Publications by authors named "Alexander Zlotnik"

The gut-brain axis plays an integral role in maintaining overall health, with growing evidence suggesting its impact on the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. This review explores the complex relationship between gut microbiota and glutamate (Glu) regulation, highlighting its effect on brain health, particularly in the context of depression following certain neurological insults. We discuss how microbial populations can either facilitate or limit Glu uptake, influencing its bioavailability and predisposing to neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity.

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For patients undergoing abdominal surgery, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are a major source of morbidity and mortality. The use of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS), and specifically POCUS of the lungs, has seen many advancements in recent years. We hypothesize that perioperative lung ultrasonography can be used as a predictor for PPCs.

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While women tend to experience more severe psychiatric and neurobehavioral symptoms following traumatic brain injury (TBI), the connection between sex and post-TBI depression remains poorly understood. To explore the potential association between sex and post-TBI depression, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, including studies with participants who had no prior diagnosis of depression. Thirteen studies met the criteria for inclusion, collectively investigating a cohort of 449,471 individuals with TBI.

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Article Synopsis
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in young individuals, posing significant public health and economic issues, with current treatment options being inadequate.
  • This study utilizes a rat model to investigate the disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using two assessment markers, focusing on understanding the brain dysfunction that occurs after TBI.
  • The research introduced a new method for evaluating BBB permeability by comparing it to traditional neuroimaging and proved effective, revealing different patterns of BBB disruption over time, with accurate sensitivity results.
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Epilepsy is associated with substantial neuropsychiatric impairments that persist long after the onset of the condition, significantly impacting quality of life. The goal of this review was to uncover how the pathological consequences of epilepsy, such as excessive glutamate release and a disrupted blood-brain barrier (BBB), contribute to the emergence of neuropsychiatric disorders. We hypothesize that epilepsy induces a dysfunctional BBB through hyperexcitation, which then further amplifies post-ictal glutamate levels and, thus, triggers neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric processes.

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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) significantly contributes to death and disability worldwide. However, treatment options remain limited. Here, we focus on a specific pathology of TBI, diffuse axonal brain injury (DABI), which describes the process of the tearing of nerve fibers in the brain after blunt injury.

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Introduction: Methemoglobinemia, characterized by the conversion of functional hemoglobin to methemoglobin, can significantly impede tissue oxygenation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of methemoglobinemia are critical to optimizing clinical outcomes. Although the underlying etiology of methemoglobinemia is often attributed to a medication reaction or chemical exposure, its association with battlefield trauma remains underexplored.

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There is a growing body of evidence that suggests a connection between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and subsequent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the exact mechanism is unknown, we hypothesize that chronic glutamate neurotoxicity may play a role. The consumption of dietary glutamate is a modifiable factor influencing glutamate levels in the blood and, therefore, in the brain.

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Background: The risk of aspiration during general anesthesia for cesarean delivery has long been thought to be increased due to factors such as increased intra-abdominal pressures and delayed gastric emptying in pregnant patients. However, recent studies have reported normal gastric emptying in pregnant patients, suggesting that the risk of aspiration may not be as high as previously believed.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 48,609 cesarean deliveries, of which 22,690 (46.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study investigates caregiver motivations in treating younger patients with septic shock in the ICU, focusing on whether they achieve unnecessarily high mean arterial pressure (MAP) values.
  • - A retrospective analysis of 555 patients from 2006 to 2018 revealed that younger patients (ages 18-45) had average MAP values that were 4.7 mmHg higher than those of patients older than 75, even after controlling for other factors.
  • - Findings suggest that ICU staff may unconsciously adjust noradrenaline treatment to achieve higher MAP targets for younger patients, despite no evidence that this approach is more beneficial compared to older patients.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a profound impact on cognitive and mental functioning, leading to lifelong impairment and significantly diminishing the quality of life for affected individuals. A healthy blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a crucial role in guarding the brain against elevated levels of blood glutamate, making its permeability a vital aspect of glutamate regulation within the brain. Studies have shown the efficacy of reducing excess glutamate in the brain as a treatment for post-TBI depression, anxiety, and aggression.

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Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a major cause of maternal mortality. Tranexamic acid (TxA) has shown effectiveness in reducing PPH-related maternal bleeding events and deaths. We conducted a cohort study including parturient women at high risk of bleeding after undergoing a cesarean section (CS).

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Patients undergoing abdominal oncologic surgical procedures require particular surgical and anesthesiologic considerations. Traditional pain management, such as opiate treatment, continuous epidural analgesia, and non-opioid drugs, may have serious side effects in this patient population. We evaluated erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks for postoperative pain management following elective oncologic abdominal surgeries.

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Background : Critically ill patients with sepsis often require packed cell transfusions (PCTs). Packed cell transfusion causes changes in body's core temperature. Objective : To trace the course and amplitude of body core temperature after PCT in adults with sepsis.

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Article Synopsis
  • A healthy blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain from harmful levels of blood glutamate, which can lead to neurotoxicity.
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts the BBB, raising both blood and brain glutamate levels and contributing to potential long-term damage.
  • The study shows that BBB disruption is linked to elevated glutamate concentrations, suggesting that maintaining BBB integrity could be crucial for treating TBI and related conditions.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition that is associated with an increased risk of severe, long-term psychiatric consequences. Drugs that target the glutamatergic system have proven successful in treating both TBI and many of its psychiatric sequelae. Blood glutamate scavengers (BGS) cause a decrease in blood glutamate levels, leading to a reduction in glutamate's concentration gradient from the brain to the blood and decreased levels of brain glutamate.

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Article Synopsis
  • The text discusses a study on the dynamics of inert gas mixtures using multidimensional regularized systems of equations, focusing on the balance of mass, momentum, and energy, along with effects of diffusion and viscosity.
  • It introduces a new method for regularizing velocities that incorporate total pressure and derives an equation for entropy production to ensure physical correctness of the model.
  • The paper presents proofs of the existence and uniqueness of weak solutions, explores relevant properties of the original systems, and validates a specific finite-difference discretization in one dimension, supported by numerical experiments demonstrating its effectiveness in simulating gas interactions.
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Competition over resources such as food, territory, and mates significantly influences relationships within animal species and is mediated through social hierarchies that are often based on dominant-submissive relationships. The dominant-submissive relationship is a normal behavioral pattern among the individuals of a species. Traumatic brain injury is a frequent cause of social interaction impairment and the reorganization of dominant-submissive relationships in animal pairs.

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Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a biopsychosocial disorder that affects individuals who have suffered a stroke at any point. PSD has a 20 to 60 percent reported prevalence among stroke survivors. Its effects are usually adverse, can lead to disability, and may increase mortality if not managed or treated early.

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Objective: Bariatric surgeries involve manipulation of the viscera and are associated with significant postoperative pain. Paracetamol is a nonopioid analgesic with a rapid onset, and it is effective and safe. The study compared the effects of pre- and postincisional intravenous paracetamol administration for optimal postoperative pain management in patients undergoing bariatric surgeries.

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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with significant cognitive and psychiatric conditions. Neuropsychiatric symptoms can persist for years following brain injury, causing major disruptions in patients' lives. In this review, we examine the role of glutamate as an aftereffect of TBI that contributes to the development of neuropsychiatric conditions.

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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions of people worldwide, many of whom are affected with post-TBI mood disorders or behavioral changes, including aggression or social withdrawal. Diminished functionality can persist for decades after TBI and delay rehabilitation and resumption of employment. It has been established that there is a relationship between these mental disorders and brain injury.

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Depression is a significant cause of disability and affects millions worldwide; however, antidepressant therapies often fail or are inadequate. Current medications for treating major depressive disorder can take weeks or months to reach efficacy, have troubling side effects, and are limited in their long-term capabilities. Recent studies have identified a new set of glutamate-based approaches, such as blood glutamate scavengers, which have the potential to provide alternatives to traditional antidepressants.

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Acute ischemic stroke is a critical condition that can result in disability and death. The consequences of this medical condition depend on various factors, including the size of the stroke, affected brain region, treatment onset, and the type of treatment. The primary objective of stroke treatment is to restart ischemic penumbra tissue perfusion and reduce infarct volume by sustaining blood flow.

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Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Alexander Zlotnik"

  • Alexander Zlotnik's recent research largely focuses on traumatic brain injury (TBI), exploring its underlying mechanisms, particularly how blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and glutamate toxicity relate to various neuropsychiatric conditions, such as epilepsy and depression.
  • His studies employ advanced imaging and experimental models to assess brain injuries, aiming to improve understanding and treatment options for conditions linked to TBI, such as PTSD and chronic neurodegenerative processes.
  • Additionally, Zlotnik investigates clinical complications in surgical settings, such as spinal anesthesia during cesarean deliveries and the efficacy of prophylactic treatments to reduce maternal bleeding, highlighting a diverse medical research portfolio.