Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess anti-inflammatory activities and have been widely deployed for promoting tissue repair. Here we explored the efficacy of AgNPs on functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Our data indicated that, in a SCI rat model, local AgNPs delivery could significantly recover locomotor function and exert neuroprotection through reducing of pro-inflammatory M1 survival. Furthermore, in comparison with Raw 264.7-derived M0 and M2, a higher level of AgNPs uptake and more pronounced cytotoxicity were detected in M1. RNA-seq analysis revealed the apoptotic genes in M1 were upregulated by AgNPs, whereas in M0 and M2, pro-apoptotic genes were downregulated and PI3k-Akt pathway signaling pathway was upregulated. Moreover, AgNPs treatment preferentially reduced cell viability of human monocyte-derived M1 comparing to M2, supporting its effect on M1 in human. Overall, our findings reveal AgNPs could suppress M1 activity and imply its therapeutic potential in promoting post-SCI motor recovery.

Objectives: Behind armour blunt trauma (BABT) to the thorax results from motion of the body wall arising from the defeat of high-energy projectiles by body armour. NATO predicts that BABT will increase in future conflicts. This study aims to define biomechanical tolerance levels for BABT to the lateral thorax.

Methods: Terminally anaesthetised pigs (n=19) were subjected to 4 levels of severity of BABT (Table). Two types of armour plates were used. Group 1 were subjected to a 7.62 mm round (INIBA armour) whilst group 2 was subjected to a 12.7 mm round (EBA armour) the latter group being further subdivided by the presence or absence of two thicknesses of trauma attenuating backing (TAB). Accelerometers were attached to the pleural aspect of ribs 7, 8 and 9 mid-way between the spine and the sternum.

Results: Outcome was assessed by classifying severity of injury, in terms of mortality, into 3 groups – survivors (animals surviving to 6 h post-impact), early (0–30 min) and late deaths (> 30 min–6 h). The peak acceleration values were obtained from the accelerometer closest to the point of impact. Mean peak acceleration was significantly higher in the early death group (1070 km/s²) compared to survivors (591 km/s²) (p< 0.05).

There were 6 early deaths, 5 late deaths and 8 survivors. In terms of outcome Group 1 represented the lowest threat with 5 survivors and 1 late death. The animals in Group 2 with no TAB fared worst with 2 early deaths, one late death and no survivors. Deaths were due to respiratory failure/apnoea (n=4), pneumothorax (n=2), haemothorax (n=1), respiratory failure/pulmonary contusion (n=3) and ventricular fibrillation (n=1).

Conclusions: Peak acceleration of the body wall may be used to rank the outcome following BABT. There is a significant difference in peak acceleration at the extremes of the injury scale.