Monday, May 6, 2024
5/6/2024
Updating Ultrasound Imaging Instrument at University of Illinois at Chicago PROJECT SUMMARY This S10 SIG proposal requests NIH support to purchase a VisualSonics Vevo F2 ultrasound system by the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). This system is specifically designed for pre-clinical small animal research to enable cost-effective, robust and longitudinal studies. Ultrasound imaging provides sensitive, high-speed and high-resolution 3-dimensional and time-resolved dynamic data, and greater tissue penetration for anatomical architecture and physiological functions in small animal models of human biology and diseases. This newer generation ultrasound imager will replace our heavily used Vevo 2100 imager that has been phased out by the manufacturer with a termination of maintenance support at the end of 2023. To sustain and expand the research missions at UIC, we need to purchase the Vevo F2 system that is the currently available replacement model and has significantly enhanced capabilities. The functions of Vevo F2 are supported by improved software (Vevo strain, LV trace tool, autoLV analysis, high-definition image processing and Vevo Vasc) that will reduce the time of analysis and improve the accuracy and reproducibility of data. To support the high volumes of productive basic and translational research at UIC, this instrument will be a crucial core equipment to be used by a broad range of researchers in multiple departments across UIC campus. It will support 14 major users (all of them are NIH-funded PIs) and 8 minor users (6 of them are NIH-funded PIs) working on 49 external grant-supported research programs including 45 NIH-funded projects. To facilitate the access of all users across UIC campus, the instruments will be operated and managed by the Cardiovascular Resources Core of UIC. The instrument will be housed in a dedicated space within the Biological Resources Laboratory in the College of Medicine where the major animal facility of UIC is located. We have formed a Technical Support Team with expertise in ultrasound imaging to provide training and technical support to users, including new investigators who need to develop new research projects and trainees to enrich their career development. An Advisory Committee chaired by UIC Vice Chancellor for Research will oversight administration and compliance and resolve user time conflicts and any other issues that may arise. Continuing from our track record of effective and financially sustainable operation and management of the Vevo 2100 instrument, the new Vevo F2 system will be operated for the maximum benefit to a larger usership. Our strong institutional commitments include the support of core staff salary, instrument space and covering the maintenance service contract for the new Vevo F2 instrument. A financial sustainability plan is designed based on our Vevo 2100 usage and cost recovery data to ensure sustainable operation of the Vevo F2 to provide effective and enhanced ultrasound imaging services to strengthen the productive research missions at UIC.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
