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: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=764461
• 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增进我们对聚焦超声（FU）神经刺激基本机制的理解。为此，我们建议开发一个内部开发且非常成功的软件平台 Proteus（由 NSERC Discovery 资助），用于聚焦超声图像引导干预，14 名研究生和本科生高素质人员 (HQP) 积极为其开发做出了贡献。新提出的平台将专门用于超声图像引导神经刺激（IGNEOUS）。 FU 可以安全地将穿透性机械超声波集中到活体组织深处，产生独特的生物效应。低强度 FU 是指以低幅度和低占空比发送脉冲 FU 的一种曝光类型。通过低强度 FU，可以产生基于超声的瞬态神经刺激效果。为了了解 FU 神经刺激的机制、其对大脑网络连接和神经可塑性的总体影响，仍有大量研究要做。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。我们将应用这些工程方法，利用 FU 建立可控的、穿透性的、非破坏性的神经刺激。 IGNEOUS 在 Proteus 平台上的开发可以与临床前和人类就绪的磁共振图像 (MRI) 引导聚焦超声系统连接，将极大地促进未来的转化工作。 IGNEOUS 将整合来自成像、电生理学和光源的近乎实时的大脑活动评估。为了更好地了解大脑过程和认知机制以研究大脑疾病，采用非侵入性、高分辨率和受控方法来诱导神经刺激具有最高的科学相关性