Projects / Programmes
Physiological mechanisms of neurological disorers and diseases
January 1, 2014
- December 31, 2019
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.03.00 |
Medical sciences |
Neurobiology |
|
| 5.09.00 |
Social sciences |
Psychology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B007 |
Biomedical sciences |
Medicine (human and vertebrates) |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.01 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Basic medicine |
| 5.01 |
Social Sciences |
Psychology and cognitive sciences |
Researchers (45)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Research programme consists of three main parts. In the first part (Pathophysiology and diagnosis of peripheral nerve and skeletal muscle disorders) we will apply a combination of clinical neurologic, electrophysiologic (nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography – EMG) and ultrasonographic (US) methods to study of peripheral neuropathies, motor neurone diseases and sacral nerve disorders. Using combination of these methods is expected to provide higher precision and reliability in localisation and aetiology of peripheral nerve lesions that is essential in decisions about the type of treatment (conservative or surgical) and type of surgery. We intend to use a combination of EMG and US also in studies of polyneuropathies and myopathies, where we expect that systematic assessment of patients will enable us to define specific EMG and US patterns useful in diagnosis and therapy. In the second part (Pathophysiology and diagnosis of breathing and sleep disorders) we will try to find out whether in patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) the primary problem is disordered sleep architecture or disturbed breathing. We will also try to elucidate the mechanism by which sleep apneas after damaging vascular endothelium cause brain white matter lesions. In this part we also aim to describe topography of the ²bereitshafts² potential (BP) connected with sniff in healthy controls and patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We further intend to explore the question whether in ALS patients BP appears already during automatic breathing in wakefulness. The third part (Basis of cognition in health and disease) is dedicated to integration of various methodologies and levels of studies of cognitive processes. High attention will be given to development of advanced analysis methods of EEG and fMRI data, with particular emphasis on further development of functional connectivity analysis. In cooperation with foreign partners we wish to further validate, improve and upgrade these approaches, and to apply them to different specific research questions. Our research activities will be focused on the study of basic mechanisms of information storage and loss in visual and spatial working memory, as well as to study of effect of different receptor systems and pharmacological substances. In the field of cognitive surveillance and attention we will focus on paradigm design that will enable their more precise following and evaluation. These approaches will be then used to follow-up patients’ recovery after brain trauma and diseases, and for evaluation of various interventions. In the field of episodic memory we will study processes of coding and recall of individual elements and their connections. Findings obtained in control population will be then used in studies of episodic memory dysfunction in patients with temporal epilepsy and potential processes of brain plasticity.
Significance for science
1. Pathophysiology and diagnosis of the peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscles diseases
By combining electrophysiologic and ultrasonographic methodds we expect an important breakthrough in the field of focal peripheral neuropathies. We hope to improve our understanding of the causes and mechanisms of the lesion particularly in management of the ulnar neuropathies at the elbow, which is the second most common focal peripheral neuropathy. As a consequence we also believe in improved diagnosis and hopefully treatment outcomes that are currently often poor, which results in severe disability.
2. Sleep and breathing disorders
Definition of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of breathing disorders during sleep in patients with neuromuscular diseases. Definition of mechanisms that lead to the development of cerebrovascular disease in OSA patients. Development of research model for respiratory and sleep disorders in chronic neurological patients.
The eventual finding that motor cortex of patients with ALS could worsen or improve symptoms and signs of respiratory insufficiency would be new. Such hypothesis has not been tested previously.
3. Foundations of cognition in health and disease
Both from the view of societal needs as well as specific scientific interests the study of fundamentals of cognition and integrated brain function is in the focus of attention. The planned research work should contribute significantly a) to understanding of cognition, b) to advancement of research methods of investigating integrated brain function, and c) to efforts of translating basic research into cognition to everyday clinical practice from prevention and diagnosis to therapy of brain diseases
Significance for the country
1. Pathophysiology and diagnosis of the peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscles diseases
Due to a high frequency of focal peripheral neuropathies that also considerably reduce work capacity, we expect that improvement in their diagnosis and treatment will in the long run importantly contribute to productivity of the population. Furthermore, with opening of the European borders for patients, we also expect improvement in our ability to compete for diagnosis and treatment of patients with these lesions. From our publications we therefore do not hope only for academic, but also promotional effects.
2. Sleep and breathing disorders
Early identification of breathing disorders during sleep leads to a timely introduction of non-invasive ventilation during sleep in patients with neuromuscular diseases and thereby improves the quality of life and prolongs life of these severe neurological patients. Early detection of breathing disorders and introduction of non-invasive ventilation reduce development of cerebrovascular disorders.
The finding of motor cortex involvement (activity/inactivity during breathing) in respiratory insufficiency (reliving or enhancing it) in patients with ALS could be useful in planning of its treatment.
3. Foundations of cognition in health and disease
The cost of brain disease represent ever higher burden for the modern society, and Slovenia is no exception in this regards. From the perspective of quality of life, work ability and constructive contribution to society, the cognitive aspects of brain disease are of key importance. To efficiently address the challenges that Slovenia is already facing, the understanding of healthy cognition, the processes and mechanisms of dysfunction and the possibilities of prevention and treatment will be of essence. The aim of the proposed programme as a whole, and the work package devoted to cognition specifically, is to obtain knowledge that will enable the understanding of core cognitive processes in health and disease, and through that the development of effective strategies of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases. With that the proposed programme presents an important contribution to the socio-economic development of Slovenia as well as the quality of life of its citizens.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2014,
2015,
final report
