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Kawauchi S, Kono A, Muramatsu Y, Hennes G, Seki S, Tominaga S, Haruyama Y, Komuta Y, Nishidate I, Matsukuma S, Wang Y, Sato S. Meningeal Damage and Interface Astroglial Scarring in the Rat Brain Exposed to a Laser-Induced Shock Wave(s). J Neurotrauma 2024; 41:e2039-e2053. [PMID: 38534205 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0572] [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] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, signature clinical neuropathology of blast-induced traumatic brain injury has been under intense debate, but interface astroglial scarring (IAS) seems to be convincing. In this study, we examined whether IAS could be replicated in the rat brain exposed to a laser-induced shock wave(s) (LISW[s]), a tool that can produce a pure shock wave (primary mechanism) without dynamic pressure (tertiary mechanism). Under certain conditions, we observed astroglial scarring in the subpial glial plate (SGP), gray-white matter junctions (GM-WM), ventricular wall (VW), and regions surrounding cortical blood vessels, accurately reproducing clinical IAS. We also observed shock wave impulse-dependent meningeal damage (dural microhemorrhage) in vivo by transcranial near-infrared (NIR) reflectance imaging. Importantly, there were significant correlations between the degree of dural microhemorrhage and the extent of astroglial scarring more than 7 days post-exposure, suggesting an association of meningeal damage with astroglial scarring. The results demonstrated that the primary mechanism alone caused the IAS and meningeal damage, both of which are attributable to acoustic impedance mismatching at multi-layered tissue boundaries. The time course of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity depended not only on the LISW conditions but also on the regions. In the SGP, significant increases in GFAP immunoreactivity were observed at 3 days post-exposure, whereas in the GM-WM and VW, GFAP immunoreactivity was not significantly increased before 28 days post-exposure, suggesting different pathological mechanisms. With the high-impulse single exposure or the multiple exposure (low impulse), fibrotic reaction or fibrotic scar formation was observed, in addition to astroglial scarring, in the cortical surface region. Although there are some limitations, this seems to be the first report on the shock-wave-induced IAS rodent model. The model may be useful to explore potential therapeutic approaches for IAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Kawauchi
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akemi Kono
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yuriko Muramatsu
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Grant Hennes
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Suffield Research Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shuta Seki
- Pharmacy Selection, Medical Material Department, Japan Self Defense Force Central Hospital, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Susumu Tominaga
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasue Haruyama
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yukari Komuta
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Izumi Nishidate
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
- Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Susumu Matsukuma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yushan Wang
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Suffield Research Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shunichi Sato
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
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Shao N, Skotak M, Pendyala N, Rodriguez J, Ravula AR, Pang K, Perumal V, Rao KVR, Chandra N. Temporal Changes in Functional and Structural Neuronal Activities in Auditory System in Non-Severe Blast-Induced Tinnitus. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1683. [PMID: 37763802 PMCID: PMC10535376 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Epidemiological data indicate that blast exposure is the most common morbidity responsible for mild TBI among Service Members (SMs) during recent military operations. Blast-induced tinnitus is a comorbidity frequently reported by veterans, and despite its wide prevalence, it is also one of the least understood. Tinnitus arising from blast exposure is usually associated with direct structural damage that results in a conductive and sensorineural impairment in the auditory system. Tinnitus is also believed to be initiated by abnormal neuronal activities and temporal changes in neuroplasticity. Clinically, it is observed that tinnitus is frequently accompanied by sleep disruption as well as increased anxiety. In this study, we elucidated some of the mechanistic aspects of sensorineural injury caused by exposure to both shock waves and impulsive noise. The isolated conductive auditory damage hypothesis was minimized by employing an animal model wherein both ears were protected. Materials and Methods: After the exposure, the animals' hearing circuitry status was evaluated via acoustic startle response (ASR) to distinguish between hearing loss and tinnitus. We also compared the blast-induced tinnitus against the well-established sodium salicylate-induced tinnitus model as the positive control. The state of the sensorineural auditory system was evaluated by auditory brainstem response (ABR), and this test helped examine the neuronal circuits between the cochlea and inferior colliculus. We then further evaluated the role of the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors and neuronal synapses in the auditory cortex (AC) injury after blast exposure. Results: We observed sustained elevated ABR thresholds in animals exposed to blast shock waves, while only transient ABR threshold shifts were observed in the impulsive noise group solely at the acute time point. These changes were in concert with the increased expression of ribbon synapses, which is suggestive of neuroinflammation and cellular energy metabolic disorder. It was also found that the onset of tinnitus was accompanied by anxiety, depression-like symptoms, and altered sleep patterns. By comparing the effects of shock wave exposure and impulsive noise exposure, we unveiled that the shock wave exerted more significant effects on tinnitus induction and sensorineural impairments when compared to impulsive noise. Conclusions: In this study, we systematically studied the auditory system structural and functional changes after blast injury, providing more significant insights into the pathophysiology of blast-induced tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Shao
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 111 Lock Street, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Maciej Skotak
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 111 Lock Street, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Navya Pendyala
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 111 Lock Street, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Jose Rodriguez
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 111 Lock Street, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Arun Reddy Ravula
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 111 Lock Street, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Kevin Pang
- NeuroBehavioral Research Laboratory, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research and Development (Mailstop 15), 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Venkatesan Perumal
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 111 Lock Street, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Kakulavarapu V. Rama Rao
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 111 Lock Street, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Namas Chandra
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 111 Lock Street, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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Lavayssière M, Lefrançois A, Crabos B, Genetier M, Daudy M, Comte S, Dufourmentel A, Salsac B, Sol F, Verdier P, Pons P. Toward Improvements in Pressure Measurements for Near Free-Field Blast Experiments. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5635. [PMID: 37420801 DOI: 10.3390/s23125635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposes two ways to improve pressure measurement in air-blast experimentations, mostly for close-in detonations defined by a small-scaled distance below 0.4 m.kg-1/3. Firstly, a new kind of custom-made pressure probe sensor is presented. The transducer is a piezoelectric commercial, but the tip material has been modified. The dynamic response of this prototype is established in terms of time and frequency responses, both in a laboratory environment, on a shock tube, and in free-field experiments. The experimental results show that the modified probe can meet the measurement requirements of high-frequency pressure signals. Secondly, this paper presents the initial results of a deconvolution method, using the pencil probe transfer function determination with a shock tube. We demonstrate the method on experimental results and draw conclusions and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maylis Lavayssière
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction des Applications Militaires (DAM), 46500 Gramat, France
| | - Alexandre Lefrançois
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction des Applications Militaires (DAM), 46500 Gramat, France
| | - Bernard Crabos
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction des Applications Militaires (DAM), 46500 Gramat, France
| | - Marc Genetier
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction des Applications Militaires (DAM), 46500 Gramat, France
| | - Maxime Daudy
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction des Applications Militaires (DAM), 46500 Gramat, France
| | - Sacha Comte
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction des Applications Militaires (DAM), 46500 Gramat, France
| | - Alan Dufourmentel
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction des Applications Militaires (DAM), 46500 Gramat, France
| | - Bruno Salsac
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction des Applications Militaires (DAM), 46500 Gramat, France
| | - Frédéric Sol
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction des Applications Militaires (DAM), 46500 Gramat, France
| | - Pascal Verdier
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Direction des Applications Militaires (DAM), 46500 Gramat, France
| | - Patrick Pons
- Laboratoire d'Analyse et d'Architecture des Systèmes (LAAS-CNRS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse (INPT), Université de Toulouse, 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, 31031 Toulouse, France
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Günther M, Arborelius U, Risling M, Gustavsson J, Sondén A. An Experimental Model for the Study of Underwater Pressure Waves on the Central Nervous System in Rodents: A Feasibility Study. Ann Biomed Eng 2022; 50:78-85. [PMID: 34907465 PMCID: PMC8763821 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-021-02898-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Underwater blast differs from blast in air. The increased density and viscosity of water relative to air cause injuries to occur almost exclusively as primary blast, and may cause disorientation in a diver, which may lead to inability to protect the airway and cause drowning. However, cognitive impairments from under water blast wave exposure have not been properly investigated, and no experimental model has been described. We established an experimental model (water shock tube) for simulating the effects of underwater blast pressure waves in rodents, and to investigate neurology in relation to organ injury. The model produced standardized pressure waves (duration of the primary peak 3.5 ms, duration of the entire complex waveform including all subsequent reflections 325 ms, mean impulse 141-281 kPa-ms, mean peak pressure 91-194 kPa). 31 rats were randomized to control (n = 6), exposure 90 kPa (n = 8), 152 kPa (n = 8), and 194 kPa (n = 9). There was a linear trend between the drop height of the water shock tube and electroencephalography (EEG) changes (p = 0.014), while no differences in oxygen saturation, heart rate, S100b or macroscopic bleedings were detected. Microscopic bleedings were detected in lung, intestines, and meninges. Underwater pressure waves caused changes in EEG, at pressures when mild hemorrhage occurred in organs, suggesting an impact on brain functions. The consistent injury profile enabled for the addition of future experimental interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Günther
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Experimental Traumatology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum - 8B, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ulf Arborelius
- Experimental Traumatology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum - 8B, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mårten Risling
- Experimental Traumatology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum - 8B, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Gustavsson
- Experimental Traumatology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum - 8B, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Sondén
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Denny JW, Dickinson AS, Langdon GS. Defining blast loading 'zones of relevance' for primary blast injury research: A consensus of injury criteria for idealised explosive scenarios. Med Eng Phys 2021; 93:83-92. [PMID: 34154779 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Blast injuries remain a serious threat to defence and civilian populations around the world. 'Primary' blast injuries (PBIs) are caused by direct blast wave interaction with the human body, particularly affecting air-containing organs. Work to define blast loading conditions for injury research has received relatively little attention, though with a continued experimental focus on PBIs and idealised explosion assumptions, meaningful test outcomes and subsequent clinical applications, rely on appropriate simulated conditions. This paper critically evaluates and combines existing PBI criteria (grouped into those affecting the auditory system, pulmonary injuries and brain trauma) as a function of idealised blast wave parameters. For clinical blast injury researchers, analysis of the multi-injury criteria indicates zones of appropriate loading conditions for human-scale test items and demonstrates the importance of simulating blast conditions that are both realistic and relevant to the injury type. For certain explosive scenarios, spatial interpretation of the 'zones of relevance' could support emergency response and hazard preparedness by informing triage, patient management and resource allocation, thus leading to improved health outcomes. This work will prove useful to clinical blast injury researchers, blast protection engineers and clinical practitioners involved in the triage, diagnosis, and treatment of PBIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Denny
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
| | - A S Dickinson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - G S Langdon
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Boutté AM, Thangavelu B, Nemes J, LaValle CR, Egnoto M, Carr W, Kamimori GH. Neurotrauma Biomarker Levels and Adverse Symptoms Among Military and Law Enforcement Personnel Exposed to Occupational Overpressure Without Diagnosed Traumatic Brain Injury. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e216445. [PMID: 33861330 PMCID: PMC8052592 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.6445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE There is a scientific and operational need to define objective measures of exposure to low-level overpressure (LLOP) and concussion-like symptoms among persons with specialized occupations. OBJECTIVE To evaluate serum levels of neurotrauma biomarkers and their association with concussion-like symptoms reported by LLOP-exposed military and law enforcement personnel who are outwardly healthy and cleared to perform duties. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study, conducted from January 23, 2017, to October 21, 2019, used serum samples and survey data collected from healthy, male, active-duty military and law enforcement personnel assigned to operational training at 4 US Department of Defense and civilian law enforcement training sites. Personnel aged 18 years or older with prior LLOP exposure but no diagnosed traumatic brain injury or with acute blast exposure during sampling participated in the study. Serum samples from 30 control individuals were obtained from a commercial vendor. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Serum levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein, ubiquitin carboxyl hydrolase (UCH)-L1, neurofilament light chain, tau, amyloid β (Aβ)-40, and Aβ-42 from a random sample (30 participants) of the LLOP-exposed cohort were compared with those of 30 age-matched controls. Associations between biomarker levels and self-reported symptoms or operational demographics in the remainder of the study cohort (76 participants) were assessed using generalized linear modeling or Spearman correlations with age as a covariate. RESULTS Among the 30 randomly sampled participants (mean [SD] age, 32 [7.75] years), serum levels of UCH-L1 (mean difference, 4.92; 95% CI, 0.71-9.14), tau (mean difference, 0.16; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.39), Aβ-40 (mean difference, 138.44; 95% CI, 116.32-160.56), and Aβ-42 (mean difference, 4.97; 95% CI, 4.10-5.83) were elevated compared with those in controls. Among the remaining cohort of 76 participants (mean [SD] age, 34 [7.43] years), ear ringing was reported by 44 (58%) and memory or sleep problems were reported by 24 (32%) and 20 (26%), respectively. A total of 26 participants (34%) reported prior concussion. Amyloid β-42 levels were associated with ear ringing (F1,72 = 7.40; P = .008) and memory problems (F1,72 = 9.20; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings suggest that long-term LLOP exposure acquired during occupational training may be associated with serum levels of neurotrauma biomarkers. Assessment of biomarkers and concussion-like symptoms among personnel considered healthy at the time of sampling may be useful for military occupational medicine risk management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M. Boutté
- Brain Trauma Neuroprotection Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Bharani Thangavelu
- Brain Trauma Neuroprotection Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey Nemes
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Christina R. LaValle
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Mike Egnoto
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Walter Carr
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Gary H. Kamimori
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
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Misistia A, Skotak M, Cardenas A, Alay E, Chandra N, Kamimori GH. Sensor orientation and other factors which increase the blast overpressure reporting errors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240262. [PMID: 33031423 PMCID: PMC7544144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study compared the response of the wearable sensors tested against the industry-standard pressure transducers at blast overpressure (BOP) levels typically experienced in training. We systematically evaluated the effects of the sensor orientation with respect to the direction of the incident shock wave and demonstrated how the averaging methods affect the reported pressure values. The evaluated methods included averaging peak overpressure and impulse of all four sensors mounted on a helmet, taking the average of the three sensors, or isolating the incident pressure equivalent using two sensors. The experimental procedures were conducted in controlled laboratory conditions using the shock tube, and some of the findings were verified in field conditions with live fire charges during explosive breaching training. We used four different orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°) of the headform retrofitted with commonly fielded helmets (ACH, ECH, Ops-Core) with four B3 Blast Gauge sensors. We determined that averaging the peak overpressure values overestimates the actual dosage experienced by operators, which is caused by the reflected pressure contribution. This conclusion is valid despite the identified limitation of the B3 gauges that consistently underreport the peak reflected overpressure, compared to the industry-standard sensors. We also noted consistent overestimation of the impulse. These findings demonstrate that extreme caution should be exercised when interpreting occupational blast exposure results without knowing the orientation of the sensors. Pure numerical values without the geometrical, training-regime specific information such as the position of the sensors, the distance and orientation of the trainee to the source of the blast wave, and weapon system used will inevitably lead to erroneous estimation of the individual and cumulative blast overpressure (BOP) dosages. Considering that the 4 psi (~28 kPa) incident BOP is currently accepted as the threshold exposure safety value, a misinterpretation of exposure level may lead to an inaccurate estimation of BOP at the minimum standoff distance (MSD), or exclusion criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Misistia
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Department, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, Catoosa, OK, United States of America
| | - Maciej Skotak
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Department, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MS); (GHK)
| | - Arturo Cardenas
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Department, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, Catoosa, OK, United States of America
| | - Eren Alay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, United States of America
| | - Namas Chandra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ, United States of America
| | - Gary H. Kamimori
- Blast Induced Neurotrauma Department, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MS); (GHK)
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McCabe JT, Tucker LB. Sex as a Biological Variable in Preclinical Modeling of Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Neurol 2020; 11:541050. [PMID: 33101170 PMCID: PMC7554632 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.541050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Approaches to furthering our understanding of the bioeffects, behavioral changes, and treatment options following exposure to blast are a worldwide priority. Of particular need is a more concerted effort to employ animal models to determine possible sex differences, which have been reported in the clinical literature. In this review, clinical and preclinical reports concerning blast injury effects are summarized in relation to sex as a biological variable (SABV). The review outlines approaches that explore the pertinent role of sex chromosomes and gonadal steroids for delineating sex as a biological independent variable. Next, underlying biological factors that need exploration for blast effects in light of SABV are outlined, including pituitary, autonomic, vascular, and inflammation factors that all have evidence as having important SABV relevance. A major second consideration for the study of SABV and preclinical blast effects is the notable lack of consistent model design—a wide range of devices have been employed with questionable relevance to real-life scenarios—as well as poor standardization for reporting of blast parameters. Hence, the review also provides current views regarding optimal design of shock tubes for approaching the problem of primary blast effects and sex differences and outlines a plan for the regularization of reporting. Standardization and clear description of blast parameters will provide greater comparability across models, as well as unify consensus for important sex difference bioeffects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T McCabe
- Pre-clinical Studies Core, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Bethesda, IL, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, F.E. Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Laura B Tucker
- Pre-clinical Studies Core, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Bethesda, IL, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, F.E. Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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The evolution of secondary flow phenomena and their effect on primary shock conditions in shock tubes: Experimentation and numerical model. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227125. [PMID: 31945083 PMCID: PMC6964877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Compressed gas-driven shock tubes are widely used for laboratory simulation of primary blasts by accurately replicating pressure profiles measured in live-fire explosions. These investigations require sound characterization of the primary blast wave, including the temporal and spatial evolution of the static and dynamic components of the blast wave. The goal of this work is to characterize the propagation of shock waves in and around the exit of a shock tube via analysis of the primary shock flow, including shock wave propagation and decay of the shock front, and secondary flow phenomena. To this end, a nine-inch shock tube and a cylindrical sensing apparatus were used to determine incident and total pressures outside of the shock tube, highlighting the presence of additional flow phenomena. Blast overpressure, impulse, shock wave arrival times, positive phase duration, and shock wave planarity were examined using a finite element model of the system. The shock wave remained planar inside of the shock tube and lost its planarity upon exiting. The peak overpressure and pressure impulse decayed rapidly upon exit from the shock tube, reducing by 92–95%. The primary flow phenomenon, or the planar shock front, is observed within the shock tube, while two distinct flow phenomena are a result of the shock wave exiting the confines of the shock tube. A vortex ring is formed as the shock wave exited the shock tube into the still, ambient air, which induces a large increase in the total pressure impulse. Additionally, a rarefaction wave was formed following shock front expansion, which traveled upstream into the shock tube, reducing the total and incident pressure impulses for approximately half of the simulated region.
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Skotak M, LaValle C, Misistia A, Egnoto MJ, Chandra N, Kamimori G. Occupational Blast Wave Exposure During Multiday 0.50 Caliber Rifle Course. Front Neurol 2019; 10:797. [PMID: 31402894 PMCID: PMC6669414 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on blast overpressure (BOP) experienced by military personnel in operations like breaching, identifies transient, measurable effects on operator readiness. Specifically, blast seems to be associated with suppressed response speed and cognitive function. This work evaluates 50 caliber weapon systems to ascertain BOP effects from the weapon usage. Marksmen were a collection of professionals who use 0.50 caliber weapon systems as part of their daily activities, and the environment measured was during a training course. The 20 human subjects were equipped with B3 blast gauges and occupational BOP exposure monitored over the course of 3 day training period with measurements taken from 500+ shots. We noted a considerable variation in total cumulative peak pressure (50-350 psi) and impulse (25-180 psi·ms) values. The frequency analysis (number of shots fired by the trainee) revealed that the number of exposures per day varied between 4 and 27 per day (peak at 7: 14.3% of the data), and 2 to 17 per hour (peak at 8: 18% of the data). The cumulative number of exposures was 24-50 per trainee. The neurocognitive performance was evaluated using Defense Automated Neurobehavioral Assessment (DANA) Rapid: Simple Reaction Time (SRT), Procedural Reaction Time (PRT) and Go/No-Go (GNG). The results recorded before the training were a baseline for each training day and compared with the results recorded after and at the end of the day. Only PRT and GNG tests revealed a cumulative increase in proportion of subjects with slowed reaction times over the progression of course with concomitant dispersion increase at the end of the day. Noticeably, on average 2/3rd of the trainees performed faster, while 1/3rd of trainees performed these tasks slower, but there was no correlation with the cumulative pressure dosage. The fatigue appears as an aggravating factor affecting the neurocognitive performance, and a more sophisticated evaluation regimen is necessary to discern potential neurological effects. Additional investigation is needed to understand the increasing dispersion of results between subjects and future works should be mindful of such continued trends. Future work should seek to determine the recovery period and longitudinal effects of heavy usage of these weapon systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Skotak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Christina LaValle
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Department, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - Anthony Misistia
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Department, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Cherokee Nation Businesses, Catoosa, OK, United States
| | - Michael J Egnoto
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Department, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Namas Chandra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Gary Kamimori
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Department, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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11
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Swietek B, Skotak M, Chandra N, Pfister BJ. Characterization of a controlled shock wave delivered by a pneumatic table-top gas driven shock tube. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2019; 90:075116. [PMID: 31370428 DOI: 10.1063/1.5099633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Blast simulators facilitate the creation of shock waves and measurement of pressure morphology in a controlled laboratory setting and are currently a vital model for replicating blast-induced neurotrauma. Due to the maintenance and operation cost of conventional blast simulators, we developed a pneumatic, table-top, gas-driven shock tube to test an alternative method of shock wave generation using a membrane-less driver section. Its unique operational mechanism based on air gun technology does not rely on a plastic membrane rupture for the generation of pressure pulses, allowing the simulator to be quickly reset and thus decreasing the experimental turnaround time. The focus of this study is to demonstrate that this proof-of-concept device can generate shock waves with diverse characteristics based on the selection of driver gas, driver pressurization, and driven section material. Pressure waves were generated using compressed nitrogen or helium at 15 psig and 80 psig and were analyzed based on their velocity and profile shape characteristics. At 15 psig, independent of the type of driver gas, driver pressurization, and driven section material, pressure pulses travelled at sonic velocities. At 80 psig, generation of shock waves was observed in all conditions. The choice of the driver gas affected the velocities of the resulting pressure waves and the shape of pressure waveforms, particularly the peak overpressure and rise time values. Our results demonstrate that depending on the selection of driver gas and magnitude of driver pressurization, the shock wave signatures can be controlled and altered using a piston-based driver section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogumila Swietek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Fenster Hall, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA
| | - Maciej Skotak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Fenster Hall, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA
| | - Namas Chandra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Fenster Hall, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA
| | - Bryan J Pfister
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Fenster Hall, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA
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12
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Kuriakose M, Rama Rao KV, Younger D, Chandra N. Temporal and Spatial Effects of Blast Overpressure on Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability in Traumatic Brain Injury. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8681. [PMID: 29875451 PMCID: PMC5989233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26813-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is a “signature wound” in soldiers during training and in combat and has also become a major cause of morbidity in civilians due to increased insurgency. This work examines the role of blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption as a result of both primary biomechanical and secondary biochemical injury mechanisms in bTBI. Extravasation of sodium fluorescein (NaF) and Evans blue (EB) tracers were used to demonstrate that compromise of the BBB occurs immediately following shock loading, increases in intensity up to 4 hours and returns back to normal in 24 hours. This BBB compromise occurs in multiple regions of the brain in the anterior-posterior direction of the shock wave, with maximum extravasation seen in the frontal cortex. Compromise of the BBB is confirmed by (a) extravasation of tracers into the brain, (b) quantification of tight-junction proteins (TJPs) in the brain and the blood, and (c) tracking specific blood-borne molecules into the brain and brain-specific proteins into the blood. Taken together, this work demonstrates that the BBB compromise occurs as a part of initial biomechanical loading and is a function of increasing blast overpressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kuriakose
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine (CIBM3), Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102-1982, USA
| | - Kakulavarapu V Rama Rao
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine (CIBM3), Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102-1982, USA.
| | - Daniel Younger
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine (CIBM3), Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102-1982, USA
| | - Namas Chandra
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Materials and Medicine (CIBM3), Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102-1982, USA.
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