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: 2021
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2021-01-01 至 2022-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=737597
• 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 relevan

拟议的研究计划旨在通过聚焦超声（FUS）来促进我们对神经刺激的基本机制的理解。为此，我们建议使用专注的超声波进行图像引导的内部和非常成功的软件平台Proteus（NSERC Discovery资助），在该图像引导的超声波上，十四名毕业生和本科高素质的高素质人员（HQP）积极地为其发展做出了贡献。新提出的平台将针对超声（火成岩）的图像引导的神经刺激。 FUS可以安全地将穿透性的机械超声波浓缩到活组织中，从而产生独特的生物学作用。低强度的FU是指某种暴露，其中脉冲FUS既有低振幅又低占空比。使用低强度的FU，可以产生基于瞬态超声的神经刺激效果。要了解FUS神经刺激的机制，其在大脑网络连通性和神经可塑性中的总体影响仍有大量研究。该计划将平衡工程和神经科学领域的研究活动。我们将开发用于接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。我们将使用这些工程方法来建立使用FUS的可控，穿透性和非破坏性神经刺激。在Proteus平台之上的火成岩的发展，可以与临床前和人为准备的磁共振图像（MRI）指导的集中超声系统接触，将显着促进未来的转化工作。火成岩将通过成像，电生理学和光学源对大脑活动的近乎实时评估。为了更好地了解研究脑疾病的脑过程和认知机制，具有非侵入性，高分辨率和受控的方法来诱导神经刺激是最高的科学相关性