Automatic Segmentation for Analysis of Murine Cardiac Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Image Data Using Deep Learning.

Objective: Although there are methods to identify regions of interest (ROIs) from echocardiographic images of myocardial tissue, they are often time-consuming and difficult to create when image quality is poor. Further, while myocardial strain from ultrasound (US) images can be estimated, US alone cannot obtain functional information, such as oxygen saturation (sO). Photoacoustic (PA) imaging, however, can be used to quantify sO levels within tissue non-invasively.

Neurovascular Hypoxia Trajectories Assessed by Photoacoustic Imaging in a Murine Model of Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation.

Cardiac arrest is a common cause of death annually mainly due to postcardiac arrest syndrome that leads to multiple organ global hypoxia and dysfunction after resuscitation. The ability to quantify vasculature changes and tissue oxygenation is crucial to adapt patient treatment in order to minimize major outcomes after resuscitation. For the first time, we applied high-resolution ultrasound associated with photoacoustic imaging (PAI) to track neurovascular oxygenation and cardiac function trajectories in a murine model of cardiac arrest and resuscitation.

Neurovascular hypoxia after mild traumatic brain injury in juvenile mice correlates with heart-brain dysfunctions in adulthood.

Aim: Retrospective studies suggest that mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in pediatric patients may lead to an increased risk of cardiac events. However, the exact functional and temporal dynamics and the associations between heart and brain pathophysiological trajectories are not understood.

Methods: A single impact to the left somatosensory cortical area of the intact skull was performed on juvenile mice (17 days postnatal).

Evaluation of Hemodynamics in a Murine Hindlimb Ischemia Model Using Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging.

Background And Objectives: Spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI), an optical imaging technique capable of quantitatively measuring tissue hemodynamics over a large field-of-view, has captured the interest of scientists and clinicians due to its ability to image rapidly and noninvasively. The goal of this study was to apply SFDI in a preclinical murine model to assess its ability to measure hemodynamic changes due to hindlimb ischemia in vivo longitudinally.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Complete unilateral femoral artery ligation was performed on a total of nine C57BL/6J mice to induce ischemia in the left hindlimb.

Real-time biofeedback device for gait rehabilitation of post-stroke patients.

In this work, we develop a device, called 'Walk-Even', that can provide real-time feedback to correct gait asymmetry commonly exhibited in post-stroke survivors and persons with certain neurological disorders. The device computes gait parameters, including gait time, swing time, and stance time of each leg, to detect gait asymmetry and provide corresponding real-time biofeedback by means of auditory and electrotactile stimulation to actively correct the user's gait. The system consists of customized force-sensor-embedded insoles adjustable to fit any shoe size, electrotactile and auditory feedback circuits, microcontroller, and wireless XBee transceivers.