NIRS

The study investigates how external, physiological, and behavioral factors influence the measurement of regional tissue oxygenation using two-dimensional near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging in healthy volunteers. It aims to improve the standardization and reliability of this non-invasive method for assessing microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation. The study also examines the effects of temporary vascular occlusion, ambient temperature, physical activity, caffeine consumption, and nicotine consumption on NIRS-based tissue oxygenation measurements. The findings are intended to establish a standardized measurement protocol for future clinical research and the assessment of microvascular perfusion in critically ill patients.

Stroke is a non-progressive and permanent syndrome in adults, with approximately 60% of patients presenting with spastic hemiparesis. Spasticity leads to changes in the physiological pattern of muscle tissue contraction and hemodynamics, and, when left untreated, negatively impacts functionality. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has demonstrated positive effects on tissue regeneration, muscle relaxation, reduction of inflammation, fatigue, and pain relief in various muscular and neurological disorders. Methods: This blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of PBM on triceps surae muscle spasticity in adults with stroke. Forty-two participants with spastic hemiparesis post-stroke will be randomized into two groups: active PBM (850 nm, 200 mW, 4 J/point in the gastrocnemius, 12 points, weekly for 8 weeks) or placebo PBM (same protocol, device switched off). Both groups will receive the institute's standard rehabilitation treatment. Outcomes will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), ankle range of motion, presence of pain, amount of antispastic medication in use, contraction strength (by manual examination) muscle oxygenation (by transcutaneous near-infrared spectroscopy), functionality, and the occurrence of adverse events before and after the intervention. At the end of recruitment, comparisons between groups and between time points will be performed and statistically analyzed using a two-way repeated means ANOVA test and the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) test. We also foresee a pilot interim analysis when recruitment reaches a size of 10 participants per group. This interim analysis will be performed using a two-way/means ANOVA to assess effect size and recalculate sample size, making adjustments to the design if necessary.

This is a prospective, single-center Phase II observational study investigating the predictive value of the "Peripheral(-muscle) Oxygenation and Perfusion Score" (POP-Score), a novel non-invasive composite index, for early detection of infection/inflammation in neonates. The POP-Score combines peripheral muscle oxygenation measured via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with routinely monitored clinical parameters (heart rate, oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, and subcutaneous fat thickness). The study aims to determine the optimal cut-off value of the POP-Score measured within the first 6 hours after birth to predict elevated C-reactive protein (CRP ≥20 mg/L) within 48 hours. Additionally, multi-site NIRS measurements (cerebral, peripheral muscle, intestinal, and flank) will be evaluated to assess their association with inflammation. The study includes term and moderate-to-late preterm neonates (birth weight ≥2000g) with respiratory distress, admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at the Medical University of Graz.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complication of cardiac surgery that can affect outcome. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a technology that uses light to determine how well oxygenated tissues are. This technology is routinely used in cardiac surgery to measure the oxygen level in the brain by placing a sensor sticker on the forehead. The purpose of the study is to determine whether NIRS sensor stickers placed on the skin over the kidney can predict AKI better than when sensors are placed on the skin over the participant's limbs. This study is being conducted by investigators from the department of anesthesiology at the University of Utah.

Amphetamine Use Disorder (AUD) is a major public health issue in Taiwan, where it is the most commonly abused illegal drug. There are currently no effective approved medications to treat it, which makes finding new treatment options urgent. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation method, has shown promise in reducing cravings and drug use in people with addiction, but its effects on AUD are not well studied. To explore this, the investigators plan to conduct a double-blind, sham-controlled study with 20 people diagnosed with AUD. Half will receive real rTMS treatment, and half will receive a placebo-like sham treatment. The treatment targets a specific brain area (the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and will be given 10 times over two weeks. The investigators will assess the effectiveness of rTMS by tracking drug cravings, urine test results, and side effects with follow-up over 12 weeks. The investigators also include brain imaging using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) after the treatment. The study aims to better understand how rTMS might help reduce amphetamine cravings and improve outcomes, potentially leading to new treatment options for AUD.

To evaluate the differences splanchnic oxygen saturation in preterm infants receiving red blood cell transfusion with and without enteral feeding, and their outcomes.