scholarly journals An open-source control system for in vivo fluorescence measurements from deep-brain structures

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott F. Owen ◽  
Anatol C. Kreitzer

ABSTRACTBackgroundIntracranial photometry through chronically implanted optical fibers is a widely adopted technique for measuring signals from fluorescent probes in deep-brain structures. The recent proliferation of bright, photo-stable, and specific genetically-encoded fluorescent reporters for calcium and for other neuromodulators has greatly increased the utility and popularity of this technique.New MethodHere we describe an open-source, cost-effective, microcontroller-based solution for controlling optical components in an intracranial photometry system and processing the resulting signal.ResultsWe show proof-of-principle that this system supports high quality intracranial photometry recordings from dorsal striatum in freely moving mice. A single system supports simultaneous fluorescence measurements in two independent color channels, but multiple systems can be integrated together if additional fluorescence channels are required. This system is designed to work in combination with either commercially available or custom-built optical components. Parts can be purchased for less than one tenth the cost of commercially available alternatives and complete assembly takes less than one day for an inexperienced user.Comparison with Existing Method(s)Currently available hardware draws on a variety of commercial, custom-built, or hybrid elements for both optical and electronic components. Many of these hardware systems are either specialized and inflexible, or over-engineered and expensive.ConclusionsThis open-source system increases experimental flexibility while reducing cost relative to current commercially available components. All software and firmware are open-source and customizable, affording a degree of experimental flexibility that is not available in current commercial systems.

Author(s):  
Sebastiano Lucerna ◽  
Francesco M. Salpietro ◽  
Concetta Alafaci ◽  
Francesco Tomasello
Keyword(s):  

2012 ◽  
Vol 211 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keita Tamura ◽  
Yohei Ohashi ◽  
Tadashi Tsubota ◽  
Daigo Takeuchi ◽  
Toshiyuki Hirabayashi ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (40) ◽  
pp. eabc6521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongya Qin ◽  
Congping Chen ◽  
Sicong He ◽  
Ye Wang ◽  
Kam Fai Tam ◽  
...  

Optical deep-brain imaging in vivo at high resolution has remained a great challenge over the decades. Two-photon endomicroscopy provides a minimally invasive approach to image buried brain structures, once it is integrated with a gradient refractive index (GRIN) lens embedded in the brain. However, its imaging resolution and field of view are compromised by the intrinsic aberrations of the GRIN lens. Here, we develop a two-photon endomicroscopy by adding adaptive optics based on direct wavefront sensing, which enables recovery of diffraction-limited resolution in deep-brain imaging. A new precompensation strategy plays a critical role to correct aberrations over large volumes and achieve rapid random-access multiplane imaging. We investigate the neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus, a critical deep brain structure, and reveal the relationship between the somatic and dendritic activity of pyramidal neurons.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian A. Vasquez-Lopez ◽  
Vadim Koren ◽  
Martin Plöschner ◽  
Zahid Padamsey ◽  
Tomáš Čižmár ◽  
...  

AbstractAchieving optical access to deep-brain structures represents an important step towards the goal of understanding the mammalian central nervous system. The complex refractive index distribution within brain tissue introduces severe aberrations to long-distance light propagation thereby prohibiting image reconstruction using currently available non-invasive techniques. In an attempt to overcome this challenge endoscopic approaches have been adopted, principally in the form of fibre bundles or GRIN-lens based endoscopes. Unfortunately, these approaches create substantial mechanical lesions of the tissue precipitating neuropathological responses that include inflammation and gliosis. Together, lesions and the associated neuropathology may compromise neural circuit performance. By replacing Fourier-based image relay with a holographic approach, we have been able to reduce the volume of tissue lesion by more than 100-fold, while preserving diffraction-limited imaging performance. Here we demonstrate high-resolution fluorescence imaging of neuronal structures, dendrites and synaptic specialisations, in deep-brain regions of living mice. These results represent a major breakthrough in the compromise between high-resolution imaging and tissue damage, heralding new possibilities for deep-brain imaging in vivo.


Author(s):  
Matthew H. Park ◽  
Yuanjia Zhu ◽  
Hanjay Wang ◽  
Nicholas A. Tran ◽  
Jinsuh Jung ◽  
...  

AbstractResource-scarce regions with serious COVID-19 outbreaks do not have enough ventilators to support critically ill patients, and these shortages are especially devastating in developing countries. To help alleviate this strain, we have designed and tested the accessible low-barrier in vivo-validated economical ventilator (ALIVE Vent), a COVID-19-inspired, cost-effective, open-source, in vivo-validated solution made from commercially available components. The ALIVE Vent operates using compressed oxygen and air to drive inspiration, while two solenoid valves ensure one-way flow and precise cycle timing. The device was functionally tested and profiled using a variable resistance and compliance artificial lung and validated in anesthetized large animals. Our functional test results revealed its effective operation under a wide variety of ventilation conditions defined by the American Association of Respiratory Care guidelines for ventilator stockpiling. The large animal test showed that our ventilator performed similarly if not better than a standard ventilator in maintaining optimal ventilation status. The FiO2, respiratory rate, inspiratory to expiratory time ratio, positive-end expiratory pressure, and peak inspiratory pressure were successfully maintained within normal, clinically validated ranges, and the animals were recovered without any complications. In regions with limited access to ventilators, the ALIVE Vent can help alleviate shortages, and we have ensured that all used materials are publicly available. While this pandemic has elucidated enormous global inequalities in healthcare, innovative, cost-effective solutions aimed at reducing socio-economic barriers, such as the ALIVE Vent, can help enable access to prompt healthcare and life saving technology on a global scale and beyond COVID-19.


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