, China
| | - Shuquan Zhao
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Chen Q, Li L, Xu L, Yang B, Huang Y, Qiao D, Yue X. Proteomic analysis discovers potential biomarkers of early traumatic axonal injury in the brainstem. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:207-227. [PMID: 37338605 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03039-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Application of Tandem Mass Tags (TMT)-based LC-MS/MS analysis to screen for differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in traumatic axonal injury (TAI) of the brainstem and to predict potential biomarkers and key molecular mechanisms of brainstem TAI. METHODS A modified impact acceleration injury model was used to establish a brainstem TAI model in Sprague-Dawley rats, and the model was evaluated in terms of both functional changes (vital sign measurements) andstructural changes (HE staining, silver-plating staining and β-APP immunohistochemical staining). TMT combined with LC-MS/MS was used to analyse the DEPs in brainstem tissues from TAI and Sham groups. The biological functions of DEPs and potential molecular mechanisms in the hyperacute phase of TAI were analysed by bioinformatics techniques, and candidate biomarkers were validated using western blotting and immunohistochemistry on brainstem tissues from animal models and humans. RESULTS Based on the successful establishment of the brainstem TAI model in rats, TMT-based proteomics identified 65 DEPs, and bioinformatics analysis indicated that the hyperacute phase of TAI involves multiple stages of biological processes including inflammation, oxidative stress, energy metabolism, neuronal excitotoxicity and apoptosis. Three DEPs, CBR1, EPHX2 and CYP2U1, were selected as candidate biomarkers and all three proteins were found to be significantly expressed in brainstem tissue 30 min-7 days after TAI in both animal models and humans. CONCLUSION Using TMT combined with LC-MS/MS analysis for proteomic study of early TAI in rat brainstem, we report for the first time that CBR1, EPHX2 and CYP2U1 can be used as biomarkers of early TAI in brainstem by means of western blotting and immunohistochemical staining, compensating for the limitations of silver-plating staining and β-APP immunohistochemical staining, especially in the case of very short survival time after TAI (shorter than 30 min). A number of other proteins that also have a potential marker role are also presented, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms, therapeutic targets and forensic identification of early TAI in brainstem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianling Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Lingyue Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Luyao Xu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuebing Huang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongfang Qiao
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xia Yue
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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11
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Krieg JL, Leonard AV, Tuner RJ, Corrigan F. Characterization of Traumatic Brain Injury in a Gyrencephalic Ferret Model Using the Novel Closed Head Injury Model of Engineered Rotational Acceleration (CHIMERA). Neurotrauma Rep 2023; 4:761-780. [PMID: 38028274 PMCID: PMC10659026 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2023.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from mechanical force to the brain and leads to a series of biochemical responses that further damage neurons and supporting cells. Clinically, most TBIs result from an impact to the intact skull, making closed head TBI pre-clinical models highly relevant. However, most of these closed head TBI models use lissencephalic rodents, which may not transduce biomechanical load in the same manner as gyrencephalic humans. To address this translational gap, this study aimed to characterize acute axonal injury and microglial responses in ferrets-the smallest gyrencephalic mammal. Injury was induced in male ferrets (Mustela furo; 1.20-1.51 kg; 6-9 months old) with the novel Closed Head Injury Model of Engineered Rotational Acceleration (CHIMERA) model. Animals were randomly allocated to either sham (n = 4), a 22J (joules) impact (n = 4), or a 27J impact (n = 4). Axonal injury was examined histologically with amyloid precursor protein (APP), neurofilament M (RMO 14.9) (RMO-14), and phosphorylated tau (AT180) and the microglial response with ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 at 24 h post-injury in gray and white matter regions. Graded axonal injury was observed with modest increases in APP and RMO-14 immunoreactivity in the 22J TBI group, mostly within the corpus callosum and fornix and more extensive diffuse axonal injury encompassing gray matter structures like the thalamus and hypothalamus in the 27J group. Accompanying microglial activation was only observed in the 27J group, most prominently within the white matter tracts in response to the larger amounts of axonal injury. The 27J, but not the 22J, group showed an increase in AT180 within the base of the sulci post-injury. This could suggest that the strain may be highest in this region, demonstrating the different responses in gyrencephalic compared to lissencephalic brains. The CHIMERA model in ferrets mimic many of the histopathological features of human closed head TBI acutely and provides a promising model to investigate the pathophysiology of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L. Krieg
- Translational Neuropathology Laboratory, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anna V. Leonard
- Translational Neuropathology Laboratory, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Renee J. Tuner
- Translational Neuropathology Laboratory, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Frances Corrigan
- Translational Neuropathology Laboratory, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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12
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Zhou F, Wu L, Qian L, Kuang H, Zhan J, Li J, Cheung GL, Ding A, Gong H. The Relationship Between Cortical Morphological and Functional Topological Properties and Clinical Manifestations in Patients with Posttraumatic Diffuse Axonal Injury: An Individual Brain Network Study. Brain Topogr 2023; 36:936-945. [PMID: 37615797 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-00964-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the altered network topological properties and their clinical relevance in patients with posttraumatic diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Forty-seven participants were recruited in this study, underwent 3D T1-weighted and resting-state functional MRI, and had single-subject morphological brain networks (MBNs) constructed by Kullback-Leibler divergence and functional brain networks (FBNs) constructed by Pearson correlation measurement interregional similarity. The global and regional properties were analyzed and compared using graph theory and network-based statistics (NBS), and the relationship with clinical manifestations was assessed. Compared with those of the healthy subjects, MBNs of patients with DAI showed a higher path length ([Formula: see text]: P = 0.021, [Formula: see text]: P = 0.011), lower clustering ([Formula: see text]: P = 0.002) and less small-worldness ([Formula: see text]: P = 0.002), but there was no significant difference in the global properties of FBNs (P: 0.161-0.216). For nodal properties of MBNs and FBNs, several regions showed significant differences between patients with DAI and healthy controls (HCs) (P < 0.05, FDR corrected). NBS analysis revealed that MBNs have more altered morphological connections in the frontal parietal control network and interhemispheric connections (P < 0.05). DAI-related global or nodal properties of MBNs were correlated with physical disability or dyscognition (P < 0.05/7, with Bonferroni correction), and the alteration of functional topology properties mediates this relationship. Our results suggested that disrupted morphological topology properties, which are mediated by FBNs and correlated with clinical manifestations of DAI, play a critical role in the short-term and medium-term phases after trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Jiangxi Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Jiangxi Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Long Qian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, No.60 Yannan Yuan, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Hongmei Kuang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Jiangxi Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jie Zhan
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Jiangxi Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Jiangxi Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Gerald L Cheung
- Spin Imaging Technology Co., Ltd, No.6 Fengxin Road, Nanjing, 210012, China
| | - Aimin Ding
- Department of Radiology, The First People's Hospital of Fuzhou and The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Fuzhou, 344000, China.
| | - Honghan Gong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Jiangxi Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Rauchman SH, Pinkhasov A, Gulkarov S, Placantonakis DG, De Leon J, Reiss AB. Maximizing the Clinical Value of Blood-Based Biomarkers for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3330. [PMID: 37958226 PMCID: PMC10650880 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13213330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion can have serious consequences that develop over time with unpredictable levels of recovery. Millions of concussions occur yearly, and a substantial number result in lingering symptoms, loss of productivity, and lower quality of life. The diagnosis may not be made for multiple reasons, including due to patient hesitancy to undergo neuroimaging and inability of imaging to detect minimal damage. Biomarkers could fill this gap, but the time needed to send blood to a laboratory for analysis made this impractical until point-of-care measurement became available. A handheld blood test is now on the market for diagnosis of concussion based on the specific blood biomarkers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1). This paper discusses rapid blood biomarker assessment for mild TBI and its implications in improving prediction of TBI course, avoiding repeated head trauma, and its potential role in assessing new therapeutic options. Although we focus on the Abbott i-STAT TBI plasma test because it is the first to be FDA-cleared, our discussion applies to any comparable test systems that may become available in the future. The difficulties in changing emergency department protocols to include new technology are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron Pinkhasov
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA; (A.P.); (S.G.); (J.D.L.)
| | - Shelly Gulkarov
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA; (A.P.); (S.G.); (J.D.L.)
| | | | - Joshua De Leon
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA; (A.P.); (S.G.); (J.D.L.)
| | - Allison B. Reiss
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA; (A.P.); (S.G.); (J.D.L.)
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14
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Lampros M, Vlachos N, Tsitsopoulos PP, Zikou AK, Argyropoulou MI, Voulgaris S, Alexiou GA. The Role of Novel Imaging and Biofluid Biomarkers in Traumatic Axonal Injury: An Updated Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2312. [PMID: 37626808 PMCID: PMC10452517 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Traumatic axonal injury (TAI) is a subtype of TBI resulting from high-impact forces that cause shearing and/or stretching of the axonal fibers in white matter tracts. It is present in almost half of cases of severe TBI and frequently associated with poor functional outcomes. Axonal injury results from axonotomy due to mechanical forces and the activation of a biochemical cascade that induces the activation of proteases. It occurs at a cellular level; hence, conventional imaging modalities often fail to display TAI lesions. However, the advent of novel imaging modalities, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and fiber tractography, has significantly improved the detection and characteristics of TAI. Furthermore, the significance of several fluid and structural biomarkers has also been researched, while the contribution of omics in the detection of novel biomarkers is currently under investigation. In the present review, we discuss the role of imaging modalities and potential biomarkers in diagnosing, classifying, and predicting the outcome in patients with TAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Lampros
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, St. Niarhou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (M.L.); (N.V.); (S.V.)
| | - Nikolaos Vlachos
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, St. Niarhou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (M.L.); (N.V.); (S.V.)
| | - Parmenion P. Tsitsopoulos
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine, 54942 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Anastasia K. Zikou
- Department of Radiology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.Z.); (M.I.A.)
| | - Maria I. Argyropoulou
- Department of Radiology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.Z.); (M.I.A.)
| | - Spyridon Voulgaris
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, St. Niarhou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (M.L.); (N.V.); (S.V.)
| | - George A. Alexiou
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, St. Niarhou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (M.L.); (N.V.); (S.V.)
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15
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Diouf A, Machnowska M. Conventional MR Imaging in Trauma Management in Adults. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2023; 33:235-249. [PMID: 36965942 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
MR imaging has been shown to have higher sensitivity than computed tomography (CT) for traumatic intracranial soft tissue injuries as well as most cases of intracranial hemorrhage, thus making it a significant adjunct to CT in the management of traumatic brain injury, mostly in the subacute to chronic phase, but may also be of use in the acute phase, when there are persistent neurologic symptoms unexplained by prior imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ange Diouf
- Department of Radiology, Radio-Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Faculty of Medicine, University of Montré al, Montré al, QC, Canada; Interventional Neuroradiology Clinical Fellow at St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montré al (CHUM), 1051 Sanguinet Street, Montré al, QC H2X 0C1, Canada
| | - Matylda Machnowska
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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16
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To XV, Mohamed AZ, Cumming P, Nasrallah FA. Association of sub-acute changes in plasma amino acid levels with long-term brain pathologies in a rat model of moderate-severe traumatic brain injury. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1014081. [PMID: 36685246 PMCID: PMC9853432 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1014081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces a cascade of cellular alterations that are responsible for evolving secondary brain injuries. Changes in brain structure and function after TBI may occur in concert with dysbiosis and altered amino acid fermentation in the gut. Therefore, we hypothesized that subacute plasma amino acid levels could predict long-term microstructural outcomes as quantified using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI). Methods Fourteen 8-10-week-old male rats were randomly assigned either to sham (n = 6) or a single moderate-severe TBI (n = 8) procedure targeting the primary somatosensory cortex. Venous blood samples were collected at days one, three, seven, and 60 post-procedure and NODDI imaging were carried out at day 60. Principal Component Regression analysis was used to identify time dependent plasma amino acid concentrations after in the subacute phase post-injury that predicted NODDI metric outcomes at day 60. Results The TBI group had significantly increased plasma levels of glutamine, arginine, alanine, proline, tyrosine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, and phenylalanine at days three-seven post-injury. Higher levels of several neuroprotective amino acids, especially the branched-chain amino acids (valine, isoleucine, leucine) and phenylalanine, as well as serine, arginine, and asparagine at days three-seven post-injury were also associated with lower isotropic diffusion volume fraction measures in the ventricles and thus lesser ventricular dilation at day 60. Discussion In the first such study, we examined the relationship between the long-term post-TBI microstructural outcomes across whole brain and the subacute changes in plasma amino acid concentrations. At days three to seven post-injury, we observed that increased plasma levels of several amino acids, particularly the branched-chain amino acids and phenylalanine, were associated with lesser degrees of ventriculomegaly and hydrocephalus TBI neuropathology at day 60 post-injury. The results imply that altered amino acid fermentation in the gut may mediate neuroprotection in the aftermath of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Vinh To
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Abdalla Z. Mohamed
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, Australia,Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul Cumming
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland,School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Fatima A. Nasrallah
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, Australia,Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, Australia,*Correspondence: Fatima A. Nasrallah,
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17
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Chen Q, Chen X, Xu L, Zhang R, Li Z, Yue X, Qiao D. Traumatic axonal injury: neuropathological features, postmortem diagnostic methods, and strategies. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2022; 18:530-544. [PMID: 36117238 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00522-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has high morbidity and poor prognosis and imposes a serious socioeconomic burden. Traumatic axonal injury (TAI), which is one of the common pathological changes in the primary injury of TBI, is often caused by the external force to the head that causes the white matter bundles to generate shear stress and tension; resulting in tissue damage and leading to the cytoskeletal disorder. At present, the forensic pathological diagnosis of TAI-caused death is still a difficult problem. Most of the TAI biomarkers studied are used for the prediction, evaluation, and prognosis of TAI in the living state. The research subjects are mainly humans in the living state or model animals, which are not suitable for the postmortem diagnosis of TAI. In addition, there is still a lack of recognized indicators for the autopsy pathological diagnosis of TAI. Different diagnostic methods and markers have their limitations, and there is a lack of systematic research and summary of autopsy diagnostic markers of TAI. Therefore, this study mainly summarizes the pathological mechanism, common methods, techniques of postmortem diagnosis, and corresponding biomarkers of TAI, and puts forward the strategies for postmortem diagnosis of TAI for forensic cases with different survival times, which is of great significance to forensic pathological diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianling Chen
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, South Shaitai Road #1023, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuebing Chen
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, South Shaitai Road #1023, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Luyao Xu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, South Shaitai Road #1023, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, South Shaitai Road #1023, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Guangzhou Forensic Science Institute & Key Laboratory of Forensic Pathology, Ministry of Public Security, Guangzhou, 510442, China.
| | - Xia Yue
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, South Shaitai Road #1023, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Dongfang Qiao
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, South Shaitai Road #1023, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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18
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The Neuroprotection Effects of Exosome in Central Nervous System Injuries: a New Target for Therapeutic Intervention. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:7152-7169. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03028-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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19
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Pozo Devoto VM, Onyango IG, Stokin GB. Mitochondrial behavior when things go wrong in the axon. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:959598. [PMID: 35990893 PMCID: PMC9389222 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.959598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal homeostasis is maintained by processes that include cytoskeletal regulation, cargo transport, synaptic activity, ionic balance, and energy supply. Several of these processes involve mitochondria to varying degrees. As a transportable powerplant, the mitochondria deliver ATP and Ca2+-buffering capabilities and require fusion/fission to maintain proper functioning. Taking into consideration the long distances that need to be covered by mitochondria in the axons, their transport, distribution, fusion/fission, and health are of cardinal importance. However, axonal homeostasis is disrupted in several disorders of the nervous system, or by traumatic brain injury (TBI), where the external insult is translated into physical forces that damage nervous tissue including axons. The degree of damage varies and can disconnect the axon into two segments and/or generate axonal swellings in addition to cytoskeletal changes, membrane leakage, and changes in ionic composition. Cytoskeletal changes and increased intra-axonal Ca2+ levels are the main factors that challenge mitochondrial homeostasis. On the other hand, a proper function and distribution of mitochondria can determine the recovery or regeneration of the axonal physiological state. Here, we discuss the current knowledge regarding mitochondrial transport, fusion/fission, and Ca2+ regulation under axonal physiological or pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victorio M. Pozo Devoto
- Translational Neuroscience and Ageing Program, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Isaac G. Onyango
- Translational Neuroscience and Ageing Program, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Gorazd B. Stokin
- Translational Neuroscience and Ageing Program, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- Division of Neurology, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Neurosciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Gorazd B. Stokin
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20
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Zhang L, Li Z, Mao L, Wang H. Circular RNA in Acute Central Nervous System Injuries: A New Target for Therapeutic Intervention. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:816182. [PMID: 35392276 PMCID: PMC8981151 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.816182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute central nervous system (CNS) injuries, including ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), are the most common cause of death and disability around the world. As a kind of non-coding ribonucleic acids (RNAs) with endogenous and conserve, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently attracted great attentions due to their functions in diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. A large number of studies have suggested that circRNAs played an important role in brain development and involved in many neurological disorders, particularly in acute CNS injuries. It has been proposed that regulation of circRNAs could improve cognition function, promote angiogenesis, inhibit apoptosis, suppress inflammation, regulate autophagy and protect blood brain barrier (BBB) in acute CNS injuries via different molecules and pathways including microRNA (miRNA), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), ph1osphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), Notch1 and ten-eleven translocation (TET). Therefore, circRNAs showed great promise as potential targets in acute CNS injuries. In this article, we present a review highlighting the roles of circRNAs in acute CNS injuries. Hence, on the basis of these properties and effects, circRNAs may be developed as therapeutic agents for acute CNS injury patients.
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21
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Expression and distribution of β amyloid precursor protein immunomarkers in the detection of diffuse axonal injury. SRP ARK CELOK LEK 2022. [DOI: 10.2298/sarh210728094n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction/Objective The diffuse axonal injury has a very important place in clinical and forensic aspects of neurotraumatology. A special challenge is proving it in situations of short survival (less than two hours) after a craniocerebral injury. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of beta-amyloid precursor protein (?APP) immunohistochemical staining in postmortem diagnosis of axonal injuries in head injury survival shorter than two hours, its expression, and distribution through the brain tissue of the deceased. Methods 36 adult fatalities, both sexes, injured by acceleration-deceleration mechanisms were divided into two groups: died up to two hours and died more than two hours after the injury. Immunostaining of brain tissue samples (frontal parasagittal white mass, genu and splenium of the corpus callosum and rostral pons) was used to register ?APP positivity. Data were processed by methods of descriptive and inferential nonparametric statistics, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The ?APP immunopositivity was shown in 88.9% of cases (82.3% of ? two hours group vs. 94.7% of > two hours group). ?APP expression was enhanced towards the posterior structures of the brain. The shortest survival period with detected ?APP immunopositivity was 20?25 minutes, in three cases. There was an association of ?APP expression in the brainstem and interhemispheric/perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (p = 0.035). Conclusion ?APP immunohistochemical staining is effective in proving diffuse axonal injury in casualties that survived less than half an hour. Interhemispheric/perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage may indicate a more severe form of axonal injury.
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Volovici V, Bruggeman GF, Haitsma IK. MRI studies of traumatic axonal injury: still a long way to go-misuse of the Adams classification. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2021; 163:1445-1446. [PMID: 33586017 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-021-04757-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Volovici
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Gavin F Bruggeman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iain K Haitsma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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23
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Moe HK, Vik A, Flusund AMH, Stenberg J, Skandsen T, Moen KG. Letter to the editor: Grading of traumatic axonal injury on clinical MRI and functional outcome. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2021; 163:1443-1444. [PMID: 33630141 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-021-04759-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hans Kristian Moe
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Anne Vik
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne-Mari Holte Flusund
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Radiology, Molde Hospital, Molde, Norway
| | - Jonas Stenberg
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Toril Skandsen
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kent Gøran Moen
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Radiology, Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway
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