BRADIMO

Brain Diagnostics and Monitoring in early neonatal period (BraDiMo)

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'EU level payload from medical conditions associated with acute threat to brain in neonates (such as preterm birth or birthasphyxia) rises upto billions of euros each year. Yet the means to protect or monitor brains in neonatal intensive care units are far from optimal, and every improvement to this practice is likely to yield very high returns. The aim of this proposal is to fund development of research activity of Dr. Sampsa Vanhatalo (Helsinki University Hospital, Finland) who seeks to visit for two years the largest neonatal research center in Australia, led by prof. Paul Colditz (University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia). Vanhatalo has gained outstanding international reputation from the pioneering developments and findings in the field of neonatal neurophysiology. He is now aiming at proceeding in this career and establish a frontier level neonatal research center in Helsinki. The research center of prof Colditz offers an ideal combination of skills and expertise that Vanhatalo will need in his research and career development in Finland/EU. Colditz laboratory uses several novel resarch paradigms (such as magnetic resonance imaging of preterm babies, translational experimental models, and modern signal analysis paradigms). They also have extensive experience in international management of research projects and funding, an exceptionally wide experience in commercialization of science, as well as highly recognized success in building media relations, which have become crucial in conducting successful clinical research. Training in all these areas is readily available in the Australian host institute. The fellowship will be utmostly important for Vanhatalo’s prospective academic activity, which is determined to develop the excellence in neonatal neurophysiology research in Finland and Europe, as well as to promote European medical industry to build applications for worldwide markets in the field.'

Descrizione progetto (Article)

There is a critical need for better neonatal brain monitoring techniques in the healthcare sector to improve patient outcomes and reduce associated healthcare costs. The aims of the three-year EU-funded 'Brain diagnostics and monitoring in early neonatal period (BraDiMo)' (BRADIMO) project were to improve neonatal research.

BRADIMO has funded training at the largest neonatal research centre in Australia called Perinatal Research Center (PRC) followed by a year at the host institute in Finland. The initiative incorporates invaluable skills in neonatal research methodology and research focusing on commercialisation. Part of the training has focused on communication skills such as teaching, presentation and media relations.

During the first two years, the scieists participated in large animal research on preterm and term piglet models. Data analysis of neurological and cardiac functions during hypoxic episodes (low oxygen levels in the body) is ongoing.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) monitored and characterised electrical activity of the human brain during pre-term and term births. Spatial frequencies and volume conduction effects of neonatal EEGs were also characterised to enable development of realistic head models. Studies combining EEG and functional magnetic resonance imaging on neonatal phantoms demonstrated the safety of this technique in neonates and babies for monitoring brain function. Novel markers were discovered to diagnose, monitor and treat neonates with birth asphyxia.

The project remit included invaluable skills in international research project management both as a team member as well as a principal investigator. Collaborations with academia and industry provided practical expertise in research commercialisation and intellectual property protection.Project activities have facilitated skills and knowledge development to promote international research on neonatal brain studies. Ongoing and future research endeavours will provide unparalleled insight into neonatal neurophysiology and benefit the European medical industry and citizens as a whole.