Faculty of Medicine

Sukurta: 03 September 2013

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel.: 239 8700, f ax: 239 8705
E-mail:

Dean – Prof. Habil. Dr. Zita Aušrelė Kučinskienė (up to June 25, 2012)
Prof. Dr. Algirdas Utkus (since June 26, 2012)

STAFF

630 teachers (55 habilitated doctors and 245 doctors), 73 research fellows (1 habilitated doctor and 67 doctors), 94 doctoral students.

CLINIC OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
CLINIC OF ANAESTHESIOLOGY AND REANIMATOLOGY
CLINIC OF EAR, NOSE, THROAT AND EYES DISEASES
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY, MICROBIOLOGY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
GASTROENTEROLOGY, NEPHROUROLOGY AND SURGERY CLINIC
CLINIC OF INFECTIOUS, CHEST DISEASES, DERMATOVENEREOLOGY AND ALLERGOLOGY
NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY CLINIC
INSTITUTE OF ODONTOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, FORENSIC MEDICINE AND PHARMACOLOGY
CLINIC OF PSYCHIATRY
DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MEDICAL PHYSICS
REHABILITATION, PHYSICAL AND SPORTS MEDICINE DEPARTMENT
CLINIC OF RHEUMATOLOGY, ORTHOPAEDIC AND TRAUMATOLOGY AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING AND FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
CLINIC OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
CLINIC OF CHILDREN'S DISEASES
CLINIC OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, FAMILY PRACTICE AND ONCOLOGY
INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND MEDICAL GENETICS

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS OF THE FACULTY

Human genome diversity, its origin and phenotypic realization
Human and public health, quality of life and environment
Etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment of diseases: fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2012

R. Adomaitis. Evaluation of impact of early detection program on prostate cancer incidence in Lithuania.

M. Baranauskas. Assesment of actual nutrition and dieatary habits of atletes during the 2008–2012 Olympic reriod.

A. Čekanauskaitė. Informedness about clinical trials of patients participating in placebo-controlled clinical trials in Lithuania.

K. Garuolienė. Medicines prescribing quality indicators.

L. Geimanaitė. Evaluation of the causes, diagnostic criteria, surgical treatment, and follow-up results of ovarian torsion in children.

M. Janeliūnienė. The significance of aberrant phenotypes and multidrug resistance for evaluation of the dynamics of minimal residual disease in acute leukemia patients.

R. Kizlaitienė. Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis, its relationship with demographic and clinical factors and changes in magnetic resonance imaging.

R. Kvederienė. The impact of emergency care on severe pediatric trauma outcomes.

A. Mastavičiūtė. Body composition in elderly and its features in persons with sarcopenia.

M. Matačiūnas. Application and evaluation of cardiopulmonary computed tomographic angiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial thromboembolism.

I. Paulauskienė. The correlation between morphological and functional laryngeal changes and the parameters of short- term endotracheal intubation.

I. Pilypienė. Significance of foetal inflammatory response syndrome on health and psychomotor development in premature infant.

R. Praninskienė. Characteristics of melatonin secretion and excretion in children with epilepsy and sleep disorders.

S. Raugelė. Comparison of heart valve bioprosthesis anticalcification treatment method’s efficacy in experimental models.

Z. Skvarciany. The disability and health-related quality of life of working age persons suffering from malinant cancer tumors.

I. Slautaitė. Changes of neurological status before and after internal carotid artery endarterectomy in patients who had suffered from cerebral ischemia.

A. Suchomlinov. Physical status, growth tracking and growth factors of children born in 1990 (longitudinal auxological study of children from Vilnius city and region).

S. Sudikas. Treatment of iliac and femoral artery atherosclerotic lesions by compound endovascular and open surgery methods. Evaluation of results.

R. Štūrienė. Prostate cancer incidence and mortality trends in Lithuania and men’s beliefs in favour of prostate cancer screening.

B. Vaišnytė. Endovascular and surgical treatment results of congenital arteriovenous malformations.

CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS ORGANIZED IN 2012

International

Contemporary Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment
Surgical Energy
Disorders of Macrophages www.ihot.lt
11th Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine
Highlights in Hypertension and Cardiology
Minimally Invasive Surgery of Inguinal Hernias
3rd International Conference on Intensive and Invasive Cardiology
Postgraduate study programme on research ethics in Central and Eastern Europe

Evolutionary Medicine: New Solutions for the Old Problems

4th Joint Scandinavian Conference in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Infuence of Organic Mental Disorders to in Terpersonal Relations
12th Biennual International Symposium Arrhythmia Lithuania 2012
6th Vilnius international course update on Paediatric Infectious Diseases www.vilniuscourse.com
Infant Feeding Update
4th Baltic Congress of Radiology
Modern Endoscopic Management of Hepatopancreatobiliary Pathology
Clinical Workshop the Clinical aspects of Alpha-Antitrypsin Deficiency within the Leonardo da Vinci project
European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education (ENOTHE) 18th Annual Meeting
6th International Baltic Congress of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care
7th international congress of Baltic Association for Rehabilitation
Advances in Diagnostics and Treatment of Neuroblastoma

Local

Practice of Family Medicine: from Therapy to Surgery
Acute Kidney Insufficiency
Kidney Transplantation in Children
Diagnosis and Treatment of Diseases: Practical Interpretations
Seminars on Dermatovenereology (XII)
Botulinum Toxin Injection for the Treatment of Neurogenic and Non-Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
Rare disease day
RareDiseases in Children: Problems and Solutions
Management of Toxic Complications after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Scientific Priorities in Psychiatry
Usual Clinical Situations: New Ways of Solution.
The Management of Heart and Cardiovascular Diseases 2012
Psychotherapeutic Treatment through Microscope: Learning from Empirical Research and Clinical Practice
Children Tuberculosis in Lithuania in XXI Century
The Most Common Children’s Health Problems and Solutions in the First Chain of Medicine Practice: Practical Pediatric Handbook Presentation
Actual Questions in Obstetrics, Gynecology and.Surgery
Congress Innovations of the Arterial Hypertension
Lithuanian Cardiology Congress
The Spring of Immunopropylaxis www.baltipa.lt
Love and Hate in Psychoanalysis
5thLithuanian Congress of Society of Paediatric Pulmonology www.pediatrija.org
DNA day in Lithuania
Update on Auttoimmune Dermatoses and Genodermatoses (dedicated to prof. J. Lelis)
Diagnosis and Treatment of Diseases: between Modern Technologies and Clinical Cogitation
1st Lithuanian Congress of Lung Diseases
Health of Girls and Teenagers
Lithuanian Children Health 2012
4th Congress of Lithuanian Society of Vascular Surgeons
Actual Questions of Ambulatory Health Care in Surgery and Gynaecology
Children’s Diseases of Digestive Tract and Skin
Nursing Science and Practice 2012
Seminars on Dermatovenereology (XIII)
Clinical Practice: Valuation of Effectiveness of Treatment.
Seminar in Radiology 2012
Allergology and Clinical Imunology – 2012
Infectious Diseases 2012
CongenitalHeart Disease: from FoetustoAdult.
Human Rights in Psychiatry: Anglysis of Situation and Rewiev of Novel Trends
Challenges of Human Rights Standards in Lithuanian Psychiatry: overview of ITHACA project
Different Homes for Group Anglysis
New Insights in Renal Transplantation
Regional IAEA training course 2012 Hybrid Imaging: Integrated Single Photon Computed Tomography and Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT)
Clinical Cases from the Practice of Residents
National conference devoted to 75th anniversary of Lithuanian Paediatric Society Rare Diseases in Children www.pediatrija.org
Mentally Ill Patient – a Full Fledged Member of Society
On questions of Cancerous Prostate treatment
Treatment of Vaginal Infections and Virus Diseases of Mouth Mucous Membranes
Treatment of Mental Disorders Due to Use of Opioids and Withdrawal in Lithuania: Experience and Perspectives
Internal Diseases and Syndromes: New Algorithms of Diagnosis and Treatment
Update on Paediatric Allergy 2012
Relevant Issues in Dermatology and Venereology dedicated to the World Psoriasis day
Nursing Education and Training Issues 2012
Innovations of Cardiology
Single Port Surgery: the New Solutions
News in Pulmonology and Allergology
Seminars on Dermatovenereology (XIV)

Personal Websites

DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
Prof. J. Tutkuvienė http://www.aha.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/JT.htm
Prof. R. Jankauskas web.vu.lt/mf/r.jankauskas
Doc. A. Barkus web.vu.lt/mf/a.barkus
Doc. R. Rizgelienė http://www.aha.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/RR.htm
Lect. Ž. Miliauskienė http://www.aha.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/ZP.htm
Lect. E. Jakimavičienė http://www.aha.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/EJ.htm

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND MEDICAL GENETICS
Prof. V. Kučinskas http://www.geneticahumana.lt/VU/engl/personal/Kucinskas-en.htm
Doc. Dr. A. Utkus http://www.geneticahumana.lt/VU/engl/personal/Utkus-en.htm
A. Jakaitienė web.vu.lt/mf/a.jakaitiene/
L. Ambrozaitytė web.vu.lt/mf/l.ambrozaityte/
V. Ginevičienė web.vu.lt/mf/v.gineviciene/
B. Burnytė web.vu.lt/mf/b.burnyte/
A. Pranculis web.vu.lt/mf/a.pranculis/
I. Pepalytė web.vu.lt/mf/i.pepalyte/
I. Uktverytė web.vu.lt/mf/i.uktveryte/
J. Arasimavičius web.vu.lt/mf/j.arasimavicius/

CLINIC OF CHILDREN’S DISEASES
Prof. A. Raugalė www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/prof- habil- dr-algimantas-raugale
Prof. V. Usonis www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/prof-habil-dr-vytautas-usonis
Prof. A. Valiulis www.pulmonologija.lt
Doc. S. Dumčius www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/dr-sigitas dumcius
Dr. R. Ėmužytė www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/doc-dr-regina-emuzyte
Dr. R. Firantienė www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/dr-regina-firantiene-aleknaviciute
Doc. A. Jankauskienė www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/doc-dr-augustina-jankauskiene
Doc. I. Narkevičiūtė www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/doc- dr-irena-narkeviciute
Doc. O .Rudzevičienė www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/doc-dr-odilija-rudzeviciene
Doc. K. Saniukas www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/dr-kestutis-saniukas
Doc. V. Urbonas www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/doc-dr-vaidotas-urbonas
Doc. V. Žilinskiatė www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/doc-dr-virginija-zilinskaite
Dr. J. Grikinienė www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/dr-jurgita-grikiniene
Dr. R. Kemežys www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/dr-robertas-kemezys
Dr. O. Kinčinienė www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/dr-odeta-kinciniene
Dr. R. Vankevičienė www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/dr-ramune-vankeviciene
I. Ivaškevičienė www.vlk.mf.vu.lt/darbuotojai/inga-ivaskeviciene

OTHER DEPARTMENTS
Prof. A. Valiulis www.pulmonologija.lt
Prof. V. Triponis http://www.mf.vu.lt/personal/Triponis.htm
Prof. R. Dubakienė http://www.aai.lt

CLINIC OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY

57 Antakalnio, LT–10207 Vilnius
Tel./fax 239 3089
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Gražina Stanislava Drąsutienė

STAFF

Professor: Dr. N. Drazdienė.
Docents: Dr. J. Ališauskas, Dr. A. Arlauskienė, Dr. D. Laužikienė, Dr. D. Ramašauskaitė, Dr. J. Zakarevičienė.
Lecturers: Dr. G. Mečėjus, Dr. M. Šilkūnas, Dr. D. Bartkevičienė, Dr. Ž. Bumbulienė.
Assistants: A. Amšiejienė, V. Paliulytė, I. Daunoravičienė.
Doctoral student: A. Amšiejienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Health of mother and foetus: physiology and pathology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Health of Mother and Foetus: Physiology and Pathology. Prof. G. S. Drąsutienė. 2010–2015.

The interleukins (IL-10 and IL-12) were studied in HPV cases that showed low immunity during pregnancy in HPV females. Changes in interleukins (IL-10 and IL-12) concentrations in cervicovaginal washing fluid depend on HPV infection. When the infection persisted in the third trimester of pregnancy, T lymphocytes helpers 1 activation (IL-12 concentration) did not differ from non-infected women; though for non-persisting infection this response was weaker. The IL-10 concentration was higher (immunosuppressive effect) in investigated women group with HPV infection vs. IL-10 concentration during the first and the third trimesters of pregnancy in non-infected women groups. It could be suggested to study changes in IL-10 and IL-12 concentrations in cervicovaginal washing fluid (local immunity) due to persistence of HPV infection.
Identification of the prevalent degree of HPV 16 integration in cases of different grades cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was made. The virus activity by detecting HPV mRNA (during follow-up monitoring, in approximately 6 to 12 months) was evaluated. HPV 16 E2 gene integration degree II was predominantly found in 54.2% of studied women, degree III 26.5% cases, degree I – 10.8% and episomal virus form in 8.5% (p=0.0006). No statistically significant differences were found when analyzing relations between the type of HPV E2 gene integration and the grade of cervical intraepithelial lesions. However, the presence of integrated virus forms in case of low grade cervical intraepithelial lesions or with no dysplasia show that HPV integration is an early event in cervical carcinogenesis. During the follow-up examination, mRNA expression was found in 50% (95% PI:29.93÷70.07) of studied HPV positive women, indicating continuing active HPV infection.
The implementation of late antenatal screening of pregnant women for group B streptococcus and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis at Vilnius University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology was evaluated. The records of antenatal care and delivery of all 2990 women who delivered at term at Vilnius University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2011 were analysed. Routine antenatal testing for group B streptococcus vaginal carriage at 35–37 weeks’ gestation was performed for 1869 (62.5%) pregnant women. 1121 (37.5%) women were not tested. 280 (15.0%) screened women were colonized with group B streptococcus. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to 234 (92.5%) group B streptococcus positive women. 80 (61.1%) nuliparous women and only 48 (46.6%) multiparous women received optimal antibiotic prophylaxis, as recommended, so that antibiotic should be started 4 hours or more before delivery. The duration of hospitalization in group B streptococcus positive women was 3.8±1.7 and in negative – 3.8±2.0 days (p=0.8). The antenatal testing for group B streptococcus of pregnant women and antibiotic prophylaxis during delivery was not optimal for women who delivered at term in Vilnius University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2011. The duration of prophylaxis during delivery was not sufficient for most women, especially for multiparous. We recommend medical staff to inform the group B streptococcus colonized pregnant women to go to maternity hospital immediately after the beginning of labor or leak of amniotic fluid and to avoid stimulation of labour in order to achieve the recommended duration of antibiotic prophylaxis.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

A. Raugalė, O. Kinčinienė, Ž. Bumbulienė, V. Daugelavičienė, N. Drazdienė, S. Dumčius, R. Ėmužytė, J. Grikinienė, A. Jankauskienė, R. Kemežys, G. Kleinotienė, R. Lukoševičiūtė, I. Narkevičiūtė, R. Nemanienė, V. Panavienė, R. Praninskienė, V. Radžiūnienė, A. Radžiūnas, L. Ragelienė, O. Rudzevičienė, V. Rutkauskaitė, E. Sučilienė, S. Stankevičienė, I. Tamulienė, T. Šaulytė, V. Uleckienė, V. Urbonas, V. Usonis, R. Vankevičienė, V. Žilinskaitė. Pediatrijos praktikos vadovas : leidinys skirtas medicinos specialistams, medicinos studijų studentams. Vilnius : UAB "Baltijos idėjų grupė" ir partneriai, 2012. 527 p.

Articles

A. Arlauskienė, G. Drąsutienė, D. Lištvanienė, R. Dembickaja, K. Bartkutė. Angiogeninių ir antiangiogeninių žymenų PIGF ir sFLT-1 reikšmė ankstyvai preeklampsijos diagnostikai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 444-447.

E. Aukštuolienė, A. Ambrozaitis, G. Friman, D. Bartkevičienė, J. Blomberg. Detection and quantification of herpes simplex virus DNA in genital lesions // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 614-620.

Ž. Bumbulienė. Disfunkcinių juvenilinių kraujavimų gydymas // Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija. Kaunas : Vitae litera. 2012, t. 15, nr. 3, p. 236-240.

K. Vrotniakaitė, R. Jacevičiūtė, R. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė, J. Zakarevičienė, D. Laužikienė, G. Drąsutienė. Embriono ir vaisiaus osteogenezės tyrimai (literatūros apžvalga) // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 376-385.

V. Paliulytė, G. Mečėjus. Endometritas po gimdymo - moterų gydymas stacionare // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2011, t. 17, nr. 4, p. 513-518.

J. Isajeva, M. Šilkūnas, G. Drąsutienė, D. Bartkevičienė. Features of the sexual life during pregnancy // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 2, p. 67-74.

V. Paliulytė, R. Juršėnas, J. Zakarevičienė. Įaugusi placenta ir gausus kraujavimas po gimdymo: klinikinis atvejis // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 508-513.

A. Akelytė, J. Volochovič, G. Drąsutienė. Įgimta cistinė adenomatozinė plaučių malformacija: klinikinis atvejis ir literatūros apžvalga // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 3, p. 305-309.

D. Šragytė, M. Šilkūnas, D. Bartkevičienė, J. Ališauskas. Kiaušidžių perstimuliavimo sindromas: klinikinis atvejis // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 5, p. 128-132.

G. Mečėjus, I. Kuropatkinaitė. Laparoskopinė miomektomija: veiksniai, lemiantys operacijos eigą ir pooperacinį laikotarpį // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 465-471.

Ž. Bumbulienė, J. Ališauskas, A. Šepetienė, R. Vilkevičienė. Lytinės jaunų moterų elgsenos įtaka didelės rizikos ŽPV ir C. trachomatis užsikrėtimui // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 18-25.

Ž. Bumbulienė, V. Paliulytė, D. Vasilevska. Paauglių kiaušidžių cistinių darinių operacinis gydymas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 4-9.

L. Zabulienė, Z. Kučinskienė, E. Jakimavičienė, G. Drąsutienė, J. Tutkuvienė. Policistinių kiaušidžių sindromu sergančių moterų hiperandrogenizmo rodikliai ir jų kritinės reikšmės // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 1, p. 8-17.

D. Ramašauskaitė, A. Tumlovskaja, J. Parastajeva, D. Laužikienė. Priešlaikinio gimgymo profilaktika // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 370-375.

E. Aukštuolienė, A. Ambrozaitis, G. Friman, D. Bartkevičienė, J. Blomberg. Role of the latency associated gene in herpes simplex virus latency reactivation cycle // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 643-647.

A. Marcinkutė, G. Mečėjus. Sintetinių tinklelių, naudojamų makšties sienelių nusileidimo korekcijai, vertinimas ultragarsu (pirmieji duomenys) // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 503-507.

G. Mečėjus, R. Antanaitytė, A. Balkūnaitė. TOT (Transobturator tape - šlapimo nelaikymo korekcija transobturatoriniu raiščiu) operacija - efektyvus moterų įtampos šlapimo nelaikymo gydymo būdas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 498-502.

R. Janavičius, V. Rudaitis, B. Feng, S. Ozolina, L. Griškevičius, D. Goldgar, L. Tichomirova. Haplotype analysis and ancient origin of the BRCA1 c.4035delA Baltic founder mutation // European Journal of Medical Genetics. Paris : Elsevier Masson. 2012, vol. , no. p. .

Ž. Bumbulienė, J. Ališauskas. Sexual behavior and high-risk human papillomavirus in 15- to 22-year-old Lithuanian women // Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica. Malden : Wiley-Blackwell. 2012, vol. 91, no. p.

D. McBride, T. Keil, L. Grabenhenrich, R. Dubakienė, G. Drąsutienė, A. Fiocchi, L. Dahdah, A. Sprikkelman, A. Schoemaker, G. Roberts, K. Grimshaw, M. Kowalski, A. Stanczyk-Przyluska, S. Sigurdardottir, M. Clausen, N. Papadopoulos, D. Mitsias, L. Rosenfeld, M. Reche, C. Pascual, A. Reich, J. Hourihane, U. Wahn, E. Mills, A. Mackie, K. Beyer. The EuroPrevall birth cohort study on food allergy: baseline characteristics of 12,000 newborns and their families from nine European countries // Pediatric allergy and immunology. Oxford : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2012, vol. 23, iss. 3, p. 230-239.

Materials of conferences

Ž. Bumbulienė. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea - the problem of adolescence // EBCOG 2012 : 22nd European congress of obstetrics and gynaecology : international proceedings, Tallinn, May 9-12. Bologna : Monduzzi, 2012, p. 15-21.

COOPERATION

Jagiellonian University, Chair Gyn. &Obst. Dep. Gyn. Obst & Oncology Prof. Antoni Basta MD, Krakow (Poland)
Wiurzburg University, Head of Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Prof. dr. Ch. Reiners, Wiurzburg (Germany)
Zurich University University Hospital, Clinic of Obsterics and Gynaecology, prof. Juozas Kurmanavičius (Switzerland)
Ev. Bethesda Hospital, Head of Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, PD. Dr. J. Farahati, Essen (Germany)
Medical University of Silesia, Women’s Health Chair, Prof. Violetta Skrzypulec – Plinta (Poland)
Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) and Director of Teen Colposcopy Clinic, Div. of Adolescent Medicine, Prof. Anna Barbara Moscicki (USA)
2nd Medical Faculty, Dept. Pediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, prof. Jan Horejsi, Charles University, Praha (Czech Republic)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. G. S. Drąsutienė –

editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynaecology);
board member of Mother and Child Programme, Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania.

Prof. N. Drazdienė –

expert neonatologist of the Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania;
board member of Mother and Child Programme of the Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynaecology);
editorial board member of the journal Naujagimis (Newborn child);
board member of Lithuanian Poediatric Society and Vilnius Poediatric Society.

Doc. J. Ališauskas –

board member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynaecology).

Doc. A. Arlauskienė –

board member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
member of scientific committee of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynaecology);
member of European Cervical Cancer Association (ECCA).

Doc. D. Ramašauskaitė –

expert obstetrician gynaecologist of the Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania;
board member of Vilnius region Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists.

Doc. J. Zakarevičienė –

editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
board member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology;
chairman of Vilnius region Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Dr. Ž. Bumbulienė –

chairman of section of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
board member of Vilnius Medical Society;
board member of Vilnius region Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists.

Dr. G. Mečėjus –

board member of Vilnius region Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Dr. M. Šilkūnas –

board member of Vilnius region society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists.

V. Paliulytė –

board member of Vilnius region Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists.

DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel.: 239 8706, 239 8707, fax 239 8705
E-mail:
http://www.aha.mf.vu.lt

Head – Prof. Dr. Janina Tutkuvienė

Professors: Dr. R. Jankauskas, Dr. J. Tutkuvienė.
Docents: Dr. A. Barkus, Dr. E. M. Jakimavičienė, Dr. Ž. Miliauskienė, Dr. R. Rizgelienė, Dr. V. Žalgevičienė.
Lecturers: Dr. A. Suchomlinov, J. Janavičius (part-time), V. Tutkus (part-time).
Assistants: V. Araminaitė, L. Lapienytė, K. Kuolienė (part-time), D. Mačernytė (part-time), K. Popov (part-time).
Doctoral students: V. Araminaitė, J. Drąsutis, K. Kuolienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Human Genome Diversity, its Origin and Phenotypic Realization

The skeletal and dental health indicators in Lithuanian paleopopulations and potential ecological, social, demographic factors of their variability
The peculiarities and factors of prenatal development, growth programming and postnatal development in both humans and experimental animals (chicken embryos, rats)
The physical status of contemporary inhabitants, the internal and external factors of phenotypic variation, the relationship between indices of physical and general health status, the analysis of secular trend and prognosis of future tendencies.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Phenotype Variety of Inhabitants of Lithuania, Its Prenatal and Postnatal Factors. Prof. J. Tutkuvienė, Prof. R. Jankauskas. 2009–2013.

Collection and database construction on Medieval (13-14th c.c.) and post-Medieval skeletal and dental samples (c. 600 individuals) from Bokšto str. and Mindaugo str. (Vilnius) and some rural sites was continued, morphometric, paleodemographic and paleopathological analysis was performed; data presented in international conferences; papers on some unspecific stress indicators and mortality patterns in medieval Vilnius and climatic influence on cranial variation published. Data about dental chipping in Iron Age Lithuanian populations were collected and analysed. Results were presented at an international conference. Sampling strategy and recovery methods were established according to literature review; consultations via international phytolith e-mail conference (Phy-talk) and 2011 Internet Conference for Starch Nomenclature were held. Samples of dental calculus were collected from medieval and post medieval skeletal collections.

The analysis of physical status of Lithuanian newborns during the 1995–2011, and different factors of their body size (biological, social, economical) was performed, presented during the international and national conferences and published at the international journal. Data on physical status of preschool children were collected from health records, analysed and presented during the conferences; longitudinal data on growth tracking of preschool children from different Lithuania regions were compared and material for publication was prepared. The analysis of individual variability in body size indices, growth patterns and changes in tracking during the entire growth period (from 0 up till 18 y.) in relation with birth weight was performed, and the material for publications was prepared. The study on growth peculiarities and refraction errors was conducted: the literature review was performed, research methods (anthropometric and ophthalmic) were mastered, research tools (questionnaires on social factors, physical activity and nutrition) were formulated, and a pilot study of more than 50 children with refraction errors was preformed. The analysis of age dynamics of craniofacial compartment and dental status of children, adolescents and adults was continued, four articles were published.

International Science Programmes and Projects

History of Health in Europe over the Past 10,000 Years. Project coordinated by the Ohio State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Prof. R. Jankauskas (leading scientist of Lithuanian partner). Doc. Ž. Miliauskienė, Dr. A. Urbanavičius. 2001–2013.

Global History of Health. Participation in the project was continued, statistical data analysis and preparation of the material for publications was conducted.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

J. Martinkėnas, V. Sakalinskas, R. Jankauskas, R. Ėmužytė, G. Pošiūnas, S. Balseris, D. Činčikas, V. Čepulis. Rinologijos pradmenys. Vilnius : Metoil, 2012. 616 p. ;.

Other Books

E. Jakimavičienė. Vaikas serga cukriniu diabetu : atmintinė tėvams / leidinį parengė Eglė Marija Jakimavičienė. Vilnius, 2012. 50 p. :.

Parts of the Books

R. Jankauskas. Violence in the Stone Age from an eastern Baltic perspective. Sticks, Stones, and Broken Bones: Neolithic Violence in a European Perspective / edt. by Rick Schulting and Linda Fibiger. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012, p. 35-49.

Articles

J. Lapienis, V. Žalgevičienė, S. Bagdonas, E. Zakarevičius, E. Žurauskas, G. Graželienė, J. Didžiapetrienė, R. Rotomskis. Microscopic evidence of placenta as a natural barrier for a photosensitizer // Veterinarija ir zootechnika / Lietuvos veterinarijos akademija. Kaunas : Lietuvos veterinarijos akademija. 2012, t. 60, p. 39-44.

V. Žalgevičienė, V. Kulvietis, D. Bulotienė, J. Didžiapetrienė, R. Rotomskis. The effect of nanoparticles in rats during critical periods of pregnancy // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr. 5, p. 256-264.

V. Sakalinskas, R. Jankauskas, M. Sakalinskaitė. Destrukcinis vidurinis otitas ir nosies ertmės patologija paleoosteologinių tyrimų duomenimis // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 6, p. 74-76.

E. Jakimavičienė, J. Tutkuvienė. Ikimokyklinio amžiaus vaikų kūno apimčių ir liemens stambumo indeksų dinamika // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 1, p. 22-32.

V. Tutkus, J. Tutkuvienė. Kelio sąnario meniskų klinikinė anatomija: aktualūs klausimai // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 4, p. 189-201.

J. Tutkuvienė, E. Jančauskaitė, V. Guntaitė. Menarchės amžius ir mėnesinių ypatumai Vilniaus miesto mergaičių 2010 m. tyrimo duomenimis (žvalgomasis tyrimas) // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2011, t. 13, nr. 2, p. 95-102.

K. Sveikata, I. Balčiūnienė, J. Tutkuvienė. Needs for prosthetic treatment in Vilnius population at the age over 45 years old // Stomatologija / Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija ir Lietuvos stomatologų sąjunga. Kaunas : Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija. 2012, Vol. 14, no. 3, p. 81-84.

R. Almonaitienė, I. Balčiūnienė, J. Tutkuvienė. Standards for permanent teeth emergence time and sequence in Lithuanian children, residents of Vilnius city // Stomatologija / Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija ir Lietuvos stomatologų sąjunga. Kaunas : Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija. 2012, Vol. 14, no. 3, p. 93-100.

R. Jankauskas. Bioarchaeological Research in Lithuania during Two Last Decades // Archaeological Investigations in Independent Lithuania 1990-2002 / edited by Gintautas Zabiela, Zenonas Baubonis, Eglė Marcinkevičiūtė. Vilnius : Lietuvos Archeologijos draugija, 2012, p. 406-410.

R. Jankauskas, J. Kozakaitė, A. Urbanavičius. Preliminarūs 2011 m. archeologinių tyrimų antropologinės medžiagos tyrimų rezultatai (degintiniai palaidojimai) // Archeologiniai tyrinėjimai Lietuvoje 2011 metais. Vilnius : Lietuvos archeologijos draugija, 2012, p. 620-623.

R. Jankauskas, Š. Jatautis, V. Suncovas, A. Urbanavičius. Preliminarūs 2011 m. archeologinių tyrimų antropologinės medžiagos tyrimų rezultatai (griautiniai palaidojimai) // Archeologiniai tyrinėjimai Lietuvoje 2011 metais. Vilnius : Lietuvos archeologijos draugija, 2012, p. 605-620.

C. Cattaneo, Z. Obertova, M. Ratnayake, L. Marasciuolo, J. Tutkuvienė, P. Poppa, D. Gibelli, P. Gabriel, S. Ritz-Timme. Can facial proportions taken from images be of use for ageing in cases of suspected child pornography? A pilot study // International journal of legal medicine. New York : Springer. 2012, vol. 126, no 1, p. 139-144.

M. Hermanussen, L. Lieberman, J. Schonfeld, C. Scheffler, A. Ghosh, B. Bogin, E. Godina, M. Kaczmarek, M. El-Shabrawi, E. Salama, F. Ruhli, K. Staub, U. Woitek, P. Blaha, C. AĪ²mann, B. van, A. Lehmann, T. Satake, H. Thodberg, E. Jopp, S. Kirchengast, J. Tutkuvienė, M. McIntyre, U. Wittwer-Backofen, J. Boldsen, D. Martin, J. Meijer. Diversity in auxology: between theory and practice // Anthropologischer Anzeiger. Stuttgart : E. Schweizerbart Science Publishers. 2012, vol. 69, no. 2, p. 159-174.

P. Gabriel, Z. Obertova, M. Ratnayake, T. Arent, C. Cattaneo, M. Dose, J. Tutkuvienė, S. Ritz-Timme. Schatzung des Lebensalters kindlicher Opfer auf Bilddokumenten. Rechtliche Implikationen und Bedeutung im Ermittlungsverfahren // Rechtsmedizin. Heidelberg : Springer Berlin. 2011, Bd. p.

R. Rizgelienė, J. Tutkuvienė. Skeleton pattern and joint formation in chorioallantoic grafts containing the distal parts of the chick wing bud // Anatomia, histologia, embryologia. Berlin : Wiley-Blackwell Verlag GmbH. 2012, vol. 41, iss. 1, p. 21-30.

A. Tomaszewska, B. Kwiatkowska, R. Jankauskas. The localization of the supraorbital notch or foramen is crucial for headache and supraorbital neuralgia avoiding and treatment // The anatomical record: advances in integrative anatomy and evolutionary biology. Hoboken : John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2012, Vol. 295, no 9, p. 1494-1503.

V. Tutkus, K. Vitkus, D. Proškutė. Use of the omental free flap for reconstruction of degloving hand and foot injuries : two case reports // Central European Journal of Medicine. Warsaw : Versita. 2012, vol. 7, no. 6, p. 808-812.

D. Gibelli, A. Mapelli, Z. Obertova, P. Poppa, P. Gabriel, M. Ratnayake, J. Tutkuvienė, C. Sforza, S. Ritz-Timme, C. Cattaneo. Age changes of facial measurements in European young adult males: implications for the identification of the living // Homo: journal of comparative human biology. Jena : Urban und Fischer Verlag. 2012 vol. 63, no. 6, p. 451-458.

R. Jankauskas. Mass grave of Napoleon's soldiers in Vilnius December 1812 // Revue des etudes slaves. Tire Ć part. Paris : Institut d'etudes slaves. 2012, Vol. 83, no. 4, p. 981-991.

R. Jankauskas, G. Gerhards. History of paleopathology in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia // The global history of paleopathology: pioneers and prospects / edited by Jane E. Buikstra, Charlotte A. Roberts. New York : Oxford University press, 2012, p. 470-475.

COOPERATION

University of Central Florida (Orlando, Florida, USA)
Institute of Anthropology, University of Vienna (Austria)
Institute of Forensic Medicine,Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf (Germany)
Institute of Human Genetics and Anthropology, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena (Germany)
Institute of Anatomy, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University of Greifswald (Germany)
Department of Anatomy of University of Göttingen (Germany)
Department of Anthropology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences (Poland)
Faculty of Medicine, University of Marseille (France)
Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum Institute, Universitety of Copenhagen (Denmark)
Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Cambridge (UK)
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu (Estonia)
Institute of Latvian History (Latvia)
Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradins University (Latvia)
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)
Department of Cultural Heritage of Lithuania (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. J. Tutkuvienė –

member of the Senate of Vilnius Univeristy;
member of the Study Committee of Vilnius Univeristy;
vice-dean for Research and PhD studies of the Faculty of Medicine;
member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine;
chair of the Scientific Committee of the Faculty of Medicine;
chair of the Doctoral Committee of the Faculty of Medicine;
member of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Council of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Commission for Human Ecology of International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (IUAES);
member of the International Association of Human Biologists;
member of the Society for Studies of Human Biology;
member of the International Auxollogical Society;
member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society;
member of the Commission of Human Morphology of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Section of Gynaecology of Children and Adolescents);
editorial board member of the Journal of Human Ecology;
editorial board member of the journal Acta medica Lituanica;
editorial board member of the journal Visuomenes Sveikata (Public Health);
editorial board member of the journal Anthropologischer Anzeiger;
editorial board member of the journal Вестник Московского университета. Серия 23. Антропология.

Prof. R. Jankauskas –

expert to the EC Committee for the FP7 Specific Programme “Cooperation”, Theme 1 Health;
member of the Scientific Council of the Lithuanian Institute of History;
member of the Paleopathology Association;
member of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society;
member of the Commission of Human Morphology of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Archaeology;
editorial board member of the yearbook Papers on Anthropology (Tartu University, Estonia);
international editorial board member of the journal Anthropologie (Czech Republic);
editorial board member of the journal Anthropologischer Anzeiger (Germany);
editorial board member of the yearbook Lietuvos archeologija (Lithuanian Archeology);
editorial board member of the yearbook Archaeologia Baltica;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine).

Doc. A. Barkus –

member of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Archaeology.

Doc. R. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė –

member of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Committee of Medical Studies Programme;
Chair of the Appeal Commission of the Faculty of Medicine;
Chair of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

Doc. V. Žalgevičienė –

board member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society;
member of the Baltic Laboratory Animal Association (Balt-LASA).

Doc. Ž. Miliauskienė –

member of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Archaeology.

Dr. E. M. Jakimavičienė –

member of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

Dr. A. Suchomlinov –

member of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

K. Kuolienė –

member of the European Anthropological Association;
member of Lithuanian Ophthalmologists Society;
member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

D. Mačernytė –

member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

CLINIC OF ANAESTHESIOLOGY AND REANIMATOLOGY

29 Šiltnamių, LT-04130, Vilnius
Tel.: 236 2012. fax: 236 2101
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil Dr. Juozas Ivaškevičius

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. J. Ivaškevičius, Dr. J. Šipylaitė, Dr. S.Vosylius.
Docents: Dr. A. Baublys, Dr. A. Andrijauskas.
Lecturers: Dr. M. Šerpytis, Dr. E. Kontrimavičiūtė, Dr. D.Činčikas.
Assistants: S. Švedienė, Dr. A. Klimašauskas (part-time), R. Badaras (part-time).
Doctoral students: S. Švedienė, D. Gasiūnaitė, R. Badaras.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment of diseases: fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies
Regional anesthesia techniques for perioperative management
Optmisation of fluid and transfusion management in the perioperative setting
Quality of life determinants after a long stay in intensive care unit
Impact of anesthesia in patients undergoing laprascopic colorectal surgery
Investigation of impact on cardiovascular system especially on cardiac output as well as evaluation of convenience of different regimens of pneumoperitoneum on surgical manipulations
The comparison of stress response in rapid opioid detoxication
The efficacy of different resuscitation methods and the performance of medical students

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Project Supported by University Budget

Perioperative Patient Optimization and Management of Critical States. Prof. J. Ivaškevičius. 2008–2012.

The final analysis of data obtained from 100 patients in the randomized clinical trial “Comparison of a several different regional anesthesia techniques for perioperative analgesic management during arthroscopic anterior crutiate ligament reconstruction: a spinal anesthesia followed by single or continuous femoral nerve block and intra-articular application of morphine or neostigmine” was performed. The results show that patient satisfaction and pain control were better in continuous femoral nerve applications and patient control analgesic regimens with baseline infusion and availability of local anaesthetic boluses. Data was made public.
The prospective randomized clinical trial was continued in elective total knee arthroplasty patients subjected to three lower limb tourniquet timing strategies and two standardized perioperative fluid therapy protocols. Interim result analysis was performed with data from 36 patients. Tourniquet strategies were compared in respect to estimated blood loss in 24 perioperative hours and fit-to-discharge time. Six methods for calculating estimated blood loss were deployed. Inflation of automatic pneumatic lower limb tourniquet before skin incision and deflation after hardening of cement was associated with better outcomes. The minimum Volume Loading Test (mVLT) was used for the evaluation and optimization of perioperative fluid status. The new physiological model was developed for the explanation of discrepancy between non-invasively measured total hemoglobin (SpHbTM, Radical-7, Masimo Corp., CA) referred to as capillary, and arterial haemoglobin. The marker of pending interstitial fluid overload was theoretically defined as either equalized capillary and arterial hemodilution efficacies or minimized capillary hemodilution efficacy of the consecutive mini fluid challenges. Both models were supported by the study results, and data was published.
The final analysis of data obtained in the prospective clinical trial “Changes in the quality of life in patients with prolonged stay in the intensive care unit and risk factors related to the changes” was performed and disclosed in a manuscript.
Data collection was continued in a clinical study “Comparison of general and combined general and regional anesthesia during laparoscopic colorectal surgery”. Interim results were made public.
The data analysis from 66 patients was performed in the prospective randomized clinical trial to evaluate the different anesthetic regimens applied for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding operations. The cases of super morbidly obese patients were addressed separately.
The impact of different pneumoperitoneum regimens during laparoscopic cholecystectomy on cardiovascular performance was investigated. Interim data from 38 patients was analyzed. Results were made public in the students’ research conference.
The protocol for a prospective randomized double blind clinical trial “The comparison of stress response in rapid opioid detoxication procedure using different methods of opioid antagonist naltrexone induction and sedation” was prepared and approved by Vilnius Regional Department of Lithuanian Bioethics Committee.
The efficacy of different resuscitation methods and the performance of medical students in applying them was investigated by using a multifunctional manikin-simulator Laerdal SimMan 3G. Results were made public at the students’ research conference.
Educational book on acute respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation was published.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

J. Martinkėnas, V. Sakalinskas, R. Jankauskas, R. Ėmužytė, G. Pošiūnas, S. Balseris, D. Činčikas, V. Čepulis. Rinologijos pradmenys. Vilnius : Metoil, 2012. 616 p. ;.

S. Vosylius. Ūminis kvėpavimo nepakankamumas ir dirbtinė plaučių ventiliacija : mokomoji knyga. Vilnius : Vaistų žinios, 2010. 227 p.

Articles

E. Kontrimavičiūtė, J. Šipylaitė, D. Aksionova, G. Cincilevičiūtė, G. Brimas. Comparison of Different Anesthetic Regimens in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Operations: A Prospective Randomized Trial // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr. 12, p. 613-618.

D. Gasiūnaitė, J. Šipylaitė, E. Kontrimavičiūtė. Anestezijos ir analgezijos parinkimas laparoskopinėms storosios žarnos operacijoms // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 75-79.

S. Švedienė, J. Ivaškevičius. Good medical practice for regional block's procedures // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 3, p. 187-190.

D. Gasiūnaitė, J. Šipylaitė, E. Kontrimavičiūtė, E. Poškus. Impact of anesthesia method on cortisol and interleukin-6 concentration changes during and after laparoscopic colorectal surgery // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 3, p. 244-250.

A. Andrijauskas, I. Sakavičiūtė, J. Ivaškevičius, N. Porvaneckas, G. Kvederas, D. Činčikas, J. Mažunaitis, U. Marmaitė, L. Sakalaitė, P. Andrijauskas, G. Sakalauskaitė. Perioperacinė skysčių terapija: senos problemos, nauji sprendimai // Lietuvos chirurgija. Vilnius : Lietuvos chirurgų asociacija. 2012, t. 10, nr. 1-2, p. 7-20.

M. Šerpytis, E. Kontrimavičiūtė, J. Šipylaitė, J. Ivaškevičius. Pilvo organų ligomis sergančių ligonių, gydomų reanimacijos ir intensyviosios terapijos skyriuje, mirštamumo ligoninėje rizikos veiksniai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 2, p. 218-222.

G. Kvederas, N. Porvaneckas, A. Andrijauskas, C. Svensen, J. Ivaškevičius, J. Mažunaitis, U. Marmaitė, P. Andrijauskas. A randomized double-blind clinical trial of tourniquet application strategies for total knee arthroplasty // Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. Heidelberg : Springer. 2012, vol. 20, no. p. [10 p.].

S. Švedienė, A. Andrijauskas, J. Ivaškevičius, A. Šaikus. The efficacy comparison of on-demand boluses with and without basal infusion of 0.1 % bupivacaine via perineural femoral catheter after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction // Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. Heidelberg : Springer. 2012, vol. 20, no. 1, p. [5 p.].

M. Šerpytis, V. Karosas, R. Tamošauskas, J. Dementavičienė, K. Strupas, A. Šileikis, J. Šipylaitė. Hypertriglyceridemia-induced Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy // Journal of the Pancreas. Genova : ES Burioni Ricerche Bibliografiche. 2012, Vol. 13, no. 6, p. 677-680.

COOPERATION

Research and Education, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet/Södersjukhuset Section of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (Sweden),
Linköping University (Sweden)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. J. Ivaškevičius –

president of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
president of the 6th International Baltic Congress of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA);
member of the Advisory Committee of Presidents of ESA;
member of the Board of Anaesthesiology of the European Union of Medical Specialists;
editorial board member of the journal Anestezjologia i Ratownictwo (Anaesthesiology and Rescue Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery).

Prof. J. Šipylaitė –

scientific secretary of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the European Society of Anaesthesiology;
member of the Organizing and Scientific Committee of the 6th International Baltic Congress of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
chairman of Committee of Medical Studies Programme;
member of the Board of Anaesthesiology of Medical Specialists of the European Union;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practise in Medicine.

Prof. S. Vosylius –

treasurer of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the Organizing and Scientific Committee of the 6th International Baltic Congress of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery).

Doc. A. Baublys –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the Organizing and Scientific Committee of the 6th International Baltic Congress of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

Doc. A. Andrijauskas –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the Organizing and Scientific Committee of the 6th International Baltic Congress of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the Organizing Committee of the Baltic Congresses of Transfusion Practice and Transfusion Alternatives.

Dr. M. Šerpytis –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the Organizing and Scientific Committee of the 6th International Baltic Congress of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

CLINIC OF EAR, NOSE, THROAT AND EYES DISEASES

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel.: 236 5270, 250 1867; fax 236 5270
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Eugenijus Lesinskas

STAFF

Professor: Dr. E. Lesinskas.
Docents: Dr. M. Petrulionis, Dr. R. Ašoklis, Dr. A. Cimbalas.
Lecturers: Dr. D. Aukštikalnis, Dr. R. Pliaukšta, Dr. D. Rauba, Dr. J. Ivaška, Dr. S. Galgauskas.
Assistants: A. Kadziauskienė, V. Beleškienė, A. Matulevičius, K. Malyško.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

The main task of the scientific project is search and estimate the influence of morphology and clinical peculiarities of otorhinolaryngological and ophtalmological diseases to results of application of novel diagnostic methods and treatment.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Influence of Morphology and Clinical Peculiarities of Otorhinolaryngological and Ophtalmological Diseases to Results of Application of Novel Diagnostic Methods and Treatment. Prof. E. Lesinskas 2010–2015.

The methods and materials were made for the scientific projects. These projects involve the Eustachian tube dysfunction and its influence to the middle ear diseases and the endocochlear treatment methods of the inner ear. The impact of the new surgical procedure (laser Eustachian tuboplasty ) on the clinical improvement of symptoms or signs of middle ear complaints is observed. The criteria for this surgery were established. The evaluation of the intratympanic medicaments ways in the middle ear, their impact for the inner ear function were carried out. The data in the literature were evaluated.
Projects in ophthalmology involves analysis of carcinomatous eye tissues with Aperio algorithms. Correlation of macular degeneration autofluorescence findings with functional impairment. The use of autofluorescence findings for diferential diagnosis of uveal melanomas. Evaluation of the anterior chamber changes after laser iridotomies by optical coherence tomography.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

I. Paulauskienė, E. Lesinskas. Laryngopharyngeal complaints following short-term endotracheal intubation: peculiarities of males and females // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 2, p. 51-57.

I. Paulauskienė, E. Lesinskas, M. Petrulionis. Trumpalaikės endotrachėjinės intubacijos įtaka balso klosčių morfologiniams pokyčiams // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 2, p. 223-228.

R. Strupaitė, I. Laniauskaitė, R. Ašoklis. Vilniaus gydytojų ir medicinos studentų žinių ir požiūrio apie ragenų transplantaciją tyrimas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 3, p. 273-277.

E. Lesinskas, V. Stankevičiūtė, M. Petrulionis. Application of the Vibrant Soundbridge middle-ear implant for aural atresia in patients with Treacher Collins syndrome // Journal of Laryngology and Otology. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press. 2012, Vol. 126, iss. 12, p. 1216-1223.

R. Liutkevičienė, V. Lesauskaitė, D. Žaliūnienė, D. Žaliaduonytė-Pekšienė, A. Cimbalas, V. Jasinskas, O. Gustienė, S. Šimonytė, A. Tamošiūnas. Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Patients with Myocardial Infarction // Current Eye Research. London : Informa Healthcare. 2012, Vol. 37, iss. 2, p. 94-100.

S. Galgauskas, D. Krasauskaitė, M. Pajaujis, G. Juodkaitė, R. Ašoklis. Central corneal thickness and corneal endothelial characteristics in healthy, cataract, and glaucoma patients // Clinical ophthalmology. Auckland : Dove Medical Press Ltd. 2012, vol. 6, p. 1195-1199.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. E. Lesinskas –

senior otorhynolaryngologist of the Ministry of Health Care of the Republic of Lithuania;
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Otorhinolaryngologists;
member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine.

Dr. D. Rauba –

board member of Vilnius Society of Otorhinolaryngologists.

Dr. R. Pliaukšta –

chairman of Vilnius Society of Otorhinolaryngologists.

Dr. R. Ašoklis –

chairman of Vilnius Society of Ophthalmologists;
board member of Lithuanian Society of Ophthalmologists;
member of EUROPEAN BOARD of Ophthalmology;
board member of European Association for vision and Eye Research.

Dr. A. Cimbalas –

board member of Vilnius Society of Ophthalmologists.

Dr. S. Galgauskas –

board member of Vilnius Society of Ophthalmologists.

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY, MICROBIOLOGY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel.: 239 8720, 239 8719, 239 8718; fax 239 8745
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr., member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Zita Aušrelė Kučinskienė

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. Z. A. Kučinskienė, Dr. A. J. Abaravičius, Dr. A. Kaminskas.
Docents: Dr. L. Bagdonaitė, Dr. R. Budrionienė, Dr. V. Hendrixson, Dr. V. Jablonskienė, Dr. T. Kačergius, Dr. R. Matuzevičienė, Dr. J. Valiūnienė, Dr. D. Vitkus.
Lecturers: Dr. D. Karčiauskaitė, Dr. A. Kirkliauskienė, S. Kiverytė, A. Mažeikienė (part-time), R. Petraitis (part-time), P. Žlabys.
Assistants: R.Ambrazaitienė (part-time), L. Anusaitė (part-time), I. Bikulčienė (part-time), L.Gogelienė (part-time), Ž.Chomanskis (part-time), E. Lisovskaja, E.Ostanevičiūtė (part-time), E. Totmianinienė (part-time), A. Virbalis (part time) , V. Žėkas (part-time).
Senior research fellows: Dr. D. Karčiauskaitė, Dr. A. Valatkaitė.
Junior research fellows: M. Bratčikov, A. Mažeikienė, M. Davidonis (part time), Ž.Chomanskis (part-time), E. Lisovskaja (part-time), E.Ostanevičiūtė (part-time), V. Žėkas (part-time).
Doctoral students: M. Janeliūnienė, A. Coj, A. Mažeikienė, V. Banys.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Research and investigation of ethiopathogenetic mechanisms of atherosclerosis
Research and investigation of new methods in laboratory diagnostics of diseases
Investigation of nutrition and evaluation of new high quality food products with increased biological value to human health
Study of the antimicrobial effects on pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria, genetic analysis as well as search for the prophylactic means

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by the Vilnius University Budget

Investigation of Environmental and Metabolic Factors in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. Prof. Z. A. Kučinskienė. 2010–2014.

The aim of the research project was to evaluate the etiopathogenetic relationship between different clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis – coronary heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Different diagnostic biomarkers in healthy individuals and patients with coronary heart disease and metabolic syndrome were investigated, including routine and new parameters: lipids, apoproteins, lipoproteins, adipose tissue fatty acids’ composition and relation with nutrition, inflammation, stess, immunological, genetic markers, status of oxidative-antioxidant system, thrombocytes function. Nutrition of different patient groups and the impact of new high quality food products with increased biological value to human health were evaluated.

Immunophenotyping of Haematologic Malignancies (Acute Leukemias and Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorders) and Investigation of Their Optimal Markers. Prof. Z. A. Kučinskienė, Doc. R. Matuzevičienė. 2010–2014.

The method of flow cytometry for the diagnostics and minimal residual disease detection of haematological disorders was optimized. New methods for leukemic cell phenotyping were introduced.

Investigation of Pathogenic Bacteria Susceptibility to Antibiotics Identified from the Clinical Specimen and Gene Analysis of the Strains Resistant to Antimicrobials. Prof. Ambrozaitis, P. Žlabys, Doc. T. Kačergius, A. Kirkliauskienė. 2011–2013.

This study included the investigation of 832 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, collected in Vilnius hospitals and community. All identification methods for S. aureus were performed according to the recommendations of Clinical Laboratory Standards. Antimicrobial susceptibility studies of isolates were performed by disc diffusion method.
The tetK and tetM genes were evaluated to determine the tetracycline resistance genotypic distribution of 30 S. aureus strains, 24 of which were resistant to tetracycline in the community group. The tetK gene was detected in 91.7% and in 8.3% of tetracycline resistant S. aureus strains the tet gene was not detected. One S. aureus strain had inducible MLS resistance and ermA gene, and it was sensitive to tetracycline but positive for tetM. In this study the distribution of two tetracycline resistance genes in 23 tetracycline-resistant phenotypically different MSSA, three MRSA isolates and nine tetracycline-susceptible strains were determined from hospitalized patients’ group. All three tetracycline-resistant MRSA isolates displayed tetK gene. One MRSA strain had inducible lincosamide resistance and ermA gene, also it was sensitive to tetracycline, but positive for tetM. The tetK gene was detected in 95.7% MSSA isolates. The tetM gene was not found in tetracycline-resistant MSSA isolates. One MSSA strain contained ermA and tetM,although it was sensitive to tetracycline. No tetracycline resistance gene was encountered in one (4.4%), of the 23 MSSA isolates investigated. Our results show that the tetK gene was the most prevalent tetracycline resistance determinant in MSSA and MRSA. Sequence typing of 192 S. aureus isolates was performed to study the spa gene repeat region. 33.9% of S. aureus typed strains were obtained from community group, 66.1% – from hospitalized patients’ group. In this study, 80 different spa types were identified among the 152 S. aureus isolates. The diversity index of 152 S. aureus strains was 0.978. Two phenotypically different S. aureus strains were not typeable. One S. aureus strain was of unknown spa type, although the repeated succession was identified. Only 5 spa types occurred in both studied groups (t002, t015, t056, t127, t346). The one predominant spa type among the MRSA isolates (t008) represented more than 80% of all MRSA isolates. Diversity index of isolated MRSA strains was 0.345 (95% CI 0.0-0.795). The spa t4995 – t4999, t5001 – t5005 types detected in this study were added into the Ridom StaphTypeTM database. Lithuania currently is listed as the only country where these spa types were detected.

Projects, Programmes, Issues Supported by the Research Council of Lithuania

Diagnostic Studies of Chronic Non-Infectious Diseases by Means of Infrared Spectral Microscopy. Research Contract No. MIP-111/2010. Doc. V. Hendrixson. 2010–2012.

The aim of the project was to use medical Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to analyse the chemical composition of kidney stones in patients with metabolic syndrome and to evaluate the etiopathogenetic relationship between metabolic syndrome and kidney stone disease.
Methodology and data banks of chemical composition of renal stones, elaborated during this project are expected to be appropriate for use in prevention of kidney stone diseases by examining the surgically removed stones and the precipitations of urine in the patients from the groups with elevated risk. This would have a practical value; information about chemical structure of the renal stones in its early formation stages enables MDs to apply directional prophylactic treatments, providing patients with the recommendations regarding the life style and nutrition.

Investigation of Bioactive Substances in Food Matrices and their Influence on Human Health. Prof. A. Kaminskas. 2012–2015.

In the last years consumers demand to functional foods that prevent disease and improve health has noticeably increased. The positive effect of such foods on human health belongs from biologically active ingredients. The polyunsaturated omega-fatty acids (PUFA), prebiotic dietary fibres (PDF) and biologically active milk peptides (BAMP) are among the most promising functional ingredients. Some of them are sensitive to environmental factors (light, heat, oxygen). So, during the technological process the stability and biological activity of these ingredients particularly depends on the composition and the features of the food matrixes and physico-chemical methods applied and storage conditions. The aim of this project is to select the matrixes for nonalcoholic drinks and drinks from buttermilk and milk whey, investigate and optimize the methods for inserting of PFA, PDF and BAMP into selected drink matrixes, investigate the influence of physico-chemical factors (stiring, homogenization, heat-treatment, refrigeration et cetera) on the characteristics and qualitative and quantitative stability of biological active ingredients and complex quality profiles of the food matrixes in fresh state and after the storage as well. The integration of the functional ingredients in the food matrices particularly is concerned with the problems of undesirable changes of their sensory, rheological and microbiological properties, shortened time of the storage of the products. The effective solutions related to incorporation of the bioactive ingredients in the food matrices with the view of saving bioactivity of the ingredients and elimination their negative impact on the food matrix and prototypes of beverages will be developed. Obtained new scientific information will be important for the food science and could be applied in the practice in organizing of the production of new safe and competitive in market functional food products with bioactive ingredients.

Genetic Diversity of the Population of Lithuania and Changes of Its Genetic Structure Related with Evolution and Common Diseases, Acronym – “LITGEN”. Project number: VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-01-013. Prof. Z. Kučinskienė. 2007–2013.

The project funding under measure VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K “Support to Research Activities of Scientists and Other Researchers”(‘the Global Grant Measure’), Priority 3 “Strengthening of Capacities of Researchers and other Scientists” of the Operational Programme for Human Resources Development for 2007–2013.
The main strategic goals of this project are: (1) to estimate the features of genetic diversity and structure of the Lithuanian population according to DNA markers associated with the most widely used in the investigation of the genetic diversity, structure and ancestry of world populations by applying high-throughput genomic, bioinformatical and biostatistical technologies; (2) to create preconditions for human genome wide scale complex investigations in Lithuania, its phenotypic expression and integration into contemporary international research programmes. For this project large number of samples from the population is being collected comprehensively characterized according to the clinical and biochemical phenotype, features of nutrition, lifestyle. The samples of biomaterials (DNA, blood serum) from these individuals will be used to create the Biobase of the Lithuanian Population (BLP), and to ensure complex interdisciplinary approach in research as well as an adequate experimental, clinical, (bio)informatical and analytical basis. Wide-scale research of the BLP DNA samples will be carried out using high-throughput technologies of genotyping and biostatistical analysis methods. On the basis of these studies it will be possible to carry out a variety of studies related with monogenic and complex diseases that affect Lithuanian population. Population of Lithuania will be for the first time exhaustively characterised according to a number of population genetic diversity and structure criteria corresponding to the requirements of modern studies:

main parameters of the general population of Lithuania on the whole genome level (level of population stratification, fst value, estimation of submicroscopic genomic structural variation (CNVs)),
main parameters of the general population of Lithuania according to definite loci of human genome,
prevalence rated of alleles and genotypes of DNA markers in candidate gene loci most often associated with individual properties of human organism,
numerous mtDNA and Y chromosome DNA markers.

International Science Programmes and Projects

NOPHO – ALL 2008 Treatment Protocol for Children (1.0–17.9 years of age) and Young Adults (18–45 years of age) with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Doc.R. Matuzevičienė.

NOPHO (Nordic Pediatric Hemato-Oncology) group,http://www.nopho.org/welcome/frame.htm; Vilnius University Children’s Hospital,
http://www.vaikuligonine.lt/centras.php?cen_id=2.
Organizer of the Project – Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO) (www.nopho.org).Countries involved in the Project: Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia. 6-year accrual period.
Coordinator of the Project in Lithuania: Doc. R. Matuzevičienė.
The Baltic countries and young adult patients are already or will soon be participating according to the protocol. The 24th of October is the date when 225 patients were eligible for analysis. Response to therapy at day 15 and day 29 should be determined by FCM. This determines the ALL2008 registry algorithm. If divergent FCM and M1/2/3 both should be registered and the patient treated by the results of FCM (or PCR if no FCM result.
There were 289 patients reported in the NOPHO MRD system on the 31st of October. Non-protocol patients are included as there are no possibilities to see whether the patient is a protocol or non-protocol patient in MRD system. Of all performed MRD analyses BCP 70%, T-ALL 9% and 21% was not registered yet. Leukemia-associated phenotypes (LAP) were found in all except two patients in BCP and in all T-ALL patients with FCM. Compliance for the MRD analysis by PCR was not clear. The PCR coordinators were informed and stimulated to organize a meeting of all Nordic labs performing PCR analyses for NOPHO 2008 protocol. Overview of BCP patients registered at day 29 (20080701-20091020). There were 198 patients registered totally (some non-protocol patients are probably included) in the MRD reg. There were 28 patients with no data registered and 75 patients showed no MRD (<0.01%). Two patients had no informative markers and 94 had detectable MRD. There were 15 patients with >5%, 34 with MRD 0.1–4.99%, and 44 patients below 0.1% MRD cells.An evaluation of the standardised panel (combinations) was also done at the time-point day 29. Within the analysis of BCP patients all 3/3 standardized comb were evaluated as informative in 53% of patients. Two combinations out of 3 were evaluated as informative in 31% and 1of 3 in 13% of patients. In 2% patients an extra tailored combination was the only informative one. Two patients (1%) had no informative marker combination.In 31% of the patients an extra combination together with the standardized panel were used. Within the analysis of T-ALL patients, all 3/3 standardized comb were used as informative in 44% of patients. Two combinations out of 3 were used as informative in 22% and 1 of 3 in 12% of patients. In 22% patients an extra tailored combination was the only informative combination. In 12% of the patients an extra combination together with the standardised combinations were used.
An overview of status of all T-ALL patients was also presented. The FCM MRD data were registered in 72% of patients entered into study and the PCR registered MRD was available in 31% at time-point day 29. It is possible that the clinicians received the PCR MRD data for the T-ALL patients in spite of the few PCR registered MRD data on-line according to the clinic reported data.

CHANCE: Low Cost Technologies and Traditional Ingredients for the Production of Affordable, Nutritionally Correct Foods Improving Health in Population Groups at Risk of Poverty. Funded under 7th FWP . Coordinator: prof. Capozzi Francesco, Organisation:ALMA MATER STUDIORUM-UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA; Coordinator of the Project at Vilnius University – Prof. Algis Jonas Abaravičius, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania <http://www.chancefood.eu>. 2011-2013.

According to 2007 Eurostat statistics, there is a robust need to better understanding the nutritional existing barriers to healthy nutrition of 79 million EU-27 citizens at-risk-of-poverty. These European subclusters and ethnic populations have in common low purchasing power, limited education and the highest risk of diet-related diseases due to sub-optimal nutrition. CHANCE project will i) define an innovative strategy based on a socio-economic study of the composition of the most significant EU populations at-risk-of-poverty and ii) verify the relative existing nutritional deficiency via a holistic approach ensured by metabonomics investigations correlating the non-healthy diet to real metabolism alterations. CHANCE intends to adopt a new multidisciplinary approach, leading to nutritional strategies for the prevention of malnutrition in population groups at risk of poverty. CHANCE aims at considering a new health value-added diet as a whole by developing food products which could act in concert. The synergic collaboration of nutritionists, food chemists, economists and technologists allow a robust strategy to by pass all barriers to healthy nutrition by the lab-scale development of affordable but nutritionally-rich food products, new packaging and portioning. The R&D activities planned in the enlarged European Union will facilitate a proactive collaboration among food research centres and food processing and packaging)g SMEs that will be further transferred with the generated foreground. During the processing of food products, nutrient content and stability will be assessed, then the whole technology process will get the influential support of a CEN Workshop Agreement, drafted within CEN (the European Committee for Standardization) in order to help ensuring consumers with a controlled quality. CHANCE nutritional and educational strategies will produce guidelines for European Public Health policy dealing with the prevention of malnutrition in such population groups. The European Food Information Council will ensure that the progress and results from CHANCE will be communicated and disseminated widely.

International Cooperative Project with the Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Sweden. Prophylaxis of Dental Caries using Antisense Oligonucleotides to the Glucosyltransferase Gene Expression. Doc. T. Kačergius, Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, P. Kalesinskas, A. Stiklerytė, Prof. D. Ericson (Sweden). 2011–2013.

The specific aims of this study were to research whether antisense oligonucleotide complimentary to glucosyltransferase (gtf) mRNA reduces the aggregation of Streptococcus mutans bacteria as wells as inhibits the development of its cariogenic biofilm on the plastic and glass surfaces in vitro conditions. Since the gtf is involved in production of glucan from sucrose that serves as a structural matrix for the biofilm, therefore it is important to find out whether the formation of S. mutans biofilm can be suppressed through this antisense mechanism. For the investigation, one of the antisense oligonucleotide sequences complementary to S. mutans gtf mRNA was selected using the bioinformatical methods (BLAST, MAFFT, Primer3, Mfold programs), and then it was synthesized in the unmodified (phosphodiester) and phosphorothioate modified forms at the Metabion International AG (Germany). Further, S. mutans cells (strain UA159) inoculated in the 24-well plates containing medium with or without 1% sucrose were exposed to this antisense oligonucleotide at the final concentration of 10 µM for 24 h under anaerobic conditions (95% N2 and 5% CO2) at 37º C. To improve penetration of the oligonucleotide into the bacterial cells, it was combined with the transfection reagent – TurboFect (Fermentas). The bacterial growth was monitored spectrophotometrically at 630 nm every 3 h during the period of 12 h, and then at the time point of 24 h. The measurement of optical densities (OD) demonstrated higher OD values in S. mutans cells growing with 1% sucrose as compared to the cells without sucrose due to the formation of bacterial aggregates, which was confirmed by Gram staining. Treatment with the phosphorothioate modified antisense oligonucleotide alone or in combination with TurboFect reagent decreased the formation of S. mutans aggregates in the presence of 1% sucrose by 27% as compared to the untreated bacteria at 24 h. In terms of the unmodified antisense oligonucleotide combined with TurboFect reagent, this reductive effect was by 19%. These findings indicate that glucan synthesis was also attenuated. The quantitative measurement of S. mutans biofilm surface’s roughness on glass slides after 24 h of exposure to the phosphorothioate modified antisense oligonucleotide using optical profilometer revealed that the test antisense oligonucleotide in combination with TurboFect reagent significantly reduced the biofilm development as compared to the missense negative control oligonucleotide (p < 0.05). Colorimetric quantification of S. mutans biofilm within the plate wells applying crystal violet assay demonstrated that the test antisense oligonucleotide either alone or combined with TurboFect reagent decreased the development of biofilm by approximately 20-30% in the presence of 1% sucrose versus the untreated bacteria at 24 h. These results point out that the test antisense oligonucleotide complementary to gtf mRNA reduces the bacterial aggregation and S. mutans cariogenic biofilm formation, and thus provides basis for designing the new approach in order to decrease the prevalence of dental caries in society.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

I. Ivaškevičienė, A. Mačionienė, Z. Kučinskienė, V. Usonis. Rotavirusinė infekcija: etiopatogenezė, epidemiologija ir profilaktikos galimybės // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 3, p. 10-18.
J. McMurray, S. Zerah, M. Hallworht, P. Schuff-Werner, A. Haushofen, T. Szekeres, P. Wallemacq, K. Tzatchev, C. Charilaou, J. Racek, A. Johnsen, K. Tomberg, A. Harmoinen, H. Baum, D. Rizos, J. Kappalmeyer, J. O'Mullane, G. Nubile, S. Pupure, Z. Kučinskienė, M. Opp, B. Solnica, H. Reguengo, C. Grigore, J. Spanar, G. Strakl, J. Queralto, H. Wallinder, G. Wieringa. The European Register of specialists in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine: guide to the register, version 3-2010 // Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine. Berlin : Walter De Gruyter & Co. 2010, vol. 48, no 7, 999-1000.

I. Pepalytė, Z. Kučinskienė, K. Grigalionienė, Ž. Petrulionienė, V. Dženkevičiūtė, L. Bagdonaitė, V. Kučinskas. Genetic variants that participate in oxidation processes and/or oxidative stress and are associated with atherosclerosis // European Medical, Health and Pharmaceutical Journal. Praha : BARAR International Communications and Business Institute s.r.o. 2012, vol. 3, p. 13-16.

COOPERATION

Different Institutes, Faculties of Vilnius University (Lithuania)
NOPHO (Nordic Pediatric Hemato-Oncology) group
http://www.nopho.org/welcome/frame.htm
George-August Universiteto Medicinos centras, Gottingene (Germany)
Oslo University Hospital (Norway)
Linkoping University Hospital (Sweden)
Malmö University, Malmö (Sweden)
Statens Serum Institut, National Center for Antimicrobials and Infection Control,
Copenhagen (Denmark)
Tartu University (Estonia)
Vilnius University Institute of Oncology (Lithuania)
Food Institute of Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)
Health Education and Disease Prevention Center under the Ministry of Health (Lithuania)
Research Centre of Innovative Medicine (Lithuania)

CHANCE Project group:
http://www.chancefood.eu
University of Bologna, Alma Mater Studiorum (Italy)
STRAND DOO (Serbia)
Zdravo Organic D.O.O. (Serbia)
Institut za Medicinska Istra Ivanja (Serbia)
Institute for Food Technology of Novi Sad (Serbia)
Proteus Gold KFT (Hungary)
Budapesti Muszakies Gazdasagtudomanyi Egyetem (Hungary)
VALIO OY (Finland)
Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus (Finland)
European Food Information Council AISBL (Belgium)
Comite Europeen De Normalisation (Belgium)
Vilnius University (Lithuania)
JCS LIETPAK (Lithuania)
University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Di Metalloproteine Paramagnetiche (Italy)
University of Leeds (United Kingdom)
Institute of Food Research (UK)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Z. A. Kučinskienė –

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University;
member of the Senate of Vilnius University;
member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
expert of the Committee on Health Affairs of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania;
president of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine, www.laboratorine-medicina.lt;
president of the 11th Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine, May 10–12, 2012 Vilnius, www.balm2012.lt;
vice-President of the Baltic Association of Laboratory Medicine (BALM);
member of the European Medical Research Council (EMRC) Executive Committee;
member of the Standing Committee of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe;
representative to Lithuania to the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and the European Society of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFCC);
member of the Registration Commission of the European Communities; Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4);
member of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC);
member of the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
editor-in-chief of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), www.laboratorine-medicina.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Acta Medica Lituanica, other journals.

Prof. A. Abaravičius –

member of the National Food and Nutrition Scientific Committee at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
member of the National Scientific Committee on Novel Foods at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
member of Scientific Comittee of the 111h Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine, May 10–12, 2010 Vilnius, www.balm2012.lt;

Prof. A. Kaminskas –

secretary and member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine;
Member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine, www.laboratorine-medicina.lt;
executive editor of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), www.mtp.lt;
member of Scientific Comittee of the 11th Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine, May 10–12, 2010 Vilnius, www.balm2012.lt.

Doc. V. Jablonskienė –

editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
scientific secretary of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), www.laboratorine-medicina.lt;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine, www.laboratorine-medicina.lt;
member of Scientific Comittee of the 11th Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine, May 10–12, 2010 Vilnius; www.balm2012.lt.

Doc. L. Bagdonaitė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine, www.laboratorine-medicina.lt;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
member of Scientific Comittee of the 11th Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine, May 10–12, 2010 Vilnius, www.balm2012.lt.

Doc. V. Hendrixson –

vice Dean of the faculty of Medicine for International Relations and Projects;
academic Erasmus Coordinator.

Doc. T. Kačergius –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Medical Microbiologists.

Doc. R. Matuzevičienė –

editorial board member of the journals Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), www.laboratorine-medicina.lt, Gydytojų žinios (Doctors’ News);
member and board member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine, www.laboratorine-medicina.lt;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Haematology;
member of the Lithuaninan Medical Association;
member of the European Society for Clinical Cell Analysis – ESCCA;
member of Scientific Comittee of the 11th Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine, May 10–12, 2010 Vilnius, www.balm2012.lt.

Dr. D. Vitkus –

corresponding member of the Working Groups on ISO/CEN and Accreditation at the European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFFC);
member of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry;
vice-president of the board of Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine, www.laboratorine-medicina.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), www.laboratorine-medicina.lt;
board member of the Baltic Association of Laboratory Medicine;
national representative at the EC4 Registration Commission;
chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 11th Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine, May 10–12, 2012 Vilnius, www.balm2012.lt.

P. Žlabys –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Medical Microbiologists;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt.

A. Kirkliauskienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine, www.laboratorine-medicina.lt;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt.

GASTROENTEROLOGY, NEPHROUROLOGY AND SURGERY CLINIC

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5250, fax 236 5101
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Kęstutis Strupas

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. K. Strupas, Dr. V. Beiša, Habil. Dr. J. Valantinas, Dr. G. Brimas, Dr. F. Jankevičius, Habil. Dr. L. Lunevičius (till September 2012), Habil. Dr. A. Irnius.
Docents: Dr. G. Simutis, Dr. E. Poškus, Dr. A. Šileikis, Dr. P. Žeromskas, Dr. V. Sokolovas, Dr. R. Speičienė, Dr. D. Denapienė, Dr. J. Stanaitis, Dr. A. Stašinskas, Dr. V. Razukas, Dr. L. Andreika, Dr. H. Ramonas, Dr. A. Želvys, Dr. M. Miglinas, Dr. A. Černiauskienė.
Lecturers: Dr. V. Jotautas, L. Šarkinas, L. Rimševičius, T. Poškus.
Research fellows: Dr. V. Liakina, A. Čižauskaitė.
Assistants: S. Tamulis, I. Savlan.
Doctoral students: S. Jurevičius, A. Karpavičius, I. Savlan, N. Skurkienė, J. Stundienė, L. Mašalaitė, L. Supranavičienė, A. Gaižauskas, L. Rimševičius.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Minimally invasive surgery of abdominal organs, development and improvement of new procedures and devices for the performance of minimally invasive procedures, especially of abdominal malignancies;
Research of liver and pancreas transplantation techniques (listing and preparing of patients for liver, pancreas, kidney transplantation);
Research of liver and pancreas transplantation techniques
Risk factors for acquisition of HCV infection
Autoimmune presentation of chronic hepatitis C
Differences in immune response of chronic hepatitis C patients and prognosis of treatment failure
Improvement of diagnostic tools and search for new treatment possibilities of viral hepatitis C and B
Liver histology in grading and staging of chronic liver disease; histochemical tests for improvement of diagnosis of chronic liver damage
Etiopathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis
Portal blood flow for diagnostic of portal hypertension
Pathogenesis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Epidemiology and management of the urinary stone disease
Development and validation of the new molecular markers for urological cancer
Other fields of activity
Urologic oncology
Early detection and new treatment modalities of prostate cancer
Photodetection of early-stage bladder cancer
Medical and minimal invasive therapy of BPH
Risk-adjusted metaphylaxis following urinary stone disease
Kidney transplantation
Urodynamic testing and surgical treatment of female incontinence
Medical therapy of overactive bladder (OVB)
Surgical correction of erectile dysfunction

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Investigation Efficiency of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Visceral Surgery. Prof. K. Strupas. 2008–2012.

Possibilities and results of minimally invasive surgery in patients with morbid obesity, recurrent inguinal hernias, spleen, liver, adrenal gland, thyroid glands, pancreas and colorectal pathology were collected and evaluated. The subclavicular approach technique has been successfully applied for minimally invasive thyroid surgery. The results and description of original technique were analyzed and published in Videosurgery and other miniinvasive techniques (V.Beiša, A.Šileikis, V.Eismontas, K.Strupas. Video-assisted loboisthmectomy by the subclavicular approach. A case report // 2012, vol. 7 (3), ISSN: 1895–4588, p. 206–209.).
The prospective clinical study “BRAFV600E mutation and other molecular markers for diagnosis of thyroid malignancies” was initiated and started.
Co-ordination centres of “Minimally invasive surgery and inovative technologies” and “Endocrine diseases advanced diagnostic and treatment” were established at Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Klinikos.
Results of the research of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Visceral Surgery in 2012 were presented at the 20th Congress of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), 7th Meeting of Baltic Association of Surgeons (BAS).

Investigations, Transplantation Methods and Restorative Surgery. Prof. K. Strupas. 2008–2012.

The successful organ-tissues transplantations-program at Vilnius University Santariškių Klinikos is the best fact to take Vilnius University Hospital as the leader of Transplantation Center in the Baltic States (K.Strupas, V.Sokolovas, J.Jurgaitis, M.Paskonis).
The results of randomized clinical trial “Comparison single layer and two layers anastomosis technique during Frey operation” (S.Jurevicius K.Strupas, A.Sileikis) were presented. Local pancreatic head resection with longitudinal pancreojejunostomy is an established surgical procedure in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. 61 patients underwent randomization. The mean age of the patients was 45.3±8.7 years. Clinical stage of chronic pancreatitis (according 2009 M.W.Buchler et al. clinical classification) in 14 cases was A (23%), stage B – 25 patients (42%), and stage C – 22 patients (36%). Biliary obstruction was present in 14 cases, and 8 patients underwent simultaneous choledochojejunostomy, in 6 cases intrapancreatic choledochopancreatostomy was performed. Thirty patients were allocated to first, “single layer running suture” group, and 31 to the second, “two layers interrupted sutures” group. Both groups were statistically identical according patients’ age, sex, clinical stage of disease, preoperative pain and SF-36 score.
No significant difference in intraoperative blood loss (average 346 vs 215 ml), weight of tissue resected in the head of the pancreas, (average 6.3 vs 6.7 g), and length of the anastomosis (average 11.1 vs 10.3 cm) was found. However, time of sewing of pancreojejunoanastomosis was significantly shorter in “single layer running suture” group (average 19.6 vs 54.8 min, p<0.001), and operation time in “single layer running suture” group was also significantly shorter (average 208 vs 258 min, p<0.001). Furthermore, we found no significant difference in surgical morbidity (4; 13.3% vs 4; 12.9%), anastomotic leakage (1; 3.3% vs 1; 3.2%), need for relaparotomy (2; 6.7% vs 2; 6.5%) and hospital stay (10.1 vs 10.2 days). Performing single layer running suture can reduce Frey operation time, with the equal incidence of postoperative morbidity and anastomotic leakage, in comparison with two layers interrupted sutures technique.
The prospective multicenter study “Value of inflammation markers for early assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis” started in October 2012 (K. Strupas, A. Šileikis, A. Karpavičius). The aim of this study is to identify the significant laboratory markers, which can be used to predict the course, complications and outcomes of acute pancreatitis. The predictive value of adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin, IL-6, trypsinogen 2 will be investigated. The relationship between serum concentration of these markers, clinical course and CT findings of acute pancreatitis patients will be explored. Four hospitals will participate in the study (Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Klinikos, Vilnius Clinical Hospital, Republican Vilnius University Hospital and Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos). All of them will work under one protocol, which is approved by the Lithuanian Bioethics Committee. 100 acute pancreatitis patients will be included in the study.
In collaboration with the Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg (Germany) the experimental studies were continued (K.Strupas, M.Petrulionis) and publications are being prepared (D.Šimčikas, A.Čižauskaitė, M.Ambrazevičius).
Results of the research of investigations, transplantation methods and restorative surgery in 2012 were presented at the 7th Meeting of Baltic Association of Surgeons.

Projects, Programmes, Issues Supported by the Research Council of Lithuania

The project Colorectal Cancer: Study of Mortality, Disability and Quality af Life in Lithuania supported by the Research Council of Lithuania was continued. Two separate studies will compose this project:
Retrospective study of the patients, operated on for colorectal cancer in 2005. Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative factors were evaluated with regards to their impact on survival.
Prospective trial of the patients operated on for colorectal carcinoma in 2012. Quality of life and disability were prospectively registered in these patients, as well as preoperative, perioperative and postoperative factors. We will try to identify the relation between disability, quality of life and those factors. With the results of both studies investigators will try to identify the changes and solutions that should be made to improve outcomes with regards to mortality, disability and quality of life. (K. Strupas, E. Poškus, P. Žeromskas, T. Poškus, S. Mikalauskas).

International Science Programmes and Projects

Projects Supported by COST (European Concerted Research Action designated as COST Action BM1204): An Integrated European Platform for Pancreas Cancer Research: from Basic Science to Clinical and Public Health Interventions for a Rare Disease. A. Šileikis, K. Strupas, E. Zdanytė-Sruogienė, S. Jurevičius, A. Karpavičius, A. Laurinavičius, V. Mikštienė, A. Čižauskaitė. 2012–2016.

The main objective of the Action is to capitalise on emerging scientific and technological developments in the field of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to:
identify new modifiable risk factors, and other environmental, genetic and epigenetic risk factors;
dissect the molecular complexity through omics technology and identify clinically relevant disease subphenotypes;
identify reliable predictive biomarkers of early-stage as well as novel molecular targets for tailored therapies;
identify reliable genetic, epigenetic and tumour-related factors associated with the prognosis; and
assess the potential implementation of the findings into public health and clinical settings.

Pathogenetic Relationships of Chronic Liver Disease with Disorders of Other Abdominal Organs, Improvement of Therapeutic and Surgical Treatment. Prof. J. Valantinas 2008–2016.

This year research activity was concentrated on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with chronic liver diseases.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease; there is growing evidence that it is a hepatic manifestation of a metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic risk factors among patients with NAFLD.
Outpatients with NAFLD were recruited into the study. Family physicians recorded patients’ demographic and anthropometric data, leisure-time physical activity, concomitant diseases, and pharmacological treatment for NAFLD into standardized Case Report Forms. In total, data on 798 patients were analyzed. Metabolic risk factors (obesity, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia) were highly prevalent in the study patients, and these factors were more prevalent among women. There were no differences in the mean Body Mass Index (BMI), in the proportion of men or women with BMI >30 kg/m(2) or central obesity in the 2 age groups (<60 years and >60 years). Hypertension and diabetes were more prevalent among older men and women. Dyslipidemia was more common among older women. The level of leisure-time physical activity was lower in women and in older patients. The most frequently prescribed pharmacological agents were cytoprotective agents, lipid-lowering drugs, and antioxidants. We concluded that metabolic risk factors were highly prevalent among patients with NAFLD. Obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were more prevalent among women. The differences in the prevalence of hypertension seemed to be influenced by older age of women. Data were published in the Medical Science Monitor (2012).
A prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy among cirrhotic patients was further evaluated using PSE tests battery. The preliminary results were submitted for publication in the Acta Medica Lithuanica (2012).

International Science Programmes and Projects

Family Studies in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. Prof. J. Valantinas, Prof. J. Heathcote (Toronto Western Hospital). 2008–2015.

For further characterization of the genetic basis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), more than 2000 patients and about 6000 unaffected controls from three independent cohorts were analyzed using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array (Immunochip) enriched for autoimmune disease risk loci. Meta-analysis of the genotype data sets identified a novel disease-associated locus near the TNFSF11 gene at 13q14, provided evidence for association at six additional immune-related loci not previously implicated in PBC and confirmed associations at 19 of 22 established risk loci. Results of conditional analyses also provided evidence for multiple independent association signals at four risk loci, with haplotype analyses suggesting independent SNP effects at the 2q32 and 16p13 loci, but complex haplotype driven effects at the 3q25 and 6p21 loci. By imputing classical HLA alleles from this data set, four class II alleles independently contributing to the association signal from this region were identified. Imputation of genotypes at the non-HLA loci also provided additional associations, but none with stronger effects than the genotyped variants. An epistatic interaction between the IL12RB2 risk locus at 1p31and the IRF5 risk locus at 7q32 was also identified and suggests a complementary effect of these loci in predisposing to disease. These data expand the repertoire of genes with potential roles in PBC pathogenesis that need to be explored by follow-up biological studies. Also all PBC cases and healthy controls were genotyped for 84 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the CLEC16A-SOCS1 and SPIB loci. All 10 exons of the SIAE gene were resequenced in 381 cases and point substitutions of unknown significance assayed for activity and secretion. Fine mapping identified 26 SNPs across the CLEC16A-SOCS1 and 11 SNPs across the SPIB locus with significant association to PBC, the strongest signals at the CLEC16A-SOCS1 locus emanating from a SOCS1 intergenic SNP (rs243325; P=9.91 × 10(-9)) and at the SPIB locus from a SPIB intronic SNP (rs34944112; P=3.65 × 10(-9)). Among the associated SNPs at the CLEC16A-SOCS1 locus, two within the CLEC16A gene as well as one SOCS1 SNP (rs243325) remained significant after conditional logistic regression and contributed independently to risk. Sequencing of the SIAE gene and functional assays of newly identified variants revealed six patients with functional non-synonymous SIAE mutations. We demonstrate independent effects on risk of PBC for CLEC16A, SOCS1 and SPIB variants, while identifying functionally defective SIAE variants as potential factors in risk for PBC. Data were published in the Genes and Immunity (2012) and teh Human Molecular Genetic (2012), presented at the 47th Annual Meeting of the European-Association-for-the-Study-of-the-Liver (EASL), Barcelona, SPAIN, APR 18–22, 2012.

Surgical Diseases and Injuries of Abdomen: Evaluation of Management. Prof. G. Brimas. 2008–2017.

The Epidemiology of Injury in the Republic of Lithuania:
The overall goal of this paper is to highlight the epidemiology of injury in Lithuania between 1998 and 2006. Such a situation analysis will inform the important dialogue happening in Lithuania with respect to renewal of the trauma programme and help to profile the burden of injury in the country. Review of the literature, and secondary analysis of data from the Lithuanian Health Information Center and the European Detailed Mortality database. Sixteen articles were identified as population-based studies; only incidence of burn injuries was reported as 240 per 100,000 per year. According to our analysis, the overall incidence of injury increased from 76 cases per 1,000 individuals in 1998 to 121 cases per 1,000 individuals in 2006. The total number of deaths from external causes remained similar with an average of 5,301 per year, as did the age-standardized mortality rates of 152 in 1998 and 150 per 100,000 in 2006. The mortality rate in men was four times higher than in women. Suicide was the most frequent cause of death (34% in 2006); while road traffic injuries were the second most frequent accounting for 17-19% of deaths. There were 429 deaths due to exposure to natural cold in 2006, which constituted 8% of all deaths due to injury. It was concluded that injury incidence and mortality from external causes in Lithuania has not declined over an eight year time frame. New efforts should be launched in the health sector to address this major cause of deaths.

Injury as a Principal Lithuanian Public Health Problem and Its Modus of Solution:
Injury is the 3rd leading cause of mortality in the Lithuania, preceded by cardiovascular and oncological diseases. However, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost in standard 100 000 population per year show that injury is a key public health problem in Lithuania. Neuropsychiatric disorders emerge as a second major public health problem. Trauma system, trauma centres, and education trauma care related programs are integer factors which significantly could influence reduction of trauma related consequences. Centralized (inclusive) trauma system is most effective.

Bowel Obstruction Caused by Biliary Stones:
Bowel obstruction caused by biliary stones was evaluated. There were 10 cases of acute bowel obstruction caused by biliary stones in 1991–2009 (9 females and 1 male). A retrospective study was performed on the basis of medical documentation. Only in two cases cholelithiasis was diagnosed but not referred as a cause of bowel obstruction before operation. The patients were operated on in all cases. The bigger stones (4×5 cm) were found in the jejunum, 2.5 × 4 cm in the ileum or the ileocecal valve. The stones were pushed forward to the cecum only in two cases. Enterotomy with stone extraction was necessary in four cases. Two patients died because of hepatorenal insuffitiency and Mendelson’s syndrome. There were cases of wound infection among the survivors. Enterolithotomy alone should be done in cases of bowel obstruction caused by biliary stones.

The European Hernia Society (EHS) Abdominal Hernia Classification:
A number of abdominal wall hernia classifications are used in surgical practice in Lithuania. However, there is a lack of one simple, practical, informative, well memorizable, unified and integrated classification intended for all the surgical society. The purpose of this article was to review the abdominal wall hernia classifications commonly used in Lithuania and to present the new abdominal hernia classification proposed by the European Hernia Society.

Colorectal Foreign Bodies:
Rectal foreign bodies are not an uncommon presentation in the emergency department. The variety of foreign bodies inserted to the distal colon is enormous and ingenious methods have been described for the extraction of these foreign bodies. The aim was to present a rare case of colorectal foreign body removal and to review current literature in this area. We present a case of a 29-year old male patient with a difficult colorectal foreign body of moisture-cure semirigid polyurethane foam insulation which expands roughly two times in size during curing. When manual transanal extraction in the emergency department failed, the patient was admitted directly to the operating room for retrieval of the foreign body under general anesthesia. A laparotomy was conducted and the foreign body was successfuly removed transanally from the colorectal region without a colotomy. The patient was discharged within 6 days of the operation. A current literature review is presented and a management strategy suggested.
Results of the research were published in the national andf international journals.

International Science Programmes and Projects

The Role of Biochemical and Molecular Markers in Early Dzagnosis and Prognosis of Prostate Cancer. Prof. F. Jankevičius. 2011–2016.

In 2012 the impact of PSA based “Early Prostate Cancer Detection Programme” on the incidence of prostate cancer in Lithuania has been evaluated. There were two publications in the national medical journals. In regard to molecular markers, in 2011 the expression of different epigenetic and genetic biomarkers in prostate cancer tissue and urine of 200 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy has been investigated. The expression of biomarkers was correlated with biochemical recurrence after operation. Two publications have been prepared: one in national medical journal, another in international: Genes Molekules and Cancer (has been submited). The role of molecular markers in prognosisi of prostate cance wil be further investigated. The aim of scientific reserch in 2012 – to identify molecular signature of clinically insignificant prostate cancer.

Metabolic Syndrome Association with Urinary Tract Pathogenesis. Prof. F. Jankevičius. 2011-2016.

In 2012 infrared spectroscopic differences between kidney cancer and normal renal parenchyma have been investigated in nephrectomy specimen of renal cancer patients. Two publications in the international journals. Also the spectroscopic evaluation of the stone composition from the the urine of the patients with nephlithiasis was further investigated.
In 2012 the elaboration of the intraoperative spectroscopic evaluation of the tissue from the renal smear has been planned.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

A. Černiauskienė. Moterų šlapimo nelaikymo operacinis gydymas implantuojant pošlaplinius raiščius užgaktiniu būdu ir per užtvarinę angą. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. 46 p.

L. Andreika. Obstrukcinė uropatija : metodinė priemonė medicinos studentams ir bendrosios praktikos gydytojams. Vilnius : Vilniaus universitetas, 2012. 32 p.

V. Beiša. Pirminio hiperparatiroidizmo diagnostika ir chirurginis gydymas : metodinė mokomoji knyga. Vilnius : Inforastras, 2008. 46 p. :.

Articles

S. Beržanskytė, T. Strainys, L. Rimševičius, M. Miglinas. Ankstyvų arterioveninių jungčių trombozių išsivystymo hemodializuojamiems pacientams rizikos veiksnių nustatymas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 529-533.

E. Ašakienė, R. Dubovskaja, M. Miglinas. Antikūnų sukeltas atmetimas pacientams po inkstų transplantacijos // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 597-604.

M. Miglinas, V. Miglinė, I. Nevulienė. Druska, kraujo spaudimas ir sveikata // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 571-581.

V. Miglinė, M. Miglinas. Fiziniai pratimai dializuojamiems ir sergantiems lėtiniu inkstų nepakankamumu pacientams // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 582-587.

L. Rimševičius, J. Tracevičiūtė, L. Ryliškytė, J. Badarienė, A. Čypienė, Ž. Petrulionienė, V. Kasiulevičius, M. Miglinas, A. Laucevičius. Galutinių glikozilinimo produktų kaupimosi sąsajos su ankstyvu inkstų pažeidimu organizme ligonių, sergančių metaboliniu sindromu // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 588-591.

S. Anisko, M. Miglinas. Inkstų amiloidozė, nepatikslintas tipas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 610-613.

T. Strainys, S. Beržanskytė, L. Rimševičius, M. Miglinas. Kateterinio sepsio sukėlėjų ir rizikos veiksnių hemodializuotiems pacientams nustatymas ir įvertinimas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 534-538.

M. Miglinas, T. Rainienė, B. Dainys. Kidney transplantation in Lithuania: more than 40 years of experience // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 592-596.

J. Vilčiauskaitė, L. Rimševičius, I. Naruševičiūtė, A. Ožalinskaitė, M. Miglinas. Kontrastinės nefropatijos po skubios koronarografijos dažnis ir rizikos veiksniai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 539-544.

A. Stašinskas, J. Stanaitis. Laparoscopic restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure // Lietuvos chirurgija. Vilnius : Lietuvos chirurgų asociacija. 2012, t. 10, nr. 1-2, p. 21-24.

D. Speičienė, D. Stanislovaitytė, J. Valantinas. Lėtinis virusinis hepatitas B: klinikos ir gydymo ypatumai (25 metų patirtis) // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 3, p. 284-293.

E. Audronytė, D. Aksionova, I. Savlan, A. Buivydienė, D. Vitkus, V. Liakina. Lėtiniu vurusiniu C hepatitu sergančių ligonių neinvazinis kepenų fibrozės vertinimas // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 1, p. 3-7.

P. Žeromskas, V. Markauskaitė, R. Bunevičiūtė, I. Stundienė, V. Jotautas, E. Poškus, S. Mikalauskas, K. Strupas. Lėto pasažo vidurių užkietėjimo operacinio gydymo rezultatai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 631-635.

M. Miglinas, E. Brazdžiūtė. Nesuderinamos kraujo grupės inksto transplantacija - pasiekimai ir iššūkiai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 564-570.

V. Bilius, O. Kutanovaitė, D. Dasevičius, A. Puzinas, A. Jankauskienė, G. Verkauskas. Nevaisingumo rodikliai skirtingo amžiaus berniukų nenusileidusių sėklidžių biopsijose // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 6, p. 77-80.

E. Saukaitytė, L. Rimševičius, M. Miglinas. Odos pažeidimai po inksto transplantacijos (literatūros apžvalga) // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 522-528.

G. Smailytė, R. Adomaitis, K. Ulinskas, B. Aleknavičienė. Prostate cancer patient's survival in Lithuania // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 4, p. 439-444.

L. Mašalaitytė, J. Valantinas, J. Stanaitis. Recurrence of esophageal varices after endoscopic band ligation : single centre experience // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 2, p. 59-66.

M. Miglinas, L. Kilaitė, D. Lukaševič. Rezistensiška gydymui hipertenzija: demografiniai duomenys, klinikinė charakteristika ir gydymo ypatumai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 550-555.

L. Rimševičius, A. Chalkovskaja, I. Rudminienė, S. Anisko, K. Mateikaitė, K. Skebas, A. Laučytė, A. Stanevičienė, T. Rainienė, V. Razukas, M. Miglinas. Risk factors for urinary tract infection in early period after renal transplantation and its impact on long-term graft and patient survival // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 545-549.

L. Geimanaitė, K. Trainavičius, A. Čekuolis. Sėkmingas kiaušidės išsaugojimas po ilgai užsitęsusio jos užsisukimo // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 3, p. 314-316.

J. Jurgaitis, S. Sologubovas, V. Asejev, M. Paškonis, V. Lipnickas, A. Dukštaitė, D. Rutkauskaitė, K. Strupas. Suaugusiųjų žarnos invaginacija: klinikinio atvejo pristatymas ir literatūros apžvalga // Lietuvos chirurgija. Vilnius : Lietuvos chirurgų asociacija. 2012, t. 10, nr. 1-2, p. 53-59.

D. Kubilūtė, L. Rimševičius, L. Ryliškytė, K. Galiauskienė, I. Gvozdovičienė, M. Miglinas. Suvartojamo druskos kiekio įtaka arterijų standumui // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 558-563.

K. Skebas, K. Vrotniakaitė, R. Jacevičiūtė, V. Razukas, M. Miglinas. Ūminis inkstų nepakankamumas universitetinėje ligoninėje: rezultatai remiantis RIFLE kriterijais // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 556-557.

L. Geimanaitė, K. Trainavičius. Vaikų kiaušidžių užsisukimas: atokieji gydymo rezultatai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 3, p. 317-320.

R. Meškienė, L. Viniarskaitė, V. Ginevičienė, A. Irnius, V. Kučinskas. Žmogaus skonio suvokimas ir jį lemiantys genai: literatūros apžvalga // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, Nr 4, p. 207-212.

M. Miglinas, E. Grubinskaitė, S. Beitnaraitė, D. Aleknienė, A. Laurinavičius. 1998-2008 metų imunoglobulino A nefropatijos klinikinių formų paplitimo Lietuvoje retrospektyvi analizė // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2010, t. 16, nr. 3, p. 246-252.

V. Liakina, J. Valantinas. Anti-HCV prevalence in the general population of Lithuania // Medical science monitor. Warsaw : Medical Science International Sp. z o.o. 2012, vol. 18, no. 3, p. PH28-35.

R. Lunevičius, M. Rahman. Assessment of Lithuanian trauma care service using a conceptual framework for assessing the performance of health system // European journal of public health. Oxford : Oxford University Press. 2012, vol. 22, iss. 1, p. 26-31.

G. Hirschfield, G. Xie, E. Lu, Y. Sun, B. Juran, V. Chellappa, C. Coltesu, A. Mason, P. Milkiewicz, R. Myers, J. Odin, V. Luketic, B. Bacon, H. Bodenheimer, V. Liakina, C. Vincent, C. Levy, S. Pillai, K. Lazaridis, C. Amos, K. Siminovitch. Association of primary biliary cirrhosis with variants in the CLEC16A, SOCS1, SPIB and SIAE immunomodulatory genes // Genes and immunity. London : Nature Publishing Group. 2012, vol. no, p.

H. Parving, B. Brenner, J. McMurray, Z. de, S. Haffner, S. Solomon, N. Chaturvedi, F. Persson, A. Desai, M. Nicolaides, A. Richard, Z. Xiang, P. Brunel, M. Pfeffer, M. Miglinas. Cardiorenal end points in a trial of aliskiren for type 2 diabetes / Hans-Henrik Parving, Barry M. Brenner, John J.V. McMurray, Dick de Zeeuw, , Ph.D., Steven M. Haffner, Scott D. Solomon, Nish Chaturvedi, Frederik Persson, Akshay S. Desai, Maria Nicolaides, Alexia Richard, Zhihua Xiang, Patrick Brunel, Marc A. Pfeffer for the ALTITUDE investigators [from Lithuania M. Miglinas] // The New England journal of medicine. Boston : Massachusetts Medical Society. 2012, vol. 367, no. 23, p. 2204-2213.

R. Sabaliauskaitė, S. Jarmalaitė, D. Petroška, D. Dasevičius, A. Laurinavičius, F. Jankevičius, J. Lazutka. Combined analysis of TMPRSS2-ERG and TERT for improved prognosis of biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer // Genes, Chromosomes & Cancer. Hoboken : John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2012, Vol. 51, iss. 8, p. 781-791.

R. Cortese, A. Kwan, E. Lalonde, O. Bryzgunova, A. Bondar, Y. Wu, J. Gordevičius, M. Park, G. Oh, Z. Kaminsky, J. Tverkuvienė, A. Laurinavičius, F. Jankevičius, D. Sendorek, S. Haider, S. Wang, S. Jarmalaitė, P. Laktionov, P. Boutros, A. Petronis. Epigenetic markers of prostate cancer in plasma circulating DNA // Human molecular genetics. Oxford : Oxford university press. 2012, vol, p.

M. Manns, H. Wedemeyer, A. Singer, N. Khomutjanskaja, H. Dienes, T. Roskams, R. Goldin, U. Hehnke, H. Inoue, J. Kondrackienė, V. Petrenkienė, A. Ambrozaitis, L. Balčiūnienė, G. Denapienė, A. Irnius, D. Speičienė, B. Titova, A. Voinič. Glycyrrhizin in patients who failed previous interferon alpha-based therapies: biochemical and histological effects after 52 weeks / M. P. Manns, H. Wedemeyer, A. Singer, N. Khomutjanskaja, H. P. Dienes, T. Roskams, R. Goldin, U. Hehnke, H. Inoue and the European SNMC Study Group [Participating investigators in Lithuania : J. Kondrackienė, V. Petrenkienė, A. Ambrozaitis, L. Balčiūnienė, G. Denapienė, A. Irnius, D. Speičienė, B. Titova, A. Voinič] // Journal of Viral Hepatitis. Oxford : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2012, Vol. 19, iss. 8, p. 537-546. (tyrėjai).

B. Juran, G. Hirschfield, P. Invernizzi, E. Atkinson, Y. Li, G. Xie, R. Kosoy, M. Ransom, Y. Sun, I. Bianchi, E. Schlicht, A. Lleo, C. Coltesu, F. Bernuzzi, A. Podda, C. Lammert, R. Shigeta, L. Chan, T. Balshun, M. Marconi, D. Cusi, E. Heathcote, A. Mason, R. Myers, P. Milkiewicz, J. Odin, V. Luketic, B. Bacon, H. Bodenheimer, V. Liakina, C. Vincent, C. Levy, A. Franke, P. Gregersen, F. Bossa, M. Gershwin, A. de, C. Amos, K. Lazaridis, M. Seldin, K. Siminovitch. Immunochip analyses identify a novel risk locus for primary biliary cirrhosis at 13q14, multiple independent associations at four established risk loci and epistasis between 1p31 and 7q32 risk variants // Human molecular genetics. Oxford : Oxford University Press. 2012, Vol. 21, no. 23, p. 5209-5221.

N. Samalavičius, D. Kazanavičius, R. Lunevičius, T. Poškus, J. Valantinas, J. Stanaitis, A. Grigaliūnas, A. Gradauskas, D. Venskutonis, R. Samuolis, P. Šniuolis, M. Gajauskas, N. Kaselis, R. Leipus, G. Radžiūnas. Incidence, risk, management, and outcomes of iatrogenic full-thickness large bowel injury associated with 56,882 colonoscopies in 14 Lithuanian hospitals // Surgical endoscopy. New York : Springer. 2013, vol. 27 no. 5, p. 1628-1635.

V. Beiša, A. Beiša, R. Uselis, K. Strupas. Parathyromatosis after parathyroidectomy because of primary hyperparathyroidism : a case report // Central European Journal of Medicine. Warsaw : Versita. 2012, vol. 7, no. 3, p. 371-375.

J. Stanaitis, R. Vaicekauskas, V. Lipnickas, J. Valantinas, K. Strupas. Significance of interdisciplinary cooperation in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal mucosal and submucosal lesions: a single centre experience // Viszeralmedizin. Basel : Karger. 2012, vol. 28, no. 6, p. 425-430.

V. Beiša, M. Kryžauskas, G. Simutis, A. Šileikis, K. Strupas. Surgical treatment options for aldosteronomas // Wideochirurgia i Inne Techniki Malo Inwazyjne = Videosurgery and other miniinvasive techniques. Poznan : Termedia Publishing House Ltd. 2012, Vol. 7, no. 4, p. 260-267.

J. Valantinas, D. Apanavičienė, L. Marozienė, A. Sveikata. The prevalence of metabolic risk factors among outpatients with diagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Lithuania // Medical science monitor. Warsaw : Medical Science International Sp. z o.o. 2012, vol. 18, no. 5, p.

V. Jotautas, D. Rutkauskaitė, K. Strupas. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery - a new method in the treatment of complicated large gastric heterotopy in the rectum // International journal of colorectal disease. Heidelberg : Springer. 2012, vol. 27, no 11, p. 1539-1540.

A. Karpavičius, Ž. Dambrauskas, A. Šileikis, D. Vitkus, K. Strupas. Value of adipokines in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis: Comprehensive review // World journal of gastroenterology. Beijing : Beijing Baishideng BioMed Scientific Co. Ltd. 2012, Vol. 18, iss. 45, p. 6620-6627.

V. Beiša, A. Šileikis, V. Eismontas, K. Strupas. Video-assisted loboisthmectomy by the subclavicular approach: a case report // Videosurgery and other miniinvasive techniques. Poznan : Termedia Publishing House Ltd. 2012, Vol. 7, no. 3, p. 206-209.

A. Gradauskas, J. Činčikas, R. Daunoravičius, U. Mickys, G. Mazarevičius, I. Šataitė, V. Jotautas, D. Rutkauskaitė, K. Strupas. Ectopic decidua presenting with a Sigmoid Bowel perforation: a case report // Journal of clinical case reports. Los Angeles : Omics Publishing Group. 2012, vol. 2, no 11, art no 1000168 [p. 1-3].

COOPERATION

University Clinicum Charite, Medical Faculty of Humboldt University, Berlin (Germany)
University of Heidelberg (Germany)
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munchen (Germany)
Minimally Invasive Surgery Society of Germany (Germany)
University of Minnesota (USA)
University of Warsaw (Poland)
Lithuanian University of Health Science (Lithuania)
University of Latvia (Latvia)
Christian Albrechts University (Germany)
Toronto Western Hospitas (Toronto, Canada)
The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Baltimore (USA)
R. Adams Cowley Schock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (USA)
Urology Clinic of Heinrich-Heine Duesseldorf University (Germany)
Urology Clinic of Eppendorf Hamburg University (Germany)
M.D. Andersen Cancer Centre of Texas University, Huston (USA)
Heidelberg University, Heilderberg (Germany)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. K. Strupas –

president of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology Society;
board member of the European Academy of Surgical Scienses (EAcSS);
member of International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association;
member of the Scientific Committee of Vilnius University;
board member of the Association of Lithuanian Surgeons;
member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES);
editorial board member of the international journal Viszeralmedizin, (http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=JournalHome&ProduktNr=223970);
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), http://www.mtp.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery), http://www.chirurgija.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Lithuania, ISI), http://medicina.kmu.lt.

Prof. V. Beiša –

chairman of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
member of the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES);
member of the International Society of Surgery (ISS).

Prof. G. Brimas –

president of the Association of Lithuanian Surgeons;
chairman of the Lithuanian Bariatric Surgery Society;
board member of the Baltic Surgeons Association;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery), (http://www.chirurgija.lt);
editorial board member of the journal Videosurgery and other miniinvasive techniques, (http://www.termedia.pl/Journal/-42).

Doc. G. Simutis –

chairman of the Lithuanian Minimally Invasive Surgery Society;
member of the Association of Lithuanian Surgeons;
member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES).

Doc. E. Poškus –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Coloproctologists;
board member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology society;
member of the Lithuanian Minimally Invasive Surgery Society;
member of the European Society of Coloproctology;
member of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons;
member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES).

Doc. A. Šileikis –

secretary of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
member of the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association (IHPB);
member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO);
member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology Sciety.

Doc. P. Žeromskas –

board member of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Coloproctologists;
member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology Society;
member of the European Society of Coloproctology.

Doc. V. Sokolovas –

member of the Lithuanian Minimally Invasive Surgery Society;
member of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology Society;
member of the Lithuanian Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Society;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.

Dr. V. Jotautas –

board member of the Lithuanian Minimally Invasive Surgery Society;
member of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Coloproctologists.

Prof. J. Valantinas –

editor of journal Internistas (Internist), http://www.idejugrupe.lt/?internistas;
member of editorial board World Journal of Gastroenterology, www.wjgnet.com;
member of the editorial board of Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), www.mtp.1;
member of the World Organization of Gastroenterology, www.worldgastroenterology.org;
member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver, www.easl.eu.

Prof. A. Irnius –

member of the editorial board of World Journal of Gastroenterology, www.wjgnet.com;
member of the editorial board of Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), www.mtp.1;
member of the World Organization of Gastroenterology, www.worldgastroenterology.org;
member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver, www.easl.eu.

Doc. D. Speičienė –

member of the World Organization of Gastroenterology, www.worldgastroenterology.org;
member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver, www.easl.eu.

Doc. G. Denapienė –

member of the World Organization of Gastroenterology, www.worldgastroenterology.org.

V. Liakina –

member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver, www.easl.eu.

E. Gavelienė –

member of the European Association of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition, www.espen.org.

Doc. J. Stanaitis -

member of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
member of the Lithuanian Minimally Invasive Surgery Society;
member of the Lithuanian Scientific Surgery Society;
member of the Baltic Association of Surgical Societies;
member of the European Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery;
member of the International College of Surgeons (Lithuanian branch ICS);

Prof. R. Lunevičius -

member of the Vilnius Surgeons’ Society, German - Baltic Doctors’ SoCiety;
member of the Lithuanian Minimally Invasive Surgery Society;
member of the European Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery;
member of the Baltic Association of Surgeons;
member of the Lithuanian Association of Gastroenterologists;
member of the European Digestive Surgery;
member of the Lithuanian Association of Surgeons;
member of the National Association Helping the Suffered in Road Victims, Lithuania;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Coloproctologists;
member of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI): since 2010;
member of the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society (since 2010).

Doc. H. Ramonas –

member of the Lithuanian Urology Society (LUD);
member of the European Association of Urology (EAU);
member of the Lithuanian Society for Sexual Medicine (LSSM).

Doc. L. Andreika –

member of the Lithuanian Urology Society (LUD);
member of the Lithuanian Medical Society.

Doc. A. Želvys –

member of the Lithuanian Urology Society (LUD);
member of the European Association of Urology (EAU);
member of European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT);
member of the Lithuanian Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation Association (LNDTA);
member of the Lithuanian Society for Sexual Medicine (LSSM).

A. Černiauskienė –

member of the Lithuanian Urology Society (LUD);
member of the Lithuanian Society for Sexual Medicine (LSSM);
member of the Minimal Invasive Surgery Society;
consultant of PI Inkoncentras.

Dr. M. Miglinas –

member of the European Dialysis Transplanatation Association – European Renal Association (EDTA-ERA);
member of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH);
member of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN);
member of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH);
vise-president of the Lithuanian Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation Association (LNDTA);
vise-president of the Lithuanian Hypertension Society.

L. Rimševičius –

member of the European Dialysis Transplanatation Association – European Renal Association (EDTA-ERA);
member of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN);
member of Lithuanian Nephrology, Dalysis and Transplantation Association (LNDTA).

CLINIC OF INFECTIOUS, CHEST DISEASES, DERMATOVENEREOLOGY AND ALLERGOLOGY

Centre of Infectious Diseases
1 Birutės, LT-08117 Vilnius
Tel. 272 4657; fax 275 8885
E-mails: ; ;

Head of the Centre – Prof. Habil. Dr. Arvydas Ambrozaitis

Centre of Pulmonology and Allergology
2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 250 1871
E-mails: ;
Head of the Centre – Prof. Dr. Edvardas Danila

Centre of Thoracic Surgery
3 Žygimantų, LT–01102 Vilnius
Tel. 261 1636, fax 261 1636
E-mails: ; ; ;
Head of the Centre – Prof. Habil. Dr. Ričardas Janilionis

Centre of Dermatovenereology
2 J. Kairiūkščio, LT-08411 Vilnius
Tel. 272 0385, fax 272 0256
E-mails: ,
Head of the Centre – Doc. Dr. Matilda Bylaitė

Head of the Clinic – Prof. Habil. Dr. Arvydas Ambrozaitis

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. A. Ambrozaitis, Habil. Dr. R. Janilionis, Habil. Dr. R. Dubakienė, Dr. E.Danila, Dr. K. Žagminas (part-time).
Docents: Dr. M. Bylaitė, Dr. I. Marčiukaitienė, Dr. L. Jančorienė, Dr. R. Matulionytė, Dr. A. Blažienė, Dr.R.Zablockis, Dr. V. Gruslys, Dr. R. V. Nargėla.
Lecturers: Dr. D. Radzišauskienė (part-time), Dr. J. Grigaitienė (part-time), R. Gancevičienė (part-time), A. Marcinkutė (part-time).
Assistants: B. Zablockienė, E. Aukštuolienė (part-time), I. Balčiūnienė (part-time), I. Buckutė-Butkevičiūtė (part-time), Ž. Jagelavičius.
Research fellow: A. Stiklerytė.
Doctoral students: I. Balčiūnienė, E. Aukštuolienė, J. Garbaravičienė, P. Kalesinskas, R. Jurčiukonytė, Ž. Jagelavičius, V. Šileikienė,R. Aleksonienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment of diseases: fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies
Epidemiology, diagnostics, treatment and prevention of chronic hepatitis B, C and HIV infection
Safety and efficacy of directly acting antivirals in combination with pegylated alpha interferon and ribavirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Safety and efficacy of new vaccines for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases
Study of psoriasis pathogenesis
Prophylaxis of dental caries
Evaluation of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive methods in pulmonology and allergology and their application in clinical practice:
diagnosis and management of intersticial lung diseases;
diagnosis and management of COPD and bronchial asthma;
sensitivity to various kinds of desinfectants among the medical staff;
development of new technologies, methods of early lung cancer detection and treatment
interventions;
improvement of the quality of life of lung cancer patients;
pleural disease, diagnostic procedures, pleural biopsy;
reconstructive tracheobronchial surgery;
treatment of the patients with chest trauma and sequelae;
surgical management of the patients with lung carcinoma and with surgical pathology of
the mediastinum;
conservative (bougienage, dilation, stenting) and surgical management of patients with
tumorous and benign esophageal stenosis;
surgical management of COPD and patients with nonspecific pleuropulmonary
suppurations;
minimaly invasive treatment of the patients with pulmonary suppurations;
Study of psoriasis pathogenesis

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Acute and Chronic Viral Hepatitis and HIV Infection: Epidemiology, Diagnostics, and Treatment. Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, Prof. K. Žagminas, Doc. L. Jančorienė, Doc. R. Matulionytė, A. Stiklerytė. 2009–2013.

The aim of the project is to evaluate the epidemiological patterns of viral hepatitis A, B and C, effectiveness of antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis C and B; to determine pulmonary pathology in HIV infection, its clinical and treatment features.
Chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C treatment with pegylated interferon, ribavirin and protease inhibitor telaprevir combination: efficacy in naïve and experienced patient. Doc. L.Jančorienė, Prof. A. Ambrozaitis.
The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral treatment with new combination of pegylated interferon, ribavirin and telaprevir for naïve and experienced patients. According to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, from August 2011 till October 2012 fifty one patient with chronic hepatitis C was involved into the Named Patient Program for the treatment with combination of three antiviral drugs: 14 patients were naïve chronic hepatitis C patients, 37 were treatment-experienced chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis or liver cirrhosis. Treatment efficacy results are analyzed by the different time points, but at present data on the rate of sustained viral response (SVR) are not available, as follow-up after the discontinuation of the treatment takes 24 weeks. Study is in progress.
Prevalence of viral hepatitis A, B, and C serological markers in non-remunerated blood donors’ population in Lithuania. Prof. A.Ambrozaitis, Prof. K.Žagminas, A. Stiklerytė.
Until now, viral hepatitis remains an important public health problem worldwide, in the European Union, and in Lithuania. The last study of population serological markers of viral hepatitis prevalence was conducted more than 8–10 years ago. In 2010 the study was designed to estimate prevalence of serological markers of viral hepatitis in first-time nonremunerated blood donors in Lithuania. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study is to estimate prevalence of anti-HAV, HBsAg, HBV-NAT, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, HCV-NAT among first-time non-remunerated blood donors in Lithuania. The secondary objectives will be to assess the prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HAV in different subpopulations of first-time non-remunerated blood donors defined by place (blood donors of Vilnius, Klaipėda and Panevėžys districts) gender, age, and social groups. Other secondary objectives will include assessment of prevalence of HCV genotypes. All study participants (6300) will have to complete two questionnaires. In 2011–2012, 200 first-time non-remunerated blood donors were tested for VH serologic markers. Total of 27 (13.5%) were positive for anti-HAV, 1 (0.5%) – for HBsAg, 1 (0.5%) – for HBV-NAT, 5 (2.5%) - for anti-HBc, 110 (55%) – for anti-HBs, 5 (2.5%) – for anti-HCV, 4 (2%) – for HCV-NAT. All 200 sera samples tested for anti-HEV were negative. The study is in progress.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Lung Diseases. Prof. E. Danyla, Doc. R. V. Nargėla, Doc. A. Blažienė, Doc. R. Zablockis, V. Šileikienė, R. Aleksonienė. 2012.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the significance of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) examination in sarcoid patients and patients with rare interstitial disorders (eosinophilic pneumonija, hypersensitivity pneumonitis). Clinical symptoms, cell differentials and distribution of lymphocyte subgroups in BALF, chest X-ray, spirometric indices, blood gases in 42 sarcoid patients, 8 patients with organizing pneumonia, 2 patients with eosinophilic pneumonija and 2 patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis were examined in 2012.

Assessment of Pulmonary Function of Patients with Lung Diseases
Comparison of different methods for evaluation of bronchial obstruction. Evaluation of lung ventilation reserve with different methods of lung ventilation reserve evaluation. Evaluation of metabolic changes of patients with COPD. Changes of exercise tolerance of COPD patients after treatment with corticosteroids. Evaluation of respiratory muscle function reduction in patients with COPD. 42 patients were evaluated. Data are in amassment and preliminary analysis.

D –dimer levels in pleural fluid
A total of 103 patients with pleural effusion were included in the study. The aetiology was cancer in 61, parapneumonic effusion in 10, tuberculosis in 4, congestive heart failure in 8, pulmmonary embolism in 4, uremia in 4, nephrotic syndrome in 8, unknow etiology in 4 cases. D-dimer levels were higher in pleural fluid than in plasma. The pleural D-dimer results were found to be positively correlated with pleural etiology of malignancy (p<0.001). Pleural etiology was also correlated with pleural LDH, pleural protein, pleural PH, pleural glucose. In a binary logistic regression, only the pleural D-dimer assay was a significant predictor of the malignant pleural effusion (p=0.005).

Evaluation of hypersensitivity reactions to cytostatics in patients (5-10 patients) with lung cancer
The aim of the study was to evaluate type of adverse reactions to cytostatics in patients with lung cancer. 5 patients from 186 cases have adverse reactions.
We did not find any correlation between adverse reactions and patients’ age, lung cancer stage and histological type. We observed the most adverse reaction in patients treated with toxanes (4/5 patients). The most clinical presentation was rash (4/5), 1 patient had bronchial obstruction.

Strategy and Tactics of the Surgical Management of Patients with Different Thoracic Pathology. Prof. R. Janilionis, V. Gruslys, Ž. Jagelavičius. 2007–2016.

Penetrating cardiac injuries: the 28 year data anglysis was performed. According to our data, lower arterial blood pressure and absence of one or more SOL on admission, cardiac tamponade, higher grade injury, injured right atrium and asystole during operation are true precursors of fatal outcome. Sternal pseudoarthrosis after resternotomy treated with the Strasbourg Thoracic Osteosyntheses System as a case report was described and submitted for publication. The evaluation of the efficiency of minimally invasive and classical surgical approaches in the treatment of the patients with pleural empyema is in a progress. We are collecting prospective data of patients. At present we have interim data of 56 patients who were operated because of pleural empyema. Almost half of them have been treated using minimally invasive thoracoscopic technique (VATS), while the others were operated by routine thoracotomy. We are planning to include intonthe study at least 80 operated patients. So, the involvement of the patients is still open. The initial data had been already published, and data were partially presented at the International conference.

Assessment of Arterial Stiffness, Endothelial Function and Laboratory Markers of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Psoriasis. Doc. M. Bylaitė, I. Balčiūnienė. 2010–2014.

The aim of the project is to assess the arterial stiffness and endothelial function with non-invasive instrumental methods in psoriatic patients without known vascular disease, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus or obesity, and compare the results with healthy control group.
Our primary purposes are to assess correlation between routine laboratory tests of atherosclerosis (blood lipid concentration, glucose, homocistein, hsCRP), endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with psoriasis; to assess correlation between endothelial function, arterial stiffness and laboratory markers of endothelial function; to investigate the concentration of osteopontin, oxidized lipids, apolipoproetins A1 and B in blood of healthy volunteers and patients with psoriasis; and to assess correlation between levels of osteopontin, oxidized lipids, apolipoproetins (A1 and B) and endothelial function as well as arterial stiffness. We are planning to include in our trial 100 patients with psoriasis and 100 healthy volunteers. The trial procedures are conducted in two visits. During the 1st visit physical examination of the patient, evaluation of psoriasis severity, calculation of PASI (Psoriasis area and severity index) for patients with psoriasis, as well as filling of Skindex 16 questionnaire by patient is performed. During the 2nd visit, blood from peripheral vein will be taken for routine and immunological tests, oxidized lipids and apolipoproteins. Routine tests will be done immediately in the central laboratory at Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Klinikos. Patients will have blood drawn to obtain serum samples for other tests, divided into aliquots and frozen at -80 degrees C. Tests will be done when all blood samples will be collected. At the moment 37 patients with psoriasis and 15 healthy volunteers have been included and evaluated, the blood samples have been obtained and an endothelial tests have been done. The study is in progress.

Significance of Adhesive Molecules and Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis. Doc. M. Bylaitė, J. Garbaravičienė. 2009–2014.

The aim of the study was to evaluate skin condition using PASI score and measure inflammatory-immunologic features during the treatment period. Activated platelets expressing P-selectin (CD62P) are involved in the extravasation of leucocytes. We investigated P-selectine expression in patients with psoriasis and made comparison with the course and severity of the disease (using PASI scoring). Platelet activation measured as P-selectine expression was assessed by flowcytometry. In patients with psoriasis, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were documented as a measure for disease severity.
Totally, 128 patients with inflammatory dermatoses were enrolled. We observed a significant increase in platelet P-selectin expression in patients with inflammatory or infectious disorders, when compared to the control group (3.01% vs. 1.46%; P<0.000001). Successful treatment resulted in a significant decrease in P-selectin expression to the level of the control group. In the case of psoriasis (n=47), we found very significant correlation between P-selectin and PASI (r=0.51; P<0.000001), as well as between the change in the PASI and the change in P-selectin expression (r=0.4; P=0.006). Platelet P-selectin expression as determined by flow cytometry correlated well with the results of soluble P-selectin, determined by ELISA (r=0.63; P<0.01). Thus, platelet P-selectin expression may be used as an efficacy biomarker to monitor treatment success in psoriasis. As platelet P-selectin correlates with soluble P-selectin in patient plasma, which can be measured by ELISA, the latter is feasible also for routine use. The study results are finalized, obtained data and results were published and presented at the international meetings for dermatovenereologists.

International Science Programmes and Projects

Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis A, B and C in Lithuania. Grants from OEK and SIDA (Sweden). A. Stiklerytė, Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, Prof. L. O. Magnius, H. Norder (Sweden). 2000–2012.

Hepatitis B is increasingly being considered as a sexually transmitted disease according to ECDC. We are not aware of what are the major factors for acquiring hepatitis B in Lithuania currently. At present we do not know which strains from individuals with unknown source of infection will be matched with those having identified source. It would be interesting to learn which strain is prevalent in different age groups among the general population in Lithuania. The other unanswered questions are: what are the major factors for acquiring hepatitis C currently; is injecting drug usage still a major risk factor for contracting hepatitisC; what is the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in haemodialysis centers (HDC) in Lithuania; what is the risk for acquiring hepatitis C and B in the HDC; which strain is prevalent among patients of HDC. We do know that cross-contamination from patient to patient may take place via: environmental surfaces, equipment and supplies, multiple dose medication vials and intravenous solutions, medications for injection, also through dialysis staff members. Phylogenetic analysis of 312 serum samples (serum samples were collected from 388 acute and chronically infected with HCV individuals residing in Vilnius and Kaunas between 2000-2004) revealed that there has been few introductions of subtypes 1a, 2a, 2c as compared to 3a, while 1b seemed to be the endemic HCV strain for Lithuania and most important risk factor for acquiring infection was blood transfusion. The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C and hepatitis B serologic markers in blood donors, haemodialysis centres patients and haemodialysis centres staff and also risk factors for acquiring HB and HC infections in blood donors and haemodialysis centres. The continuation of the study is in progress.

Detection and Quantification of Herpes Simplex DNA in Skin Lesions; Variation in the HSV LAT Promoter Sequences; Correlation with Clinical Features. Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, E. Aukštuolienė, Prof. J. Blomberg (Sweden), Prof. G. Friman (Sweden) 2005–2013.

The primary aim of the study was to establish the frequency of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in patients attending an STD clinic in Vilnius, to establish HSV diagnosis and quantify the amount of virus in lesions of suspected herpetic infection with real time PCR method in Uppsala (Sweden), also to identify a correlation between viral load and clinical features. The second aim was to study the sequence of the Latency associated gene (LAT) of HSV in the clinical viral samples, obtained from the patients with primary herpes infection, with low frequency of recurrence and with high frequency of recurrence. HSV LAT gene is supposed to play an important role in herpes simplex virus latency-reactivation cycle. A LAT promoter specific PCR therefore has been be developed. DNA sequence analysis of the PCR products was performed in Uppsala University laboratory. During 2006–2012, 91 patients with facial and genital skin lesions suspected for herpes simplex infection and 50 controls (15 men, 35 women, aged 20–55) without any herpetic skin lesions were enrolled into the study. All the subjects underwent blood sampling for herpes simplex serology. Cotton-tip swabs from the skin lesions in genital area were taken from all the patients. Real-time PCR, serology for HSV-1 IgG and HSV type 2 IgG antibodies and sequencing of HSV LAT promoter were performed in Uppsala (Sweden). Out of 54 patients with suspected genital herpes, genital HSV infection was diagnosed in 45/54 (83.3%) patients: 40/54 (74.1%) patiens had a positive PCR for herpes simplex virus; 5/54 (9.2%) patients had negative PCR. Out of 37 patients with suspected orofacial HSV infection HSV-1 was detected in 32 (86.5%) samples. Serology was performed for all the patients. Anti-HSV1 IgG antibodies were found in 86.7% of the patients with genital herpes and in 97.1% of the patients with orofacial HSV infection. Anti-HSV2 IgG antibodies were detected in 68.8% of the patients with genital herpes and in 2.9% of the patients with orofacial herpes, respectively. In the control group 7 persons (7/50 or 14%) were positive for HSV-2 IgG, 45 persons (45/50 or 90%) were positive for HSV-1 IgG. A LAT promoter specific PCR and sequencing procedure has been developed. Difficult to sequence HSV LAT DNA fragments were cloned and then sequenced. Analysis of HSV LAT promoter region revealed inter- and intrastrain variability but no association between promoter sequence variability and rate of recurrences and anatomical sites of HSV infection was found.

An Observational Case-Control Study to Measure Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in Hospitalized Patients in Lithuania. G. Gefenaitė-Bakker (University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, the Netherlands). Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, A. Stiklerytė (Vilnius University, Lithuania), Doc. A. Mickienė, Doc. D. Vėlyvytė (Lithuanian Health Sciences University, Kaunas, Lithuania). 2012–2014.

The main aim is to conduct a case-control study in two university hospitals of Lithuania to assess the seasonal vaccine effectiveness in preventing influenza related hospitalizations. We also aim to assess the predictors of respiratory tract infection prognosis as well as to identify the most prevalent infectious agents in the hospitalized population.
The primary objective of the study is to measure seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) against influenza illness in patients admitted to hospital. Secondary objectives are to estimate seasonal influenza VE: by risk group, by age group; by influenza type/subtype; early in the season, if possible; by outcome; also to predict influenza related outcomes based on clinical data from the medical records and demographic patient characteristics. Enrolment of volunteers is in progress.

Ordered Research Projects

A Phase II Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of 4 Different Regimens of a Novel Inhibitor of HCV Protease when Administered Concomitantly with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin to Treatment-Experienced Patients with Chronic Genotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Doc. R. Matulionytė. 2009–2012.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of a novel inhibitor of HCV protease when administered concomitantly with pegylated interferon and ribavirin to treatment-experienced genotype 1 HCV-infected patients. Two patients with chronic hepatitis C were enrolled into this study in Vilnius Centre. Both patients were enrolled in the subsequent study.

A Phase II Open Label Study of MK-7009 Administered Concomitantly with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin to Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection After Participation in Other MK-7009 Clinical Trials. Doc. R. Matulionytė. 2009–2012.

The purpose of the study is: 1) to evaluate the safety tolerability of MK-7009 in patients who have persistent HCV infection after prior participation in a MK-7009 clinical trial; 2) to evaluate the antiviral activity of MK-7009 in patients who have persistent HCV infection following previous treatment with placebo + peg-INF + RBV in a MK-7009 clinical trial. Two patients were included into this study.

A Multicenter Study of the Safety of Oseltamivir Administered Intravenously for the Treatment of Influenza in Patients Aged ≥13 Years. Doc. R. Matulionyte. 2010–2012.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and the pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir administered by intravenous infusion in the treatment of influenza. Two patients were included during the influenza season 2010–2011. The study is closed due to a very slow enrollment in most of the participating centres.

An International, Multi-Center Study Evaluating the Correlation of IL28B Genotypes with Chronic Hepatitis C Disease Characteristics and Patient Demographics. Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, A.Voinič. 2011–2013.

The primary objective of the trial is to investigate the association of IL28B rs12979860 genotypes (CC vs. TC vs. TT) with disease characteristics (e.g. liver disease staging) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) for whom therapy is planned. Secondary objectives are: correlation of IL28B genotypes (rs12979860 and rs8099917) with liver inflammation related to CHC; correlation of IL28B genotypes (rs12979860 and rs8099917) with demographics in patients with CHC; distribution of IL28B genotypes (rs12979860 and rs8099917) in patients with CHC in different HCV genotypes; correlation between the two IL28B genotypes (rs12979860 and rs8099917) in patients with CHC; distribution of inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) genotypes rs1127354 (AA vs. CA vs. CC) and rs7270101 (CC vs. AC vs. AA) in patients with CHC in different HC genotypes.
The rest 40 patients out of 50 planned were included into the study during the year 2012. At present all variables are summarized using descriptive or exploratory statistics stratified by treatment naïve and treatment experienced patients. The primary and all other secondary variables will be analyzed using the standard analysis population.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

E. Razgauskas, L. Malinauskienė, A. Blažienė, A. Chomičienė, K. Černiauskas, R. Dubakienė, R. Ėmužytė, V. Kvedarienė, P. Leišytė, O. Rudzevičienė, J. Staikūnienė, B. Šitkauskienė, M. Zolubas. Alergenų specifinės imunoterapijos praktinės rekomendacijos : metodinė priemonė, skirta gydytojams alergologams ir klinikiniams imunologams, vaikų alergologams. Vilnius : UAB "Efrata", 2012. 26 p.

Other Books

V. Kvedarienė, B. Arnoux, P. Demoly. Role of the CD63 expression test on basophils in drug allergy diagnosis : CD63 expression test on basophils in drug allergy diagnosis. Saarbrucken : LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2012. 100 p.

Articles

R. Matulionytė, I. Lisauskienė, G. Kėkštas, A. Ambrozaitis. Two Dog-Related Infections Leading to Death: Overwhelming Capnocytophaga canimorsus Sepsis in a Patient With Cystic Echinococcosis // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 112-115.

B. Zablockienė, A. Ambrozaitis, T. Kačergius, S. Gravenstein. Implication of nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of influenza virus infection // Biologija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, Vol. 58, nr. 1, p. 15-25.

K. Verižnikovienė, I. Pumputienė, V. Kasiulevičius, V. Kvedarienė. Ankstyva vaikų vakcinacija ir jų sergamumas infekcinėmis kvėpavimo takų ligomis bei atopiniu dermatitu pirmaisiais dviem gyvenimo metais // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2011, t. 14, nr. 1, p. 4995-5000.

A. Kozlovska, A. Ranceva, V. Kvedarienė. Komplimento sistemos vaidmuo sergant recidyvuojančia angioedema // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 2, p. 46-54.

V. Šileikienė, J. Norkūnienė, L. Bagdonaitė, E. Danila. Kraujo uždegimo žymenų pokyčiai sergant lėtine obstrukcine plaučių liga // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 2, p.75-79.

Ž. Račkauskaitė, D. Vėlyvytė, M. Janulaitienė, L. Jančorienė, A. Mickienė. Legioneliozė: sunkios visuomenėje įgytos pneumonijos atvejis ir literatūros apžvalga // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 3, p. 327-333.

O. Rudzevičienė, N. Buterlevičiūtė, V. Kvedarienė. Padidėjęs vaikų jautrumas vietiniams anestetikams // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 1, p. 102-109.

A. Kavaliūnas, G. Šurkienė, R. Dubakienė, R. Stukas. Padidėjusio jautrumo maisto produktams sukeliamų negalavimų pobūdis ir paplitimas tarp Vilniaus miesto gyventojų // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 10-17.

V. Kvedarienė, O. Rudzevičienė, I. Būtienė, B. Šitkauskienė, N. Buterlevičiūtė, J. Norkūnienė, E. Gomes, P. Demoly. Padidėjusio vaikų jautrumo vaistams paplitimas Lietuvoje // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 2, p. 14-21.

L. Gumbienė, T. Ivanauskienė, M. Matačiūnas, R. Zablockis, R. Širmenis, K. Urbonas, R. Karalius. Pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a case report and review of the literature // Seminars in cardiovascular medicine. Vilnius : Lietuvos širdies asociacija. 2012, vol. 15, no. 4, p. [1-8].

V. Šileikienė, I. Zeleckienė, J. Norkūnienė, M. Matačiūnas, E. Danila. Radiologinių ir funkcinių plaučių pokyčių ryšys sergant lėtine obstrukcine plaučių liga // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 1, p. 4932-4940.

I. Būtienė, R. Dubakienė, O. Rudzevičienė. Sensibilizacijos karvės pienui paplitimas EuroPrevall Lietuvos naujagimių kohortoje // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 2, p. 5061-5068.

R. Strupaitė, I. Laniauskaitė, A. Ožalinskaitė, M. Bylaitė. Vilniaus moksleivių ir studentų deginimasis soliariumuose ir požiūris į įdegusį kūną // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 1, p. 93-100.

A. Blažienė. Anafilaksijos diagnostika ir gydymas // Pulmonologija, imunologija ir alergologija. Kaunas : Medicinos spaudos namai. 2012, nr. 2, p. 32-34.

J. Bousquet, H. Schunemann, B. Samolinski, R. Dubakienė, R. Ėmužytė, V. Kvedarienė, A. Valiulis. Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA): Achievements in 10 years and future needs / J. Bousquet, H.J. Schunemann, B. Samolinski, et al.. R. Dubakienė, R. Ėmužytė, V. Kvedarienė, A. Valiulis.. in collaboration with the World Health Organization collaborating center for asthma and rhinitis // Journal of allergy and clinical immunology. Milwaukee : Mosby, Inc. 2012,, p.

J. Bousquet, L. Heinzerling, C. Bachert, N. Papadopoulos, P. Bousquet, P. Burney, G. Canonica, K. Carlsen, L. Cox, T. Haahtela, K. Carlsen, D. Price, B. Samolinski, F. Simons, M. Wickman, I. Annesi-Maesano, C. Baena-Cagnani, K. Bergmann, C. Bindslev-Jensen, T. Casale, A. Chiriac, A. Cruz, R. Dubakienė, S. Durham, W. Fokkens, v. Gerth, O. Kalayci, M. Kowalski, A. Mari, J. Mullol, L. Nazamova-Baranova, R. O'Hehir, K. Ohta, M. Panzner, G. Passalacqua, J. Ring, B. Rogala, A. Romano, D. Ryan, P. Schmid-Grendelmeier, A. Todo-Bom, R. Valenta, S. Woehri, O. Yusuf, T. Zuberbier, P. Demoly. Practical guide to skin prick tests in allergy to aeroallergens // Allergy. Oxford : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. 2012, vol. 67, iss. 1, p. 18-24.

L. Žilinskaitė, D. Tamašauskas, V. Kvedarienė, B. Šitkauskienė. Self-reported drug allergy in health care workers in conservative and surgical medicine departments // Journal of investigational allergology and clinical immunology. Barcelona : Esmon Publicidad. 2012, vol. 22, no. 5, p. 442-453.

P. Bousquet, J. Anto, P. Demoly, R. Dubakienė. Severe Chronic Allergic (and Related) Diseases: A Uniform Approach - A MeDALL - GA2LEN - ARIA Position Paper / J. Bousquet, J.M. Anto, P. Demoly, .. et all.. In collaboration with the WHO Collaborating Center of Asthma and Rhinitis {from Lithuania R. Dubakienė] // International archives of allergy and immunology. Basel : Karger. 2012, vol. 158, no. 3, p. 216-231.

R. Dubakienė, O. Rudzevičienė, I. Būtienė, I. Šėžaitė, M. Petronytė, D. Vaicekauskaitė, A. Žvirblienė. Studies on early allergic sensitization in the Lithuanian birth cohort // The Scientific World Journal. New York : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. 2012, Vol. 2012, Art. ID 909524 (6 p.).

G. Grigienė, J. Norkūnienė, V. Kvedarienė. The time delay between drug intake and bronchospasm for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs sensitive patients // World Allergy Organization Journal. Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2010, vol. 3, no 12, p. 266-270.

Materials of conferences

A. Kavaliūnas, G. Šurkienė, R. Dubakienė, R. Stukas, K. Žagminas. Prevalence and Pattern of Self-Reported Adverse Reactions to Food among Vilnius City Primary Schools Children // IFEH 12th World Congress on Environmental Health, Vilnius, Lithuania, 22-27 May, 2012 /Editor: Andrius Kavaliunas. Bologna : Medimond, 2012, p. 77-82.

COOPERATION

Uppsala University, Uppsala (Sweden)
Swedish Institute for Infectious Diseases, Solna (Sweden)
Malmo University (Sweden)
Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI (USA)
Immunology Research Institute of New England (USA)
Heinrich-Heine University of Duesseldorf (Germany)
Medical University of Modena and Reggio Emila Deremato (Italy)
Graz University Clinic of Dermatology and Allergology, Wien (Austria)
Ludwig – Maximilians University, Munich (Germany)
Tartu University (Estonia)
Ryga Stradins University (Latvia)
Warsaw Medical Academy (Poland)
Charite University Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin (Germany)
Department of Dermatology, Zurich University Hospital (Switzerland)
Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology, Kiel University (Germany)
Göteborg Sahlgrenska University Department of Dermatology (Sweden)
Karolinska Institutet-Stockholm,Department of Dermatology, Stockholm(Sweden)
Eberhard Karls University, Department of Dermatology, Tuebingen (Germany)
University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Department of Dermatology and Pathology, Rome (Italy)
Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Dermatology, Poznan (Poland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Ambrozaitis –

chairman of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt;
country representative and member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), www.escmid.org;
member of the International Society of Infectious Diseases, www.isid.org;
member of the European Association of the Study of the Liver, www.easl.ch;
member of the European AIDS Clinical Society, www.eacs.ws;
member of the European Society of Clinical Virology, www.escv.org;
national representative and board member of the Infectious Diseases Section of European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), www.uems.net;
board member of the Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association, www.baltipa.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), www.llmd.ip.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), www.mtp.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences), www.sam.lt/lt/sam/moksliniai/straipsniai/;
editorial board member of the journal Internistas (Internist);
editorial council member of the journal Acta medica Lituanica.

Doc. R. Matulionytė –

chair of the Vilnius Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt;
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt;
member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, www.escmid.org;
member of the European AIDS Clinical Society, www.eacs.ws;
member of the Scientific and Programme Committee of the 14th European AIDS Conference; Brussels, October 16–19, 2013;
member of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care, www.iapac.org.

Doc. L. Jančorienė –

member of the European Association of the Study of the Liver, www.easl.ch;
member of the International Society of Travel Medicine, www.istm.org;
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt;
board member of the Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association, www.baltipa.lt;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology, www.santa.lt/gastro.

Prof. K. Žagminas –

member of the Association of Hygiene and Epidemiology of Lithuania, http://www.lvsa.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health),www.hi.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), www.mtp.lt;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt;
member of the Lithuanian Society for Immunology, www.imi.lt /LID;
member of Vilnius Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee.

A. Stiklerytė –

member of the European Society of Clinical Virology, www.escv.org;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt.

Prof. E. Danila –

member of European Respiratory Society (ERS);
Lithuanian National delegate at ERS;
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists;
member of Vilnius region Society of Internist;
editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Children’s Pulmonology and Allergology);
editorial board member of the journal Gydytojo žurnalas (Doctor’s Journal;.
Lithuanian national delegate in Global Initiative for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (GOLD).

Prof. R. Dubakienė –

member of European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer products;
expert member of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
chairman of Allergology Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
expert of Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation;
editor-in-chief of the journal Alergologija ir klinikinė imunologija (Allergology and Clinical Immunology);
editor-in-chief of the on-line journal Alergologija ir klinikinė imunologija (Allergology and Clinical Immunology);
editorial board member of the journal Acta Medica Lithuania;
editorial board member of the journal Review of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Immunopathologia;
member of the Lithuanian Immunology Society;
member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
vice-chairman of the Immunology Institute Council of Vilnius University;
head of internet website Alergija, astma, imunologija (Allergy, Asthma, Immunology), http://www.aai.lt.

Doc. A. Blažienė –

editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Gydymo menas (Science of Therapy);
expert of Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation;
member of the European Respiratory Society (ERS);
member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology;
member of American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology;
member of Lithuanian Society of Immunology;
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists.

Doc. R. Nargėla –

editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Gydymo menas (Science of Therapy);
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists;
member of committee for NoTB Baltic program in Lithuania;
member of Allergology Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
member of Lithuanian Society of Internists;
member of the European Respiratory Society (ERS);
member of the Coordination Council of the National Control Programme for Tuberculosis Prevention;
chairman of the organizing committee of national conference News Methods of Pulmonary Diagnostics and Treatment.

Doc. R. Zablockis –

head of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists;
member of European Respiratory Society (ERS);
editor-in-chief of the journal Pulmonology News;
editorial board member of the journal Pulmonology and Allergology;
member of the Coordination Council of National Control Programme of Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of MDR Tuberculosis;
member of the Coordination Council of National Control Programme of Legionellosis Diagnosis and Treatment.

Prof. R. Janilionis –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery;
board member of Vilnius Surgical Society;
member of European Respiratory Society (ERS);
member of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.

Doc. V. Gruslys –

board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
member of European Respiratory Society (ERS).

Ž. Jagelavičius –

member of European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery;
member of European Respiratory Society (ERS);
member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons.

Doc. M. Bylaitė –

president of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology;
Board member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, www.eadv.org;
board member of the Baltic association of Dermatovenereologists;
national representative and board member of the Dermato-Venereology Section of European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), www.uems.net;
member of the European Dermatology Forum, www.euroderm.org;
member of the European Society for Pediatric Dermatology (ESPD), www.espd.com;
member of the International Society of Dermatology, www.intsocderm.org;
member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, www.eadv.org;
member of the Lithuanian-Germany Society of the Physicians;
board member of the Euro-Asian Association of Dermatovenerologists.

Doc. I. Marčiukaitienė –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology;
member of the Baltic Society of Dermatovenereology;
member of the Lithuanian Scientific Committee of Cosmetics.

E. Aukštuolienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology;
member of the Baltic Society of Dermatovenereology.

J. Grigaitienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Lasers;
member of the Baltic Society of Dermatovenereology.

I. Balčiūnienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology;
member of the Baltic Society of Dermatovenereology.

R. Gancevičienė –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology;
member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, www.eadv.org;
member of the Baltic Society of Dermatovenereology;
member of the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists.

I. Buckutė-Butkevičiūtė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology;
member of the Baltic Society of Dermatovenereology.

NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY CLINIC

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5220, fax. 236 5220
E-mails: ,

Head – Prof. Dr. Valmantas Budrys

STAFF

Professors: Dr. V. Budrys, Dr. D. Jatužis, Dr. G. Kaubrys.
Docents: Dr. S. Ročka, Dr. I. Bičkuvienė, Dr. K. Laurikėnas.
Lecturers: Dr. K. Ryliškienė, Dr. R.Kvaščevičius, R. Kaladytė-Lokominienė.
Senior research fellows: Habil. Dr. V. Gaigalaitė, Dr. A. Meškauskienė.
Research fellows: Dr. R. Mameniškienė, Dr. J. Valaikienė.
Junior research fellows: I. Sereikė, R. Kizlaitienė, A.Preikšaitis.
Doctoral students: R. Kaladytė-Lokominienė, R. Kizlaitienė, I. Slautaitė, A. Vilionskis, N. Giedraitienė.

Centre of Neurology
2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5220, fax. 236 5220
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Valmantas Budrys

Center of Neuroangiosurgery
29 Šiltnamių, LT-04130 Vilnius
Tel. 236 2017
E-mail

Head – Doc. Dr. Saulius Ročka

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Cognitive disorders in degenerative, cerebrovascular, demyelinating diseases and epilepsy
Assessment and practical application of new diagnostic and treatment methods in cerebrovascular, demyelinating, degenerative diseases, epilepsy and migraine
Diagnostic evaluation and management of peripheral nervous system, degenerative spinal diseases, traumatic brain injuries and cerebral neoplasms
Neurology in history and art

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Cognitive Disorders in Neurological Diseases. Assessment and Practical Application of New Diagnostic and Treatment Methods in Neurology Neurology in History and Art. Prof. V. Budrys. 2010–2014.

Centre of Neurology continued clinical research focussed on clinical and cognitive characteristics of different neurological disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy); assessment and practical application of new diagnostic and treatment methods in cerebrovascular, demyelinating, degenerative diseases, epilepsy and migraine; evaluation of neurophysiological and clinical peculiarities of patients with critical illness; description of artworks related to neurology and artists with neurological disorders.

Diagnostic Evaluation and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injuries Degenerative Spinal Diseases and Cerebral Neoplasms. Doc. S. Ročka. 2011–2016.

Centre of Neuroangiosurgery is establishing new methods of endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular disorders. Research in traumatic brain injury is concentrated to epidemiology and prognostic factors, as well as clinical evaluation of new monitoring devices. New modalities in minimally invasive degenerative spinal diseases management are being evaluated. Research in cerebral neoplasms is based on epidemiological studies and evaluation of new strategies of surgical treatment.

Projects supported by Research Council of Lithuania

Clinical, Radiological and Neurophysiological Markers for Early Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Prof. V. Budrys. 2011–2012.

International Programmes, Projects and Contracts

International Multicenter Study Asymptomatic Carotid Emboli Study (ACES).
International multicenter register of thrombolysis for treatment of acute ischemic stroke: Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke (SITS).
International Multicenter Register European Register of Antileptic Drugs and Pregnancy (EURAP).
Cochrane Neurological Network Systematic Reviews and Metaanalysis in Neurology.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

L. Aleknaitė, R. Kizlaitienė, G. Kaubrys, V. Budrys. Agresyvios eigos recidyvuojančios remituojančios išsėtinės sklerozės gydymas natalizumabu // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 4, p. 289-300.

E. Barkauskas, A. Lastas, A. Meškauskienė, I. Slautaitė, K. Laurikėnas, V. Gaigalaitė. Aterosklerozinių plokštelių struktūros pakitimai įvairaus laipsnio vidinės miego arterijos stenozių atvejais ir jų reikšmė neurologinių simptomų atsiradimui bei operacinio gydymo būdo parinkimui // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 2, p. 212-217.

V. Juknevičius, Ž. Petrulionienė, R. Mameniškienė. Centrinės miego apnėjos įtaka sergantiems lėtiniu širdies nepakankamumu // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 2, p. 229-235.

A. Vilionskis, O. Knoknerienė, D. Jatužis. Efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke within 3-4.5 hours in Lithuania // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 1, p. 17-22.

E. Barkauskas, G. Bernotas, V. Budrys, A. Gvazdaitis, E. Jeržemskas, D. Jatužis, A. Kriščiūnas, R. Kvaščevičius, K. Laurikėnas, E. Marcinkevičius, L. Pačkauskas, D. Rastenytė, V. Ročka, A. Vilionskis. Galvos smegenų insulto diagnostikos, gydymo, profilaktikos ir reabilitacijos metodika : 2012 m. gegužės mėn. redakcija // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 2, p. 163-195.

R. Margevičiūtė, G. Kaubrys, J. Liutkienė, R. Mameniškienė, A. Bagdonas. Išsėtine skleroze ir epilepsija sergančių asmenų kognityvinių funkcijų ypatumai // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 1, p. 33-44.

E. Tarasevičiūtė, M. Šešeikaitė, E. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė, G. Kaubrys, V. Budrys. Kortikobazinė degeneracija: literatūros apžvalga ir trijų klinikinių atvejų pristatymas // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 2, p. 109-117.

P. Arefjev, I. Urbelis, V. Ročka. Ligonių, sergančių piktybiniu insultu, prognozei po dekompresinės kraniektomijos įtakos turintys veiksniai // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 3, p. 224-231.

J. Guk, R. Mameniškienė. Ligos įtaka epilepsija sergančių asmenų šeiminiam gyvenimui // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 3, p. 218-223.

A. Laucevičius, V. Kasiulevičius, D. Jatužis, Ž. Petrulionienė, L. Ryliškytė, E. Rinkūnienė, J. Badarienė, A. Čypienė, O. Gustienė, R. Šlapikas. Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk (LitHiR) primary prevention programme - rationale and design // Seminars in cardiovascular medicine. Vilnius : Lietuvos širdies asociacija. 2012, vol. 18, Art. no. 3 [6 p.].

L. Kaladytė, E. Audronytė, V. Budrys. Miego sutrikimai Parkinsono ligos metu // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 4, p. 311-318.

V. Ožeraitienė, J. Veselova, V. Gaigalaitė. Moterų nutukimo ir kitų rizikos veiksnių sąsajos su gastroezofaginio refliukso simptomais // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 419-424.

D. Matačiūnienė, R. Mameniškienė, D. Jatužis, V. Budrys. Narkolepsijos diagnostikos klystkeliai: klinikinis atvejis ir literatūros apžvalga // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 1, p. 61-65.

M. Šešeikaitė, R. Kizlaitienė, V. Budrys. Netradicinės ir alternatyvios medicinos terapijos, taikomos išsėtinei sklerozei gydyti // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 1, p. 18-24.

R. Kizlaitienė, V. Budrys, G. Kaubrys. Nusiskundimų atmintimi ir nuovargiu ryšys su objektyviomis kognityvinėmis funkcijomis, nuovargiu ir depresija, sergant išsėtine skleroze // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 2, p. 128-142.

I. Slautaitė, E. Barkauskas, A. Mackevičius, K. Laurikėnas. Pakartotinių išeminių įvykių simptominės vidinės miego arterijos baseine įtaka priešoperacinei pacientų būklei ir atokiosioms neurologinėms baigtims po operacijos // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 1, p. 45-52.

K. Simanauskas, V. Šapoka, V. Kasiulevičius, K. Ryliškienė, R. Matuzevičienė, A. Jankauskienė, T. Rekašius. Širdies ir kraujagyslių ligų rizikos žymenų pokyčiai paauglimas, sergantiems pirmine arterine hipertenzija // Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojas. Kaunas : Vitae litera. 2012, t. 16, nr. 8, p. 515-522.

E. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė, R. Kizlaitienė, V. Budrys. Trumpa išsėtinės sklerozės istorija nuo vėlyvųjų viduramžių iki XX a. pradžios // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 4, p. 341-350.

A. Deksnytė, R. Aranauskas, V. Budrys, V. Kasiulevičius, V. Šapoka. Delirium: Its historical evolution and current interpretation // European Journal of Internal Medicine. Amsterdam : Elsevier. 2012, Vol. 23, no. 6, p. 483-486.

R. Mikulik, P. Kadlecova, A. Czlonkowska, A. Kobayashi, M. Brozman, V. Švigelj, L. Csib, K. Fekete, J. Korv, V. Demari, A. Vilionskis, D. Jatužis, Y. Krespi, N. Ahmed. Factors influencing in-hospital delay in treatment with intravenous thrombolysis / Robert MikulĆk, Pavla KadlecovĆ�, Anna Czlonkowska, Adam Kobayashi, Miroslav Brozman, Viktor Švigelj, Laszlo Csiba, Klara Fekete, Janika KĆµrv, Vida Demarin, Aleksandras Vilionskis, Dalius Jatuzis, Yakup Krespi, and Niaz Ahmed, for the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke-East Registry (SITS-EAST) Investigators // Stroke. Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2012, vol. 43, no 6, p. 1578-1583.

D. Jatužis, J. Valaikienė. Migraine-like presentation of vertebral artery dissection after cervical manipulative therapy // Perspectives in Medicine. Munchen : Elsevier Urban & Fischer. 2012, Vol. 1, p. 452-454.

J. Valaikienė, J. Dementavičienė, D. Jatužis, L. Cimbalistienė. Transient brainstem ischemia and dural arteriovenous malformation // Perspectives in Medicine. Munchen : Elsevier Urban & Fischer. 2012, Vol. 1, p. 465-468.

COOPERATION

Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)
Göteborg University (Sweden)
Carolinska University (Sweden)
Dianalund Epilepsy Centre (Denmark)
Dusseldorf Heinrich- Heine University (Germany)
Gummersbach University Hospital (Germany)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Budrys –

President of the Lithuanian Neurological Association;
delegate of Lithuania for the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), www.wfneurology.org;
delegate of Lithuania for the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS), www.efns.org;
editor-in-chief of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology);
editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
executive board member of the Lithuanian Stroke Association, Lithuania;
consultant neurologist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.

Prof. D. Jatužis –

president of the Lithuanian Stroke Association;
secretary of the Lithuanian Neurological Association;
educational co-ordinator of World Federation of Neurology (WFN) for Lithuania;
editorial board member of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology);
investigator in international multicenter Asymptomatic Carotid Emboli Study.

Prof. G. Kaubrys –

vice-president of the Lithuanian Neurological Association;
member of the Council of the Lithuanian Pain Society;
editorial board member of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology).

Doc. S. Ročka –

member of Lithuanian Neurosurgical Society;
president of Baltic Neurosurgical Association;
member of Brain IT group;
member of European association of Neurosurgical societies;
member of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies;
member of Lithuanian Neuroscience association.

Doc. I. Bičkuvienė –

editorial board member of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology).

Doc. K. Laurikėnas –

editorial board member of the journal Chirurgija (Surgery);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Vascular Surgery.

Dr. R. Kvaščevičius –

member of Lithuanian Neurosurgical Society;
member of Baltic Neurosurgical Association;
member of European Association of Neurosurgical Societies;
member of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies;
member of Lithuanian Society of Vertebrology.

R. Kaladytė-Lokominienė –

member of Cochrane Neurological Network.

K. Ryliškienė –

head of Neurology Panel of Students Research Society of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University.

INSTITUTE OF ODONTOLOGY

115 Žalgirio, LT-08217 Vilnius
Tel. 272 7589, fax 272 8569
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Vytautė Pečiulienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. V. Pečiulienė, Dr. A. Pūrienė.
Docents: Dr. R. Manelienė, Dr. L. Zaleckas, Dr. V. Rutkūnas, Dr. E. Miliūnienė, Dr. S. Drukteinis, Dr. V. Brukienė, Dr. R. Bendinskaitė, Dr. T. Linkevicius (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. L. Linkeviciene (part-time), Dr. D. Ivanauskaitė (part-time).
Assistants: Dr. J. Rimkuvienė, Dr. R. Račienė (part-time), V. Almonaitis (part-time), G. Grigaitė (part-time), R. Pletkus (part-time), A. Rimkevičius (part-time), K. Sveikata (part-time), J. Žekonienė (part-time), R. Trumpaitė-Vanagienė (part-time), M. Baseckas (part-time), R. Rasteniene (part-time), P. Kalesinskas (part-time), V. Zaleckiene (part-time), R. Lekaviciute (part-time), R. Savickas (part-time), R. Žaliūnienė (part-time).

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of stomatognatic system diseases
Dental health behaviour in adolescents
Oral Health and Treatment Needs of Patiens with Haemophilia A and B in Lithuania
Factors influencing the outcome and prognosis of root canal treatment
Oral lichen planus and its relation to internal diseases and quality of life
Properties and biocompatibility of prosthetic materials
Effect of marginal tissue status and restorative materials on implant esthetics
Accuracy of impression techniques with dental implants
Treatment outcome with implant supported mandibular overdentures
Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries among 6th grade schoolchildren of Vilnius
Face and jaw changes in process of time in Lithuanians
Emergency treatment features in cases of maxillae facial and neck infections of odontogenic origin
Epidemiology, development after birth and treatment of cleft alveolus process of maxilla Odontology in Lithuania: a public health perspective
The supply and requirement of dental specialists in Lithuania. Planning projections

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Prevention of Stomatognatic System Diseases. Prof. V. Pečiulienė. 2008–2012.

The aim of the project is to evaluate the prevalence of congenital and acquired stomatognatic system diseases and to select the most effective methods of treatment and prevention.

Face and Jaw Changes in Process of Time in Lithuanians (Data of Vilnius City Dwellers over 45 Years old); Growth of the Face, Jaws and Permanent Dentition of Lithuanians 4 To 16 Years old (According to Vilnius City Data). Prof. I. Balčiūnienė, Prof. J. Tutkuvienė, R. Almonaitienė, K. Sveikata.

The aim of the studies is evaluation of face and jaw changes in the process of time in Lithuanians, the determinants, prevalence and incidence of dental caries and periodontal diseases in Lithuania.

The Supply and Requirement of Dental Specialists in Lithuania. Planning Projections. Prof. A. Pūrienė, Prof. J. Petrauskienė, V. Janulytė.

Today, the most urgent issue in furthering the oral care system in Lithuania is the planning of human resources. The supply and requirement for dental specialists was not analyzed before. The aim of the study is to determine the supply and requirement of dental specialists in Lithuania and present the planning projections. In order to determine the supply and requirement of dental specialists in Lithuania, data resources about the supply of licensed dental specialists, their emigration, number of citizens, laws on dental practice, the yearly number of graduate students in universities, oral pathology prevalence, etc. will be explored. The questionnaire survey of all Lithuanian dentists in order to investigate the really rendered care vice medical standards based possible facilities among general dentists, the opinion of general dentists and dental specialists about the requirement of dental specialists, their daily experience in the sphere will be carried out. The proportions of present supply and requirement of dental specialists will be elucidated and planning projections presented. The results and recommendations of the study will be useful for further planning of dental specialists’ resources in Lithuania in order to achieve better quality, accessibility of dental care and efficient use of education finance. The results will also present Lithuania as a donor or recipient country for dental specialists or specialized dental facilities in the context of other European countries.

International Cooperative Project with the Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Sweden. Prophylaxis of Dental Caries Using Antisense Oligonucleotides to the Glucosyltransferase Gene Expression. Prof. D. Ericson (Sweden), Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, Doc. T. Kačergius, P. Kalesinskas, A. Stiklerytė, 2010–2014.

The aim of this research was to investigate whether antisense oligonucleotides to glucosyltransferase (gtf) mRNA inhibit the formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilm on the plastic and glass surfaces in vitro conditions. Since the gtf is involved in production of glucan from sucrose that serves as a structural matrix for the biofilm, therefore it is important to find out whether antisense oligonucleotides suppress the formation of S. mutans biofilm through this mechanism. For the investigation, one of the antisense oligonucleotide sequences complementary to S. mutans gtf mRNA was selected using the bioinformatical methods – BLAST, MAFFT, Primer3 and Mfold programmes, and then it was synthesized in the unmodified (phosphodiester) and phosphorothioate modified forms at the Metabion International AG (Germany). Further, S. mutans cells (strain UA159) inoculated in the 24-well plates containing medium with or without 1% sucrose were exposed to this antisense oligonucleotide sequence at the final concentration of 10 µM for the period of 12 and 24 h under anaerobic conditions (95% N2 and 5% CO2). For improving penetration of antisense oligonucleotides into the bacterial cells, they were combined with the transfection reagent – TurboFect (Fermentas). The bacterial growth was monitored spectrophotometrically every 3 h during 12 h, and then at the time point of 24 h, employing wavelength of 630 nm. The measurement of optical densities (OD) demonstrated higher values in S. mutans cells growing with 1% sucrose as compared to the cells without sucrose because of the bacterial aggregates’ formation, which was confirmed using Gram staining. Treatment with the phosphorothioate modified antisense oligonucleotides alone or in combination with TurboFect reagent moderately attenuated the OD curves in the bacterial cell cultures growing with 1% sucrose at the time points of 12 and 24 h in comparison to the untreated bacteria. It is an indication of less bacterial aggregates’ formation as well as indirect indication of the decreased of glucan synthesis. These preliminary findings provide a basis to further investigate the effect of antisense oligonucleotides to gtf mRNA on S. mutans biofilm formation and develop the prophylactic approach for reduction of dental caries in man.

Other projects

Dental Health Behaviour in Adolescents. Doc. V. Brukienė, Doc. J. Aleksejūnienė, Prof. V. Pečiulienė.

The aim of this project is to test if oral health related behavior interventions based on psychological theories and models are more effective in changing adolescents’ oral health related behavior than conventional instructions. Some theories, e.g. Authoritative Parenting Model and the Precaution Adoption Process Model have already been tested in a sample of 12–13-year-old Lithuanian children; however, as new research questions and specific oral health related problems arose, the study will be continued in a sample of 15–16-year-old adolescents.

Oral Health and Treatment Needs of Patients with Haemophilia A and B in Lithuania. R. Žaliūnienė, Prof. V. Pečiulienė, Doc. V. Brukienė.

The aim of the study is to evaluate oral health and treatment needs of patients with haemophilia A and B in Lithuania. Oral health and treatment needs of this population will be related to a number of background factors. The study assesses prevalence and incidence of dental caries and malocclusions, oral hygiene status, salivary factors, quality of life of patients with haemophilia. The study aims to provide recommendations for general practitioners with regards to prevention and treatment of oral disease in this population.

Emergency Treatment Features in Cases of Maxillofacial and Neck Infections of Odontogenic Origin. R. Rastenienė, Prof. A. Pūrienė, Doc. L. Zaleckas.

Maxillofacial and neck infections of odontogenic origin can range in their severity and may require different treatment modalities. Oral and maxillofacial infections, in particular, have the tendency to spread rapidly along fascial planes and may lead to highly morbid clinical conditions. The predisposition of an infection is related to an interruption of the balance between the host, the micro-organism and the environment. The severity of infection is related to the number and virulence of micro-organisms and resistance of the host. Odontogenic infections are polymicrobial, with a mixed bacterial flora in which anaerobes outnumber aerobes. Predominate aerobes are streptoccocal species and staphylococci.. The anaerobic micro-organisms mostly involved in odontogenic infections are peptostreptococci, bacteroides, fusobacterium, etc. With growing trends of microbial resistance to the antibiotics the differences among countries exists. In order to adhere to the sound medical, pharmacological and surgical principles the aim of this project was to determine the most effective antibacterial treatment of oral and maxillofacial infections.

Prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries among 6th Grade Schoolchildren of Vilnius. V. Zaleckienė, Prof. V. Pečiulienė, Dr. J. Rimkuvienė.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries among 6th grade schoolchildren of Vilnius, pre-injury factors, causes of dental injuries and healing complications after traumatic injuries to permanent teeth. Dental injuries occur more frequently in children. A majority of dental injuries involve permanent anterior teeth. Hard dental tissues, periodontal tissues, dental pulp and alveolar bone are often affected during dental trauma. It is associated with difficulties to rebuild the function, aesthetic look in such patients due to the growing alveolar bone and limited possibilities to achieve good treatment results. Healing depends on factors such as the level of root development, the extent of damage to periodontal tissues and the effect of bacterial contamination from the oral cavity. Complications may occur weeks, months or even several years after the injury, and pulp necrosis is the most common post-traumatic complication. A late diagnosis of post-traumatic pulp necrosis can result in serious complications like apical periodontitis, ﬁstulas, inﬂammatory root resorption and, eventually, loss of the tooth.

Mechanical Behaviour of Radicular and Coronal Dentin of Teeth Treated with “Russian Red” Material to Machine Driven and Ultrasonic Instruments. E. Nedzinskienė, Prof. V. Pečiulienė, Doc. R. Manelienė.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of machine-driven and ultrasonic instruments on root dentin surface during preparation of root canal system in vitro. Different microfractures could influence the prognosis of root canal retreatment procedure and have negative impact on the outcome of dental treatment planning.

Epidemiology, Development after Birth and Treatment of Cleft Alveolus Process of Maxilla. Doc. L. Zaleckas, Dr. L. Linkevičienė.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes during osseous plastic of alveolar crest in case of cleft of maxillofacial alveolar crest, outcome of surgical and orthodontic treatment of facial anomalies, links between radiomorphometric measurements of mandible and changes of bone structure and metabolism.

Wear Simulation Effects on Overdenture Stud Attachments. V. Rutkunas, H. Mizutani, H. Takahashi, N. Iwasaki (Tokyo Medical and Dental University).

The aim of this study was to evaluate wear effects on overdenture resilient attachments. Six commercially available attachments were investigated: ERA orange and white (EO and EW), Locator pink, white and blue (LRP, LRW and LRB) and OP anchor (OP). Five specimens were used for wear simulation while other two specimens served as controls. Fifteen thousands insertion-removal cycles were simulated. Dimensional changes and surface characteristics were evaluated using light microscopy and SEM, respectively.

Effects of Different Food Colorants and Polishing Techniques on Colour Stability of Provisional Prosthetic Materials. V. Rutkūnas, V. Sabaliauskas, H. Mizutani (Tokyo medical and dental university).

The main objective was to investigate the effects of different polishing techniques on the color stability of provisional prosthetic materials upon exposure to different staining agents by mimicking the oral environment in vitro.

Effects of Implant Angulation, Material Selection, and Impression Technique on Impression Accuracy. V. Rutkūnas, K. Sveikata, R. Savickas.

The aim of this project is to evaluate the effects different implant angulations in simulated clinical casts on an impression’s accuracy when using different impression materials and tray selections.

Marginal Leakage Dependence on Margin Location and Adhesive Technique with full Ceramic Restorations. V. Rutkūnas, A. Smeilytė, J. Ignatovič.

The aim of the project is to evaluate marginal leakage of full ceramic crowns (e-max) when using different adhesion protocols: 4th vs 7th generation adhesives, with/without immediate dentin sealing, self ething and self adhesive cement vs traditional adhesive cement. Two scenarios of margin location will be evaluated: margin located on enamel and on root dentin. Extracted tooth molars will be used in the study. Marginal leakage will be evaluated by measuring dye penetration through the margin of cemented restoration.

Core Material Influence on the Colour of Final Restoration. V. Rutkūnas, D. Bradulskaitė.

The aim of the study is to evaluate how final color of the restoration is influenced by the color of the core and optical properties of ceramics (color and translucency). Specimens of different combinations of materials will be produced and color change will be measured with spectrophotometer (deltaE measurement).

Significance of Prosthetic Components on Peri-Implant Mucosa Colour Changes. V. Rutkūnas, H. Mizutani (Tokyo Medical and Dental University).

To evaluate the influence of peri-implant mucosa thickness on masking ability of different prosthetic components. To estimate the effect of light transmission of zirconium oxide based abutments and crowns on gingival esthetics. Peri-implant mucosa color changes with different prosthetic materials were investigated using 2 titanium based (titanium only and titanium layered with ceramic) and 7 zirconium oxide based specimens using in-vitro porcine jaw model. Unstained, stained (A2, A3, A4 and pink) Zirconzahn (Zirconzahn GmbH, Germany) and two types (white and yellow) of Cercon (DeguDent GmbH, Gemany) ceramic specimens comprised the zirconia group. ∆L, ∆a, ∆b and ∆E were calculated using spectrophotometer Vita Easy Shade (Vita, Germany) and compared between all specimens utilizing different thickness of mucosa. Special setting was used to evaluate light transmission of different materials. Specimens covered with mucosa were lightened by the halogen light from one side and mucosal color changes evaluated.

Programmes, Projects Supported by the Research Council of Lithuania

Evaluation of Gingival Fibroblast Adhesion Properties and their Usage in Regeneration of Soft Tissue (No MIP 093/2011). Dr. E. Liutkevičius, Dr. A. Pilinkienė, Dr. D. Baltriukienė, Dr. V. Rutkūnas, V. Sabaliauskas. 2011–2012.

The main aim of the project is to perform a unique systematic research of soft tissue attachment to dental implants components combining different surface modification strategies including surface alteration by mechanical roughening, laser irradiation as well as by immobilization of bioactive materials. Also, to define influence of laser and mechanical roughening parameters on cell adhesion behavior aiding in selection of optimal implant surface modification. Results of this research may provide us with new knowledge allowing to improve dental materials and/or adapt similar strategies in other medicine fields such as plastic, reconstructive surgery, dermatology etc.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

J. Aleksejūnienė, V. Brukienė. Parenting Style, Locus of Control, and Oral Hygiene in Adolescents // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 102-108.

A. Razmienė, J. Žekonienė. Antibakterinis periodonto ligų gydymas // Stomatologija / Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija ir Lietuvos stomatologų sąjunga. Kaunas : Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija. 2012, Vol. 14, no. 1, supplement, p. 31.

I. Jakubaitytė, D. Ivanauskaitė, V. Almonaitis. Dantų implantacijos planavimas ir anatominių atruktūrų vertinimas atliekant tūrinės kompiuterinės tomografijos tyrimą // Stomatologija / Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija ir Lietuvos stomatologų sąjunga. Kaunas : Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija. 2012, Vol. 14, no. 1, supplement, p. 23-30.

I. Jančiauskaitė, G. Grigaitė. Greitas viršutinio žandikaulio plėtimas, jo sukeliami pokyčiai ir jų vertinimas // Stomatologija / Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija ir Lietuvos stomatologų sąjunga. Kaunas : Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija. 2012, vol. 14, no. 2, p. 13-17.

T. Linkevičius, E. Vindašiūtė, A. Puišys, L. Linkevičienė, O. Švedienė. Influence of the temperature on the cement disintegration in cement-retained implant restorations // Stomatologija / Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija ir Lietuvos stomatologų sąjunga. Kaunas : Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija. 2012, Vol. 14, no. 4, p. 114-117.

I. Laktionkinienė, L. Linkevičienė. Kleidokranialinės displazijos diagnostikos ir gydymo galimybės // Stomatologija / Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija ir Lietuvos stomatologų sąjunga. Kaunas : Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija. 2012, Vol. 14, no. 1, supplement, p. 5-12.

R. Račienė, V. Pečiulienė, R. Bendinskaitė. Moksleivių kreipimasis į gydytoją odontologą profilaktinės apžiūros. Psichologiniai ir socialiniai veiksniai // Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojas. Kaunas : Vitae litera. 2012, t. 16, nr. 2, p. 19-24.

K. Sveikata, I. Balčiūnienė, J. Tutkuvienė. Needs for prosthetic treatment in Vilnius population at the age over 45 years old // Stomatologija / Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija ir Lietuvos stomatologų sąjunga. Kaunas : Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija. 2012, Vol. 14, no. 3, p. 81-84.

A. Talijūnas, L. Zaleckas. Proliferacinis apatinio žandikaulio periostitas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 55-60.

R. Almonaitienė, I. Balčiūnienė, J. Tutkuvienė. Standards for permanent teeth emergence time and sequence in Lithuanian children, residents of Vilnius city // Stomatologija / Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija ir Lietuvos stomatologų sąjunga. Kaunas : Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojų stomatologų draugija. 2012, Vol. 14, no. 3, p. 93-100.

A. Silica, D. Botticelli, T. Linkevičius. Computer-guided implant therapy and soft- and hard-tissue aspects. The Third EAO Consensus Conference 2012 / Alberto Sicilia Daniele Botticelli on behalf of working group 3 [from Lithuania Tomas Linkevičius] // Clinical oral implants research. Malden : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. 2012, vol 23, suppl. 6, p. 157-161.

T. Linkevičius, A. Puišys, E. Vindašiūtė, L. Linkevičienė, P. Apse. Does residual cement around implant-supported restorations cause peri-implant disease? A retrospective case analysis // Clinical oral implants research. Malden : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. 2012, vol, no, p. [1-6].

V. Rutkūnas, K. Sveikata, R. Savickas. Effects of Implant Angulation, Material Selection, and Impression Technique on Impression Accuracy: a Preliminary Laboratory Study // International Journal of Prosthodontics. Hanover : Quintessence Publishing Co. Inc. 2012, Vol. 25, iss. 5, p. 512-515.

I. Dumbrytė, L. Linkevičienė, M. Malinauskas, T. Linkevičius, V. Pečiulienė, K. Tikuišis. Evaluation of enamel micro-cracks characteristics after removal of metal brackets in adult patients // European Journal of Orthodontics. Oxford : Oxford University Press. 2011,, p.

V. Brukienė, J. Aleksejūnienė. Is the authoritative parenting model effective in changing oral hygiene behavior in adolescents? // Health Education Research. Cary : Oxford University Press. 2012,, p.

J. Aleksejūnienė, V. Brukienė. Oral hygiene education in adolescence based on the Precaution Adoption Process Model // Community Dental Health. Lowestoft : FDI World Dental Press Ltd. 2012, Vol. 29, iss. 3, p. 248-251.

T. Linkevičius, O. Švedienė, E. Vindašiūtė, L. Linkevičienė. The influence of implant placement depth and impression material on the stability of an open tray impression coping // Journal of prosthetic dentistry. Philadelphia : Mosby, Inc. 2012, vol. 108, no. 4, p. 238-243.

H. Christell, S. Birch, M. Hedesiu, D. Ivanauskaitė, O. Nackaerts, M. Rohlin, C. Lindh. Variation in costs of cone beam CT examinations among healthcare systems / H. Christell, S. Birch, M. Hedesiu, K. Horner, D. Ivanauskaitė, O. Nackaerts, M. Rohlin, C. Lindh and the SEDENTEXCT consortium // Dentomaxillofacial radiology. London : British Institute of Radiology. 2012, vo. 41, no 7, p. 571-577.

V. Rutkūnas, H. Mizutani, H. Takahashi, N. Iwasaki. Wear simulation effects on overdenture stud attachments // Dental materials journal. Tokyo : Nihon Shika Riko Gakkai. 2011, vol. 30, iss. 6, p. 845-853.

Other Books

K. Horner, D. Ivanauskaitė, J. Žiliukas, A. Urbonienė. Radiation protection: cone beam CT for dental and maxillofacial radiology : evidence based guidelaines (March 2011) / Keith Horner, ..Deimantė Ivanauskaitė, Julius Žiliukas, Aušra Urbonienė, .. et all. Manchester : University of Manchester, 2011. 139 p.

COOPERATION

Vilnius University (Lithuania) Malmö University (Sweden)
Greifswald University (Germany)
Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium)
Lublin University (Poland)
Institute of Stomatology, Riga P. Stradinś University (Latvia)
Oulu University (Finland) Tokyo Medical and Dental University (Japan)
Vancouver University (Canada)
University of Health Sciences (Lithuania) Boston University (USA)
Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Pečiulienė –

editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry);
editorial board member of the European Journal of General Dentistry;
chairman of the regional Committee in Bioethics;
member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University;
honorary member of the Lithuanian Endodontologists Association;
Lithuanian representative of the European Committee for Education in Dentistry;
member of the European Association of Endodontists;
member of the Chamber of Dentists of Lithuania.

Prof. A. Pūrienė –

editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry);
editorial board member of the journal Dental and Medical Problems;
editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva;
honory member of the Lithuanian Endodontologists Association;
board member of the Chamber of Dentists of Lithuania.

Doc. R. Manelienė –

honorary member of the Lithuanian Endodontologists Association;
member of the Chamber of Dentists of Lithuania.

Doc. V. Rutkūnas –

editorial board member of the journal Stominfo (Dentistry);
editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry);
editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva;
reviewer of the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation;
director of the Study Club of Prosthodontists;
member of the International Association for Dental Research;
member of the European Association of Osseointegration;
member of the European Prosthodontic Association.

Doc. V. Brukienė –

editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry);
editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva;
member of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry;
member of the European Association for Dental Public Health;
board member of the Chamber of Dentists of Lithuania.

Dr. J. Rimkuvienė –

editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry).

Doc. S. Drukteinis –

editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva;
president of the Lithuanian Endodontologists Association;
member of the European Association of Endodontists.

Dr. L. Linkevičienė –

editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva.

Dr. R. Bendinskaitė –

editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva.

J. Žekonienė –

editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva;
President of the Society of Periodontists of Lithuania.

DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, FORENSIC MEDICINE AND PHARMACOLOGY

21 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8727
E-mails: ;

Head – Prof. Dr. Virginija Grabauskienė

Interfaculty Laboratory of Research of the Biologically Active Substancies
29a Geležinio Vilko, Vilnius
Tel 239 8992
Email:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Rūta Dubakienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Laurinavičius, Habil. Dr. V. Basys, Habil. Dr. R. Dubakienė, Dr. V. Grabauskienė, Dr. D. Characiejus.
Docents: Dr. N. Janulevičiūtė, Dr. A. Jasulaitis, Dr. D. Vaitkienė, Dr. J. Gulbinovič, Dr. A. Barakauskienė, Dr. E. Žurauskas, Dr. J. Bičkuvienė, Dr..R. Rizgelienė.
Lecturers: Dr. A. Rimkevicius, Dr. M. Balčiūnas, Dr. K. Ivanauskas, Dr. J. Gincman-Dorošenko,Dr. N. Minkuvienė, Dr. R. Raudys, Dr. G. Kisielius, Dr. R. Bojarun.
Assistants: U. Mickys, D. Petroška, B. Zablockienė, V. Baltrūnienė, T. Baltrūnas, D. Daunoravičius, D. Dasevičius, A. Drąsutienė, M. Klimovskij, R. Dzetaveckienė, R. Katkus, R. Meškauskas, S. Budrikienė, A. Gintautas, A. Zaborovskytė, I. Baltrušaitytė, I. Lisauskienė, D. Fomin, S. Laima, J. Plenta, T. Bimba, J. Paliulis, J. Poškutė, N. Ratkus, R. Raudys, V. Šimonytė.
Doctoral students: I. Būtienė, V. Sniečkus, D. Dasevičius, K. Garuolienė, D. Daunoravičius, S. Laima, I. Lisauskienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ethiopathogenesis of major diseases: fundamental and clinical research
Development of the new diagnostic and prognostic molecular markers and tools for their quantification in the tissues
Diagnostic value of pathology tests and efficiency of cancer prevention programs
Clinico-pathologic correlations of diseases
The molecular formation mechanisms of the allergic diseases among Lithuanian population, development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies
Qualitative indicators of medicines prescribing
Genesis and gnoseology of violence

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Research Projects Supported by University Budget

Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis and Prognosis of Major Diseases. Prof. V. Grabauskienė. 2008–2015.

Although significant progress has been achieved in the treatment of heart failure as a result of cardiomyopathy, however, the fact is that there are many patients with refractory heart failure who do not respond despite every available treatment. It is important to develop some alternative therapies for such patients in our country when there are severe limitations of heart transplantation because of donor supply shortage.
In recent years, progress in study on etiology of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has shown that viral infection, genetic abnormalities and autoimmune mechanisms are major causes of this disease. Viral infection of the heart is increasingly recognized as an important cause of both acute and chronic heart failure. Recent biopsy series in patients with DCM have revealed that long term persistence of cardiotrophic viruses triggers heart failure at long term: >70% of patients with idiopathic DCM carry a cardiotrophic virus in the heart. Cardiotrophic viruses are able to degrade cell-cell, cell-matrix, and intracellular elements. These proteases aim to facilitate the entry of the virus into cells, but result in myocyte slippage, injury, and cardiac dysfunction. The presence of viral genomes on endomyocardial biopsywas associated with subsequent worsening of heart function, the need for cardiac transplantation and death and has been used to guide treatment in acute and chronic iDCM. Recent data indicate in the absence of cardiac viral genomes a prerequisite for the clinical use of immunosupression while suggest a potential impact of antiviral agents for patients with virus-positive inflammatory cardiomyopathy. The objectives are to establish a comprehensive research registry on the diagnostics, therapy and disease outcomes of patients with inflamatory, to investigate specific disease sub-entities and to develop standardized strategies for diagnostics and treatment.

Investigation of Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Cancer Patients. Prof. D. Characiejus. 2012–2015.

Solid tumors account for 60% of all pediatric malignant neoplasms. For pediatric solid tumors, the cure rate depends on the histology and stage and ranges from 15% to 90%. Cure rates of most childhood solid tumors have increased as much as 50% since mid 1970s. This high improvement in survival rate is largely attributed to advances in treatment (Clinical oncology, 2004). However, similar advances in treatment of adult cancers have resulted in only modest survival improvement, measuring few months or few weeks (Stewart, Kurzrock, 2009). Therefore, it is logical to assume, that the differences in survival between pediatric and adult cancer patients depend on host factors. Indeed, some chemotherapeutic agents have recently been shown to activate an anticancer immune response, which is involved in the curative effect of these treatments (Ménard et al., 2008). Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the length of the survival of cancer patients may depend on the antitumor immune response of the host. The presence of T lymphocytes within a tumor or in peripheral blood is correlated with longer survival (reviewed by Characiejus et al., 2011). However, mere presence of T lymphocytes in the tumor or in the blood seems not enough. Proliferation of T lymphocytes (Nakano et al., 2001) and their production in the thymus (Wheeler et al., 2003) probably are the most important for the control of neoplastic disease. The study is underway with the aim to find prognostic significance of T lymphocyte subsets for overall survival of children with cancer after standard treatment. Flow cytometric and clinical data of 15 pediatric cancer patients have been collected during 2012.

Lymphoma Biomarkers, Clinico-Pathological Correlations. Prof. Dr. L. Griškevičius. 2008–2013.

A cohort of over 60 patients with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma was collected with the aim to define prognostic markers based on protein and genes expression studies. TMA (tissue microarray) constructed and investigated for multiple immunohistochemistry markers, applying digital analysis tools. Heterogeneity of the marker expression tested, concordance of digital and visual (pathologist) measurements evaluated. Stereology study to obtain reference values and validate the digital analyses has been designed.

Clinico-Pathologic Correlations in Nephropathies. Prof. A. Laurinavičius. 2008–2013.

A prospective collection of kidney allograft protocol biopsies and humoral rejection data was continued (PhD thesis of L. Supranavičienė, lead by Assoc. prof. Miglinas). Bioethics protocol for IgA nephropathy study was prepared (E. Brazdžiūtė, M. Miglinas et al.)

Development of Molecular Markers for Breast and Prostate Cancer. Prof. A. Laurinavičius. 2008–2013.

A prospective study of ductal carcinoma of the breast (over 200 patients) was finalized. Automated digital image analysis of multiple immunohistochemistry markers was performed, data on the objectivity of the analysis were published and presented at the 23rd European Congress of Pathology and 1st Congress of the International Academy of Digital Pathology. Pilot studies using stereology-obtained reference values for automated immunohistochemistry image analysis were performed and aspects of heterogeneity of Ki67 expression in the breast cancer tissue were studied by digital image analysis tools in collaboration with P.Herlin at al at the Caen Cancer Centre (France).
A study of predictive and prognostic factors in prostate cancer was being carried out on 200 patients: cases have already been collected and tissue microarray blocks with immunohistochemical reactions were done. Digital pathology evaluation of imunohistochemistry markers was performed and analyzed. In particular, TMPRSS2 immunohistochemistry studies performed. Some results published in collaboration with J. Lazutka, S. Jarmalaitė, F. Jankevičius et al. Collection of follow-up data continued..

Qualitative Indicators of Medicines Prescribed. Doc. J. Gulbinovič, Doc. L. Griškevičius. 2008–2012.

Angiotensin enzyme converting inhibitors (ACEIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in 2009 compared with 2000 or 2001 originator prices, as well as a range of European countries. There was an appreciable reduction in reimbursed Database validity is a recognized problem with performing cross national comparative (CNC) drug utilization studies. There have been concerns with the reliability of the Lithuanian Compulsory Health Insurance database (NHIF) with low utilisation of PPIs and statins versus Western EU countries, although higher utilisation rates in a commercial database. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate whether the NHIF database is reliable for CNC studies. Subsequently, suggest minimum standards for data collection in future CNC studies. Observational drug utilisation study of all patients dispensed at least one reimbursed prescription for any PPI, statin, renin-angiotensing drug, SSRI or newer antidepressant in the NHIF database between 2004 and 2009. Utilisation converted to DDDs. Comparison with Soft Dent (2005 – 2007 - statins only) and IMS Health databases (2004 to 2009 - all). Utilisation appraised alongside current health policies. Appreciable differences in utilisation between databases for PPIs (5 to 7 fold difference) and statins (3 to 6 fold difference). Limited differences for other classes. Explanations include restricted reimbursement for PPIs and statins, e.g. statins only reimbursed for secondary prevention and up to 2006 only for 6 months. No prescribing restrictions for ACEIs or anti-depressants.NHIF database appears reliable in view of data collection methods and explanations for patterns seen. Consequently, essential to accurately record the content of all databases alongside health policy initiatives to interpret the findings otherwise tendency to dismiss low utilisation rates. Consequently, joint reporting should become standard for all future drug utilisation studies.
To analyse quality of antibiotic prescribing in infants in ambulatory care in Lithuania during 2003–2008 the data on antibiotic dispensing was obtained from the population based electronic database of the Lithuanian National Health Insurance Information system. This database provides the complete prescription medication history of patients, diagnosis according IDC-10, identifies prescriber and dispensing pharmacy. The study included all infants (0–12 months of age), who claimed at least one dispensing for any systemic antibacterial (ATC code: J01) during 2003–2008. During 2003–2008 period the number of dispensed prescriptions per 1000 infants average annual percentage change was –6.3%, the prevalence rate of infants treated with antibiotics average annual percentage change was –5.3%. The most common indications for antibiotic prescribing were acute bronchitis, acute pharyngitis, and common cold which made up 29%, 24 and 13% out of all antibiotic prescriptions, respectively. Broad spectrum penicillins with or without beta lactamase inhibitors were the most often used antibiotics and made up 70 % out of all prescriptions. Three fold differences in antibiotic prescribing were found between different regions. Antibiotic consumption in infants’ population decreased, mostly broad spectrum antibiotic are prescribed for children treatment, narrow spectrum antibiotic are prescribed less, mostly antibiotic are prescribed for viral diseases treatment.
Observational study involving all 3.4 million ambulatory care patients currently contained within the compulsory health insurance system in Lithuania among four drug classes, with a particular focus on generics. Utilisation measured in Defined Daily Doses (DDDs). Prices in terms of reimbursed expenditure/ DDD. Reductions in reimbursed expenditure/ DDD for generic proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), statinsexpenditure/ DDD for generics in each drug class in Lithuania in 2009, e.g. 56% reduction for generic omeprazole, 65% for generic ramipril, 73% for generic sertraline, 83% for generic simvastatin and 87% for generic atorvastatin. This is despite appreciably lower utilisation of PPIs, statins and anti-depressants in Lithuania versus Western European countries. Reductions in generic prices were similar to those among a range of European countries, with no apparent correlation between the number of competitors and price reductions in practice. European countries with smaller populations can obtain substantial reductions in prices of generics versus originators. This was seen in Lithuania among classes with currently limited utilisation versus Western European countries as well as those with similar utilisation patterns. In addition, matching price reductions for generics seen among Western European countries were observed.Overall our findings demonstrate that it is possible for European countries with smaller populations to engineer low prices with manufacturer

Genesis and Gnoseology of Violence. Doc.A. Jasulaitis. 2008–2012. Doc. D. Vaitkienė, Assist.J. Plenta, doctoral students V. Sniečkus and S. Laima.

The above study of the European Working Conditions Survey showed that in Lithuania, in the workplace abuse and harassment or abuse or harassment frequency is two times higher than the European Union average. This prompted us to analyze and assess the prevalence of psychological violence in the labor institutions: the police and the army.
Profiles - interviews surveyed 375 respondents working in the labor institutions: the police (100 persons), military (100 persons) and 75 gunmen on psychological violence in these structures. 57% of respondents answered that the workplace constantly experiencing psychological violence: humiliation, threats, harassment. More than one manifestation of psychological violence at work has suffered for about 70% of the respondents. Within 12 months of work humiliation suffered at work 20% of the police employees, 37% of soldiers and cadets. Increased incidence of bullying (7%) found among the soldiers and cadets, while the police harassment was only 1.8%. Psychological violence occurred as a result has found only a single suicide among police officers. A comparative analysis between the medical staff, employees of educational institutions and state power staffers was carried out. Psychological violence is more pronounced among the doctors and teachers. Even 80% of the mentioned specialists noted that at work they were constantly experiencing psychological violence both from management and from colleagues, from clients and seeking visitors.

Food Allergy in Lithuanian Birth Cohort. Prof. R. Dubakiene. 2009–2012.

The aim was to determine the prevalence of cow’s milk allergy in EuroPrevall Lithuanian birth cohort, to evaluate the relationship between polisensitization and severity of atopic dermatitis and to analyze the impact of different family factors to cow’s milk sensitization. The prevalence of sensitization to cow’s milk in EuroPrevall Lithuanian birth cohort was 3.4%. In children less than 6 months the sensitization rate was significantly higher in boys, and for older than 18 months – in girls. In children, sensitized to more than one food allergen, SCORAD index was significally higher comparing to the one sensitized only to milk. There was no statistically significant relationship between maternal disease, use of antibiotic, maternal diet during pregnancy, parental allergy and sensitization to milk.

First Lithuanian Birth Cohort Study (PLANK-K). Prof. R. Dubakienė. 2009–2016.

6 year follow-up of the 1st Lithuanian birth cohort study studying environmental and health interactions in childhood based on telephone interview. The prevalence of early food allergy sensitization in Lithuanian birth cohort varies from 1.3% in children under 6 months of age and in 2.8% in children under 12 months of age.
There was no statistically significant relationship between maternal diet during pregnancy and sensitization to food allergens at early age. Maternal diet, diseases, the use of antibiotics, tobacco smoke during pregnancy had no significant impact on early sensitization to food allergens.
Children of allergic mothers were significantly more often sensitized to egg compared to the non-sensitized children.

Studies of Allergy to Honey. Prof. R. Dubakienė. 2009–2012.

The most sensitizing is spring-polyfloral honey, whereas the least sensitizing is monofloral honey. Rape and buckwheat pollen cause allergy of almost the same intensity. Instantaneous heat treatment of 70º in order to achieve the desired consistency of honey, to save its properties, its crystal melting should be monitored for choosing the optimal decrystallization modes and temperature. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the initial honey moisture content, carbohydrate composition, HMF content. The best decrystallization is observed at +55°C, but also a quick decrystallisation is possible without harming the quality of the product by using short-term treatment at 70°C. HMF practically does not occur using all our used techniques.

Research Projects Supported by Lithuanian Research Council

MIP-086: Investigation of Molecular Biomarkers for Diagnosis and for Aetiology-Directed Treatment Strategies of Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy. Prof. V. Grabauskienė. 2012–2013.

Myocarditis is one of the most challenging diagnoses in cardiology and is a major cause of heart failure. An autoimmune mechanism, primarily induced or activated by host immune response to viral infection, acts in determining the evolution of myocarditis to chronic heart failure in 14–52% of the patients. The pathophysiology of this evolution is poorly understood and additional research of more sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic tests is required for further understanding the mechanisms of viral heart disease and consequently identifies new potential targets for therapy. The diagnostic gold standard of myocarditis and inflammatory cardiomyopathy is endomyocardial biopsy with the histological Dallas criteria in conjunction with the new tools of immunohistochemistry and viral PCR. The use of these new diagnostic tools has evolved in a better identification of the aetiology of myocarditis and renewed interest in the mechanisms of the inflammatory process in the heart. These new insights of the disease are mandatory to allow the development of novel aetiology-directed treatment strategies. Actually there is no agreement on the specific treatment of this entity in addition to conventional anti-heart failure therapy. In particular the use of immunosuppressive therapy is still debated because of controversial results due to the absence of specific markers of eligibility to immunosuppression. Recent studies have provided evidence of a positive clinical impact of immunosuppressive therapy in up to 90% of patients with negative cardiac polymerase chain reaction for the main cardiotropic viruses. The pathophysiological role of auto-antibodies in cardiac injury after acute viral infection is still under discussion. Circulating cardiac auto-antibodies, in particular antibodies against cardiac myosin heavy chain and β-adrenoreceptors, may play a key role as clinical and pathogenetic markers and may have some prognostic value and also can serve for indication for immunoabsorbtion therapy. Currently, evidence-based guidelines in favor of these specific treatment options are lacking. The purpose of the project is to investigate histologic, immunohistochemical and molecular biology biomarkers for diagnosis of inflammatory cardiomyopathy and for patients selection for novel aetiology-directed treatment strategies.

International Science Programmes and Projects

Lithuanian National Non-Infectious diseases programme allergy project Alergemol

The aim of the current project corresponds to the research priorities in allergy and seeks to idenfity allergic rhnitis and asthma in previuous food allergy children in 2 allergic newborns cohorts: 1st Lithuanian (PLAN-K) and cohort done within FP6 Europrevall project, based on clinical and functional studies. To compare sensibilization patterns with different allergens in the chidren group with respiratory allergoses using allergological methods in vivo and in vitro. The risk factors and correlations of transforming food allergy, confirmed by food provocations to allergic rhinitis and asthma were studied.

FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IRSES Project: Sarcomere Based Signals in Muscle Remodelling, (SarcoSi), No. 291834 – PEOPLE MARIE CURIE ACTIONS International Research Staff Exchange. Prof. V. Grabauskienė. 2011–2015.

In SARCOSI, eight European laboratories will team up that have demonstrates scientific excellence and complementary expertise in the field of sarcomeric signalling. The network structure reflects also the geographic diversity of ERA with participating teams from France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherland, and the UK. The SARCOSI network included both senior scientists that are scientific leaders within the ERA, as well as young team leaders that are now setting up their own independent research groups. SARCOSI will support these teams to become internationally competitive.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

Other Books

M. Garcia-Rojo, B. Blobel, A. Laurinavičius. Perspectives on digital pathology : results of the COST action IC0604 EURO-TELEPATH / Garcia-Rojo, M., Blobel, B., Laurinavicius, A. Amsterdam : IOS Press, 2012. 280 p.

Parts of the Books

E. Gefenas, A. Čekanauskaitė, E. Tuzaitė, V. Dranseika, D. Characiejus. New ethical paradigm in preventive, predictive and personalised medicine. Advances in predictive, preventive and personalised medicine / edited by Olga Golubnitschaja. - Monographic series. Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands, 2012, p. 471-484.

Articles

L. Leonavičienė, G. Kirdaitė, R. Bradūnaitė, D. Vaitkienė, A. Vasiliauskas, D. Zabulyte, A. Ramanavičienė, A. Ramanavičius, T. Ašmenavičius, Z. Mackiewicz. Effect of gold nanoparticles in the treatment of established collagen arthritis in rats // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 91-101.

A. Kavaliūnas, G. Šurkienė, R. Dubakienė, R. Stukas, K. Žagminas, J. Šaulytė, P. Burney, I. Kummeling, C. Mills. EuroPrevall Survey on Prevalence and Pattern of Self-Reported Adverse Reactions to Food and Food Allergies Among Primary Schoolchildren in Vilnius, Lithuania // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr. 5, p. 265-271.

A. Dementjev, J. Kiškis, E. Žurauskas. Imaging of histological sections of the human intestine by multimodal CARS microscope // Lithuanian Journal of Physics / Lithuanian Physical Society, Lithuanian Academy of Science. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, Vol. 52, no. 3, p. 269-275.

J. Venius, S. Bagdonas, E. Žurauskas, R. Rotomskis. Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy of the heart tissues // Lithuanian Journal of Physics / Lithuanian Physical Society, Lithuanian Academy of Science. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2011, Vol. 51, no. 4, p. 317-323.

D. Daunoravičius, A. Jasulaitis, V. Jablonskienė, V. Grabauskienė. Matrikso metaloproteinazės virusinės širdies ligos patogenezėje // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 4, p. 224-228.

L. Leonavičienė, R. Bradūnaitė, D. Vaitkienė, M. Kukis, A. Vasiliauskas, G. Kirdaitė. Profilaktinis žiurkių kolageninio artrito gydymas taikant įvairaus dydžio aukso nanodaleles // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 1, p. 30-45.

P. Šerpytis, V. Bilkis, R. Katliorius, R. Kūgienė, V. Žvironaitė, R. Katkus, D. Jarašiūnienė, N. Klimas, A. Žebrauskaitė, E. Berūkštis, D. Kačiurinas. Treatment of acute STEMI with thrombolysis: tenecteplase vs. streptokinase // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 5, p. 110-113.

D. Daunoravičius, V. Grabauskienė, A. Jasulaitis. Uždegiminė diliatacinė kardiomiopatija: nauji diagnostikos ir gydymo būdai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 3, p. 299-304.

A. Jasulaitis, V. Sniečkus, G. Andriuškevičiūtė, L. Janauskas, N. Mačiulytė. Vaikų destruktyvumas: smurtas Lietuvoje ir prevencijos programos // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 4, p. 202-206.

V. Sniečkus, A. Jasulaitis, E. Klepšytė, G. Andriuškevičiūtė, V. Aliukonis. Vaikų destruktyvumas: smurto ir agresijos išraiškos // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 4, p. 229-235.

V. Sniečkus, A. Jasulaitis, S. Chmieliauskas. Vaikų smurto apraiškos gydytojo praktikoje // Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojas. Kaunas : Vitae litera. 2012, t. 16, nr. 7, p. 449-452.

V. Sniečkus, A. Jasulaitis, V. Šimatonienė, V. Aliukonis. Vaikų smurto apraiškos gydytojo praktikoje // Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojas. Kaunas : Vitae litera. 2012, t. 16, nr. 8, p. 529-.

A. Jasulaitis, J. Plenta, V. Justickis, J. Plentienė. Sveikatos apsaugos įstaigos darbuoto jų pasipriešinimo inovaci joms motyvai // Sveikatos politika ir valdymas. Vilnius : Mykolo Romerio universitetas. 2012, Nr. 1, p. 272-295.

A. Laurinavičius, A. Laurinavičienė, D. Dasevičius, N. Elie, B. Plancoulaine, C. Bor, P. Herlin. Digital image analysis in pathology: Benefits and obligation // Analytical cellular pathology. Dordrecht : Ios Press. 2012, Vol. 35, no. 2, p. 75-78.

J. Juršėnaitė, I. Girkontaitė, M. Mauricas, R. Eidukevičius, D. Characiejus. Expanded Effector Memory T-lymphocytes in DBA/2 Mice Do Not Inhibit the Growth of SL2 Tumours // In Vivo. Athens : International Institute of Anticancer Research. 2012, Vol. 26, no. 4, p. 553-558.

A. Laurinavičius, A. Laurinavičienė, V. Ostapenko, D. Dasevičius, S. Jarmalaitė, J. Lazutka. Immunohistochemistry profiles of breast ductal carcinoma: factor analysis of digital image analysis data // Diagnostic pathology. London : BioMed Central. 2012, vol. 7, p. art. no 27. DOI: 10.1186/1746-1596-7-27.

J. Čelutkienė, D. Zakarkaitė, V. Skorniakov, V. Žvironaitė, V. Grabauskienė, J. Burca, L. Ciparytė, A. Laucevičius. Quantitative approach using multiple single parameters versus visual assessment in dobutamine stress echocardiography // Cardiovascular Ultrasound. London : BioMed Central. 2012, vol. 10, Art. no. 31.

D. Characiejus. Cancer immunotherapy: Benefit and harm? // Oncolmmunology. Austin : Landes Bioscience. 2012, Vol. 1, iss. 2, p. 232-233.

A. Laurinavičius, P. Raslavičius. Consequences of "going digital" for pathology professionals - entering the cloud // Perspectives on digital pathology : results of the COST action IC0604 EURO-TELEPATH / Garcia-Rojo, M. Blobel, B. Laurinavicius, A. Amsterdam : IOS Press, 2012, p. 62-67.

M. Garcia-Rojo, C. Daniel, A. Laurinavičius. SNOMED CT in pathology // Perspectives on digital pathology : results of the COST action IC0604 EURO-TELEPATH / Garcia-Rojo, M. Blobel, B. Laurinavicius, A. Amsterdam : IOS Press, 2012, p. 123-140.

C. Daniel, D. Booker, B. Beckwith, V. Mea, M. Garcia-Rojo, L. Havener, M. Kennedy, J. Klossa, A. Laurinavičius, F. Macary, V. Punys, W. Scharber, T. Schrader. Standards and specifications in pathology: image management, report management and terminology // Perspectives on digital pathology : results of the COST action IC0604 EURO-TELEPATH / GarcĆa-Rojo, M. Blobel, B. Laurinavicius, A. Amsterdam : IOS Press, 2012, p. 105-121.

Materials of conferences

D. Daunoravičius, A. Jasulaitis, V. Grabauskienė. Inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy: the use of new diagnistic tools for diagnosis of disease sunentities and for aetiology directed treatment // Biomedicininė inžinerija - 2012 = Biomedical engineering - 2012 : 16-osios tarptautinės konferencijos pranešimų medžiaga / Kauno technologijos universitetas. Kaunas : Technologija, 2012, p.

D. Daunoravičius, A. Laurinavičius, E. Žurauskas, A. Laurinavičienė, V. Grabauskienė. Quantitative evaluation of cardiac fibrosis by digital image analysis versus pathologist visual scoring // Biomedicininė inžinerija - 2012 = Biomedical engineering - 2012 : 16-osios tarptautinės konferencijos pranešimų medžiaga / Kauno technologijos universitetas. Kaunas : Technologija, 2012, p.

COOPERATION

Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (USA)
Leuven University, Leuven (Belgium)
Ruprecht-Karls-universitat Heidelberg, EMBL (Germany)
Università La Sapienza, Roma (Italy)
University Hospital Gießen and Marburg (Germany)
Belgrade University School of Medicine and Clinical Centre of Serbia (Serbia)
Medicine Faculty, University of REIMS (France)
Heart Institute (InCor) of the São Paulo University Medical School – HCFMUSP (Brazil)
National University of Singapore, Functional Genomic Laboratory
Montpelje University (France)
University of Leicester (UK)
Institute for Pharmacological Research ‘Mario Negri’
Prescribing Research Group, University of Liverpool Management School (UK)
Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University (Sweden))
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania)
Institute of Immunology of Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture (Lithuania)
Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Grabauskienė –

National coordinator of Euro Heart Survey Programme (ESC), http://www.escardio.org/initiatives/ehs/structure/ehscoord.htm;
fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC), http://www.escardio.org/bodies/membership;
member of the European Association of Echocardiography (EAE) of the ESC, http://www.escardio.org/bodies/associations/EAE;
member of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC, http://www.escardio.org/bodies/associations/HFA;
member of the American Society of Echocardiography;
UEMS (European Union of Medical Specialist) Diploma of European Cardiologist Nr.52546, http://www.uems.net;
European Commission: Independent Expert of Biomedical Research Projects;
member of the European Association for Predictive, Preventive and Personalized Medicine (EPMA).

Prof. R. Dubakienė –

National representative for Lithuania in EU FP7 Health programme;
member of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products of the European Commission, www.eu.int.sccp;
expert member of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
Chairmain of Allergology Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
expert of Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation;
editor-in-chief of the journal Alergologija ir klinikinė imunologija (Allergology and Clinical Immunology, www.alergija.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Acta medica Lituanica;
editorial board member of the journal Revue of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Immunopathologia;
vice-president of Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
member of the Lithuanian Immunology Society;
member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
member of the European Respiratory Society (ERS);
member of UEMS board for Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
vice-chairman of the Council of the Institute of Immunology, Vilnius University;
Head of internet website Alergija, astma, imunologija (Allergy, Asthma, Immunology), http://www.aai.lt.

Prof. A. Laurinavičius –

member of the International Society of Nephrology;
affiliate-member of the College of American Pathologists;
vice-chairman of the board of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
Chairman, Committee on Review of Pathologist Licencing Regulations;
Member, Management Board, International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation (IHTSDO, s.SNOMED SDO);
co-chair, Research and Innovation Committee, International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation (IHTSDO, s.SNOMED SDO).

Prof. D. Characiejus –

National Representative of the European Association for Predictive, Preventive and Personalized Medicine (EPMA) in Lithuania;
editorial board member of The EPMA Journal;
member of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR);
member of the European Society of Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy (ESCII);
member of the Council of the Lithuanian Society of Immunology.

Prof. V. Basys –

corresp. member, Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, Chairman of the Division of Biological, Medical and Geosciences;
corresp. member, German Society of Pediatrics;
editor-in-chief of the journal Acta medica Lituanica;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynaecology);
member of Lithuanian Pediatric Society.

U. Mickys –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

Doc. N. Janulevičiūtė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Immunology.

Doc. R. Kazakevičius –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathophysiology and Society of Immunology;
scientific board member of the Lithuanian Encyclopoedia.

CLINIC OF PSYCHIATRY

5 Vasaros, LT-10309 Vilnius
Tel. 261 1043, fax 231 3747
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Vita Danilevičiūtė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. V. Danilevičiūtė, Habil. Dr. A. Dembinskas, Dr. D. Pūras.
Docents: Dr. A. Germanavičius, Dr. E. Laurinaitis, Dr. S. Lesinskienė, Dr. A. Šiurkutė, Dr. A. Navickas, Dr. B. Diomšina.
Lecturers: Dr. A. Deksnytė, Dr. R. Aranauskas, Dr. V. Raškauskas.
Research fellows: Dr. A. Germanavičius, A. Dervinytė-Bongarzoni.
Assistants: R. Viliūnienė, I. Gaškaitė, I. Veličkienė, R. Milašiūnas, D. Natkevičienė, J. Ulevičienė, S. Ašvydienė, V. Stulpinas, E. Paužienė, E. Petkutė, J. Daškevičienė, V. Mickutė, B. Kazilionytė, B. Didžiokaitė, L. Andrikienė, R. Židonienė, A. Nemanienė, I. Treigienė.
Doctoral students: R. Viliūnienė, I. Veličkienė, J. Radzevičienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Search for new methods of diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of psychiatric disorders and suicide
Monitoring of mortality due to suicides in Lithuania
Estimation of suicide risk factors for Lithuanian population: demographics, biosocial, clinical
Evaluation of the prevention methods of the suicides
Research of psychiatric clinical symptoms and biological markers of anxiety disorders among somatic patients
Research of psychoterapeutic and combined treatment of affective disorders in day care psychotherapeutic centre
Evaluation of functioning and quality of life of patients with psychiatric disorders
Analysis of outcome variables of the treatment of psychotic, affective and neurotic disorders
Different approaches on psychosocial rehabilitation and assertive outreach for comprehensive integrated community care for people with mental disorders in the community settings
Evaluation of services for people with mental illness and their carers
Development and implementation of effective evidence-based model of services for children with developmental and psychosocial disorders for the Republic of Lithuania
Analysis of obstacles for the development and implementation of effective mental health policy and services in Lithuania, with emphasis on prevention of suicidal behaviour among children and youth, violence against and among children, and institutionalization of children
Implementation of the EU funded CAMHEE project in Lithuania, through changes in child mental health policies and practices in Lithuania
Implementation of evidence–based early intervention strategies in the field of developmental disabilities (mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy) for children and families at risk of socialization problems

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Prevalence, Clinical Pecurliarities of Psychotic, Affective and Neurotic Disorders; Relation of Treatment and Preventive Methods with Functioning of Patients and Quality of their Life. Prof. V. Danilevičiūtė, Doc. E. Laurinaitis, Doc. A. Šiurkutė, Doc. A. Navickas, Dr. V. Raškauskas, doctoral students: I. Veličkienė, R. Viliūnienė. 2009–2013.

The ratio of diagnosed depression has a tendency to increase. The ratio of diagnosed depression differs in various counties. However, the number of population was slightly decreasing and number of psychiatrists had almost no changes.
Scales for evaluation of psychotherapeutic and combined treatment for affective disorders has been validated and article on this topic is accepted to the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry.
Research on biological markers on patients with anxiety disorders in planned to conduct.
Evaluation of aggression and related risk factors is very important for optimal psychiatric care. The objective of the study was to evaluate characteristics of aggression and its relation with clinical factors. Our studies were to evaluate characteristics of aggression and its relation with clinical factors, and to evaluate rehospitalizations in 3 year period after discharge from index hospitalization of involuntary hospitalized patients from Vilnius Mental Health Centre catchment area. The results were published in two scientific articles.

Research on Suicide Behaviour and Implementation of the Suicide Prevention Methods in Lithuania. Doc. A. Navickas, Prof. V. Danilevičiūtė, Prof. A. Dembinskas, Dr. V. Raškauskas. 2011–2015.

First part: the monitoring of mortality due to suicides was carried out in 2011. Three topics were prepared and presented at International and National conferences.

Complex Care for Children with Mental and Developmental Disorders: Implementation of the Model and Evaluation of Need for Services. Prof. D. Pūras, Doc. S. Lesinskienė, Doc. B. Diomšina.

On the basis of results of CAMHEE project, further assessment of opportunities, gaps and obstacles have been provided for the Government of Lithuania and other stakeholders in the field of child mental health policies and services. In the year 2012, the evidence-based recommendations have been mainly focused on prevention of institutional placement of children under three years of age, promotion of good mental health of children and adolescents (with focus on positive parenting interventions), better recognition of emotional violence against children in all settings and prevention of suicidal and violent behaviour among children and adolescents. Further integration and cooperation with paediatric services, child protection services and the education sector is needed, to effectively meet the needs of children at risk and to prevent stigma, social exclusion and institutionalization of children. Analysis indicated that development of services for biological families at risk and substitute families (foster families, in-country adoptive families) is urgently needed as a priority, to reduce and eliminate institutional placement of young children and to protect child from violence, including emotional abuse.
Results of this research have been presented in the 20th Congress of IACAPAP (International Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions), Paris (France), July 21–25, 2012, and other international scientific events:
Pūras D. Analysis of Eastern European CAMH services 20 years after the fall of communism: cultural differences or systemic violations of children’s rights. Presentation at the 20th Congress of IACAPAP, Paris, France, July 21–25, 2012.
Pūras D. Towards elimination of institutional placement of children from 0 to 3 years of age in Europe: Components of success and the need for in-depth analysis of resistance. Presentation at the 9th Eurochild annual conference, Sofia, Bulgaria, October 24–26.
Results of this research are also reflected in the chapter of the new book, to be published at the end of 2012:
Boika R, Puras D. Promoting child development. In: Kennedy C. (ed.) Clinical apsects of child neurology in the first years of life. John Willey & Sons. 2012 (in press).

International Science Programmes, Projects and Contracts

EU Public Health programme: Suicide Prevention by Internet and Media Based Mental Health Promotion (SUPREME). Doc. A.Germanavicius. 2010–2013.

Research team was expanded, along with contracted and permanent staff (Robertas Povilaitis, Arūunas Germanavičius) volunteering researchers were involved. In June 2012, Ms. Aldona Šileikaitė and dr.Arūnas Germanavičius participated at research meeting in Budapest. Research protocol developed by Karolinska Institute, Stockholm (Sweden) was ammended and improved with regard to local cultural and ethical issues. Survey questionnaires which will be used online were translated in Lithuanian and culturally adapted. Information leaflets and other materials for intervention were translated into Lithuanian. In October 2012 all the neccessary documents were submitted to the Lithuanian Commitee for Bioethics for obtaining permission for this study. Decision by Bioethics Committee followed in November 2012. Since then the study started involving 300 school children.
Publication of research group led by Doc. A. Germanavičius:
Germanavičius A., Valantinas V., Kazlauskas E., Žemaitienė N., Pakalniškienė V., Andreikėnaitė V. Defining methods for risk factors research for public mental health in population-wide study in Lithuania. Abstracts of International Conference of the EPA-EU GEI Closing in on the Envirome in Mental Health Maastricht, the Netherlands 13–16 June 2012.
Regional conference at Clinic of Psychiatry of Vilnius University: Challenges of human rights standards in Lithuanian psychiatry: overview of ITHACA project (26th June 2012, Vilnius).
Oral presentation held: Germanavičius A. Assessment of human rights in psychiatry in Europe: results of the EU research project ITHACA.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

R. Aranauskas, A. Deksnytė, V. Šapoka. Delyras somatinių ligų klinikoje ir šeimos gydytojo praktikoje: samprata, klinika, diagnostika, gydymo rekomendacijos : mokomoji knyga. Vilnius : ALS leidiniai, 2012. 47 p.

Other Books

D. Pūras. The rights of vulnerable children under the age of three. Geneva : Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 2012. 46 p.

Parts of the Books

B. Rechel, D. Pūras. Promoting child development. Principles anf practice of child neurology in infancy / edited by Colin Kennedy. Plymouth : Mac Keith Press, 2012, p. 33-43.

Articles

A. Deksnytė, R. Aranauskas, V. Kurpatov, K. Palinauskaitė. Depresiškumo skirtumai naudojant Beko depresijos klausimyną ir Geriatrinę depresijos skalę šeimos gydytojo praktikoje // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 3, p. 232-236.

K. Dapšys, I. Griškova-Bulanova, R. Kaukėnas, A. Šiurkutė, V. Mačiulis. Elektros impulsų terapijos poveikis klausos sukeltajam potencialui P300 nuotaikos sutrikimų ir šizofrenijos spektro sutrikimų atveju // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 1, p. 82-88.

A. Šiurkutė, V. Mačiulis, R. Kaukėnas, E. Greckienė, E. Ulevičiūtė-Šigajevienė, E. Vilūnaitė-Imbrasienė. Elektros impulsų terapijos veiksmingumas gydant šizofreniją ir šizoafektinį sutrikimą // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 1, p. 59-66.

I. Venciūtė-Rauch, V. Danilevičiūtė, A. Navickas. Gydymas elektroimpulsine terapija // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 1, p. 25-32.

A. Navickas, V. Danilevičiūtė, E. Laurinaitis, E. Biliūtė, I. Ulevičiūtė. Hiperseksualumas - norma ar patologija // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 2, p. 91-98.

R. Viliūnienė, E. Laurinaitis, V. Danilevičiūtė. Motyvacijos psichoterapiniam gydymui, simptomų išreikštumo ir gydymo efektyvumo ryšys // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 3, p. 278-283.

A. Bagdonaitė, A. Šiurkutė, G. Naujokas. Organinė katatonija // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 1, p. 55-58.

S. Marčėnienė, V. Dapšienė, V. Mačiulis, J. Utkuvienė. Projekto "Psichologinis konsultavimas internetu", vykdomo Respublikinėje Vilniaus psichiatrijos ligoninėje, sisteminė apžvalga // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 1, p. 28-31.

R. Viliūnienė, J. Hilbig, R. Žilinskienė, V. Šapurova, T. Gritėnienė, V. Danilevičiūtė. Resilience, mental disorders and physical activities - are they connected? // Sporto mokslas / Vilniaus pedagoginis universitetas, Lietuvos sporto mokslo taryba, Lietuvos olimpinė akademija, Lietuvos kūno kultūros akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos sporto informacijos centras. 2012, nr. 2, p. 63-69.

A. Navickas, J. Hilbig, V. Danilevičiūtė, A. Dembinskas, S. Glebovas. Savižudiško elgesio paplitimas pagal lytį ir amžių Vilniaus mieste // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 2, p. 55-60.

A. Deksnytė, V. Danilevičiūtė, R. Aranauskas, K. Gudynaitė, K. Palinauskaitė. Somatinių pacientų depresiškumo nustatymas, naudojant Beko depresijos klausimyną ir geriatrinę depresijos skalę // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 2, p. 147-151.

R. Mazaliauskienė, A. Navickas. Suicidal attemts during the first episode psychosis // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 2, p. 81-84.

L. Istigečeva, D. Pūras, A. Matukevičiūtė. Sutrikusios psichikos asmenų tėvystės kompetencija // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 6, p. 127-131.

V. Raškauskas, V. Karalienė. Šviesos terapijos taikymo psichiatrijoje galimybės // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2011 Vol. 21, nr. s, suppl. p. 14-18.

N. Jegorova-Marčenkienė, A. Jasonaitė, L. Mikulėnaitė, S. Lesinskienė, J. Petrulytė. Tėvų, auginančių sutrikusios raidos vaikus, emocinės būklės vertinimas // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 6, p. 45-48.

P. Šerpytis, A. Deksnytė, R. Aranauskas, I. Kazlauskaitė, V. Žvironaitė, E. Berūkštis. Ūmus psichikos sutrikimas (delyras) Intensyvios kardiologijos skyriuje // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 5, p. 106-109.

D. Pūras, E. Šumskienė. Psichikos galią turinčių asmenų globa Lietuvoje: priklausomybė nuo paveldėtos paslaugų teikimo kultūros // STEPP : socialinė teorija, empirija, politika ir praktika / Vilniaus universiteto Specialiosios psichologijos laboratorija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, nr. 6, p. 87-96.

S. Lesinskienė, E. Jablonskytė, V. Karalienė. Tėvų ir vaikų nuomonių bei supratimo apie vaiko ligą ir gydymą palyginimas // Pediatrija. Vilnius : Gamta. 2012, nr. 2, p. 55-60.

R. Furmanskytė, S. Lesinskienė, V. Karalienė. Vaikų ir paauglių šizofrenija: vaikų ligų gydytojams aktualūs klinikos, diagnostikos bei gydymo aspektai // Pediatrija. Vilnius : Gamta. 2012, nr. 3, p. 63-71.

E. Petkari, A. Salazar-Montes, T. Kallert, S. Priebe, A. Fiorillo, J. Raboch, G. Onchev, A. Karastergiou, A. Nawka, A. Dembinskas, A. Kiejna, L. Kjellin, F. Torres-Gonzales, J. Cervilla. Acute psychopathology as a predictor of global functioning in patients with ICD-10 non-affective psychosis : aprospective study in 11 European countries // Schizophrenia research. Amsterdam : Elsevier BV. 2011, vol. 131, no 1-3, p. 105-111.

M. Haveman, J. Perry, L. Carulla, P. Walsh, M. Kerr, L. Schrojenstein, H. van, B. Moravec, B. Azema, S. Buono, A. Cara, A. Germanavičius, C. Linehan, T. Maatta, J. Tossebro, G. Weber. Ageing and health status in adults with intellectual disabilities: results of the European POMONA II study // Journal of intellectual and developmental disability. London : Informa Healthcare. 2012, vol. 36. no 1, p. 49-60.

T. Kallert, C. Katsakou, T. Adamowski, A. Dembinskas, A. Fiorillo, L. Kjellin, . Mastrogianni., P. Nawka, G. Onchev, J. Raboch, M. Schuetzwohl, Z. Solomon, F. Torres-Gonzales, S. Bremner, S. Priebe. Coerced hospital admission and symptom change -a prospective observational multi-centre study // PL o S One. San Francisco : Public Library of Science. 2011, vol. 6, no 11, p. e28191.

A. Lasalvia, S. Zoppei, B. van, C. Bonetto, D. Cristafalo, K. Wahlbeck, B. Vasseur, A. van, W. van, B. Reneses, A. Germanavičius, M. Economou, M. Lanfredi, S. Ando, N. Sartorius, J. Lopez-Ibor, G. Thornicroft. Global pattern of experienced and anticipated discrimination reported by people with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional survey / Antonio Lasalvia, Silvia Zoppei, Tine Van Bortel, Chiara Bonetto, Doriana Cristofalo, Kristian Wahlbeck, Simon Vasseur Bacle, Chantal Van Audenhove, Jaap van Weeghel, Blanca Reneses, Arunas Germanavicius, Marina Economou, Mariangela Lanfredi, Shuntaro Ando, Norman Sartorius, Juan J Lopez-Ibo, Graham Thornicroft, the ASPEN/INDIGO Study Group // Lancet. London : The Lancet Publishing Group. 2012, vol. 381, iss. 9860, p. 55-62.

A. Fiorillo, R. de, V. del, L. Jurjanz, K. Schnall, G. Onchev, S. Alexiev, J. Raboch, L. Kalisova, . Mastrogianni., E. Georgiadou, Z. Solomon, A. Dembinskas, V. Raškauskas, P. Nawka, A. Nawka, A. Kiejna, T. Hadrys, F. Torres-Gonzales, F. Mayoral, A. Bjorkdahl, L. Kjellin, S. Priebe, M. Maj, T. Kallert. How to improve clinical practice on involuntary hospital admissions of psychiatric patients: Suggestions from the EUNOMIA study // European psychiatry. Paris : Elsevier Masson. 2012, vol. 26, no 4. p. 201-207.

A. Fiorillo, D. Giacco, R. de, T. Kallert, C. Katsakou, G. Onchev, J. Raboch, . Mastrogianni., V. del, M. Luciano, F. Catapano, A. Dembinskas, P. Nawka, A. Kiejna, F. Torres-Gonzales, L. Kjellin, M. Maj, S. Priebe. Patient characteristics and symptoms associated with perceived coercion during hospital treatment // Acta psychiatrica scandinavica. Malden : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. 2012, vol. 125, no 6, p. 460-467.

S. Priebe, C. Katsakou, M. Glockner, A. Dembinskas, A. Fiorillo, A. Karastergiou, A. Kiejna, L. Kjellin, P. Nawka, G. Onchev, J. Raboch, M. Schuetzwohl, Z. Solomon, F. Torres-Gonzales, D. Wang, T. Kallert. Patients' views of involuntary hospital admission after 1 and 3 months: prospective study in 11 European countries // British journal of psychiatry. London : Royal College of Psychiatrists. 2010, vol. 196, no 3, p. 179-185.

R. Leal, L. Carulla, C. Linehan, P. Walsh, G. Weber, H. Van, T. Maatta, B. Azema, M. Haveman, S. Buono, A. Germanavičius, S. van, J. Tossebro, A. Cara, B. Moravec, J. Perry, M. Kerr, A. Germanavičius. The impact of living arrangements and deinstitutionalisation in the health status of persons with intellectual disability in Europe // Journal of intellectual disability research. Malden : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. 2011, Vol. 55, no. 9, p. 858-872.

R. Viliūnienė, C. Evans, J. Hilbig, V. Pakalniškienė, V. Danilevičiūtė, E. Laurinaitis, A. Navickas. Translating the clinical outcomes in routine evaluation outcome measure (CORE-OM) into Lithuanian // Nordic journal of psychiatry. London : Informa Healthcare. 2012, vol. p.

J. Raboch, L. Kalisova, A. Nawka, E. Kitzlerova, G. Onchev, A. Karastergiou, L. Magliano, A. Dembinskas, A. Kiejna, F. Torres-Gonzales, L. Kjellin, S. Priebe, T. Kallert. Use of coercive measures during involuntary hospitalization: findings from ten European Countries // Psychiatric services. Arlington : American Psychiatric Publishing. 2010, vol. 61, no 10, p. 1012-1017.

A. Germanavičius, S. Pečiulis. Empowerment strategy for mental health care users in decision making (Lithuanian experience) // Mental health reforms. Hilversum : Global Initiative on Psychiatry. 2011, no. 1-2 : Mental health challenges in Lithuania. p. 21-22.

R. Pebenito, A. Germanavičius. Policy study on prevention of suicide in Lithuania // Mental health reforms. Hilversum : Global Initiative on Psychiatry. 2011, no. 1-2 : Mental health challenges in Lithuania. p. 21-22.

COOPERATION

Lithuanian University of Heath Sciences, Medical Academy, Clinic of Psychiatry (Lithuania)
M. Riomerio University (Lithuania)
Psychiatric Clinic of Lund University (Sweden)
NHS, Avon and Wilshire Mental Health Partnership Trust (UK)
European Group Analytic Training Institutions Network (EGATIN)
Institute of Psychoanalysis, Amsterdam (the Netherlands)
British Association of Psychotherapists (UK)
European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP)
Institute of Psychiatry Kings College, London (UK)
Oslo Regional Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (Norway)
Viena S. Freud private university (Austria)
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of Krakow Jagiellonian University (Poland)
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of Heidelberg University (Germany)
United Kingdom Councie for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP)
Institute of Group Analysis, Oslo (Norway)
Institute of Group Analysis Rasztów, IGAR, Warsaw (Poland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Danilevičiūtė –

member of board of the Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University;
vice-president of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association;
member of task force for evaluation of mental health in Lithuania for preparing annual report of National Health Council of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
scientific board member of the conference Scientific Priorities in Psychiatry;
coordinator of European Depression Association for Lithuania;
member of scientific board of national conference Suicides in General Context of Mental and Behavioural Disorders.

Prof. A. Dembinskas –

member of board of Lithuanian Association of Psychiatrists;
honorary President of Lithuanian Association of Suicidology;
member of European Association of Psychiatrists;
member of International Association of Suicide Prevention;
editorial board member of the journal Biologinė psichiatrija ir psichofarmakologija (Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology);
editorial board member of the journal Psichiatrijos žinios (News of Psychiatry);
editorial board member of the international journal Psychiatry (Russia).

Doc. E. Laurinaitis –

editorial board member of the International Journal of Psychotherapy;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Pain Medicine (Skausmo medicina);
board member of European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP);
vice-president of EAP;
chairman of the Membership Committee of EAP;
president of the Lithuanian Psychotherapeutic Society;
member of the Training Committee of Group Analytic Society of Lithuania;
full member of Group Analytic Society (London);
board member of European Confederation of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapies;
honorary member of Latvian Society of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (Latvia);
honorary member of Estonian Group Analytic Society (Estonia).

Doc. A. Šiurkutė –

member of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association (LPA);
editorial board member of the journal Psychiatry (Russia).

Doc. A. Germanavičius –

member of European Association of Psychiatrists;
board member of the European Network for Mental Health Service Research and Evaluation (ENMESH);
member of the Committee on History of Psychiatry, World Federation of Biological Psychiatry;
member of the Working Group in the History of Medicine, Brook University, Oxford, UK;
member of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association (LPA);
president of Lithuanian Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos Mokslai (Health Sciences);
editorial board member of the journal Biologinė psichiatrija ir psichofarmakologija (Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology;)
chair of expert task force for Vilnius city mental health care policy (2011-2013);
members of commitee for strategic planning of mental health care development in Lithuania 2008-2013 at the Ministry of Health.

Doc. A. Navickas –

president of the Lithuanian Association of Suicidology;
president of the Lithuanian Psychiatric Association;
member of International Association of Suicide Prevention;
editorial board member of the journal Biologinė psichiatrija ir psichofarmakologija (Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology);
editorial board member of the journal Psichiatrijos žinios (News of Psychiatry);
organizing committee member of the international conference Desires and Impulses – Norm and Pathology;
member of section on classification, diagnostic assessment, nomenclature of World Psychiatric Association.
member of scientific board of National conference Suicides in General Context of Mental and Behavioural Disorders.

V. Raškauskas –

member of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association (LPA);
member of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) (since 20 December, 2011).

Prof. D. Pūras –

adviser of the Committee on Health Affairs, Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania;
international advisory board member of the journal Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Poland);
international advisory board member of the journal Obzor sovremennoj psichiatrii (Review of Contemporary Psychiatry);
visiting professor, Ilia Stet university, Tbilisi (Georgia)
editorial board member, of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
task force member on child psychiatry, World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry;
member of the Committee on Ethics, World Federation of Biological Psychiatry;
chairman of the Board, Human Rights Monitoring Institute (Lithuania)
chairman of the Board, Global initiative on Psychiatry (Lithuania)
honorary member of the Board, Lithuanian Society for Support of |Persons with Intellectual Disabilities “Viltis”

Doc. S. Lesinskienė –

consultant for child and adolescent psychiatry, Ministry of Health Care of the Republic of Lithuania;
president of Lithuanian Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics).

DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MEDICAL PHYSICS

2 Santariškių, LT-08661, Vilnius
Tel./fax. 236 5177,
E-mail

Head – Prof. Dr. Algirdas Edvardas Tamošiūnas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. E. Tamošiūnas, Dr. R. N. Valevičienė.
Docents: Dr. J. Dementavičienė, Dr. S. R. Letautienė. Dr. R. Briedienė, Dr. E. Aleknavičius.
Lecturers: Dr. A. Samuilis, Dr. R. Grigienė, Dr. B. Gricienė, Dr. M. Matačiūnas, Dr. R. Ladygienė.
Assistants: D. Palionis, J. Stankevičienė, D. Rutkauskaitė.
Doctoral students: D. Rutkauskaitė, D. Vajauskas, A. Brazaitis.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Indications and evaluation of the diagnostic effect of new radiodiagnostic methods Development of new technologies, methods of early cancer detection and treatment interventions
Telemedicine, picture archiving and communication system
Assessment of myocardial viability by combined CMR protocol in patients with chronic coronary heart disease and chronic left ventricular systolic dysfunction; evaluation of right ventricle function in chronic pulmonary embolism
Assessment of complex congenital heart diseases
Magnetic resonance angiography
Neuroradiology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Automatic Analysis of the Right Ventricle of the Heart in Echocardiographic Images. Prof. A. Laucevičius, Dr. D. Zakarkaitė, M. Matačiūnas. 2007–2012.

During 2012 scientific data was summarized and two scientific articles were published.

Evaluation of the Role of Intracranial Arterial Stenosis and General Atherosclerosis Process for the Patients Undergoing Surgery for Coronary Artery Disease. Prof. A. Laucevičius. 2010–2014.

The patients, who are undergoing surgery for coronary artery disease, are investigated before and after the surgery. The project includes questionnaire for the patients, general clinical, ultrasound examination of the brachiocephalic arteries and MRI/MRA without and with i/v contrast material of the brain, extracranial and intracranial arteries.

Comparitive Data Analysis and Evaluation of Pancreatic CT Perfusion Findings of Microcirculation Dysfunction in Pancreatic Tissue. Prof. K. Strupas, Prof. A. E. Tamosiunas, D. Rutkauskaite.

The goal of this study is to assess the value of pancreatic CT perfusion parameters in evaluation of solid pancreatic lesions. In 2012, analysis of literature according CT pancreatic perfusion imaging was made. The lecture Pancreatic CT perfusion imaging. Review was prepared and delivered at the conference organized of Lithuanian Radiologists Association and Vilnius Radiologists Society on 24 Feb, 2012.

Knee Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Arthroscopy Findings Comparative Analysis and Value in Surgical Intervention Planning. A. Brazaitis.

The goal of this study is to assess knee MRI value in knee surgery planning and extent. Tasks for 2012 were fulfilled: exams passed IN: Radiological Anatomy (10 March 2012), Orthopoedic Ddiseases (04 May 2012), Biomedical Sstatistics (10 June 2012), literature analysis about knee MRI value in surgical planning.

MRI Extended Possibilities and Value in Aortic Imaging. Prof. N. Valeviciene, Prof. A. Laucevicius, D. Palionis. 2011–2014.

A prospective study has been planned in late 2012, analyzing benefits and prognostic value of extended aortic MRI protocol, which includes: a) evaluation of reliability of non-contrast sequences vs. contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in follow-up MRI examinations for congenital and acquired heart diseases; b) aortic flow parameters analysis and reliability for haemodynamical evaluation of stenoses (comparing with conventional angiography and body surface areas related segmental diameters); c) aortic segmental elasticity and pulse wave velocity MRI measurements - validation with aplanation tonometry and prognostic value for patients with primary hypertension, congenital and acquired heart diseases (only a few scientific initiatives have been reported in this area worldwide); d) left ventricle parameters (mass, ejection fraction etc.) relation to changes in proximal aorta.
Prof. Nomeda Valeviciene and assist. Darius Palionis with co-authors also published a book Heart and Great Vessels Magnetic Resonance Tomography in 2011. This textbook is a cardiovascular MRI learning tool for clinical doctors, radiologists, residents and students. During ESMRMB 2012 Congress (October 6–8, Leipzig/DE) the authors presented a rare case: blood cyst of the pulmonary valve, detected by MRI.

Imaging of Cardiac Adrenergic Innervation to Assess Risk of Cardiac Insufficiencyand Sudden Death. Prof. A. E. Tamošiūnas.

During the period from 2010 September till 2012 December, we investigated 100 heart failure patients in total, performing cardiac MIBG scintigraphy and cardiac MIBG SPECT. Semi quantitative data from planar scan – early and late H/M (heart mediastinum) ratio, WR (washout) ratio and quantitative, and semi quantitative data from MIBG SPECT images – summed denervation score, denervation extent expressed in %. Risk calculation for patient will be assessed after 6 month follow-up, in short term. Risk assessment will be performed using MIBG planar scan semi quantitative data and separately MIBG SPECT semi quantitative, and quantitative data.

International Science Programmes and Projects

VULSH, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Centre is taking part in The European Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (EuroCMR) Registry is an initiative of the ESC Working Group Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

Projects, Programmes, Issues Supported by Lithuanian Research Council

Automatic Analysis of Function of the Right Ventricle of the Heart in CT Images. Dr. D. Zakarkaitė, M. Matačiūnas, I. Zeleckienė.

The goal of this project is to develop mathematical model of the right ventricle of the heart, and to adopt it to evaluate right ventricular function for patients suffering from various diseases of the heart. Newly created original software for mathematical modelling of the right ventricle of the heart will be used to monitor right ventricular function and to detect specific changes which are the expectative results of the project. During 2011 one scientific article was published.

Imaging of Cardiac Adrenergic Innervation to Assess Risk of Cardiac Insufficiency and Sudden Death. Prof. A. E. Tamošiūnas.

Cardiac insufficiency and sudden death are very important clinical entities for the aging Lithuanian population. The main goal of this project is to evaluate noninvasive symphathoadrenergic innervation molecular imaging techniques to diagnose heart failure in early stages and to evaluate risk of sudden death and adverse cardiac reactions.
Norepinephrine (NE) is synthesized in the heart, and is stored in the synaptic vesicle (NE storage granules). Exocytosis of NE from the nerve ending occurs upon stimulation of the sympathetic nerve, and the majority of NE is taken into the nerve ending again through an active re-absorption mechanism. l23I - Iobenguane is an analogue of NE that is stored in the nerve ending follicles. l23l - Iobenguane is secreted according to nerve stimulation. In contrast to NE, l23I - Iobenguane does not combine with the heart muscle receptor, and it is not inactivated by monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase(C OMT). Therefore, as the majority (80-90%) of 123I - Iobenguane released into the synaptic cleft is reabsorbed.
In normal heart muscle, l23I - Iobenguane stays for several hours. Washout from the heart muscle quickens as sympathetic nerve activity rises and spillover of NE increases due to heart failure. Therefore, an early scintigraphy images taken right after l23I - Iobenguane administration represent the situation of sympathetic nerves distribution, while delayed images taken after several hours reflect the nerve activity. During examination numeric values of the heart to mediastinum ratio and l23I- Iobenguane washout rate are calculated.
Results of this study should be used to diagnose heart failure and stratify patients’ risk of sudden death and adverse cardiac reactions. Information obtained may reselect patients who need conservative preventive treatment, interventional heart failure treatment procedures or heart transplantation.
Nuclear medicine methods for molecular imaging are just emerging in Lithuania. There is no evidence of similar research study done in Lithuania with similar scientific initiatives about to start in other countries.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

B. Vaišnytė, D. Vajauskas, D. Palionis, N. Misonis, M. Kurminas, D. Nevidomskytė, M. Matačiūnas, M. Gutauskas, A. Laucevičius. Diagnostic methods, treatment modalities, and follow-up of extracranial arteriovenous malformations // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr. 8, p. 388-398.

N. Valevičienė, Ž. Petrulionienė, B. Petrauskienė, G. Lauraitis, S. Glaveckaitė, D. Palionis, A. Tamošiūnas, A. Laucevičius. Differentiation of Acute Myocarditis and Acute Myocardial Infarction by the Regional Distribution of Myocardial Irreversible Injury Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr. 3, p. 132-137.

M. Matačiūnas, K. Kristinaitytė, B. Gricienė, A. Tamošiūnas, A. Laucevičius. Comparison of retrospectively ECG-gated coronary computed tomography with and without adaptive tube voltage, tube current parameters and individualised contrast media injection protocol to reduce ionising radiation dose // Seminars in cardiovascular medicine. Vilnius : Lietuvos širdies asociacija. 2012, vol. 18, no. 5, p. [1-6].

M. Matačiūnas, D. Zakarkaitė, I. Zeleckienė, A. Tamošiūnas, A. Laucevičius. Diagnostic value of retrospectively ECG synchronized cardiopulmonary computed tomographic angiography in patients with clinically suspected acute pulmonary embolism // Seminars in cardiovascular medicine. Vilnius : Lietuvos širdies asociacija. 2012, vol. 18, no. 1, p. [1-9].

E. Kulikauskas, E. Poškus, D. Rutkauskaitė, K. Strupas. Gigantinė retroperitoninio tarpo lipoma: klinikinis atvejis ir literatūros apžvalga // Lietuvos chirurgija. Vilnius : Lietuvos chirurgų asociacija. 2012, t. 10, nr. 1-2, p. 47-52.

N. Samalavičius, A. Kilius, K. Petrulis, S. Letautienė, R. Grigienė, R. Briedienė, K. Mišeikytė. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: results of the first 50 cases // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 1, p. 45-49.

N. Valevičienė, Ž. Petrulionienė, D. Palionis, S. Glaveckaitė, E. Gatelienė, B. Brasiūnienė, A. Tamošiūnas, G. Uždavinys, A. Laucevičius. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the heart: case report // Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche. Turin : Edizioni Minerva Medica. 2011, Vol. 170, no. 6, p. 443-447.

Materials of conferences

K. Kristinaitytė, B. Gricienė, M. Matačiūnas, A. Tamošiūnas. Methods of radiation dose reduction in computed tomography: effect of combined strategies // Medical physics in the Baltic states : proceedings of the 10th international conference, Kaunas, 8-10 November, 2012. Kaunas : Technologija, 2012. 2012/99, p. 99-102.

G. Slapšytė, B. Gricienė, J. Mierauskienė. Darbo aplinkoje mažomis jonizuojančiosios spinduliuotės dozėmis veikiamų asmens sveikatos priežiūros įstaigų ir atominės elektrinės darbuotojų citogenetiniai tyrimai // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 104-113.

COOPERATION

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania)
University of Zurich, Division of Nuclear Medicine (Switzerland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. E. Tamošiūnas –

director of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Centre;
member of Lithuanian Gastroenterology Association;
member of Lithuanian Medical Association;
vicepresident of Lithuanian Radiology Association;
board member of Ultrasound Association.

Prof. N. R. Valevičienė –

member of the Lithuanian Radiology Association (LRA);
member of the steering committee of ehealth project, the roject ehealth coordinator;
member of the steering committee of the Scientific Council of Vilnius University Oncology Centre;
member of the European Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology;
member of the Workshop and Education Committee of the European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology;
independent expert of European Social Fund Agency.

Doc. J. Dementavičienė –

president of Lithuanian Radiology Association;
member of European Society of Radiology;
member of European Society of Neuroradiology;
member of International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine;
member of Radiology Society of North America;
expert of Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation.

D. Palionis –

member of the Lithuanian Radiology Association (LRA);
member of European Society of Radiology;
member of Lithuanian Medical Association.

D. Vajauskas –

member of the Lithuanian Radiology Association (LRA);
member of the Lithuania Society of Nuclear Medicine;
member of the Lithuania Heart Association;
member of European Society of Nuclear Medicine.

J. Stankevičienė –

member of the Lithuanian Radiology Association (LRA).

D. Rutkauskaitė –

member of Vilnius Radiologists Society;
member of the Lithuanian Radiology Association (LRA);
secretary of the Lithuanian Radiology Association (LRA);
member of European Society of Radiology (ESR);
member of Lithuanian Medical Association.

Doc. R. Briedienė –

member of the Lithuanian Radiology Association (LRA);
member of European Society of Radiology (ESR);
member of Lithuanian Society of Oncology.

Doc. S. R. Letautienė –

member of the Lithuanian Radiology Association;
head of of Lithuanian Society of Oncology;
member of Lithuanian Society of Radiotherapy;
member of European Society of Radiology (ESR);
member of the steering committee of the Scientific Council of Vilnius University Oncology Institute;
member of Lithuanian Association of Medical Physics and Engineering;
member of the Association of Oncology Societies.

R. Grigienė –

member of the Lithuanian Radiology Association (LRA);
head of Vilnius Radiologists Society;
member of European Society of Radiology (ESR);
member of the steering committee of the Scientific Council of Vilnius University Oncology Institute;
member of Lithuanian Cancer Society;
member of Lithuanian Society of Radiotherapy.

A. Samuilis -

member of the Lithuanian Radiology Association (LRA);
member of European Society of Radiology (ESR).

D. M. Matačiūnas –

member of the Lithuanian Radiology Association (LRA);
member of the Lithuania Heart Association;
member of the Lithuania Society of Nuclear Medicine;
member of European Society of Cardiology (ESC);
member of ESC working group Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT.

R. Ladygienė –

member of the Lithuanian Radiation Protection Society (LRRS);
member of Expert Group on Nuclear and Radiation Safety (EGNRS under Counsil of Baltic Sea States (CBSS).

B. Gricienė –

member of the Lithuanian Radiation Protection Society (LRRS).

REHABILITATION, PHYSICAL AND SPORTS MEDICINE DEPARTMENT

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5170
E-mail

Head – Prof. Dr. Alvydas Juocevičius

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Juocevičius, Dr. M. Tamulaitienė.
Docents: Dr. R. Dadelienė, Dr. D. Janonienė, Dr. D. Mečkauskienė, Dr. J. Raistenskis.
Lecturers: Dr. I. Jamontaitė, Dr. S. Lenickienė, Dr. B. Skerlienė, Dr.V. Raškelienė, Dr. A. Valiulis.
Assistants: A. Adomavičienė, L. Aučynienė, J. Bernatavičius, A. Budejienė, A. Cirtautas, J.Indriūnienė, R.Kavaliauskaitė, J. Kesienė, S. Kilkutė, L. Mikulėnaitė, T. Palšytė, N. Puidaitė-Davidavičienė, I. Raudonytė, L. Varnienė, I. Slivovskaja, G. Bazienė, N.Bičkaukaitė, V.Kraujalienė, G.Bosaitė, Z.Skvorciany.
Senior specialists: R. Mitrikienė, A. Jankauskaitė, M. Starkienė.
Doctoral students: I. Tvarijonienė, J. Indriūnienė, A. Adomavičienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of disease: fundamental and clinical research

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Prognostication of Comprehensive Rehabilitation Effectiveness in Patients with Movement Disturbances. Prof. A. Juocevičius. 2007–2015.

The aim of this research is to search comprehensive rehabilitation effectiveness prognostication parameters; to prepare methodology of comprehensive rehabilitation prognostication in patients with movement disturbances; to perform comparable examination of comprehensive rehabilitation prognostication, using functional status evaluation.
In 2012, research workers of the Rehabilitation, Physical and Sport Medicine Department continued performance of comparable examination and methodology development of comprehensive rehabilitation effectiveness prognostication (120 patients with movement disturbances); On the base of these data were published 15 articles in scientific journals (4 articles are submitted to press); research workers took part at international (7 reports, 3 posters) and in Lithuanian (2 reports) cogresses with reports.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

J. Indriūnienė, A. Juocevičius. Amžiaus įtaka moterų blauzdos tiesiamųjų ir lenkiamųjų raumenų jėgos ir ištvermės parametrams // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2011, t. 12, nr. 3, p. 167-171.

A. Adomavičienė, I. Jamontaitė, J. Bernatavičius, L. Būtėnaitė. Asmenų po nugaros smegenų pažeidimo įsidarbinimo ypatumai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 40-44.

A. Juocevičius, L. Būtėnaitė, I. Jamontaitė, A. Valiulis. Asmenų po nugaros smegenų pažeidimo reabilitacijos efektyvumas pagal Tarptautinę funkcionavimo, neįgalumo ir sveikatos klasifikaciją // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 45-49.

M. Tamulaitienė, P. Marozik, V. Alekna, I. Mosse, V. Strazdienė, A. Mastavičiūtė, E. Rudenko, R. Piličiauskienė. Association of VDR BsmI gene polymorphism, bone turnover markers and bone mineral density in severe postmenopausal osteoporosis // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 4, p. 206-213.

A. Juocevičius, J. Ramanauskaitė, D. Janonienė, I. Tvarijonienė, I. Jamontaitė, V. Glamba, A. Danys. Grįžtamojo ryšio įtaka lavinant sergančiųjų galvos smegenų infarktu pusiausvyrą // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2010, t. 11, nr. 4, p. 233-239.

B. Strukčinskienė, S. Griškonis, J. Raistenskis, V. Strukčinskaitė. Ikimokyklinio amžiaus Lietuvos vaikų fizinio aktyvumo ypatumai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 4, p. 10-14.

I. Jamontaitė, T. Puzara. Judesių vertinimo skalės taikymo kineziterapijoje analizė // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2011, t. 12, nr. 1, p. 33-40.

V. Svetikienė, J. Raistenskis, R. Raugalas. Kognityviniai ir emociniai sutrikimai vaikams po galvos smegenų traumų, jų pokyčiai reabilitacijos procese // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 22-26.

S. Griškonis, B. Strukčinskienė, J. Raistenskis, I. Griškonytė. Kompiuteriu dirbančių specialistų darbo aplinka ir sveikata // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 4, p. 15-18.

B. Strukčinskienė, S. Griškonis, J. Raistenskis. Kompiuteriu dirbančių specialistų fizinio aktyvumo ir sveikatos ypatumai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 4, p. 19-22.

S. Lenickienė, A. Juocevičius, V. Skvereckaitė. Kompleksinės ambulatorinės reabilitacijos programos efektyvumas // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2010, t. 11, nr. 4, p. 211-218.

A. Mastavičiūtė, V. Alekna, M. Tamulaitienė. Kūno dalių apimties, odos raukšlių, liesosios masės, riebalų masės ir kaulų mineralų masės ypatumai senyvame amžiuje // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 2, p. 96-102.

S. Kilkutė, N. Marčiulynaitė. Pacientų, patyrusių nugaros smegenų pažeidimą, funkcinės ir emocinės būklės sąsajos // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 50-53.

V. Gaškaitė, D. Janonienė. Pacientų, sergančių galvos smegenų infarktu, kineziterapijos poveikio vertinimas taikant tarptautinę funkcionavimo, negalumo ir sveikatos klasifikaciją // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2010, t. 14, nr. 3, p. 185-190.

S. Burokienė, J. Raistenskis, M. Strička, V. Usonis. Pagalba vaikams priėmimo-skubios pagalbos skyriuose Lietuvos ligoninėse: ligonių srautai ir naudojimosi paslaugomis tendencijos // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 54-57.

S. Lenickienė, A. Juocevičius. Sergančiųjų diskogenine juosmenine kryžmens radikulopatija kompleksinės daugiadisciplininės reabilitacijos efektyvumo ir patiriamo skausmo stadijos sąsajos // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2011, t. 15, nr. 4, p. 284-293.

Z. Skvarciany, A. Juocevičius, J. Raistenskis, R. Povilaitienė. Sergančiųjų krūties ir gimdos kaklelio vėžiu gyvenimo kokybė pirmaisiais metais po diagnozės nustatymo // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2011, t. 12, nr. 4, p. 230-234.

M. Tamulaitienė, R. Smalinskaitė, A. Juocevičius. Sergančiųjų Parkinsono liga nemotorinių sutrikimų ir savarankiškumo sąsajos // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 1, p. 7-14.

J. Indriūnienė, J. Marcinkevičienė, I. Jamontaitė, A. Juocevičius, J. Raistenskis. Skirtingų kineziterapijos priemonių įtaka pacientų judamojo aparato būklei po kelio sąnario priekinio kryžminio raiščio rekonstrukcinės operacijos // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 27-30.

G. Tamošaitytė, I. Jamontaitė. Skirtingų kineziterapijos programų, taikomų sergantiems juosmeninės dalies radikulopatija, efektyvumas // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 31-35.

E. Miklaševičienė, J. Raistenskis, I. Jamontaitė. Sveikos rankos judesių ribojimo įtaka pacientų, persirgusių galvos smegenų insultu, savarankiškumui // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 36-39.

D. Mečkauskienė, A. Grigaliūnienė. Širdies susitraukimų dažnio kontrolės svarba vyresnio amžiaus žmonių fiziniam pajėgumui po ūmaus miokardo infarkto ir esant širdies nepakankamumui // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 3, p. 165-169.

J. Raistenskis, R. Sinkevičius, L. Varnienė, J. Doveikienė. Vaikų nugaros skausmų ir fizinio išsivystymo sąsajos // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 11-16.

V. Janovič, L. Ragelienė, A. Juocevičius, J. Raistenskis, J. Doveikienė. Vaikų, sergančių hemofilija, fizinis aktyvumas ir gyvenimo kokybė // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 17-21.

A. Juocevičius, J. Raistenskis, K. Zalumskytė, J. Molytė, A. Valiulis. Vaikų, sergančių judėjimo-atramos sistemos ligomis, stacionarinės ir ambulatorinės reabilitacijos paslaugų organizavimo ypatumai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 8-10.

A. Juocevičius, J. Raistenskis, K. Zalumskytė, J. Molytė, A. Valiulis. Vaikų, sergančių neurologinėmis ligomis stacionarinės ir ambulatorinės reabilitacijos efektyvumas // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 5-7.

A. Mastavičiūtė, M. Tamulaitienė, V. Alekna. Vyrų kaulų mineralų tankio sąsajos su raumenų mase ir riebalų mase esant senatvinei sarkopenijai // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 2, p. 82-87.

V. Strazdienė, V. Alekna, M. Tamulaitienė, J. Isajeva. Vitamino D koncentracijos kraujyje sąsajos su kaulų mineralų tankiu senyvo amžiaus asmenims // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 3, p. 142-148.

Other Books

D. Kalibatienė, R. Stukas, A. Juocevičius, R. Sargautytė. Mano pilnatvės metai : sveikos gyvensenos vadovas. Vilnius : Lietuvos osteoporozės fondas, 2012. 149 p.

S. Lenickienė. PRM and patients suffering from low back pain with lumbosacral radiculopathy : UEMS PRM Section & Board, Clinical Affairs Committee : programme of care [Elektroninis išteklius]. , 1 html (31 p.).

Materials of conferences

J. Raistenskis, J. Doveikienė, R. Sinkevičius, L. Varnienė. Factors associated with juvenile osteochondrosis of spine // XI European Congress of the European Federation for Research in Rehabilitation, Riva del Garda, Italy, 26-28 May 2011 : proceedings. Turin : Edizioni Minerva Medica, p. 16-17.

COOPERATION

Copenhagen University, Rehabilitation Hospital (Denmark)
National Rehabilitation Centre Vaivari (Latvia)
Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre (Estonia)
West Denmark University Vyborg Rehabilitation Centre (Denmark)
Karolinska institutet (Sweden)
Notwill Rehabilitation Centre (Switzerland)
Hannover medical school (Germany)
Lithuanian Resort Rehabilitation Institutions

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Juocevičius –

vice-president of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS - PRM) Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine board;
member of the European Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Scientific Board;
General Secretary of the Baltic and North Seas forum on Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine;
President of the Baltic Spinal Cord Injury Scientific Society;
head of Vilnius Region Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians’ Association;
editorial board member of the journals Gerontology, Internist, Neurology Seminars;
chairman of the Expert Group of the Ministry of Education, Industry Branch (Health and Social Work);
permanent secretary and member of Health Ministry Commissions on Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Issues;
committee chairman of the Rehabilitation Master studies programme;
chairman of working groups of the rehabilitation field studies programmes, self-study programmes.

Prof. M. Tamulaitienė –

editorial council member of the journal Gerontologija;
committee member of the Rehabilitation Master Studies programme;
member of the self-assement work group of Rehabititation field studies programmes.

Doc. D. Janonienė –

committee chairman of the Occupational Therapy Undergraduate studies programme;
committee member of the Rehabilitation Master Studies programme;
member of the self-assement work group of Rehabititation field studies programmes.

Doc. D. Mečkauskienė –

committee member of the Occupational Therapy Undergraduate studies programme;
committee member of the Rehabilitation Master studies programme;
member of the self-assement work group of Rehabititation field studies programmes.

Dr. I. Jamontaitė –

committee chairman of the Physiotherapy Undergraduate studies programme;
member of the work group of Rehabititation field studies programmes description under Education and Science Ministry.

Dr. S. Lenickiene –

committee member of the Rehabilitation Master Studies programme;
delegate of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS - PRM) Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Section and Board.

T. Palšytė –

committee member of the Occupational Therapy Undergraduate studies programme;
committee member of the Physiotherapy Undergraduate studies programme;
member of the self-assement work group of Rehabititation field studies programmes;
head of Rehabilitation, Physical and Sports Medicine Students’ Scientific Research Circle.

A. Cirtautas –

committee member of the Occupational Therapy Undergraduate studies programme;
delegate of ENOTHE, coordinator of ENOTHE Annual meeting 2012.

A. Adomavičienė –

member of the work group of Rehabititation field studies programmes description under Education and Science Ministry.

CLINIC OF RHEUMATOLOGY, ORTHOPAEDIC AND TRAUMATOLOGY AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel/fax 236 5303

E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Algirdas Venalis

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. N. Porvaneckas, Habil. Dr. A. Venalis, Habil. Dr. K. Vitkus, Dr. I. Butrimienė.
Docents: Dr. M. Kocius, Dr. V. Uvarovas.
Lecturers: Dr. R. Rugienė, Dr. S. Stropuvienė, Dr. I. Šatkauskas, Dr. M. Minderis, Dr. L. Zabulienė.
Doctoral students: J. Kurtinaitis, S. Mažeika, V. Mačionis, J. Janavičius, G. Stundžaitė-Baršauskienė, G. Kvederas, T. Sveikata.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of disease: fundamental and clinical research
Potential triggering infections of reactive arthritis
Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.Photoactivation for diagnostics and treatment
Epidemiology of rheumatic diseases
Replacement arthroplasty: arthroplasty of the primary hip joint; arthroplasty of the dysplastic hip; arthroplasty of the knee joint
Problems of the shoulder joint: rotator cuff tear and replacement arthroplasty of monoarthritis
Spine surgery: anterior spondilodesis; minimal invasive surgery; spine fracture treatment; outcome measurement of the spine surgery
Surgical treatment of the scaphoid fractures and pseudarthrosis
Plastic reconstructive microsurgery of head and neck, upper and lower extremity, trunk and breast, urogenital system
Developing of new microsurgical technique in laboratory using, evaluation of neurophysiological regeneration of transplanted muscles and regrowth of terminal nerves

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

The Areas of Photoactivation in Inflamed Joints of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Prof. A. Venalis. 2010–2014.

Scientists are still looking for a more effective diagnostic and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the work is to evaluate fluorescence parameters of accumulation of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in the inflamed synovial tissues. Main tasks wereto evaluate fluorescence of inflamed synovial tissues in the regions of knees or hands jointsin RA patients. Fluorescence measurements in vivo on the surface of the skin of inflamed knee and hands joint showed the dominance of different spectra regiments similar to endogenous protoporphyrin spectra. In parallel we evaluated the different structures of ALA in the synovial and cartilage tissues after operations. These results are very challenging due to accumulation of endogenous protoporphyrinspectra in the synovial tissues and very low spectra these porphyrins found in the cartilage tissues.

Comparing of Tourniquet Application Strategies for Primary Cemented Total Knee Arthroplasty. Prof. N. Porvaneckas, G. Kvederas. 2010–2013.

The project is running in collaboration with the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care of Vilnius University and Department of Clinical Science and Education, Section of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, KarolinskaInstitutet/So¨dersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
The optimal timing of pneumatic lower limbtourniquet application during primary elective total kneearthroplasty surgery (TKA) is a matter of debate. Most previous reports have failed to show significant differences between different tourniquet timings. The aim of the work was to determine how three strategies of lower limbpneumatic tourniquet application affect the outcome forTKA patients. The results of study were published: 1). A randomized double-blind clinical trial of tourniquet application strategies for total knee arthroplasty. G.Kvederas, N. Porvaneckas, A. Andrijauskas,Christer H. Svensen, J. Ivaskevicius, J. Mazunaitis, et al. 2012 Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. ISSN 0942-2056. Knee Surg Sports TraumatolArthros. DOI 10.1007/s00167-012-2221–1). 2). Andrijauskas A, Svensen CH, Ivaskevicius J, Porvaneckas N, Kvedaras G, Marmaite U. Goal Directed Fluid Therapy Revised: Indirect Monitoring of Interstitial Fluid Accumulation During Mini Fluid Challenges with Crystalloids. The Open Conference Proceedings Journal, 2012, 3, 42–51. 3). Andrijauskas A, Sakaviciute I, Ivaskevicius J, Porvaneckas N, Kvederas G, Cincikas D, Mazunaitis J, Marmaite U, Sakalaite L, Andrijauskas P, Sakalauskaite G. Perioperative fluid therapy: old problems, new solutions. Lithuanian Surgery. 2012, 10(1–2):7–20.

Femoral Head Blood Flow after Femoral Neck Fractures. Prof. N. Porvaneckas, J. Kurtinaitis. 2009–2012.

Intracapsular femoral neck fracture healing depends on a number of factors. For elderly patients, the intracapsular femoral neck fracture mostly is life threatening, with a mortality rate of 20 to 30% in the year following the injury.For hips with a high risk of failure, assessment of viability of the femoral head might be one of criteria to predict the fracture prognosis. The aim of this study is dynamic MRI cross sections data to transform into 3D visualization, to ascertain volumetric circulatory disorders, and compare in the head on the fractured side with that of opposite normal head in patients with intarcapsular femoral neck fractures. The results of study were published: 1).Kurtinaitis J, Porvaneckas N, Brazaitis A, Kvederas G. Methods of measuring femoral head blood perfusion: literature review. Theory and Practice in Medicine. 2011; 17(3):364–8. 2). Kurtinaitis J, Dadonienė J, Kvederas G, Porvaneckas N, Butėnas T. Mortality after femoral neck fractures: a two-year follow-up. Medicina (Kaunas). 2012; 48(3):145–9. 3).

Influence of Psychosocial and Demographical Factors to the Short Term Outcomes after Total Knee Arthroplasty. Prof. A. Venalis, Prof. N. Porvaneckas, T. Sveikata. 2011–2014.

The protocol and subsequent amendments of recent study is approvedby the Regional Ethical Committee of the VilniusRegional Bioethics Committee, and Clinic of Rheumatology, Orthopoedic Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery. The project is on the starting line-stage.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Parts of the Books

L. Vencevičienė, R. Vencevičius, I. Butrimienė. Bone mineral density changes in patients with spondyloarthropathies. Clinical and molecular advances in ankylosing spondylitis. Rijeka : InTech, 2012, p. 27-54.

Articles

J. Kurtinaitis, J. Dadonienė, G. Kvederas, N. Porvaneckas, T. Būtėnas. Mortality After Femoral Neck Fractures: A Two-Year Follow-up // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr. 3, p. 145-149.

A. Jurgelėnas, J. Juozulynas, A. Venalis, R. Stukas. Jaunų ir senyvo amžiaus žmonių psichikos sveikatos, poreikių ir vertybių socialinė sąveika // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 1, p. 15-21.

J. Juozulynas, R. Stukas, A. Jurgelėnas, A. Venalis, I. Tamulaitytė-Morozovienė. Pagyvenusių žmonių sveikata ir griuvimai // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 2, p. 103-106.

R. Savičiūtė, J. Juozulynas, A. Jurgelėnas, A. Venalis. Relation of social and economic factors to health policy // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 1, p. 31-36.

A. Čypienė, N. Gerčiukaitė, S. Aidietienė, S. Stropuvienė, R. Rugienė, D. Miltinienė, J. Dadonienė, A. Laucevičius. Tarpląstelinių (sICAM-1) ir kraujagyslių (sVCAM-1) tirpių adhezijos molekulių svarba kardiovaskuliniams įvykiams sergant reumatinėmis ligomis // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr 4, p. 183-188.

J. Juozulynas, A. Jurgelėnas, L. Narkauskaitė, A. Venalis. Vaikų agresyvaus elgesio priežastys // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 4, p. 9-14.

COOPERATION

The European League Against Rheumatism – EULAR, Kilchberg/Zurich (Switzerland) http://www.eular.org/
Systemic sclerosis research center in Florencia, www.eustar.com (Italy)
European Vasculitis Group, www.vasculitis.org
Helsinki Rheumatology Center in the field of developing the Baltic Registry for biological in rheumatic diseases (Finland)
University of Louisville, Kentucky, Departament of Orthopaedic Surgery (USA)
Lund University, Clinic of Orthopaedics (Sweden)
BG Trauma Centre, Duisburg (Germany)
Latvian Orthopaedic Hospital, Riga (Latvia)
Department of Clinical Science and Education, Section of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, KarolinskaInstitutet/Södersjukhuset, Stockholm (Sweden)
Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care of Vilnius University (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Venalis –

board member of European League against Rheumatism;
member of executive committee for clinical trials in European League against Rheumatism;
chairman of the Lithuanian Rheumatology Association;
editorial board member of the journals Reumatologijosseminarai (Seminars in Rheumatology) and Gerontologija (Gerontology);
co-president of the organizing committee of annual conference Vilnius Seminars in Practical Rheumatology.

Doc. M. Kocius –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Orthopaedic and Traumatology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatrics;
Lithuanian coordinator of Bone and Joint Decade (WHO);
member of the European Society of Orthopaedic and Traumatology (EFORT);
editorial board member of the journal Medicinosteorijairpraktika (Theory and Practise in Medicine).

Prof. K. Vitkus –

member-expert of the LithuanianAcademy of Sciences;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery;
member of the Lithuanian Society for Hand Surgery and Hand Rehabilitation;
member of the International College of Surgeons;
editorial board member of the journal Acta medica Lithuanica.

Prof. N. Porvaneckas –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Orthopaedic and Traumatology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Vertebrology;
member of the European Society of Orthopaedic and Traumatology (EFORT);
editorial board member of the journal Medicina;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practise in Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Seminars in Rheumatology;
member of the scientific committee of the Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine.

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING AND FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE

57 Antakalnio, LT-10207 Vilnius
Tel/fax: 271 1176, 234 4261
E-mail

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Danutė Kalibatienė

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. D. Kalibatienė, Dr. S. Cicėnas (part-time), Dr. V. Alekna (part-time), Habil. Dr. V. Gaigalaitė (part-time), Habil. Dr. R. Ėmužytė (part-time).
Docents: Dr. V. Ožeraitienė, Dr. A. Gradauskas.
Lecturers: Dr. R. Staigis, Dr. S. Varvuolytė, Dr. A. Mikaliūkštienė, Dr. Ž. Visockienė, M. Buitkus, R. Trakymienė.
Assistants: V. Karpavičienė, R. Verikienė, R. Šturienė, R. Stundžienė, A. Rimantienė, J. Stankūnienė, D. Šniukaitė-Adner.
Specialist: E. Kuzienė.
Doctoral students: V. Sinkevičienė, A. Šalaviejūtė, R. Šturienė, R. Stundžienė, V. Karpavičienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

The quality of life of patients with internal, surgical and children’s diseases, the quality of nursing interventions, the nursing care needs of patients with internal, surgical, mental, children’s diseases

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

The Evaluation of Nursing Needs and Quality of Life and Perfection of Health Care and Education of Patients. Prof. D. Kalibatienė. 2009–2013.

In 2012, the psychoemotional state of the 75 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been studied. Depressive state occurred for 24.0% of patients, anxiety - for 49.3 percent. The frequency of depressive states depended on the duration of illness (p=0.018): with increasing duration of diabetes, depressive state became more frequent. For patients with type 1 DM statistically significant depression occurred more often at poorly healing wounds (100.0%) and nephropathy (54.5%), and anxiety equally often occurred at bad healing wounds (100.0%) at angiopathy (82.4%), nephropathy (81.8%) and neuropathy (80.0%). During the valuation of frequencies of anxiety state in the groups of patients with angiopathy (p=0.002), nephropathy (p=0.020) and neuropathy (p=0.001), statistically significant difference was identified. The frequency of anxiety and depressive states depended on self health evalution of patients. With deteriorating health, depressive and anxiety status became more frequent (p<0.05).
The quality of life and emotional state of 176 patients with a pacemaker, has been assessed. Results showed, that the fields of the life quality such as physical activities, social functions, energy/vitality, pain, physical and psychical health were better assessed by men (p<0.05). The assessment of the fields of the life quality such as physical activity, the restriction of the activity due to the physical problems, pain and physical health dropped when answered by older people (p<0.05). Patients, suffering from heart rhythm disorders and other diseases for a longer time, assessed worse all the fields of the life quality. The longer was the implantation time of a pacemaker, the worse was the assessment of such fields of the quality of life, as the restriction of the activity due to physical problems, social functions, energy/vitality, pain, physical and psychical health.
The psychoemocional state and sleep quality evaluation of the 150 patients suffering from coronary heart disease has been assessed. Results showed that depressive state was determined in 27.3%, anxiety in 42.0% of the respondents. Depressive state (p=0.004) and anxiety (p=0.003) were more frequent among female patients. Frequency of depressive states was determined by the presence of other conditions (p=0.047), health assessment (p<0.001). Respondents who had poor valuation of their health showed more frequent cases of depressive state and anxiety. It was discovered that emotional state among female patients was more frequently impacted by fears regarding upcoming surgery, heartbeat and family problems than in men (p<0.005). Bad sleep quality was diagnosed in 78% of the respondents. It was established during the research that good sleep quality was observed more frequently among male rather than female patients (p=0.005). Based on the research results, health assessment was determined by sleep quality – respondents who assessed their health as good more frequently had good sleep quality (p=0.001). Respondents who had low assessment of their health more often showed bad sleep quality (p=0.001). Research results showed dependence of sleep quality in patients suffering from coronary heart disease on emotional state: increasing frequency of depressive (p<0.001) and anxious (p<0.001) states were followed by worsening sleep quality (p<0.001).
The investigation of associations between risk factors (social, stressogenic, physiological) and clinical symptoms of nurses suffered with GERD, has been performed. There were investigated 80 nurses, 40 of them were diagnosed GERD. In order to assess stressogenic factors of nurses the methods of interview and questionnaire were used. 40 pc of nurses, which suffered with GERD worked hardly, at night and shift job. A duration of GERD till 5 years had 29 (72.5 pc) of nurses. Results showed that the most stressogenic factors are job’s conditions, problems, which arise while communicating with patients and their relatives, and subjective factors in work of nurses. There are strong links between stressogenic factors and typical GERD symptoms. Nurses, who have GERD in comparison with nurses who have no GERD, experience more stressogenic factors.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

M. Biliukas, R. Petrauskienė, D. Kalibatienė, V. Karpavičienė. Didelio jautrumo C-reaktyvus baltymas ir GRACE skalė vertinant ūminių koronarinių sindromų riziką // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 412-418.

D. Narmontas, A. Gradauskas. Įstrigusių pilvo sienos išvaržų diagnostika ir gydymas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 514-518.

R. Stundžienė, D. Kalibatienė. Kūdikių mityba Lietuvoje ir užsienio šalyse // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 361-369.

D. Šilinis, J. Sabalys, E. Štarolis, L. Gradauskas, L. Andreika. Laparoskopinių pieloplastikų patirtis ir rezultatų analizė Vilniaus miesto klinikinėje ligoninėje // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 492-497.

J. Tumas, A. Gradauskas, R. Kačinskas. Ligonių, gydytų dėl kraujavimo iš viršutinės virškinamojo trakto dalies, gydymo rezultatai ir literatūros apžvalga // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 486-491.

R. Firantienė, R. Ėmužytė, S. Sasnauskienė, V. Urbonas, O. Kinčinienė, D. Kalibatienė. Magnio stokos organizme klinikiniai aspektai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 352-358.

A. Mikaliūkštienė, D. Kalibatienė, J. Mickuvienė, S. Varvuolytė. Medicinos studentų patiriamas stresas ir jo įtaka emocinei būsenai ir miego kokybei // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 392-399.

D. Butėnienė, D. Kalibatienė. Onkologinių pacientų gyvenimo kokybės ir vidinės darnos sąsajos esant paliatyviai priežiūrai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 452-460.

A. Mikaliūkštienė, I. Tijūnėlienė, D. Kalibatienė, R. Staigis. Pacientų, kuriems implantuotas elektrokardiostimuliatorius, gyvenimo kokybės įvertinimas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 405-411.

S. Cicėnas, V. Sirvydis, G. Uždavinys, G. Kalinauskas, R. Aškinis, S. Zaremba, G. Smailytė. Pump operations in locally advanced thoracic malignancies // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 4, p. 417-420.

R. Firantienė, J. Račkus, S. Sasnauskienė, R. Ėmužytė, D. Kalibatienė, V. Jablonskienė. Seleno apykaitos organizmuose ypatumai // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 1, p. 48-56.

A. Mikaliūkštienė, D. Kalibatienė, B. Dubova. Sergančiųjų pirmojo tipo cukriniu diabetu psichoemocinės būsenos įvertinimas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 400-404.

A. Krasauskas, R. Aškinis, S. Zaremba, G. Smailytė, S. Cicėnas. Surgery for lung cancer as the second primary malignancy // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 4, p. 421-426.

R. Šturienė, D. Kalibatienė, R. Gurevičius. Vyrų žinių apie prostatos vėžį ir jo profilaktiką sąsajos su socialiniais ir demografiniais požymiais // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 1, p. 62-72.

A. Mikaliūkštienė, R. Nalivaikienė. Employment opportunities for graduate nurses from 4 Vilnius hospitals // NERP : Nursing Education, Research & Practice. Kaunas : Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universitetas. 2012, no. 2, p. 74-78.

T. Ciuleanu, L. Stelmakh, S. Cicėnas, S. Miliauskas, A. Grigorescu, C. Hillenbach, H. Johannsdottir, B. Klughammer, E. Gonzalez. Efficacy and safety of erlotinib versus chemotherapy in second-line treatment of patients with advanced, non-small-cell lung cancer with poor prognosis (TITAN): a randomised multicentre, open-label, phase 3 study // Lancet oncology. New York : Elsevier Science INC. 2012, vol. 13, no. 3, p. 300-308.

E. Voluckienė, G. Uždavinys, S. Cicėnas, L. Ivaškevičienė, D. Zakarkaitė, G. Nogienė. Primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the heart // Central European Journal of Medicine. Warsaw : Versita. 2012, vol. 7, no. 5, p. 655-658.

Other Books

D. Kalibatienė, R. Stukas, A. Juocevičius, R. Sargautytė. Mano pilnatvės metai : sveikos gyvensenos vadovas. Vilnius : Lietuvos osteoporozės fondas, 2012. 149 p.

COOPERATION

Lithuanian Association of Nurses with University Education (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Association of Family Medicine (Lithuania)
Bratislava University (Check Republic)
Gazi University (Turkey)
Berner Bildungszentrum Pfledge (Switzerland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. D. Kalibatienė –

head of the Interuniversity Committee for Nursing Studies and Research;
head of the Committee for Nursing Study Programmes at Vilnius University;
head of Nursing Bachelor and Master degree final thesis Defending Committee;
head of the self-assement work group of Nursing Studies programmes;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika (Nursing: Science and Practice);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Internists;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology;
member of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO-OMGE);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine;
member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board.

Doc. V. Ožeraitienė –

member of the Nursing Bachelor and Master degree final thesis Defending Committee;
responsible Secretary of Committee for the defence of the Master degree final theses;
member of the self-assement work group of Nursing Studies programmes;
editorial board member of the journal Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika (Nursing: Science and Practice);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners;
member of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO-OMGE);
member of the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN).

Doc. A. Gradauskas –

member of the Nursing Master degree final thesis Defending Committee;
vice-president of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
board member of the Lithuanian Association of Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Dr. A. Mikaliūkštienė –

member of the Nursing Bachelor and Master degree final thesis Defending Committee;
responsible Secretary of the Committee for the defence of the Bachelor degree final theses;
member of the Interuniversity Committee for Nursing studies and research;
member of the self-assement work group of Nursing Studies programmes;
member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine.

CLINIC OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5200, fax 236 5211
E-mail

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Aleksandras Laucevičius

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Aidietis, Dr. A. Kibarskis, Habil. Dr. A. Laucevičius, (part-time), Dr. G. Marinskis, Dr. Ž. Petrulionienė, Dr. P. Šerpytis.
Docents: Dr. S. Aidietienė, Dr. E. Berūkštis, Dr. R. Karalius, Dr. B. Petrauskienė, Dr. K. Ručinskas, Dr. A. Rudys, Dr. R. Steponėnienė, Dr. V. Tarutis, Dr. G. Vilkevičius.
Lecturers:Dr. B. Abraitienė, Dr. I. Ašakienė (part-time), Dr. J. Barysienė (part-time), Dr. G. Davidavičius (part-time), Dr. M. Gutauskas (part-time), Dr. T. Janušauskas T., Dr. R. Kūgienė (part-time), Dr. J. Misiūra Dr. M. Sučila, Dr. S. Sudikas (part-time), Dr. R. Sudikienė (part-time), Dr. B. Vaišnytė (part-time), Dr. R. Vaitkevičius (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. J. Badarienė (part-time), J. Burkauskas, Dr. I. Butkuvienė, Dr. J. Čelutkienė (part-time), Dr. A. Čypienė (part-time), Dr. R. Čypienė, K. Drėgūnas, Dr. V. Grabauskienė, Dr. A. Grebelis, Dr. L. Gumbienė, Habil. Dr. L. Ivaškevičienė Dr. L. Jurgauskienė, Dr. G. Kalinauskas, Dr. Ž. Katliorienė (part-time), Dr. V. Lebetkevičius, Dr. D. Liekienė, Dr. R. Malickaitė, Dr. G. Nogienė, Dr. G. Norkūnas, Dr. L. Ryliškytė, Dr. P. Semėnienė, A. Simanavičienė, Dr. R. Sipavičius (part-time), Dr. A. Valaika, Dr. D. Zakarkaitė (part-time), A. Zorinas, Habil. Dr. V. Žvironaitė.
Assistants: J. Adomavičiūtė (part-time), V. Bilkis (part-time), A. Dailydkienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: A. Aliachmed, A. Baranauskas, L. Bezuška, G. Burneikaitė, V. Janušauskas, D. Kairevičiūtė, V. Maneikienė, A. Navickienė, E. Rinkūnienė, E. Uždavinytė-Gatelienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Investigation of arterial wall functional and structural disorders in atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome
Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Development of high risk strategy in prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Fundamental and clinical research in cardiac arrhythmias
Improvement of methods of complex treatment of atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmia
Mechanisms and methods of through catheter treatment of cardiac arrhythmias
Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (MAZE procedures, minimal invasive thoracoscopic surgery
Resynchronization therapy in heart failure
Complex multi imaging assessment of left and right ventricular function in coronary artery disease, hypertension and heart failure
Myocardial regeneration therapy by cardiac pulse wave therapy in coronary heart disease
Congenital heart disease in adults
Investigation of mechanical circulatory support system – BERLIN HEART INCOR, EXCOR, HEART MATE II
New possibilities of hybrid (interventional and surgical) and minimally invasive technologies in cardiovascular medicine
Evaluation of follow-up results and survival rate after abdominal aortic aneurysm operation focusing on the progressing atherosclerosis as a cause of further complications and death
Estimation of revascularization methods focusing on the impact of vascular substitutes
Epidemiology of venous diseases in Lithuania and evaluation of treatment methods in phlebology
Investigation of natural course of arteriosclerotic occlusive and aneurysmal disease
Diagnosis endovascular and surgical treatment of the diseases of the aorta and its visceral and terminal branches
Assessment and treatment of congenital vascular malformations vascular dysplasias as a cause of inability in adults

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Search of Modern Methods for Prevention of Atherosclerosis Progression and Evaluation of their Application Efficiency. Prof. A. Laucevičius. 2010–2015.

A cross sectional study was performed in 2200 patients with metabolic syndrome in order to correlate various arterial markers of early atherosclerosis, such as carotid stiffness, radial to carotid and carotid to femoral stiffness, central augmentation index (AIxHR75), ankle-brachial stiffness index (CAVI), endothelial function in finger (RHI) and brachial artery etc. Univariate and multivariable association assessment revealed that markers associated with PWV at p<0.01 included CAVI, AIxHR75, and RHI. Same correlation with AIxHR75 at p<0.01 included CAVI and IMT. No statistically significant interactions between other independent variables (all p>0.05) were observed. Interestingly, 2/3 of markers revealed higher correlations for male compared to female group. Traditional risk factors (gender, age, BMI) explained only 12–34% of variability for arterial markers.
Several parallel studies were performed in order to evaluate the imapct of traditional and new cardiovascular risk factors on early arterial damage.
In the cohort of 3168 subjects (mean age 55±5, 69% women) with metabolic syndrome, a cross-sectional study was carried out by assessing various traditional and nontraditional CV risk factors and variety of arterial markers, including IMT, carotid stiffness, radial and aortic stiffness, ankle-brachial stiffness index, endothelial function in brachial artery, finger and skin. The most common determinants of arterial markers by linear, multiple and logistic regression analysis (p<0.05) were gender and arterial hypertension (AH). Significant predictors of endothelial dysfunction (EF) in microcirculation predominantly were AH and glycemia-related parameters: AGE and HbA1c in finger, and fasting glucose in skin. In the brachial artery, EF was predicted by age, AH and gender. Gender, AH, obesity markers, and glucose abnormalities were significant predictors of IMT and various arterial stiffness parameters. However, typical dyslipidemia remained a significant predictor of only 2 out of 14 arterial parameters assessed, namely, of IMT and CAVI.
A prospective study of 366 non-diabetic middle-aged subjects with metabolic syndrome but without overt atherosclerotic diseases was performed in order to develop predictive models for incident cases of diabetes mellitus and to investigate the association between various markers and diabetes onset. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body mass index and glycosylated haemoglobin were the strongest predictors for diabetes, and each was shown to have additive predictive value. The estimated area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) for this combination was 0.92. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) did not show additive predictive value. Additionally, progression to diabetes was associated with high values of aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) in men (p < 0.05).
“Intracranial stenosis and atherosclerotic disease influence on perioperative results of tree vessels/ left main stem coronary artery disease”. We examined prospectively 45 patients who were shedulated for CABG due to tree vessels/ left stem coronary artery disease in 2010-2012. The brachiocephalic arteries of these patients were examined preoperatively with extracranial and intracranial color-coded duplex sonography and cerebral MRA. The neuropsychologic evaluation and cerebral MRT were performed before and after CABG. The correlation of heart vessels stenoses and extra-/intracranial stenoses with cardiovascular risk factors, MRA data, neuropsychological changes, perioperative CABG complications are in process.

Postsystolic Myocardial Contraction Study: Optimal Quantitative Ultrasonic Parameters of Coronary Insufficiency and Myocardial Viability Able to Improve Diagnostic Accuracy of Stress Echocardiography. Dr. J. Čelutkienė. 2009–2013.

Prospective analysis included data of 151 patients (age 61.8 ± 9.2) who underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography for known (n=35) or suspected CAD (n=36) or symptomatic chest pain (n=80), excluding patients with previous myocardial infarction. Systolic, post-systolic and diastolic velocities, strain and strain rate parameters were obtained at rest and at peak dobutamine challenge. Derivative markers as E'/A' ratio, post-systolic index and changes from rest to stress were calculated (98 parameters overall, predominantly longitudinal). Coronary angiography was chosen as reference method considering at least one stenosis ≥70% per patient as significant CAD. The value of single parameters discriminated as independent predictors of CAD appeared to be modest (area under the curve [AUC] ranged from 0.63 to 0.72), comparing to AUC of WMSI 0.88. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of visual DSE evaluation was 82.4% (95%CI 77.4%; 85.2%), 92.6% (95%CI 83.4%; 97.5%) and 86.0% (95%CI 79.5%; 89.6%), respectively, Youden index 0.75. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of single predictors ranged from 40.0% to 93.3% (95% CI 22.7%; 99.2%), from 34.2% to 88.7% (95% CI 25.6%; 94.1%) and from 45.8% to 80.0% (95% CI 37.5%; 87.2%) respectively, Youden index ranged from 0.20 to 0.52.

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Diagnostic and Treatment Methods for Coronary Artery Disease (Medical Therapy, Surgical, Interventional and Regenerative Therapy). Prof. A. Laucevičius, Dr. G. Kalinauskas, Prof. A. Tamošiūnas. 2010–2015.

We retrospectively reviewed the data of consecutive 700 CABG patients operated on in our institution. The patients were divided in two groups: 191 were operated off pump (OPCAB) and 509 had on pump convenient coronary artery bypass grafting (CCAB). Early outcomes of operated patients were analyzed. There was no difference in operative mortality (OPCAB 1,0%, CCAB 3,5%; P=0.08). OPCAB patients had significantly higher EuroScore index (4.43 versus 3.92; p=0.048). The stay in ICU for OPCAB patients were shorter, they received less blood products and pharmacological inotropic support. OPCAB patients received fewer distal anastomoses than CCAB group (2.91 versus 3.50; p<0.001). The revascularisation extent of our last OPCAB series seems to be equal to CCAB.

Hybrid and Minimally Invasive Procedures in Cardiovascular Medicine. Prof. Dr. A. Aidietis, Prof. K. Ručinskas. 2010–2015.

9 transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures were performed in VUH Santariškių Klinikos during the year 2012 (as of November 8th 2012). Approximately 6 more TAVI cases are planned until the end of the year 2012. The majority of cases (8 of those 9) were performed transfemorally. One case was performed transapically. Duration of the hospital stay for these patients varied from 7 to 15 days. One of the patients had quite large puncture site hematoma and required RBC mass transfusion. No other major adverse cardiac events were reported. There was a poster presented at the 6th International Baltic Congress of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (October 18–20, 2012, Vilnius).

Endovascular Therapy in Neurology and Neuroangiology. Prof. A. Laucevičius, Prof. D. Jatužis. 2010–2015.

In 2012 the extracranial artery stenting procedures were further continued. Evaluation of short tem and medium term outcome after stenting included the investigations of post-stenting complications, cerebrovascular ischemic events, presence of restenosis and assessment of cognitive functions. Additionally, intracranial artery stenting procedures were successfully implemented into clinical practice. Selective intra-arterial thrombolysis and bridging therapy was applied for the treatment of ischemic stroke in selected cases. Preparations for the use of mechanic thrombectomy systems for the recanalisation of occluded artery in acute ischemic stroke were successfully completed.

Improvement and Evaluation of Congenital Heart Disease Surgery. Doc. V. Tarutis. 2011–2015.

The main research was carried out in the early and midterm results of extracardiac Fontan surgery. Retrospective analysis of 46 patients with extracardiac Fontan surgery since 1997 to date was carried out. Intrahospital mortality due to failing Fontan 2 patients (4.3%), late mortality 1 patient (2.3%). 1 patient died at home in unclear circumstances (drowned). Protein loosing enteropathy was observed in 1 patient. 4 patients had cardiac pacemaker implantation. 3 patients were reoperated due to conduit obstruction. In the previous series of classic Fontan (1985–1997) intrahospital mortality was 31%.
First hybrid procedure for the correction of left partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage was done.

Assessment of Treatment Methods in Aorta, Peripheral Artery and Venous Disease. Doc. G. Vilkevičius. 2011–2015.

The results of venous radiofrequency ablation technique were analyzed in 166 patients. It showed a good relief of symptoms, very little side effects and was well tolerated by the patients.
For the first time in Lithuania a study that investigates congenital arteriovenous malformations was performed. The result of this work was given in doctoral thesis.
The role of percutaneous angioplasty on amputation rate was analyzed in another work. It showed that PTA significantly reduced the amputation rate.

Elaboration and Evaluation of the Heart Failure Management Techniques. Prof. A. Aidietis, Prof. G. Marinskis. 2011–2015.

Periprocedual details and follow-up data were evaluated in 266 patients with CRT-P and CRD-D devices implanted in our institution. In 210 patients primary implantation was done, in 19-upgrading from the DDD system, in 37 – upgrading from VVI system. Duration of follow-up varied from 3 to 110 months. Despite possible problems and complications, effective left ventricular pacing is possible in about of 90% of patients with attempted biventricular system placement. The results however, are additionally worsened by “no response” problem.

Evaluation of Surgical Treatment Methods for Heart Failure. Prof. K. Ručinskas. 2011–2015.

Using PliCath device for ischemic cardiomyopathy replicates the geometric reconfiguration of the ventricle achieved through surgical Left Ventricular Reconstruction, but this take place on a beating, unsupported heart, thereby creating the option of avoiding the use of cardiopulmonary bypass pump. Data of hybrid procedures using PliCath device for ischemic cardiomyopathy were analyzed. 14 patients (12 male and 2 female) underwent PliCath procedure. The mean age of the patients was 58 years (38 to 74 yrs). Six patients (42%) were operated off pump. Concomitant revascularization were performed for 6 (42%) patients, 3 (21%) of them were revascularised by performing of pump CABG and 3 (21%) patients underwent PTCA. Prophylactic IABP support was instituted to 7 patients. Medium increase of LVEF postoperatively was 27%. Average Minnesota heart valve score had decreased from 48 to 41 points (15%). Six minute walking distance had increased to 431 m. (27%). Two patients required postoperative ECMO support for heart failure. There were no deaths in study patients group. This procedure is saved and effective in selected patients with end stage ischemic cardiomyopathy.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

A. Kibarskis. Hipertrofinė kardiomiopatija : mokomoji priemonė. Vilnius : Miranda Design Solutions, 2012. 16 p.

Other Books

S. Glaveckaitė. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance for the Assessment of Viability: Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance for the Prediction of Left Ventricular Functional Recovery after Revascularisation. Saarbrucken : LAP Lambert Academic Publishing AG & Co KG, 2012. 52 p.

D. Triponienė. Prie Vilniaus Medicinos draugijos versmės : Istorijos fragmentai. Įžymūs veikėjai. Tradicijų tąsa. Kronika. Vilnius : Vilniaus universitetas, 2012. 336 p.

Articles

P. Danilevičius, S. Rekštytė, E. Balčiūnas, A. Kraniauskas, R. Širmenis, D. Baltriukienė, M. Malinauskas, V. Bukelskienė, R. Gadonas, V. Sirvydis, A. Piskarskas. Direct Laser Fabrication of Polymeric Implants for Cardiovascular Surgery // Materials science = Medžiagotyra / Kaunas University of Technology, Academy of Sciences of Lithuania. Kaunas : Technologija. 2012, vol. 18, no. 2, p. 145-149.

S. Glaveckaitė, R. Peldžius, A. Grebelis, P. Šerpytis, A. Laucevičius. Disc impediment in medtronic-hall aortic valve prosthesis followed by successful reoperation // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr.12, p. 622-626.

R. Ablonskytė-Dūdonienė, G. Bakšytė, I. Čeponienė, A. Kriščiukaitis, K. Drėgūnas, E. Ereminienė. Impedance cardiography and heart rate variability for long-term cardiovascular outcome prediction after myocardial infarction // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr. 7, p. 350-358.

L. Gumbienė, A. Dranenkienė, G. Nogienė, R. Karalius, V. Sirvydis. Aortos aneurizmų chirurginis gydymas ligoniams, sergantiems aortos koarktacija // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 626-630.

P. Šerpytis, A. Milčiūtė, N. Karvelytė, R. Navickas, M. Dmitrijev. Atsparumo klopidogreliui ryšys su ūmia stento tromboze ir ūmia in-stent restenoze // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 5, p. 91-95.

S. Sudikas, V. Triponis. Blauzdos arterijų užakimas - svarbus veiksnys, lemiantis papildomos rekonstrukcinės operacijos poreikį po klubo arterijos angioplastikos // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 461-464.

D. Triponienė, V. Triponis. Gydytojai kardiologei Genovaitei Versockienei atminti // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 127.

V. Triponis, T. Vilkevičius, E. Stanevičiūtė, M. Dumčiuvienė. Giliųjų venų trombozės gydymo heparinais patirtis Vilniaus miesto klinikinės ligoninės kraujagyslių chirurgijos klinikoje // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 386-391.

P. Šerpytis, R. Gurevičius, R. Gaidelytė, A. Žebrauskaitė, V. Žvironaitė, E. Berūkštis, D. Kačiurinas. Hospitalinis sergamumas miokardo infarktu ir letalumas nuo jo ligoninėse 2001-2011 metais Lietuvoje // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 5, p. 13-22.

S. Raugelė, S. Tautkus, A. Kareiva, V. Sirvydis. Impact on porcine heart valve tissue treating with carbodiimide // Seminars in cardiovascular medicine. Vilnius : Lietuvos širdies asociacija. 2012, vol. 15, no. 6, p. [1-3].

E. Rinkūnienė, A. Laucevičius, Ž. Petrulionienė, J. Badarienė. Lietuvos didelės kardiovaskulinės rizikos pacientų atrankos ir prevencinių priemonių (LitHir) programos rezultatai: dislipidemijos paplitimas tarp vidutinio amžiaus suaugusių Lietuvos gyventojų // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 636-642.

T. Janušauskas, L. Vaitkevičiūtė, E. Janušauskas, V. Triponis. Pilvinės aortos aneurizmų chirurginio gydymo vėlyvieji rezultatai. Gretutinių ligų ir demografinių bei chirurginių veiksnių įtaka ir vertinimas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 425-435.

J. Dadonienė, D. Miltinienė, M. Vasiliauskaitė, G. Nakrošytė, A. Čypienė, A. Laucevičius. Sisteminė raudonoji vilkligė ir kardiovaskuliniai įvykiai: patirtis ir literatūros apžvalga // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 34-39.

P. Šerpytis, V. Juknevičius. Streso sukelta kardiomiopatija (tako-tsubo kardiomiopatija) // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 5, p. 96-100.

S. Raugelė, V. Sirvydis. Širdies vožtuvų nuląstelinimas - naujas biologinių protezų apdorojimo būdas (apžvalga) // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 3, p. 344-347.

S. Sudikas, V. Triponis, E. Stanevičiūtė. The impact of endovascular intervention and open surgery on the incidence of lower extremity amputations // Seminars in cardiovascular medicine. Vilnius : Lietuvos širdies asociacija. 2012, vol. 18, Art. no. 2 [6 p.].

T. Daukšas, R. Sudikienė, R. Malickaitė, J. Čelutkienė. The potential role of ultrasonic strain imaging and immunophenotyping in diagnosing acute rejection after heart transplantation // Seminars in cardiovascular medicine. Vilnius : Lietuvos širdies asociacija. 2012, vol. 18, Art. no. 7 [8 p.].

P. Šerpytis, V. Abraitis, V. Bilkis, R. Katliorius, A. Žebrauskaitė, V. Žvironaitė, E. Berūkštis. Veiksniai, lemiantys pacientų, sirgusių ūmiu miokardo infarktu su ST bangos pakilimu ir gydytų perkutanine koronarine intervencija, vienerių metų išgyvenamumą // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 5, p. 101-105.

R. Karalius, R. Sipavičius, A. Aidietis, D. Zakarkaitė, G. Marinskis, G. Nogienė, L. Lankutienė, V. Sirvydis. A Double-Orifice Tricuspid Valve Associated With a Divided Right Atrium // The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. Philadelphia : Elsevier Inc. 2012, Vol. 93, iss. 3, p. E63-E65.

D. Dobreanu, N. Dagres, J. Svendsen, G. Marinskis, M. Bongiorni, C. Blomstrom-Lundqvist. Approach to cardiac resyncronization therapy // Europace. Oxford : Oxford University Press. 2012, vol. 14, iss. 9, p. 1359-1362.

G. Zuozienė, A. Laucevičius, D. Leibowitz. Extracorporeal shockwave myocardial revascularization improves clinical symptoms and left ventricular function in patients with refractory angina // Coronary artery disease. Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2011, vol. 23, iss. 1, p. 62-67.

L. Bezuska, V. Bilkis, R. Sudikienė, V. Tarutis. Hybrid procedure: percutaneous atrial septal defect closure and off-pump surgical repair of left-sided partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection // Kardiochirurgia i torakochirurgia Polska. Poznan : Termedia sp. z o.o. 2012, vol. 9, no 3, p. 319-321.

M. Bongiorni, G. Marinskis, G. Lip, J. Svendsen, D. Dobreanu, C. Blomstrom-Lundqvist. How European centres diagnose, treat and prevent CIED infections: results of an European Heart Rhythm Association survey / Maria Grazia Bongiorni, Germanas Marinskis, Gregory Y.H. Lip, Jesper Hastrup Svendsen, Dan Dobreanu, Carina Blomstrom-Lundqvist, and conducted by the Scientific Initiative Committee, European Heart Rhythm Association // Europace. Oxford : Oxford University Press. 2012, vol. 14, iss. 11, p. 1666-1669.

G. Davidavičius, C. Godino, J. Shannon, K. Takagi, L. Bertoldi, M. Mussardo, A. Chieffo, F. Arioli, A. Ielasi, M. Montorfano, A. Latib, A. Colombo. Incidence of overall bleeding in patients treated with intra-aortic balloon pump during percutaneous coronary intervention // JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. New York : Elsevier Inc. 2012, vol. 5, iss. 3, p. 350-357.

G. Marinskis, M. Bongiorni, N. Dagres, D. Dobreanu, T. Lewalter, C. Blomstrom-Lundqvist. Performing magnetic resonance imaging in patients with implantable pacemakers and defibrillators: results of a European Heart Rhythm Association survey // Europace. Oxford : Oxford University Press. 2012, vol. 14, iss. 12, p. 1807-1809.

G. Marinskis, L. Erven, M. Bongiorni, G. Lip, L. Pison, C. Blomstrom-Lundqvist. Practices of cardiac implantable electronic device follow-up: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey // Europace. Oxford : Oxford University Press. 2012, vol. 14, iss. 3, p. 423-425.

L. Bezuska, V. Lebetkevičius, K. Lankutis, V. Tarutis. Successful experience with Levitronix PediVAS for management of acute heart failure after Fontan surgery // Central European Journal of Medicine. Warsaw : Versita. 2012, vol. 7, no. 4, p. 3529-532.

V. Usonis, L. Ivaškevičienė, U. Desselberger, C. Rodrigo. The unpredictable diversity of co-circulating rotavirus types in Europe and the possible impact of universal mass vaccination programmes on rotavirus genotype incidence // Vaccine. Oxford : Elsevier SCI LTD. 2012, Vol. 30, iss. 31, p. 4596-4605.

COOPERATION

CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois), Lausanne (Switzerland)
The Italian National Research Centre on Aging (INRCA), Ancona (Italy)
University of Pisa, Pisa (Italy)
Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou and Faculté de Médecine, Université René Descartes, Paris (France)
Manchester Bioscience & Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester (UK)
Ghent University Hospital, Ghent (Belgium)
Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht (the Netherlands)
Southampton University Hospital, Wessex Cardiothoracic Centre (UK)
Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (USA)
The Carolinas Heart Institute, Charlote (USA)
Illinois Masonic Medical Center (USA)
University of Hamburg, Centre of Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology (Germany)
Europdonor Foundation, Leiden (the Netherlands)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Laucevičius –

member of American College of Cardiology (FACC);
fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC);
member and fellow of North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE);
member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina, http://medicina.kmu.lt/editor-l.htm;
editorial board member of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine, http://www.seminarsincardiology.com/archive-issues.php;
editorial board member of the journal Internistas (Internist);
editorial board member of the journal Mediterranean Journal of Pacing and Electrophysiology (MESPE);
editorial board member of the journalJournal of Human Hypertension;
editorial board member of the journalBlood pressure, Europace (ES;,
editorial board member of the journalCardiology Management;
editorial board member of the journalCardiology Journal (Folia Cardiologica).

Prof. A. Aidietis –

board member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
member of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery;
editorial board member of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine, http://www.seminarsincardiology.com/archive-issues.php.

Prof. A. Kibarskis –

vice-president of Baltic Association of Interventional Cardiology;
editorial board member of the journal Gydymo menas (Art of Treatment);
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), www.mtp.lt.

Prof. G. Marinskis –

managing editor of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine, http://www.seminarsincardiology.com/archive-issues.php;
board member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
lecturer for the extramural Core curriculum courses on Cardiac Arrhythmias organized by the European Heart House (ASC).

Prof. V. Žvironaitė –

member of European Society of Cardiology;
board member of the scientific journal Acta medica Lituanica;
member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
member of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology.

Prof. Ž. Petrulionienė –

editorial board member of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine, http://www.seminarsincardiology.com/archive-issues.php;
editor of chapter Cardiologic Seminarsof the journal Internistas (Internist);
President of Lithuanian Heart Association.

Doc. A. Aidietienė –

board member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
member of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
member of the European Society of Cardiology.

Doc. V. Grabauskienė –

national coordinator of Euro Heart Survey programme (ESC);
fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC);
member of the ESC Working Group of Echocardiography;
member of the ESC Working Group of Heart Failure;
member of the American Society of Echocardiography;
member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons.

Doc. A. Grebelis –

member of the European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery;
board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
member of the Society of Lithuanian Surgeons;
member of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery.

Doc. R. Karalius –

member of the European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery;
member of the Society of Lithuanian Surgeons;
member of the Society of Cardiology of Lithuania;
member of the European Society of Cardiology;
member of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery.

Doc.G. Vilkevičius –

editorial board member of the journal Przegland Flebologiczny;
editorial board member of the journal Flebologija;
member of European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology;
member of European Vascular Access Society;
member of Lithuanian Society for Vascular Surgery;
vice-president of Lithuanian Society for Phlebology;
member of Lithuanian Association of Ultrasound Diagnostics.

Dr. L. Gumbienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Cardiology.

Dr. Ž. Katliorienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Cardiology.

Dr. D. Liekienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Cardiology.

Dr. R. Malickaitė –

board member of Lithuanian Society for Immunology;
board member of Lithuanian Society for Alergology and Clinical Immunology.

Dr. R. Sipavičius –

editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery), http://www.chirurgija.lt/;
member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons.

J. Misiūra –

member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
member of the ESC Working Group of Heart Failure.

Dr. M. Sučila –

member of Lithuanian Society of Vascular Surgery,
member of Society of Vilnius Surgeons,
member of Lithuanian Society of Surgeons.

Doc. B. Abraitienė, Prof. A. Aidietis, Doc. E. Berūkštis, Doc.V. Grabauskienė, Doc. L. Ivaškevičienė, Prof. A. Kibarskis, Prof. G. Marinskis, J. Misiūra, Doc. B. Petrauskienė, Doc. A. Rudys, Doc. R. Steponėnienė, Dr. A. Čypienė, Dr. R. Čypienė, Dr. D. Liekienė, Dr. P. Semėnienė, Prof. P. Šerpytis –

members of European Society of Cardiology;
members of Lithuanian Heart Association;
members of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology.

Doc. L. Ivaškevičienė, Doc. V. Tarutis, Dr. R. Čypienė, Dr. G. Kalinauskas, Doc. R. Karalius, Dr. V. Lebetkevičius, Dr. D. Liekienė, Dr. R. Malickaitė, Dr. G. Nogienė, Dr. G. Norkūnas, Prof. K. Ručinskas, Dr. P. Semėnienė, Dr. A. Valaika, Dr. I. Butkuvienė, A. Zorinas –

members of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons.

Dr. G. Norkūnas, Prof. K. Ručinskas, Doc. V. Tarutis –

members of Scandinavian Society of Thoracic Surgery.

CLINIC OF CHILDREN’S DISEASES

4 Santariškių, 08406 Vilnius
Tel. 249 2414
Fax 272 0368
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Vytautas Usonis

STAFF

Professor emeritus: Habil. Dr. A. Raugalė.
Professors: Habil. Dr. V. Usonis, Habil. Dr. A. Valiulis, Dr. N. Drazdienė, Dr. A. Jankauskienė.
Docents: Dr. R. Čerkauskienė, Dr. S. Dumčius, Dr. I. Narkevičiūtė, Dr. V. Panavienė, Dr. L. Ragelienė, Dr. O. Rudzevičienė, Dr. V. Urbonas, Dr. V. Žilinskaitė.
Senior research fellows: Dr. R. Ėmužytė, Dr. R. Firantienė.
Lecturers: Dr. J. Grikinienė, Dr. R. Kemežys, Dr. O. Kinčinienė Dr. R. Vankevičienė.
Junior research fellows: Dr. B. Skerlienė, I. Cicėnaitė, G. Kupliauskienė.
Assistants: I. Ivaškevičienė, V. Radžiūnienė.
Doctoral students: S. Burokienė, I. Ivaškevičienė, R. Ivaškevičius, R. Kvederienė, D. Montvilaitė, S. Rusonienė, R. Samaitienė, G. Vaitkevičienė, V. Bilius.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Health care of mother and child: physiological and social aspects and research of natural development of the child
Studies of functional development of organs and systems of newborns and children
Studies of neonatal pathology and perinatal mortality in Lithuania
Studies of chronic inflammation in paediatric pulmonology (asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD) and elaboration of markers of early diagnostics of chronic diseases in children
Development of the methods of diagnostics, treatment and prophylaxis of acute and chronic infectious, immune, allergic, metabolic, haematologic and oncohaematologic diseases
Studies of immunoprophylaxis and vaccination
Diagnostics and treatment of inherited metabolic diseases
Diagnostics, treatment and prophylaxis of children’s abuse and trauma
Diagnostics and surgical treatment of inborn anomalies

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Regulation of Causes and Outcomes of Children's Diseases, Traumas and Inborn Anomalies. Prof. V. Usonis. 2008–2012.

The foetal inflammatory response syndrome was aimed to study and evaluate the importance of FIRS for the early and later adaptation of premature infants and for psychomotor development at 6 and 12 months’ corrected age. The study involved 158 preterm infants, born at 22–34 weeks of gestation. The correlation between cytokines IL-6, tTNF-α and aTNF-α, tVEGF and aVEGF in umbilical cord and the health of a preterm newborn in the early and later adaptation and psychomotor development in corrected age of 6 and 12 months was evaluated.
Children’s care in Lithuania’s hospitals emergency departments (ED) (patient flows and consumption tendencies of medical services) was analysed, the ED volumes of services for children in 2001–2010, according to the provided aid and patient‘s age in Lithuanian health care institutions, which provide in-patient services for children, under contract with National Health Insurance Fund was evaluated.
Peculiarities of pertussis in modern society, Varicella zoster virus infection in pregnancy, diagnosis and prevention of congenital Cytomegalovirus
Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA): Achievements in 10 years and future needs were analysed and it was concluded that ten years after the publication of the ARIA World Health Organization workshop report, it is important to make a summary of its achievements and identify the still unmet clinical, research, and implementation needs to strengthen the 2011 European Union Priority on allergy and asthma in children.
Studies on early allergic sensitization showed that maternal diet, diseases, the use of antibiotics, and tobacco smoke during pregnancy had no significant impact on the early sensitization to food allergens, infants of atopic mothers were significantly more often sensitized to egg as compared to the infants of nonatopic mothers.
Paediatric kidney transplantation results in Lithuania in the period of 1996–2011 were analysed; 51 transplantations were performed; transplant survival rate from living and cadaveric donors were accordingly 100% ir 76.7% in the period of 5 years, but after 10 years they are nearly equal and are accordingly 66.7% ir 68.3%. The paediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrom and estimation of its severity was investigated.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Children with Primary Oxalosis Requiring Renal Replacement Therapy were evaluated. Treatment of children suffering from an inborn error of mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxydation with cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmics during acute metabolic decompensation was analysed.Clinical peculiarities of the inborn defect of cardiolipin were analysed.
Diurnal Melatonin Patterns in Children were investigated and high interindividual variability was shown in melatonin diurnal profiles. Behavioural Problems in Children with Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes (BECTS) Treated and Untreated with Antiepileptic Drugs were investigated. It was shown that children with BECTS, especially those treated and with a longer epilepsy course, were found to be at risk of behavioural problems; lower grades were associated with a longer disease course and medications; the presence of extrarolandic discharges was related to higher Child Behaviour Checklist scores in the group of the treated patients with BECTS.Gender-related differences in urinary excretion of magnesium in adolescents receiving valproate (VPA) were investigated and it was shown that VPA may precipitate disturbance of Mg2+ homeostasis; VPA-induced disturbance of Mg2+ homeostasis may be gender-related.
Epidemiology and outcome of treatment of pediatric lymphoma in Vilnius University Children’s Hospital in 2008–2011 was investigated. The investigations on the influence of physical activity to the quality of life in pediatric Haemophilia showed that children with haemophilia receiving prophylactic treatment and regular physical therapy have significantly better joint state, functional independence and quality of life; children psychoemotional state, quality of treatment and opportunities to participate in sporting activities have significant impact on their quality of life.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

J. Martinkėnas, V. Sakalinskas, R. Jankauskas, R. Ėmužytė, G. Pošiūnas, S. Balseris, D. Činčikas, V. Čepulis. Rinologijos pradmenys. Vilnius : Metoil, 2012. 616 p. ;.

R. Ėmužytė. Alerginis rinitas : mokomoji knyga. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. 120 p.

V. Žilinskaitė, R. Kėvalas, V. Radžiūnienė, V. Gurskis. Pagalba karščiuojančiam vaikui : rekomendacijos. Vilnius : UAB "Indigo print", 2012. 16 p.

Parts of the Books

I. Narkevičiūtė, J. Bernatonienė. Varicella zoster virus infection in pregnancy. Herpesviridae : a look into this unique family of viruses / edited by George Dimitri Magel, Stephen Tyring. Rijeka : InTech, 2012, p. 174-192.

Articles

R. Samaitienė, J. Norkūnienė, G. Jurkevičienė, J. Grikinienė. Behavioral Problems in Children with Benign Childhood Epilepsy With Centrotemporal Spikes Treated and Untreated with Antiepileptic Drugs // Medicina. Kaunas : Kauno medicinos universitetas. 2012, t. 48, nr. 7, p. 338-344.

V. Bilius, K. Steponėnaitė-Janovičienė, V. Kazlauskas, A. Jankauskienė. Ankstyvosios chirurginės komplikacijos po vaikų inkstų transplantacijos // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 6, p. 67-70.

S. Sasnauskienė, R. Firantienė, V. Jablonskienė. Chromatografijos metodai ir jų taikymas // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 1, p. 33-39.

S. Dumčius, O. Kinčinienė, V. Urbonas, N. Jokūbaitienė, V. Radžiūnienė. Cistinė fibrozė: vaikų virškinimo sistemos sutrikimo ypatumai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 446-449.

O. Kalinauskienė, V. Žilinskaitė. Dauginės organų disfunkcijos sindromas ir jo sunkumo vertinimas vaikų amžiuje // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 3, p. 334-339.

A. Jagelavičienė, O. Marčiukaitienė, O. Rudzevičienė. Dviejų diagnostinių testų, atliktų alerginiu rinitu sergantiems vaikams, rezultatų palyginimas // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 1, p. 35-41.

A. Rainytė, V. Urbonas. Efektyvus tulžies rūgščių malabsorbcijos sindromo gydymas cholestiraminu // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 3, p. 340-343.

V. Usonis, I. Narkevičiūtė, V. Guntaitė. Effectiveness of early oseltamivir treatment in children with pandemic 2009 A/H1N1 influenza in the Vilnius University Children Hospital // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, Vol. 19, nr. 4, p. 459-465.

V. Urbonas, I. Ališauskienė, R. Venclovienė, R. Firantienė, R. Ėmužytė. Hepatitų etiologija vaikų amžiuje: Epštein-Baro virusinis hepatitas // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 6, p. 61-66.

V. Žilinskaitė, V. Žukovskaja, D. Petraitienė. Hiperglikeminė hiperosmoliarinė neketoacidozinė būklė vaikų amžiuje // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 6, p. 85-90.

I. Narkevičiūtė, E. Rutkauskienė. Hospitalizuotų vaikų bokavirusinės infekcijos ypatumai // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 2, p. 5074-5079.

I. Narkevičiūtė, Z. Plotnikova. Įgimtos citomegalo viruso sukeltos infekcijos diagnostika ir profilaktika // Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija. Kaunas : Vitae litera. 2012, t. 15, nr. 1, p. 64-69.

I. Paulavičienė, N. Drazdienė, R. Vaitkevičienė, N. Vezbergienė, R. Gudaitienė, L. Tamulienė, L. Strupienė, L. Duksienė. Ypač mažos gestacijos naujagimių gydymo rezultatai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 6, p. 33-37.

O. Rudzevičienė, R. Lukoševičiūtė, E. Rutkauskienė, G. Bernatonienė, A. Eidukaitė. Kokį antibiotiką rinktis gydant S. aureus odos infekciją atopiniu dermatitu sergančiam vaikui? // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 1, p. 95-101.

R. Ivaškevičius, I. Ivaškevičienė, V. Usonis. Kokliušo ypatumai modernioje visuomenėje // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 1, p. 69-80.

A. Valiulis, V. Misevičienė, E. Sučilienė, D. Steponavičienė, E. Davidavičienė. Lietuvos vaikų tuberkuliozės diagnostikos, gydymo ir kontrolės sutarimas - įrodymais pagrįstos metodinės rekomendacijos gydytojams ir slaugos specialistams // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 2, p. 5103-5139.

A. Šmigelskaitė, S. Dumčius, O. Kinčinienė. Lipoproteinų koncentracijos kraujyje įtaka vaikų padidėjusiam arteriniam kraujospūdžiui // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 474-478.

J. Biliuvienė, V. Bilius, R. Vankevičienė, J. Cikanavičienė, G. Brusokienė, N. Drazdienė. Naujagimio hidronefrozė: klinikinė išraiška, diagnostika ir gydymas // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 6, p. 155-159.

I. Narkevičiūtė, J. Žalienė. Nėštumo ir gimdymo komplikacijų bei psichosocialinių veiksnių įtaka pogimdyminei depresijai // Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija. Kaunas : Vitae litera. 2012, t. 15, nr. 1, p. 23-32.

R. Čerkauskienė, B. Tumienė, A. Medzevičienė, J. Songailienė. Pirmasis hiperoksalurijos I tipo kūdikių formos atvejis Lietuvoje // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 108-112.

B. Skerlienė. Retas įgimtas kardiolipino struktūros defektas padeda atskleisti dažnų ligų patogenezę // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 2, p.

R. Vankevičienė, N. Drazdienė. Spontaninis prenatalinis arterinio latako užsidarymas: klinikiniai atvejai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 6, p. 118-121.

B. Skerlienė, O. Kinčinienė, W. Lehnert. Širdį veikiančių glikozidų ir antiaritminių vaistų skyrimas vaikams, sergantiems įgimtomis mitochondrinės riebalų rūgščių oksidacijos ligomis, esant metabolinėms krizėms // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 1, p. 18-21.

P. Kalibatas, I. Babianskienė, N. Būtėnienė, G. Viščinienė, G. Cibulskienė, V. Tamošaitienė, O. Kinčinienė. Ūminiai atsitiktiniai vaikų apsinuodijimai 2003-2010 metais: kas, kuo ir kada? // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 479-483.

R. Čerkauskienė, E. Šiaulianskienė. Ūminis vaikų inkstų pažeidimas: klasikiniai ir naujieji biožymenys // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 102-107.

S. Jančiauskienė, A. Valiulis, I. Valiulytė, E. Šiaulianskienė, J. Chorostowska-Wynimko. Vaikų alfa-1 antitripsino stokos liga / Sabina Jančiauskienė, Arūnas Valiulis, Indrė valiulytė, Edita Šiaulianskienė, Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko ir Leonardo da Vinci projekto Alfa-1-qual Nr.LLP-Ldv-PRT-2011-LT-0300 tyrėjų grupė // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 1, p. 4987-4993.

V. Radžiūnienė, I. Valiulytė, T. Alasevičius, A. Valiulis. Vaikų bendruomenėje įgytos pneumonijos etiologinė diagnostika // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 1, p. 4926-4931.

H. Bajerčius, A. Jankauskienė. Vaikų inkstų transplantacijos rezultatai Lietuvoje // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 90-94.

L. Geimanaitė, K. Trainavičius. Vaikų kiaušidžių užsisukimas // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 2, p. 243-246.

I. Narkevičiūtė, I. Kulečnikova, D. Ruževičienė. Vaikų kvėpavimo takų svetimkūnių diagnostika // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 1, p. 42-48.

I. Cicėnaitė, L. Ragelienė. Vaikų limfomų, 2008-2011 metais gydytų Vilniaus universiteto vaikų ligoninėje, epidemiologija ir atokūs gydymo rezultatai // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 1, p. 117-123.

V. Žilinskaitė, R. Kvederienė. Vaikų traumų ikihospitalinės pagalbos apimtys // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 6, p. 20-25.

K. Trainavičius, E. Simanauskienė, L. Geimanaitė. Vaikų žarnų invaginacijos gydymo taktikos pasikeitimai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 2, p. 247-250.

I. Narkevičiūtė, A. Pliauckienė. Vienerių-penkerių metų vaikų bendruomenėje įgytos pneumonijos antibakterinis gydymas // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 2, p. 5056-5060.

A. Valiulis, A. Aleksandrovič, A. Arechvo, M. Skoczylas. Vilniaus universiteto baigiamųjų metų studentų medikų žinios apie retąsias ligas // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 2, p. 5041-5047.

V. Radžiūnienė, A. Valiulis. Virusų reikšmė ikimokyklinio amžiaus vaikų bendruomenėje įgytos pneumonijos etiologijoje // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, t. 15, nr. 2, p. 5069-5073.

R. Ėmužytė. Alerginis konjunktyvitas: požiūris į diagnostiką ir gydymą // Pediatrija. Vilnius : Gamta. 2012, nr. 5, p. 63-71.

R. Vankevičienė. Funkciniai vaikų širdies sutrikimai // Pediatrija. Vilnius : Gamta. 2012, nr. 2, p. 61-63.

S. Kašinskaitė, N. Drazdienė. Kūdikių odos priežiūra // Pediatrija. Vilnius : Gamta. 2012, nr. 1, p. 14-18.

N. Drazdienė, R. Vankevičienė, I. Kairienė. Naujagimių ir kūdikių maudymas // Pediatrija. Vilnius : Gamta. 2012, nr. 1, p. 22-24.

O. Kalinauskienė, N. Drazdienė, R. Vankevičienė. Naujagimių trombocitopenija // Pediatrija. Vilnius : Gamta. 2012, nr. 3, p. 53-62.

R. Vankevičienė. Reta vaikų kardiomiopatija: nestandus (nekompaktiškas) kairiojo skilvelio miokardas // Pediatrija. Vilnius : Gamta. 2012, nr. 4, p. 68-72.

R. Chlibek, I. Anca, F. Andre, M. Čižman, I. Ivaškevičienė, A. Mangarov, Z. Meszner, P. Perenovska, M. Pokorn, R. Prymula, D. Richter, N. Salman, P. Šimurka, E. Tamm, G. Tešovič, I. Urbančikova, D. Zavadska, V. Usonis. Adult vaccination in 11 Central European countries - Calendars are not just for children // Vaccine. Oxford : Elsevier SCI LTD. 2012, Vol. 30, iss. 9, p. 1529-1540.

J. Harambat, S. van, L. Espinosa, J. Groothoff, S. Hulton, R. Čerkauskienė, F. Schaefer, E. Verrina, K. Jager, P. Cochat. Characteristics and Outcomes of Children with Primary Oxalosis Requiring Renal Replacement Therapy // Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Washington : American Society of Nephrology. 2012, Vol. 7, iss. 3, p. 458-465.

D. Astrauskienė, A. Griškevičius, R. Lukšienė, V. Panavienė, J. Venalienė. Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma hominis in sexually intact girls with arthritides // Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. London : Informa Healthcare. 2012, vol. 41, no. 4, p. 275-279.

C. Daleno, A. Piralla, A. Scala, F. Baldanti, V. Usonis, N. Principi, S. Esposito. Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Human Enterovirus C (HEV-C117) Identified in a Child with Community-Acquired Pneumonia // Journal of Virology. Washington : American Society for Microbiology. 2012, Vol. 86, no. 19, p. 10888-10889.

I. Narkevičiūtė, S. Diglienė. Congenital rubella syndrome // Infectious diseases in clinical practice. Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2012, vol. 20, no 3, p. e8-e9.

R. Praninskienė, I. Dumalakienė, R. Kemežys, M. Mauricas, A. Jučaitė. Diurnal Melatonin Patterns in Children: Ready to Apply in Clinical Practice? // Pediatric Neurology. Philadelphia : Elsevier Inc. 2012, vol. 46, iss. 2, p. 70-76.

S. Esposito, R. Cohen, J. Domingo, O. Pecurariu, D. Greenberg, U. Heininger, M. Knuf, I. Lutsar, N. Principi, F. Rodriguez, M. Sharland, V. Spoulou, G. Syrogiannopoulos, V. Usonis, A. Vergison, U. Schaad. Do We Know When, What and For How Long to Treat? : Antibiotic Therapy for Pediatric Community-acquired Pneumonia // The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2012, Vol. 31, no. 6, p. e78-e84.

J. Grikinienė, D. Stakišaitis, R. Jankūnas, S. Uleckienė, B. Obelienienė. Gender-related differences in urinary excretion of magnesium in adolescents receiving valproate // Trace elements and electrolytes. Oberhachin : Dustri-Verlag Dr. Karl Feistle. 2012, vol. 29, no. 1, p. 48-53.

R. Praninskienė, I. Dumalakienė, R. Kemežys, M. Mauricas, A. Jučaitė. Melatonin secretion in children with epilepsy // Epilepsy and behavior. Maryland Heights : Academic Press. 2012, Vol. 25, iss. 3, p. 315-322.

C. Daleno, A. Piralla, V. Usonis, A. Scala, R. Ivaškevičius, F. Baldanti, N. Principi, S. Esposito. Novel Human Enterovirus C Infection in Child with Community-acquired Pneumonia // Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2012, Vol. 18, no. 11, p. 1913-1915.

D. Stakišaitis, J. Grikinienė, V. Meilus, J. Didžiapetrienė, P. Matusevičius. Sodium valproate effect on chloride metabolism in rats: a new approach to its possible anticancer mechanism // Trace elements and electrolytes. Oberhachin : Dustri-Verlag Dr. Karl Feistle. 2012, vol. 29, no. 4, p. 256-261.

K. Pritchard-Jones, G. Lewison, S. Camporesi, G. Vassal, R. Ladenstein, Y. Benoit, J. Predojevic, J. Sterba, T. Eckschlager, H. Schroeder, F. Doz, U. Creutzig, T. Klingebiel, H. Kosmidis, M. Garami, R. Pieters, A. O'Meara, G. Dini, R. Ricchardi, J. Rascon, L. Ragelienė, V. Calvagna, P. Czauderna, J. Kowalczyk, M. Gil-da-Costa, L. Norton, F. Pereira, D. Janic, J. Puskacova, J. Jezbec, A. Canete, L. Hjorth, G. Ljungman, T. Kutluk, B. Morland, M. Stevens, D. Walker, R. Sullivan. The state of research into children with cancer across Europe: new policies for a new decade // ecancermedicalscience. Milan : The European Institute of Oncology. 2011, Vol. 5, art. no. 210(1-80).

Materials of conferences

B. Skerlienė. Įgimtų medžiagų apykaitos ligų, pasireiškiančių metabolinėmis krizėmis, diagnostikos ir gydymo ypatumai // Pediatrija. Vilnius : Gamta. 2012, nr. 1, p. 11-12.

V. Usonis. Sub-regional overview: Central Eastern Europe // Progress toward Rubella elimination and CRS prevention in Europe : proceedings, Rome, 8-10 February, 2012. Rome, 2012, p. 34-36.

Translations

B. Tumienė, V. Urbonas. Bishop Warren P. Vaikų gastroenterologija / Warren P. Bishop ; vertėjai Birutė Tumienė, Vaidotas Urbonas // Vilnius : UAB "Vaistų žinios", 2012. 480 p.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. emeritus A. Raugalė –

member of the Council of Vilnius Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
editor-in-chief of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology);
chairman of the Committee of Biomedical Sciences of Vilnius University Council;
member of the Lithuanian Committee of Medical Ethics and Deontology.

Prof. N. Drazdienė –

editor-in-chief of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics and Gynaecology);
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics), www.idejugrupe.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Sveikata (Health);
editorial board member of the journal Akušerijos ir ginekologijos ultragarsinė diagnostika (Ultrasound Diagnostics in Obstetrics and Gynaecology);
president of Vilnius Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
vicepresident of Vilnius Medical Society;
vicepresident of Lithuanian Neonatology Association;
member of the Council of Lithuanian Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
member of the European Association on Perinatal Medicine;
expert of the Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation;
president of Lithuanian section of Deutsch-Baltische Arztegesellschaft, www.deutsch-baltische-aerzte.de/ ;
member of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine (EAPM), www.europerinatal.com.

Prof. A. Jankauskienė –

president of Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Nephrology;
member of Lithuanian Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Association;
member of International Pediatric Nephrology Association, www.ipna-online.org;
member of the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology, http://espn.cardiff.ac.uk;
member of International Pediatric Hypertension Association;
member of Lithuanian Pediatric Society;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine).

Prof. V. Usonis –

teaching staff member of Paediatric Infectious Diseases Programmee of the Department for continuing education of University of Oxford, http://cpd.conted.ox.ac.uk;
member of Central European Vaccination Advisory Group (CEVAG), http://www.cevag.org;
expert on vaccine-related issues at the European Disease Control Centre (ECDC);
vice-President and a board member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
Chairman of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society Committee on Immunisation;
Board member on the National Board of Immunisation of Lithuania;
Chairman of Lithuanian Committee for Poliomyelitis Eradication Certification;
editorial board member of the Padiatric Infectious Disease Journal, http://journals.lww.com/pidj/pages/editorialboard.aspx;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology);
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
President of Baltic ImmunoprophylaxisAssociation, www.baltipa.lt;
Chairman of the 6th Conference of Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association The Spring of Immunopropylaxis; April 17, 2012;
Chairman of 6th Vilnius international course Update on Paediatric Infectious Diseases 28th–29th of September 2012, Vilnius, Lithuania.

Prof. A. Valiulis –

president of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
Lithuanian Delegate in European Academy of Paediatrics (CESP), www.eapaediatrics.eu;
Lithuanian Delegate in European Paediatric Association (UNEPSA), www.epa-unepsa.org;
president of the Lithuanian Paediatric Respiratory Society, www.pulmonologija.lt;
vice-chairman of the Committee of Mother and Child of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, www.lma.lt;
national Coordinator of Leonardo da Vinci project No. LLP- LdV-PRT-2011-LT-0300 Introducing of the best medical practice for the patients with inherited Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in Central / Eastern Europe (2011–2013);
editor-in-chief Index Copernicus journal (Impact factor 3.94) Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology), www.pulmonologija.lt;
editorial board member of ISI journal (Impact factor 2.77) Paediatric Respiratory Reviews, www.prrjournal.com;
national Coordinator of WHO project Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD), www.who.int/respiratory/gard/en/;
member of Strategic Paediatric Alliance for the Future Health of Children in Europe (EAP-EPA-ECPCP);
President of the national conference devoted to the 75th anniversary of Lithuanian Paediatric Society Rare Diseases in Children September 28, 2012, Vilnius, www.pediatrija.com;
President of 5th Lithuanian Congress of Society of Paediatric Pulmonology, April 21, 2012, Vilnius, www.pediatrija.org;
chairman of Organizing Committee of Clinical Workshop The Clinical aspects of Alpha-Antitrypsin Deficiency within the Leonardo da Vinci project, October 12–13, 2012, Vilnius.

Dr. R. Čerkauskienė –

vicepresident of Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Nephrology;
member of Lithuanian Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Association;
member of International Pediatric Nephrology Association, www.ipna-online.org;
member of Vilnius Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine).

Dr. R. Ėmužytė –

editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology), www.pulmonologija.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Alergologija ir klinikinė imunologija (Allergology and Clinical Immunology);
editorial board member of the journal Medinfo;
international editorial board member of the journal Alergia astma immunologia (Allergy Asthma Immunology) (Poland), www.mediton.pl/PL/czasopisma/alergia-astma-immunologia;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics), www.idejugrupe.lt;
pastmember at large of Executive Committee of European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), http://www.eaaci.net;
Lithuanian representative in European Training Committee of Paediatric Allergology;
president of the Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
chair of National board of experts for Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
national representative of European ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) Committee .

Doc. S. Dumčius –

member of the European Respiratory Society;
member of the European Cystic Fibrosis Association, www.ecsf.eu;
member of the peer review board of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology), www.pulmonologija.lt.

Dr. R. Firantienė –

member of the Council of Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.

Dr. J. Grikinienė –

member of Lithuanian Association of Neurology;
member of Lithuanian Paediatric Neurology Society;
member of Lithuanian Society of Epileptology;
member of Lithuanian Paediatric Society.

Dr. R. Kemežys –

editorial board member of the journal Baltic Endocrinology, www.kmu.lt/endokrinologija;
member of the Council of Lithuanian Endocrine Society;
member of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
member of Paediatric Endocrinology Association;
member of International Growth Hormone Research Society (GRS), www.ghresearchsociety.org;
member of the European Federation of Endocrine Societies (EFES), www.euro-endo.org/;
member of International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), www.ispad.org.

Dr. O. Kinčinienė –

president of the Lithuanian Paediatric Cardiology Society;
deputy editor of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics).

Doc. I. Narkevičiūtė –

member of the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID);
member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID);
member of the European Respiratory Society (ERS);
member of the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID);
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics), www.idejugrupe.lt/;
member of the peer review board of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology), www.pulmonologija.lt.

Doc. V. Panavienė –

member of Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (PRES), www.pres.org.uk;
national representative in the PRES Training and Education committee, www.pres.org.uk;
member of Paediatric Rheumatology International Trial Organisation (PRINTO), www.printo.it;
member of the Council of Lithuanian Rheumatology Association;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics), www.idejugrupe.lt/;
editorial board member of the journal Reumatologija (Rheumatology), www.idejugrupe.lt/.

Doc. L. Ragelienė –

President of Baltic Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology;
board member of European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOP);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Haematology;
member of the International Society of Haematology;
member of Society of Paediatric Oncology of Northern Countries;
member of Baltic Haemophilia Council;
member of World Federation of Haemophilia;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics).

Dr. O. Rudzevičienė –

member of board (2009–2011) of EAACI Section on Paediatrics, www.eaaci.net;
member of the European Academy of Paediatrics (CESP Delegates: Lithuania), www.eapaediatrics.eu;
member of the Council of Lithuanian Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
deputy chairman of the peer review board of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology), www.pulmonologija.lt.

Dr. K. Saniukas –

President of the Baltic Spinal Cord Injury Scientific Society;
President of Lithuanian Scientific Society of Paediatric Orthopaedics and Traumatology.

Dr. B. Skerlienė –

member of Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM), www.ssiem.org/;
member of the Baltic Metabolic Group, www.ssiem.org;
member of Lithuanian Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
member of Vilnius Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
member of Lithuanian Paediatric Cardiology Society;
member of Lithuanian Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, www.pediatrija.org;
member of Lithuanian Rheumatology Association;
member of Lithuanian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology and Neurosonology;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics).

Doc. K. Trainavičius –

member of the Baltic Association of Paediatric Surgeons (BAOPS);
member of the Council of Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Surgery;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics), www.idejugrupe.lt.

Dr. V. Urbonas –

member and representative of the Baltic countries of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), www.espghan.org;
President of the Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, www.pediatrija.org.;
vice president of President of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
consultant as paediatric gastroenterologist at Lithuanian Health Ministry;
member of the peer review board of the ESPGHAN conferences (European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition);
member of the peer review board of the UEGW conferences (United European Gastroenterology Week);
editorial board member of the journal Gastroenterologija (Gastroenterology);
President of the4th Congress of Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Actualities in Paediatric Gastroenterology, April 8, 2011, Vilnius;
co-chairman of annual conference of Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Peroral and Infusion Therapy in Paediatrics, November 11, 2011.

Dr. R. Vankevičienė –

editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics), www.idejugrupe.lt;
member of the Council of Vilnius Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
member of the Council of Lithuanian Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
member of Lithuanian Paediatric Cardiology Society.

Dr. V. Žilinskaitė –

President of the Lithuanian Paediatric Intensive Care Society, www.vritdraugija.lt;
member of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics), www.idejugrupe.lt.
co-chairman of the annual conference of Lithuanian Paediatric Intensive Care Society and Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Peroral and Infusion Therapy in Paediatrics, November 11, 2011.

I. Ivaškevičienė –

member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
executive secretary of Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association, www.baltipa.lt;
;member of the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID), www.espid.org;
member of the Young ESPID (European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases) Society;
member of Central European Vaccination Advisory Group (CEVAG), http://www.cevag.org.

R. Ivaškevičius –

member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society, www.pediatrija.org;
member of Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association, www.baltipa.lt;
member of the European Respiratory Society (ERS).

CLINIC OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, FAMILY PRACTICE AND ONCOLOGY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel/fax: 236 5075
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Virginijus Šapoka

STAFF

Professors: Dr.V. Šapoka, Dr. V. Alekna , Dr. L. Griškevičius, Dr. N. Samalavičius, Dr. J. Didžiapetrienė (part-time), Dr.V. Ostapenko (part-time).
Docents: Dr. V. Urbanavičius, Dr. V. Kasiulevičius, Dr. J. Urbelienė, Dr. E. Mišeikytė Kaubrienė.
Lecturers: S. Grigonis, Dr. A. Abraitienė, Dr. V. Pečeliūnas, Dr. V. Dženkevičiūtė, Dr. A. Marcijonienė (part-time), Dr.L.Vencevičienė (part-time),Dr. S. Paulauskienė (part-time).
Assistants: A. Slobinas (part-time), S. Tulytė (part-time), L. Vaitkevičiūtė (part-time), K. Simanauskas (part-time), D. Diglys (part-time).
Doctoral students: K. Simanauskas, A. Mastavičiūtė, A. Bleizgys, V. Andrejevaitė, V. Rudaitis.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Early diagnostics and prevention of non-infection diseases in family practice
Bone metabolic processes in geriatric patients and non-infection chronic diseases
Basic and clinical studies in cancer

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2011

Projects Supported by University Budget

Early Diagnostics and Prevention of Non-Infection Diseases in Family Practice. Prof. V. Šapoka, Doc.V. Kasiulevičius. 2009–2012.

The association between early atherosclerosis and hypertension in adolescents
Hypertension is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease and the reason of early death in the world. Growing epidemiology data support a correlation between blood pressure at childhood and adolescence and the incidence of hypertension at adulthood. The other problem is obesity. It is becoming increasingly more apparent not only in adults but also in teenagers. From the psychosocial point of view obesity in children promotes negative self-evaluation, peer popularity of smaller, more frequent events to harm and impaired quality of life.
The main aim of this study was to indentify new markers of cardiovascular disease in adolescents with essential arterial hypertension. Our study compares high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum amyloid A (SAA) in both groups. The second aim of this study was to identify behavioral and cognitive difficulties among overweight adolescents aged 17–18 years. Goals: To find the frequency of behavioral difficulties in the analysed group, the Social Problem of the prevalence of adolescence, to ascertain the peculiarities of the manifestation of thinking among adolescents, to find attention difficulties in patients.
The study was performed in two primary health care centers and pediatric care center in Vilnius in 2008–2012. 75 adolescents (age 17–18) were examined: 41 (54.67%) nonhypertensive adolescents and 34 (45.33 %) teenagers with arterial hypertension. Arterial blood pressure was assessed by the WHO recommendation and according to Lithuanian children’s blood pressure rate made by prof. J.Tutkuviene. Hs-CRP, GGT, ALT, SAA were measured in the blood. Also 17–18 years old adolescents were examined using Achenbach questionnaire’s Lithuanian version of YSR 11/18. Two groups of patients were composed: a case group - with the overweight (over 85 percentile) and teenagers with normal weight - control group. Statistical analysis was performed with "MS EXCEL" and "SPSS 17.0" programs using Fisher’s exact criteria, Student’s t-test (two-sample), Analysis of variance (ANOVA). Written informed consent was obtained from parents or guardians and from the participants themselves. Protocols were approved by the Institutional Bioethics Review Board of the Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine.
The study surveyed 104 patients - 58 boys and 46 girls. Markers of cardiovascular disease were compared in two groups. Comparing ALT (p=0.014) and GGT (p=0.001) statistically significant difference was found. However, no statistically significant difference was found comparing hs-CRP (p1=0.112) and SAA (p1=0.145). There was correlation between GGT and ALT (Spearman’s correlation coefficient (r) in case group r=0.638 and in control group r=0.470; p=0.000), hs-CRP and SAA (case group r=0.490; p=0.003; control group r=0.554; p=0.000) in both groups. Correlation between GGT and hs-CRP (r=0.433; p=0.01) was also found in case group. The overweight was found in 31adolescents: 18 boys and 13 girls. The study found that gender has the influence on restlessness / depression, somatic complaints and internal difficulties (p<0.05). The evaluation of gender and BMI interaction noted that these factors have an effect on attention difficulties, breakage of general rules and on general external difficulties (p<0.05).
ALT and GGT are associated with arterial hypertension among 17–18 years adolescents and can be used to determine the risk of arterial hypertension. Positive correlation between hs-CRP and SAA and between GGT and ALT was found. Increased GGT and hs-CRP levels were identified in the group of adolescents with arterial hypertension. There is a trend that overweight adolescents have both internal and external disorders. Scientific reports were performed.

25-hydroxy-vitamin D and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction
Endothelial dysfunction (ED) occurs in early stages of vascular diseases and could be detected using biomarkers, e.g. soluble adhesion molecules. Interest of vitamin D in cardiology is growing, and there is a need to investigate associations between vitamin D and ED biomarkers. Randomly selected 64 generally healthy men of age 20–39 were examined during February and March (“cold season”) in 2012. Data about some nutrition, smoking and physical activity habits were recorded. Some anthropometrical (height, weight, waist and hip circumference, arterial blood pressure) and laboratory measurements (general blood count, lipids, high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), glucose, testosterone, 25-hydroxi-vitamin D (25(OH)-D), and soluble adhesion molecules – ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E- and P-selectin) were performed. We found that during “cold season” almost all men of age 20–39 had low vitamin D. There were associations between soluble E-selectin and serum 25(OH)-D, notably for normal weight men. No significant associations of 25(OH)-D with soluble ICAM-1, VCAM-1 or P-selectin were found. In order to test the hypothesis about inverse relationships with seasonal pattern between 25(OH)-D levels and soluble adhesion molecules, the same men (61 of 64) were reexamined in August and September (“warm season”), and the analysis of this new data is on the way. The research will be continued in 2013. It is planned to examine some 60-70 new healthy men twice a year, both in “cold” and “warm” seasons, using the same methods. Results were presented at the conference. Diabetes mortality in Lithuania: data on diabetes mortality in 2010 are collected and currently are under evaluation. Acromegaly clinical treatment pecularities: collecting materials on acromegaly clinical treatment pecularities.

Bone Metabolic Processes, Variation of Platelet Haemostasia in Geriatric Patients and Non-Infection Chronic Diseases. Prof. V. Šapoka, Prof. V. Alekna. 2009–2013.

Body composition in elderly and its features in persons with sarcopenia
The studies of human body composition are performed for analysis of ageing process, nutrition and physical status. Changes in the body composition takes place during ageing: the lean body mass – first of all the mass of skeletal muscles and later a bone mineral mass – reduces and the mass of fat increases, also regional re-distribution of fat mass is in progress. Contradictory results about coherence between body components in case of sarcopenia have been presented.
The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition in elderly and its features in persons with sarcopenia. In this study the data of 354 persons was analyzed, including 151 (42.7%) men and 203 (57.3%) women. The youngest man and the woman was 60 years old, the oldest man was 95.6 years, woman – 89.5 years. We found that, the lean mass and percentage body lean of men are bigger as well as the mass of arms and legs than those in women. It was established that fat mass of women is bigger by and the percentage body fat is bigger compare with that of the group of men (p<0.001). The android fat mass is statistically significantly bigger in men and the gynoid fat mass was bigger in women. In men, bone mineral content is significantly bigger compared to women. Our study data revealed that lean mass is significantly lower in men aged 80 years and older compared with men in the 60–69 and 70–79 year old age groups. There is no significant difference in lean mass among the women in different age groups. Fat mass, body fat percentage and fat mass distribution are not significantly different between the different age groups for either gender. Bone mineral content is significantly lower in persons aged 80 years and older than in younger age groups. In men and in women, lean mass is positively correlated with fat mass and bone mineral content in all age groups. In women, fat mass is correlated with bone mineral content in all age groups. Fat mass is correlated with bone mineral content in men 60–69 years of age. We found that the appendicular skeletal muscle mass is most consistently associated with the total body BMD, total hip BMD, and femoral neck BMD in men with age-related sarcopenia. In women, fat mass is the most significant determinant associated with bone mineral density. Cross-sectional area of muscle fiber of musculus vastus lateralis is positively associated with lean mass and leg muscle mass and negatively associated with 4 m walking time in men with age-related sarcopenia. Reports on the topic were preformed.

Basic and Clinical Studies in Cancer. Prof. L. Griškevičius. 2008–2012.

In 2012, the enrolment of all 180 ovarian cancer patients was finished. All cohorta was screened for BRCA1/2, TP 53, ERCC!1 genes mutation. The first results showed that 34% ovarian cancer patients had had BRCA1/2 mutations. The research is being continued and the final conclusions will be made after closing the research work. Report on the topic was presented at an international conference.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

Parts of the Books

Articles

N. Lachej-Mikerovienė, J. Didžiapetrienė, B. Kazbarienė, D. Kanopienė, V. Jonušienė. Association between Notch signaling pathway and cancer // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 4, p. 427-437.

D. Kazanavičius, N. Samalavičius. Iatrogenic colonoscopic perforations: a review of 8158 patients // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 1, p. 37-43.

I. Petkutė, V. Šapoka. Nesteroidinių vaistų nuo uždegimo vartojimo ypatumai vyresniame amžiuje // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 3, p. 170-175.

G. Šurkienė, R. Stukas, V. Alekna, A. Melvidaitė. Populiacijos senėjimas kaip visuomenės sveikatos problema // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 4, p. 235-239.

E. Naruševičiūtė-Skripkienė, N. Liutkevičiūtė, J. Didžiapetrienė. Profesiniai odos navikai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 1, p. 97-103.

V. Šapoka, I. Molytė. Ūminių išeminių sindromų išsivystymo bei lėtinių sindromų paūmėjimo ryšys su meteorologinėmis sąlygomis // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2012, t. 13, nr. 4, p. 221-227.

A. Bleizgys, V. Šapoka. Vitamino D nepakankamumas - širdies ir kraujagyslių ligų rizikos veiksnys // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 1, p. 40-47.

A. Bleizgys, V. Šapoka. 25-hidroksi-vitamino D ir endotelio disfunkcijos biožymenų sąsajos // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 3, p. 115-129.

. Cortes., D. Kim, H. Kantarijan, T. Brummendorf, I. Dyagil, L. Griškevičius, H. Malhotra, C. Powell, K. Gogat, A. Countouriotis, C. Gambacorti-Passerini. Bosutinib versus imatinib in newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia: results from the BELA trial // Journal of clinical oncology. Alexandria : American Society of Clinical Oncology. 2012, vol. 30, iss. 28, p. 3486-3492.

V. Pečeliūnas, A. Janulionienė, R. Matuzevičienė, T. Žvirblis, L. Griškevičius. Circulating plasma cells predict the outcome of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma // Leukemia and lymphoma. London : Informa Healthcare. 2012, vol. 53, no 4, p. 641-647.

E. Gineikienė, D. Šeinin, B. Brasiūnienė, A. Brazaitis, L. Griškevičius, A. Jakubauskas. Clear cell sarcoma expressing a novel chimerical transcript EWSR1 exon 7/ATF1 exon 6 // Virchows Archiv. Heidelberg : Springer. 2012, Vol. 461, iss. 3, p. 339-343.

A. Jakubauskas, D. Juškevičius, L. Griškevičius. C*07:185, a novel HLA-C*07 allele identified by sequence-based typing // Tissue antigens. Malden : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc. 2011, vol. 78, iss. 2, p. 155-156.

A. Petzer, D. Fong, T. Lion, I. Dyagli, Z. Masliak, A. Bogdanovic, L. Griškevičius, S. Lejniece, S. Goranov, L. Gercheva, A. Stojanovic, D. Peytchev, N. Tzvetkov, R. Griniūtė, A. Stanchev, T. Grubinger, M. Kwakkelstein, P. Schuld, G. Gastl, D. Wolf. High-dose imatinib induction followed by standard-dose maintenance in pre-treated chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients - final analysis of a randomized, multicenter, phase III trial // Haematologica. Pavia : Ferrata Storti Foundation. 2012, Vol. 97, iss. 10, p. 1562-1569.

N. Samalavičius, T. Poškus, R. Gupta, R. Lunevičius. Long-term results of single intradermal 1 % methylene blue injection for intractable idiopathic pruritus ani: a prospective study // Techniques in Coloproctology. Milan : Springer Italia Srl. 2012, vol. 16, iss. 4, p. 295-299.

G. Jakštaitė, N. Samalavičius, G. Smailytė, R. Lunevičius. The quality of life after a total gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy and omega type oesophagojejunostomy for gastric adenocarcinoma without distant metastases // BMC Surgery. London : BioMed Central Ltd. 2012, vol. 12, Art. no. 11.

COOPERATION

International Society of Internal Medicine
European Society of Internal Medicine
Polish Society of Internal Medicine (Poland)
European Haematology Association
Hose Careras Foundation (Spain)
European Bone Marrow Transplantation Group
Silesian Medical Academy (Poland)
Latvian Society of Haematology (Latvia)
Estonian Society of Haematology (Estonia)
European Society for Diabetes Study
Swedish Diabetes Society (Sweden)
Lithuanian Society of Endocrinology (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Society of Cardiology (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Heart Association (Lithuania)
World Organization of Family Physicians and General Practitioners (WONCA)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof.V. Šapoka –

board member of the European Federation of Internal Medicine;
board member of the International Society of Internal Medicine;
editor-in-chief of the journal Internistas (Internist);
President of the Lithuanian Society of Internal Medicine;
President of the Lithuanian Evidence-Based Medicine Society;
board member of the journals Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), Geriatrija (Geriatrics) and Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojas (General Practitioner of Lithuania).

Prof. V. Urbanavičius –

editorial board member of the journals Lietuvos endokrinologija (Endocrinology of Lithuania), Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), Diabetes Review and Internistas (Internist);
member of the organizing committee of the endocrinological conferences;
expert of the EU funded scientific research projects in diabetes and metabolism;
board member of the European Association of Study of the Diabetes.

Dr. V. Kasiulevičius –

President of the Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners;
editor of the journal Internistas (Internist);
direct member of the World Organization of Family Physicians and General Practitioners (WONCA);
head of Lithuanian delegation at the UEMO (European Society of General Practitioner).

Prof. V. Alekna –

President of the Lithuanian Osteoporosis Foundation;
Vice-president of the Lithuanian Society of Gerontologists and Geriatrists;
expert in geriatrics at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
expert of International Osteoporosis Foundation;
editor-in-chief of the journal Gerontologija (Gerontologist) (Lithuania);
editorial board member of the journals Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences), Internistas (Internist), Slauga (Nursing);
editorial board member of the journals Проблеми остеологii, Болъ. Суставы. Позвоночник (Ukraine).

INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH

21/27 M.K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel.: 239 8732, 239 8738; fax 239 8738
E-mail

Head – Prof. Dr. Rimantas Stukas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. R. Stukas, Dr. G. Šurkienė, Dr. J. Dadonienė, Dr. K. Žagminas, Habil. Dr. A. Juozulynas.
Docents: Dr. A. Astrauskienė, Dr. R. Čepulis, Dr. E. Gefenas (part-time), Dr. A. Germanavičius (part-time), Dr. V. Jurkuvėnas (part-time), Dr. J. Kairys (part-time), Dr. V. Miežutavičiūtė, Dr. A. Urbelis, Dr. S. Vainauskas (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. G. Andriulionis (part-time), Dr. L. Ašoklienė Dr. R. Bartkevičiūtė (part-time), Dr. A. Bagdonavičius (part-time), A. Barzda (part-time), R. Baranauskienė (part-time), Dr. A. Beržanskytė, D. Brogienė (part-time), Dr. M. Butikis, Dr. V. Giedraitis (part-time), N. Goštautautė-Mittun (part-time), R. Janonienė (part-time), Dr. A. Kavaliūnas (part-time) since September 1, 2012, Dr. L. Murauskienė (part-time), Dr. E. Peičius (part-time), Dr. R. Sketerskienė (part-time), Dr. L. Stundžė (part-time), Dr. Marija Veniūtė (part-time), Dr. A. Juodaitė – Račkauskienė (part-time), Dr. L. Strundžė (part-time) since September 1, Dr. R. Vaitkienė (part-time), Z. Javtokas (part-time), Dr. R. Jankauskas (part-time), V. Jaeck (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. A. Dervinytė-Bongarzoni (part-time), A. Žalnora, D. Austys (part-time) since September 1, 2012, M. Baranauskas (part-time) fsince September 1, 2012.
Assistants: A. Čekanauskaitė (part-time), L. Paškevičius (part-time) since September 1, 2012, I. Paukštytė (part-time), N. Kuprevičienė (part-time), R. Prokuroras (part-time), R. Savičiūtė (part-time), V. Taminskienė.
Doctoral students: A. Čekanauskaitė, I. Paukštytė, R. Savičiūtė, M. Baranauskas, V. Dobrovolskij, A. Žalnora, N. Kuprevičienė, D. Austys since October 1, 2012, V. Andreikėnaitė since August 1, 2012.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Environmental and social factors and public health
History of medicine
Epidemiology of non-infectious and infectious diseases
Scientific basis of health care management
Assessment of health care activities and biostatistics
Health and quality of life
Medical ethics

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Assessment of Health Risk Factors and Sense of Coherence of Elderly People. Prof. R. Stukas. 2008–2015.

A questionnaire based survey of the elderly was continued. The collected material was analyzed. One book, four articles in serial or single editions, one article in a peer reviewed journal which is included in the ISI Web of Science database and one presentation at an international conference were prepared.

Ethical Aspects of Biomedical Reasearch with Human. Doc. E. Gefenas. 2009–2013.

The aim of the project was to analyze ethical and legal aspects of biomedical research with human biological materials.
Deliverables: ammendment of the Bibliography on Bioethics.
Seminar on Research ethics in Prague, July 2–7
ISI Journal publication: Gefenas E., Dranseika V., Serepkaite J., Cekanauskaite A., Caenazzo L., Gordijn B., Pegoraro R., Yuko E. “Turning Residual Human Biological Materials into Research Collections: Playing with Consent”. Journal of Medical Ethics, 2012, no.38, p. 351–355.

Some Aspects of the Activities of the Medical History and Philosophy Department of Vilnius Stephan Bator University Faculty of Medicine. Doc. V. Miežutavičiūtė. 2011–2012.

According to the literary and archival sources, analysis of the activities Medical History and Philosophy Department of Vilnius Stephan Bator University Faculty of Medicine was done.
When in 1919 the University of Stephan Bator was established, at first there were two departments function, those of veterinary and pharmacy. The Medical History and Philosophy Department was established in 1922. The establishment of such a kind of department was a unique phenomenon among the interwar European Universities. It is known that such kinds of departments were working at all the Universities of Poland. Professor Stanislaw Trzebinski was designated the first Head of the Medical History and Philosophy Department of Vilnius Stephan Bator University Faculty of Medicine. He provided the tasks for the studies at the Faculty of Medicine; he also suggessted to pay more attention for every student’s individual character features when they have to choose the speciality which they like the most; the Professor required every physician to be a well educated professional and have the basics of medical philosophy.
The most important aspects of the activities of the Medical History and Philosophy Department were:
research object and the main tasks of the Medical History,
development of schools of Medicine,
history of the Medical Societies,
themes of the19th century medical periodicals,
rational and non rational treatment methods in medicine,
development of homeopathy and brownism theories in medicine.
According to the results of research of the project the article was prepared.

International Science Programmes, Projects and Contracts

Education in Research Ethics: Central / Eastern Europe. Doc. E. Gefenas. 2004–2012.

In 2012, our Department continued collaboration with Union Graduate College Bioethics Program (USA) in implementation of project on postdoctoral studies Advanced Certificate Program: Research Ethics in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2012, the fellows of the program were engaged in distance-learning courses Research Ethics I and Research Ethics II, they also started and completed their individual and group projects. At the end of this year the fourth cohort of students from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania, Romania and Moldova will complete their studies of the Advanced Certificate Program: Research Ethics in Central and Eastern.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

A. Mickienė, D. Vėlyvytė, K. Žagminas, M. Bareišienė, A. Laiškonis, E. Pukenytė. Užkrečiamųjų ligų epidemiologijos pagrindai : universiteto vadovėlis. Kaunas : LSMU Leidybos namai, 2012. 416 p. : iliustr.

R. Stukas, G. Šurkienė, V. Dobrovolskij. Gyvensena ir visuomenės sveikata : mokomoji knyga. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. 120 p.

Other Books

D. Kalibatienė, R. Stukas, A. Juocevičius, R. Sargautytė. Mano pilnatvės metai : sveikos gyvensenos vadovas. Vilnius : Lietuvos osteoporozės fondas, 2012. 149 p.

Parts of the Books

E. Gefenas. Informed conset. Encyclopedia of applied ethics. 2-nd edition. Vol. 2 /edited by Ruth Chadwick. San Diego : Academic Press, 2012, p. 721-730.

Articles

A. Jurkevičienė, R. Valintėlienė, A. Beržanskytė, K. Rudaitis. Antibiotikų suvartojimas ir jį lemiantys veiksniai Lietuvos ligoninėse // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 1, p. 41-48.

J. Sinotova, J. Miciulevičienė, A. Beržanskytė. Antimikrobiniams vaistams atsparių invazinių bakterijų paplitimo dinamika Lietuvos bendrojo pobūdžio ligoninėse // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 3, p. 34-43.

D. Austys, R. Stukas, M. Trakymas. Bipolinės ir multipolinės radijo dažnio abliacijos zonos priklausomybė nuo laiko ir elektrinio lauko parametrų // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 5, p. 85-90.

R. Stukas, V. Dobrovolskij, R. Žilinskienė, I. Lukošiūtė. Fiziškai aktyvių studentų maisto papildų vartojimo ypatumai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 2, p. 61-66.

A. Čekanauskaitė, E. Gefenas. Gydymo ir mokslinio tyrimo painiavos problema klinikiniuose tyrimuose // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 1, p. 11-21.

R. Virbalis, E. Gefenas. Gydytojų profesinės autonomijos etinės problemos: Lietuvos atvejis // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 2, p. 16-24.

S. Endriukaitytė, D. Jonuškaitė, E. Gefenas. Konfidencialumas gydytojo praktikoje // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 3, p. 19-25.

R. Stukas, M. Baranauskas. Lietuvos olimpinės pamainos krepšininkų mitybos ypatumai // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, priedas nr. 1, p. 20-25.

R. Stukas, M. Baranauskas, K. Žagminas, L. Tubelis, E. Švedas. Lietuvos olimpinės pamainos plaukikų mitybos ypatumai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 3, p. 126-130.

L. Vainoriūtė, D. Bėčienė, R. Valintėlienė, R. Sketerskienė. Mokinių saugaus atvykimo į mokyklą galimybės mokyklos aplinkoje // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 1, p. 73-80.

R. Stukas, G. Šurkienė, S. Grubytė, V. Dobrovolskij. Populiarios spaudos įtaka studentų mitybai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, Vol. 22, nr. 5, p. 57-63.

L. Narkauskaitė, R. Varvuolienė, A. Beržanskytė. Psichikos sveikatos priežiūros paslaugų prieinamumas vaikams, turinties psichikos, elgesio ir emocijų sutrikimų, Lietuvoje // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 2, p. 78-83.

J. Juozulynas, R. Prapiestienė, R. Stukas, A. Jurgelėnas. Radiologų sveikatos ir darbo sąlygų tyrimai // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2011, t. 12, nr. 3, p. 172-176.

V. Dobrovolskij, R. Stukas. Studentų mitybos ypatumai // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, priedas nr. 1, p. 14-19.

K. Štaras, J. Kairys, V. Gasperas, R. Kudukytė-Gasperė. Sveikatos priežiūros specialistų nuomonė apie informacinių technologijų įtaką sveikatos priežiūros paslaugų teikimui // Socialinis darbas. Vilnius : Mykolo Romerio universitetas. 2012, t. 11, nr. 2, p. 271-288.

J. Juozulynas, A. Jurgelėnas, L. Narkauskaitė, A. Venalis. Vaikų agresyvaus elgesio priežastys // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 4, p. 9-14.

J. Juozulynas, A. Jurgelėnas, R. Savičiūtė, A. Venalis. Vilniaus miesto gyventojų gyvensenos ypatumų tyrimai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 1, p. 49-54.

V. Gurskas, G. Šurkienė, A. Kavaliūnas, R. Sketerskienė. Vilniaus miesto sveikatą stiprinančių mokyklų 11-12 klasių mokinių naudojimosi mobiliuoju telefonu mastas bei galimos mobiliojo telefono naudojimo sąsajos su mokinių sveikata // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 1, p. 81-92.

E. Voitonis, R. Stukas. Vilniaus universteto studentų įpročio vartoti greitą maistą tyrimas // Visuomenės sveikata. Vilnius : Higienos institutas. 2012, nr. 4, p. 96-102.

R. Stukas, V. Dobrovolskij, S. Adomaitis. Visuomenės sveikatos studentų gyvensena ir fizinis aktyvumas // Sporto mokslas / Vilniaus pedagoginis universitetas, Lietuvos sporto mokslo taryba, Lietuvos olimpinė akademija, Lietuvos kūno kultūros akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos sporto informacijos centras. 2012, nr. 4, p. 50-55.

J. Didžiapetrienė, B. Kazbarienė, B. Surinėnaitė, A. Krikštopaitienė, A. Ulys, S. Uleckienė, N. Samalavičius, R. Stukas. Antioxidative system parameters and level of IL-18 after surgery in patients with renal cell carcinoma according to gender // Acta Physiologica Hungarica. Budapest : Akademiai Kiado Rt. 2012, vol. no, p.

L. Moustafa, C. Cosans, F. Pakdil, G. Šurkienė. Cooperation across cultures: an examination of the concept in 16 countries / Karen Moustafa Leonarda, Christopher Cosansa, Fatma Pakdilb and country collaborator [from Lithuania] Genė Šurkienė // International journal of intercultural relations. Kidlington : Pergamon. 2012, vol. 36, no 2, p. 238-247.

K. Jankauskienė, J. Juozulynas, L. Samsonienė. Faktory riska, sostoianije zdorovjia i prognoz vyživanija ženščin // Sociologičeskije issledovanija. 2012, no. 7, p. 128-134.

R. Valintelienė, G. Gailienė, A. Beržanskytė. Prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in Lithuania // Journal of hospital infection. London : W.B. Saunders Co. Ltd. 2012, vol. 80, no 1, p. 25-30.

D. Schroeder, E. Gefenas. Realizing benefit sharing - the case of post-study obligations // Bioethics. Oxford : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2012, vol. 26, iss. 6, p. 305-314.

E. Gefenas, V. Dranseika, J. Šerepkaitė, A. Čekanauskaitė, L. Caenazzo, B. Gordijn, R. Pegoraro, E. Yuko. Turning residual human biological materials into research collections: playing with consent // Journal of medical ethics. London : BMJ Group. 2012, Vol. 38, no. p.

E. Gefenas. Clinical Ethics Committees and Ethics Support Infrastructure: a European Perspective // Asian Bioethics Review. Singapore : NUS Press Pte Ltd. 2011, Vol. 3, iss. 3, p. 293-298.

V. Miežutavičiūtė, V. Siudikas, M. Mirskij, E. Tiščenko. Vspominaja doktora Aurimasa Andriušisa // Voprosy organizacii i informatizacii zdravoochranenija. Minsk. 2009, no 4, p. 89.

Materials of conferences

A. Kavaliūnas, A. Ščeponavičius, L. Ašoklienė. Developing Public Health at Local Level: Lithuanian Example // IFEH 12th World Congress on Environmental Health, Vilnius, Lithuania, 22-27 May, 2012 /Editor: Andrius Kavaliunas. Bologna : Medimond, 2012, p. 1-5.

A. Kavaliūnas. Prevalence of food allergies among Vilnius city primary schools children // Molodežj v nauke - 2011 : priloženije k žurnalu "Vesci Nacyianalnaj akademii navuk Belarusii". Serija biologičeskich nauk; Serija medicinskich nauk. Minsk : Belarusskaja navuka, 2012. p. 274-282.

A. Astrauskienė, L. Bulotaitė, R. Stukas, A. Kavaliūnas. The Prevalence of Drug Use among Night Clubbers in Lithuania // IFEH 12th World Congress on Environmental Health, Vilnius, Lithuania, 22-27 May, 2012 /Editor: Andrius Kavaliunas. Bologna : Medimond, 2012, p. 57-61.

COOPERATION

Mount Sinai School of Medicine-Union Graduate College (USA)
University of Bonn (Germany)
National Institute of Health (USA)
Stockholm Karolinska University (Sweden)
Paduva Institute of Bioethics (Italy)
European Association of Museums of History of Medical Sciences
Pauls Stradins Museum of the History of Medicine, Ryga (Latvia)
International Society for the History of Medicine (France)
Society for the History of Medicine in Baltic Countries
University of Latvia (Latvia)
Byelorussian State University (Byelorussia)
Republican Scientific Medical Library of Belarus (Byelorussia)
State University of Medicine of Grodno (Byelorussia)
International Medical Historians Confederation, Polish Society of History of Medicine and Pharmacy (Poland)
Jegellonian University, Cracow (Poland)
Medical Academy, Wroclaw (Poland)
Sechenov Academy of Medicine, Moscow (Russia)
Bulgarian Society of History of Medicine (Bulgaria)
International Society of the History of Medicine (Belgium)
National Museum of American History Smitsonian Institution (USA)
Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University (Poland)
Gottingen University (Germany)
Warsaw University (Poland)
University of Nijmegen (The Netherlands)
Medical University of Sofia (Bulgaria)
Oxford University (UK)
Hungarian Society of Bioethics (Hungary)
Lancaster University (UK)
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
Masaryk University in Brno (Czech Republic)
Ministry of Health (Lithuania)
Kaunas Medical University (Lithuania)
Klaipėda University, Department of Social Medicine (Lithuania)
Open Society Foundation (Lithuania)
UNESCO (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Bioethics Committee, Bioethics Society (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Museum Association (Lithuania)
Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Medical Library (Lithuania)
Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum (Lithuania)
Vilnius University of Educational Sciences (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. R. Stukas –

head of the scientific committee of novel food of the Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania;
editorial college member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
member of the National Health Board;
member of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine.

Prof. G. Šurkienė –

editorial board and editorial college member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Hygienists and Epidemiologists;
expert of the Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation;
expert of Lithuanian Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education;
member of the scientific committee of cosmetics and non-food products of the Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania;
member of the Scientific Committee of Environmental Health;
member of the regular working group to solve children’s problems of health under the Public Health Service of Lithuania;
head of graduate and postgraduate study programmes Committee for Bachelor and Master degree in Public Health;
member of the certification committee of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University;
member of Transfer of Copyright Contract Commission of the Faculty of Medicine.

Prof. J. Dadonienė –

board member of Lithuanian Rheumatologist Association;
board member of Lithuanian Arthritis Association (patient organization);
member of European network for vasculitis research (EUVAS);
member of organizing committee for the annual conference Vilnius Seminars in Rheumatology;
member of organizing commitee of World Arthritis Day.

Doc. E. Gefenas –

co-director of the Advanced Certificate Program in Research Ethics in Central and Eastern Europe;
vice-chair of the Council of Europe Steering Committee on Bioethics (CDBI);
member of the bureau of the European Society for Philosophy of Medicine and Health Care (ESPMH);
member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Bioethics (IAB);
member of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT);
member of the advisory editorial board of the Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy: A European Journal", (Springer);
member of the international advisory board of the journal Medical Humanities, (BMJ Publishing Group).

Doc. V. Jurkuvėnas –

editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health).

Doc. V. Miežutavičiūtė –

member of the International Society for the History of Medicine;
member of the Association of the History of Medicine of the Baltic States.

Doc. A. Urbelis –

member of the state consulting commission of State Plant Protection Service;
member of work environment hygienic care development programme of the Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania.

Doc. S. Vainauskas –

expert of the Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation.

Prof. K. Žagminas –

managing editor of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
member of editorial board of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Hygienists and Epidemiologists;
member of the Lithuanian Association for Infectious Diseases.

A. Čekanauskaitė –

member of the Lithuanian Bioethics Society.
member of the Board of the Foundation for Patient Safety, Innovations and Quality.

M. Veniūtė –

member of the Lithuanian Bioethics Society;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Young Researchers.

Prof. A. Juozulynas –

editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
editorial board member of the journal Gerontologija (Gerontology);
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice Medicine);
editor-in-chief of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
editorial board member of the journal Acta medica Lithuanica;
anonymous reviewer of the scientific journal Medicina (Medicine);
honorary doctor of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

Dr. A. Beržanskytė –

epidemiologist from Lithuania for European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS).

Dr. V. Giedraitis –

coordinator, Erasmus Mundus Regional Health Master program;
member, Vilnius University Economics Faculty Bachelor program reform project;
editorial board member of the Journal of World-Systems Research;
managing editor of the journal Ekonomika (Economics).

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND MEDICAL GENETICS

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5195, fax 236 5199
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Vaidutis Kučinskas (till August 31, 2012)
Prof. Dr. Algirdas Utkus (since September 01, 2012)

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. V. Kučinskas (part-time), Dr. A. Utkus (part-time), Dr. L. Cimbalistienė (part-time).
Docents: Dr.E. Benušienė (part-time), Dr. J. Kasnauskienė (part-time), Dr. A. Jakaitienė (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. V. Šliužas (part-time), Dr. J. Songailienė (part-time), Dr. A. Molytė (part-time), Dr. L. Ambrozaitytė (part-time).
Chief research fellow: Prof. Habil. Dr. V. Kučinskas (part-time).
Senior research fellows: Dr. J. Sušinskas (part-time), Prof. Dr. A. Utkus (part-time), Doc. Dr. A. Jakaitienė (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. L. Ambrozaitytė (part-time), Dr.V. Ginevičienė (part-time), Dr. A. Molytė (part-time), Dr. A. Morkūnienė.
Junior research fellows: J. Arasimavičius (part-time), Ž. Čiuladaitė (part-time), R. Meškienė, A. Matulevičienė (part-time), E. Preikšaitienė, A. Pranculis, I. Pepalytė, I. Uktverytė, B. Burnytė (part-time), B. Tumienė (part-time), T. Rančelis.
Assistants: V. Mikštienė (part-time), Ž. Čiuladaitė (part-time), E. Preikšaitienė (part-time), A. Skučaitė (part-time).
Doctoral students: Ž. Čiuladaitė, I. Pepalytė, I. Uktverytė, E. Preikšaitienė, A. Pranculis, T. Rančelis.
Other specialists: D. Kazlauskaitė (part-time), D. Kuzminskienė, S. Mosejevienė (part-time), A. Urnikytė, Š. Germanas (part-time).
Resident students: O. Liaugaudienė, S. Savickaitė, N. Kapitanova.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Human genome diversity, its origin and phenotypic realization

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Diversity of Human Genome, Its Origin and Phenotypical Realization. V. Kučinskas, 2010–2014.

National Projects funded by the Research Council of Lithuania

Genetic Diversity of the Population of Lithuania and Changes of its Genetic Structure Related with Evolution and Common Diseases (Acronym - LITGEN). Project No. VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-01-013. Prof. V. Kučinskas. 2011–2015.

Samples (DNA and venous blood serum) and compliances from each participant are collected and stored in the Department of Human and Medical Genetics. Phenotypical data such as clinical and biochemical, nutrition and lifestyle features are already obtained from over 800 participants (more than 200 trios) from six ethno-linguistic groups of Lithuania. All phenotypical data is processed using data management platform (BC Platforms LTD module BC|GENE). Y chromosome haplotypes (17 STR) for 80 males from six ethno-linguistic groups were determined. Genome-wide genotyping using high-throughput next generation technologies (Illumina® HumanOmniExpress v1.2) for 48 participants (16 trios) from four ethno-linguistic groups was performed. Results and information about the LITGEN project has been presented in oral presentations, abstracts, scientific article and one article in popular press. All and latest information about LITGEN project is uploaded and can be found in website (www.litgen.mf.vu.lt).

International Science Programmes and Projects

Improving Diagnoses of Mental Retardation in Children in Eastern Europe and Central Asia through Genetic Characterisation and Bioinformatics/Statistics (CHERISH). Prof. V. Kučinskas. 2009–2012.

CHERISH project has significantly contributed to the diagnostic accessibility of the patients with intellectual disability in Lithuania. This innovation in Lithuanian science of genetics was not unnoticed in the national and international community. Six publications were published in Lithuanian and English languages in the leading national and international journals. The message about new powerful diagnostic tools in medical genetics has been spread by oral and poster presentations during international and Lithuanian scientific conferences.

Unique Genome Variants in Congenital Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Origin, Genomic Mechanisms, Functional and Clinical Consequences (UNIGENE). Prof. V. Kučinskas. 2012–2016.

Intellectual disability (ID) is one of the main disabling conditions in present day environment, and is thought to affect 1–3% of the population. It is a highly heterogeneous disorder, with the majority of cases having genetic etiology, which remain unexplained in 60% of these cases. Recent advances in gene identification techniques have revolutionized the clinical approach to ID. The main aims of the proposed project are to detect novel genes mutations that cause ID, to determine their clinical significance in ID etiology and train a new generation of scientists in the process. The overall goal of this project is to establish a consortium bringing together experts in their respective fields to create an interdisciplinary program of activities that will increase our understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of ID.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

V. Kučinskas. Genetikos ir genomikos pagrindai : [vadovėlis]. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. 296 p.

Articles

E. Preikšaitienė, J. Kasnauskienė, A. Utkus, V. Kučinskas. Asmenų su intelektine negalia genetinio ištyrimo gairės // Neurologijos seminarai. Vilnius : Rotas. 2012, t. 16, nr. 4, p. 283-288.

I. Kalibataitė, V. Rutkauskas, E. Preikšaitienė, V. Kučinskas. Establishing genetic diagnosis of intellectual disability in children: diagnostic yield of various genetic approaches // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 4, p. 409-415.

E. Preikšaitienė, A. Utkus, Ž. Čiuladaitė, J. Kasnauskienė, V. Kučinskas. Genetinės diagnozės nustatymas esant intelektinei negaliai: Phelan-McDermid sindromo pavyzdys // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 1, p. 73-77.

Ž. Čiuladaitė, E. Preikšaitienė, J. Kasnauskienė, A. Utkus, L. Cimbalistienė, A. Matulevičienė, A. Pečiulytė, L. Ambrozaitytė, B. Aleksiūnienė, V. Dirsė, V. Kučinskas. Molekulinis kariotipavimas ir intelektinės negalios genetinės priežastys : klinikiniai atvejai // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 1, p. 67-72.

V. Dirsė, L. Cimbalistienė, J. Kasnauskienė, V. Kučinskas. Report of Jacobsen syndrome with a mild facial dysmorphism, severe hearing impairment and trombocytopenia // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 1, p. 1-6.

B. Burnytė, A. Utkus, V. Dirsė, V. Kučinskas. Rubinšteino-Teibi sindromas - nuo protinio atsilikimo genetinių priežasčių iki išsamios klinikinės analizės: atvejo pristatymas // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 1, p. 78-81.

E. Preikšaitienė, K. Mannik, V. Dirsė, A. Utkus, Ž. Čiuladaitė, J. Kasnauskienė, A. Kurg, V. Kučinskas. A novel de novo 1.8 Mb microdeletion of 17q21.33 associated with intellectual disability and dysmorphic features // European Journal of Medical Genetics. Paris : Elsevier Masson. 2012, vol. , no. p. 1-4.

J. Kasnauskienė, Ž. Čiuladaitė, E. Preikšaitienė, A. Matulevičienė, A. Alexandrou, G. Koumbaris, C. Sismani, I. Pepalytė, P. Patsalis, V. Kučinskas. A single gene deletion on 4q28.3: PCDH18 - A new candidate gene for intellectual disability? // European Journal of Medical Genetics. Paris : Elsevier Masson. 2012, vol. 55, no. 4, p. 274-277.

E. Preikšaitienė, J. Kasnauskienė, Ž. Čiuladaitė, B. Tumienė, P. Patsalis, V. Kučinskas. Clinical and molecular characterization of a second case of 7p22.1 microduplication // American journal of medical genetics. Part A. New York : Wiley-Liss, Inc. 2012, Vol. 158A, iss. 5, p. 1200-1203.

I. Mendizabal, O. Lao, U. Marigorta, A. Wollstein, L. Gusmao, V. Ferak, M. Ioana, A. Jordanova, R. Kaneva, A. Kouvatsi, V. Kučinskas, H. Makukh, A. Metspalu, M. Netea, R. Pablo, H. Pamjav, D. Radojkovic, S. Rolleston, J. Sertic, M. Macek, D. Comas, M. Kayser. Reconstructing the Population History of European Romani from Genome-wide Data // Current Biology. Cambridge : Cell Press. 2012, p.

V. Ginevičienė, A. Jakaitienė, L. Tubelis, V. Kučinskas. Variation in the ACE, PPARGC1A and PPARA genes in Lithuanian football players // European Journal of Sport Science. Cholchester : Taylor &; Francis Ltd. 2012,, p.

Materials of conferences

V. Kučinskas, I. Uktverytė. Genetics Variation and Genomic Origin of Lithuanians // IFEH 12th World Congress on Environmental Health, Vilnius, Lithuania, 22-27 May, 2012 /Editor: Andrius Kavaliunas. Bologna : Medimond, 2012, p. 7-11.

V. Ginevičienė, A. Jakaitienė, E. Petkus, L. Tubelis, V. Kučinskas. The impact of gene polymorphisms on Lithuanian elite athlete status and related phenotypes // Sportivnaja medicina. Zdorovje i fizičeskaja kultūra. Soči- 2012: vserosijskaja (s meždurnarodnym učastijem) naučno-praktičeskaja konferencija v ramkach kongresa "Medicina sporta. Soči 2012", g. Soči, 20-23 ijunia 2012 g. 2-e izdanije dopolnenoje. Volgograd: Ministerstvo sporta i turizma, 2012, c. 203-207.

Translations

B. Tumienė, V. Urbonas. Bishop Warren P. Vaikų gastroenterologija / Warren P. Bishop ; vertėjai Birutė Tumienė, Vaidotas Urbonas // Vilnius : UAB "Vaistų žinios", 2012. 480 p.

COOPERATION

CHERISH project partners:
Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna (Italy)
Tartu Uelikool (Estonia)
Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Univerzita Karlova V Praze (Czech Republic)
Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskego w Poznaniu (Poland)
Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Ukraine)
The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (Cyprus)
Institute of Medical Genetics, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tomsk Scientific Center (Rusia)
Center of Medical Genetics and Primary Health Care (Armenia)
Molecular Stamping s.r.l (Italy)
European Genetics Foundation (Italy)
UNIGENE project partners:
University of Lausanne (Swiss Confederation)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Kučinskas –

full member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, http://lma.lt/intranetas/index.php?m=profile&user=309;
editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), http://www.llmd.ip.lt/lm/;
editorial board member of the Journal of Applied Genetics (Poland), http://www.jay.au.poznan.pl/JAG/;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
editorial council member of the journal Acta medica Lituanica;
editorial board member of the Balkan Journal of Medical Genetisc (Macedonia);
expert of the EC FP7 in thematic area Life Sciences, Health, cordis.europa.eu/fp7/home_en.html;
member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University;
member of the Council of the Institute of Oncology of Vilnius University;
member of the Lithuanian National Committee on Biomedical Ethics, http://www.sam.lt/bioetika/;
consultant on medical genetics, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics (board member of Education Committee of ESHG);
member of the American Society of Human Genetics;
member of Human Genome Organization (HUGO).

Prof. L. Cimbalistienė –

member of the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM), http://www.ssiem.org;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics (chairperson of Committee of Financial Supervisory Commission), http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
member of the Lithuanian Doctors’ Union, http://www.lgs.lt/.

Prof. A. Utkus –

editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), http://www.llmd.ip.lt/lm;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
President of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm.

Prof. J. Kasnauskienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

Doc. E. Benušienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics (chairperson of Committee of Professional Competence and Ethics), http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm.

Doc. A. Jakaitienė –

member of Lithuanian Mathematical Society, http://www.mif.vu.lt/lmd/.
member of Lithuanian Statistics Society, http://www.statistikusajunga.lt/.

A. Matulevičienė –

member of the European Society of Human Genetics, (board member of Committee of Financial Supervisory Commission);
member of the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP), http://www.emea.europa.eu/htms/general/contacts/COMP/COMP_members.html.

Dr. J. Sušinskas –

member of the Lithuanian Mathematical Society, http://www.mif.vu.lt/lmd/index.html.

Dr. J. Songailienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM), http://www.ssiem.org;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
National representative of Lithuania in ERNDIM/EuroGenTest (ERNDIM- European Research Network for Evaluation and Improvement of Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment of Inherited Disorders of Metabolism; EuroGentest - EU-funded Network of Excellence), http://www.erndim.unibas.ch.

Dr. V. Ginevičienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics, https://www.eshg.org/;
member of the European College of Sport Science, http://www.ecss.mobi/;
member of the Baltic Sport Science Society.

V. Mikštienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

Dr. V. Šliužas –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm.

Dr. L. Ambrozaitytė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, (board member of Committee of Professional Competence and Ethics), http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
member of the American Society of Human Genetics.

Dr. A. Molytė –

member of the Lithuanian Computer Society, http://www.liks.lt.

B. Burnytė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm.

Ž. Čiuladaitė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm.

R. Meškienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

I. Pepalytė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

A. Pranculis –

member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

E. Preikšaitienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm.

I. Uktverytė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.