Faculty of Medicine

Sukurta: 03 September 2013

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8700
Fax 239 8705
E-mail:
www http://www.mf.vu.lt

Dean – Prof. Dr. Algirdas Utkus

STAFF

649 teachers (332 holding research degree), 94 research fellows (49 holding research degree), 96 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
Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephrourology and Surgery
Clinic of Infectious and Chest Diseases, Dermatovenereology and Allergology
Clinic of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Institute of Odontology
Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology
Clinic of Psychiatry
Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Physics
Department of Rehabilitation, Physical and Sports Medicine
Clinic of Rheumatology, Traumatology-Orthopaedy and Reconstructive Surgery
Department of Nursing and Fundamentals of Internal Medicine
Clinic of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases
Clinic of Internal Medicine, Family Practice and Oncology
Institute of Public Health
Department of Human and Medical Genetics
Clinic of Children’s Diseases

RESEARCH AREAS

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 2013

E. Aukštuolienė. Herpes simplex virus sequence variation in the promoter of the latency associated gene and correlation with clinical features.

M. Bratčikov. Development of a multiple-run high-resolution melting assay for Salmonella spp. genotyping.

I. Būtienė. Food allergy in Lithuanian birth cohort.

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

Ž. Čiuladaitė. The distribution of unbalanced chromosomal rearrangements in the human genome and its role in the aetiopathogenesis of intellectual disability.

D. Gasiūnaitė. Comparison of general and combined general and regional anesthesia during laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

J. Indriūnienė. Young women isokinetic training effectiveness.

S. Jurevičius. Comparative results of surgical treatment methods and quality of life in chronic pancreatitis.

J. Kurtinaitis. Evaluation of femoral head blood flow and ischaemic factors after femoral neck fracture.

V. Mačionis. Interchangeability of diagrammatic paper strip and standard finger goniometry and its value in self-evaluation.

A. Matulevičienė. Impact of genomic variants on phenotypic variety of congenital facial clefts.

N. Misonis. Evaluation of early and late results and predetermining factors after carotid artery angioplasty and stenting.

E. Preikšaitienė. Evaluation of the impact of genomic structural alterations on the phenome in patients with intelectual disability.

R. Samaitienė. Associations between EEG data, sleep, behavioural disorders and clinical characteristics in Rolandic epilepsy.

R. Savičiūtė. Research on ties of health and social factors.

K. Simanauskas. Correlation of primary arterial hypertension in adolescents with physical and mental health as well as with risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

V. Sniečkus. Violence agaist children by children.

R. Stundžienė. Nutritional status of infants and children in their second year in the city of Vilnius, and its detreminants.

K. Sveikata. Maxillofacial Evolution of Lithuanians (Data of Vilnius city residents at 45 years of age and older).

S. Šaulytė-Trakymienė. Assessment of the development of blood-induced joint damage in children with hemophilia in relation to different treatment strategies.

V. Šileikienė. The effects of bronchial inflammation on lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

S. Švedienė. Evaluating the efficacy of intra-articular and perineural analgesia methods for the arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament of the knee.

I. Tvarijonienė. The effectiveness of biofeedback in balance training for patients after stroke.

G. E. Vaitkevičienė. White blood cell count at diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemija as a prognostic factor in children treated in Lithuania and the Nordic countries.

R. Viliūnienė. The effectiveness of the treatment of patients with affective and neurotic disorders in the psychotherapy day-care centre: a longitudinal study.

G. Zuozienė. Evaluation of myocardium revascularization by cardiac shock wave therapy applying multimodal image analysis.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2013

International:

Conference of forensic psychiatry Reflection of Reality – Norm and Pathology

Conference Diversity of Psychiatric Problems

Conference Nursing Science and Practice 2013

Conference Issues in Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine/ Transformation of Patient Information Practices

Conference Research within Bounds – Protecting Human Participants in Modern

Scientific-practical conference Amoden Aproach to Children’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Conference Discussion Interdisciplinary Approach to Pregnancy Crisis: Sharing Best Practices from Lithuania and Germany

Conference Modern Technologies in Surgical Practice

Conference Transanal Colorectal Surgery

Conference 4th International Conference on Intensive and Invasive Cardiology

Conference 17th Nordic Congress on Cerebrovascular Diseases

Conference 3rd Baltic & North Sea Conference on Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 118th Congress of the German Society for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Annual Congress of the Austrian Society for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Conference 11th Baltic Congress of Dermatovenereologists (BADV)

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2013

Four scientists from Clinic of Cardiovascular Diseases were awarded for their outstanding contributions to the development and adoption of new treatment methods and devices in cardiac Surgery: prof. A. Aidietis, dr. G. Kalinauskas and assoc. prof. K. Ručinskas were awarded Crosses of Officers of theOrder of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, dr. G. Davidavičius was awarded the Order for Merits to Lithuania.

In 2013, World Health Organisation (WHO) showed the initiative to found WHO Collaborating Centre in the Public Health Institute to address the questions of harm reduction. Harm reduction is a complex of policy, programmes and services, the aim of which is to reduce the drug taking risk in individuals and the population.

CLINIC OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel: 250 1484, 250 1487
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Gražina Stanislava Drąsutienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. G. S. Drąsutienė, Dr. N. Drazdienė.
Associate professors: Dr. J. Ališauskas, Dr. A. Arlauskienė, Dr. Ž. Bumbulienė, Dr. D. Laužikienė, Dr. D. Ramašauskaitė, Dr. M. Šilkūnas, Dr. J. Zakarevičienė.
Lecturer: Dr. D. Bartkevičienė.
Assistants: A. Amšiejienė, V. Paliulytė, I. Daunoravičienė, T. Lūža.
Doctoral student: A. Amšiejienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Health of mother and foetus: physiology and pathology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Project Supported by University Budget

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

A total of 65 pregnant women with hypertension blood serum samples were measured for angiogenic/antiangiogenic markers (sFlt-1 and PIGF). Concentrations of sFlt-1, PIGF and sFlt-1/PIGF ratio of pregnant women with preeclampsia during the II and III trimester were significantly different from healthy pregnant women and from women with chronic or gestational hypertension.

Incidence of hemorrhoids and anal fissures during pregnancy and 1 month after delivery is 43.9%, two thirds of them occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. Constipation, previous history of hemorrhoids or fissures, birth weight of the newborn of 3800 grams or more, straining during delivery for more than 20 minutes are independently associated with hemorrhoids and fissures during pregnancy and puerperium.

Main publications:

Bumbulienė, Ž., Venclavičiūtė, K., Ramašauskaitė, D., Arlauskienė, A., Bumbul, E., Drąsutienė, G., 2013. Microbiological findings of vulvovaginitis in prepubertal girls. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 0, 1–5. DOI 10.1136/postgradmedj-2013-131959.

Bartkevičienė, D., Pilypienė, I., Drąsutienė, G., Baušytė, R., Mauricas, M., Silkinas, M., Dumalakienė, I., 2013. Leukocytosis as a prognostic markeri n the development of fetal inflammatory response sindrome. Libyan Journal of Medicine, vol. 8, 21674 – http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v8i0.21674.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Zurich University (Switzerland)
Medical University of Silesia (Poland)
Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisko (USA)
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.

Assoc. Prof. J. Ališauskas –

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

Assoc. Prof. 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);
member of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG).

Assoc. Prof. D. Ramašauskaitė –

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

Assoc. Prof. J. Zakarevičienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. Ž. Bumbulienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. M. Šilkūnas –

chairman of Vilnius region Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

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

STAFF

Professors: Dr. R. Jankauskas, Dr. J. Tutkuvienė.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Barkus, Dr. E.M. Jakimavičienė, Dr. Ž. Miliauskienė, Dr. R. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė, Dr. V. Tutkus (part-time), Dr. V. Žalgevičienė.
Lecturers: Dr. A. Suchomlinov, J. Janavičius (part-time).
Assistants: V. Araminaitė, R. Girčius (part-time), R. Jacevičiūtė (part-time), L. Lapienytė (part-time), K. Kuolienė (part-time), D. Mačernytė (part-time), K. Popov (part-time).
Doctoral students: V. Araminaitė, J. Drąsutis, K. Kuolienė.
Guest research fellow: Dr. Dario Piombino-Mascali (Bolzano, Italy).

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Human Genome Diversity, Its Origin and Phenotypic Realization

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 2013

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 of new skeletal samples and their routine analysis was continued; paper on dental status of Late medieval population was submitted. Multivariate analysis of craniometric data secular changes completed. Dental calculus sample analysis started. Trial analysis on C and N stable isotopes completed. Roentgenological analysis of mummified remains completed, one paper published. The pilot study of nutrition influence during the pregnancy and pre-pregnancy periods on several generations of rat offspring was completed and data was analyzed. The study of prenatal ontogenesis was continued: the developmental age of cleared and stained embryos was estimated; experimental study of low mineralization drinking water on development of rat’s offspring was completed (the negative effect had been revealed); the influence of quantum dots on rat’s embryos was studied as well. The data of Lithuanian newborns during the 1995–2011 were analyzed and manuscript on changes of gestational age and head circumference was prepared for publication. Relationship between changes in newborns weight during their first days of life and the BMI at the end of growth were investigated. Data on physical status and nutrition of preschool children were collected at several kindergartens (n=200), physical and health status of 4-18 years old children (n=40) from foster homes were investigated. The study on relationship between growth peculiarities and development of refraction errors was continued: ocular parameters and anthropometric indices of 107 adolescents with refraction errors were investigated, analysed and presented during the VII Baltic Morphology Conference. The study of breast changes in pregnant females was started: in total 30 pregnant women were investigated according to wide anthropometric programme, also blood tests were performed (prolactin, cholesterol, low-density cholesterol, high-density cholesterol and triglycerides), all females were interviewed about their life style, nutrition, physical activity and social factors. The manuscript on relationship between female menstrual cycle and ratings of male’s face attractiveness was prepared for publication.

National Research Projects

Partnership at the Lithuanian ”Global grant” project Neolithisation of Lithuanian littoral. Prof. R. Jankauskas (senior research fellow). 2013–2015.

Inventory and database of all Stone Age materials completed, samples taken for radiocarbon and stable isotope analyses.

International Research Projects

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

Participation at the project was continued, statistical data analysis and material preparation for publications was conducted.

Funeral culture of elites in 15^th-18^th centuries on the territory of the Kingdom of Poland and the Great Duchy of Lithuania (University of Torun, Poland). Prof. R. Jankauskas. 2012–2015. Attempt of interdisciplinary analysis– comparison of bioarchaeological and contextual data was performed.

Molecular history and paleogenetic links between Polish and Lithuanian populations - ancient DNA analysis since the Neolithic (Medical University of Lodz, Poland). Prof. R. Jankauskas. 2013–2016.

Samples were collected from the 1st millennium AD populations.

Main publications:

Tutkuvienė, J., Schiefenhövel, W., 2013. Laterality of handgrip strength: age – and physical training-related changes in Lithuanian schoolchildren and conscrips. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1288: 124–134.

Ratnayake, M., Obertova, M.Z., Dose, M., Gabriel, P., Bröker, H.M., Brauckmann, M., Barkus, A., Rizgelienė, R., Tutkuvienė, J., Ritz-Timme, S., Marasciuolo, L., Gibelli, D., Cattaneo, C., 2013. The juvenile face as a suitable age indicator in child pornography cases: a pilot study on the reliability of automated and visual estimation approaches. International Journal of Legal Medicine, Jun 2. DO1 10.1007/s00414-013-0875-y.2013.

Panzer, S., Tamošiūnas, A., Valančius, R., Jankauskas, R., Piombino-Mascali, D., 2013. Radiological Evidence of Rickets in a Lithuanian Child Mummy. Rofo: Fortschritte Auf Dem Gebiete Der Rontgenstrahlen und Der Nuklearmedizin, vol. 185, 670–672.

Jankauskas, R., Miliauskienė, Ž., Kuncevičius, A., 2013. Paleopathology of German military hospital remains from 1915–18. In: Christopher Knüsel and Martin J. Smith (eds.). The Routledge Handbook of the Human Conflict. Oxon: Routledge, 602–620.

Tutkuvienė, J., 2013. Very low birth weight children. AUXOLOGY: Studying Human Growth and Development (ed. Hermanussen M.). Schweizerbart Science Publishers, 52–53.

Tutkuvienė, J., 2013. Body image and body size during puberty. AUXOLOGY: Studying Human Growth and Development (ed. Hermanussen M.). Schweizerbart Science Publishers. 66–67.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Max-Planck-Institute, Andechs (Germany)
Institute of Anthropology, University of Vienna (Austria)
Institute of Forensic Medicine, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf (Germany)
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, (USA)
Department of Anthropology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences (Poland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. J. Tutkuvienė –

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 –

member of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society;
member of the Scientific Council of the Lithuanian Institute of History;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Archaeology;
editorial board member of the yearbook Papers on Anthropology (Tartu University, Estonia), http://www.tyk.ee/anthropology-ee;
international editorial board member of the journal Anthropologie;
editorial board member of the journal Anthropologischer Anzeiger;
editorial board member of the yearbook Lietuvos archeologija (Lithuanian Archeology);
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine).

Assoc. Prof. A. Barkus –

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

Assoc. Prof. Ž. Miliauskienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. R. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. V. Žalgevičienė –

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

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.

V. Araminaitė –

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

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel: 236 5235
E-mail:

Head– Prof. Dr. Jūratė Šipylaitė

STAFF

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

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 laparoscopic 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

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Project Supported by University Budget

Perioperative Patient Optimization and Management of Critical States. Prof. J. Šipylaitė, Prof. J. Ivaškevičius. 2013–2017.

In 2013, the final data analysis from 100 patients (5 groups) investigated 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 anaesthesia followed by single or continuous femoral nerve block and intra-articular application of morphine or neostigmine” was performed.

Cerebral oxygenation was investigated during a. carotis endarterectomy surgery in three patients, adding to the ten patients investigated in 2012.

A randomized prospective clinical trial “The relationship between malnutrition, rate of complications and duration of hospital stay in patients after cardiac surgery” was launched in March.

A randomized clinical trial “The comparison of stress response in rapid opioid detoxification procedure using different methods of opioid antagonist naltrexone induction and sedation” is going according to the protocol. The clinical trial “Comparison of general and combined general and regional anaesthesia during laparoscopic colorectal surgery” was completed.

Main publications:

Švedienė, S., Andrijauskas, A., Ivaškevičius, J., Šaikus, A., 2013. 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 Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, vol. 21(3), 641–5.

Iijima, T., Brandstrup, B., Rodhe, P., Andrijauskas, A., Svensen, C.H., 2013. The maintenance and monitoring of perioperative blood volume. Perioperative Medicine, 2:9.

Norkienė, I., Ringaitienė, D., Kuzminskaitė, V., Šipylaitė, J., 2013. Incidence and Risk Factors of Early Delirium after Cardiac Surgery. BioMed Research International, vol. 2013, Article ID 323491, 5 p.

Ringaitienė, D., Norkienė, I., Šipylaitė, J., 2013. Increased incidence of postoperative delirium in patients with risk of malnutrition undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Acta Anesthesiologica Scandinavica, vol. 57, supplement 120.

National Research Projects

The Influence of Perioperative Optimization on the Results of Primary Endoprosthesis of the Hip Joint. Prof. Ch. H. Svensen, Assoc. Prof. A. Andrijauskas. 2013–2015.

Research Council of Lithuania. VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K Support to Research Activities of Scientists and Other Researcher (Global Grant). The influence of perioperative optimization on the results of primary endoprosthesis of the hip joint. The study protocol was developed and permission from Lithuanian Bioethics Committee to perform a randomized prospective clinical trial in 100 patients was obtained. The purchase of equipment and study personnel training will end shortly.

Main publications:

Markevičius, V., Andrijauskas, A., Navikas, D., Svensen, C., Porvaneckas, N., Andriukaitis, D., Kvederas, G., Činčikas, D., Andrijauskas, P., 2013. Statistically Biased Calibration Method for the Real-time Adjustment of Noninvasive Haemoglobin Measurements in a Semi-automated Infusion System. Electronics and Electrical Engineering, vol. 19, 65–71.

International Research Projects

New Method to Evaluate Dehydration and to Perform Goal-directed Fluid Therapy funded by European Society of Anaesthesiology. European Society of Anaesthesiology Research Grant. Prof. R. Hahn, Prof. J. Ivaškevičius. 2009–2013.

The clinical research project New Method to Evaluate Dehydration and to Perform Goal-directed Fluid Therapy funded by European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) Research Grant 2009 was completed by reporting the results in the ESA Congress Euroanaesthesia 2013, Barcelona, Spain (1–4 June, 2013).

Main publications:

Kvedaras, G., Purvaneckas, N., Andrijauskas, A., Svensen, Ch.H., Ivaškevičius, J., Mazunaitis, J., Marmaitė, U., Andrijauskas, P., 2013. A randomized double-blind clinical trial of tourniquet application strategies for total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, vol. 21, 2790 –9.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

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 –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA);
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 –

President of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the European Society of Anaesthesiology;
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 –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery).

Assoc. Prof. A. Andrijauskas –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
Faculty member of the 32nd Congress of the Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (SSAI), 2013.

Assoc. Prof. E. Kontrimavičiūtė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;

Dr. M. Šerpytis –

treasurer of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;

Dr. A. Klimašauskas –

President of the Lithuanian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition;
member of the Lithuanian Society 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

Professors: Dr. E. Lesinskas.
Associate professors : 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

Estimation of 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 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

A n 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.

Clinical assessment and analysis of data 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. The data in the literature were evaluated.

Project in ophthalmology involves analysis of carcinomatous eye tissues with Aperio algorithms in comparison with stereology and manual establishment of proliferative index.

Main publications:

McKinnon, B.J., Dumon, T., Hagen, R., Lesinskas, E., Mlynski, R., Profant, M., Spindel, J., Vann Beek-King, J.V., Zernotti, M. Vibrant soundbrige in aural atresia: does severity matter? Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Sep 13. (Epub ahead of print).

Galgauskas, S., Norvydaitė, D., Krasauskaitė, D., Stech, S., Ašoklis, R.S., 2013. Age-related changes in corneal thickness and endothelial characteristics. Clinical interventions in aging, vol. 8, 1445–1450.

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;
editorial boord member of the journals Medicinos teorija ir praktika, Journal of Hearing Science.

Dr. D. Rauba –

board member of Vilnius Society of Otorhinolaryngologists.

Dr. R. Pliaukšta –

chairman of Vilnius Society of Otorhinolaryngologists.

Dr. R. Ašoklis –

board member of Lithuanian Society of Ophthalmologists;
board member of Vilnius County Ophthalmological Association;
member of European Board of Ophthalmology;
National delegate in European Union of Medical Specialists;
National delegate in International Council of Ophthalmology 2013–2014;
Board member of European Association for Vision and Eye Research 2009–2013.

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. Zita Aušrelė Kučinskienė

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. Z. A. Kučinskienė, Dr. A. J. Abaravičius, Dr. A. Kaminskas.
Associate professors : 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), V. Banys (part time), I. Bikulčienė (part-time), A. Coj (part-time), V. Dumbrauskienė (part-time), L.Gogelienė (part-time), Ž.Chomanskis (part-time), J. Jurkevičienė (part-time), E. Malyško, V. Makarevič, E.Ostanevičiūtė (part-time), E. Totmianinienė (part-time), A. Virbalis (part time), V. Žėkas (part-time).
Senior research fellows: Dr. A. J. Abaravičius, Dr. V. Hendrixson, Dr. D. Karčiauskaitė, Dr. A. Valatkaitė.
Research fellows: Dr. L. Bagdonaitė, Bikulčienė (part-time), M. Bratčikov (part-time), M. Janeliūnienė (part-time), V.Olšauskaitė.
Junior research fellows: A. Mažeikienė, M. Davidonis (part time), E. Malyško, E.Ostanevičiūtė (part-time), K.Sinkevič (part time), A. Virbalis (part time), V.Žėkas (part-time).
Doctoral students: 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

Development of new antimicrobials for control of the medically important bacterial biofilms

Design of new molecular biology techniques for identification of the pathogenic and commensal microorganisms, genotyping, antimicrobial resistance and epidemiology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

The aim 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. Nutrition of different patient groups and the impact of new high quality food products with increased biological value to human health were evaluated.

Main publications:

Esko, T., Mezzavilla, M., Nelis, M., Borel, C., Debniak, T., Jakkula, E., Julia, A., Karachanak, S., Khrunin, A., Kisfali, P. Krulisova, V., Kučinskienė, Z.A., Rehnstrom, K., Traglia, M., Nikitina-Zake, L., Zimprich, F., Antonorakis, S.E., Estivill, X., Glavač, D., Gut, I., Klovins, J., Krawczak, M., Kučinskas, V., Lathrop, M., Macek, M., Marsal, S., Meitinger, T., Melegh, B., Limborska, S., Lubinski, J., Paolotie, A., Schreiber, S., Toncheva, D., Toniolo, D., Wichmann, H-E., Zimprich, A., Metspalu, M., Gasparini, P., Metspalu, A., D‘Adamo, P., 2013.. Genetic characterization of northeastern Italian population isolates in the context of broader European genetic diversity. Eur J Hum Gen, vol. 21, 659–665.

Tamošaitytė, S., Hendrixson, V., Želvys, A., Tyla, R., Kučinskienė, Z.A., Jankevičius, F., Pučetaitė, M., Jablonskienė, V., Šablinskas, V., 2013. Combined studies of chemical composition of urine sediments and kidney stones by means of infrared microspectroscopy. Journal of Biomedical Optics, vol. 18(2), 027011.

Pucėtaitė, M., Hendrixson, V., Želvys, A., Jankevičius, F., Tyla, R.,Čeponkus, V., Sablinskas, V., 2013. Application of infrared spectroscopic imagingnin specular reflection mode for determination of chemical components in urinary stones. Journal of Molecular Structure, vol. 103, 38–42.

Human Cytomics: Research of Diagnostic, Predictive and Treatment Monitoring Markers and Analysis Methods for Cellular Diseases. Prof. Z. A. Kučinskienė, Assoc. Prof. 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.

Main publications:

Matuzevičienė, R., Laužikaitė, K., 2013. Lėtinių ligų anemijos laboratorinė diagnostika. Laboratorinė medicina, vol., 15(2), 105– 110.

Matuzevičienė, R., Žėkas, V., 2013. Hemoglobinopatijos ir jų laboratorinė diagnostika. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 15(2), 99–104.

Matuzevičienė, R., Sinkevič, K., Janeliūnienė, M., 2013. Review of HLA-DR negative acute myeloid leukemias immunophenotype and molecular findings/analysis/features Immunophenotypic and molecular analysis/review of HLA-DR negative acute myeloid leukemias. ESCCA, Luxembourg.

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, Assoc. Prof. T. Kačergius, Dr. 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 different genes were evaluated to determine the tetracycline resistance genotypic distribution of S. aureus strains.

Main publications:

Kutanovaitė, O., Kuzminskaitė, V., Podkopajev, A., Stanevičiūtė, E., Sirvydis, V.J., Triponis, V.J., Kačergius, T., Kirkliauskienė, A., 2013. Antiseptikų veiksmingumo palyginimas gydant Staphylococcus aureus užkrėstas žiurkių žaizdas su implantuotais kraujagyslės protezais. Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19(3), 225–230.

National Research Projects

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 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). 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.

Main publications:

Kaminskas, A., Abaravičius, J.A., Liutkevičius, A., Jablonskienė, V., Valiūnienė, J., Bagdonaitė, L., Andrikonytė, J., Hendrixson, V., Sekmokienė, D., 2013. Quality of yoghurt enriched by insulin and its influence on human metabolic syndrome. Veterinarija ir zootechnika, vol. 64(86), 23–28.

Kaminskas, A., Abaravičius, A., Liutkevičius, A. The effect of functional food with inulin on metabolic syndrome. 20th International Congress of Nutrition. Granada, Spain, September 15–20, 2013.

Partners of the project 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. V. Kučinskas. 2007–2013.

The main strategic goals of this project are: 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; to create preconditions for human genome wide scale complex investigations in Lithuania, its phenotypic expression and integration into contemporary international research programmes.

Main publications:

Coj, A., Kučinskienė, Z.A., Kasiulevičius, V., Kučinskas, V., 2013. Tradiciniai aterosklerozės žymenys lietuvių populiacijoje. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 15(1), 29–39.

Burokienė, N., Kasiulevičius, V., Kučinskienė, Z.A., 2013. Koronarinės širdies ligos išsivystymo rizika: epidemiologinių ir genomo žymenų sąveikos tyrimas (Literatūros ažvalga). Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19 (2), 202–207.

Mažeikienė, A., 2013. Karotenoidų struktūros ir apykaitos ypatumai, biologinio veikimo mechanizmai ir nauda žmogaus sveikatai. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 15(2), 88–98.

Biotechnology and Biopharmacy: Fundamental and Applied Research (VP-3.1-ŠMM-08-K-01-005; 1.1.1.4). Dr. S. Kiverytė, Dr. M. Bratčikov. 2012–2015.

The aim of this project is to adjust a multiple-run high-resolution melting assay for the molecular identification of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi), genotyping and markers of antibacterial resistance. Currently, the experimental works is in progress.

Peptide nucleic acids applications for inhibition of streptococci biofilms (PAISBI) (Eureka: VP1-3.1-ŠMM-06-V-01-003; Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology). Dr. M. Bratčikov, Assist. V. Makarevič. 2013–2015.

The aim of the PAISBI project is to develop antisense oligonucleotide technology on the basis of peptide nucleic acids for inhibition of streptococci biofilm formation that can be applied for designing of new antibacterial biopharmaceuticals. Currently, the experimental work is in progress.

International Research 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 NOPHO (Nordic Pediatric Hemato-Oncology) group Vilnius University Children’s Hospital. 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.

Flow Cytometry Coordinator of the Project in Lithuania: Assoc. Prof. 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. 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). 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. Two combinations out of 3 were evaluated as informative in 31% and 1of 3 in 13% of patients. 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 combinationThe 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 (duration: 2011–2013). Coordinator: prof. Capozzi Francesco, Organisation: ALMA MATER STUDIORUM-UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA; Coordinator of the Project at Vilnius University – Prof. A.J. Abaravičius, Vilnius University, Lithuania.

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. CHANCE has 3 major objectives: to identify the most significant European population groups at risk of poverty, to identify consumer barriers to healthful eating, to develop nutritious food products in the lower price range. In addition to reporting new knowledge about population groups at risk of poverty and their specific nutrition needs, CHANCE will design new food prototypes with improved nutritional value and decreased production cost.

Main publications:

Tuusjarvi, E., Arvola, A., Capozzi, F., Hendrixon, V., Abaravicius, J.A., Gurinovič, M., Glibetic, M., 2013. Kuluttajien fokusryhmakeskusteluja Italiasa, Liettuassa, Serbiassa ja Suomeassa. Lihalehthi, vol. 6, 42–45.

Hendrixson, V., Abaravičius, J., Kučinskienė, Z., Masliukaitė, I., Andrikonytė, J., Deduchova, S., Jablonskienė, V., Kaminskas, A., Stukas, R., Barzda, A., Bartkevičiūtė, R., Levulienė. Food consumption survey in a group of adults at risk of poverty in Lithuania: daily intake of energy and nutrients. 20th International Congress of Nutrition. Granada, Spain, September 15–20, 2013.

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

The aim of this research was to investigate whether antisense oligonucleotides to glucosyltransferase mRNA inhibit the formation of mutans group ( Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus) biofilm in the presence of saliva and serum in vitro conditions. It was revealed that saliva and serum significantly stimulated the penetration of antisense oligonucleotides into bacterial cells and inhibited biofilm formation by mutans streptococci on the glass surfaces.

Contractual Research

Contractual research project with South Korean company “Seegene” for the evaluation of reagents for detection of sexually transmitted disease causative agents and their prevalence as well as for determination of viral respiratory pathogens. Dr. S. Kiverytė, Dr. M. Bratčikov. 2013.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

NOPHO (Nordic Pediatric Hemato-Oncology) group
Malmö University, Malmö (Sweden)
CHANCE Project group:
Food Institute of Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)
Department of Human and Medical Genetics

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Z. A. Kučinskienė –

member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
member of the Science and Technology Board of the Ministry of Defence of Republic of Lithuania;
president of the Baltic Atherosclerosis Society;
vice-President of the Baltic Association of Laboratory Medicine (BALM);
member of the Registration Commission of the European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4); Member of the Working group on registration at the European Communities Conferedation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine – EC4);
member of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC);
member of the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS);
vice-President of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
editor-in-chief of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
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 the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.

Prof. A. Kaminskas –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
executive editor of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine).

Assoc. Prof. V. Jablonskienė –

editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
scientific secretary of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.

Assoc. Prof. L. Bagdonaitė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.

Assoc. Prof. V. Hendrixson –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.

Assoc. Prof. T. Kačergius –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Medical Microbiologists.

Assoc. Prof. R. Matuzevičienė –

editorial board member of the journals Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), Gydytojų žinios (Doctors’ News);
member and board member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Haematology;
member of the Lithuaninan Medical Association;
member of the European Society for Clinical Cell Analysis – ESCCA.

Assoc. Prof. D. Vitkus –

president of the board of Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
national Representative at the EC4 Registration Commission;
corresponding member of the Committee of Nomenclature for Properties and Units,
Reference Systems of Enzymes, Committee of Traceability in Laboratory Medicine of
Scientific Division of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC);
board member of the Baltic Association of Laboratory Medicine;
member of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry;
editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine).

P. Žlabys –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Medical Microbiologists;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases.

D. Karčiauskaitė –

member of Lithuanian Laboratory Medicine Society;
member of European Atherosclerosis Society.

A. Kirkliauskienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases.

V. Banys –

president of the Board of Vilnius Subsidiary of Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
treasurer of Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry;
member of International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

CLINIC OF GASTROENTEROLOGY, NEPHROUROLOGY AND SURGERY

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, Dr. G. Simutis, Habil. Dr. J. Valantinas, Dr. G. Brimas, Dr. F. Jankevičius, Dr. M. Miglinas.
Associate professors : Dr. E. Poškus, Dr. A. Šileikis, Dr. P. Žeromskas, Dr. V. Sokolovas, Dr. H. Ramonas, Dr. A. Želvys, Dr. A. Černiauskienė, Dr. L. Andreika, Dr. R. Speičienė, Dr. D. Denapienė, Dr. E. Gavelienė, Dr. J. Stanaitis, Dr. A. Stašinskas.
Lecturers: Dr. V.Jotautas, Dr. T. Poškus,L. Rimševičius, L. Šarkinas (till September 2013).
Research fellows: Dr. V. Liakina, M. Petrulionis, A. Čižauskaitė (till September 2013).
Assistants: S. Tamulis, B. Buckus, I. Savlan, I. Stundienė.
Doctoral students: S. Jurevičius, A. Karpavičius, I. Savlan, N. Staikūnienė, J. Stundienė, L. Mašalaitė, A. Buivydienė, G. Bernotavičius, L. Supranavičienė, A. Gaižauskas, L. Rimševičius, B. Buckus, A. Strumila.

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

Study of dietary treatment of enteropathies

Prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis of various ethiology

Study of novel treatment possibilities for the bleeding from ulcerst, esophageal and gastric variceals

Contemporary diagnostic analysis of ascite liquid by means of biochemical, microscopical and bacteriological examination

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 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Investigation Efficiency of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Visceral Surgery. Prof. K. Strupas. 2008–2017.

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.

Results of the research in 2013 were presented in the ESES workshop Surgery of Thyroid Cancer, Berlin, May 23–25, 2013. (A. Beiša, V. Beiša, E. Ostanevičiūtė, M. Stoškus, D. Juškevičius, D. Petroška, L. Griškevičius, K. Strupas. BRAF V600E – oportunity to decrease the amaunt of thyroid surgery. 5th Oral presentation), 21^th Congress of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) and the Congress of the Association of Lithuanian Surgeons.

Investigations Transplantation Methods and Restorative Surgery. Prof. K. Strupas. 2008–2017.

The successful organ-tissues transplantations-program at Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Klinikos is the best fact to take Vilnius University Hospital as the leader Transplantation Centre in the Baltic States (K. Strupas, V. Sokolovas, J. Jurgaitis, M. Paškonis).

The results of randomized clinical trial Comparison single layer and two layers anastomosis technique during Frey operation were summarized in doctoral dissertation “Comparative results of surgical treatment methods and quality of life in chronic pancreatitis” (S. Jurevičius).

The prospective clinical study BRAFV600E mutation and other molecular markers for diagnosis of thyroid malignancies was initiated and started in 2013.

The prospective multicentre study Value of inflammation markers for early assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis was continued in 2013. 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. Four hospitals will participate in the study; all of them will work under one protocol.

Approximately 50 patients are participating in the study now with their blood serum samples frozen until the sufficient amount for ELISA tests is collected. The first results are expected by March 2014. The study is expected to involve 100 patients with acute pancreatitis and 100 patients assigned to the control group.

In collaboration with the Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg (Germany) the experimental studies were continued and publications are prepared. Results of the research of Investigations Transplantation Methods and Restorative Surgery in 2013 were presented at the Congress of the Association of Lithuanian Surgeons.

Main publications:

Karpavičius, A., Gradauskas, A., Činčikas, J., Šileikis, A., Strupas, K., 2013. Prognostic possibilities of acute pancreatitis course. Review of the literature. Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19(4), 128–134.

Karpavičius, A., Dambrauskas, Z., Šileikis, A., Vitkus, D., Strupas, K., 2012. Value of adipokines in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis: Comprehensive review. World J Gatroenterol, vol. 18(45), 6620–6627.

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

The aim was to evaluate the computerized inhibitory control test as a potential diagnostic tool for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in cirrhotic patients.

In our cohort MHE was diagnosed in 44/71.0% out of 62 cirrhotic patients while 18/29.0% had no evidence of psychomotor or cognitive disturbances. There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender and education between groups of patients with and without MHE. Inhibitory control test was not proved as a good diagnostic tool for MHE in our study.

Main publications:

Savlan, I., Liakina, V., Valantinas, J., 2013. Diagnosis and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Acta medica Lituanica, vol. 20(1), 1–11.

Savlan, I., Liakina, V., Valantinas, J., 2013. Value of computerized inhibitory control test and blood tests in minimal hepatic encephalopathy diagnosis. Acta medica Lituanica, vol. 20(3)1, 109–116.

Visockienė, Ž., Brimas, G., Abalikšta, T., Šiaulienė, L., Liakina, V., Strupas, K., 2013. Metabolic changes one year after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding operation in morbidly obese subjects. Videosurgery and other miniinvasive techniques, vol. 8(1), 13–21.

Samalavičius, N.E., Kazanavičius, D., Lunevičius, R., Poškus, T., Valantinas, J., Stanaitis, A., Grigaliūnas, A., Gradauskas, A., Venskutonis, D., Samuolis, R., Šniuolis, P., Gajauskas, M., Kaselis, N., Leipus, R., Radžiūnas, G., 2013. Incidence, risk, management, and outcomes of iatrogenic full-thickness large bowel injury associated with 56,882 colonoscopies in 14 Lithuanian hospitals. Surgical Endoscopy, vol. 27(5), 1628–1635.

Skiecevičienė, J., Kiudelis, G., Ellinghaus, E., Balschun, T., Jonaitis, L.V., Žvirblienė, A., Denapienė, G., Leja, M., Pranculienė, G., Kalibatas, V., Andersen, V., Valantinas, J., Irnius, A., Dervos, A., Tamelis, A., Schreiber, S., Kupčinskas, L., Franke, A., 2013. Replication study of ulcerative colitis risk Loci in a Lithuanian-Latvian case-control sample. Inflammatory bowel diseases, vol. 19(11), 2349–2355.

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

Traumatic injuries of the diaphragm

48 pts suffering traumatic injuries of the diaphragm underwent surgery in Republican Vilnius University Hospital since 1982 till 2013.

Case histories were reviewed retrospectively. Etiological factors, diagnostic and surgical options were discussed. 71% of the patients were male, and 29% female. The age was 38.29±11.25

37.5% of the injuries were penetrating and the rest were blunt.

In 61% of the cases of penetrating injuries there were chest wounds, and the rest were abdominal ones.

The sensitivity of common diagnostic tools is relatively poor. Proper diagnosis of traumatic injuries of the diaphragm depends on a high index of suspicion. Surgical repair is necessary in all cases. Both thoracic and abdominal approaches are suitable for the repair.

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 Videosurgery and Other Miniinvasive Techniques (prof. Gintautas Brimas) and the Medicina (prof. Gintautas Brimas).

The role of biochemical and molecular markers in early dzagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. Prof. F. Jankevičius. 2011–2016.

The complex of genetic and epigenetic markers has been investigated in the tissue, bood and urine samples of the 120 Pca patients that underwent radical prostatectomy at VU Urological Centre. The correlation of the molecular markers with biochemical free survival is being prepared.

Metabolic syndrome association with urinary tract pathogenesis. Prof. F.Jankevičius. 2011–2016.

The sensitivity of infrared spectral microscopy (IRSM) to performe structural analysis of urinary sediment has been further investigated. It has been found that for noncrystalline or multicomponent sediments the suggested spectroscopic method is superior to optical microscopy.

Spectroscopic studies of urinary stones and corresponding sediments from 76 patients suffering from renal stone disease revealed good correlation in 73% of cases. This finding is a strong argument for the use of infrared spectral microscopy to detect recurrent stone kidney stone formalion in stone-forming patients by using the nonintrusive spectroscopic investigation of urinary sediments. The results of this study have been published in Tamošaitytė S., et al J Biomed Opt. 2013, 18(2): 27011.

In our study the combination of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, two-photon excited fluorescence and second harmonic generation provided high resolution imaging with strong information on tissue composition enabling renal tumour diagnosis. Using cryosections of human oncocytoma, carcinoma, and normal kidney parenchyma, our method provided detailed insight in tissue morphology and composition, reliably discerning between normal kidney tissue, tumour and necrosis. Several spectroscopic features significant for the kidney cancer diagnosis without use of any staining have been identified. Implementation of this method in clinical practice may improve speed and quality of the analysis in OR. The results of this investigation have been published in J Biophotonics, 2013 Jan 31. doi: 10.1002/1.

Immunopathology and Clinical Outcomes of Acute Rejection of Transplanted Kidneys. Assoc. Prof. M. Miglinas. 2010–2013.

The goal is to establish the relationship between the acute rejection immunological types, drug-inuced and infection-related transplant damage and clinical outcomes.

In 2013 the influence of sensitization satus of the recipient and the incidence of humoral rejection in protocol biopsies of 100 kidney recipients was evaluated. The fluctuation of humoral rejection profile over time in protocol biopsies was also evaluated. The relationship between immunosuppressive medication dose, blood levels and histhopathological markers of drug-induced toxicity was established.

The research project Identification of Early Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers of Pancreatic Intraductal Adenocarcinoma using Protein Mass Spectrometry Analysis was launched in 2013 (A. Šileikis, K. Strupas, M. Valius, M. Petrulionis, M. Ger, B. Kurlinkus). It focuses on tissue and serum biomarkers detection, suitable for early diagnostics of pancreatic intraductal adenocarcinoma. Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos and Vilnius University Institute of Biochemistry take part in this project. Patients undergoing different types of pancreas resection are invited to participate in the study.

The concept of this study consists of several parts. Firstly, tissue bank of various pancreas diseases, including pancreas adenocarcinoma, chronic pancreatitis and healthy tissue from tumour free resected pancreas has been created. Secondly, primary human pancreas adenocarcinoma cell lines are isolated according to Dresden Outgrowth Protocol for in vitro assessment of pancreas adenocarcinoma potential biomarkers in cell culture laboratory. We believe that our work will contribute to earlier detection, improvement of management and better understanding of this severe oncologic disease.

National Research Projects

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

The project Colorectal Cancer: Study of Mortality, Disability and Quality of Life in Lithuania supported by Research council of Lithuania was continued and the final report will be submitted in January 2014. Two separate studies compose this project:

Retrospective study of the patients, operated on for colorectal cancer in 2005. Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative factors were evaluated with regard to their impact on survival. The results of this study were presented at the European Association of Coloproctology Annual meeting in Belgrade in September 2013 and published.

Main publications:

Poškus, E., Mikalauskas, S., Jotautas, V., Žeromskas, P., Poškus, T., Strupas, K., Samalavičius, N.E., Lasinskas, M., Sklepavičius, A., Tamelis, A., Saladžinskas, Ž., Pavalkis, D., Jakaitienė, A., Smailytė, G., 2013. The pattern of colorectal cancer surgery in Lithuania in 2005: do results meet expectations? Medicina (Kaunas), vol. 49(3), 124–31.

Project Development of Training of Highly Qualified Professionals Satisfying the Requirements of the State and Society in the Field of Biomedicine – BIOMEDOKT , no. VP1-3.1-ŠMM-01-V-03-002.

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. With the results of both studies investigators we will try to identify the changes and solutions that should be made to improve outcomes with regards to mortality, disability and quality of life.

The prospective study Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation: evaluation of new treatment method for defecation disorders was continued (I. Stundienė, P. Žeromskas, J. Valantinas). The aim of this study is to assess the efficiency of posterior tibial nerve (PTN) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the treatment of functional constipation and fecal incontinence. Treatment efficacy is measured with bowel diaries, KESS constipation score, Cleveland Clinic incontinence score and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life index.

International Research Projects

Family Studies in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis . Toronto Western Hospital, Dr. Katherine Siminovitch, Prof. J. Valantinas. 2008–2015.

In our initial PBC GWAS analysis, we found suggestive, but not significant evidence for PBC association with the CLEC16A-SOCS1 locus, with a SNP (rs243324) located about 5.5 kb upstream of the SOCS1 coding sequence giving the strongest association in the region. This locus failed to achieve genome-wide significance in our analysis, but was also identified in a subsequent UK-based PBC GWAS. In this latter study, the most significant SNP mapped to intron 19 of CLEC16A, about 166 kb upstream of the SOCS1 gene was studied for better ascertainment of the source of the association signal at this locus.

International Science Programmes and Projects

COST (European Concerted Research Action designated as COST Action BM1204) project 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.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Toronto Western Hospital (Toronto, Kanada)
Karolinska University (Stockholm, Sweden)
M.D. Andersen Cancer Center of Texas University, Huston (USA)
Heidelberg University, Heilderberg (Germany)
Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk (Poland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. K. Strupas –

board member of the European Academy of Surgical Scienses (EAcSS);
member of International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association;
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);
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery ;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina.

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. Simutis –

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

Assoc. Prof. E. Poškus -

President of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology Society;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Coloproctologists;
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).

Assoc. Prof. 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 Society.

Assoc. Prof. 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.

Assoc. Prof. V. Sokolovas -

President Lithuanian Association of Transplantology;
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;
member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES).

Prof. J. Valantinas –

editor of the journal Internistas supplement Gastroenterology;
editorial board member of the journal World Journal of Gastroenterology;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika;
member of the International “Pancreas-2000“ scientists group;
member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL);
member of the World Organization of Gastroenterology (OMGE);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.

Prof. A. Irnius –

member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL);
member of the World Organization of Gastroenterology (OMGE);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.

Assoc. Prof. D. Speičienė –

member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL);
member of the World Organization of Gastroenterology (OMGE);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.

Assoc. Prof. E. Gavelienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology;
member of the European Association of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition.

Dr. V. Liakina –

member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.

Prof. J. Stanaitis -

editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija;
board number of the Association of Lithuanian Surgeons.

Prof. A. Stašinskas -

editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija;
board member of the Association of Lithuanian Surgeons.

Assoc. Prof. H. Ramonas-

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

Assoc. Prof. L. Andreika -

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

Assoc. Prof. A. Želvys -

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

Assoc. Prof. A. Černiauskienė -

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

Prof. 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;
award of the C ross of the Knight of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas.

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 AND CHEST DISEASES, DERMATOVENEREOLOGY AND ALLERGOLOGY

1 Birutės, LT-08117 Vilnius
Tel. 272 4657
Fax 275 8885
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Arvydas Ambrozaitis

STAFF

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

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

Evaluation of preventive value of suppression in nitric oxide production for the development of influenza-induced pneumonia

Prevention of dental caries by using antisense oligonucleotides to the glucosyltransferase gene expression

Safety and efficacy of new vaccines for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases

Evaluation of the efficacy of the diagnostic and therapeutic methods in obstructive, interstitial, neoplastic and allergic disorders: 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; diagnosis, epidemiological and clinical research of drug hypersensitivity; allergen immunotherapy: selection of patients, efficacy of different methods and long term treatment results

Evaluation of diagnostic and surgical management methods in chest diseases and traumas and their application in clinical practice: 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 pleuropulmonary suppurations; indications and evaluation of the diagnostic effect of new radiodiagnostic methods; assessment of myocardial viability by combined CMR protocol in patients with chronic coronary heart disease and chronic left ventricular systolic dysfunction, in evaluation of right ventricule function in chronic pulmonary embolism, assessment of complex congenital heart diseases; neuroradiology, magnetic resonanse angiography; telemedicine, picture archiving and communication system

Etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment of psoriasis: fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies

Epidemiology, diagnostics, treatment and prevention of epithelial skin cancers

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C treatment with pegylated interferon, ribavirin and protease inhibitors combination: efficacy in naïve and experienced patient. The aim of this sub-study in 2013 was to evaluate the efficacy of a new triple antiviral treatment with either telaprevir (TPR) or boceprevir (BOC) for naïve and experienced patients. Total of 54 patients received triple therapy with TPR and 39 - with BOC. Summary of the triple therapy with TVR for Tx- experienced patients (n=37): cRVR at 4 weeks - 73%; RVR at 4 weeks - 24%; EVR - 87%; response at week 24 - 72%; response at 48 week - 64%. Summary of the triple therapy with BOC for Tx- experienced patients (n=31): response to PegIFN/RBV lead-in phase - at week 4 of treatment - 63%; EVR - 74%; response at week 24 - 67% ; response at week 48 - 62%. Summary for the triple therapy with TVR for naïve patients: cRVR at 4 week - 88% (n=17); RVR - 12%; EVR at 12 week - 94%; response at week 24 - 93%.

Prevalence of viral hepatitis A, B, and C serological markers in non-remunerated blood donors’ population in Lithuania. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of viral hepatitis serologic and virologic markers among the first-time non-remunerated blood donors in Lithuania. Total of 200 first-time non-remunerated blood donors were tested for viral hepatitis 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.

Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder.

The objective of the study was to identify and to develop practical answers to key clinical questions in HAND management. Answers to 14 questions of great clinical importance were drafted by an expert group based on a comprehensive literature review. Consensus was reached on all answers. For instance, good practice suggests that all HIV patients should be screened for HAND early in disease using standardized tools. Follow-up frequency depends on whether HAND is already present or whether clinical data suggest risk for developing HAND. Worsening neurocognitive impairment may trigger consideration of antiretroviral modification when other causes have been excluded. The Mind Exchange program provides practical guidance in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of HAND.

Main publications:

Antinori, A., Arendt, G., Grant, I., Matulionytė, R., et al., 2013. Mind Exchange Working Group. Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder: A Consensus Report of the Mind Exchange Program. Clin Infect Dis, vol. 56(7), 1004–17.

Evaluation of epidemiology and efficacy of the diagnostic and treatment methods in lung and allergic diseases and disorders. Prof. E. Danila, Prof. R. Dubakienė, Doc. R. Nargėla, Doc. A. Blažienė, Doc. R. Zablockis, V. Kvedarienė, V. Šileikienė, R. Aleksonienė. 2013–2017.

Diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid examination in sarcoid patients and patients with rare interstitial disorders (eosinophilic pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis). Clinical symptoms, cell differentials and distribution of lymphocyte subgroups in BALF, chest X-ray, spirometric indices, blood gases are examined.

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 and respiratory muscle function reduction in patients with COPD were evaluated.

D –dimer levels in pleural fluid . Significance of pleural fluid D-dimer concentration is evaluated in patients with pleural effusion. The patients with cancer, parapneumonic effusion, tuberculosis, congestive heart failure, pulmmonary embolism, uremia, and nephrotic sindrome are included in the study. Pleural D-dimer levels are compared with D-dimer concentrations in plasma. Pleural fluid LDH, protein, pH, glucose levels are tested as well.

Evaluation of hypersensitivity reactions to cytostatic drugs in patients with lung cancer . The aim of the study is to evaluate type of adverse reactions to different type of cytostatic drugs in patients with lung cancer. Correlations between adverse reactions and patients’ age, lung cancer stage and histological type are examined.

Differences between self-reported drug hypersensitivity reactions in Lithuanian adults and children. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of self-reported DHRs in adults and in children and to analyse the risk factors in both groups. Cross-sectional survey of a population was made. 35 questions about drug allergy symptoms and also about food and pollen allergy, family history were examined. 5370 patients were included in the study, 3222 of them were children (1628 females, median age 8.25 [3–14]), and 2148 were adults (1247 females, median age 48 [28–63] years) recruited from both adults and children general practices. The data are in amassment and preliminary analysis.

Allergen immunotherapy: patients’ selection, efficacy of different methods and treatment results. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions in adults with allergic rhinoconjuctivitis with/without asthma. Data from 47 patients were collected using our questionnaire. 30 patients received SLIT, 17 – SCIT. There was no statistical significant difference between SCIT and SLIT groups in nose itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, palate and eyes itching and asthma symptoms. Eyes tearing significantly improved in SLIT group after half a year. ASIT is effective and safe treatment.

Main publications:

Malinauskienė, L., Isaksson, M., Bruze, M., 2013. Systemic contact dermatitis in a gold-allergic patient after treatment with an oral homeopathic drug. J Am Acad Dermatol., vol. 68, e58.

Malinauskienė, L., Bruze, M., Ryberg, K., Zimerson, E., Isaksson, M., 2013. Contact allergy from disperse dyes in textiles – a review. Contact Dermatitis, vol. 68, 65–75.

Malinauskienė, L., Isaksson, M., 2013. Protein contact dermatitis caused by allergy to Chapatti flour. Acta Derm Venereol, vol. 93, 91–93.

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

New surgical methods using ultrasound intraoperatively and VATS were implemented for the surgical management of the patients with pleuropulmonary suppurations. Tracheobronchial resection and reconstruction (as well as stenting of trachea, main bronchi and esophagus) for malignant and benign stenoses, treatment of the patients with chest trauma and sequelae, surgical management of the patients with lung carcinoma and surgical pathology of the mediastinum, conservative (bougienage, dilation, stenting) and surgical management of patients with tumorous and benign esophageal stenosis, surgical management of COPD patients, the value of VAM (videomediastinoscopy) and VATS (videoassisted thoracoscopic surgery) in diagnostics and management of the patients at the Department of General Thoracic Surgery was performed.

Main publications:

Janilionis, R., Jagelavičius, Ž., Budra, M., Jovaišas, V., Kiškis, G., Kybartas, A., Žilinskas, A., Liubertienė, I., Gruslys, V., 2013. Penetrating cardiac injuries: 28-year data analysis. Polisch Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, vol. 10(1), 1–7.

Vansteenkiste, J., Zielinski, M., Linder, A., Janilionis, R., 2013. Adjuvant MAGE-A3 Immunotherapy in resected Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Phase II randomized Study Results. Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 31(19), 2396–2403.

Pathogenesis of psoriasis: inflammation markers and their relation to cardiovascular disorders and metabolic syndrome. Prof. M. Bylaitė, I. Balčiūnienė, J. Garbaravičienė. 2011–2014.

Significance of Adhesive Molecules and Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis.

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.

Diagnostic and treatment peculiarities of epithelial skin tumours. The aim of the study is to assess the ethology, pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment of epithelial skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma): fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies. 2008–2015. The BCC in Lithuania was analyzed by population-based incidence, with special emphasis on sex- and subsite-specific changes over time. The data from the Lithuanian Cancer Registry for the period 1996–2010 were used to analyse trends in the incidence rates for BCC. Only the first case of BCC per patient was included in this analysis. Age-standardized rates were calculated for both sexes. Standardization was performed using the direct method (European standard population).

Main publications:

Jurčiukonytė, R., Vincerzevskienė, I., Krilavičiūtė, A., Bylaitė, M., Smailytė, G., 2013. Epidemiology of basal cell carcinoma in Lithuania in 1996–2010. Br J Dermatol. June 25.

International Science Programmes and Projects

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.

HSV-2 was found to be the main cause of genital herpes in both first clinical (71%) and recurrent episodes (92%). All observed cases of orofacial herpes simplex infection were caused by HSV-1.

The structure of the LAT promoter region was studied applying new PCR method in 145 HSV-1 and HSV-2 clinical samples. HSV LAT promoter is G+C rich and contains variable homopolymer tracts. We found inter- and intrastrain variability of HPTs in the promoter region, potentially giving rise to a large variation at the protein level, leading to phenotypic variation.

HSV LAT promoter analysis did not reveal clinically important differences between HSV strains of persons with different rates of HSV recurrence, or between HSV samples obtained from different body sites.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness against Influenza in 2012 –2013: a Hospital-Based Case-Control Study in Lithuania. G. Gefenaitė-Bakker (University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands), Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, Assoc. Prof. L Jančorienė (Vilnius University). 2012–2013.

The sample consisted of 185 subjects. Seasonal influenza vaccine uptake was 5%. Among 111(60%) influenza positive cases, 24.3% were A(H1N1), 10.8% were A(H3) and 24.3% were influenza B cases. Unadjusted SIVE was 79% (95% CI - 6% to 96%) and after the adjustment it increased to 86% (95% CI 19% to 97%). Seasonal influenza vaccination in 2012–2013 was associated with reduced occurrence of laboratory-confirmed influenza, but due to low sample size the estimate of SIVE was imprecise.

Prophylaxis of Dental Caries Using Antisense Oligonucleotides to the Glucosyltransferase Gene Expression. Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, Assoc. Prof. T. Kačergius, P. Kalesinskas, Prof. D. Ericson (Sweden). 2010–2014.

The aim of this research was to investigate whether antisense oligonucleotides to glucosyltransferase mRNA inhibit the formation of mutans group ( Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus) biofilm in the presence of saliva and serum in vitro condition. It was revealed that saliva and serum significantly stimulated the penetration of antisense oligonucleotides into bacterial cells, and inhibited biofilm formation by mutans streptococci on the glass surfaces.

Genetic Study of Psoriasis with Onset in Childhood. Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė , I. Šaferienė, Prof. M. Stahle (Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden). 2013–2018.

The primary aim of the study is to investigate specific biomarkers of patients with onset of childhood psoriasis (<15 years). To establish a cohort of patients with onset of childhood psoriasis (<15 years) for careful clinical examination and epidemiological survey; to build a bio bank that will serve for genetic and biological studies; to analyze differences between adult onset and children onset of psoriasis at clinical, immunological and genetic levels; to establish a collaborative relationship with Dermatology and Venereology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden.

Ordered Research Projects

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 was to investigate the association of IL28B genotypes (CC vs. TC vs. TT) with disease characteristics in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) for whom therapy is planned. Secondary objectives were: correlation of IL28B genotypes with liver inflammation related to CHC; correlation of IL28B genotypes with demographics in patients with CHC; distribution of IL28B genotypes in patients with CHC in different HCV genotypes; correlation between the two IL28B genotypes in patients with CHC.

At present all variables are summarized using descriptive or exploratory statistics stratified by treatment naïve and treatment experienced patients.

A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized Withdrawal Extension Study of Subcutaneous Secukinumab in Prefilled Syringes to Demonstrate Long-Term Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability up to 2 Years in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Chronic Plaque-Type Psoriasis Completing Preceding Psoriasis Phase III Studies with Secukinumab. Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė. 2012–2015.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of a novel drug secucinumab in patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Two patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were involved.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group Phase III Multi-Center Trial to Compare Twice Daily Topical Application of M518101, Daivonex® and Vehicle in Patients with Plaque Psoriasis. Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė. 2013–2015.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of a novel topicalaplication of M518101, compared to Daivonex® and vehicle in patients with plaque psoriasis. The study has just started. No patients have been enrolled yet.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Immunology Research Institute of New England (USA)
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Ludwig – Maximilians University, Munich (Germany)
Charite University Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin (Germany)
Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm (Sweden)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Ambrozaitis –

chairman of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases;
country representative and member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID);
member of the International Society of Infectious Diseases;
member of the European Association of the Study of the Liver;
member of the European AIDS Clinical Society;
member of the European Society of Clinical Virology;
national representative and board member of the Infectious Diseases Section of European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS);
board member of the Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association;
editor in-chief of the journal Infekcinės ligos (Infectious Diseases);
editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
editorial board member of the journal Internistas (Internist).

Assoc. Prof. R. Matulionytė –

chair of the Vilnius Society of Infectious Diseases;
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases;
member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases;
member of the European AIDS Clinical Society;
member of the Scientific and Programme Committee of the 14^th European AIDS Conference; Brussels, October 16–19, 2013;
member of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care;
expert clinician in MIND EXCHANGE programme: preparation of internationnal practical guidance to physicians on the optimal management of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

Assoc. Prof. L. Jančorienė –

member of the European Association of the Study of the Liver;
member of the International Society of Travel Medicine;
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases;
board member of the Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.

Prof. K. Žagminas –

member of the Association of Hygiene and Epidemiology of Lithuania;
editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases;
member of the Lithuanian Society for Immunology/LID.

A. Stiklerytė –

member of the European Society of Clinical Virology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases.

Prof. E. Danila –

member of European Respiratory Society (ERS);
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists;
editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija(Children’s Pulmonology and Allergology);
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 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;
member of the Lithuanian Immunology Society;
member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Assoc. Prof. 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.

Assoc. Prof. 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).

Assoc. Prof. 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.

Dr. L. Malinauskienė –

member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
member of Lithuanian society of Allergology and clinical immunology;
member of European Society for Pigment research.

Dr. V. Šileikienė –

member of European Respiratory Society (ERS);
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists;
Head of referential Center of Interstitial Lung Diseases of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu klinikos.

Dr. V. Kvedarienė –

editorial board member of the journal Pulmonologija, imunologija ir alergologija(Pulmonology, immunology and allergolgy);
member of Allergology Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
member of UCB Institute of Allergy;
member of Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
member of Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA);
member of European Network on Drug Allergy (ENDA);
member of Integrated Care Pathways for Airways Diseases (AIRWAYS-ICPs).

Habil. Dr. R. Janilionis –

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

Assoc. Prof. V. Gruslys –

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

Ž. Jagelavičius –

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

Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė –

President of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology;
board member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology;
board member of the European Association of Dermatooncology;
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);
member of the European Dermatology Forum;
member of the European Society for Pediatric Dermatology (ESPD);
member of the International Society of Dermatology;
member of the Lithuanian-Germany Society of the Physicians;
board member of the Euro-Asian Association of Dermatovenerologists;
editorial board of the Journal of Health Sciences.

Assoc. Prof. 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;
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.

CLINIC OF NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY

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.
Associate professors : Dr. S. Ročka, Dr. I. Bičkuvienė, Dr. K. Laurikėnas.
Lecturers: Dr. K. Ryliškienė, Dr. R. Kvaščevičius, R. Kaladytė-Lokominienė, G.Terbetas
Senior research fellows: Habil. Dr. V. Gaigalaitė, Dr. A. Meškauskienė.
Research fellows: Dr. R. Mameniškienė, Dr. J. Valaikienė.
Junior research fellows: I. Sereikė, Dr. R. Kizlaitienė, A. Preikšaitis, Ž. Chomanskis.
Doctoral students: R. Kaladytė-Lokominienė, A. Vilionskis, N. Giedraitienė, I. Sereikė.

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 Neurology in history and art.

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.

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.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

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.

Main publications:

Matačiūnienė, D., Masaitienė, R., Mameniškienė, R., Budrys, V., 2013. A heavy snorer with multiple prolonged asystoles during the night-reversal by CPAP therapy. Sleep and Breath, vol. 17(1), 25–8.

Margevičiūtė, R., Bagdonas, A., Butkus, K., Kuzmickienė, J., Vaitkevičius, A., Kaubrys, G.F., Bak, T.H., 2013. Adaptation of Addenbrooke’s cognitive Examination-revised (ACE-R^LT) to Lithuanian speaking population. Neurologijos seminarai, vol. 17(55), 29–36.

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

Centre of Neuroangiosurgery is establishing new methods of endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular disorders. Research in traumatic brain injury is concentrated on 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

International Programmes, Projects and Contracts

SITS (Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke)

SITS is an academic-driven, non-profit, international collaboration with a base at Karolinska Institute in Sweden. It is an initiative by the medical profession to accelerate clinical trials and to certify excellence in acute and secondary prevention stroke treatment. The SITS Network includes a broad range of hospitals. SITS centres are therefore representative of normal stroke care facilities, i.e. not only expert centres or very advanced centres. SITS has engaged leading stroke scientists as National Coordinators in each participating country.

Main publications:

Mazya, M.V., Bovi, P., Castillo, J., Jatužis, D., Kobayashi, A., Wahlgren, N., Ahmed, N., 2013. External validation of the SEDAN score for prediction of intracerebral hemorrhage in stroke thrombolysis. Stroke , vol. 44(6), 1595–600.

SITS-EAST started as a study of implementation of evidence-based stroke therapy supported by the SITS International Registry. The study was initiated in autumn 2007 with the support of European Grant. It is now ongoing registry for the documentation and immediate statistical evaluation of stroke management in Eastern Europe.

Main publications:

Kõrv, J., Vibo, R., Kadlecová, P., Kobayashi, A., Czlonkowska, A., Brozman, M., Svigelj, V., Csiba, L., Fekete, K., Demarin, V., Vilionskis, A., Jatužis, D., Krespi, Y., Ahmed, N., Mikulík, R., 2014. Benefit of thrombolysis for stroke is maintained around the clock: results from the SITS-EAST Registry. Eur J Neurol . Vol. 21, issue 1, 112–117. doi: 10.1111/ene.12257.

EuroHYP-1

The EuroHYP-1 trial is a pan-European, open, randomised, phase III clinical trial which will assess the benefit of therapeutic cooling in adult patients with acute ischaemic stroke. In addition to efficacy and safety, the economic impact of therapeutic hypothermia will be also evaluated. The EuroHYP consortium brings together leading European experts in statistical design and analysis, therapeutic hypothermia, imaging, health economics, ultrasound, biomarkers, and trial execution (implementation and monitoring) as well as European patient and family advocacy groups and Small and Medium-size Enterprises.

The Standardised Computer-based Organised Reporting of EEG (SCORE)

The aim of the project was to create a computer-based system for EEG assessment and reporting. The faculty was approved by the Commission on European Affairs of the ILAE. The working group produced a consensus proposal that went through a pan-European review process, organized by the European Chapter of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. SCORE software was constructed based on the terms and features of the consensus statement and it was tested in the clinical practice.

Main publications:

Beniczky, S., Aurlien, H., Brøgger, J.C. Fuglsang-Frederiksen, A., Mameniškienė, R., et al. Epilepsia, 2013, vol. 54(6), 1112–24. doi: 10.1111/epi.12135. Epub 2013 Mar 18.

Current status of epilepsy health care for adult patients from central and eastern European Union countries

The aim of this survey was to review and compare the current approaches to epilepsy management in central and eastern EU countries. Experts from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia participated in the project, focused on the epilepsy treatment of adults. We concluded that the lack of unified procedures pertaining to the evaluation and therapy of epilepsy is reflected by marked differences in access to treatment modalities for patients from CEEU countries.

Main publications:

Jędrzejczak, J., Marusic, P., Haldre, S., Majkowska-Zwolińska, B., Bojinova-Tchamova, V., Mameniškienė, R., Mindruta, I., Ravnik, I.M., Szupera, Z., Sykora, P., Verzbickis, A., Daniluk, J., 2013. Current status of epilepsy health care for adult patients from central and eastern European Union countries - a survey of members of the Central Europe Epilepsy Experts Working Group, vol. 22(6), 452–6. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2013.03.001. Epub 2013 Mar 23.

International Multicenter Study: Asymptomatic Carotid Emboli Study (ACES).

International Multicenter Register: European Register of Antileptic Drugs and Pregnancy (EURAP).

Cochrane Neurological Network: Systematic Reviews and Metaanalysis in Neurology.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (Sweden)
Dianalund Epilepsy Centre (Denmark)

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);
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;
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);
member of ESO (European Stroke Organisation) Trials Network Committee;
Coordinator in SITS (Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke) and member of SITS-EAST;
Lead Investigator in EuroHYP-1 trial.

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).

Assoc. Prof. 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.

Assoc. Prof. I. Bičkuvienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. 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.

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.  
Associate professors : 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. Linkevičienė (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. Rastenienė (part-time), P. Kalesinskas (part-time), V. Zaleckienė (part-time), R. Lekavičiūtė (part-time), R. Savickas (part-time), R. Žaliūnienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: V. Janulytė, K. Sveikata, R. Almonaitienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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 6^th 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 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

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.

Main publications:

Sveikata, K., Balčiūnienė, I., Barkus, A., Tutkuvienė, J., 2013. Vyresnių nei 45 metų amžiaus Vilniaus miesto gyventojų dantų netekimo veiksniai. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 15(1), 22–28.

Almonaitienė, R., Balčiūnienė, I., Tutkuvienė, J., 2013. Prevalence of oral habits and their impact on facial parameters in Lithuanian children 4 to 9 years of age. Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19(1), 31–38.

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

The aim of the study is to determine the supply and requirement of dental specialists in Lithuania and present the planning projections. 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, Assoc. Prof. 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). The 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. Assoc. Prof. V. Brukienė, Assoc. Prof. 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, Assoc. Prof. 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.

Main publications:

Žaliūnienė R., Aleksejūnienė J., Pečiulienė V., Brukienė, V. 2013. Dental health and disease in patients with haemophilia - a case-control study. Haemophilia. Malden : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc. p.

Emergency Treatment Features in Cases of Maxillofacial and Neck Infections of Odontogenic Origin. R. Rastenienė, Prof. A. Pūrienė, Assoc. Prof. 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 6^th 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 6^th 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 behavior 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. Assoc. Prof. 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.

Main publications:

Dumbrytė, I., Linkevičienė, L., Malinauskas, M., Linkevičius, T., Pečiulienė, V., Tikuišis, K., 2013. Evaluation of enamel micro-cracks characteristics after removal of metal brackets in adult patients. European Journal of Orthodontics, vol. 35(3), 317–322.

Matulevičienė, A., Preikšaitienė, E., Linkevičienė, L., Radavičius, M., Molytė, A., Utkus, A., Kučinskas, V., 2013. Heterogeneity of Oral Clefts in Relation to Associated Congenital Anomalies. Medicina, vol. 49(2), 61–66.

Wear Simulation Effects on Overdenture Stud Attachments. V. Rutkūnas, 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 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.

Main publications:

T. Linkevičius, E. Vindašiūtė, A. Puišys, L. Linkevičienė, N. Maslova, A. Pūrienė. The influence of the cementation margin position on the amount of undetected cement. A prospective clinical study. Clinical oral implants research. ISSN 0905-7161 2013, 24(1): 71-76.

Linkevičius, T., Puišys, A., Vindašiūtė, E., Linkevičienė, L., Apse, P., 2013. Does residual cement around implant-supported restorations cause peri-implant disease? A retrospective case anglysis. Clinical oral implants research, vol. 24(11), 1179–1184.

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: 4^th vs 7 ^th 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.

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

The aim is 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.

National Research Projects

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. 2011–2013.

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 R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Malmö University (Sweden)
Institute of Stomatology, Riga P. Stradinś University (Latvia)
Tokyo Medical and Dental University (Japan)
Vancouver University (Canada)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Pečiulienė –

editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry);
editorial board member of the European Journal of General Dentistry.

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.

Assoc. Prof. 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.

Assoc. Prof. V. Brukienė –

editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry);
editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva.

Dr. J. Rimkuvienė –

editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry).

Assoc. Prof. S. Drukteinis –

editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva.

Dr. L. Linkevičienė –

editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva.

Dr. R. Bendinskaitė –

editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva.

DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, FORENSIC MEDICINE AND PHARMACOLOGY

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

Head – Prof. Dr. Virginija Grabauskienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Laurinavičius, Habil. Dr. V. Basys, Habil. Dr. R. Dubakienė, Dr. V. Grabauskienė, Dr. D. Characiejus.
Associate professors : Dr. N. Janulevičiūtė, Dr. A. Jasulaitis, Dr. D. Vaitkienė. Dr. J. Gulbinovič, Dr.A. Laurinavičienė, Dr. A. Barakauskienė, Dr. E. Žurauskas, Dr. J. Kasnauskienė.
Lecturers: Dr. A. Rimkevicius, Dr. M. Balčiūnas, Dr. K. Ivanauskas.
Assistants: U. Mickys, D. Petroška, 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, J. Plenta, J. Stasiūnienė, K. Garuolienė.
Research fellow: Dr. D. Bironaitė (part-time).
Doctoral students: I. Būtiene, V. Sniečkus, D. Dasevičius, D. Daunoravičius, S. Laima, I. Lisauskienė , V. Rutkauskaitė, I. Baltrušaitytė, S. Mažeikienė.

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

The molecular mechanisms of the allergic diseases formation among Lithuanian population, development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies

Genesis and gnoseology of violence

Utilization of cardiovascular medications and impact on changes in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in Lihuania

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

The diagnostic gold standard of myocarditis and inflammatory cardiomyopathy (iDCM) is EMB with the histological and IHC criteria and viral PCR. The use of these new diagnostic tools has evolved in a better identification of the aetiology of iDCM and development of novel treatment strategies. We are searching new immunohistochemical and molecular biology biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and disease progression of iDCM and for patients’ selection for novel aetiology-directed treatment strategies.

Main publications:

Sūdžius, G., Mieliauskaitė, D., Šiaurys, A., Vilienė, R., Butrimienė, I., Characiejus, D., Dumalakienė, I. Could the complement component C4 or its fragment C4d be a marker of the more severe conditions in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome? Rheumatology International. Heidelberg : Springer. 2013.

Investigation of Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Cancer Patients. Prof. D. Characiejus, Prof. F. Jankevičius, Assoc. Prof. R. Eidukevičius, PhD student V. Rutkauskaitė. 2012–2015.

The presence of T lymphocytes within a tumour or in peripheral blood is correlated with longer survival of cancer patients. However, it is not clear which subsets of T lymphocytes are the most important for the control of neoplastic disease. The aim of the study is to find prognostic significance of T lymphocyte subsets for overall survival of children with cancer after standard treatment. Collection of flow cytometric and clinical data has been continued during 2013.

Main publications:

Otter, D., van Moorselaar, W., Jacobs, R.J., Lipczynski, Z., Pašukonienė V., Characiejus, D., Jankevičius, F., Eidukevičius, R., et al., 2013. Role of Marker Lesion when Applying Intravesical Instillations of IL-2 for Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects in Two Pilot Studies. Anticancer Research, vol. 33, 2099–2105.

Lymphoma biomarkers, clinico-pathological correlations. Prof. L. Griškevičius (Haematology, mentor), Prof. A. Laurinavičius (consultant), PhD student D. Dasevičius, Assistant U. Mickys. 2008–2013.

O 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.

Main publications:

Kleinotienė, G., Pošiūnas, G., Raistenskis, J., Žurauskas, E., Stankevičienė, S., Daugelavičienė, V., Machaczka, M., 2013. Liposomal amphotericin B and surgery as successful therapy for pulmonary Lichtheimia corymbifera zygomycosis in a pediatric patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia on antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole. Medical oncology. Totowa : Humana Press, vol. 30(1), 433 [1–7].

Venius, J., Žurauskas, E., Rotomskis, R., 2013. High Resolution Imaging of the Human Cardiac Conduction System Using Reflectance Confocal Microscopy. Tohoku J. Exp. Med., vol. 229, 67–73.

Genesis and Gnoseology of Violence . Assoc. Prof. A. Jasulaitis, Assoc. Prof. D. Vaitkienė, Assist. J. Plenta, PhD students V. Sniečkus, S. Laima. 2013–2015.

Comparative analysis of 1422 cases of violence of children agaist children was carried out, with particular emphasis on distribution causes and consequences. Most children suffer from different types of violence, while the most common type of violence is physical violence. A trend towards decrease of violence against children was determined. However, it has to be pointed out that determination of cases of violence may not be adequate, because information is not complete in all cases.

The molecular mechanisms of the allergic diseases formation among Lithuanian population, development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies. Prof. R. Dubakienė, PhD student I. Būtienė. 2008–2016.

The most common food allergens were assessed and changes in prevalence of sensitization to them during first 30 months of life were analysed, also the role of possible determinants for the development of food allergies, such as genetic background, maternal diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding, way of birth, infections, medicines, psycho-social and environmental factors, were examined and different food allergy diagnostic methods were evaluated. According to the data results guidelines for food allergy diagnosis in small children have been provided.

Main publications:

Būtienė, I., Dubakienė, R., 2013. Dažniausiai alergiją maistui sukeliantys produktai ir įsijautrinimo jiems kaita per pirmuosius dvejus su puse gyvenimo metų. Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija, vol. XVI(2), 5309–5320.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Investigation of molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and for aetiology-directed treatment strategies of inflammatory cardiomyopathy. (No. MIP-086/2012). Prof. V. Grybauskienė. 2012–2013.

The aim is to identify biopsy proved etiopathogenetic markers of non-ishemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) for diagnosis of distinct disease sub-entities. 51 patients (38 men, 46.33±11.98 years) with DCM have undergone EMB examination including IHC staining (CD3,CD4,CD68,CD45ro,HLA-DR,ICAM-1) and viral genome detection by polymerase chain reaction. Our approach should help identify four specific subgroups of patients for possible etiology-driven treatment strategies and for recruitment in future multicentre studies.

Research Council of Lithuania. Bioluminescence imaging of lymphocytes in antitumour reactions MIP-046/2013. Prof. D. Characiejus, J. Juršėnaitė, Z. Valuckienė. 2013–2015.

Methods of optical imaging open new avenues for studies of immune antitumour reactions. The aim of this project is to investigate the lymphocyte migration and proliferation in vivo using bioluminescence imaging equipment and to determine whether these properties of lymphocytes are related to their antitumour effect. During 2013, antitumour effect of transferred lymphocytes has been studied in murine B16 melanoma model.

Research Council of Lithuania. Lithuanian National Non-infectious diseases programme allergy project “Alrigen” ( No. LIG- 02/2012). Project leader – Prof. R. Dubakienė.

The aim of ALRIGEN project is to study genetic and environmental based on birth cohort. 93 cohort children and 77 their family members were partially evaluated. New system for PGR for FCER1A gene VNP rs2251746 genotype detection was created and optimised. It was establish that in the control and allergy group system FCER1A gene VNP rs2251746 C/T ir C/C genotipe are more frequent in the study group comparing with the control (p=0.046). In the study and control group it was found that CD14 gene VNP rs2569190 A/A genotype is statistically significant in the control group comparing to study group (p<0.05).

Main publications:

Le, T.M., Bublin, M., Dubakiene, R., et al., 2013. Kiwifruit allergy across Europe: clinical manifestation and IgE recognition patterns to kiwifruit allergens. The journal of allergy and clinical immunology, vol. 131(1), 164–171.

Development of complex biomarkers for the evaluation of clinical significance of prostate cancer. Project manager (research leader) – Prof. J. Lazutka, Chief researcher – Prof. A. Laurinavičius.

The main goal of current project is to select new molecular biomarkers of prostate cancer (gene mutations and epimutations, changes in gene and microRNA expression, etc.) that can help more precisely predict the course of the disease and allow the use of the most appropriate treatment, thereby reducing the number of unnecessary radical interventions and improving patients’ quality of life. Biomarkers indentified in our previous studies will be further evaluated together with new biomarkers that would be selected on basis microarray analysis. The sensitivity of the method will be increased by using sample micro-dissection that will allow to separate tumor cells from normal stromal cells. Special attention will be paid to the search and analysis of biomarkers urine sediments and blood plasma. Identification and validation of such biomarkers will allow expanding range of non-invasive disease prognosis methods.

Research Council of Lithuania. A comprehensive biomarker intra-tumour heterogeneity evaluation by digital immunohistochemistry image analysis (operational programme for human resources development for 2001 –2013, (NR.VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-03-051) Support to Research Activities of Scientists and Other Researcher (Global Grant). Research leader – Prof. A. Laurinavičius, Senior researcher - Prof. Ian Ellis, Prof. Paulette Herlin, Researcher – A. Laurinaviciene, Ph.D., junior researchers: I. Baltrušaitytė, R. Meškauskas.

We aim to develop and test methodologies of intra-tumour heterogeneity assessment based on various techniques of immunohistochemistry (IHC) digital image analysis and tissue microarray (TMA) simulations. Principles of stereology and image texture analysis will be applied to arrive to best strategies. Selected methodologies will be optimised for efficient and robust application on whole slide images (WSI) and TMA. Validated tools will be applied on well-characterised breast cancer patient cohorts in Caen, Nottingham, and Vilnius to derive new generation of prognostic models, based on multivariate analyses of the IHC biomarker expression taking into account spatial heterogeneity of the events. The methodologies developed and prognostic models obtained will be cross-validated in this multi-centre study. This work is innovative due to the integration of mathematical theories to the domain of human pathology diagnosis in terms of methodology, quantitative analysis, and added value of newly developed tumour heterogeneity metrics.

Main publications:

Laurinavičius, A., Besusparis, J. Didžiapetrytė, J., Radžiuvienė, G., Meškauskas, R., Laurinavičienė, A., 2013. Digital Immunohistochemistry: New Horizons and Practical Solutions in Breast Cancer Pathology. Diagnostic Pathology, vol. 8(Suppl 1), S15.

Research Council of Lithuania. Pharmacist assistants (Pharmatechnicians) professional development in the pharmaceutical specialisty. Nr. VP1-2.2-ŠMM-04-V-06-017. K. Ivanauskas, PhD. October 01, 2013–June 30, 2015.

International Research Projects

FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IRSES project Sarcomere based Signals in Muscle Remodelling, acronym SARCOSI Nr.291834. – People Marie Curie Actions International Research Staff Exchange. Prof. V. Grybauskienė. 2011–2015.

In SARCOSI, eight European laboratories that have demonstrated scientific excellence and complementary expertise in the field of sarcomeric signalling will team up. The network structure also reflects 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.

FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IAPP project Academia and Industry Collaboration for Digital Pathology AIDPATH Marie Curie Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways (IAPP). Prof. A. Laurinavičius. 2013–2017.

The scientific and technology programme of the AIDPATH project will research and develop fundamental technologies underpinning digital pathology. Thus, it will research and develop technologies to optimize the imaging pipeline including standardizing and calibrating the display of digital slide images. It will research and develop mathematical models and computer software tools for processing, analysing and mining tissue-derived images of cancers. Using a systems approach, biologically and clinically useful features and information will be extracted for integrated disease modelling to provide deep comprehensive holistic insights into the relations of various disease patterns and thus laying the foundation for personalized treatment and medicine.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (USA)
Leuven University, Leuven (Belgium)
Ruprecht-Karls-universitat Heidelberg, EMBL (Germany)
University Hospital Gießen and Marburg (Germany)
Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University (Sweden)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Grabauskienė –

National coordinator of Euro Heart Survey Programme (ESC);
fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC);
member of the European Association of Echocardiography (EAE) of the ESC;
member of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC;
member of the American Society of Echocardiography;
UEMS (European Union of Medical Specialist) Diploma of European Cardiologist Nr.52546;
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;
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;
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 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).

Prof. A. Laurinavičius –

member of the International Society of Nephrology;
affiliate-member of the College of American Pathologists;
member, Clinical Nephrology Committee, Lithuanian Association of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation;
member, European Society of Pathology;
vice-chairman of the board of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Diagnostic Pathology;
chairman, Management Board, Lithianian Association of Health Informatics and Bioinformatics.

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 Poediatric Society.

Assoc. Prof. N. Janulevičiūtė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Immunology.

Assoc. Prof. R. Kazakevičius –

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

Assoc. Prof. E. Žurauskas –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

Assoc. Prof. D. Vaitkienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

Assoc. Prof. A. Laurinavičienė –

president of Lithuanian Association of Pathology Technologists.

Assoc. Prof. J. Kasnauskienė –

member of European Society of Human Genetics;
member of Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics.

U. Mickys –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

R. Meškauskas –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

I. Baltrušaitytė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

D. Petroška –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

CLINIC OF PSYCHIATRY

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

Head – Prof. Vita Danilevičiūtė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. V. Danilevičiūtė, Habil. Dr. A. Dembinskas, Dr. D. Pūras.
Associate professors : Dr. A. Germanavičius, Dr. E. Laurinaitis, Dr. A. Šiurkutė, Dr. B. Diomšina, Dr. A. Navickas, Dr. S. Lesinskienė, Dr. R. Aranauskas.
Lecturers: Dr. A. Deksnytė, Dr. V. Raškauskas, Dr. R. Viliūnienė.
Research fellows: Dr. A. Germanavičius, Dr. A. Dervinytė-Bongarzoni.
Assistants: R. Balčiūnas, I. Gaškaitė, I. Veličkienė, 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: I. Veličkienė, J. Radzevičienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Search for new methods of diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of psychiatric disorders and suicide

The monitoring of mortality due to suicides in Lithuania

The estimation of suicide risk factors for Lithuanian population demographics, biosocial, clinical

The evaluation of the prevention methods of the suicides

Research of psychiatric clinical symptoms and biological markers of anxiety disorders among somatic patients

Development and implementation of evidence-based policies and practices in the field of child and adolescent mental health and developmental pediatrics

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

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. 2009–2013.

During 2013 Clinic of Psychiatry concentrated on research on anxiety disorders. Research of biological markers for patients with different anxiety disorders has been conducted. Publication of anxiety disorders is in process of preparation. We started to collect data on addictive disorders and published review on alcoholic withdrawal. Data on psychological trauma and psychotic disorders has been collected. Research on gender identity has been performed. We started cooperation with endocrinologist concerning suicidal behaviour.

Main publications:

Seibutytė, A., Navickas, A., Grigonis, S., 2013. Lyties tapatumo sutrikimo (transseksualumo) ypatumai (literatūros apžvalga). Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19(1), 72–80.

Vasiljevienė, L., Navickas, A., Subata, E., Danilevičiūtė, V., 2013. Alkoholinės abstinencijos sindromas: klinikinis įvertinimas ir gydymo taktika. Neurologijos seminarai, vol. 17(1)(55), 5–12.

Mikaliūnas, J., Danilevičiūtė, V., Laurinaitis, E., 2013. Trauma – disociacija – psichozė, arba ryšio tarp psichologinių traumų ir psichiatrinės patologijos beieškant (I dalis). Neurologijos seminarai, vol. 17(57), 181–190.

Research on Suicide Behaviour and Implementation of the Suicide Prevention Methods in Lithuania. Assoc. Prof. A. Navickas. 2011–2015.

Research of suicidal behaviour among alcohol and drug addict patients; epidemiological analysis of suicidal behaviour within Vilnius population; comparative analysis of suicides among EU countries; meta-analysis of suicidal behaviour and endocrine diseases; a study of a link between antidepressant use and suicidal behaviour in Lithuania. Results were presented at 1 national and 3 international conferences, 1 scientific article was published and 4 are prepared for publishing.

Main publications:

Seibutytė, A., Grigonis, S., Navickas, A., Danilevičiūtė, V., 2013. Endokrininių sutrikimų sąsajos su savižudišku elgesiu (literatūros apžvalga). Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19(3), 304–310.

Complex Care for Children with Mental and Developmental Disorders: Implementation of the Model and Evaluation of Need for Services. Prof. D. Pūras. 2010–2013.

Management of mental, behavioural and developmental disorders in children and adolescents: development of effective model of services and evaluation of need of services.

Further research was carried out on the need of services for children with mental, behavioural and developmental disorders, with results and conclusions indicating about existing gaps in the system of services and the necessity of essential changes in developing mental health services for children and adolescents.

Main publications:

Lesinskienė, S., Kovess, V., Pilowsky, D.J., Boyd, A., Pez, O., et al., 2013. Parental Smoking in the Vicinity of Children and Tobacco Control Policies in the European Region. EHESP Rennes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, EA 4069 Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France. PLoS ONE (Impact Factor: 4.09), vol. 8(2), e56783. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0056783.

Veniūtė, M., Pūras, D., 2013. Visuomenės psichikos sveikatos svarba Europos ir Lietuvos politikos kontekste. Sveikatos mokslai, vol. 23(2), 5–11.

Lesinskienė, S., 2013. Savęs žalojimas tarp vaikų ir jaunuolių. Pediatrija, vol. 1(60), 64–68.

National Research Projects

European Social Fund (ESF): Study on Risk Factors for Public Ill-mental Health and Planning of Preventive Measures. Assoc. Prof. A. Germanavičius. 2011–2013.

Analysis of National Health Insurance databases (Sveidra) on usage of psychiatric services (both in-patient and out-patient) was performed along with qualitative surveys of three focus groups. Representative population survey was carried out with 626 respondents on mental-ill health, risk factors, types of used care and resilience factors identified and recommendations for strategic planning were presented.

Main publications:

Germanavičius, A., Žemaitienė, N., Kazlauskas, E., Pakalniškienė, V., Valantinas, V., Andreikėnaitė, V., 2013. Study on risk factors for public ill-mental health and planning of preventive measures (Visuomenės psichikos sveikatos rizikos veiksnių studija ir prevencinių priemonių planavimo krypčių nustatymas). Vilnius: Valstybinis psichikos sveikatos centras.

International Research Projects

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

In January 2013 selection procedure of Vilnius city schools was performed in accordance of

the protocol. In February 2013 experts from Pedagogical psychological service of Vilnius

Municipality were involved into project as professional intervention groups’ leaders. In March 2013 training seminar for experts and volunteers on study procedures was organized. In April 2013 invitation letters were sent to selected schools. Since May 2013 interventions and surveys in schools were performed.

Main publications:

Hadlaczky, G., Carli, V., Sarchiapone, M., Värnik, A., Balázs, J., Germanavičius, A., et al., 2013. 2947 – Suicide prevention through internet based mental health promotion: the supreme project. European Psychiatry, vol. 28, Supplement 1, p. 1.

D’aulerio, M., Carli, V., Iosue, M., Basilico, F., De Marco, A.M., Recchia, L., Balazs, J., Germanavičius, A., et al., 2013. 1849 – Young and suicide prevention programs through internet and media: supreme. European Psychiatry, vol. 28, Supplement 1, p. 1, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0924-9338(13)76813.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Lithuanian University of Heath Sciences, Medical Academy, Clinic of Psychiatry (Lithuania)

Institute of Psychiatry Kings College, London (UK)
Viena S. Freud private university (Austria)
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of Heidelberg University (Germany)
Vilnius University, Faculty of Philosophy (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Danilevičiūtė –

vice-president of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
scientific board member of the 8^th International conference of forensic psychiatry Reflection of reality – norm and pathology;
scientific board member of the international conference Diversity of psychiatric problems.

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).

Assoc. Prof. 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);
president of European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP).

Assoc. Prof. A. Šiurkutė –

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

Assoc. Prof. 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);
member of commitee for strategic planning of mental health care development in Lithuania 2008–2013 at the Ministry of Health.

Assoc. Prof. 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);
chief editor, board member of the journal Psichiatrijos žinios (News of Psychiatry);
member of section on classification, diagnostic assessment, nomenclature of World Psychiatric Association.

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).

Prof. D. Pūras –

chairman of Scientific Committee and plenary presenter of the EU Presidency conference Mental health: challenges and possibilities, Vilnius, October 10–11, 2013;
member of International Advisory Board of the Congress of European Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (ESCAP) Dublin (Ireland), June 6–10, 2013;
rditorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public health).

Assoc. Prof. S. Lesinskienė –

consultant for child and adolescent psychiatry, Ministry of Health 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. 236 5177
Fax 236 5177
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Algirdas Edvardas Tamošiūnas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. E. Tamošiūnas, Dr. R. N. Valevičienė.
Associate professors : Dr. J. Dementavičienė, Dr. S. R. Letautienė. Dr. R. Briedienė, Dr. E. Aleknavičius, Dr. R. Grigienė.
Lecturers: Dr. A. Samuilis, Dr. B. Gricienė.
Junior researcher: K. Kristinaitytė.
Assistant: J. Stankevičienė.
Doctoral students: D. Rutkauskaitė, D. Vajauskas, A. Brazaitis, D. Palionis, A. Neverauskienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Indications and evaluation of the diagnostic effect of new radiodiagnostic methods

Assessment of myocardial viability by combined CMR protocol in patients with chronic coronary heart disease and chronic left ventricular systolic dysfunction, in evaluation of right ventricle function in chronic pulmonary embolism, assessment of complex congenital heart diseases

Neuroradiology, magnetic resonance angiography

Telemedicine, picture archiving and communication system

Development of new technologies, methods of early cancer detection and treatment interventions

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

New non-invasive imaging techniques in acute and chronic diseases.

We aimed to assess a natural fate of iron overload (IO) following transfusions of packed red blood cells (PRBC) in children treated for various types of cancer and non-malignant disorders according to the intensity level of a treatment. 66 children were followed up from February 2010 to March 2013. Conclusion is that in the Level 4 patients IO is detectable following years after cessation of transfusions although iron deposits diminish over the time.

We have investigated over 100 patients performing cardiac MIBG scintigraphy and cardiac MIBG SPECT for assessment of global and regional cardiac adrenergic innervation deficit. Semi quantitative data of global (early and late H/M (heart mediastinum) ratio, WR (washout) ratio) and regional (early and late summed denervation scores, denervation extent expressed in % and scores and extent difference) were acquired. Statistical analysis of global and regional cardiac adrenergic innervation data were performed for correlation with cardiac heart failure markers, response to treatment prediction and evaluation, prediction of adverse cardiac reaction and cardiac death.

International Science Programs 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.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INOVATION) PARTNERS

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 Radiologists’ Association;
board member of Ultrasound Association.

Prof. N. R. Valevičienė -

member of the Lithuanian Radiologists’ Association (LRA);
member of the steering committee of ehealth project, the project ehealth coordinator;
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.

Assoc. Prof. J. Dementavičienė -

editorial board member of the journal Theory and Practice in Medicine;
President of Lithuanian Radiologists’ 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.

J. Stankevičienė -

member of the Lithuanian Radiologists’ Association (LRA).

Assoc. Prof. R. Briedienė, PhD -

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

Assoc. Prof. S. R. Letautienė, PhD -

member of the Lithuanian Radiologists’ Association;
head of of Lithuanian Society of Oncology;
member of Lithuanian Society of Radiotherapy;
member of European Society of Radiology (ESR);
member of Lithuanian Association of Medical Physics and Engineering;
member of the Association of Oncology Societies.

R. Grigienė, PhD -

member of the Lithuanian Radiologists’ Association (LRA);
head of Vilnius Radiologists Society;
member of European Society of Radiology (ESR);
member of Lithuanian Cancer Society;
member of Lithuanian Society of Radiotherapy.

A. Samuilis, PhD-

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

B. Gricienė, PhD -

member of the Lithuanian Radiation Protection Society (LRRS).

K. Kristinaitytė -

member of Lithuanian Association of Medical Physics and Engineering.

DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION, PHYSICAL AND SPORTS MEDICINE

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

Head – Prof. Dr. Alvydas Juocevičius

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Juocevičius, Dr. M. Tamulaitienė, Dr. V. Alekna.
Associate professors : Dr. R. Dadelienė, Dr. D. Janonienė, Dr. J. Raistenskis.
Lecturers: Dr. I. E. Jamontaitė, Dr. S. Lenickienė, Dr. I. Muntianaitė, Dr. A. Valiulis, Dr. J. Indriūnienė.

Assistants: A. Adomavičienė, L. Aučynienė, J. Bernatavičius, A. Budejienė, A. Cirtautas, J. Kesienė, S. Kilkutė, L. Mikulėnaitė, N. Puidaitė-Davidavičienė, I. Raudonytė, L. Varnienė, L. Būtėnaitė, G. Tamošaitytė, R.Venskaitis, J. Kupčiūnas, D. Žigarienė.

Doctoral students: I. Slivovskaja, I. Tvarijonienė, A. Adomavičienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

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 prognosis in patients with movement disturbances; to perform comparable examination of comprehensive rehabilitation prognostication, using functional status evaluation.

In 2013, the staff of the Department continued performance of comparable examination and methodology development of comprehensive rehabilitation effectiveness prognostication. On the base of these data, 6 articles were published in scientific journals, and research workers took part at international (7 oral and 6 poster presentations) and in Lithuanian (2 reports) scientific meetings.

Main publications:

Kaklauskas, A., Zavadskas, E.K., Lapinskienė, V., Šliogerienė, J., Gudauskas, R., Raistenskis, J., Čerkauskienė, R., Jackutė, I., Kumzaitė, S., 2013. Multiple-Criteria Analysis of Life Cycle of Energy-Efﬁcient Built Environment. In: Pacheco Torgal, F.; M. Mistretta; A. Kaklauskas; CG. Granqvist; LF. Cabeza, (Eds.). Nearly Zero Energy Building Refurbishment. A Multidisciplinary Approach, 299–324.

Borgstrom, F., Lekander, I., Ivergard, M., Alekna, V., Silverman, S., Tamulaitienė, M., et al., 2013. Kanis. The International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study (ICUROS) - quality of life during the first 4 months after fracture. Osteoporos Int, vol. 24(3), 811–823.

Tvarijonienė, I., Juocevičius, A., 2013. Biologinio grįžtamojo ryšio efektyvumas lavinant pacientų po insulto pusiausvyrą. Gerontologija, vol. 14(2), 85–90.

MAIN RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION PARTNERS

National Rehabilitation Centre Vaivari (Latvia)
Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre (Estonia)
Karolinska Institutet (Sweden)
Notwill Rehabilitation Centre (Switzerland)
Hannover medical school (Germany)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Habil Dr. 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;
chairman of working groups of the rehabilitation field studies programmes, self-study programmes.

Prof. M. Tamulaitienė –

editorial boardl member of the journal Gerontologija;
member of the self-assement work group of Rehabititation field studies programmes.

Prof. Habil. Dr. V. Alekna –

editor-in-chief of the journal Gerontologija;
vice-President of Lithuanian Society of Geriatricians;
president of Lithuanian Osteoporosis Foundation.

Assoc. Prof. D. Janonienė –

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

Dr. I. E. Jamontaitė –

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

Dr. S. Lenickienė –

delegate of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS - PRM) Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Section and Board.

A. Cirtautas –

committee member of the Occupational Therapy Undergraduate studies programme delegate of ENOTHE.

A. Adomavičienė –

member of the work group of Rehabililation studies programmes, under Education and Science Ministry.

CLINIC OF RHEUMATOLOGY, TRAUMATOLOGY-ORTHOPAEDY AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5303
Fax 236 5302
E-mail:

Head: Prof. Habil. Dr. Algirdas Venalis

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. A.Venalis, Habil. Dr. N. Porvaneckas, Habil. Dr. K. Vitkus, Dr. I. Butrimienė.
Associate professors : Dr. M. Kocius, Dr. S. Stropuvienė, Dr. R. Rugienė, Dr. L. Zabulienė.
Lecturers: Dr. S. Ryliškis, Dr. I. Šatkauskas, Dr. M. Minderis.
Research fellows: Dr. R. Rugienė.
Doctoral students: J. Janavičius, G. Stundžaitė-Baršauskienė, G. Kvederas, T. Sveikata, D. Karpec.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of rheumatic diseases

Photoactivation for diagnostics and treatment

Light emitting diodes effect in systemic sclerosis patients

Peculiarities of applying biological therapy to rheumatic patients in Lithuania

Evolution of immunogenicity in rheumatic patients with anti-TNF treatment

Early arthritis

Vitamin D status in Rheumatoid arthritis patients

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 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Results in vivo study: spectroscopic studies have shown that the inflammatory joints from the control places can be distinguished by the higher blood reabsorption in the 550–600 nm spectrums. The autofluorescence spectral comparisons of RA patients hand with healthy tested hands emphasised a presumption of combining quantitative changes in the degree of spectral forms to the inflammation. However, the presumption is based on the need for further research. Spectroscopic detection system has been improved.

Results in vitro study: samples for in vitro study of synovial and cartilage tissues were obtained as postoperative tissue during articular replacement surgery from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) (n=6) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n=6). The findings demonstrated a clear perspective for the selective synovial sensitization with endoporphyrins, as compared with cartilage, which was particularly remarkable during the initial incubation period.

National Research Projects

Development of Lithuanian Database of Biologic Therapy for the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases. Supervisor: I. Butrimienė, Coordinator: I. Arštikytė. Since 2007, Ongoing.

With the help of IT specialists a software program was created for developing a medical database for patients treated with biological therapy in Lithuania. The Bioethics Committee of Lithuania on November 14, 2007 issued a permit to conduct this biomedical research project Creation of a Lithuanian database of Rheumatic illness. Since 01 December, 2007, data of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondilitis, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with biologics is entered in the Lithuanian database of biologic therapy in rheumatic diseases (BIOLIT) from 5 Centres of Rheumatology across Lithuania.

By December 2013 information was collected and recorded from 342 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondilitis, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with biologics in the Centre of Rheumatology at Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Klinikos (total 1972 questionnaires). We continue analyzing patients’ data concerning treatment efficacy, drug immunogenicity and adverse events profile.

Peculiarities of Applying Biological Therapy to Rheumatic Patients in Lithuania. Prof.

I. Butrimienė, I. Arštikytė. Since 2007, ongoing.

Data obtained from the database of biological therapy for the treatment of rheumatic diseases in Lithuania is used for analysis of peculiarities of applying biological therapy to rheumatic patients in Lithuania. The data collected from paper questionnaires and in digital format are used only by researchers. This research is conducted according to the Law on Patient Confidentiality, i.e. only scientific research findings will be published.

The conclusions from the analysis of the results will help determine the optimal drug choice indications and methods.

Main publications:

Putrik, P., Ramiro, S., Kvien, T.K., Sokka, T., Pavlova, M., Uhlig, T., Boonen, A., 2013. Working Group. Inequities in access to biologic and synthetic DMARDs across 46 European countries.‘Equity in access to treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Europe’. Ann Rheum Dis. Mar 6.

Evolution of Immunogenicity in Rheumatic Patients with Anti-TNF Treatment. Supervisor: I. Butrimienė. Coordinator: I. Arštikyte. 2012–2014.

The project is devoted to the investigation of secondary failure of treatment of rheumatica patients with anti-TNF. Patients treated with anti-TNF are investigated for the concentration of medication and antibodies to the drug. Correlation of these parameters with clinical effectiveness, adverse events and other possible events will be determined.

International Research Projects

The EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) initiated multicentral Online study Minimum Essential Data Set. Cordinator: Walker, Ulrich A. University Basel

Minimal essential data set (MEDS) Online is an international registry established by the European League against Rheumatism scleroderma trial and research (EUSTAR), which collects data from over 8000 patients from 92 centres worldwide, including 21 European centres (R. Rugiene in Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos) and 9 centres outside Europe. Center contribution: clinical patient data input online, updated on an annual basis.

Early rheumatoid arthritis outcomes.

The aim of the study was to compare mortality in early rheumatoid arthritis cohorts, comparing patients from Lithuania and Finland (Jyvaskyla Central Hospital Jyvaskyla, Finland and Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania). It was a 13-year follow-up study.

Main publications:

Sokka, T., Stropuvienė, S., Kautiainen, H., Dadonienė, J., Rannio, T., 2013. Mortality in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Comparing Lithuania and Finland. A 13-Year Follow Up. Conference: 77th Annual Meeting of the American-College-of-Rheumatology / 48th Annual Meeting of the Association-of-Rheumatology-Health-Professionals Location: San Diego, CA Date: OCT 25-30, 2013 Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism, vol. 65 Special Issue: SI Supplement: 10 p.

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis to Target: Are Recommendations Met? A Multinational Study of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis who Receive Usual Care in 33 Countries.

Cordinator: Prof. Sokka Tuulikki. Center Central Finland Healthcare District: Jyvaskyla Central Hospital. All 140 clinicians in 86 clinics who participate in QUEST-RA are invited collaborate in the present study (S. Stropuvienė at Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos).

Aim is to study whether the recommendations of treatment targets in patients with RA are met in 86 clinics in the 33 QUEST-RA countries (Project called Quantitative Standard Monitoring of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (QUEST-RA) was established in 2005 with the objectives to promote quantitative assessment in usual rheumatology care, and to develop a baseline cross-sectional database of consecutive RA patients seen outside of clinical trials in regular care in many countries; to study trends of clinical measures of disease activity and in patient reported outcomes in 2011–2013 compared to the QUEST-RA baseline in 2005–2009. Thus, two cross sectional cohorts 4–5 years apart in each clinic will be compared.

EULAR initiated multicentral study Development and Validation of a New Patient Reported Outcome (Pro) Questionnaire to Estimate Vitamin D Status (D-Pro) and its Correlation with Quality of Life, Disease Activity and Disability in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Europe. Coordinator: Prof. I. Butrimienė. 2012–2015.

As a part of the above mentioned study 25(OH)D₃ serum levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) population were investigated in 2013, looking for correlations with disease activity and specific autoantibodies. The data from this investigation will be presented at the 9th International Congress on Autoimmunity (Nice, March 26–30, 2014).

EMerging EUlar NETwork (EMEUNET). Diana Karpec is a working group member and country liaison of EMEUNET. EMEUNET is a EULAR working group of young clinicians and researchers in rheumatology. The objectives of EMEUNET are to promote education, perform research, widen collaborations and integrate with EULAR activities. Being country liaison Diana Karpec is responsible for disseminating and promoting provided information amongst young clinicians and scientists within country. As working group member she belongs to the website subgroup (www. eular.emeunet. org) and is the co-author of recently adapted survey on rheumatology specialists training features in Europe.

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 Anesthesiology and Intensive Care of Vilnius University and Department of Clinical Science and Education, Section of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Karolinska Institutet/So¨dersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.

The optimal timing of pneumatic lower limb tourniquet application during primary elective total knee arthroplasty 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 limb pneumatic tourniquet application affect the outcome for TKA patients.

Main publications:

Kvederas, G., Porvaneckas, N., Andrijauskas, A., Svensen, C.H., Ivaškevičius, J., Mazunaitis, J., Marmaitė, U., Andrijauskas, P., 2013. A randomized double-blind clinical trial of tourniquet application strategies for total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, vol. 21, 2790–9.

Markevičius, V., Andrijauskas, A., Navikas, D., Svensen, C., Porvaneckas, N., Andriukaitis, D., Kvederas, G., Činčikas, D., Andrijauskas, P., 2013. Statistically Biased Calibration Method for the Real-time Adjustment of Noninvasive Haemoglobin Measurements in Semiautomated Infusion System. Electronics and Electrical Engineering, vol. 19(7), 65–71.

Andrijauskas, A., Sakavičiūtė, I., Ivaškevičius, J., Porvaneckas, N., Činčikas, D., Kvederas, G., 2013. Crystalloids and colloids: aspects of their co-administration in perioperative fluid therapy. Lithuanian Surgery, vol. 12(1–2), 13–19.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

VU Faculty of Physics, Department of Quantum Electronics (Lithuania)
State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine (Lithuania)
Tuulikki Sokka-Isler, MD, PhD Jyvaskyla Central Hospital (head of international QUEST-RA project) (Finland)
The EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (Italy)
The European League against Rheumatism (Switzerland)
Karolinska Institutet/So¨dersjukhuset, Stockholm (Sweden)

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 Reumatologijos seminarai (Seminars in Rheumatology) and Gerontologija;
co-president of the organizing committee of annual conference Vilnius Rheumatology Seminars;
editorial board member of the journal Rheumatology (Poland).

Prof. I. Butrimienė –

board member of Opinion Leaders for Biological Therapy, Europe;
member of executive committee for clinical trials in European League against Rheumatism;
president of Lithuanian Arthritis Foundation;
acting secretary of the Lithuanian Rheumatology Association;
editorial board member of the journals Reumatologijos seminarai (Seminars in Rheumatology) and Skausmo medicina ( Pain Medicine) ;
co-president of the organizing committee of annual conference Vilnius Rheumatology Seminars

Assoc. Prof. M. Kocius –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Orthopaedic and Traumatology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Paediatrics;
Lithuanian coordinator of Bone and Joint Decade (WHO);
member of the European Society of Orthopaedic and Traumatology (EFORT);
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (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 Reumatologijos seminarai (Seminars in Rheumatology).

Dr. S. Stropuvienė -

EULAR Standing Committee on Education and Training (ESCET) , Delegate member;
editorial board member of the journals Reumatologijos seminarai (Seminars in Rheumatology).

Dr. R. Rugienė –

editorial board member of the journals Reumatologijos seminarai (Seminars in Rheumatology);
member of the organizing committee of annual conference Vilnius Rheumatology Seminars;
member of The EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR);

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING AND FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE

57 Antakalnio, LT-10207 Vilnius
Tel. 271 1176
Fax 234 4261
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Danutė Kalibatienė

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. D. Kalibatienė, Habil. Dr. V. Gaigalaitė, Habil. Dr. R. Ėmužytė (part-time), Dr. V. Alekna (part-time), Dr. S. Cicėnas (part-time).
Associate professors : Dr. V. Ožeraitienė, Dr. A. Gradauskas.
Lecturers: Dr. R. Staigis, Dr. S. Varvuolytė, Dr. A. Mikaliūkštienė, Dr. Ž.Visockienė (part-time), M. Buitkus (part-time), R. Trakymienė (part-time).
Assistants: V. Karpavičienė, A. Rimantienė, D. Šniukaitė Adner, Dr. R. Šturienė (part-time), R. Stundžienė (part-time), J. Stankūnienė (part-time), V. Kielaite (part-time), R. Verikienė (part-time), I. Dailidkienė (part-time), E. Gruodytė (part-time).
Senior specialist: Z. Svirid.
Specialists: E. Kuzienė, I. Gimžauskienė.
Doctoral students: V. Sinkevičienė, A. Šalaviejūtė, R. Stundžienė, V. Karpavičienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Investigation of etiopathogenetic risk factors of internal diseases

Development of optimal methods of diagnosis in ischemic cerebral and cardiovascular diseases, internal diseases (gastrointestinal, diabetes, bone), paediatric allergology, allergology and Clinical immunology, abdominal surgery

Quality of life of patients with internal diseases

Investigation of new factors influencing cancer treatment efficiency

Nursing needs of patients with internal, surgical, mental, children’s diseases

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Research of the Etiopathogenesis of Internal Diseases, Detection of Optimal Diagnostic and Treatment Methods. Prof. D. Kalibatienė. 2013–2017.

The aims were: to investigate association between structure of atherosclerotic plaque (AP) in internal carotid artery and myocardial infarction (MI), as well as to elucidate factors which may determine expansion of APs into coronary arteries; to determine relation between quality of the life and disease and social factors of patients with type 2 diabetes in Lithuania; to evaluate nutritional status of children of 6–23 months in Vilnius city and nursing duration, timelessness of additional feeding, variety of diet, schedule of feeding in relation to age of children, age of mother, education, financial condition, and experience in raising children.

Main publications:

Gaigalaitė, V., Ožeraitienė, V., Kalibatienė, D., Laurikėnas, K., Sababaliauskienė, Z., 2013. Association between Structure of Atherosclerotic Plaques in Carotid Arteries and Myocardial Infarction. Kardiologiia , vol. 53(9), 21–25. Russian. (ISI Web of Science, Index Medicus, Medline, SCI-EXPANDED, SSCI, A&HCI, CPCI-S, CPCI-SSH).

Mikaliūkštienė, A., Juozulynas, A., Narkauskaitė, L., Žagminas, K., Sąlyga, J., Stukas, R., 2013. Quality of life in relation to social and disease factors in patients with type 2 diabetes in Lithuania. Med Sci Monit, DOI: 10.12659/MSM.883823; 19:165-174.

Ozery-Flato, M., Parush, N., El-Hay, T., Visockienė, Ž., Ryliškytė, L., Badarienė, J., Solovjova, S., Kovaitė, M., Navickas, R., Laucevičius, A., 2013. Predictive models for type 2 diabetes onset in middle-aged subjects with the metabolic sindrome. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, vol. 5, 36. doi:10.1186/1758-5996-5-36.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

National Centre of Pathology (Lithuania)
Institute of Oncology of Vilnius University, Laboratory of Biomedical Physics (Lithuania)
Faculty of Physics of Vilnius University (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. D. Kalibatienė -

member of the Interuniversity Committee for Nursing studies and research;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Internists;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine;
board member of the Society of Lithuanian Nurses with University Education.

Prof. V. Gaigalaitė -

member of Lithuanian Society of Neurology;
member of Lithuanian Society of Stroke;
editorial board member of the journal Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika.

Prof. R. Emužytė -

president of Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
chair of the Organizing Committee of the National Conference of Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
chair of National board of experts for Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
National representative of EAACI Education and Training Committee – Paediatric Allergology (ETC–PA);
National representative of European ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) Committee;
National representative of WHO Collaborating Centre;
editorial board member of the journals: Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology), Alergologija ir klinikinė imunologija (Allergology and Clinical Immunology); Alergia astma immunologia (Allergy Asthma Immunology), Pediatrija (Paediatrics);

Assoc. Prof. V. Ožeraitienė -

member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners;
member of the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN);
editorial board member of the journal Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika.

Assoc. Prof. A. Gradauskas –

vice-president of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
board member of the Lithuanian Association of Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Dr. A. Mikaliūkštienė –

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 5307
Fax 236 52 11
E-mail:

Head – Academician 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.
Associate professors : Dr. S. Aidietienė, Dr. E. Berūkštis, Dr. R. Karalius, Dr. B. Petrauskienė, Dr. (HP) K. Ručinskas, Dr. A. Rudys, Dr. R. Steponėnienė, Dr. V. Tarutis, Dr. G. L. Vilkevičius.
Lecturers: Dr. Ašakienė I. (part-time), Dr. J. Barysienė (part-time), Dr. G. Davidavičius (part-time), Dr. M. Gutauskas (part-time), Dr. P. Jurkuvėnas, Dr. R. Kūgienė (part-time), Dr. J. Misiūra Dr. S. Sudikas (part-time), Dr. R. Vaitkevičius (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. B. Abraitienė 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. (HP) 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, D. Palionis (part-time), R. Puronaitė, Dr. L. Ryliškytė, Dr. P. Semėnienė, A. Simanavičienė, Dr. R. Sipavičius (part-time), Dr. M. Sučila, Dr. B. Vaišnytė (part-time), Dr. A. Valaika, B. Valatkaitė, Dr. D. Zakarkaitė (part-time), A. Zorinas.
Assistants: V. Bilkis (part-time), A. Dailydkienė (part-time), R. Katliorius (part-time), R. Peldžius, T. Tamošiūnas.
Doctoral students: A. Aliachmed, A. Baranauskas, L. Bezuška, G. Burneikaitė, V. Janušauskas, D. Kairevičiūtė, V. Maneikienė, R. Navickas, A. Navickienė, E. Rinkūnienė, S. Solovjova, E. Uždavinytė-Gatelienė, A. Zorinas.

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 infants

New possibilities of hybrid (interventional and surgical) and minimally invasive technologies in cardiovascular medicine

Investigation of vascular dysplasias

Investigation of endothelial function in the patients with acute peripheral arterial disease

Introduction of intraoperative angiography and analysis of the results

Analysis of the endovenous treatment results

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

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.

In 2013 till now were examined 173,178 persons at primary health care institutions and 1,342 high-risk patients at Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Klinikos. We continue to analyse the patient’s cardiovascular risk profile and the relationship between some risk factors (e.g. arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome and others) in the group of 23,204 subjects.

More than five hundred new subjects with metabolic syndrome and inflammatory diseases were included into the ongoing study of the prognostic value of arterial markers, and about 200 follow-up visits in subjects with metabolic syndrome with detailed assessment of arterial properties were carried out.

Main publications:

Ozery-Flato, M., Parush, N., El-Hay, T., Visockienė, Ž., Ryliškytė, L., Badarienė, J., Solovjova, S., Kovaitė, M., Navickas, R., Laucevičius, A., 2013. Predictive models for type 2 diabetes onset in middle-aged subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, vol. 5, 36.

Laucevičius, A., Rinkūnienė, E., Skorniakov, V., Petrulionienė, Ž., Kasiulevičius, V., Jatužis, D., Ryliškytė, L., Badarienė, J., Klumbienė, J., Šlapikas, R. Kizlaitis, R., 2013. High-risk profile in a region with extremely elevated cardiovascular mortality. Hellenic Journal of Cardiology, vol. 54(6), 441–447.

Rinkūnienė, E., Petrulionienė, Ž., Dženkevičiūtė, V., Kutkienė, S., Puronaitė, R., Kizlaitis, R., Laucevičius, A., 2013. Tradicinių rizikos veiksnių paplitimas tarp pacientų, sergančių arterine hipertenzija. Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19(2), 124–129.

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.

We built and tested multiple logistic regression models. Next step was to use automated vendor-suggested software with automatic export of data to Excel tables. The most informative 18 parameters for at least one stenosis per patient were selected. Created software automatically makes the prognosis of significant stenosis, and its performance looked very promising in model derivation cohort. However, in new study group for model validation, predictive value significantly dropped down.

Main publications:

Grigaliūnienė, A., Ramonas, A., Čelutkienė, J., Šileikienė, V., Rudys, A., Juocevičius, A., Laucevičius, A., 2013. Cardiorespiratory Parameters of Exercise Capacity in a Healthy Lithuanian Population: The Pilot Study. Hellenic Journal of Cardiology, vol. 54, 107–118.

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

Data of less invasive surgical approach of treatment of coronary artery disease are being collected. Methods of hybrid approach are implemented into clinical practice. We are participating in clinical trial and collecting data on less invasive hybrid approach of treatment of end stage coronary artery disease with left ventricular aneurysms, and our first data were evaluated.

Main publications:

Verižnikovas, J., Ivaškevičienė, L., Čypienė, R., Kalinauskas, G., 2013. Kartotinės aortokoronarinių jungčių suformavimo operacijos (literatūros duomenų apžvalga). Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19(1), 44–48.

Valaika, A., Kalinauskas, G., Samalavičius, R., Ivaškevičienė, L., Butkuvienė, I., Uždavinys, G., 2013. Daugybinė vainikinių arterijų revaskuliarizacija su šešiomis ir daugiau aortovainikinėmis jungtimis. Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19(1), 11–16.

Butkuvienė, I., Ivaškevičienė, L., Nogienė, G., Semėnienė, P., Valaika, A., 2013. Kairiojo skilvelio remodeliacija: chirurginė revaskuliarizacija (apžvalga). Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19(1), 49–55.

Hybrid and Minimally Invasive Procedures in Cardiovascular Medicine. Prof. Dr. (HP) A. Aidietis, Assoc. Prof. K. Ručinskas. 20102015.

18 high risk patients had percutaneus transfemoral aortic valve implantation. 9 patients had biatrial minimally invasive surgical ablation for lone atrial fibrillation with bipolar radiofrequency device. A new treatment modality for the mitral valve regurgitation implemented and mastered into the clinical practice. Using minimally invasive approach through the small lateral thoracotomy artificial chordae for prolapsing mitral valve segment are introduced and applied through the apex of the left ventricle. The procedure is performed off cardiopulmonary bypass. 15 procedures took place.

Main publications:

Ručinskas, K., Janušauskas, V., Zakarkaitė, D., Aidietienė, S., Samalavičius, R., Speziali, G., Aidietis, A., 2014. Off Pump Transapical Implantation of Artificial Chordae to correct Mitral Regurgitation. Single Center Experience. Early Results. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, vol. 147(1), 95–99.

Seeburger , J., Rinaldi, M.,Nielsen, S.L.,Salizione, S.,Lange, R.,Alfieri, O.,Borger, M.A.,Mohr, F.W., Aidietis, A., 2013. Off pump transapical implantation of artificial chordae to correct mitral regurgitation (TACT trial) - proof of concept. J Am Coll Cardiol. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2013.07.090.

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

In 2013 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. These results were summarized in doctoral thesis Evaluation of early and late results and predetermining factors after carotid artery angioplasty and stenting defended by N. Misonis. Additionally, intracranial artery stenting procedures were successfully implemented into clinical practice. Initiation of mechanic thrombectomy systems for the recanalisation of occluded artery in acute ischemic stroke was successfully completed.

Main publications:

Misonis, N., Palionis, D., Tamošiūnas, A., Zabulis, V., Ryliškienė, K., Jatužis, D., 2013. Early ischemic brain lesions after carotid angioplasty and stenting on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging study. Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine, vol. 19, 13–20.

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

The results of the surgical treatment of the d-transposition of Great Arteries (TGA) during the period from 1977 to 2013 years of 102 patients in Vilnius University Heart Surgery Centre were analyzed. The last period results – 97% successful repair of TGA are comparable with the results in EACTS paediatric database - 96% successful repair in European centres of congenital heart surgery. The main conclusion of our analysis is that even in small to moderate caseload paediatric heart surgery centre the surgery of complex congenital heart defects is possible with excellent results.

Main publications:

Matačiūnas, M., Zeleckienė, I., Gumbienė, L., Tarutis, V. Tamošiūnas, V., Laucevičius, A., 2013. Multidetector computed tomographic angiography in evaluation of neonates with suspected extracardiac congenital heart disease: experience in Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Klinikos. Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine, vol. 19, 9–12.

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

Retrospective analysis of local vascular complications from 23514 patients who underwent coronarography through femoral artery was carried out. Retrospective analysis of carotid arteries lesions in 150 patients with peripheral vascular disease was carried out. The studies of visceral arteries aneurysms, endovascular and hybrid treatment of aorta dissecations and aneurysms, the results of venous laser and radiofrequency treatment, results of treatment for vascular malformations are continued.

Main publications:

Vaišytė, B., 2013. Ekstrakranijinės arterioveninės malformacijos (literatūros apžvalga). Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19(1), 56–64.

Vaišytė, B., Vajauskas, D., Palionis, D., Nevidomskytė, D., Misonis, N., Bilkis, V., Sučila, M., Gutauskas, M., 2013. Complicated Congenital Gluteal Arteriovenous Malformation With Hemorrhage in Pregnancy. Ann Vascular Surgery, vol. 27(6), 803.e7-803.e13.

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

The group of 45 patients before minimally invasive surgical procedure for atrial fibrillation was studied for postoperative incidence of asymptomatic cerebral embolisation by the means of brain MRI. Follow-up studies are underway.

The group of 67 patients with NYHA class II–IV systolic heart failure and wide QRS complexes was studied for alterations of cardiac adrenergic innervation by MIBG studies. Clinical data were studied and matched to MIBG results, and two publications are being prepared.

Main publications:

Proclemer, A., Dagres, N., Marinskis, G., Pison, L., Lip, G., Blomstrom-Lundqvist, C., 2013. Current practice in Europe: how do we manage patients with ventricular tachycardia? European Heart Rhythm Association survey. Europace, vol. 15(2), 167–169.

Pison, L., Proclemer, A., Bongiorni, G., Marinskis, G., Hernandez-Madrid, A., Blomstrom-Lundqvist, C., 2013. Imaging techniques in electrophysiology and implantable device procedures: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey. Europace, vol. 15(9), 1333–1336.

Bongiorni, M.G., Proclemer, A., Dobreanu, D., Marinskis, G., Pison, L., Blomstrom-Lundqvist, C., 2013. Preferred tools and techniques for implantation of cardiac electronic devices in Europe: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey. Europace, vol. 15(11), 1664–1668.

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

New treatment modality implemented into the clinical practice. Patients in heart failure with post infarction left ventricle aneurism are operated by hybrid methodology. The geometry and the volume of the left ventricle are restored by plication of the aneurism. Ankers are applied under direct x-ray control off the cardiopulmonary bypass. Coronary artery bypass grafting is performed when indicated. For the first time this operation was performed through the minimal thoracotomy.

Main publications:

Wechsler, A.S., Sadowski, J., Kapelak, B., Bartus, K., Kalinauskas, G., Ručinskas, K., Samalavičius, R., Annest, L., 2013. Durability of epicardial ventricular restoration without ventriculotomy.European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, vol. 44: e189–e192.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Investigation of Molecular Biomarkers for Diagnosis and for Aetiology-Directed Treatment Strategies of Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy. (No. MIP-086/2012). Prof. V. Grabauskienė. 2012–2013.

The aim is to identify biopsy proved etiopathogenetic markers of non-ishemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) for diagnosis of distinct disease sub-entities. 51 patients ( 38 men, 46.33±11.98 years) with DCM have undergone EMB examination including IHC staining (CD3,CD4,CD68,CD45ro,HLA-DR,ICAM-1) and viral genome detection by polymerase chain reaction. Our approach should help identify four specific subgroups of patients for possible etiology-driven treatment strategies and for recruitment in future multicentre studies.

Evaluation of the Novel Arterial Markers Considering the Predicted Impairment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function and the Monitoring of its Progression. (VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K). Prof. A.Laucevičius. 2013–2015.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

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)
Southampton University Hospital, Wessex Cardiothoracic Centre (England)
Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (USA)

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 Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, http://www.ktl.mii.lt/LMA/;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Lithuania);
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 journal Journal of Human Hypertension;
editorial board member of the journal Blood Pressure, Europace (ESC);
editorial board member of the journal Cardiology Management;
editorial board member of the journal Cardiology 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.

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).

Prof. G. Marinskis –

editor-in-Chief of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine;
member of the Credentials Committee;
member of European Society of Cardiology;
president of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
board member of Lithuanian Heart Association.

Prof. Ž. Petrulionienė -

editorial board member of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine;
editor of chapter Cardiologic Seminars of the journal Internistas (Internist);
President of Lithuanian Heart Association.

Assoc. Prof. A. Aidietienė -

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

Assoc. Prof. V. Grabauskienė –

national coordinator of Euro Heart Survey Programme (ESC);
fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC);
member of the European Association of Echocardiography (EAE) of the ESC;
member of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC;
member of the American Society of Echocardiography;
UEMS (European Union of Medical Specialist) Diploma of European Cardiologist Nr.52546;
member of the European Association for Predictive, Preventive and Personalized Medicine (EPMA);
member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons.

Assoc. Prof. A. Grebelis –

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

Assoc. Prof. R. Karalius –

member of the European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery;
vice-president of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
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;
member of local organizing committee of National 15th Congress of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons, 15 November 2013, Birštonas, Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. V. Tarutis –

member of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery;
President of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
chairman of local organizing committee of National 15th Congress of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons, 15 November 2013, Birštonas, Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. 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 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 Paediatric Cardiology;
member of local organizing committee of National 2nd conference Pulmonary hypertension. 8 November 2013 Vilnius, Lithuania.

Dr. Ž. Katliorienė -

member of the Lithuanian Society of Paediatric Cardiology.

Dr. D. Liekienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Paediatric 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);
member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons.

Dr. J. Misiūra –

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

Dr. S. Sudikas –

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

Dr. M. Sučila –

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

Dr. B. Vaišnytė -

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

Assoc. Prof. B. Abraitienė, Prof. Dr. A. Aidietis, Assoc. Prof. E. Berūkštis, Assoc. Prof. V. Grabauskienė, Assoc. Prof. L. Ivaškevičienė, Prof. A. Kibarskis, Prof. Dr. G. Marinskis, Lecturer J. Misiūra, Assoc. Prof. B. Petrauskienė, Assoc. Prof. A. Rudys, Assoc. Prof. 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.

Assoc. Prof. L. Ivaškevičienė, Dr. R. Čypienė, Dr. G. Kalinauskas, Dr. V. Lebetkevičius, Dr. D. Liekienė, Dr. R. Malickaitė, Dr. G.Nogienė, Dr. G. Norkūnas, Assoc. Prof. Dr. 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, Assoc. Prof. Dr. K. Ručinskas -

members of Scandinavian Society of Thoracic Surgery.

CLINIC OF CHILDREN’S DISEASES

4 Santariškių, LT- 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.
Associate professors : Dr. R. Čerkauskienė, Dr. S. Dumčius, Dr. O. Kinčinienė Dr. I. Narkevičiūtė, Dr. V. Panavienė, Dr. L. Ragelienė, Dr. O. Rudzevičienė, Dr. V. Urbonas, Dr. R. Vankevičienė, Dr. V. Žilinskaitė.
Senior research fellows: Dr. R. Ėmužytė, Dr. R. Firantienė.
Lecturers: Dr. J. Grikinienė, Dr. R. Kemežys, Dr. G. Kleinotienė, Dr. S. Petraitienė, Dr. J. Rascon.
Junior research fellows: Dr. B. Skerlienė, N. Giedraitė, V. Lukošienė, R. Morkūnienė, I.Stancevičienė.
Doctoral students: G. Bernotavičius, S. Burokienė, I. Ivaškevičienė, R. Ivaškevičius, A. Jagelavičienė, D. Montvilaitė, S. Rusonienė, R. Samaitienė, R. Selvestravičius, 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 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Regulation of Causes and Outcomes of Children's Diseases, Traumas and Inborn Anomalies . Prof. V. Usonis. 2013–2017.

Associations between EEG data, sleep, behavioural disorders and clinical characteristics in Rolandic epilepsy were investigated; white blood cell count at diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leucemia as a prognostic factor in children treated in Lithuania and the Nordic countries was evaluated; food allergy in Lithuanian birth cohort was investigated; evidence-based guidance on when and how to test for allergy in children based on common presenting symptoms suggestive of allergic diseases was provided; assessment of the development of blood-induced joint damage in children with hemophilia in relation to different treatment strategies was performed; the burden of arthropathy in Lithuanian patients who had been treated exclusively by on-demand substitution and compare their physical joint health with age-matched Danish patients who received prophylaxis from an early age was investigated, the unequivocal effect of prophylaxis on joint status was demonstrated and gave an insight into early and late manifestations of joint impairment based on the HJHS in haemophilia patients with treatment on-demand compared with joint changes that may develop over the time with the preventative treatment; recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) products provide a safe and efficacious replacement therapy for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with severe haemophilia A and it was shown that turoctocog alfa, a new rFVIII product, was safe, effective in treatment of bleeding episodes and had a prophylactic effect in paediatric patients; the significance of nasal potential difference (NPD) in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) in children with clinical symptoms suggestive of the disease, positive sweat test results, and/or genetically confirmed diagnosis was estimated; a 10-year survey was performed in order to determine the prevalence, risk factors and outcome for ecapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) in children and it was shown that EPS in European children on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is comparable with that of adult PD patients, but mortality from paediatric EPS is significantly lower, a high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of EPS in children with longer dialysis duration, a high peritonitis rate and UF failure; two new HEV-C (EV-C117 and EV-C118) were identified in the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Pediatric Research Initiative (CAP-PRI) study, and the characterisation of the complete genome of one EV-C117 strain (LIT22) and two EV-C118 (ISR38 and ISR10) strains were described.

Main publications:

Piralla, A., Daleno, C., Scala, A., Greenberg, D., Usonis, V., Principi, N., Baldanti, F., Esposito, S., 2013. Genome characterisation of enteroviruses 117 and 118: a new group within human enterovirus species C. PLoS ONE [Elektroninis išteklius], vol. 8(4), e60641, 8 p.

Valiulis, A., Skurvydienė, I., Misevičienė, V., Kasnauskienė, J., Vaidelienė, L., Utkus, A., 2013. Relevance of nasal potential difference in diagnosis of cystic fibrosis among children. Medicina, vol. 49(4), 185–190.

Shroff, R., Stefanidis, C.J., Askiti, V., Edefonti, A., Testa, S., Ekim, M., Jankauskienė, A., et al., 2013. Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in children on chronic PD: a survey from the European Paediatric Dialysis Working Group. Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation, 28.

Tamošiūnas, P.L., Simutis, K., Kodzė, I., Firantienė, R., Ėmužytė, R., Petraitytė-Burneikienė, R., Žvirblienė, A., Sasnauskas, K., 2013. Production of human parvovirus 4 VP2 virus-like particles in yeast and their evaluation as an antigen for detection of virus-specific antibodies in human serum. I ntervirology, vol. 56(5), 271–277.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. emeritus A. Raugalė –

member of the Council of Vilnius Paediatric Society;
editor-in-chief of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology).

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);
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;
vicepresident of Vilnius Medical Society;
vicepresident of Lithuanian Neonatology Association;
member of the Council of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
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;
member of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine (EAPM).

Prof. A. Jankauskienė –

president of Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Nephrology;
member of Lithuanian Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Association;
member of International Paediatric Nephrology Association;
member of the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology;
member of International Paediatric Hypertension Association;
member of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
President of the national conference Peritoneal dialysis, March, 2013;
President of the national conference Diagnostics, complications and treatment of urinary tract infections, October 10, 2013.

Prof. V. Usonis –

teaching staff member of Paediatric Infectious Diseases Programmee of the Department for continuing education of University of Oxford;
member of Central European Vaccination Advisory Group (CEVAG);
expert on vaccine-related issues at the European Disease Control Centre (ECDC);
vice-President and a board member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
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 Paediatric Infectious Disease Journal;
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);
Chairman of Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association (BALTIPA);
Chairman of the 8th Conference of Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association The Winter of Immunopropylaxis; January 24, 2013;
President of the 7^th Vilnius Course 2013, October 14–15, 2013;
Chairman of the conference of Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association Art of knowledge of pneumococcal vaccine, January 25, 2013;
Chairman of 9th conference of Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association Allergy and Vaccines, May 23, 2013;
Chairman of the conference of Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association Update of Immunoprophylaxy, September 29, 2013;
Chairman of the Educational Workshop Academy of communication experience (ACE) for scientists, February 25 –27, 2013.

Prof. A. Valiulis –

President of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
Lithuanian Delegate in European Academy of Paediatrics (CESP);
Lithuanian Delegate in European Paediatric Association (UNEPSA);
President of the Lithuanian Paediatric Respiratory Society;
Vice-chairman of the Committee of Mother and Child of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
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);
editorial board member of ISI journal (Impact factor 2.77) Paediatric Respiratory Reviews;
national Coordinator of WHO project Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD);
member of Strategic Paediatric Alliance for the Future Health of Children in Europe (EAP-EPA-ECPCP);
President of the annual conference of Association of ERS (European Respiratory Society) members of the Republic of Lithuania, June 28–29, 2013;
President of the national conference Annual Conference of Lithuanian Paediatric SocietyHealth of Lithuanian Children 2013, May 10, 2013;
President of IPOKRATES courses Paediatric Asthma: Proved, Innovative, Provocative, October 10–12, 2013;
Chairman of 17th Vilnius International Paediatric Pulmonology Conference – School, April 26–27, 2013;
Chairman of National Seminar of the Commission of PASS Standards of Pulmonology and Alergology, February 22–23, 2013;
President of the 9th National conference devoted to the World Day of COPD Autumn of Pulmonology and Allergology, November 22, 2013.

Dr. R. Čerkauskienė –

Vice-president of Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Nephrology;
member of Lithuanian Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Association;
member of International Pediatric Nephrology Association;
member of Vilnius Paediatric Society;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine).

Assoc. Prof. S. Dumčius –

member of the European Respiratory Society;
member of the European Cystic Fibrosis Association;
editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology).

Dr. R. Ėmužytė –

editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology);
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);
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
pastmember at large of Executive Committee of European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI);
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;
Chairman of the national conference Allergology and Clinical Immunology 2013, May, 2013.

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,
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);
member of the European Federation of Endocrine Societies (EFES);
member of International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD).

Dr. O. Kinčinienė –

president of the Lithuanian Paediatric Cardiology Society;
deputy editor of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
Chairman of the national conference of Lithuanian Paediatric Cardiology Society, May 3, 2013.

Assoc. Prof. 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);
member of the peer review board of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology).

Assoc. Prof. V. Panavienė –

member of Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (PRES);
national representative in the PRES Training and Education committee;
member of Paediatric Rheumatology International Trial Organisation (PRINTO);
member of the Council of Lithuanian Rheumatology Association;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
editorial board member of the journal Reumatologija (Rheumatology).

Assoc. Prof. L. Ragelienė –

President of Baltic Society for Pediatric Oncology and Haematology;
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);
Chairman of International seminar Advances in Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Children, January 31, 2013;
President of the national conference Update on the diagnostics of homeostasis pathology, March 1, 2013;
President of International seminar Endocrine Pathology in Pediatric Cancer, May 3, 2013.

Dr. O. Rudzevičienė –

member of the European Academy of Paediatrics (CESP Delegates: Lithuania);
member of the Council of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
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);
Chairman of the national conference Update of paediatric allergology 2013, October, 2013.

Dr. B. Skerlienė –

member of Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM);
member of the Baltic Metabolic Group;
member of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
member of Vilnius Paediatric Society;
member of Lithuanian Paediatric Cardiology Society;
member of Lithuanian Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition;
member of Lithuanian Rheumatology Association;
member of Lithuanian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology and Neurosonology;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
international editorial board member of the journal Medycyna Środowiskowa(Environmental Medicine) (Poland).

Dr. V. Urbonas –

member and representative of the Baltic countries of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN);
President of the Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition;
Vice-president of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
consultant as paediatric gastroenterologist at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
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 the national conference of Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, April 26, 2013;
Co-chairman of the national conference of Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, November 11, 2013.

Dr. R. Vankevičienė –

editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
member of the Council of Vilnius Paediatric Society;
member of the Council of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
member of Lithuanian Paediatric Cardiology Society.

Dr. V. Žilinskaitė –

President of the Lithuanian Paediatric Intensive Care Society;
member of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
Chairman of the annual conference of Lithuanian Paediatric Intensive Care Society Actualities of Transfusion and Infusion Therapy in Paediatrics, April 4, 2013;
Chairman of the national conference of Lithuanian Paediatric Intensive Care Society, December 6, 2013, Vilnius.

I. Ivaškevičienė –

member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
executive secretary of Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association;
member of the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID);
member of the Young ESPID (European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases) Society;
member of Central European Vaccination Advisory Group (CEVAG).

R. Ivaškevičius –

member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
member of Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association;
member of the European Respiratory Society (ERS).

CLINIC OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, FAMILY PRACTICE AND ONCOLOGY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius

Tel. 236 5075

E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Virginijus Šapoka

STAFF

Professors: Dr. V. Šapoka , Dr. V. Kasiulevičius, Dr. V. Alekna , Dr. L. Griškevičius, Dr. N. Samalavičius, Dr.V.Ostapenko (part-time), Dr. J. Didžiapetrienė (part-time).
Associate professors : Dr. V. Urbanavičius, Dr. E. Mišeikytė Kaubrienė, Dr. L.Vencevičienė (part-time), Dr. J. Urbelienė (part-time).
Lecturers: S. Grigonis, Dr. A. Abraitienė , Dr. V. Pečeliūnas, Dr. V. Dženkevičiūtė, Dr. A. Marcijonienė (part-time), Dr. S. Paulauskienė (part-time), Dr. Ž. Gudlevičienė.
Assistants: Dr. K. Simanauskas (part-time), A. Slobinas (part-time), S. Tulytė (part-time), L.Vaitkevičiūtė (part-time), D. Diglys (part-time).
Doctoral students: K. Simanauskas, A. Bleizgys, V. Andrejevaitė, V. Rudaitis, R. Aškinis, A. Krasauskas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Etiopathogenesis, Diagnostics, Treatment of Diseases: Fundamental and Clinical Research, Innovative Technologies

Early diagnostics and prevention of non-infection diseases in family practice

Bone metabolic processes in geriatric patients and non-infection chronic diseases

Biomarker research in Hematology and Oncology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Early Diagnostics and Prevention of Non-Infection Diseases in Family Practice. Prof. V. Šapoka, Assoc. Prof. V. Kasiulevičius. 2013–2018.

The association between early atherosclerosis and hypertension in adolescents

Case–control study was conducted during the period 2008–2012 at Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Klinikos. The patients were 17–18 years old. Two study groups were designed: a case group, involving subjects with primary arterial hypertension and a control group, involving healthy patients without primary arterial hypertension, visiting health professionals for prophylactic health check–ups.

This is the first study in Lithuania presenting complex assessment of physical and mental health of healthy adolescents as well as of those with primary arterial hypertension. We found out that in case of primary arterial hypertension in adolescence development of early structural and functional changes of internal carotid artery takes place; these changes are determined by arterial hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption and activity of inflammation process. The influence of arterial hypertension of the platelets aggregation function, reaction of degranulation and formation of platelets-monocytes complexes in adolescents was assessed for the first time. It was demonstrated in the study that arterial hypertension and increased body mass has an effect on behavioural and emotion disorders and may increase cardiovascular risk.

Main publications:

Simanauskas , K., Šapoka, V., Kasiulevičius, V., Ryliškienė, K., Jankauskienė, A., Matuzevičienė, R., Rekašius, T., 2013. Antsvorį turinčių paauglių elgesio ir pažinimo funkcijų savitumai. Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojas, vol. 17(1), 13–19.

Simanauskas, K., Petkutė, I., Šapoka, V., 2013. Nuo paauglystės iki senatvės: trombocitų funkcinis aktyvumas sergant pirmine arterine hipertenzija. Gerontologija, 3.

Final results of prognostic factors analysis in cases of advanced epithelial cancer .

In 2013 descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics. The normality of the distribution was assessed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Student-t and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate the differences between the two independent normally and non-normally distributed data sets, respectively. The differences between independent two qualitative data groups were evaluated by Fisher exact test. Risk factors for PFS and OS were assessed by Cox regression analysis. Factors found to be significant in univariate Cox regression analysis were entered into multivariate Cox model with stepwise model selection process. Survival trends were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method. A two-tailed p-value less than 0.05 considered to be significant. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) package version 9.2.

Main publications:

Janavičius, R., Rudaitis, V., Feng, B.J., Ozolina, S., Griškevičius, L., Goldgar, D., Tihomirova, L., 2013. Haplotype analysis and ancient origin of the BRCA1 c.4035delA Baltic foundermutation, Eur. J. Med. Genet, vol. 56(3), 125–30.

Weight reduction and cardiovascular risk.

The aim of the study was to evaluate blood glucose, insulin resistance indices and adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) levels in morbidly obese individuals with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus and to and compare changes of these parameters 1 year after weight loss procedure.

Initally in morbidly obese subjects with type 2 diabetes adiponectin and leptin levels (8.98±6.79 µg/ml and 34.90±15.54 ng/ml) were not statistically significantly different when compared to non-diabetic patients with similar anthropometric characteristics (11.19±7.2 µg/ml and 38.74±17.43 ng/ml). Significant weight loss is associated with increase in adiponectin secretion in non-diabetic morbidly obese patients. In subjects with type 2 diabetes it results in significant reduction in blood glucose and insulin resistance, but not improvement of adiponectin secretion. In both non-diabetic and diabetic patients adiponectin level correlates negatively with insulin resistance, but not with BMI, whereas an association of leptin level and insulin resistance is more complex and depends on the level of obesity.

Main publications:

Matulevičius, V., Ostrauskas, R., Preikša, R.T., Žilaitienė, B., Verkauskienė, R., Urbanavičius, V., Banišauskaitė, I., Matulevičiūtė, I., Jurevičiūtė, J., Abramavičius, S., 2013. Lietuvos 26-36 metų metų vyrų seksualinės funkcijos sandara. Seksualinė medicina, vol. 1, 8–14

Matulevičius, V., Ostrauskas, R., Jurgevičienė, N., Urbonaitė, B., Preikša, R.T., Žilaitienė, B., Matulevičiūtė, I., Jurevičiūtė, J., Banišauskaitė, I., Abramavičius, S., Verkauskienė, R., Urbanavičius, V., 2013. Lietuvos 26-36 metų metų vyrų sergančių 1 tipo cukriniu diabetu seksualinės funkcijos sandara. Lietuvos endokrinologija, vol. 21(1–4), 49–54.

Matulevičius, V., Ostrauskas, R., Verkauskienė, R., Preikša, R.T., Urbanavičius, V., Jurevičiūtė, J., Banišauskaitė, I., Matulevičiūtė, I., 2013. Androgenus sekretuojantis antinksčių auglys. Lietuvos endokrinologija, vol. 21(1–4), 92–96.

Urbanavičius, V., Abalikšta, T., Brimas, G., Abraitienė, A., Gogelienė, L., Strupas, K., 2013. Comparison of Changes in Blood Glucose, Insulin Resistance Indices, and Adipokine Levels in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Subjects With Morbid Obesity after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding. Medicina, Kaunas, vol. 49(1), 9–14.

Clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of Cushing disease.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the management and outcomes of patients with Cushing disease seen in single centre in Vilnius, Lithuania. The study involved retrospective data collection from charts of patients who were admitted to the centre between 1995–2012. 60 patient cases were reviewed, 7 cases of confirmed Cushing disease and 16 cases of possible Cushing disease were identified and studied. Due to the small number of confirmed disease cases data on the disease management and outcomes were not published. It is planned to establish collaboration with another endocrinology referral centre in Kaunas and to start joint study on Cushing disease in Lithuania.

Bone Metabolic Processes, Variation of Platelet Haemostasia in Geriatric Patients and Non-Infection Chronic Diseases. Prof. V. Šapoka, Prof. V. Alekna. 2009–2013.

The associations of histomorphometric indices of skeletal muscle with body composition in men with age-related sarcopenia

Total body fat mass, percentage body fat, lean mass, percentage lean mass, bone mineral content and bone mineral density were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (iDXA, GE Lunar, USA). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) calculation was based on the sum of muscle mass in all four limbs. It was found that the minimum calculated fiber length is 102.2 μm, the highest fiber length is 349.4 μm. Average fiber length - 180.8 μm. The fiber cross-sectional area is measured from 639 to 3116 μm². The average fiber cross-sectional area is 2110±125.6 μm². The association between fiber parameters and body composition components is analyzed in men with age-related sarcopenia. It was found that mean fiber cross-sectional area is significantly positively associated with total body lean mass, leg muscle mass and weakly with total hip BMD. Muscle strength and balance are not significantly related to cross-sectional fiber area in age-related sarcopenia. There is no significant correlation between fiber type and body components or physical performance.

Main publications:

Marozik, P., Mosse, I., Alekna, V., Rudenko, E., Tamulaitienė, M., Ramanau, H., Strazdienė, V., et al., 2013. Association of VDR, COL1A1 and LCT gene polymorphisms with bone mineral density in Belarusian women with severe postmenopausal osteoporosis. Medicina, Kaunas, vol. 49(4), 177–184.

Borgström, F., Lekander, I., Ivergård, M., Ström, O., Svedbom, A., Alekna, V., Tamulaitienė, M., et al., 2013. The International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study (ICUROS) – quality of life during the first 4 months after fracture. Osteoporosis International, vol. 24(3), 811–823.

Biomarker research in Hematology and Oncology. Prof .L. Griškevičius. 2013–2018.

Population analysis of biomarkers of leukemia.

Studies that compare the survival of children and adults with ALL have assessed patients given different treatments, which make it difficult to interpret the results. As adults have a higher frequency of T-ALL and HR cytogenetics and show less favorable response to induction treatment, the critical clinical question is really whether adults and children who are diagnosed and stratified according to identical criteria have different prognoses within each risk group. The poorer response to induction treatment seen in our data is reflected in both a lower CR rate and a reduced proportion of adult patients with MRD<0.1% on day 29.

In the current cohort, the distribution of cytogenetic aberrations showed more t(12;21) and hyperdiploidy among children 1–9 yr of age, more Ic21amp among those aged 10–17 yr, and more MLL in patients older than 18 yr, which confirms observations made in other studies Another noteworthy finding of our study, which can be only partly explained by the presence of T-ALL and MLL rearrangements, is that adults had a significantly poorer response to induction therapy compared with younger patients, even though the tumour burden at diagnosis was inversely correlated with age.

Main publications:

Toft, N., Birgens, H., Abrahamsson, J., Bernell, P., Griškevičius, L., Hallböök, H., Heyman, M., Holm, M.S., Hulegårdh, E., Vaitkevičienė, G., 2013. Risk group assignment differs for children and adults 1–45 yr with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated by the NOPHO ALL-2008 protocol. European Journal of Haematology, vol. 90(5), 404–412.

Optimization of thyroid cancer diagnostics .

The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology was adapted in Lithuania in 2013. Continuing research, refinement of this system in development should help the clinician hone in on the optimum diagnosis and management of indeterminate thyroid nodules in particular and thyroid cancer in general.

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 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 –

Eurodiabetes index 2014 committee, member;
journals Lietuvos endokrinologija (Endocrinology of Lithuania), Medicinos teorija ir praktika ( Theory and Practice in Medicine), Diabetes Review and Internistas (Internist), editorial board member;
endocrinological conferences, member of the organizing committee;
EU funded scientific research projects in diabetes and metabolism, expert;
European association of study of the diabetes, board member.

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 UEMO (European Society of General Practitioner).

Prof. V. Alekna -

President of the Lithuanian Osteoporosis Foundation;
vice- President of theLithuanian 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.

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.
Associate professors : Dr. A. Astrauskienė (part-time), Dr. R. Čepulis, Dr. E. Gefenas (part-time), Dr. A. Germanavičius, Dr. Marija Veniūtė , Dr. V. Jurkuvėnas (part-time), Dr. V. Giedraitis, Dr. J. Kairys (part-time), Dr. V. Miežutavičiūtė, Dr. A. Urbelis, Dr. S. Vainauskas.
Lecturers: Dr. G. Andrulionis (part-time), Dr. L. Ašoklienė (part-time), 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, A. Čekanauskaitė (part-time), Dr. N. Goštautautė-Mittun (part-time), R. Janonienė (part-time), Dr. L. Murauskienė (part-time), Dr. E. Peičius (part-time), Dr. R. Sketerskienė (part-time), Dr. L. Stundžė (part-time), Dr. A. Juodaitė – Račkauskienė (part-time), Dr. R. Vaitkienė (part-time), Z. Javtokas (part-time), Dr. R. Jankauskas (part-time), Dr. J. Stanislavovienė, V. Jaeck.
Research fellows: Dr. A. Dervinytė-Bongarzoni , A. Žalnora, D. Austys, M. Baranauskas (part-time), Dr. A.Valiulis.
Assistants: L. Paškevičius (part-time), I. Paukštytė (part-time), N. Kuprevičienė (part-time), V. Taminskienė, J. Šerepkaitė(part-time) , V. Dobrovolskij (part-time).
Doctoral students: V. Dobrovolskij, A. Žalnora, N. Kuprevičienė, D. Austys, V. Andreikėnaitė, I. Tamulaitytė - Morozovienė, V. Taminskienė.

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 2013

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. One article in a peer reviewed journal was published in the ISI Web of Science database.Two papers were acepted. 4 scientific presentations were read at internacional conferences.

Main publications:

Mastavičiūtė, A., Tamulaitienė, M., Siomin, K., Alekna, V., 2013. Association between BMI and BMD in elderly men. Osteoporosis international. London: Springer London Ldt., 24(suppl. 1): European Congress on Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO13-IOF), 17–20 April 2013, Rome, Italy. p. S336.

Mastavičiūtė, A., Černovas, A., Alekna, V., Strazdienė, V., Tamulaitienė, M., 2013. Relationship between physical activity and BMD in elderly women. Osteoporosis international. London: Springer London Ldt., 24(suppl. 1): European Congress on Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO13-IOF), 17–20 April 2013, Rome, Italy, S333–S334.

Mastavičiūtė, A., Alekna, V., Laurinavičius, A., Tamulaitienė, M., Petroška, D., Strazdienė, V., 2013. Relationship between skeletal muscle mass, strength and physical performance in elderly men with sarcopenia. Osteoporosis international. London: Springer London Ldt., 24(suppl. 1): European Congress on Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO13-IOF), 17–20 April 2013, Rome, Italy, S242.

Tamulaitienė, M., Alekna, V., Strazdienė, V., Marozik, P., Mosse, I., Mastavičiūtė, A., Bradulskytė, A., 2013. Relationship of lactase (LCT) gene polymorphism with bone turnover markers and BMD in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis international. London: Springer London Ldt., 24(suppl. 1): European Congress on Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO13-IOF), 17–20 April 2013, Rome, Italy, S334.

Mikaliūkštienė, A., Juozulynas, J.A., Narkauskaitė, L., Žagminas, K., Sąlyga, J., Stukas, R., 2013. Quality of life in relation to social and disease factors in patients with type 2 diabetes in Lithuania. Medical science monitor. Warsaw: Medical Science International Sp. z o.o., vol. 19(1), 165–174.

Ethical Aspects of Biomedical Reasearch with Human. Assoc. Prof. E. Gefenas. 2009–2015.

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.

Main publications:

Šerepkaitė, J., Valuckienė, Z., Gefenas, E., 2013. ‘Mirroring’ the Ethics of Biobanking: What Analysis of Consent Documents Can Tell Us? Science and Engineering Ethics, 1471–5546.

Williams, J.R., Sprumont, D., Hirtle, M., Adebamowo, C., Braunschweiger, P., Bull, S., Burri, C., Czarkowski, M., Te Fan, C., Franck, C., Gefenas, E., et al., 2013. Consensus standards for introductory e-learning courses in human participants research ethics. Journal of Medical Ethics. London: BMJ Group, 1–4.

Some Aspects of the Activities of the Hygiene Department of Vilnius Stephen Bathory University Faculty of Medicine. Assoc. Prof. V. Miežutavičiūtė, A. Žalnora. 2013.

According to the literary and archival sources, analysis of the activities of the Hygiene Department of Vilnius Stephen Bathory University Faculty of Medicine was done; some new aspects of Medical History and Philosophy Department were described and published.

When in 1919 the University of Stephen Bathory was established, at first there were two departments those of Veterinary and Pharmacy. The Medical History and Philosophy Department was established in 1922 as well as the Deparment of Hygiene. Both departments were involved in socio-medical research. Medical History and Philosophy Department was famous for medical anthropology issues being explored. The Hygiene Deparment concentrated on a social hygiene mostly. Some important aspects of social hygiene - eugenics were explored at this Deparment. According to the results of research of the project the manuscript of a new article has been prepared.

Main publications:

Žalnora, A., Miežutavičiūtė, V., 2013. Vilniaus Stepono Batoro universiteto Medicinos fakulteto Medicinos istorijos ir filosofijos skyriaus veikla 1922–1939 metais. Sveikatos mokslai, vol. 23(2-87), 151–154.

Žalnora, A. The eugenics – the evolution of race, social hygiene from ancient times to the XX century. Conference Czystość i brud. Hygiena w starożytności, September 12–13, 2013.

International Science Programmes, Projects and Contracts

Education in Research Ethics: Central / Eastern Europe. Assoc. Prof. E. Gefenas. 2004–2017.

In 2013 our Department continued collaboration with Union Graduate College Bioethics Program (USA) in implementation of the project Advanced Certificate Program: Research Ethics in Central and Eastern Europe.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Lancaster University (UK)
Universidad de Deusto (Spain)
University of Verona (Italy)
Corvinus University of Budapest (Hungary)
Ministry of Health (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. R. Stukas –

head of the scientific committee of novel food of the Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania;
editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
member of the National Health Board.

Prof. G. Šurkienė –

editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Hygienists and Epidemiologists;
public consultant of the Minister of Health of Lithuania;
member of the working group on Mother and Child Health Problems under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.

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.

Assoc. Prof. 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);
international advisory board member of the journal Medical Humanities, (BMJ Publishing Group).

Assoc. Prof. 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 committee for strategic planning of mental health care development in Lithuania 2008 –2013 at the Ministry of Health.

Assoc. Prof. V. Jurkuvėnas –

editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health).

Assoc. Prof. 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.

Assoc. Prof. 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.

Assoc. Prof. S. Vainauskas –

expert of the Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation.

Prof. K. Žagminas –

editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
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;
honorary doctor of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

Dr. A. Beržanskytė –

national epidemiologist from Lithuania for European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS).

Dr. V. Giedraitis –

coordinator, Erasmus Mundus Regional Health Master program;
editorial board member of the Journal of World-Systems Research;
managing editor of the journal Ekonomika (Economics).

Prof. A. Valiulis –

president of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
president of Lithuanian Paediatric Respiratory Society;
member of Executive Board of European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP-UEMS);
chairman of Lithuanian Council of Child Health;
chairman of Lithuanian Alliance Against Chronic Lung Diseases (GARD-Lithuania);
vice-Chairman of Mother and Child Health Commission and Member of Allergologic Commission of Lithuanian Academy;
national Coordinator in Strategic Pediatric Alliance for the Future Health of Children in Europe;
national Delegate of Global Astham Initiative (GINA) and Global Allergic Rhinitis Initiative (ARIA);
chairman of Advisory Board of Lithuanian Council of Asthma Clubs;
founder and Chief Executive of IPOKRaTES Lithuania Fund;
founder and editor-in-Chief of the journal Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology (Index Copernicus);
founder and editor-in-Chief of the journal Lithuanian Paediatric Chronicle;
editorial board member of the Paediatric Respiratory Reviews (Pneumonologia i Alergologia Polska, Pediatria Polska);
founder and Chairman of Vilnius International Paediatric Pulmonology Conference – School (15 annual international conferences of Paediatric Asthma, Pneumonia, CF, TB and Orphan Lung Diseases; more than 7000 trained doctors);
founder and Chairman of 4 Biannual Lithuanian National Asthma Congresses;
chairman of 3 Lithuanian Congresses on Paediatric Pulmonology;
public Advisor of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
chairman of 2 international conferences on Human Ecology;
honorary Fellow of British Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health;
member of Commissions of Rare Diseases, Immunoprophylaxis, Mother & Child, Suckling, Human Resources, Accessibility of Health Service of Lithuanian Ministry of Health;
chief Paediatrician of Vilnius City, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. J. Kairys –

editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
board member of the Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania;

Dr. R. Vaitkienė –

member of the Administrative Commission for the Coordination of Social Security Systems at the European Commision;
member of the Coalition of Non-governmental Organizations and Experts ,,I Can Live“.

Dr. R. Jankauskas –

editorial board chief of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health).

R. Baranauskienė -

member of European Union Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases (EUCERD);
member of the Patient Safety and Quality of Care working group at European Commission;
associated partners Health Authorities representative in Orphanet Europe Joint Action;
vice-chairman of the organizing committee for the international conference The National Activities Related to Rare Diseases;
member of the Scientific Committee for the international conference The National Activities Related to Rare Diseases.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND MEDICAL GENETICS

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 250 1798, 250 1794
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Algirdas Utkus

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. V. Kučinskas (part-time), Dr. L. Cimbalistienė (part-time), Dr. A. Utkus (part-time).
Associate professors : Dr. E. Benušienė (part-time), Dr. A. Jakaitienė (part-time), Dr. J. Kasnauskienė (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. L. Ambrozaitytė (part-time), Dr. Ž. Čiuladaitė (part-time), Dr. A. Molytė (part-time), Dr. A. Morkūnienė (part-time), Dr. E. Preikšaitienė (part-time), Dr. V. Šliužas (part-time), Dr. J. Songailienė (part-time), A. Skučaitė (part-time), B. Tumienė (part-time).
Research fellows: B. Aleksiūnienė (part-time), J. Arasimavičius (part-time), I. Baškirova, B. Burnytė (part-time), I. Domarkienė, Š. Germanas (part-time), Dr. V. Ginevičienė (part-time), Dr. A. Matulevičienė (part-time), R. Meškienė, V. Mikštienė (part-time), A. Pranculis, T. Rančelis, Dr. J. Sušinskas (part-time), I. Uktverytė.
Doctoral students: I. Domarkienė, I. Uktverytė, A. Pranculis, T. Rančelis, V. Mikštienė, B. Tumienė

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Population genetics of the Lithuanians
Genomics of intellectual disability

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Diversity of Human Genome, Its Origin and Phenotypical Realization. Prof. A. Utkus. 2010–2014.

In 2002–2012 a complex analysis of phenotypical, genealogical and genomic data of 389 individuals with orofacial clefts (OFCs) was performed. As the nature of these defects is multifactorial, potential correlations of OFCs with major congenital anomalies, possible clusters in subgroups of these individuals and BMP4 genotyping data were analysed. The origin of OFCs was identified to 34.19% of individuals.

To determine the phenotypic impact of pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) on intellectual disability (ID), molecular karyotyping data of 211 patients was analysed. 36 pathogenic CNVs were identified in 29 patients. Analyzing unique pathogenic CNVs, phenotypic features specific to certain chromosomal abberations were determined. Candidate genes for ID (ERBB4 CAD10 and CACNA1G) and the disturbance of craniofacial development ( ACTB) were identified.

These results were presented in scientific articles and presentations.

Main publications:

Čiuladaitė, Ž., Matulevičienė, A., Bandanskytė, A., Brazaitis, A., Kasnauskienė, J., Kučinskas, V. Familiar Distal Monosomy 5pl5.3-pter With Trisomy 12q24.2-qter Resulting in Neurodevelopmental Delay and Dysmorphic Features. Journal of Child Neurology, published online 22 January 2013.

Kasnauskienė, J., Čiuladaitė, Ž., Preikšaitienė, E., Utkus, A., Pečiulytė, A., Kučinskas, V., 2013. A New Single Gene Deletion on 2q34: ERBB4 Is Associated With Intellectual Disability. American Journal of Medical Genetics, part A, Vol. 161, Iss. 6, 1487–1490; published online: 30 APR 2013, DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35911.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Genetic Diversity of the Population of Lithuania and Changes of its Genetic Structure Related with Evolution and Common Diseases (LITGEN). (No. VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-01-013). Prof. V. Kučinskas. 2011–2015.

Biomaterials and phenotypical data such as clinical and biochemical, nutrition and lifestyle features and compliances of 1000 participants from 6 ethnolinguistic groups of Lithuania were collected in 2011–2013. Whole exome sequencing and primary data analysis were performed for 36 individuals from 3 ethnolinguistic groups of Lithuania. Results of the LITGEN project were presented in thesis, poster and oral presentations, scientific articles and one article in popular press.

Main publications:

Uktverytė, I., Molytė, A., Kučinskas, V., 2013. Lietuvos populiacijos etnolingvistinių grupių genetinių ir geografinių atstumų analizė pagal Y chromosomos trumpas tandemines kartotines sekas. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 15[1(57)], 3–8.

Coj, A., Kučinskienė, Z.A., Kasiulevičius, V., Kučinskas, V., 2013. Tradiciniai aterosklerozės žymenys lietuvių populiacijoje. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 15[1(57)], 29–39.

Burokienė, N., Kasiulevičius, V., Kučinskienė, Z.A., 2013. Koronarinės širdies ligos išsivystymo rizika, epidemiologinių ir genomo žymenų sąveikos tyrimas (literatūros apžvalga). Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 19 (2), 202–207.

Jakaitienė, A., Kučinskas, V., 2013. Lietuvių populiacijos struktūros įvertinimas pagal etnolingvistines grupes. Lietuvos statistikos darbai, vol. 52(1), 34–38.

International Research Projects

Unique Genome Variants in Congenital Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Origin, Genomic Mechanisms, Functional and Clinical Consequences (UNIGENE). (No. CH-3-ŠMM-01/04). Prof. V. Kučinskas. 2012–2016.

In 2013, according to the objectives of the UNIGENE project collection of biological material and clinical data of 78 patients with neurodevelopmental disorders and their family members recruited according to the standardized selection criteria was performed. The medical records were collected with the focus to family history and pedigree, personal history, physical examination, imaging and laboratory diagnostics. Creation of the BC|Platforms module for data storage and management of the data was carried out.

Main publications:

Valius, K., 2013. Iš genų skaitysime save. Gydytojų žinios, No. 15-16(570–571), 12–13.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics (Lithuania)
Institute of Oncology Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Olympic Sports Centre (Lithuania)
University of Lausanne (Swiss Confederation)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Utkus –

editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
President of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics,
editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
member of the European Society of Human Genetics (board member of Education Committee of ESHG).

Prof. V. Kučinskas –

member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
editorial board member of the Journal of Applied Genetics (Poland);
editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Medical Genetics (Russia);
editorial council member of the journal Acta medica Lituanica;
editorial board member of the Balkan Journal of Medical Genetisc (Makedonija);
member of the Lithuanian National Committee on Biomedical Ethics;
consultant on medical genetics, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics ;
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);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics (chairperson of Committee of Financial Supervisory Commission);
member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
member of the Lithuanian Doctors’ Union.

Dr. J. Kasnauskienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

Dr. E. Benušienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics (chairperson of Committee of Professional Competence and Ethics).

Dr. A. Jakaitienė –

member of Lithuanian Mathematical Society;
member of Lithuanian Statistics Society.

Dr. 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).

Dr. A. Morkūnienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics (chairperson of Committee of Professional Competence and Ethics);
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

Dr. J. Sušinskas –

member of the Lithuanian Mathematical Society.

Dr. J. Songailienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM);
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).

Dr. V. Ginevičienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European College of Sport Science;
member of the Baltic Sport Science Society.

Dr. V. Šliužas –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

Dr. L. Ambrozaitytė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, (board member of Committee of Professional Competence and Ethics);
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.

Dr. Ž. Čiuladaitė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics.

Dr. E. Preikšaitienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics.

V. Mikštienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

B. Burnytė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics.

R. Meškienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

I. Domarkienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

A. Pranculis –

member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

I. Uktverytė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

B. Tumienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the Society for Studies of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, SSIEM;
member of the Baltic Metabolic Group, Board member;
member of Lithuanian Child Neurology Association.

B. Aleksiūnienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

A. Skučaitė –

member of Lithuanian Mathematical Society.