Biology subjects

Lopez-Martin, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Lopez-Martin, G..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Towards whole-heart quantitative myocardial perfusion using a dual-sequence framework with multiband acceleration

Background2D Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion (Qperf) MRI is limited by its inability to provide complete myocardial coverage within a heartbeat interval. This study developed and evaluated dual saturation multiband-accelerated Qperf imaging to achieve near-complete left ventricular coverage in free-breathing at an adequate in-plane spatial resolution, using a semi-automated Myocardial Blood Flow (MBF) framework for quantification deployable directly on the scanner console. MethodsA dual-saturation single-band QPerf sequence was modified for multiband imaging, enabling the acquisition of 6 high-resolution myocardial slices plus Arterial Input Function (AIF) during free-breathing. The technique was evaluated in 16 sedated pigs (13 healthy and 3 with LAD occlusion) under rest conditions on a 3T MRI scanner. Additionally, two healthy pigs underwent stress imaging as well. Statistical comparisons were performed between multiband and single-band MBF values in corresponding AHA segments. ResultsQualitatively, multiband QPerf provided superior left ventricular coverage and comparable image quality to single-band Qperf MBF maps, potentially enabling a more comprehensive detection of perfusion defects at rest. Quantitatively, multiband QPerf yielded lower MBF values than single-band QPerf (p < 0.01). However, Bland-Altman analysis (mean difference: -0.17 ml/min/g; 95% CI: -1.12 to 0.79 ml/min/g) and Passing-Bablok regression (intercept: -0.01 ml/min/g; 95% CI: - 0.37 to 0.28 ml/min/g) indicated that such discrepancy remained within the expected confidence intervals. Furthermore, the Passing-Bablok slope (0.88; 95% CI: 0.73-1.06) confirmed that mb-QPerf maintained sensitivity comparable to sb-QPerf in detecting perfusion changes under rest conditions. Finally, there was an overall increase in MBF values during stress vs rest conditions (average MBF Ratio 1.67 {+/-} 0.31) when comparing healthy pigs. ConclusionMultiband-accelerated Qperf is feasible, providing improved left ventricular coverage, adequate in-plane resolution, and a semi-automated MBF quantification framework directly on the scanner console. Compared to its single-band counterpart, multiband QPerf demonstrated a more comprehensive visualization of perfusion defects and comparable sensitivity and accuracy in detecting perfusion changes at rest. Further research and clinical validation in patient populations are needed to confirm its utility in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2025

Precon_all: A species-agnostic automated pipeline for non-human cortical surface reconstruction

Cortical surface reconstruction has changed how we study brain morphology and geometry. However, extending these methods to non-human species has been limited by the lack of standardized pipelines, anatomical templates, and variability in imaging protocols. To address these challenges, we present Precon_all, an open-source, species-agnostic pipeline that automates cortical surface reconstruction for non-human neuroimaging. It runs reliably across a wide range of anatomical structures and imaging conditions and has been successfully applied to datasets from primates, carnivores, and artiodactyls. Its modular framework mirrors human neuroimaging workflows, supports manual quality control, and produces outputs compatible with FreeSurfer and Connectome Workbench. In doing so, it substantially reduces technical barriers to non-human neuroimaging. As data-sharing initiatives continue to expand access to non-human imaging datasets, Precon_all provides a scalable and standardized solution that supports the broader adoption of surface-based methods for studying cortical evolution through comparative neuroscience.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2020

A White Matter Atlas and Common Connectivity Space Facilitate the Pig as a Translational Model in Neuroscience

Neuroimagings capability to quickly and rapidly phenotype the cortical organization of the whole brain brings with it the possibility to extend our understanding of cortical organization across the mammalian lineage. However, neuroimaging has thus far generally limited itself to a small number of species, with most animal studies being performed in either rodents or Non-Human Primates. Here we perform a first pass characterization of an animal which has recently seen its stock rise in the neuroscience community with the development of new models of neurological disease; the domestic pig. Characterizing the structural connectome of the pig, we create a white matter atlas, and an anatomical template which we use to build a horizontal translation between the pig and human based on a connectivity blueprint approach. We find that conserved trends of structural connectivity across species enabled spatial prediction of regions of interest between the pig and human, showing the potential horizontal translations have as a tool to assess the translational validity of porcine models of neurological disease. Releasing the anatomical template, white matter atlas, and connectivity blueprints, we hope to ease and promote the acceptance of the pig as an alternative large-animal model by the neuroimaging community.

neuroscience↗