Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Characterizing Auditory Cortical Receptive Fields, Brainscan , Western University, Ingrid Johnsrude, Alex Billig, Matthew A. Howard Iii, David Steven, Jorge Burneo

Project Summaries

Through this research we have a unique opportunity to explore how auditory cortices respond to naturalistic stimuli and how that response changes with different tasks. This foundational work is critical if we are to understand abnormality in auditory cortices in disorders such as autism, specific language impairment, auditory processing disorders and prolonged auditory deprivation (due to hearing loss).

State-Of-The-Art Clinical Assessment Of Hand Function, Brainscan , Western University, Joern Diedrichsen, Naveed Ejaz, John W. Krakauer, Kevin Olds, Robert Teasell, Neil Duggal, Andrew Pruszynski

Project Summaries

We have assembled a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, surgeons, clinicians and neuroscientists from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Western University to develop a new device for assessing hand function. It will be capable of sensitively measuring fingertip forces across all five fingers and along all movement directions. Then we can use this device to develop and validate a clinical hand assessment for patients with brain injuries.

Single-Photon Calcium Imaging For Interrogating The Circuitry Of The Frontoparietal Cognitive Control Network, Brainscan , Western University, Stefan Everling, Ravi Menon, Liya Ma

Project Summaries

We will use miniscopes to detect activities in the frontal eye field, a brain region responsible for voluntary eye movements and perception and awareness in the field of vision. The detection of neuronal activity with calcium imaging can then be compared with the visual stimuli and eye movements expected. If successful, this project will show the feasibility of calcium imaging using miniscopes in this way and open the door for future work to expand our understanding of frontoparietal cortical circuits.

Development Of Fmri Compatible Reversible Deactivation To Examine Cerebral Networks, Brainscan , Western University, Stephen Lomber, Blake Butler, Stefan Everling, Blaine Chronik

Project Summaries

This study will permit us, for the first time, to examine the effects of deactivation of one cortical site on large-scale neural networks. It will permit neural networks to be functionally disassembled and the consequences of 'reversible' lesions, strokes or tumors to be assessed and modeled before they occur.

Using Automated Touchscreen Tasks For Cognitive Assessment In A Novel Model Of Parkinson's Disease, Brainscan, Western University, Flavio Henrique Beraldo De Paiva, Marco Prado, Vania Prado

Project Summaries

This research will focus specifically on evaluating cognitive flexibility (the ability to respond and adapt behaviours to changes in the environment), cognitive dysfunction (changes in the intellectual processing and reasoning that impact daily functions, to a greater severity than what might be expected from typical age-related decline) and long-term memory in a PD model using touchscreens.

Imaging Visually-Evoked Cortical Activity, Brainscan, Western University, Blake E. Butler, Stephen Lomber, Kyle Gilbert, Mathias Dietz

Project Summaries

This work will significantly inform our understanding of 'neural plasticity', the ability of the brain to respond and reorganize to environmental changes or following an injury or disorder. It is also our hope that the results of this program will inform the design of devices to restore hearing - it might enable tuning of those devices to restore sensory representations in the brain in a patient-specific manner. We believe this will significantly reduce the impact of cognitive disorders that arise as a result of abnormal perception both in children and in older adults.

The Impact Of Maternal Immune Activation On Fetal Brain Development, Brainscan , Western University, Stephen Renaud, Susanne Schmid

Project Summaries

We will be studying the contribution of two distinct immune cell subtypes to fetal brain development: the mother's main immune cells present in the uterus (known as uterine natural killer cells), and the fetal brain's main immune cells (fetal microglial cells).

Evaluating Cognitive Impairment, Imaging And Blood Biomarkers In A Pre-Clinical Model Of Concussion, Brainscan, Western University, Arthur Brown, Marco Prado, Rob Bartha, Ravi Menon, Mark Daley

Project Summaries

The foundational milestone for the research, that we are addressing in this project, is to demonstrate that cognitive impairments in mouse models and humans are similar by using touchscreen technology. We will also be applying fMRI and MRS analyses to mouse models since they are analogous to that used in human studies - it will help us establish relevant endpoints for the studies as part of understanding the underlying characteristics, pathways and effects of concussion.

Genetic Manipulation Of Lactate Metabolism To Regulate Memory And Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis, Brainscan , Western University, Robert Cumming, Robert Bartha, Tim Scholl

Project Summaries

Our project will attempt to determine the relative importance of astrocyte or neuronal directed lactate generation on memory by modifying mouse models to either suppress or overexpress the lactate producing enzyme in either cell type. Using these newly created transgenic mouse models, we aim to understand the processes of production and utilization of lactate and its effect on memory and cognition in health and in AD across the lifespan. The outcome of our study may lead to entirely new clinical approaches to treating cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders via drugs which alter lactate metabolism.

Diffusion Mri Modelling Of The Cortex Informed By Macro- And Myelo-Architecture, Brainscan , Western University, Ali Khan, Corey Baron

Project Summaries

The overall goal of this transformative program is to develop novel imaging and analysis techniques for evaluating cortical architecture, providing a means to characterize and quantify structural features that have been invisible to MRI until now.

The Role Of The Basolateral Amygdala In Gaze Avoidance Behaviour, Brainscan , Western University, Julio Martinez-Trujillo, Lena Palaniyappan, Robert Nicolson

Project Summaries

We are researching the neural circuits involved in human social interactions and how they are affected during mental disease, in particular the circuits involved in the pattern of eye movements (known as gaze behaviour) in social settings.

System-Wide Electrophysiological Assessment Of Hearing, Brainscan , Western University, Ingrid Johnsrude, Björn Herrman, Chris Allen

Project Summaries

The current work proposes to develop and evaluate an electrophysiological recording setup capable of assessing neural function at all levels of the auditory neural pathway, including hair cells, auditory nerve fibers, brainstem and cortex. We will then test the neural responses across those levels of the auditory pathway in younger and older people.

Neurocognitive, Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors Of Learning Disorders In Children, Brainscan , Western University, Marc Joanisse, Daniel Ansari, Lisa Archibald, Elizabeth Hayden, Janis Oram Cardy, Ryan Stevenson, Jeffrey Gruen

Project Summaries

Our research has already uncovered a range of behavioural and neural factors that can differentiate between children whose development is impaired and those whose development is progressing typically. Intriguingly, our recent findings have also suggested that multiple learning disorders are often present in children with general cognitive difficulties like autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. However, a common feature of research in this area is that of a ‘distinct syndrome’ approach, only studying childhood disabilities separately.

Imaging Fetal Brain Connectivity In High Risk Pregnancy, Brainscan, Western University, Sandrine De Ribaupierre, Barbara De Vrijer, Charles Mckenzie, Roy Eagleson, Simon Levin, Jacqueline Olgivie

Project Summaries

Our hypothesis is that differences in the regional connectivity within the fetal brain (the structural and functional connections between regions of the brain) can be observed with fetal fMRI as early as in the second trimester of pregnancy.

If we can detect differences in an at-risk fetal brain and associate that with plancental and maternal data, we could recommend interventions, such as diet or medication changes, and then monitor the impact of treatment on the fetal brain.

Development Of A Novel Pharmaceutical To Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, Brainscan , Western University, Brian Allman, Paul Walton

Project Summaries

To limit the damage caused by noise-induced oxidative stress, we intend to determine the most effective way to deliver a customized version of catalase to the vulnerable sensory hair cells in the cochlea. We will conduct experiments to explore how best to 'package' and deliver catalase to the subject.

Magneto-Vestibular Stimulation (Mvs): Effects On Behaviour And Resting State Networks, Brainscan , Western University, Brian Corneil, Stefan Everling, Joe Gati, Pieter Medendorp

Project Summaries

The MRI environment can stimulate the balance sensors within the inner ear. This is known as magnetovestibular stimulation (MVS), which occurs within the inner ear. It arises because of biophysical interactions between the fluids within our inner ear, the balance sensors and the magnetic field within an MRI machine.

This vestibular system usually deteriorates with aging and is commonly dysfunctional in disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's and following concussions and strokes.

Growing New Dendritic Spines To Correct Cognitive Deficits Of Schizophrenia, Brainscan , Western University, Nagalingam Rajakumar, Brian Allman, Wataru Inoue

Project Summaries

In this project, we will attempt to re-grow functional dendritic spines in an animal model of schizophrenia for the first time. By re-growing dendritic spines, we intend to restore glutamatergic neurotransmission and improve cognition.

Role Of Microglia Signaling In Brain Circuit Development And Cognition, Brainscan, Western University, Vania Prado, Marco Prado, Wataru Inoue

Project Summaries

We have generated two mouse models in which we can control the Gq and Gisignalling in microglia during specific periods of brain development so we can explore the mechanisms behind abnormal microglial function.

Using our mouse models, we can stimulate these signalling pathways during the critical period of postnatal brain development to understand whether they impact adult cognition by influencing normal synaptic pruning. Mouse models of autism show issues with social memory, attention, sociability and hyperactivity. We will therefore assess those behaviors in our mouse models to determine if any autism-like behaviours are present.

Establishing A Translational Platform For Studying Sensory Processing In Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Brainscan , Western University, Susanne Schmid, Brian Allman, Ryan Stevenson, Janis Cardy

Project Summaries

The causes for ASD and DLD are many, complex and largely unknown. One specific cause already identified is mutation of a single gene essential for neuronal development. A useful transgenic rat model has been developed with this mutation that exhibits disabilities very reminiscient of children with ASD or DLD. We will use it to demonstrate that the same tests can show the same disruptions to the auditory system between children with ASD/DLD and this rat model. This model can then be used to undertake further exploration of the impact of ASD/DLD on the auditory system and evaluation of possible behavioural …

The Impact Of Violent Gaming On The Brain As A Function Of Individual Differences In Trait Empathy, Brainscan , Western University, Derek Mitchell, Elizabeth Finger, Richard Neufeld

Project Summaries

In this project, we will uncover any existing interaction between violent media and the capacity for empathic reactions (known as trait empathy) at a neural level, as the foundational milestone for the kind of large-scale study discussed above.

The level of trait empathy varies by individual - we will explore whether exposure to violent media exacerbates the difficulties that those with low trait empathy already show in relating to the emotions of others

Relating Functional And Structural Signatures Of Parkinson’S Disease To Changes In Dopamine Signalling: A Pet/Fmri Study, Brainscan . Western University, Penny Macdonald, Udunna Anazodo, Justin Hicks, Frank Prato, Alain Dagher

Project Summaries

Cognitive impairments in early Parkinson's disease are known to be linked to complex changes in the dopamine system within the brain. For example, dopamine-producing neurons in one key region of the brain are significantly degenerated, but those in another are spared. Dopamine-replacement therapy (DRT) has been pursued and it has produced significant improvements in certain cognitive functions - unfortunately it also produced significant impairments in others.

Protecting Against Hemodialysis Induced Neuro-Cognitive Injury, Brainscan , Western University, Chris Mcintyre, Adrian Owen 6612111

Project Summaries

Patients requiring dialysis for kidney failure have poorer survival rates than many kinds of cancer and they suffer very high rates of cardiovascular mortality. One of the near-universal symptoms of hemodialysis (HD), where a patient's blood is filtered externally with a dialysis machine, is cognitive impairment. We have already demonstrated that cooling the washing fluid in the dialysis machine, known as dialysate, can help maintain blood pressure during dialysis and protect against further brain injury.

The Role Of Astrocytes In Memory: Focus On Pattern Separation, Brainscan , Western University, Timothy Bussey, Vania Prado, Ceci Kramar, Marco Prado, Lisa Saksida

Project Summaries

It has recently been shown that astrocytes play a leading role in a particular aspect of memory known as 'pattern separation' - differentiating between similar experiences or episodes in memory (say, recalling where you parked your car today compared to where you parked it yesterday). Pattern separation is disrupted in a wide variety of diseases of the brain so it is of considerable interest to memory researchers.

We have already shown in a small pilot study that we can improve pattern separation with selective manipulation of astrocytes in a specific brain region. In this project, we will attempt to demonstrate …

Ommaba: The Open Multimodal Music And Auditory Brain Archive, Brainscan , Western University, Jessica Grahn, Jorn Diedrichsen, Joe Gati, Molly Henry, Robert Zatorre, Jean-Baptiste Poline, Bratislav Misic, Estrid Jakobsen, Mor Regev, Marcel Farrés Franch, Virginia Penhune, Emily Coffey

Project Summaries

We will create a specific neuroimaging database focused on the auditory domain. It will allow researchers to ask questions about the neural circuitry underlying auditory behaviour in the healthy brain and to understand the sources of individual variability. We will include detailed information about experiential factors, such as musicianship and bilingualism that are not documented in any existing databases, so that it will be possible to investigate plasticity-related effects. It will also provide baseline data for clinical studies.

Integrating Behavioural, Imaging And Transcriptional Profiling To Discover The Impact Of Midlife Stress In Alzheimer's Disease, Brainscan , Western University, Tim Bussey, Flavio Beraldo, Chakravarty Maller, Rosemary Bagot, Sylvain Williams, Claudia Kleinman

Project Summaries

We will be integrating this cognitive assessment with imaging of brain structure and function to understand the mechanisms by which a risk factor, in this case modifiable life stress, influences Alzheimer's disease-related decline. The resultant data will be integrated and disseminated using a new open-access neuroinformatics platform developed at Western (MouseBytes.ca), which will become a unique resource for open science investigations and set the standard for sharing of behavioural data across the world.

Pet And Mri Measurements Of Neuroinflammation And Brain Plasticity After A Stroke, Brainscan , Western University, Jonathan Thiessen, Shawn Whitehead, Justin Hicks, Matthew Fox

Project Summaries

We are going to assess brain structure and function using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to study white matter inflammation and the density of synapses over time, alongside a behavioural assessment of motor and executive function. This kind of comprehensive assessment, especially using PET to measure synaptic density, has not been done before.

Communicating With Patients With Disorders Of Consciousness By Translating Thoughts Into Light, Brainscan , Western University, Keith St. Lawrence, Adrian Owen, Derek Debicki, Teneille Gofton, Daniel Milej

Project Summaries

we intend to show, for the first time, that fNIRS can be used to reliably communicate with disorders of consciousness patients. There are many practical challenges to resolve (which are common to both fNIRS and EEG) such as involuntary movements by the patient, variability in consciousness itself, physical distortion in the head (such as from trauma) and a person's limited ability to perform repetitive mental tasks.

We will focus on patients who have already demonstrated by fMRI that they can perform motor imagery activation and plan to study up to 20 such patients over the course of a year.

Assessing Listening With Engaging, Real-World Auditory Signals, Brainscan , Western University, Björn Herrmann, Ingrid Johnsrude 6612111

Project Summaries

Our project will develop and evaluate a novel way (using functional imaging, fMRI, and electrophysiology, EEG) to assess this cognitive impact of hearing loss with engaging, real‐world auditory stimuli. We will try to assess listening effort in more realistic listening situations among healthy listeners, comparing detected effort in degraded and clear acoustic conditions.

Using EEG, we will then develop measures that are sensitive to the cognitive demands imposed by degraded speech, using these features to assess hearing function with engaging narratives in natural listening conditions.

Developing Behavioural Testing And Mr Imaging To Evaluate Cognitive Impairment In Models Of Cns Autoimmunity, Brainscan, Western University, Steven Kerfoot, Sarah Morrow, Ravi Menon, Flavio Beraldo

Project Summaries

This project will investigate cognition and cognitive fatigue in models of CNS autoimmunity. We will use automated touchscreens and fMRI to measure deficits in higher order brain functions.

We have two critical milestones in this project:

• to use touchscreen testing protocols to determine if mouse models demonstrate the same kinds of attention, working memory and cognitive fatigue deficits observed in MS, and
• to use fMRI to measure higher-order defects in the autoimmune models and identify any changes present that might be associated with cognitive dysfunction and the findings from human studies.

The Effect Of Musical Training On Speech And Sound Perception, Brainscan, Western University, Ingrid Johnsrude, Vanessa Irsik, Stephen Van Hedger

Project Summaries

We are going to carry out such a study, in conjunction with research labs at five other institutions. With six universities involved, we will be able to recruit a sufficiently large number of people in the study and decrease the likelihood of any regional bias influencing the outcomes. We will be trying to validate the following claims:

• that musicians have an improved ability to understand speech in noisy environments
• that the responses of a musician's brainstem to speech sounds is enhanced, and
• that older musicians have reduced symptoms from age-related hearing loss.