The Akbari Lab - Neurocritical Care Research at UCI
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Research

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Molecular Mechanisms

We aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms of neurological recovery following cardiac arrest,  including  the role of the orexin pathway and energy stores (e.g. caloric restriction, mitochondrial Zn2+).
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Hemodynamic Mechanisms

We aim to study various hemodynamic mechanisms, such as   CBF, brain metabolism, and neurovascular coupling , during and after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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Changes in Consciousness

We aim to uncover changes in consciousness during cardiac arrest, including   alterations in brain connectivity using quantitative
​EEG analysis.
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Multidisciplinary Approach

Translational Approach: Bench to Bedside

We have incorporated multidisciplinary techniques in  the  lab to maximize our translational potential, this includes:
  • In-vivo techniques (surgery, electrophysiology, CA+CPR, and behavioral experiments)
  • In-vitro techniques (molecular biology, histology/immunohistochemistry, protein quantification)
  • Computational signal processing of EEG/ECoG
  • Advanced optical techniques (in close collaboration with the Beckman Laser Institute) to monitor changes in cerebral blood flow and brain metabolism during hyperdynamic periods of CA+CPR
We conduct  preclinical experiments followed by conducting similar experiments using advanced technology on patients in the hospital, this includes:
  • Proof of concept  initial uses of novel devices
  • Application of time resolved spectroscopy on patients
  • Computational signal processing of EEG/ECoG
  • Both invasive and noninvasive monitoring of  changes in cerebral blood flow and brain metabolism

Current and Upcoming Projects

  • Global Consortium Study of Neurological Dysfunction in COVID-19 
  • Non-invasive optical monitoring of vasospasm at bedside in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • Intra-operative optical monitoring of thrombectomy
  • Non-invasive monitoring of brain edema during acute brain injury using a portable, compact optical imaging system
  • Fundoscopy with near-infrared spectroscopy in addition to a multi-modal monitoring system (EEG, optical imaging, ventriculostomy) of neuro-ICU patients
  • Applying sensors (e.g. laser speckle BF sensor, BP sensor, RR sensor, lactate sensor) from four different biomedical engineering labs to COVID patients
  • Mouse stroke model testing novel drugs to improve recovery and outcome​ from global ischemia and complications of sickle cell disease
  • Curing  Coma Campaign
  • CASCADE consortium on COVID-19 and cerebrovascular disease
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