Multi Modality Brain Mapping System (MBMS) Using Artificial Intelligence and Pattern Recognition

A Multimodality Brain Mapping System (MBMS), comprising one or more scopes (e.g., microscopes or endoscopes) coupled to one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors obtain training data from one or more first images and/or first data, wherein one or more abnormal regions and one or more normal regions are identified; receive a second image captured by one or more of the scopes at a later time than the one or more first images and/or first data and/or captured using a different imaging technique; and generate, using machine learning trained using the training data, one or more viewable indicators identifying one or abnormalities in the second image, wherein the one or more viewable indicators are generated in real time as the second image is formed. One or more of the scopes display the one or more viewable indicators on the second image

A chronically implantable, hybrid cannula–electrode device for assessing the effects of molecules on electrophysiological signals in freely behaving animals

We describe a device for assessing the effects of diffusible molecules on electrophysiological recordings from multiple neurons. This device allows for the infusion of reagents through a cannula located among an array of micro-electrodes. The device can easily be customized to target specific neural structures. It is designed to be chronically implanted so that isolated neural units and local field potentials are recorded over the course of several weeks or months. Multivariate statistical and spectral analysis of electrophysiological signals acquired using this system could quantitatively identify electrical “signatures” of therapeutically useful drugs

Functional MRI using robotic MRI compatible devices for monitoring rehabilitation from chronic stroke in the molecular medicine era (Review)

The number of individuals suffering from stroke is increasing daily, and its consequences are a major contributor to invalidity in today’s society. Stroke rehabilitation is relatively new, having been hampered from the longstanding view that lost functions were not recoverable. Nowadays, robotic devices, which aid by stimulating brain plasticity, can assist in restoring movement compromised by stroke-induced pathological changes in the brain which can be monitored by MRI. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of stroke patients participating in a training program with a novel Magnetic Resonance Compatible Hand-Induced Robotic Device (MR_CHIROD) could yield a promising biomarker that, ultimately, will enhance our ability to advance hand motor recovery following chronic stroke. Using state-of-the art MRI in conjunction with MR_CHIROD-assisted therapy can provide novel biomarkers for stroke patient rehabilitation extracted by a meta-analysis of data. Successful completion of such studies may provide a ground breaking method for the future evaluation of stroke rehabilitation therapies. Their results will attest to the effectiveness of using MR-compatible hand devices with MRI to provide accurate monitoring during rehabilitative therapy. Furthermore, such results may identify biomarkers of brain plasticity that can be monitored during stroke patient rehabilitation. The potential benefit for chronic stroke patients is that rehabilitation may become possible for a longer period of time after stroke than previously thought, unveiling motor skill improvements possible even after six months due to retained brain plasticity

Using Electronic Noses to Detect Tumors During Neurosurgery

It has been proposed to develop special-purpose electronic noses and algorithms for processing the digitized outputs of the electronic noses for determining whether tissue exposed during neurosurgery is cancerous. At present, visual inspection by a surgeon is the only available intraoperative technique for detecting cancerous tissue. Implementation of the proposal would help to satisfy a desire, expressed by some neurosurgeons, for an intraoperative technique for determining whether all of a brain tumor has been removed. The electronic-nose technique could complement multimodal imaging techniques, which have also been proposed as means of detecting cancerous tissue. There are also other potential applications of the electronic-nose technique in general diagnosis of abnormal tissue. In preliminary experiments performed to assess the viability of the proposal, the problem of distinguishing between different types of cultured cells was substituted for the problem of distinguishing between normal and abnormal specimens of the same type of tissue. The figure presents data from one experiment, illustrating differences between patterns that could be used to distinguish between two types of cultured cancer cells. Further development can be expected to include studies directed toward answering questions concerning not only the possibility of distinguishing among various types of normal and abnormal tissue but also distinguishing between tissues of interest and other odorous substances that may be present in medical settings

Investigation of ac-magnetic field stimulated nanoelectroporation of magneto-electric nano-drug-carrier inside CNS cells

In this research, we demonstrate cell uptake of magneto-electric nanoparticles (MENPs) through nanoelectroporation (NEP) using alternating current (ac)-magnetic field stimulation. Uptake of MENPs was confirmed using focused-ion-beam assisted transmission electron microscopy (FIB-TEM) and validated by a numerical simulation model. The NEP was performed in microglial (MG) brain cells, which are highly sensitive for neuro-viral infection and were selected as target for nano-neuro-therapeutics. When the ac-magnetic field optimized (60 Oe at 1?kHz), MENPs were taken up by MG cells without affecting cell health (viability?\u3e?92%). FIB-TEM analysis of porated MG cells confirmed the non-agglomerated distribution of MENPs inside the cell and no loss of their elemental and crystalline characteristics. The presented NEP method can be adopted as a part of future nanotherapeutics and nanoneurosurgery strategies where a high uptake of a nanomedicine is required for effective and timely treatment of brain diseases

Engraftment of neural stem cells in the treatment of spinal cord injury

AbstractSpinal cord injury is one of the main causes of disability in the young population. Based on the underlying pathological changes, many modalities of treatments have been trialed. However, the most promising so far, has been the replacement of lost cellular elements, using stem cells and non-stem cells transplantation. The route of cellular administration and engraftment into the site of injury is an important determining factor for functional outcome, and should be chosen to be safe and efficacious in human patients. Herein, we will review the underlying changes following spinal cord injury, and the possible routes of cellular transplantation

DERİN BEYİN SAPI LEZYONUNUN ÇIKARILMASI: MODERN AMELİYET TEKNİKLERİNİN GELİŞİMİ

Deep brain stem lesions have previously been considered unresectable. With the development of tailored skull base approaches, detailed knowledge of topographical anatomy, utilization of intra-operative mapping, identification of safe entry zones, extensive arachnoid dissection, cautious handling of neurovascular structures, modern surgical techniques with minimal compression of brain stem and retractor-less surgery, the resection of these previously unresectable lesions, has become possible. Herewithin, an overall review is provided and illustrative cases are presented with detailed discussion of the technical perspective of each approach and resection

STAT3 and NTRK2 Genes Predicted by the Bioinformatics Approach May Play Important Roles in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

Background: There are no data available on the levels of genetic networks between obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). To this point, we aimed to investigate common mechanisms and pathways using bioinformatics approaches to find novel genes that may be involved in the pathogenesis of OCD in MS. Methods: To obtain gene–gene interactions for MS and OCD, the STRING database was used. Cytoscape was then used to reconstruct and visualize graphs. Then, ToppGene and Enrichr were used to identify the main pathological processes and pathways involved in MS-OCD novel genes. Additionally, to predict transcription factors and microRNAs (miRNAs), the Enrichr database and miRDB database were used, respectively. Results: Our bioinformatics analysis showed that the signal transducer and the activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (NTRK2) genes had connections with 32 shared genes between MS and OCD. Furthermore, STAT3 and NTRK2 had the greatest enrichment parameters (i.e., molecular function, cellular components, and signaling pathways) among ten hub genes. Conclusions: To summarize, data from our bioinformatics analysis showed that there was a significant overlap in the genetic components of MS and OCD. The findings from this study make two contributions to future studies. First, predicted mechanisms related to STAT3 and NTRK2 in the context of MS and OCD can be investigated for pharmacological interventions. Second, predicted miRNAs related to STAT3 and NTRK2 can be tested as biomarkers in MS with OCD comorbidity. However, our study involved bioinformatics research; therefore, considerable experimental work (e.g., postmortem studies, case–control studies, and cohort studies) will need to be conducted to determine the etiology of OCD in MS from a mechanistic view

Selective uptake of multi-walled carbon nanotubes by tumor macrophages in a murine glioma model

Carbon nantotubes (CNTs) are emerging as a new family of nanovectors for drug and gene delivery into biological systems. To evaluate potential application of this technology for brain tumor therapy, we, studied uptake and toxicity of multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) in the GL261 murine intracranial glioma model. Within 24 h of a single intratumoral injection of labeled MWCNTs (5 µg), nearly 10-20% of total cells demonstrated CNT internalization. Most CNT uptake, however, occurred by tumor-associated macrophages (MP), which accounted for most (75%) MWCNT-positive cells. Within 24 h of injection, nearly 30% of tumor MP became MWCNT-positive. Despite a transient increase in inflammatory cell infiltration into both normal and tumor-bearing brains following MWCNT injection, no significant toxicity was noted in mice, and minor changes in tumor cytokine expression were observed. This study suggests that MWCNTs could potentially be used as a novel and non-toxic vehicle for targeting MP in brain tumors

Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury: The use of oligodendrocytes and motor neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells

Over the past few years, the understanding of stem cells as a potential therapeutic source has significantly evolved, and the previous concept of irreparable neural injury is being reconsidered. Stem cells are pluripotent cells with high differentiation potential. Induced proliferation and differentiation of these cells under optimal in vitro conditions has been used to generate different transplantable cells of various types and stages of development. For spinal cord injury recovery, the human embryonic stem cells and, recently, the human induced pluripotent stem cells are used as a main source, and two major types of cells are the target: the oligodendrocytes and motor neurons. The extensive experimental research efforts have focused on translating in vitro cellular regeneration of these cells to in vivo transplantation and survival of the transplants, in order to improve clinical outcomes. In this review, we will discuss the progressive development of the cellular generation protocols and the locomotor outcome of their transplantation at sites on spinal cord injury. Keywords: Stem cells, Spinal cord injury, Oligodendrocytes, Motor neurons, Embryonic stem cells, Induced pluripotent stem cell