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Background. In this study we evaluated the impact of location of deep brain stimulation electrode active contact in different parts of the subthalamic nucleus on improvement of non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods. The subthalamic nucleus was divided into two (dorsolateral/ventromedial) and three (dorsolateral, medial, ventromedial) parts. 37 deep brain stimulation electrodes were divided according to their active contact location. Correlation between change in non-motor symptoms before and one and four months after deep brain stimulation electrode implantation and the location of active contact was made. Results. In dividing the subthalamic nucleus into three parts, no electrode active contact was placed ventromedially, 28 active contacts were located in the medial part and 9 contacts were placed dorsolaterally. After one and four months, no significant difference was found between medial and dorsolateral positions. In the division of the subthalamic nucleus into two parts, 13 contacts were located in the ventromedial part and 24 contacts were placed in the dorsolateral part. After one month, significantly greater improvement in the Non-motor Symptoms Scale for Parkinson's disease (P=0.045) was found on dorsolateral left-sided stimulation, but no significant differences between the ventromedial and dorsolateral positions were found on the right side. Conclusion. This study demonstrated the relationship between improvement of non-motor symptoms and the side (hemisphere, left/right) of the deep brain stimulation electrode active contact, rather than its precise location within specific parts of the subthalamic nucleus in patients treated for advanced Parkinson's disease.

Abstract The current nosological concept of α-synucleinopathies characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies (LBs) includes Parkinson’s disease (PD), Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), for which the term “Lewy body disease” (LBD) has recently been proposed due to their considerable clinical and pathological overlap. However, even this term does not seem to describe the true nature of this group of diseases. The subsequent discoveries of α-synuclein (αSyn), SNCA gene, and the introduction of new immunohistochemical methods have started intensive research into the molecular-biological aspects of these diseases. In light of today’s knowledge, the role of LBs in the pathogenesis and classification of these nosological entities remains somewhat uncertain. An increasingly more important role is attributed to other factors as the presence of various LBs precursors, post-translational αSyn modifications, various αSyn strains, the deposition of other pathological proteins (particularly β-amyloid), and the discovery of selective vulnerability of specific cells due to anatomical configuration or synaptic dysfunction. Resulting genetic inputs can undoubtedly be considered as the main essence of these factors. Molecular–genetic data indicate that not only in PD but also in DLB, a unique genetic architecture can be ascertained, predisposing to the development of specific disease phenotypes. The presence of LBs thus remains only a kind of link between these disorders, and the term “diseases with Lewy bodies” therefore results somewhat more accurate.

The main purpose of this work is to study and analyze the coordinate time series of the first Ukrainian permanent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) station in Antarctica — Antarctic Station Academic Vernadsky (ASAV). We also aimed to do a comprehensive study of geophysical factors on the coordinate time series values and determine the values of the displacement components of this GNSS station. Processing of measurements was performed using the software Bernese GNSS Software v.5.2. The Bernese Processing Engine (BPE) module and the RNX2SNX (RINEX-TO-SINEX) processing algorithm were used to obtain daily solutions of permanent GNSS station ASAV. Daily solutions of the permanent GNSS station ASAV and the vector of its displacements were determined in the coordinate system IGb08. The vector of the permanent GNSS station ASAV has a northeasterly direction. The obtained results are consistent with the model of tectonic plate movements of this region. To study the characteristic periods of harmonic oscillations of coordinate time series of permanent GNSS station ASAV due to various geophysical factors. A set of studies was conducted, which included the development of an algorithm and a package of applications for processing time series and determining optimal curves that most accurately describe them. Thus, for each time series, the original equation is used to determine the optimal period of oscillation. As a result, an anomalous distribution of fluctuations in the values of permanent GNSS station ASAV with different periods was revealed — this indicates the complex nature of the influence of geophysical factors on the spatial location and confirms the need for systematic studies of such factors on the stability and displacement of GNSS station. It is established that the permanent GNSS station ASAV is exposed to seasonal oscillations, associated with changes in environmental conditions.

The article describes the features of measurements of spatial inhomogeneities of the geomagnetic field between the pillars of magnetometers in the measuring pavilion, which were carried out at the geomagnetic observatory of the Ukrainian Antarctic Akademik Vernadsky station in 2015. Some preliminary results of these measurements are also given. The concept of the timescaled value of the geomagnetic field induction is introduced, which is convenient for compensating for time changes of the real geomagnetic induction and bringing it to one reference level of induction. The differences in geomagnetic induction between pillars are obtained as the differences in time-scaled values of the geomagnetic induction on the pillars. The technique allows comparing long-term series of measurements of field inhomogeneities at important points in space. The main objectives are to increase the accuracy of measurements of local inhomogeneities of the geomagnetic field in the measuring pavilion of the geomagnetic observatory of the Ukrainian Antarctic Akademik Vernadsky station and to determine the differences in the geomagnetic induction between the pillars on which the magnetometer sensors are installed. Obtaining numerical values of the differences in the geomagnetic induction between the pillars as objective criteria needed to assess the accuracy of the data in the final processing of geomagnetic observatory data. The method of comparison of two series of data is used: one obtained by the scalar magnetometer installed in the observatory as a mandatory stationary device, and the other obtained during measurements with a mobile magnetometer at the desired points in space. Compensation of temporal changes of the geomagnetic field by time-scaling the measurement readings of the mobile magnetometer relative to one reference value and thus, bringing them to one selected and fixed time epoch. Special geometric scheme of mobile measurements in the space around the pillars with magnetometer sensors or at important points in space. A rough estimate of method errors. Based on the analysis of the obtained data, the efficiency of the method and its acceptable potential accuracy were confirmed. We obtained approximate numerical values of the differences in the geomagnetic field induction between the pillars on which the magnetometer sensors are installed. Further increase in the accuracy of determining these differences is possible using modern devices of high accuracy and GPS-synchronization of mobile measurements.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by typical motor symptoms. However, recent studies show several non-motor features that may precede the development of the motor symptoms of PD. The best known premotor symptoms include hyposmia, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), constipation, and depression; other symptoms are excessive daytime somnolence, orthostatic hypotension and symptomatic hypotension, erectile or urinary dysfunction, musculoskeletal symptoms, pain, and global cognitive deficit. In this review, we summarize currently available diagnostic methods for these symptoms. We also briefly summarize neuroimaging, polyneuropathy, peripheral markers, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers that may be used in the early diagnosis of PD.

Abstract In cervical dystonia, functional MRI (fMRI) evidence indicates changes in several resting state networks, which revert in part following the botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT) therapy. Recently, the involvement of the cerebellum in dystonia has gained attention. The aim of our study was to compare connectivity between cerebellar subdivisions and the rest of the brain before and after BoNT treatment. Seventeen patients with cervical dystonia indicated for treatment with BoNT were enrolled (14 female, aged 50.2 ± 8.5 years, range 38–63 years). Clinical and fMRI examinations were carried out before and 4 weeks after BoNT injection. Clinical severity was evaluated using TWSTRS. Functional MRI data were acquired on a 1.5 T scanner during 8 min rest. Seed-based functional connectivity analysis was performed using data extracted from atlas-defined cerebellar areas in both datasets. Clinical scores demonstrated satisfactory BoNT effect. After treatment, connectivity decreased between the vermis lobule VIIIa and the left dorsal mesial frontal cortex. Positive correlations between the connectivity differences and the clinical improvement were detected for the right lobule VI, right crus II, vermis VIIIb and the right lobule IX. Our data provide evidence for modulation of cerebello-cortical connectivity resulting from successful treatment by botulinum neurotoxin.

The article describes the main features of upgrading the magnetometric complex based on the LEMI-025 variometer in January-April 2019 at the geomagnetic observatory (code AIA) of the Ukrainian Antarctic Akademik Vernadsky station. The observatory’s old magnetometric complex consisted of two LEMI-008 (No. 02 and No. 16) variometers and one POS-1 scalar magnetometer. The measurements of LEMI-008 and POS-1 were not mutually synchronized and this was one of the main problem. Every measuring instrument taken individually as a component of the whole magnetometric complex had good individual properties. However, in general, the complex as an entire system had reduced performance, mainly due to the lack of mutual synchronization of measurements. Some preliminary test results are also presented. Main objective. One of the main task of upgrading the AIA observatory was to install a new variometer that is compatible with the requirements of the 1-second INTERMAGNET data standard. For two decades, old LEMI-008 variometers at Akademik Vernadsky station have shown high baseline stability, which meets INTERMAGNET requirements. Unfortunately, the noise characteristics of old variometers, the accuracy of synchronization with UTC, and the resolution do not longer meet the current INTERMAGNET requirements for devices that produce 1-second data. Measurements of LEMI-008 variometers and POS-1 scalar magnetometer were not mutually synchronized. Due to lack of reliable mutual synchronization, the differences between the field vector modules, calculated indirectly from the variometer measurements and measured directly with the scalar magnetometer, varied and could be unreliable. With strong geomagnetic disturbances, this reduced the overall accuracy of the magnetometric complex as an integral measuring system, although the complex consisted of high-precision instruments. Only one of LEMI-008 variometers was equipped with GPS synchronization. This made data processing difficult. Therefore, one of the crucial upgrading tasks was creation of a system for mutual synchronization of measurements provided by the variometer LEMI-025 and the scalar magnetometer POS-1 with an accuracy of approximately 0.1 s (but not worse than 1 s) using control computer. Methods. The problem of mutual synchronization of the measurements of the LEMI-025 variometer and the POS-1 scalar magnetometer (at the stage of upgrading the magnetometric complex as a whole system) was solved using a control computer by periodical adjusting the POS-1 clock and starting its measurement cycles with a given timing advance. New data arrays were obtained while the LEMI-025 magnetometer was operated in test mode. Using the Bartlett’s method and spectral harmonics averaging, the noise level of the magnetometers during a geomagnetically quiet day was estimated. The results of absolute measurements of the geomagnetic field components, regularly carried out in the observatory by two methods, were analyzed and the baselines values of the LEMI-025 magnetometer were estimated. The comparative analysis of the records of the Earth magnetic field intensity, obtained by direct measurements with a scalar magnetometer POS-1 and calculated from the baseline-adjusted components of the LEMI-025 variometer, was performed. Using the obtained baseline values and the total field difference signals the high calibration accuracy of the new variometer was confirmed and the orientation errors of its sensitivity axes in the geographical coordinate frame were estimated. Conclusions. Our preliminary results confirm that the characteristics of new LEMI-025 variometer meet the INTERMAGNET requirements. The orientation errors of LEMI-025 sensor do not exceed 5 arc minutes. The base line is quite stable. All its components have dispersion within ±2 nT, without pronounced temporal drift. The test results of LEMI-025 variometer showed that the characteristics of all magnetometric instruments in the measuring pavilion of the AIA observatory should be mutually agreed in terms of electromagnetic compatibility.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a beneficial procedure for treating idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD), essential tremor, and dystonia. The authors describe their set of imaging modalities used for a frameless and fiducial-less method of DBS. CT and MRI scans are obtained preoperatively, and STN parcellation is done based on diffusion tractography. During the surgery, an intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography scan is obtained and merged with the preoperatively-acquired images to place electrodes using a frameless and fiducial-less system. Accuracy is evaluated prospectively. The described sequence of imaging methods shows excellent accuracy compared to the frame-based techniques.

Мета роботи – дослідження ефективності та інформативності комплексу тектономагнітного та магнітоваріаційного моніторингу для вивчення сучасної геодинаміки Антарктичного півострова у районі Українська антарктична станція «Академік Вернадський» (УАС). Методика. Методика робіт передбачає виконання довготривалих магнітоваріаційних спостережень на УАС, на основі яких розраховуються компоненти вектора електромагнітної індукції (вектор Візе) для геомагнітних варіацій у діапазоні 2,5—60 хв. Будуються ряди змін цих параметрів у часі. Тектономагнітні дослідження виконуються на стаціонарній мережі пунктів спостережень на Антарктичному геофізичному полігоні, на основі яких знаходять тектономагнітні аномалії — приріст локального магнітного поля між епохами спостережень (модуля повного вектора магнітного поля). Природа тектономагнітних аномалій, як правило, пов’язується зі змінами тектонічних напружень. Поєднання магнітоваріаційних і тектономагнітних спостережень дозволить підвищити достовірність тектонофізичної інтерпретації геофізичних і геологічних даних для вивчення сучасної динаміки Антарктичного півострова. Результати. Проаналізовано та узагальнено результати тектономагнітних та магнітоваріаційних спостережень на УАС «Академік Вернадський» та Антарктичному тектономагнітному полігоні, отримані за 1998—2017 роки. Досліджено часові зміни параметрів електромагнітної індукції (вектора Візе) та локального геомагнітного поля. Виявлено аномальні ефекти в тектономагнітних варіаціях та часових змінах вектора Візе, викликані сейсмотектонічними процесами в літосфері регіону. Виконано порівняльний аналіз тектономагнітних та магнітоваріаційних даних та обґрунтовано можливість їх комплексування для здійснення моніторингу сучасних сейсмотектонічних процесів у районі УАС. Висновки. Проведено спільний аналіз довготривалих багаторічних рядів тектономагнітного поля і магнітоваріаційних параметрів на УАС «Академік Вернадський». Виявлено кореляцію між тектономагнітними аномаліями на Антарктичному геодинамічному полігоні та аномальними ефектами у часових рядах вектора Візе. Комплекс тектономагнітного та магнітоваріаційного моніторингу є органічним і дозволяє у поєднанні з сейсмічним та іншими геофізичними методами отримувати надійну інформацію про геодинаміку регіону Антарктичного півострова.

This paper represents results of GPR surveying of the ice caps on Galindez (–64.24716W; –65.24992S), Winter (–64.25954W; –65.24944S) and Skua (–64.26530W; –65.25309S) islands (Wilhelm Archipelago, Antarctica) for the period April 2017 — January 2019. The main objectives were identification of the ice layering, monitoring of interglacial heterogeneities (crevasses, interglacial channels and voids) and measurements of the ice thickness. Methods: Surveying on the glaciers has been done with ground coupled shielded bowtie antenna VIY3-300 (300 MHz) GPR and with air coupled dipole Zond 12-e (75 MHz) antenna system. Monitoring investigation of glacier’s interior has been done with VIY3-300. Zond 12-e was applied mostly for indication of the ice-rock border. Monitoring investigation has been done on one (1) ice cap on Galindez Island, on two (2) ice caps on Winter Island and on two (2) ice caps on Skua Island. Monitoring with VIY3-300 GPR of the ice cap on Galindez Island has been done once per month since April 2017. Four surveys were done on Winter Island: May 2017, January, May and October 2018. Four periods were surveyed on Skua Island: May and September 2017, January—February and October 2018. Monitoring with VIY3-300 has been done on the same position (according to the GPS data) each time. For precise investigation during February—March 2018, islands were covered with a grid of profiles with 25 meters spacing between them. Results: Three (3) to eight (8) strong internal linear reflections are detected in the ice caps, heterogeneities are visible closer to edges of the glaciers, seasonal anomalies in glacier`s interior are observed and a maximum ice thickness of 35 meters on Galindez Island is obtained. Seasonal anomalies were traced better in November—January 2017—2018 than during November—January 2018—2019. Reflection from the ice-rock border is better visible on the data from Zond 12-e, but layering and interior structure are better identified with VIY3-300. This spatial resolution difference evidently happened because central frequency of antenna was 4 times higher in VIY3-300 than in Zond 12-e. Further monitoring of the ice caps on Galindez, Winter and Skua islands is recommended to trace their evolution. It is crucial to continue these scientific observations in the future because changes of small ice caps in West Antarctica are indicators of global warming.

BackgroundGait disturbance accompanies many neurodegenerative diseases; it is characteristic for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Treatment of advanced PD often includes deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus. Regarding gait, previous studies have reported non-significant or conflicting results, possibly related to methodological limitations.ObjectiveThe objective of this prospective study was to assess the effects of DBS on biomechanical parameters of gait in patients with PD.MethodsTwenty-one patients with advanced PD participated in this prospective study. Gait was examined in all patients using the Zebris FDM-T pressure-sensitive treadmill (Isny, Germany) before DBS implantation and after surgery immediately, further immediately after the start of neurostimulation, and 3 months after neurostimulator activation. We assessed spontaneous gait on a moving treadmill at different speeds. Step length, stance phase of both lower limbs, double-stance phase, and cadence were evaluated.ResultsIn this study, step length increased, allowing the cadence to decrease. Double-stance phase duration, that is, the most sensitive parameter of gait quality and unsteadiness, was reduced, in gait at a speed of 4.5 km/h and in the narrow-based gaits at 1 km/h (tandem gait), which demonstrates improvement.ConclusionThis study suggests positive effects of DBS treatment on gait in PD patients. Improvement was observed in several biomechanical parameters of gait.

Aims: The main aim of this study was to provide an estimate of the incidence and prevalence of spasticity following stroke in the internal carotid artery territory for Regional Stroke Centers in the Czech Republic. A secondary goal was to identify predictors for the development of spasticity. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 256 consecutive patients with clinical signs of central paresis due to a first-ever stroke were examined in the acute stage. All patients had primary stroke of carotid origin and paresis of the upper and/or lower limb for longer than 7 days after stroke onset. All were examined between 7-10 days after the stroke. We evaluated the degree and pattern of paresis, spasticity using the Modified Ashworth scale and the Barthel Index, baseline characteristics and demographic data. Results: Of 256 patients (157 males; mean age 69.9±12.4 years), 115 (44.9%) patients developed spasticity during the first 10 days after stroke onset. Eighty-three (32.5%) patients presented with mild neurological deficit (modified Rankin Scale 0 - 2) and 69 (27.0%) patients were bedridden. Conclusion: Spasticity was noted in 44.9% patients with neurological deficit due to first-ever stroke in the carotid territory in the first 10 days after stroke onset. Severe spasticity was rare.

Post-stroke spasticity (PSS) is effectively treated with intramuscular botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A), although the clinical improvement is likely mediated by changes at the central nervous system level. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain, this study aims to confirm and locate BoNT-A-related changes during motor imagery with the impaired hand in severe PSS. Temporary alterations in primary and secondary sensorimotor representation of the impaired upper limb were expected. Thirty chronic stroke patients with upper limb PSS undergoing comprehensive treatment including physiotherapy and indicated for BoNT treatment were investigated. A change in PSS of the upper limb was assessed with the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). fMRI and clinical assessments were performed before (W0) and 4 weeks (W4) and 11 weeks (W11) after BoNT-A application. fMRI data were acquired using 1.5-Tesla scanners during imagery of finger-thumb opposition sequences with the impaired hand. At the group level, we separately modeled (1) average activation at each time point with the MAS score and age at W0 as covariates; and (2) within-subject effect of BoNT-A and the effect of time since W0 as independent variables. Comprehensive treatment of PSS with BoNT-A significantly decreased PSS of the upper limb with a maximal effect at W4. Task-related fMRI prior to treatment (W0) showed extensive activation of bilateral frontoparietal sensorimotor cortical areas, bilateral cerebellum, and contralesional basal ganglia and thalamus. After BoNT-A application (W4), the activation extent decreased globally, mostly in the bilateral parietal cortices and cerebellum, but returned close to baseline at W11. The intra-subject contrast revealed a significant BoNT-A effect, manifesting as a transient decrease in the activation of the ipsilesional intraparietal sulcus and superior parietal lobule. We demonstrate that BoNT-A treatment of PSS of the upper limb is associated with transient changes in the ipsilesional posterior parietal cortex, possibly resulting from temporarily altered sensorimotor upper limb representations.

Object: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a very useful procedure for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD), essential tremor, and dystonia. The authors evaluated the accuracy of the new method used in their center for the placing of DBS electrodes. Electrodes are placed using the intraoperative O-arm™ (Medtronic)-controlled frameless and fiducial-less system, Nexframe™ (Medtronic). Accuracy was evaluated prospectively in eleven consecutive PD patients (22 electrodes). Methods: Eleven adult patients with PD were implanted using the Nexframe system without fiducials and with the intraoperative O-arm (Medtronic) system and StealthStation™ S8 navigation (Medtronic). The implantation of DBS leads was performed using multiple-cell microelectrode recording, and intraoperative test stimulation to determine thresholds for stimulation-induced adverse effects. The accuracy was checked in three different steps: (1) using the intraoperative O-arm image and its fusion with preoperative planning, (2) using multiple-cell microelectrode recording and counting the number of microelectrodes with the signal of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and finally, (3) total error was calculated according to a postoperative CT control image fused to preoperative planning. Results: The total error of the procedure was 1.79 mm; the radial error and the vector error were 171 mm and 163 mm. Conclusions: Implantation of DBS electrodes using an O-arm navigated frameless and fiducial-less system is a very useful and technically feasible procedure with excellent patient toleration with experienced Nexframe users. The accuracy of the method was confirmed at all three steps, and it is comparable to other published results.

Background: An epidemiological study conducted over four years revealed increased prevalence of neurodegenerative parkinsonism in a small, isolated region (10 villages, with a combined population of 8664, with approx. 2927 over 50 years of age) of south-eastern Moravia, Czech Republic. The aim of this study was to obtain more detailed information on the medical history of the relatives of individuals with confirmed parkinsonism in an isolated rural population in south-eastern Moravia, Czech Republic. Methods: We did detailed genealogical research on the families of all inhabitants with confirmed parkinsonism and compiled the pedigrees. These were modified on the basis of information from a consecutive door-to-door survey and local municipal and church registers. Results: In the first stage, three large pedigrees with a familial occurrence of parkinsonism were found; two originated in one of the region's villages. In the second stage, these two pedigrees were combined into one large family tree. Conclusions: The high prevalence of parkinsonism in the researched area is caused by the familial aggregation of parkinsonism that was found in two large family trees. This is probably the result of the genetic isolation of the regional population due to the very low migration rate of its inhabitants to neighboring regions in the last two centuries.

Miejscowe skurcze toniczne to powszechnie spotykany objaw stwardnienia rozsianego (łac. sclerosis multiplex, SM). Do ich zwalczania coraz częściej stosowany jest zastrzyk domięśniowy botuliny typu A. Do analizy statystycznej zaakceptowaliśmy 4 z 10 badanych pacjentów z SM i spastycznością kończyn dolnych oraz 5 zdrowych wolontariuszy. Pacjenci zostali poddani badaniu fMRI trzykrotnie: w tygodniu przed zastrzykiem botuliny A, a następnie w 4. i 12. tygodniu po iniekcji. Podczas badań fMRI probanci wykonywali zginanie i prostowanie stawu kolanowego według planu blokowego, przy czym faza czynna zamieniała się z fazą spoczynku w 15-sekundowych odstępach. Obraz przeciętnej aktywacji pacjentów podczas pierwszej sesji wskazywał, w porównaniu z grupą kontrolną, na istotny wzrost aktywacji obustronnej kory czuciowo-ruchowej płatu czołowego i ciemieniowego. Podczas drugiej sesji w 4. tygodniu aktywacja zmalała do tego stopnia, że statystycznie nie różniła się od zdrowej kontroli. Z kolei w obrazach trzeciej sesji po 12 tygodniach odnotowano w związku z wygaśnięciem efektu botuliny A ponowny wzrost aktywacji niemal do objętości pierwotnej. Wnioski: Stwierdzamy, że aktywacja kory ruchowej odzwierciedla zmiany w obwodowym układzie nerwowym zachodzące podczas leczenia za pomocą botuliny A, w czym prawdopodobnie pośredniczą zmiany w aferentacji. Jest to nowe odkrycie, aczkolwiek nie wykracza poza stwierdzenia podobnych badań przeprowadzonych innymi metodami.