IGNEOUS : A characterization platform for Image-Guided NEurOstimulation with UltraSound

IGNEOUS：超声图像引导神经刺激的表征平台

• 批准号: RGPIN-2019-04387
• 负责人: Pichardo, Samuel
• 金额: $ 2.4万
• 依托单位: University of Calgary
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2019
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2019-01-01 至 2020-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=684765
• 关键词: IGNEOUS; characterization; platform; Image; Guided

The proposed research program aims to advance our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of neurostimulation with focused ultrasound (FUs). For this purpose, we propose to evolve an in-house developed and highly successful software platform Proteus (NSERC Discovery-funded) for image-guided interventions with focused ultrasound, on which fourteen graduate and undergraduate High Qualified Personnel (HQP) have actively contributed to its development. The newly proposed platform will be specific for Image-Guided NEurOstimulation with UltraSound (IGNEOUS).******FUs can safely concentrate penetrating mechanical ultrasound waves deep into living tissue to produce distinctive biological effects. Low-intensity FUs refers to a type of exposure where pulsed FUs is sent with both low amplitude and low duty cycle. With low-intensity FUs, a transient ultrasound-based neurostimulation effect can be produced. A substantial amount of research remains to be done to understand the mechanisms of FUs neurostimulation, its overall effects in brain network connectivity and neuroplasticity.******This program will balance research activities in engineering and neuroscience. We will develop new methods for near real-time advanced image processing, multi-channel signal processing, closed-loop control algorithms, and human-machine interfaces. We will apply these engineering methods to establish controllable, penetrating, and non-destructive neurostimulation using FUs. The development of IGNEOUS on top of the Proteus platform, which can interface with pre-clinical and human-ready Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI)-guided focused ultrasound systems, will significantly facilitate translational efforts in the future. IGNEOUS will integrate near real-time assessment of brain activity from imaging, electrophysiology, and optical sources. For a better understanding of brain processes and cognitive mechanisms to study brain disorders, having a non-invasive, high-resolution and controlled method to induce neurostimulation is of the highest scientific relevance.******The IGNEOUS program will be guided by four core projects:*** Capture and conditioning of electroencephalography (EEG) signals, including sources utilized in animal models and humans*** Processing of functional MRI (fMRI) data directly in the IGNEOUS application*** Capture and processing of optical monitoring of calcium activation (Ca2+) of brain activity in rodent models *** Development of closed-loop algorithms for neurostimulation with FUs using data sources of brain activity (EEG, fMRI, Ca2+)******This program will provide high-impact opportunities for graduate students in the areas of Biomedical Engineering. The IGNEOUS platform will allow translational studies where the effects of FUs-induced neurostimulation can be studied using different models and imaging modalities. This translational capability will be the most innovative and impactful feature of the IGNEOUS platform.*****

提出的研究计划旨在促进我们对聚焦超声神经刺激（FUs）的基本机制的理解。为此，我们建议发展一个内部开发的非常成功的软件平台Proteus （NSERC discovery资助），用于聚焦超声图像引导干预，其中有14名研究生和本科生高素质人才（HQP）积极参与其开发。新提出的平台将专门用于超声图像引导神经刺激（IGNEOUS）。******FUs可以安全地将穿透的机械超声波集中到活组织深处，产生独特的生物效应。低强度FUs是指以低振幅和低占空比发送脉冲FUs的一种曝光类型。使用低强度的FUs，可以产生基于超声的短暂神经刺激效果。FUs神经刺激的机制及其对脑网络连通性和神经可塑性的整体影响仍有待大量研究。******该计划将平衡工程和神经科学的研究活动。我们将开发近实时高级图像处理，多通道信号处理，闭环控制算法和人机界面的新方法。我们将运用这些工程方法建立可控的、穿透性的、非破坏性的神经刺激。在Proteus平台之上开发的IGNEOUS，可以与临床前和人类准备的磁共振成像（MRI）引导聚焦超声系统接口，将大大促进未来的转化工作。火成岩将整合来自成像、电生理学和光源的近实时脑活动评估。为了更好地了解大脑过程和认知机制，以研究大脑疾病，拥有一种非侵入性、高分辨率和可控的方法来诱导神经刺激具有最高的科学意义。******火成岩项目将以四个核心项目为指导：***捕获和调节脑电图（EEG）信号，包括动物模型和人类使用的来源***直接在火成岩应用中处理功能MRI （fMRI）数据***捕获和处理啮齿动物模型中脑活动钙活化（Ca2+）的光学监测***开发利用脑活动数据源(EEG，fMRI, Ca2+)******该计划将为生物医学工程领域的研究生提供高影响力的机会。火成岩平台将允许转化研究，其中fus诱导的神经刺激的效果可以使用不同的模型和成像方式进行研究。这种转换能力将是火成岩平台最具创新性和影响力的特征。*****