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Development of a High-Sensitivity Glycoproteomics Approach for Fc-Specific Quantification of IgG Core Fucosylation in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers complex neuroinflammatory cascades that involve sustained immune activation and dysregulated antibody effector functions. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc N-glycosylation, particularly core fucosylation, critically modulates immune signaling through altered Fcγ receptor (FcγR) interactions; however, its role in TBI remains unexplored. Here, we developed a high-sensitivity, mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomics method for the systematic analysis of IgG Fc core fucosylation dynamics following TBI. The approach integrates Fc-specific enzymatic truncation with GlycINATOR (EndoS2) and tryptic digestion, followed by high-resolution LC-MS/MS profiling, enabling confident identification of truncated Fc glycopeptides. Furthermore, a targeted parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) strategy allowed direct quantification of core fucosylated and afucosylated glycopeptides from 10 μg of crude serum protein, eliminating the need for IgG purification. Our results reveal time-dependent and subclass-specific remodeling of IgG Fc fucosylation postinjury, characterized by an overall reduction in fucosylated species and a relative increase in afucosylation. Collectively, this study establishes a scalable analytical platform for Fc-specific glycosylation profiling and identifies IgG core fucosylation as a candidate molecular indicator of immune dysregulation in TBI, providing new insights into post-traumatic immune regulation.

Brain Injuries, Traumatic

Artificial Intelligence-Driven Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Hydroxytyrosol Targeting of the TXNIP-NLRP3 Inflammasome Axis in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces secondary neuroinflammation driven by oxidative stress, inflammasome activation, and immune remodeling, yet specific mechanism-guided pharmacological interventions remain limited. This study established an artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated network pharmacology and multi-omics framework to evaluate whether hydroxytyrosol (HT), an olive-derived natural polyphenol, may regulate TBI-related neuroinflammatory targets centered on the TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Starting from the SMILES structure of HT, potential targets were predicted using PharmMapper, SwissTargetPrediction, and the Similarity Ensemble Approach and were standardized to UniProt identifiers. TBI-associated genes were integrated from GeneCards, DisGeNET, OMIM, and the Therapeutic Target Database. The overlapping target set was analyzed using STRING-based protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, MCODE, CytoHubba, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment. Public GEO transcriptomic datasets (GSE123831 and GSE104687) were used for cross-platform expression validation, differential expression analysis, and exploratory CIBERSORT-based immune infiltration estimation. Random forest (RF), multilayer perceptron (MLP), graph convolutional network (GCN), graph attention network (GAT), SHAP/LIME explainability analysis, LASSO inflammatory-risk scoring, and two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) were further applied for target prioritization, immune phenotype mapping, and genetic association analysis. Seventy-three overlapping HT-TBI targets were identified. PPI and topology analyses prioritized TXNIP, NLRP3, CASP1, MAPK1, and TP53 as key hubs enriched in inflammasome activation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and NOD-like receptor signaling. TXNIP, NLRP3, and CASP1 were consistently upregulated in both TBI transcriptomic datasets. LM22-based immune deconvolution suggested increased pro-inflammatory immune signatures and a positive TXNIP-M1 macrophage association (r&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.63, p < 0.001), which should be interpreted as a transcriptome-derived hypothesis rather than validated murine immune-cell proportions. AI-based models consistently ranked TXNIP/NLRP3 as high-contribution features under internal validation, and removal of these targets reduced model performance. A five-gene inflammatory score achieved an internally evaluated AUC of 0.87, while two-sample MR supported positive genetic associations involving TXNIP expression, TBI risk, NLRP3 and IL-1&#x3b2; expression. Collectively, these findings prioritize the TXNIP/NLRP3/CASP1 module as a computationally supported candidate mechanism through which HT may influence oxidative stress-inflammasome-immune coupling in TBI. This study provides an interpretable drug-target-pathway-phenotype framework and identifies TXNIP, NLRP3, and CASP1 as priority nodes for future experimental validation.

Artificial Intelligence

Post-Translational Modifications in Traumatic Brain Injury: Decoding the Proteomic Landscape and Molecular Mechanisms of Secondary Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates a complex secondary injury cascade that significantly contributes to long-term neurological deficits, with post-translational modifications (PTMs) emerging as pivotal molecular regulators of this process. Unlike primary mechanical damage, secondary injury evolves over hours to years and involves intricate proteomic alterations that changes in gene expression alone cannot fully explain. PTMs-including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, SUMOylation, glycosylation, and emerging modifications such as succinylation, lactylation, and nitrosylation-serve as dynamic molecular switches that fine-tune protein function, stability, localization, and interactions in response to TBI-induced stressors. These modifications play dual roles: they can either promote neuroprotection and recovery or drive pathological processes such as neuronal cell death (via apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis), neuroinflammation through glial activation and inflammasome signaling, blood-brain barrier disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired synaptic plasticity. Critically, extensive crosstalk exists among different PTM pathways-such as the interplay between phosphorylation and ubiquitination in protein degradation or the competitive balance between acetylation and SUMOylation-that collectively shape cellular fate after injury. This nuanced regulatory network presents both challenges and opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Targeting PTM-related enzymes, including kinases, phosphatases, E3 ligases, and histone deacetylases, has shown promise in preclinical models, while novel strategies like Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) and repurposed drugs (e.g., metformin, resveratrol) offer innovative avenues for modulating the PTM landscape. Advances in high-throughput proteomics and mass spectrometry are enabling the mapping of TBI-specific PTM signatures across spatiotemporal phases, facilitating the identification of pro-survival versus pro-death modification thresholds. Despite hurdles in clinical translation-such as blood-brain barrier penetration and off-target effects-the growing understanding of PTM dynamics underscores their potential as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Future TBI management may thus rely on precision medicine approaches that integrate multi-PTM profiling to guide combination therapies aimed at tipping the balance toward neural repair and functional recovery.

Brain Injuries, Traumatic

Admission whole-blood transcriptomic characterization of a neutrophil-predominant systemic immune response in patients with acute traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) is accompanied by systemic immune responses, but their whole-blood transcriptomic features at hospital arrival remain incompletely characterized. We aimed to characterize these features in patients with acute TBI compared with healthy controls. METHODS: In this single-center prospective observational study, we performed whole-blood RNA sequencing on hospital-arrival samples from 42 patients with acute TBI and 21 healthy controls. Analyses included differential expression (limma-voom; FDR < 0.05, |log2FC| > 0.7), functional enrichment, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, CIBERSORTx LM22 deconvolution, and per-sample neutrophil degranulation signature scoring. RESULTS: Differential expression analysis identified 996 upregulated and 863 downregulated genes, with marked upregulation of inflammation-, innate immunity-, and neutrophil-related genes including DUSP1, HMGB2, MMP9, and S100A8. Canonical pathways with positive IPA z-scores included Neutrophil degranulation, Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Signaling Pathway, and Toll-like Receptor Signaling; upstream regulators included TNF, IL1B, IFNG, and STAT3. Deconvolution identified 7 of 22 differing subsets (q < 0.05), with relatively higher myeloid and lower lymphoid fractions in TBI. The Neutrophil degranulation signature score correlated with Injury Severity Score within TBI (Spearman &#x3c1; = +0.55; q < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Admission whole-blood transcriptomics characterized a neutrophil-predominant systemic transcriptional response in patients with acute TBI. This response was also evident among patients without major extracranial injury and was associated with total ISS. However, because the study lacked an appropriately matched non-TBI trauma comparator, the findings should be interpreted as a descriptive characterization of a systemic injury response accompanying TBI and do not establish a TBI-specific molecular signature or mechanism.

gene expression

The role of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and prognosis of traumatic brain injury based on brain CT scans: a systematic review.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of emergency department visits and a major contributor to injury-related mortality and long-term neurological disability. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) is the gold-standard imaging modality for the rapid diagnosis of TBI. Clinical outcomes depend strongly on early detection and prompt acute management. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based models may support faster automated identification of traumatic findings and early prediction of patient prognosis.&#xa0;A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and the Cochrane Library in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines to evaluate AI-based models for automated detection of TBI-related findings on CT and for prediction of clinical outcomes. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using QUADAS-2 for diagnostic accuracy studies and PROBAST&#x2009;+&#x2009;AI for prediction model studies.&#xa0;Twenty-two studies were included. Sixteen studies evaluated diagnostic tasks and 10 evaluated prognostic outcomes, with four studies contributing to both categories. Diagnostic performance was generally high, with many studies reporting AUC values approaching or exceeding 0.90, particularly for larger lesion volumes.Prognostic performance was more variable, with moderate to high discrimination and substantial heterogeneity. Only 9 studies incorporated independent external validation, and performance was frequently lower in external cohorts. All prognostic model studies were judged to be at high overall risk of bias using PROBAST&#x2009;+&#x2009;AI, and most diagnostic accuracy studies also demonstrated high or unclear risk of bias in at least one QUADAS-2 domain, most frequently in patient selection.&#xa0;AI-based models applied to brain CT demonstrate strong technical performance for both diagnostic and prognostic tasks in TBI. However, most studies relied on retrospective designs and lacked independent external validation which limits models generalizability and raises concern for potential overfitting. Prospective, multicenter studies with standardized methodologies and rigorous external validation are required before widespread clinical implementation.

Humans

Exploring potential targets and molecular mechanisms of traumatic brain injury exacerbated by Benzo(a)pyrene via network toxicology and&#xa0;molecular&#xa0;dynamics simulation.

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a common environmental pollutant from combustion sources that promotes oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, its contribution to worsening traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to assess the contribution of BaP to secondary injury in TBI. By integrating data from e.g., the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, 121 overlapping core targets were identified between BaP and TBI. Enrichment analyses via Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, combined with protein-protein interaction networks and topological algorithms (degree, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, average shortest path length, topological coefficient and partner of multi-edged node pairs), highlighted five hub genes (TP53, EGFR, AKT1, ACTB, and TNF) implicated in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Molecular docking showed strong binding affinities of BaP to these hub proteins, with energies from -9.3 to -12.1&#xa0;kcal/mol, tighter than co-crystal ligands and existing protein-binding drugs. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed interaction stability through low root-mean-square deviation (<&#x2009;0.5&#xa0;nm), fluctuation, and radius of gyration values. Calculation of binding free energies using MM-PBSA validated the strong binding affinity between BaP and binding pockets of each hub genes. Toxicity prediction analysis revealed an oral LD50 of 316&#xa0;mg/kg for BaP, with high probabilities for neurotoxicity, BBB permeability, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity, associated with aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation. These findings reveal a "neurovascular homeostasis disruption" network underlying BaP-exacerbated TBI pathology and highlight potential targets to reduce pollution-related risks in TBI management.

Benzo(a)pyrene

Effect of ketofol versus Fentanyl-Midazolam sedation on neurological recovery in traumatic brain Injury: A randomised study.

Neurological recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is multifactorial, and sedation is a cornerstone of neurocritical care because of its neuroprotective role. Although ketofol is widely used for anaesthesia, its effectiveness as a sedative regimen in the intensive care unit (ICU) has not been well studied. This preliminary exploratory double-blind, randomised study compared ketofol (KP) with fentanyl-midazolam (FM) sedation in adults with moderate-to-severe TBI. Sedation was administered for 72&#xa0;h and titrated to a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score&#xa0;&#x2264;&#xa0;&#xa0;-&#xa0;3. The primary outcome was the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) at 30&#xa0;days. Secondary outcomes included GOSE at 90&#xa0;days, incidence of propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS), duration of mechanical ventilation, haemodynamic stability, and ICU and hospital length of stay. Of 120 enrolled patients, 111 were included in the final analysis (57 FM, 54 KP). Baseline characteristics, including injury severity and Marshall CT scores, were comparable. At 30&#xa0;days, good neurological recovery (GOSE 7-8) was more frequent in the KP group than the FM group (26% vs. 10.5%, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.03). At 90&#xa0;days, recovery remained higher with KP (44.4% vs. 33.3%), though the difference was not statistically significant (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.16). Multivariate analysis confirmed ketofol as an independent predictor of good recovery at 30&#xa0;days (adjusted OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.11-11.85, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.033). No PRIS occurred, and secondary outcomes were similar. Ketofol-based sedation was safe and may be associated with improved early neurological recovery compared with fentanyl-midazolam, with a favourable trend toward improved long-term neurological recovery.

Humans

Risk Factors for Long-Term Health-Related Quality-of-Life and Mental Health Outcomes in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often leads to long-term disability, including persistent mental health issues and lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Early interventions can improve recovery, but because resources limit routine monitoring of all patients, trauma care remains largely symptom-driven. The combination of long-term disability and limited capacity for routine follow-up highlights the need for risk-stratified follow-up care and reliable evidence on early prognostic factors. However, the existing literature is sparse and methodologically heterogeneous, limiting the clinical applicability of findings. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify early risk factors for poorer long-term mental health and HRQoL outcomes. A systematic search of seven electronic databases identified studies of adult patients with TBI, with outcomes assessed at least 6 months postdischarge. Two authors independently screened the studies, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted the data. We pooled effect estimates using a random-effects meta-analysis and calculated 95% prediction intervals. A narrative synthesis was applied when meta-analysis was not feasible. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024576912) and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Of the 8,104 articles screened, 64 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 334,672). Most studies (58%) had a low risk of bias. Female sex, socioeconomic disadvantage, psychiatric history, assaultive-related injuries, and previous TBI were consistently associated with worse long-term outcomes. Across meta-analyses, assault-related injuries more than doubled the odds of post-traumatic stress disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 2.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.01-3.66, I2 = 0%). Higher odds were also observed among females (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.11-1.59, I2 = 0%), individuals with prior TBI (OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.07-2.27, I2 = 0%), and those with psychiatric history (OR = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.83-3.10, I2 = 48%). We found that female sex (OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.38-2.16, I2 = 58%), prior TBI (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.25-1.85, I2 = 0%), and psychiatric history (OR = 3.25; 95%CI: 1.86-5.69, I2 = 98%) were associated with higher odds of depression. Furthermore, higher pooled anxiety scores were observed in females and in individuals with a psychiatric history. The study identified several readily available factors present before or at discharge that are associated with poor long-term HRQoL and mental health outcomes. Leveraging these factors in follow-up protocols, prediction modeling, and clinical decision support systems may facilitate risk-stratified postdischarge care for TBI patients.

Humans

Role of Polygenic Risk Scores in Predicting Cognitive Functioning after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A TRACK-TBI Study.

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 13-15 (historically called mild TBI [mTBI]) commonly experience changes in cognitive functioning, including processing speed, memory, and executive functioning. In a prospective sample (N = 523) of individuals of European descent who had been treated in a U.S. level 1 trauma center for mTBI, we examined the prognostic value of four polygenic risk scores (PRS) for cognitive outcomes at 6-months postinjury. To estimate the impact of mTBI on cognition, primary cognitive outcomes were scaled as z-scores reflecting changes in performance relative to predicted preinjury performance. The PRS examined were previously developed and validated to predict cognition-related outcomes of educational attainment (Education-PRS), intelligence (Intelligence-PRS), and Alzheimer's disease (AD-mild traumatic brain injury (APOE)-PRS and AD + APOE-PRS). Both the Education-PRS and Intelligence-PRS displayed bivariate associations with all four cognitive outcomes (&#x3b2; = 0.19-0.32), whereas neither Alzheimer's disease PRS was significantly associated with any outcome. After controlling for other factors known to predict cognitive outcomes of TBI (e.g., sex, education, mTBI severity defined by a combination of Glasgow Coma Scale scores and the presence/absence of acute intracranial findings on clinical neuroimaging), the Education-PRS and Intelligence-PRS remained independently predictive of verbal episodic memory (&#x3b2; = 0.10-0.16), whereas their associations with processing speed and executive functioning were mostly nonsignificant and were mediated through educational attainment. Looking across primary z-score and secondary raw score outcomes, cognitive outcomes 6 months post-mTBI were good on average, and PRS made small independent contributions to outcome prediction. The mediation model findings may support theories of cognitive reserve, which propose that individuals with stronger preinjury cognitive processing abilities (often estimated by educational history) can better compensate for TBI. Moreover, findings indicate that PRS may contribute modestly to multivariable models predicting cognitive function after TBI.

Humans

Effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen in traumatic brain injury patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common neurological disorder and a leading cause of global mortality and disability. Although growing evidence suggests potential benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for TBI, its efficacy remains controversial. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to March 2026. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating HBOT versus any comparator including sham, standard care and no treatment in adults with TBI were included. Two independent reviewers screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I&#xb2; statistic. Effect sizes were pooled using random/fixed-effects models per heterogeneity results. RESULTS: 8 studies involving 570 participants were included. HBOT significantly improved computerized cognitive performance (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07-0.40, p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.004, I&#xb2; = 0%), executive function and processing speed (SMD = -0.59, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.26, p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.0005, I&#xb2; = 30%), memory function (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.03-0.63, p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.03, I&#xb2; = 0%), and sleep quality (MD = 1.98, 95% CI: 0.07-3.88, p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.04, I&#xb2; = 65%). No significant benefits were observed for Glasgow Outcome Scale (RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 0.55-4.44, I&#xb2; = 87%), PTSD symptoms (MD = -3.05, 95% CI: -7.05-0.95, I&#xb2; = 67%), neurobehavioral symptoms (MD = -9.06, 95% CI: -32.13-14.00, I&#xb2; = 97%), and emotional distress (SMD = 0.25, 95% CI: -0.32-0.81, I&#xb2; = 85%). Most adverse events were mild and transient. CONCLUSION: HBOT demonstrates domain&#x2011;specific benefits for cognitive function and sleep quality in TBI patients, predominantly those with mild TBI. However, evidence for PTSD, neurobehavioral symptoms, and emotional distress remains uncertain. Furthermore, the applicability of current evidence to moderate-to-severe TBI populations is restricted.

Humans

Seawater immersion reshapes the temporal dynamics of traumatic brain injury and reveals mitochondrial oxidative stress as a modifiable therapeutic target.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) evolves through time-dependent secondary injury, but whether seawater (SW) immersion merely amplifies pathology or reshapes the temporal trajectory of post-traumatic biology remains unclear. Here, we applied time-resolved proteomics to mouse brains after controlled cortical impact (CCI) with or without artificial SW immersion at 1, 3, 7, and 28&#xa0;days post-injury. Trajectory-based proteomic analysis revealed that SW immersion altered the direction, magnitude, timing, persistence, and recovery of protein responses, rather than simply intensifying TBI-induced changes. This remodeled trajectory exhibited phase-specific patterns, including SW-dominant, synergistically enhanced, and attenuated responses, highlighting mitochondrial oxidative stress, inflammatory activation, complement/coagulation disturbance, and impaired structural repair. Phenotypic validation confirmed phase-specific deficits, including acute inflammatory-redox injury, impaired neuronal survival, chronic axon-myelin disruption, and incomplete behavioral recovery. SS-31 partially mitigated selected inflammatory, redox, neuronal, and white matter abnormalities, supporting mitochondrial oxidative stress as a modifiable node rather than the sole driver of trajectory remodeling. These findings identify seawater immersion as a temporal modifier of secondary injury and emphasize that environmental trauma may require trajectory-informed, phase-specific therapeutic interventions.

Animals

Factors Associated With Accelerated Fracture Healing in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury and Extremity Comminuted Fractures: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been clinically associated with accelerated bone healing, the factors that determine which patients experience this phenomenon remain poorly defined, and previous findings are conflicting. This study aimed to investigate the clinical factors associated with accelerated fracture healing in patients with TBI combined with comminuted fractures of the limbs, so as to provide an evidence-based foundation for elucidating the clinical phenomenon of TBI-promoted fracture healing. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study design was employed. Patients between January 2020 and April 2024 with concurrent diagnoses of TBI and comminuted fractures were included. Based on radiographic findings and RUST/mRUST scores, patients were divided into an accelerated healing group (AHG) and a normal/delayed healing group (NDHG). Clinical data including demographics (age, sex, BMI), TBI characteristics (injury site, GCS score), admission laboratory indices (blood count, coagulation function, inflammatory markers), and fracture site/local soft tissue conditions, as well as functional outcomes assessed by the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire at final follow-up were collected. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify independent factors influencing accelerated fracture healing. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate their predictive value. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were included, with 69 in the AHG and 50 in the NDHG. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, BMI, GCS score, and platelet count (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Univariate analysis showed that age, BMI, GCS score, red blood cell count, and platelet count were associated with accelerated fracture healing (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.20). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that younger age (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.875, 95% CI: 0.821-0.934) and lower GCS score (indicating more severe TBI; OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.490, 95% CI: 0.339-0.707) were independent predictors of accelerated fracture healing. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for age and GCS score in predicting accelerated healing were 0.893 and 0.851, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with TBI combined with comminuted fractures, younger age and greater TBI severity (lower GCS score) are independent predictors of accelerated fracture healing. These findings assist clinicians in the early identification of patients with high healing potential to optimize treatment strategies, facilitate the early identification of high-risk patients, and provide clinical clues for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurohumoral regulation of bone regeneration.

Humans

Recovery of memory and learning functions following traumatic brain injury.

Twenty-four traumatically brain-injured males, of whom eight had sustained right-sided, eight left-sided, and eight bilateral or diffuse closed head injuries, took a battery of neuropsychological tests within the first six months, the second six months, the second year and the third year post injury. Performances on WAIS Digits Forward and Backward and Rey's Auditory-Verbal Learning Test were classified as within or below normal range. Comparisons were made (1) between time periods and tests and (2) between subgroups formed by severity, site of lesion, and age. The findings give an overall picture of wide performance variability with consistent improvement in immediate memory span and learning. Recovery varied with the specific nature of the tested function, task complexity, and severity of injury. Neither age, site of injury, not recency were associated with improvement.

Adult

Personalized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (PrTMS&#xae;) Coupled with Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM) For Co-Occurring Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

This study provides further evidence demonstrating the beneficial effects of PrTMS&#xae; treatment in co-occurring disorders. Furthermore, this study illustrates the benefit of augmenting PrTMS&#xae; with tPBM for superior outcomes. The positive results of this novel case study can be attributed to brain wave neuromodulation and increased neuronal ATP production, resulting in synergistic enhanced neuroplasticity and brain optimization. Further, large-scale, randomized and blinded studies are recommended to validate our promising preliminary observations utilizing multifaceted interventions for co-occurring disorders.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Analysis of the Relationship between Early Clinical Factors and Glasgow Outcome Scale in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between early clinical factors and the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 98 TBI patients who underwent emergency surgery between January 2021 and January 2024. Based on GOS scores at 6 months post-surgery, patients were classified into a favorable outcome group (GOS&#xa0;&#x2265;&#xa0;4, defined as moderate disability or good recovery,&#xa0;n = 58) and an unfavorable outcome group (GOS < 4, i.e., death, persistent vegetative state, or severe disability,&#xa0;n = 40). Baseline and early clinical parameters were compared between groups. Statistically significant variables from univariate analysis were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to identify independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: Significant intergroup differences were observed in age, time from injury to surgery, bleeding site, midline shift, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at admission, blood glucose level, and D-dimer level (all p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that age, time from injury to surgery, GCS score, blood glucose, and D-dimer level were independent predictors of GOS (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early clinical factors, including age, time to surgery, GCS score, blood glucose, and D-dimer level, independently influence GOS in TBI patients. Time from injury to surgery&#xa0;emerged as a potentially modifiable factor in this cohort, suggesting that minimizing delays may improve outcomes.

Humans

Symptoms of Allodynia and Pain Thresholds Amongst Those with Acute Post-Traumatic Headache Attributed to Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is a common acute and persistent symptom following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Symptoms of cutaneous allodynia and presence of nociceptive sensitization might be associated with acute PTH and its persistence. The objectives of this study were to compare allodynia symptoms and cutaneous heat pain thresholds amongst males and females with acute PTH to healthy controls (HC) and determine if pain thresholds and allodynia symptoms are associated with PTH outcomes. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study enrolled 139 adults with acute PTH attributed to mTBI as defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders and 95 HC. All PTH participants completed a baseline research visit near PTH onset and a follow-up visit three to four months later. All PTH participants and a subset of HC completed the Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC-12) at each research visit. A different subset of the participants underwent quantitative sensory testing (QST) during baseline, 4-week, and 16-week research visits to quantify cutaneous heat pain thresholds at the forehead and forearms. Data from daily headache diaries were used to determine longitudinal PTH improvement versus non-improvement at three months. ASC-12 score and pain threshold comparisons were made between PTH and HC groups, PTH improved versus non-improved cohorts, and between PTH males and females. RESULTS: Participants with PTH had an average age of 42.6 years and 64.0% were female. HC had an average age of 40.0 years and 65.3% were female. At the first visit, PTH participant ASC-12 scores averaged 3.6 versus 0.1 amongst HC, p < 0.001. 44.8% of PTH participants had headache improvement at 3 months. ASC-12 scores were higher in the PTH non-improved versus improved group at baseline (4.0 versus 2.4, p = 0.038) and 3-month follow-up (3.4 versus 1.9, p = 0.012). ASC-12 scores were higher in females than males at baseline (4.7 versus 1.6, p < 0.001) and 3-months (3.9 versus 1.2, p < 0.001). Cutaneous heat pain thresholds at the forehead and forearm did not differ between any group. CONCLUSIONS: PTH attributed to mTBI is associated with symptoms of cutaneous allodynia. Greater allodynia symptoms are present in females with PTH compared to males and may be associated with PTH non-improvement.

allodynia

Severe traumatic brain injury and risk for osteoporosis: a Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: The influence of nervous system activity on bone remodeling has been widely reported. Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibit a high incidence of osteoporosis (OP). Nevertheless, the relationship between severe TBI (sTBI) and OP remains unclear. We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the potential causal relationship between sTBI and OP. METHODS: Data on exposure and outcomes were acquired from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Data on OP was obtained from UK Biobank (5,266 cases of OP and 331,893 controls). Data on sTBI was obtained from FinnGen Consortium (6,687 cases and 370,590 controls). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that underwent strict screening were regarded as instrumental variables. We used the inverse variance weighted (IVW), constrained maximum likelihood and model averaging (CML-MA), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods for causal effect estimation. To test the reliability of the results, sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q, leave-one-out, MR-Egger intercept, and MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) tests. RESULTS: The IVW analysis indicates that sTBI and OP have a suggestive association (odds ratio [OR]&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.004, 95% confidence interval [CI]&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.001,1.007; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.002), and no heterogeneity (Q&#x2009;=&#x2009;11.536, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.241) or directional pleiotropy was observed (egger_intercept&#x2009;=&#x2009;7.368&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;10-&#x2009;5, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.870). The robustness of the results was validated using a leave-one-out sensitivity test. CONCLUSION: According to the MR analysis, sTBI and OP are likely suggestively related. This finding contributes to the prevention of OP in patients with sTBI and provides genetic evidence supporting the theory that the nervous system regulates bone remodeling.

Humans

Restrictive vs Liberal Transfusion Strategy in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Secondary Analysis of the TRAIN Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Anemia is a prevalent condition among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, the optimal hemoglobin (Hb) threshold to initiate red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) is not well defined. OBJECTIVE: To assess which of 2 different Hb thresholds for guiding RBCT in patients with anemia and TBI is associated with a more favorable neurological outcome. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a preplanned secondary analysis of the Transfusion Strategies in Acute Brain Injured Patients multicentric randomized clinical trial, conducted in 72 intensive care units across 22 countries between September 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022. Follow-up was completed June 30, 2023. Only patients with TBI were included in the present analysis, conducted from February to May 2025. INTERVENTIONS: Liberal (transfusion at Hb <9 g/dL [to convert to g/L, multiply by 10.0]) vs restrictive (transfusion at Hb <7 g/dL) RBCT strategy over a maximum of 28 days. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the occurrence of unfavorable neurological outcome, defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended score of 1 to 5 (overall range, 1-8, with higher scores indicating more favorable outcome) at 180 days. In addition, 14 prespecified serious adverse events, including infection and cerebral ischemia, were assessed. Data were analyzed using both the intention-to-treat and per-protocol principles. RESULTS: Of 486 patients who presented with TBI (mean [SD] age, 46.8 [17.6] years; 347 [71.4%] male), 475 were included in the primary outcome analysis: 236 were randomized to the liberal transfusion strategy group and 239 to the restrictive transfusion strategy group. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. In total, 534 RBCTs were administered in the liberal transfusion strategy group, compared with 246 RBCTs in the restrictive group. At 180 days after randomization, 138 patients (58.5%) in the liberal group had unfavorable neurological outcome compared with 161 patients (67.4%) in the restrictive group (relative risk [RR], 0.86 [95% CI, 0.75-1.00]; P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.047; fragility index&#x2009;=&#x2009;1). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of secondary outcomes (eg, 28-day mortality: 42 of 240 [17.5%] vs 51 of 244 [20.9%]; RR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.58-1.21]; P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.34) or serious adverse events (eg, RR, 1.13 [95% CI, 0.88-1.43]; P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.34 for infection and RR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.40-1.90]; P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.72 for cerebral ischemia). After adjustment for several confounders, being randomized to the liberal group was associated with a lower observed probability of unfavorable neurological outcome (odds ratio, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.38-0.94]; P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized clinical trial, a liberal RBCT strategy was associated with a lower risk than a restrictive RBCT strategy of unfavorable neurological outcome at 180 days among patients with TBI. These findings should be interpreted with caution in light of the inherent uncertainty of the estimate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02968654.

Humans