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Symons GF, Gregg MC, Hicks AJ, Rowe CC, Shultz SR, Ponsford JL, Spitz G. Altered grey matter structural covariance in chronic moderate-severe traumatic brain injury. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1728. [PMID: 38242923 PMCID: PMC10799053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50396-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) alters brain network connectivity. Structural covariance networks (SCNs) reflect morphological covariation between brain regions. SCNs may elucidate how altered brain network topology in TBI influences long-term outcomes. Here, we assessed whether SCN organisation is altered in individuals with chronic moderate-severe TBI (≥ 10 years post-injury) and associations with cognitive performance. This case-control study included fifty individuals with chronic moderate-severe TBI compared to 75 healthy controls recruited from an ongoing longitudinal head injury outcome study. SCNs were constructed using grey matter volume measurements from T1-weighted MRI images. Global and regional SCN organisation in relation to group membership and cognitive ability was examined using regression analyses. Globally, TBI participants had reduced small-worldness, longer characteristic path length, higher clustering, and higher modularity globally (p < 0.05). Regionally, TBI participants had greater betweenness centrality (p < 0.05) in frontal and central areas of the cortex. No significant associations were observed between global network measures and cognitive ability in participants with TBI (p > 0.05). Chronic moderate-severe TBI was associated with a shift towards a more segregated global network topology and altered organisation in frontal and central brain regions. There was no evidence that SCNs are associated with cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia F Symons
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Matthew C Gregg
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Ground Floor, 185-187 Hoddle St, Richmond, 3121, Australia
| | - Amelia J Hicks
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Ground Floor, 185-187 Hoddle St, Richmond, 3121, Australia
| | - Christopher C Rowe
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Health Sciences, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5S5, Canada
| | - Jennie L Ponsford
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Ground Floor, 185-187 Hoddle St, Richmond, 3121, Australia
| | - Gershon Spitz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Ground Floor, 185-187 Hoddle St, Richmond, 3121, Australia
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Gao X, Su B, Sun Z, Xu L, Wei Y, Wu D. Patterns of Gray and White Matter Volume Alterations in Patients With Post-Traumatic Anosmia: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:690760. [PMID: 35860485 PMCID: PMC9289146 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.690760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTraumatic brain injury is one of the major causes of human olfactory dysfunction and leads to brain structure alterations, mainly in the cortical olfactory regions. Our study aimed to investigate volume changes in the gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in patients with post-traumatic anosmia and then to explore the relationship between GM volume and olfactory function.MethodsEthics committee approved prospective studies which included 22 patients with post-traumatic anosmia and 18 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers. Olfactory function was assessed using the Sniffin' Sticks. High-resolution 3-dimensional T1 MRIs of the participants were acquired on a 3T scanner and the data were collected for voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis. Furthermore, the GM and WM volumes of the whole brain regions were compared and correlated with olfactory function.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant GM volume reduction in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), gyrus rectus (GR), olfactory cortex, insula, parahippocampal, temporal pole, and cerebellum (all P < 0.001) in patients. Besides, WM volume loss was also found in the OFC, GR, and insula (all P < 0.001) in patients. All WM atrophy areas were connected to areas of GM volume loss spatially. Correlation analysis showed the olfactory scores were significantly positively correlated with the GM volume of the occipital cortex (P < 0.001, and PFWE < 0.05), while no significant correlation was found between the Sniffin' Sticks test scores and the WM volume in patients.ConclusionThe reduction of GM and WM volume in olfactory-related regions was responsible for olfactory dysfunction in post-traumatic patients. The occipital cortex may play a compensation mechanism to maintain the residual olfactory function. To our knowledge, we report here for the first time on white matter volume alterations specifically in post-traumatic patients with anosmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Baihan Su
- Department of Otolaryngology, Smell and Taste Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhifu Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology, Smell and Taste Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongxiang Wei
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yongxiang Wei
| | - Dawei Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Dawei Wu
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Pettemeridou E, Constantinidou F. The cortical and subcortical substrates of quality of life through substrates of self-awareness and executive functions, in chronic moderate-to-severe TBI. Brain Inj 2022; 36:110-120. [DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2034960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pettemeridou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Kios Innovation & Research Center of Excellence, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Fofi Constantinidou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Olsen A, Dennis EL, Stubberud J, Hovenden ES, Solbakk AK, Endestad T, Kristian Hol P, Schanke AK, Løvstad M, Tornås S. Regional brain volume prior to treatment is linked to outcome after cognitive rehabilitation in traumatic brain injury. NEUROIMAGE: CLINICAL 2022; 35:103126. [PMID: 36002956 PMCID: PMC9421497 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced neuroimaging has potential to inform new practices in cognitive rehabilitation. Regional brain volume was linked to effect of cognitive rehabilitation in traumatic brain injury. The most robust effects were observed in midline fronto-parietal brain regions.
Cognitive rehabilitation is useful for many after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but we lack critical knowledge about which patients benefit the most from different approaches. Advanced neuroimaging techniques have provided important insight into brain pathology and systems plasticity after TBI, and have potential to inform new practices in cognitive rehabilitation. In this study, we aimed to identify candidate structural brain measures with relevance for rehabilitation of cognitive control (executive) function after TBI. Twenty-eight patients (9 female, mean age 40.5 (SD = 13.04) years) with TBI (>21 months since injury) that participated in a randomized controlled cognitive rehabilitation trial (NCT02692352) were included in the analyses. Regional brain volume was extracted from T1-weighted MRI scans before treatment using tensor-based morphometry. Both positive and negative associations between treatment outcome (everyday cognitive control function) and regional brain volume were observed. The most robust associations between regional brain volume and improvement in function were observed in midline fronto-parietal regions, including the anterior and posterior cingulate cortices. The study provides proof of concept and valuable insight for planning future studies focusing on neuroimaging in cognitive rehabilitation after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Olsen
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Emily L Dennis
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Wahlen Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City UT, USA
| | - Jan Stubberud
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Research, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Research, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway
| | - Elizabeth S Hovenden
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Wahlen Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City UT, USA
| | - Anne-Kristin Solbakk
- RITMO, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet, Norway; Department of Neuropsychology, Helgeland Hospital, 8657 Mosjøen, Norway
| | - Tor Endestad
- RITMO, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Neuropsychology, Helgeland Hospital, 8657 Mosjøen, Norway
| | - Per Kristian Hol
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne-Kristine Schanke
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Research, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway
| | - Marianne Løvstad
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Research, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway
| | - Sveinung Tornås
- Department of Research, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway
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Pettemeridou E, Kallousia E, Constantinidou F. Regional Brain Volume, Brain Reserve and MMSE Performance in Healthy Aging From the NEUROAGE Cohort: Contributions of Sex, Education, and Depression Symptoms. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:711301. [PMID: 34867265 PMCID: PMC8633314 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.711301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was twofold. First, to investigate the relationship between age, gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes, brain reserve (BR), and specific regions of interest (ROIs) with global cognitive function in healthy older adults participating in a longitudinal study on aging in the island country of Cyprus. Second, to assess the contribution of important demographic and psychosocial factors on brain volume. Specifically, the effects of sex and years of education and the association between depression symptoms on brain volume were also explored in this Mediterranean cohort. Methods: Eighty-seven healthy older adults (males = 37, females = 50) scoring ≥24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were included, with a mean age of 72.75 years and a mean educational level of 10.48 years. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depression. T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were used to calculate global and regional volumes. Results: Age was negatively correlated with GM, WM, BR, MMSE scores, and ROIs, including the hippocampus, amygdala, entorhinal cortex, prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, and positively with CSF. Higher MMSE scores positively correlated with GM volume. Women exhibited greater levels of depression than men. Depression was also negatively correlated with GM volume and MMSE scores. Men had greater ventricular size than women and participants with higher education had greater ventricular expansion than those with fewer years in education. Conclusions: The reported structural changes provide evidence on the overlap between age-related brain changes and healthy cognitive aging and suggest that these age changes affect certain regions. Furthermore, sex, depressive symptomatology, and education are significant predictors of the aging brain. Brain reserve and higher education accommodate these changes and works against the development of clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pettemeridou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,KIOS Innovation and Research Center of Excellence, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Eleni Kallousia
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Fofi Constantinidou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid-to-brain extracellular fluid surrogacy is context-specific: insights from LeiCNS-PK3.0 simulations. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2021; 48:725-741. [PMID: 34142308 PMCID: PMC8405486 DOI: 10.1007/s10928-021-09768-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Predicting brain pharmacokinetics is critical for central nervous system (CNS) drug development yet difficult due to ethical restrictions of human brain sampling. CNS pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles are often altered in CNS diseases due to disease-specific pathophysiology. We previously published a comprehensive CNS physiologically-based PK (PBPK) model that predicted the PK profiles of small drugs at brain and cerebrospinal fluid compartments. Here, we improved this model with brain non-specific binding and pH effect on drug ionization and passive transport. We refer to this improved model as Leiden CNS PBPK predictor V3.0 (LeiCNS-PK3.0). LeiCNS-PK3.0 predicted the unbound drug concentrations of brain ECF and CSF compartments in rats and humans with less than two-fold error. We then applied LeiCNS-PK3.0 to study the effect of altered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, CSF volume and flow, on brain extracellular fluid (ECF) pharmacokinetics. The effect of altered CSF dynamics was simulated using LeiCNS-PK3.0 for six drugs and the resulting drug exposure at brain ECF and lumbar CSF were compared. Simulation results showed that altered CSF dynamics changed the CSF PK profiles, but not the brain ECF profiles, irrespective of the drug's physicochemical properties. Our analysis supports the notion that lumbar CSF drug concentration is not an accurate surrogate of brain ECF, particularly in CNS diseases. Systems approaches account for multiple levels of CNS complexity and are better suited to predict brain PK.
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Progressive Neurodegeneration Across Chronic Stages of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 37:E144-E156. [PMID: 34145157 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the trajectory of structural gray matter changes across 2 chronic periods of recovery in individuals who have sustained severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), adding to the growing literature indicating that neurodegenerative processes occur in the months to years postinjury. PARTICIPANTS Patients who experienced posttraumatic amnesia of 1 hour or more, and/or scored 12 or less on the Glasgow Coma Scale at the emergency department or the scene of the accident, and/or had positive brain imaging findings were recruited while receiving inpatient care, resulting in 51 patients with severe TBI. METHODS Secondary analyses of gray matter changes across approximately 5 months, 1 year, and 2.5 years postinjury were undertaken, using an automated segmentation protocol with improved accuracy in populations with morphological anomalies. We compared patients and matched controls on regions implicated in poorer long-term clinical outcome (accumbens, amygdala, brainstem, hippocampus, thalamus). To model brain-wide patterns of change, we then conducted an exploratory principal component analysis (PCA) on the linear slopes of all regional volumes across the 3 time points. Finally, we assessed nonlinear trends across earlier (5 months-1 year) versus later (1-2.5 years) time-windows with PCA to compare degeneration rates across time. Chronic degeneration was predicted cortically and subcortically brain-wide, and within specific regions of interest. RESULTS (1) From 5 months to 1 year, patients showed significant degeneration in the accumbens, and marginal degeneration in the amygdala, brainstem, thalamus, and the left hippocampus when examined unilaterally, compared with controls. (2) PCA components representing subcortical and temporal regions, and regions from the basal ganglia, significantly differed from controls in the first time-window. (3) Progression occurred at the same rate across both time-windows, suggesting neither escalation nor attenuation of degeneration across time. CONCLUSION Localized yet progressive decline emphasizes the necessity of developing interventions to offset degeneration and improve long-term functioning.
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Pettemeridou E, Constantinidou F. The Association Between Brain Reserve, Cognitive Reserve, and Neuropsychological and Functional Outcomes in Males With Chronic Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:883-893. [PMID: 33630655 DOI: 10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to significant neural and cognitive impairment, affecting functional outcome. This study investigated the chronic effects of moderate-to-severe TBI on brain reserve (BR), cognitive reserve (CR), and neuropsychological and functional outcome. Method The group with TBI consisted of 41 male participants with a primary diagnosis of moderate-to-severe closed head injury (time since injury [TSI], M = 6.12 years, range: 1-23, SD = 5.99, Mdn = 4). TBI survivors were compared to 24 neurotypical male participants, matched on age and education. Magnetic resonance imaging T1 anatomical images were used to calculate gray and white matter and cerebrospinal fluid volume. BR was calculated using the ventricle-to-brain ratio. CR was assessed using two hold measures: the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and the Pseudowords task. Functional outcome was measured using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended. Results Neuropsychological performance of TBI survivors was significantly lower than their neurotypical controls, as measured by theoretically driven composites of verbal and visual memory, executive functions, attention, and CR. They presented greater ventricle-to-brain ratio volume, compared to noninjured controls, with higher scores indicating lower BR levels. Both BR and TSI were significantly associated with CR. Also, a median-split analysis revealed a TSI effect on CR. Significant associations were evident between the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended and the BR and CR measures. Conclusions Lingering neuropsychological deficits in chronic TBI support the role of BR and CR in functional outcome. Furthermore, TSI interferes with CR supporting the notion that TBI sets off a chronic neurodegenerative and progressive course that interferes with semantic knowledge. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14049923.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pettemeridou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia
- KIOS Innovation and Research Center of Excellence, University of Cyprus, Nicosia
| | - Fofi Constantinidou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia
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Hicks AJ, Spitz G, Rowe CC, Roberts CM, McKenzie DP, Ponsford JL. Does cognitive decline occur decades after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury? A prospective controlled study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2021; 32:1530-1549. [PMID: 33858304 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2021.1914674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This prospective controlled study examined long-term trajectories of neuropsychological performance in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to healthy controls, and the impact of IQ, age at injury, time since injury, and injury severity on change over time. Fifty-three individuals with moderate to severe TBI (60.37% male; M = 59.77 yrs, SD = 14.03), and 26 controls (46.15% male; M = 63.96 yrs, SD = 14.42) were studied prospectively (M = 12.72 yrs between assessments). Participants completed measures of premorbid IQ (Weschler Test of Adult Reading), processing speed (Digit Symbol Coding Test), working memory (Digit Span Backwards), memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) and executive function (Trail Making Test Part B; Hayling Errors), at a mean of 10.62 yrs (Initial) and 23.91 yrs (Follow-Up) post injury. Individuals with TBI did not show a significantly greater decline in neuropsychological performance over time compared with demographically similar controls. There was no association between change over time with IQ, time since injury or injury severity. Being older at injury had a greater adverse impact on executive function at follow-up. In this small sample, a single moderate to severe TBI was not associated with ongoing cognitive decline up to three decades post injury. Changes in cognitive function were similar between the groups and likely reflect healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia J Hicks
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gershon Spitz
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher C Rowe
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Heidelberg and Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Caroline M Roberts
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dean P McKenzie
- Research Development and Governance Unit, Epworth HealthCare Melbourne, Australia and Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennie L Ponsford
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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El-Khatib H, Sanchez E, Arbour C, Van Der Maren S, Duclos C, Blais H, Carrier J, Simonelli G, Hendryckx C, Paquet J, Gosselin N. Slow wave activity moderates the association between new learning and traumatic brain injury severity. Sleep 2021; 44:zsaa242. [PMID: 33211874 PMCID: PMC8033458 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleep-wake complaints and difficulties in making new learning are among the most persistent and challenging long-term sequelea following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Yet, it is unclear whether, and to what extent, sleep characteristics during the chronic stage of TBI contribute to sleep-wake and cognitive complaints. We aimed to characterize sleep architecture in chronic moderate to severe TBI adults and assess whether non-rapid eye movement slow wave activity (SWA) is associated to next day performance in episodic memory tasks according to TBI severity. METHODS Forty-two moderate to severe TBI participants, 12-47 months post-injury, and 38 healthy controls were tested with one night of in-laboratory polysomnography, followed the next morning by questionnaires (sleep quality, fatigue, and sleepiness) and neuropsychological assessment. We used multiple regression analyses to assess the moderator effect of SWA power on TBI severity and next-day memory performance. RESULTS We found that TBI participants reported worse sleep quality and fatigue, and had worse cognitive performance than controls. No between group differences were found on macro- and micro-architecture of sleep. However, SWA significantly interacted with TBI severity to explain next-day memory performance: higher SWA was more strongly associated to better memory performance in more severe TBI compared to milder TBI. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that the injured brain is able to produce macro- and micro-architecture of sleep comparable to what is seen in healthy controls. However, with increasing TBI severity, lower non-rapid eye movement SWA power is associated with reduced ability to learn and memorise new information the following day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héjar El-Khatib
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Erlan Sanchez
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Caroline Arbour
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Solenne Van Der Maren
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Catherine Duclos
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hélène Blais
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie Carrier
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guido Simonelli
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charlotte Hendryckx
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean Paquet
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nadia Gosselin
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Kokkinou M, Kyprianou TC, Kyriakides E, Constantinidou F. A population study on the epidemiology and outcome of brain injuries in intensive care. NeuroRehabilitation 2021; 47:143-152. [PMID: 32741786 DOI: 10.3233/nre-203111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is characterized by a highly heterogenous profile in terms of pathophysiology, clinical presentation and outcome. OBJECTIVE This is the first population study investigating the epidemiology and outcomes of moderate-to-severe TBI in Cyprus. Patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Nicosia General Hospital, the only Level 1 Trauma Centre in the country, were recruited between January 2013 and December 2016. METHODS This was an observational cohort study, using longitudinal methods and six-month follow-up. Patients (N = 203) diagnosed with TBI were classified by the Glasgow Coma Scale at the Emergency Department as moderate or severe. RESULTS Compared to international multicentre studies, the current cohort demonstrates a different case mix that includes older age, more motor vehicle collisions and lower mortality rates. There was a significantly higher proportion of injured males. Females were significantly older than males. There were no sex differences in the type, severity or place of injury. Sex did not yield differences in mortality or outcomes or on injury indices predicting outcomes. In contrast, older age was a predictor of higher mortality rates and worse outcomes. CONCLUSION Trends as described in the study emphasize the importance of continuous evaluation of TBI epidemiology and outcome in different countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kokkinou
- Registered Clinical Psychologist & Doctoral Candidate, Department of Psychology & Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - T C Kyprianou
- Associate Professor at St George, University of London, Medical Program at the University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - E Kyriakides
- ICU Clinical Informatics Administrator, Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - F Constantinidou
- Professor of Language Disorders and Clinical Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology & Director of the Centre for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Pettemeridou E, Kennedy MR, Constantinidou F. Executive functions, self-awareness and quality of life in chronic moderate-to-severe TBI. NeuroRehabilitation 2020; 46:109-118. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-192963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pettemeridou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- KIOS Innovation & Research Center of Excellence, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Mary R.T. Kennedy
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Fofi Constantinidou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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13
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Effects of Systematic Categorization Training on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Older Adults and in Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury. Behav Neurol 2019; 2019:9785319. [PMID: 31534559 PMCID: PMC6732608 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9785319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of hierarchical cognitive training using the categorization program (CP), designed initially for adults with cognitive deficits associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Fifty-eight participants were included: a group of fifteen young adults with TBI (ages 18-48), another group of fifteen noninjured young adults (ages 18-50), and two groups of adults over 60 randomly assigned into the experimental group (n = 14) or the control group (n = 14). Following neuropsychological testing, the two young adult groups and the experimental older adult group received the CP training for 10-12 weeks. The CP training consisted of 8 levels targeting concept formation, object categorization, and decision-making abilities. Two CP tests (administered before and after the training) and three probe tasks (administered at specified intervals during the training) assessed skills relating to categorization. All treated groups showed significant improvement in their categorization performance, although younger participants (with or without TBI) demonstrated greater gains. Gains on the categorization measures were maintained by a subgroup of older adults up to four months posttraining. Implications of these findings in terms of adult cognitive learning and directions for future research on adult cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive stimulation programs are discussed.
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14
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Svingos AM, Asken BM, Jaffee MS, Bauer RM, Heaton SC. Predicting long-term cognitive and neuropathological consequences of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: Review and theoretical framework. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2019; 41:775-785. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2019.1620695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian M. Svingos
- Department of Clinical & Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Breton M. Asken
- Department of Clinical & Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael S. Jaffee
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Russell M. Bauer
- Department of Clinical & Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Shelley C. Heaton
- Department of Clinical & Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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15
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Molteni E, Pagani E, Strazzer S, Arrigoni F, Beretta E, Boffa G, Galbiati S, Filippi M, Rocca MA. Fronto-temporal vulnerability to disconnection in paediatric moderate and severe traumatic brain injury. Eur J Neurol 2019; 26:1183-1190. [PMID: 30964589 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with moderate and severe paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), we investigated the presence and severity of white matter (WM) tract damage, cortical lobar and deep grey matter (GM) atrophies, their interplay and their correlation with outcome rating scales. METHODS Diffusion tensor (DT) and 3D T1-weighted MRI scans were obtained from 22 TBI children (13 boys; mean age at insult = 11.6 years; 72.7% in chronic condition) and 31 age-matched healthy children. Patients were tested with outcome rating scales and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC). DT MRI indices were obtained from several supra- and infra-tentorial WM tracts. Cortical lobar and deep GM volumes were derived. Comparisons between patients and controls, and between patients in acute (<6 months from the event) vs. chronic (≥6 months) condition were performed. RESULTS Patients showed a widespread pattern of decreased WM FA and GM atrophy. Compared to acute, chronic patients showed severer atrophy in the right frontal lobe and reduced FA in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus and corpus callosum (CC). Decreased axial diffusivity was observed in acute patients versus controls in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and CC. Chronic patients showed increased axial diffusivity in the same structures. Uncinate fasciculus DT MRI abnormalities correlated with atrophy in the frontal and temporal lobes. Hippocampal atrophy correlated with reduced WISC scores, whereas putamen atrophy correlated with lower functional independence measure scores. CONCLUSIONS The study isolated a distributed fronto-temporal network of structures particularly vulnerable to axonal damage and atrophy that may contribute to cognitive deficits following TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Molteni
- Acquired Brain Injury Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - E Pagani
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - S Strazzer
- Acquired Brain Injury Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - F Arrigoni
- Acquired Brain Injury Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - E Beretta
- Acquired Brain Injury Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - G Boffa
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - S Galbiati
- Acquired Brain Injury Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - M Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - M A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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16
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Catharine VL, Helena V, Ellen D, Guy V, Karel D, Karen C. Exploration of gray matter correlates of cognitive training benefit in adolescents with chronic traumatic brain injury. Neuroimage Clin 2019; 23:101827. [PMID: 31005776 PMCID: PMC6477162 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during adolescence has a profound effect on brain development and can result in persistent executive functioning deficits in daily life. Cognitive recovery from pediatric-TBI relies on the potential of neuroplasticity, which can be fostered by restorative training-programs. However the structural mechanisms underlying cognitive recovery in the immature brain are poorly understood. This study investigated gray matter plasticity following 2 months of cognitive training in young patients with TBI. Sixteen adolescents in the chronic stage of moderate-severe-TBI (9 male, mean age = 15y8m ± 1y7m) were enrolled in a cognitive computerized training program for 8 weeks (5 times/week, 40 min/session). Pre-and post-intervention, and 6 months after completion of the training, participants underwent a comprehensive neurocognitive test-battery and anatomical Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans. We selected 9 cortical-subcortical Regions-Of-Interest associated with Executive Functioning (EF-ROIs) and 3 control regions from the Desikan-Killiany atlas. Baseline analyses showed significant decreased gray matter density in the superior frontal gyri p = 0.033, superior parietal gyri p = 0.015 and thalamus p = 0.006 in adolescents with TBI compared to age and gender matched controls. Linear mixed model analyses of longitudinal volumetric data of the EF-ROI revealed no strong evidence of training-related changes in the group with TBI. However, compared to the change over time in the control regions between post-intervention and 6 months follow-up, the change in the EF-ROIs showed a significant difference. Exploratory analyses revealed a negative correlation between the change on the Digit Symbol Substitution test and the change in volume of the putamen (r = -0.596, p = 0.015). This preliminary study contributes to the insights of training-related plasticity mechanisms after pediatric-TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vander Linden Catharine
- Ghent University Hospital, Child Rehabilitation Centre K7, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Verhelst Helena
- Ghent University, Department of Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Deschepper Ellen
- Ghent University, Biostatistics Unit, Department of Public Health, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Vingerhoets Guy
- Ghent University, Department of Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Deblaere Karel
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Neuroradiology, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Caeyenberghs Karen
- Australian Catholic University, Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research Level 5, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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17
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Ubukata S, Oishi N, Sugihara G, Aso T, Fukuyama H, Murai T, Ueda K. Transcallosal Fiber Disruption and its Relationship with Corresponding Gray Matter Alteration in Patients with Diffuse Axonal Injury. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:1106-1114. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.5823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shiho Ubukata
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Medical Innovation Center, Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoya Oishi
- Medical Innovation Center, Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Genichi Sugihara
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Aso
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Human Brain Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, and Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidenao Fukuyama
- Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Research and Educational Unit of Leaders for Integrated Medical System, Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiya Murai
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keita Ueda
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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18
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Konstantinou N, Pettemeridou E, Stamatakis EA, Seimenis I, Constantinidou F. Altered Resting Functional Connectivity Is Related to Cognitive Outcome in Males With Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Neurol 2019; 9:1163. [PMID: 30687219 PMCID: PMC6335280 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
TBI results in significant cognitive impairments and in altered brain functional connectivity. However, no studies explored so far, the relationship between global functional connectivity and cognitive outcome in chronic moderate-severe TBI. This proof of principle study employed the intrinsic connectivity contrast, an objective voxel-based metric of global functional connectivity, in a small sample of chronic moderate-severe TBI participants and a group of healthy controls matched on gender (males), age, and education. Cognitive tests assessing executive functions, verbal memory, visual memory, attention/organization, and cognitive reserve were administered. Group differences in terms of global functional connectivity maps were assessed and the association between performance on the cognitive measures and global functional connectivity was examined. Next, we investigated the spatial extent of functional connectivity in the brain regions found to be associated with cognitive performance, using traditional seed-based analyses. Global functional connectivity of the TBI group was altered, compared to the controls. Moreover, the strength of global functional connectivity in affected brain areas was associated with cognitive outcome. These findings indicate that impaired global functional connectivity is a significant consequence of TBI suggesting that cognitive impairments following TBI may be partly attributed to altered functional connectivity between brain areas involved in the specific cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Konstantinou
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Eva Pettemeridou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Ioannis Seimenis
- Medical Physics Laboratory, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Fofi Constantinidou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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19
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Multimodal Assessment of Recurrent MTBI across the Lifespan. J Clin Med 2018; 7:jcm7050095. [PMID: 29723976 PMCID: PMC5977134 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7050095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and its neurological sequelae have been the focus of a large number of studies, indicating cognitive, structural, and functional brain alterations. However, studies often focused on single outcome measures in small cohorts of specific populations only. We conducted a multimodal evaluation of the impact of recurrent mTBI on a broad range of cognitive functions, regional brain volume, white matter integrity, and resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) in young and older adults in the chronic stage (>6 months after the last mTBI). Seventeen young participants with mTBI (age: 24.2 ± 2.8 (mean ± SD)) and 21 group-wise matched healthy controls (age: 25.8 ± 5.4 (mean ± SD)), as well as 17 older participants with mTBI (age: 62.7 ± 7.7 (mean ± SD)) and 16 group-wise matched healthy controls (age: 61.7 ± 5.9 (mean ± SD)) were evaluated. We found significant differences in the verbal fluency between young participants with mTBI and young healthy controls. Furthermore, differences in the regional volume of precuneus and medial orbitofrontal gyrus between participants with mTBI and controls for both age groups were seen. A significant age by group interaction for the right hippocampal volume was noted, indicating an accelerated hippocampal volume loss in older participants with mTBI. Other cognitive parameters, white matter integrity, and RSFC showed no significant differences. We confirmed some of the previously reported detrimental effects of recurrent mTBI, but also demonstrated inconspicuous findings for the majority of parameters.
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20
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Schultz V, Stern RA, Tripodis Y, Stamm J, Wrobel P, Lepage C, Weir I, Guenette JP, Chua A, Alosco ML, Baugh CM, Fritts NG, Martin BM, Chaisson CE, Coleman MJ, Lin AP, Pasternak O, Shenton ME, Koerte IK. Age at First Exposure to Repetitive Head Impacts Is Associated with Smaller Thalamic Volumes in Former Professional American Football Players. J Neurotrauma 2017; 35:278-285. [PMID: 28990457 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalamic atrophy has been associated with exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI) in professional fighters. The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not age at first exposure (AFE) to RHI is associated with thalamic volume in symptomatic former National Football League (NFL) players at risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Eighty-six symptomatic former NFL players (mean age = 54.9 ± 7.9 years) were included. T1-weighted data were acquired on a 3T magnetic resonance imager, and thalamic volumes were derived using FreeSurfer. Mood and behavior, psychomotor speed, and visual and verbal memory were assessed. The association between thalamic volume and AFE to playing football and to number of years playing was calculated. Decreased thalamic volume was associated with more years of play (left: p = 0.03; right: p = 0.03). Younger AFE was associated with decreased right thalamic volume (p = 0.014). This association remained significant after adjusting for total years of play. Decreased left thalamic volume was associated with worse visual memory (p = 0.014), whereas increased right thalamic volume was associated with fewer mood and behavior symptoms (p = 0.003). In our sample of symptomatic former NFL players at risk for CTE, total years of play and AFE were associated with decreased thalamic volume. The effect of AFE on right thalamic volume was almost twice as strong as the effect of total years of play. Our findings confirm previous reports of an association between thalamic volume and exposure to RHI. They suggest further that younger AFE may result in smaller thalamic volume later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Schultz
- 1 Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University , Munich, Germany
| | - Robert A Stern
- 3 BU Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University , Boston, Massachusetts.,4 Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- 3 BU Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University , Boston, Massachusetts.,5 Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julie Stamm
- 1 Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,3 BU Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University , Boston, Massachusetts.,6 Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin , Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Pawel Wrobel
- 1 Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University , Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Lepage
- 1 Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,7 Department of Psychology, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabelle Weir
- 5 Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey P Guenette
- 1 Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,8 Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alicia Chua
- 5 Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael L Alosco
- 3 BU Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christine M Baugh
- 3 BU Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University , Boston, Massachusetts.,9 Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy, Harvard University , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nathan G Fritts
- 3 BU Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brett M Martin
- 10 Data Coordinating Center, Boston University School of Public Health , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christine E Chaisson
- 3 BU Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University , Boston, Massachusetts.,10 Data Coordinating Center, Boston University School of Public Health , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael J Coleman
- 1 Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alexander P Lin
- 1 Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,8 Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,11 Center for Clinical Spectroscopy , Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ofer Pasternak
- 1 Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,8 Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Martha E Shenton
- 1 Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,8 Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,12 VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton Division, Brockton, Massachusetts.,13 Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Inga K Koerte
- 1 Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University , Munich, Germany .,13 Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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