The effect of transcranial ultrasound pulse repetition frequency on sustained inhibition in the human primary motor cortex: A double-blind, sham-controlled study

Brain stimulation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 17(2), P. 476 - 484

Published: March 1, 2024

BackgroundNon-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic and direct current hold promise for inducing plasticity. However, their limited precision may hamper certain applications. In contrast, Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS), known its deep targeting capabilities, requires further investigation to establish efficacy in producing enduring effects treating neurological psychiatric disorders.ObjectiveTo investigate the of different pulse repetition frequencies (PRF) TUS on motor corticospinal excitability.MethodsT1-, T2-weighted, zero echo time resonance imaging scans were acquired from 21 neurologically healthy participants neuronavigation, skull reconstruction, performance ultrasound thermal modelling. The three PRFs (10, 100, 1000 Hz) with a constant duty cycle 10% excitability primary cortex assessed using TMS-induced evoked potentials (MEPs). Each PRF sham condition was evaluated separate days, measurements taken 5-, 30-, 60-minutes post-TUS.ResultsA significant decrease MEP amplitude observed 10 Hz (p = 0.007), which persisted at least 30 minutes, 100 0.001), lasting over 60 minutes. no changes found conditions.ConclusionThis study highlights significance selection underscores potential non-invasive approach reduce excitability, offering valuable insights future clinical

Language: Английский

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A practical guide to transcranial ultrasonic stimulation from the IFCN-endorsed ITRUSST consortium

Clinical Neurophysiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Pseudo-CTs from T1-weighted MRI for planning of low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound neuromodulation: An open-source tool

Brain stimulation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 16(1), P. 75 - 78

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

We present a novel toolbox to generate computed tomography (CT) images from anatomical T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) for use in planning transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) studies humans (https://github.com/sitiny/mr-to-pct). Our validated open-source is aimed at researchers interested generating bespoke skull models acoustic simulations TUS studies. Importantly, will most likely already have access standard MR neuronavigation, making our compatible with many existing protocols Low-intensity focused an emerging technique non-invasive neuromodulation that offers unprecedented spatial specificity compared established techniques [[1]Darmani G. Bergmann T.O. Butts Pauly K. Caskey C.F. de Lecea L. Fomenko A. et al.Non-invasive neuromodulation.Clin Neurophysiol. 2022; 135: 51-73https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2021.12.010Crossref PubMed Scopus (20) Google Scholar]. The accounts the bulk of attenuation and aberration. Simulations wave propagation via accurate, individualised bone density geometry are essential component experiments ensure we can safely, precisely, efficiently deliver energy target. CT considered gold imaging, Hounsfield units (HU) been used estimate properties ex vivo [[2]Aubry J.-F. Tanter M. Pernot Thomas J.-L. Fink Experimental demonstration noninvasive transskull adaptive focusing based on prior scans.J Acoust Soc Am. 2003; 113: 84-93https://doi.org/10.1121/1.1529663Crossref (385) However, obtaining research participants may be prohibitive due exposure ionising radiation limited scanners within groups. Alternative methods include short echo time (TE) imaging sequences [[3]Leung S.A. Moore D. Gilbo Y. Snell J. Webb T.D. Meyer C.H. al.Comparison between correct skull-induced phase aberrations during ultrasound.Sci Rep. 1213407https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-17319-4Crossref (1) Scholar], deep learning convolutional neural networks (CNNs) translating [4Su P. Guo S. Roys Maier F. Bhat H. Melhem E.R. al.Transcranial imaging-guided interventions using synthesized CT.Am J Neuroradiol. 2020; 41: 1841-1848https://doi.org/10.3174/ajnr.A6758Crossref (12) Scholar, 5Koh Park T.Y. Chung Y.A. Lee Kim Acoustic simulation GAN-based synthetic CT.IEEE Biomed Heal Informatics. 2021; 2194: 1-11https://doi.org/10.1109/JBHI.2021.3103387Crossref (6) 6Miscouridou Pineda-Pardo J.A. Stagg C.J. Treeby B.E. Stanziola Classical learned pseudo-CT mappings accurate simulation.IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectrics Freq Control. 69: 2896-2905https://doi.org/10.1109/TUFFC.2022.3198522Crossref Uptake these among growing community remains low as not freely available or easily implemented. As result, low-intensity either do report simulations, apply fixed percentage derating free-water values, base their binary example one individual. new aims fill this gap facilitate reproducibility best practice TUS. trained 3D residual U-Net synthesise 100 keV image given input. network was pre-trained large number subjects (n = 110) [[7]Yaakub S.N. McGinnity Kerfoot E. Mérida I. Beck Dunston al.Brain PET-MR correction learning: method validation adult clinical paediatric data.ArXiv Prepr. : 1-10Google Scholar] better capture inter-individual variability, potentially increasing generalisability other datasets. further refined separate dataset 37; CERMEP database [[8]Mérida Jung Bouvard Le Bars Lancelot Lavenne al.CERMEP-IDB-MRXFDG: 37 normal human brain [18F]FDG PET, T1 FLAIR MRI, research.EJNMMI Res. 11https://doi.org/10.1186/s13550-021-00830-6Crossref (5) Scholar]) different pre-training dataset. implemented MONAI (https://monai.io/), framework medical [[9]Cardoso M.J. Li W. Brown R. Ma N. Wang al.MONAI: healthcare.ArXiv describe main results below; full details described Supplementary Material reader.1.Our generates (Fig. 1a) mean absolute errors (MAE 109.8 ± 13.0) comparable CNN-based methods: c.f [[4]Su Scholar].: MAE (ultrashort-TE MR) 104.57 21.33 HU [[5]Koh Scholar];: (T1-weighted 85.72 9.50 HU; [[6]Miscouridou Scholar]: 133 46, (zero-TE 83 26. Notably, TE performed than those MR. databases these, paired reference exist. Furthermore, groups sequence available.2.Our pseudo-CTs produce 1b) focal pressures statistically equivalent (0.48 0.04 MPa 0.50 respectively). This represents improvement over masks (focal pressure 0.28 0.05 MPa; Fig. 1b). Binary sufficient estimating location focus but should relied assessing safety indices like mechanical index (MI) peak pulse averaged intensity (ISPPA). It noted derived by segmenting into trabecular cortical segments. approach coarse approximation (acoustic assigned each segment whole, rather continuous values) relies precise separation bone, which difficult alone.3.Our works data (i.e. acquired independently training dataset) when similar dataset: produced MRs BRIC were qualitatively Donders Institute 1c). possibly because without fat suppression (like data), while suppression. would recommend users training. resolution availability data. Higher no doubt enable smaller grid spacing precision. cerebrospinal fluid (e.g. T2-weighted sequences) increase accuracy acquisition x-ray tube reconstruction also affects conversion velocity [[10]Webb Leung Rosenberg Ghanouni Dahl J.J. Pelc N.J. al.Measurements relationship how it changes photon method.IEEE 2018; 65: 1111-1124https://doi.org/10.1109/TUFFC.2018.2827899Crossref (22) impacts simulations. restricted datasets publicly. chose readily sequence. Should data, weights transfer applications optimise own In spirit Open Science reproducibility, provide (https://github.com/sitiny/mr-to-pct) code run k-Wave [[11]Treeby Cox B.T. k-Wave: MATLAB photoacoustic fields.J Opt. 2010; 15021314https://doi.org/10.1117/1.3360308Crossref (1247) -based field temperature Methods (https://github.com/sitiny/BRIC_TUS_Simulation_Tools). Since its release, has successfully several worldwide. hope useful design safe efficient experiments, both well expert basis To knowledge, there currently openly purpose. running work GitHub: https://github.com/sitiny/mr-to-pct https://github.com/sitiny/BRIC_TUS_Simulation_Tools. download from: https://osf.io/e7sz9/. authors declare they known competing financial interests personal relationships could appeared influence reported paper. E.F. S.N.Y. supported UKRI/MRC grant MR/T023007/1. UK Department Health NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre Award (COV-LT-0009) Guy's St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (in partnership King's College London Hospital Trust), Wellcome Engineering Physical Sciences Council Medical (WT 203148/Z/16/Z). CERMEP-IDB-MRXFDG Database (© Copyright – Imagerie du vivant, www.cermep.fr Hospices Civils Lyon. All rights reserved.) provided jointly Lyon (HCL) under free academic end user licence agreement. following article. Download .pdf (.57 MB) Help pdf files Multimedia 1

Language: Английский

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Focal volume reduction in transcranial focused ultrasound using spherical wave expansions

Ultrasonics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 148, P. 107564 - 107564

Published: Jan. 5, 2025

Language: Английский

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Noninvasive intervention by transcranial ultrasound stimulation: Modulation of neural circuits and its clinical perspectives

Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 78(5), P. 273 - 281

Published: March 20, 2024

Low‐intensity focused transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is an emerging noninvasive technique capable of stimulating both the cerebral cortex and deep brain structures with high spatial precision. This method recognized for its potential to comprehensively perturb various regions, enabling modulation neural circuits, in a manner not achievable through conventional magnetic or electrical techniques. The underlying mechanisms neuromodulation are based on phenomenon where mechanical waves kinetically interact neurons, specifically affecting neuronal membranes mechanosensitive channels. interaction induces alterations excitability neurons within stimulated region. In this review, we briefly present fundamental principles physics physiological TUS neuromodulation. We explain experimental apparatus procedures humans. Due focality, integration methods, including resonance imaging resonance–guided neuronavigation systems, important perform experiments precise targeting. then review current state literature neuromodulation, particular focus human subjects, targeting subcortical structures. Finally, outline future perspectives clinical applications psychiatric neurological fields.

Language: Английский

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BabelBrain: An Open-Source Application for Prospective Modeling of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound for Neuromodulation Applications

IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 70(7), P. 587 - 599

Published: May 8, 2023

BabelBrain is an open-source standalone graphic-user-interface application designed for studies of neuromodulation using transcranial focused ultrasound. It calculates the transmitted acoustic field in brain tissue, taking into account distortion effects caused by skull barrier. The simulation prepared scans from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, if available, computed tomography and zero-echo time MRI scans. also thermal based on a given ultrasound regime, such as total duration exposure, duty cycle, intensity. tool to work tandem with neuronavigation visualization software, 3DSlicer. uses image processing prepare domains BabelViscoFDTD library modeling calculations. supports multiple GPU backends, including Metal, OpenCL, CUDA, works all major operating systems Linux, MacOS, Windows. This particularly optimized Apple ARM64 systems, which are common research. paper presents pipeline used numerical study where different methods properties mapping were tested select best method that can reproduce pressure transmission efficiency reported literature.

Language: Английский

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Enhancing transcranial ultrasound stimulation planning with MRI-derived skull masks: a comparative analysis with CT-based processing

Journal of Neural Engineering, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 22(1), P. 016020 - 016020

Published: Jan. 30, 2025

Abstract Objective. Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) presents challenges in wave transmission through the skull, affecting study outcomes due to aberration and attenuation. While planning strategies incorporating 3D computed tomography (CT) scans help mitigate these issues, they expose participants radiation, which can raise ethical concerns. A solution involves generating skull masks from participants’ anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This aims compare field predictions between CT-derived MRI-derived TUS planning. Approach. Five with a range of density ratios (SDRs: 0.31, 0.42, 0.55, 0.67, 0.79) were selected, each having both CT T1/T2-weighted MRI scans. Ultrasound simulations performed using BabelBrain software single-element transducer (diameter = 50 mm, F # 1) at 250, 500, 750 kHz frequencies. used generate maps skull’s acoustic properties. The processed Charm segmentation tool SimNIBS suite default custom settings adapted for better segmentation. was adjusted target 30 mm below surface 54 electroencephalogram (EEG) locations. Main Results. setting significantly improved Dice coefficient MRI- when compared ( p < 0.001). maximum pressure error decreased Additionally, focus location median across different SDRs averaged 2.32, 1.45, 1.57 2.08, 1.38, 1.44 conditions 250 kHz, 500 respectively. Significance. offer satisfactory accuracy many EEG sites, further enhance this accuracy. However, significant errors specific locations highlight importance carefully considering choosing CT- modeling.

Language: Английский

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Therapeutic use of transcranial ultrasound for epilepsy: a review

Heliyon, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 11(5), P. e43001 - e43001

Published: Feb. 26, 2025

Language: Английский

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Parameter optimisation for mitigating somatosensory confounds during transcranial ultrasonic stimulation

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 19, 2025

Transcranial ultrasonic stimulation (TUS) redefines what is possible with non-invasive neuromodulation by oaering unparalleled spatial precision and flexible targeting capabilities. However, peripheral confounds pose a significant challenge to reliably implementing this technology. While auditory during TUS have been studied extensively, the somatosensory confound has overlooked thus far. It will become increasingly vital quantify manage as field shifts towards higher doses, more compact devices, frequent through temple where co-stimulation pronounced. Here, we provide systematic characterisation of TUS. We also identify conditions under which can be mitigated most eaectively mapping confound-parameter space. Specifically, investigate dose-response eaects, pulse shaping characteristics, transducer-specific parameters. demonstrate that avoiding near-field intensity peaks in scalp, spreading energy across greater area ramping envelope, delivering equivalent doses via longer, lower-intensity pulses rather than shorter, higher-intensity pulses. Additionally, repetition frequencies fundamental reduce eaects. Through our parameter space, find preliminary evidence particle displacement (strain) may primary biophysical driving force behind co-stimulation. This study provides actionable strategies minimise confounds, support thorough experimental control required unlock full potential for scientific research clinical interventions. Tactile, thermal, even painful occur TUS.Confounds & parameters.Valid replicable requires confounds.Particle confounds.

Language: Английский

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Optimization of MR acoustic radiation force imaging (MR‐ARFI) for human transcranial focused ultrasound

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 6, 2025

Abstract Purpose MR acoustic radiation force imaging (MR‐ARFI) is an exceptionally promising technique to non‐invasively confirm targeting accuracy and estimate exposure of low‐intensity transcranial focused ultrasound applications. Implementing MR‐ARFI in the human brain has been hindered by (1) sensitivity subject motion, (2) insufficient SNR at low (<1.0 MPa) pressures. The purpose this study was optimize allow reduced while same time being robust bulk physiological motion. Methods We developed a novel timeseries approach with single‐shot spiral‐out MRI sequence correction for respiratory cardiac motion artifacts. An MR‐compatible four‐element 500 kHz transducer coupled head targeted 60 mm depth five participants. During spiral scans, two 6 ms pulses (0.5–0.9 MPa situ) were delivered on–off blocks 25 frames. Results Our method generates ARFI maps that are largely immune pulsatile scan (80 s per acquisition). Robust signals observed expected target four participants, using intensity does not produce significant tissue heating, confirmed both simulation thermometry. Conclusion Single shot applications, provides reduction exposure, time, enabling iteration image‐guided targeting. This provide persuasive proof‐of‐principle can be used as tool guide ultrasound‐based precision neural circuit therapeutics.

Language: Английский

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