Faculty of Medicine

Sukurta: 03 September 2013

mf21/27 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

659 teachers (340 holding research degree), 92 research fellows (53 holding research degree), 113 doctoral students.

 

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 2015 

L. Rimševičius. Prevalence of early stages of chronic kidney disease and its associations with cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort of patients at high cardiovascular risk.

D. Vajauskas. Cardiac adrenergic innervation imaging for prediction of heart failure.

A.Vilionskis. Predicting outcome of intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.

V. V. Maneikienė. Cardiac resynchronization therapy: evaluation and prediction of effectiveness.

A. Šidlauskienė. Relationships between functional fitness and physical activity in early adolescence.

J. Stasiūnienė. Newborn murder: medical, social, legal insights, their analysis and evaluation.

I.Šatinskienė. Treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with corticosteroids and assessment of anatomical changes in the middle ear.

D. Bužinskienė. Peri-anal diseases in pregnancy and after childbirth: incidence, risk factors and impact on woman’s quality of life.

P. Kalesinskas. Inhibition of dental biofilm formation using antisense oligonucleotide to bacterial glucosyltransferases.

V. Banys. Evaluation of new platelets and inflammatory biomarkers’ value in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome.

A. Žalnora. Development of public health science at the Stephen Bathory Uuniversity and public health conditions in the Vilnius province in the years of 1919 – 1939.

E. Danielienė. Corneal ablation with femtosecond ultraviolet pulses.

A. Gaižauskas. The comparative study of effectiveness and risk factors of ureteroscopy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the upper part of ureter.

E. Uždavinytė Gatelienė. Outcome predictors and clinical results of surgical treatment in patients with coronary artery disease, mitral regurgitation and left ventricular dysfunction.

G. Kvederas. Comparison of three tourniquet application methods in primary total knee arthroplasty surgery.

S. Burokienė. Pre-hospital paediatric healthcare services in emergency departments: perspectives for optimization.

L. Daukantienė. Influence of molecular and genetics factors of the organism's antioxidative system on cervical carcinogenesis and the role of these factors in treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer.

R. Ivaškevičius. Pertussis in the most vulnerable age groups of children in the major cities of Lithuania.

V. Bilius. The timing of surgery for cryptorchidism and fertility prediction based on the evaluation of spermatogenesis in testicular biopsies.

A. Brazaitis. Comparative analysis of knee joint static and kinematic magnetic resonance. imaging and its value to the diagnostics of patellofemoral stress sindrome.  

A.Karpavičius. The value of inflammation markers in early acute pancreatitis course prediction: the results of prospective multicenter cohort study.

A. Navickienė. The evaluation of revascularization methods for tibial arteries in patients with diabetes.

I. Arštikytė. Biologic therapy in patients with autoimmune arthritis.

V. Beleškienė. The effectiveness of the laser eustachian tuboplasty for chronic secretory otitis.

I. Vaišnorienė. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy study to identify dysplasia of melanocytic nevus.

N. Kuprevičienė. Epidemiological patterns of diphtheria in Lithuania in 1991–2011 and its prevention

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2015

International conferences:

Prenatal, Genetic and Preimplantation Diagnostics

Prenatal Medicine and Gynaecology: Present and Future

Complete Blood Count – Current Topics

Immunohaematology and Testing of Blood Components – Solutions and Newest Scientific Tendencies

Relevant Issues of Contemporary Medicine

17th annual meeting of Lithuanian Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Epilepsy Diagnosis: Roads and Deadlocks

13th Baltic Neurosurgery Association Meeting

Prevention of Complications in Prosthetic Dentistry

Perspectives of Modern Otology and Otosurgery

Radiology 2015

Books in Group Analysis

Genetic in Psychiatry

XX Vilnius International Paediatric Pulmonology and Alergology Conference-School Vilnius Course 2015

Annual international congress Role of Laboratory Medicine in Managing Chronic Diseases

8th Baltic Morphology Scientific Conference: Interdisciplinary Nature of Contemporary Morphology

7th European regional conference on Thoracic Oncology

4th conference of World Rare Disease Day Lysosomal Storage Disorders

International seminar Ethics of HIV Research

Seminar Advanced Certificate Program: Research Ethics in Central and Eastern Europe, http://bioethics.uniongraduatecollege.edu/nih-grant/about

Conference Dysmorphology Autumn 2015

Conference of the LITGEN project

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2015

An overview about types and frequencies of CT procedures and estimation of the average dose length product (DLP) values for commonly performed adult CT examinations (head, chest, abdomen and pelvis) comparing two different scaners. Scientific research presented at the 12th international conference Medical Physics in the Baltic States 2015.

Vilnius University has one of the largest experiences in the world of new minimally invasive transapical beating-heart neochord implantation for treatment of degenerative mitral valve incompetence. This is a new alternative for conventional mitral valve repair in selected patients. Many teams from European cardiac surgery centers have visited Vilnius University for training of this new technique. The experience of two centres with largest experience of transapical neochord implantation has been summarized in a joint publication with Italian colleagues: Colli A., Manzan E., Rucinskas K., Janusauskas V., Zucchetta F., Zakarkaite D., Aidietis A., Gerosa G. 2015. Acute safety and efficacy of the NeoChord procedure.

Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, 20(5):575-581.

 

CLINIC OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY

2 Santariškių, 08661 Vilnius
Tel./fax 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. D. Bartkevičienė, Dr. Ž. Bumbulienė, Dr. D. Laužikienė, Dr. D. Ramašauskaitė, Dr. M. Šilkūnas, Dr. J. Zakarevičienė.
Lecturers: Dr. G. Domža, Dr. V Rudaitis.
Assistants: A. Amšiejienė, V. Paliulytė, I. Daunoravičienė, T. Lūža, D. Bužinskienė, V. Sniečkuvienė.
Doctoral students: A. Amšiejienė, Ž. Sabonytė-Balšaitienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Health of mother and fetus: physiology and pathology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Project Supported by University Budget

Health of Mother and Fetus: Physiology and Pathology. Prof. Dr. G. S. Drąsutienė. 2014–2018.

Uterine and ovarian sizes in adolescents with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) were estimated and compared with findings in peers having regular menstrual cycles. In adolescents with FHA the dimensions of uterus and ovaries were smaller than in girls having regular menstrual cycles. Besides, uterine size and ovarian size correlated positively with BMI.

The experiences of community pharmacists in advising pregnant women at Lithuanian community pharmacies were explored. The importance of improving the physician-pharmacist-patient communication environment, providing education and training programmes for pharmacists with the purpose to reduce stress and to overcome barriers in advising pregnant women was proved.

Risk factors for peri-anal diseases in pregnancy, during delivery and after childbirth were explored: constipation during pregnancy, peri-anal diseases during previous pregnancy and childbirth; instrumental mode of delivery, straining duration; indicators of a newborn’s physical condition. It was determined that peri-anal diseases worsen the quality of life of both, pregnant and postpartum women.

Main publications:

Bumbuliene, Z., Klimasenko, J., Sragyte, D., Zakareviciene, J., Drasutiene, G. 2015. Uterine size and ovarian size in adolescents with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea. Archives of Disease in Childhood, vol. 100, iss. 10, p. 948–951, ISSN 0003-9888, doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2014-307504.

Grincevičienė, Š., Kubilienė, L., Ivanauskas, K., Drąsutienė, G.S., Ramašauskaitė, D., Grincevičius, J., Bernatonienė, J., Savickas, A. 2015. Experiences of community pharmacists advising pregnant women. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 10 April 2015, p. 636–644, doi: 10.1007/s11096-015-0111-6.

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

Zurich University (Switzerland)

Medical University of Silesia (Poland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. G. S. Drąsutienė –

  • editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynaecology);
  • member of Integrated Health Care Management Committee of Perinatology, Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania. 

Prof. N. Drazdienė –

  • 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 Pediatric Society and Vilnius Pediatric Society;
  • vicepresident of Integrated Health Care Management Committee of Perinatology, Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania;
  • vicepresident of Lithuanian Association of Neonatology;
  • head of Lithuanian section of German-Baltic Physician 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 –

  • 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 – 

  • head of section of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
  • board member of Vilnius Medical Society;
  • secretary general of EURAPAG (European Association of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology).

Assoc. Prof.  M. Šilkūnas –

  • chairman of Vilnius region Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology;
  • board member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists. 

V.  Paliulytė – 

  • board member of Vilnius region Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists.

 

DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

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

Head – Prof. Dr.  Janina Tutkuvienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. R. Jankauskas, Dr. J. Tutkuvienė.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Barkus, Dr. R. Čepulienė, Dr. E.M. Jakimavičienė, Dr. Ž. Miliauskienė, Dr. R. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė, Dr. A. Suchomlinov, Dr. V. Tutkus (part-time), Dr. V. Žalgevičienė.
Lecturer: J. Janavičius (part-time).
Assistants: A.Audickaitė, D. Bandzevičienė (part-time), V. Bartuškienė, R. Girčius (part-time), R. Jacevičiūtė (part-time), K. Kuolienė (part-time), M. Minsevičius, R. Morkūnienė, K. Popov (part-time).
Research fellow: S. Šilovė.
Doctoral students: V. Bartuškienė, J. Drąsutis, K. Kuolienė, A. Vaitiekus. 

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 2015 

Projects Supported by University Budget 

Phenotype Variety of Inhabitants of Lithuania, Its Prenatal and Postnatal Factors, Secular changes, Relations with General Health Status. Prof. J. Tutkuvienė, Prof. R. Jankauskas. 2014–2018.

Bioarcheological investigations. Collection of morphometric, paleopathological and paleodemographical data of Lithuanian populations from Medieval and Modern times, also new skeletal samples and their routine analysis was continued. Epidemiology of trauma from Iron Age Lithuanian burials, and anthropological data from Vilnius Subačiaus str. sample were summarized. Sexual dimorphism of clavicle in relation to humerus size was investigated in 200 individuals obtained from the paleo- collections.

Experimental (growth programming) investigations The study of the influence of maternal nutrition prior to pregnancy and during the pregnancy on two rat offspring generations was continued. The experimental data of the adult to pre-senile age rat offspring were obtained. The biometric body parameters and performed complete blood count and biochemical blood tests were observed. Offspring in the elevated T-maze for the behavioral indices of anxiety and stress were also studied. The studies of prenatal ontogenesis in relation to ionized and fluoridate water and the experiments on the influence of quantum dots on rats embryos were continued.

Investigations of the physical status of contemporary inhabitants. The results of Lithuanian longitudinal growth study were further analyzed and published. The following studies were continued: body and head size of newborns, the prevalence of birth anomalies; physical status and nutrition of preschool children; physical status of children born in 1996; morphofunctional status of children from foster homes; the physical status in youngsters with refractive errors; menarcheal age of Vilnius girls; female facial attractiveness in relation to morphological features; the accuracy in age and sex estimation from facial images of children; breast changes during the pregnancy and after delivery. The study on the relationship of the leg morphology, function and physical status was started. The prevalence of patellar chondromalacia in arthroscopically treated patients was obtained.

Main publications:

Panzer, S., Mc Coy, M.R., Hitzl, W., Piombino-Mascali, D., Jankauskas, R., Zink, A.R., Augat, P. 2015. Checklist and scoring system for the assessment of soft tissue preservation in CT examinations of human mummies. PLOS ONE, vol. 10(8), Article No. e0133364.

Piombino-Mascali, D., Jankauskas, R., Zink, A.R., Todesco, M.S., Aufderheide, A.C., Panzer, S. 2015. Paleoradiology of the Savoca mummies, Sicily, Italy (18th–19th centuries AD). The Anatomical Record, vol. 298(6), p. 988–1000.

Miliauskienė, Ž, Jankauskas, R. 2015. Social differences in oral health: dental status of individuals buried in and around Trakai Church in Lithuania (16th–17th c.c.). Anthropologischer Anzeiger, vol. 72(1), p. 89–106.

Hermanussen, M., Suchomlinov, A., Tutkuviene, J., et al. 2015. Proceedings of the 22nd Aschauer Soiree on Growth and Health Screening, Altenhof, Germany, November 15th, 2014. Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews, vol. 12(3), p. 323–332.

Suchomlinov, A., Tutkuvienė, J. 2015. Variability in growth tracking is associated with body mass index at 17 years of age. Acta Paediatrica, vol. 104, p. e401–406.

Suchomlinov, A., Tutkuvienė, J. 2015. Factors associated with children’s height and body mass index in Lithuania, 1990–2008. Journal of Biosocial Science, 28 p., doi:10.1017/S0021932015000243.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. The Beginnings of Lithuanian Statehood According to the Exploration of Dubingiai Microregion (No. VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-01-037). Prof. R. Jankauskas. 2011–2015.

Project completed. Monograph published: Kuncevičius A., Laužikas R., Jankauskas R., Augustinavičius R., Šmigelskas R. (2015). Dubingių mikroregionas ir Lietuvos valstybės ištakos. Vilniaus universitetas. 362 p.

Neolithisation of the Eastern Baltics (No. VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-01-037). Prof. R. Jankauskas. 2013–2015.

Revision of current paleoantropological data, selection and submission of samples for radiocarbon dating, stable isotope analysis, ancient DNA analysis. Initial analysis of data from laboratory samples. Project completed; series of papers in preparation.

International Research Projects

Funeral Culture of Elites in 15th-18th Centuries on the Territory of the Kindgom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Attempt of interdisciplinary analysis (University of Torun, Poland). Prof. R.Jankauskas – foreign partner. 2012–2015.

Project completed. Monograph published: Grupa M., Kozlowski T., Jankauskas R., Grupa D., Krajewska M., Krakowska S., Majorek M., Mosiejczyk J., Nowak M., Nowak S., Przymorska-Sztuczka M., Wojciechowska A. (2015). Tajemnice krypty w kaplicy sw.Anny./ Secrets of the crypt in St.Ann chapel. Gniew. 189 p.

Molecular History and Paleogenetic Links Between Polish and Lithuanian Populations - Ancient DNA Analysis Since the Neolithic (Medical University of Lodz, Poland). Prof. R.Jankauskas – principal foreign partner. 2013–2016.

Selection of additional dental samples for human and pathogen genome analysis from the Iron Age Lithuania; initial laboratory data are analysed.

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

Institute of Anthropology, University of Vienna (Austria)

Institute of Forensic Medicine, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf (Germany)

Max-Planck-Institute, Andechs (Germany)

Medical University of Lodz (Poland)

University of Central Florida (Orlando, Florida, USA)

University of Torun (Poland)

State Forensic Medicine Service (Lithuania)

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 – 

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.  R. Čepulienė – 

  • member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society;
  • member of the World’s Poultry Science Association.

Assoc. Prof.  E. M. Jakimavičienė –

  • member of the European Anthropological Association;
  • member of the International Auxological Society;
  • member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

Assoc. Prof.  Ž. Miliauskienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. A. Suchomlinov –

  • member of the European Anthropological Association;
  • member of the International Auxological Society;
  • member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

Assoc. Prof.  R. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė – 

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

Assoc. Prof. V. Tutkus – 

  • member of  European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA);
  • member of International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS);
  • member of Lithuanian Association of Arthroscopic Surgeons;
  • member of Lithuanian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology;
  • member of Lithuanian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery;
  • member of the ethics committee of Lithuanian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery;
  • member of Lithuanian Bioethical Committee.

Assoc. Prof. V. Žalgevičienė –

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

J. Janavičius – 

  • president of Lithuanian Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Society Manus Lithuanica;
  • member of the Lithuanian Foot Surgery Society;
  • member of International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand;
  • member of European Foot and Ankle Society.

A. Audickaitė -

  • member of the Lithuanian Dermatovenereology Society;
  • member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

D. Bandzevičienė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

V. Bartuškienė –

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

R. Girčius – 

  • member of the Radiological Society of North America.

R. Jacevičiūtė – 

  • member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

K. Kuolienė –

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

R. Morkūnienė –

  • member of Lithuanian Paediatric Society.

K. Popov –

  • member of Lithuanian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology.

A. Vaitiekus -

  • member of Lithuanian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology;
  • member of the Lithuanian Foot Surgery Society;
  • member of the European Foot and Ancle Association (EFAS);
  • member of Lithuanian Association of Arthroscopic Surgeons.

 

CLINIC OF ANAESTHESIOLOGY AND REANIMATOLOGY

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

Head – Prof. Dr. Jūratė Šipylaitė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. J. Šipylaitė, Dr. S. Vosylius.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Andrijauskas, Dr. E. Kontrimavičiūtė, Dr. M. Šerpytis, Dr. D. Činčikas.
Lecturers:  Dr. A. Klimašauskas, Dr. S. Švedienė, Dr. I. Norkienė.
Assistants: A. Vaitkus (part-time), R. Badaras (part-time), E. Gaižauskas (part-time).
Junior research fellow: Š. Judickas (part-time).
Doctoral students: R. Badaras, D. Ringaitienė, A. Vaitkus.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

Influence of malnutrition on rate of complications and duration of hospital stay in patients after cardiac surgery

The comparison of stress response in rapid opioid detoxication

The influence of perioperative optimization on the results of primary endoprosthesis of the hip joint

Risk factors for organ dysfunction in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

Optimization of low back pain diagnosis and treatment

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Project Supported by University Budget

Perioperative Patient Optimization and Management of Critical States. Prof. Dr. J. Šipylaitė. 2014–2018.

Retrospective observational case–control study was carried out in order to clarify the risk factors for acute renal impairment (ARI) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Our study revealed that hemodynamic instability and intraabdominal hypertension are the main mechanisms of ARI. Results were presented at the 33rd congress of the Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (SSAI) in Reykjavik, Iceland, as oral presentation Acute kidney injury in acute pancreatitis.

We performed a prospective study of 63 healthy volunteers to identify alternative maneuvers that significantly increase cross-sectional area of internal jugular veins. We found that hold of deep breath and 45-degree leg lift are alternative maneuvers to improve visualization of internal jugular vein for conscious patients.  Results were presented at the 33rd congress of the Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care as oral presentation Is Trendelenburg position the only way to visualize internal jugular veins better.

Data of 10 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy operations were analyzed and the article Noninvasive cerebral oxymetry during carotid endarterectomy: application and results was published in the Acta medica Lituanica.

100 women were asked to fill in a questionnaire about pain management during labour. Data was collected, statistical analysis completed and article Epidural anesthesia in obstetrics: feelings of pregnant women, information sources and willingness to change pain relief method during next childbirth was published in Acta medica Lituanica.

A retrospective data review of 271 patient data was conducted in order to identify the prevalence and impact of hyperlactatemia on postoperative outcomes, morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Poster presentation Post-operative lactate levels predict rate of complications and length of stay following on-pump cardiac surgery was made at European Society of Intensive Care annual meeting, Berlin, and published in Intensive Care Medicine Experimental 2015.

Perioperative use of Normal Saline is linked to hyperchloraemic or Strong Ion Difference (SID) related acidosis. The study was aimed at establishing effects of routine use of RL on post-operative changes in SID and whether these changes result in metabolic acidosis. Poster presentation Use of ringer’s lactate solution does not eliminate the risk of strong ion difference related metabolic acidosis following on pump cardiac surgery was made at European Society of Intensive Care annual meeting Berlin and published in Intensive Care Medicine Experimental 2015.

A prospective clinical trial The relationship between malnutrition, rate of complications and duration of hospital stay in patients after cardiac surgery was continued to evaluate the impact of malnutrition in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.  Study data was presented at European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists annual meeting in Gothenburg. 

A study was carried out on the incidence of postoperative delirium development in malnourished patients undergoing on pump bypass and article Impact of malnutrition on postoperative delirium development after on pump coronary artery bypass grafting was published in the Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

We completed a prospective study Postoperative glucose variability: association with clinical outcome after cardiac surgery, which confirmed the association between an increased postoperative glucose variability and rate of adverse clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery and was presented at the Annual Congress of European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Lisbon, and at the 28th Annual Congress European Society of Intensive care in Berlin.

The data collection and statistical analysis in clinical trial The comparison of stress response in rapid opioid detoxification procedure using different methods of opioid antagonist naltrexone induction and sedation was completed. Oral presentation about final results of trial was presented at XXXV EAPCCT conference in Malta and has been short-listed for the Informa prize for best scientific presentation.

A prospective clinical trial protocol Value of quantitative sensory testing and lumbar sympathetic block for diagnosis and treatment of low back pain was prepared and confirmed by Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. Trial was registered at the institution at which it will be carried out.

Main publications:

Ringaitiene, D., Gineityte, D., Vicka, V., Zvirblis, T., Sipylaite, J., Irnius, A., Ivaskevicius, J., Kacergius. T. 2015. Impacts of malnutrition on postoperative delirium development after on pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, vol. 10, p. 74, doi: 10.1186/s13019-015-0278-xp.s.  

Kontrimavičiūtė, E., Kuzminskaitė, V., Šipylaitė, J. 2015. Noninvasive cerebral oxymetry during carotid endarterectomy: application and results. Acta medica Lituanica, vol. 22, no 2, p. 55–60.

Basarinaite, A., Bucaite, A., Kontrimaviciute, E., Sipylaite, J., Ramanauskaite, D. 2015. Epidural anesthesia in obstetrics: feelings of pregnant women, information sources and willingness to change pain relief method during next childbirth. Acta medica Lituanica, vol. 22, no 1, p. 15–23.

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.

We completed the prospective randomized clinical trial The influence of perioperative optimization on the results of primary endoprosthesis of the hip joint funded by the European Social Fund under the Global Grant measure (VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-03-019; the EU Structural Funds). The patient enrollment and data collection were finished. Data analysis was started. Preliminary results were made public in three poster presentations during EUROANAESTHESIA 2015 congress (Berlin).

Main publications:

Andrijauskas, A., Ivaskevicius, J., Porvaneckas, N., Stankevicius, E., Svensen, C.H., Uvarovas, V., Svediene, S., Kvederas, G. 2015. A mini volume loading test for indication of preoperative dehydration in surgical patients. Medicina, doi: 10.1016/j.medici.2015.02.001.

Andrijauskas, A., Markevicius, V., Navikas, D., Porvaneckas, N., Andriukaitis, D., Stankevicius, E., Uvarovas, V., Sipylaite, J., Kvederas, G., Gelzinis, G. 2015. In Vivo testing of the semi-closed loop infusion system: the preliminary observations. Elektronika ir Elektrotechnika (Electronics and Electrical Engineering), vol. 21 (1), doi: 10.5755/j01.eee.21.1.2458.

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)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES      

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 Practice in Medicine). 

Assoc. Prof.  M. Šerpytis –

  • treasurer of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

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).

Dr. A. Klimašauskas –

Dr. S. Švedienė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

 

CLINIC OF EAR, NOSE, THROAT AND EYES DISEASES

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

Head – Prof. Dr. Eugenijus Lesinskas 

STAFF

Professor: 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: 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 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

An Influence of Morphology and Clinical Peculiarities of Otorhinolaryngological and Ophtalmological Diseases to Results of Application of Novel Diagnostic Methods and Treatment. Prof. E. Lesinskas. 2014–2018.

Clinical assessment and analysis of data were made for the scientific projects. New diagnostic and treatment possibilities for Eustachian tube dysfunction were evaluated. Features of sonotubometry for healthy personss and for persons with nasal obstruction and chronic otitis were assesed. Efficacy of ET laser tuboplasty and prognostic factors were set.    Ocular posterior pole changes in glaucomatous eyes. Prevalence of retinal dystrophies and degenerations in Lithuania. Evaluation of intraocular pressure, choroidal and retinal thickness measurements using optical coherence tomography in non-diabetic haemodialysis patients. Corneal endothelial cell and posterior pole changes in patients with central retinal vein or branch occlusion. Choroidal thickness mesurements in diabetic patients with macular edema treated with VEGF innhibitors. Correlation of macular degeneration autofluorescence findings with functional impairment.The use of autofluorescence findings for differential diagnosis of uveal melanomas. Evaluation of the anterior chamber changes after laser iridotomies by optical coherence tomography. Evaluation of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and its relation to visual evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis.

Main publication:

Galgauskas, S., Laurinavičiūtė, G., Norvydaitė, D., Stech, S., Ašoklis, R. 2015.  Changes in choroidal thickness and corneal parameters in diabetic eyes. Eur J Ophthalmol., Sep 14:0, doi: 10.5301/ejo.5000677.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. E. Lesinskas –

  • senior otorhynolaryngologist of the Ministry of Health Care of the Republic of Lithuania;
  • president of the Lithuanian Society of Otorhinolaryngologists;
  • member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine;
  • editorial boord member of the journals Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), Journal of Hearing Science.

Dr. D. Rauba –

  • board member of Lithuanian 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 Ophthalmologists Association;
  • member of European Board of Ophthalmology;
  • national delegate in European Union of Medical Specialists;
  • national delegate in International Council of Ophthalmology 2013–2016.

Dr. A. Cimbalas –

  • board member of Lithuanian Society of Ophthalmologists;
  • board member of Vilnius County Ophthalmologists Association; 
  • member of Lithuanian Glaucoma Society;
  • international member of American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. S. Galgauskas –

  • board member of Vilnius County Ophthalmologists Association;
  • member of Lithuanian Society of Ophthalmologists;
  • member of Lithuanian Glaucoma Society;
  • member of European Association for Vision and Eye Research;
  • member of Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

 

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. S. Abaravičienė, Dr. R. Matuzevičienė, Dr. J. Valiūnienė, Dr. D. Vitkus.
Lecturers: Dr. V. Banys (part-time), Dr. D. Karčiauskaitė, Dr. A. Kirkliauskienė, Dr. S. Kiverytė, E. Malyško, A. Mažeikienė , Dr. D. Paškevičienė, R. Petraitis (part-time).
Assistants: M. Davidonis (part time), L. Gečienė, Ž.Chomanskis (part-time), V. Makarevič, E.Ostanevičiūtė (part-time), M. Radzevičius (part time), I. Rudnickaitė (part time), E.Totmianinienė (part-time), L.Vasiliauskaitė (part time), A. Virbalis (part time), V. Žėkas.
Senior research fellow: Dr. D. Karčiauskaitė.
Research fellows: Dr. S.Abaravičienė, Dr. L. Bagdonaitė, Dr. Ž. Daunonavičius (part time), M. Bratčikov, Dr. T. Kačergius.
Junior research fellows: M. Janeliūnienė (part-time), E. Malyško, A. Mažeikienė, E.Ostanevičiūtė (part-time), V. Žėkas.
Doctoral student: A. Mažeikienė.

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 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Investigation of Environmental and Metabolic Factors in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. Prof. Z. A. Kučinskienė. 2014–2018.

The aim was to evaluate the etiopathogenetic relationship between different clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis: coronary heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Different diagnostic biomarkers in healthy individuals and patients with coronary heart disease and metabolic syndrome were investigated, including routine and new parameters: lipids, apoproteins, lipoproteins, adipose tissue and blood fatty acids’ composition and its relation with nutrition, stress, inflammation, immunological, genetic markers, and status of oxidative-antioxidant system. 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:

Bironaite, D., Daunoravicius, D., Bogomolovas, J., Cibiras, S., Vitkus, D., Zurauskas, E., Zasytyte, I., Rucinskas, K., Labeit, S., Venalis, A., Grabauskiene, V. 2015. Molecular mechanisms behind progressing chronic inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy. BMC Cardiovasc Disord, vol. 15(1), p. 26.

Karčiauskaitė, D., Kemežytė-Selmistraitienė, G., Žėkas, V. 2015. Ankstyvosios aterosklerozės patogenezė ir laboratorinė diagnostika. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 17(1), p. 25–29.

Mazeikiene, A., Daunoravičius, Ž., Kučinskienė, Z.A. 2015. Serumo karotenoidų kiekio tyrimas ir sąsajos su gyvensenos bei demografiniais veiksniais lietuvių populiacijoje. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 3, p. 95–102. 

Human Cytomics: Research of Diagnostic, Predictive and Treatment Monitoring Markers and Analysis Methods for Cellular Diseases. Prof. Z. A. Kučinskienė, Assoc. Prof. R. Matuzevičienė. 2014–2018.

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.

Fundamental, Clinical and Epidemiological Studies on Pathogenic and Opportunistic Microorganisms Involved in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases. Assoc. Prof. Dr. T. Kačergius, Dr. S. Kiverytė. 2014–2018.

The aims were: 1) to assess the efficacy of peptide nucleic acids and phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides for the inhibition of streptococci biofilms’ formation in order to prevent oral, respiratory tract, skin and cardiovascular infections; 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of new molecular biology techniques for the identification, genotyping, determination of antimicrobial resistance markers and epidemiology of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. The results were as follows: inhibitory effect of antisense oligonucleotides based on peptide nucleic acids and phosphorothioate chemistry for the formation of oral streptococci biofilms were determined; High Resolution Melting PCR (HRM-PCR) technology for genotyping of ESBLs CTX-M group of Enterobacteriaceae was developed and optimized.

Main publications:

Petraitienė, S., Alasevičius, T., Stacevičienė, I., Vaičiūnienė, D., Kačergius, T., Usonis, V. 2015. The influence of Streptococcus pneumoniae nasopharyngeal colonization on the clinical outcome of the respiratory tract infections in preschool children. BMC Infectious Diseases, vol. 15, p. 403. 

Ringaitienė, D., Gineitytė, D., Vicka, V., Žvirblis, T., Šipylaitė, J., Irnius, A., Ivaškevičius, J., Kačergius, T. 2015. Impact of malnutrition on postoperative delirium development after on pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, vol. 10, p. 74.

Kalesinskas, P., Kačergius, T., Ambrozaitis, A., Jimbo, R., Ericson, D. 2015. Streptococcus mutans biofilm inhibition using antisense oligonucleotide to glucosyltransferases B and C. Acta medica Lituanica, vol. 22(2), p. 85–92.

National Research Projects:

Investigation of Bioactive Substances in Food Matrices and their Influence on Human Health. (together with the Food Institute of Kaunas University of Technology). Principal Investigator – Prof. A. Kaminskas. 2012–2015.

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 PFA, BADF, PDF, BAMP, soy protein isolate, Ca into selected drink matrixes, investigate the influence of technological factors (stirring, homogenization, heat-treatment, refrigeration et cetera) on the physico-chemical, microbiological, sensory characteristics and qualitative and quantitative stability of biological active ingredients in the food matrixes in fresh state and during storage. Obtained new scientific information will be important for the food science and could be applied in the practice of food enterprises in organizing and production of new safe and competitive in market functional food products with bioactive ingredients.

Main publications:

Liutkevičius, A., Speičienė, V., Alenčikienė, G., Mieželienė, A., Kaminskas, A., Abaravičius, J. A., Vitkus, D., Jablonskienė, V. 2015. Oat β-glucan in milk products: impact on human health. Agriculture and Food, vol. 3, p. 74–81.

Liutkevicius, A., Speiciene, V., Kaminskas, A., Jablonskiene, V., Alencikiene, G., Miezeliene, A., Bagdonaitė, L., Vitkus, D., Garmienė, D. 2015. Development of a functional whey beverage, containing calcium, vitamin D, and prebiotic dietary fiber, and its influence on human health. CyTA - Journal of Food, doi: 10.1080/19476337.2015.1108366.

Research Council of Lithuania. Impact of Chronic Stress on Atherosclerosis Process: Search and Investigation of New Biomarkers” (No. MIP-050/2015). Prof. Z. Kučinskienė. 2015–2018.

A complex investigation of effects of chronic psychological stress that are associated with atherosclerosis pathogenesis – dysfunction of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, activation of platelets, oxidative stress and inflammation is planned. The evaluation of chronic stress will be evaluated not only using specific questionnaires, but also by accumulated amount of cortisol in hair and compared with the baseline secretion of cortisol determined by its concentration in saliva in the morning.

Main publication:

Andrejevaitė, V., Šapoka, V., Karčiauskaitė, D.,  Kučinskienė, Z. A., Banys, V., Kasiulevičius, V., Bieliauskaitė, G., Navickas, G., Šulčytė, R. 2015. Rūkančių vyrų nerimo sutrikimų ir biocheminių uždegimo žymenų ryšys. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 17 (1), p.  8–14.

Research Council of Lithuania. 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. 2013–2015.

The aim of the PAISBI project was 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. The results revealed that the antisense oligonucleotides based on peptide nucleic acid chemistry inhibited the biofilm formation in oral streptococci. However, it was found out that the effect occurred in a non-specific manner.

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

The aim of this project was to adjust a multiple-run high resolution melting assay for the molecular identification of microorganisms, genotyping and markers of antibacterial resistance. High Resolution Melting PCR technology (HRM-PCR) was developed and optimised for genotyping of ESBLs CTX-M group of Enterobacteriaceae.

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. 2011–2015.

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:

Ripke, S., Neale, B.M., Corvin, A. 2015. Modeling linkage disequilibrium increases accuracy of polygenic risk scores. Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, [Kucinskiene, Z.A.] Am J Hum Genet, vol. 97(4), p. 576–592, doi: 10.1016/j.ajg.2015.09.001. 

Bulik-Sullivan, B.K., Loh, P.R., Finucane, H.K., Ripke, S., Yang, J. 2015. LD Score regression distinguishes confounding from polygenicity in genome-wide association studies. Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Patterson N, Daly MJ, Price AL, Neale BM. [Kučinskienė ZA.]. Nat Genet., vol. 47(3), p. 291–295, doi: 10.1038/ng.3211. Epub 2015 Feb 2.

Burokienė, N., Karčiauskaitė, D., Kasiulevičius, V., Kučinskas, V., Kučinskienė, Z. A. 2015. Širdies ir kraujagyslių ligų sąsajos su aterosklerozės rizikos veiksniais ir biocheminiais žymenimis Lietuvos populiacijoje. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 17(2), p. 47 – 52.

Partners of the EU funded project Renovation of Laboratory Diagnostics Infrastructure of PI Kaunas Clinics (project code VP3-2.1-SAM-10-V-01-110). 2013–2015.  

The aim of the project was improvement of the infrastructure of the providers of laboratory diagnostics services in Lithuania as a tool for the preparation for accreditation acording to the standard ISO EN 15189: 2012  Medical laboratories. Requirements for quality and competence. During the project package of 10 scientific and managerial recommendations for medical laboratories have been prepared.  

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Biomarkers for Patients Hospitalised due to Acute Heart Failure: Prospective Observational Multicenter Cohort Study. (Global Research on Acute Conditions Team. MIP 049/2015. 2015–2018). Dr. J. Čelutkienė. Investigator – Assoc. Prof. Dr. L. Bagdonaitė.

Project is carried out by Vilnius University together with a partner Lithuanian university of Health Sciences, in conjunction with a research protocol of international GREAT consortium. The aim is to evaluate the diagnostic value and regional differences of novel biomarkers, their predictive value for risk of death and rehospitalisation in acute heart failure (AHF) patients. The first aggregated larger scale observational and biomarkers database of AHF patients in Lithuania will provide demographic data and trends of morbidity and mortality, as well as analysis of diagnostic and prognostic value of novel biomarkers in our region. The determinants of regional differences in the levels of natriureuretic peptides and markers of renal impairment will be investigated. Generated knowledge will contribute to the understanding of basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of AHF. It is expected that optimal use of novel biomarkers in the setting of emergency and critical care would reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, cost and duration of hospitalizations without decrease in the quality of diagnostics and treatment.

Main publication:

Giedraitiene, N., Kaubrys, G., Kizlaitiene, R., Bagdonaite, L., Griskevicius, L., Valceckiene, V., Stoskus, M.  2015. Therapeutic plasma exchange in multiple sclerosis patients with abolished interferon-beta bioavailability. Medical Science Monitor, vol. 21, p. 1512–9, doi:10.12659/MSM.894119.

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 http://www.nopho.org/welcome/frame.htm Vilnius University Children’s Hospital http://www.vaikuligonine.lt/centras.php?cen_id=2

Organizer of the Project – Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO) (www.nopho.org).Countries involved in the Project: Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia.

Flow Cytometry Coordinator of the Project in Lithuania: Assoc. Prof. R. Matuzevičienė.

The primary aim of the NOPHO-DBH AML 2012 study is to improve EFS and OS in children with AML. The protocol is a collaborative research study including the BSPHO, DCOG, Hong Kong and NOPHO paediatric AML groups. The patient group includes children and adolescents up to 19 years of age with de novo AML excluding patients with MDS-AML, myeloid leukaemia of Down syndrome and acute promyelocytic leukaemia. AML 2012 includes two randomised studies that both address the efficacy of induction therapy. The first study is based on the induction course from the Japanese AML99 trial and compares the efficacy of mitoxantrone and DaunoXome in the first treatment course. The primary outcome measure is the MRD level on day 22 from start of the course. The second study compares ADxE (low-dose cytarabine, DaunoXome and etoposide) with FLADx (fludarabine, high-dose cytarabine and DaunoXome) as the second induction course. The primary endpoint is the MRD level at day 22 from start of the course. Secondary outcome measures in both studies include EFS, OS, remission rate and toxicity. AML 2012 is scheduled to run between five and six years and expected to recruit at least 300 patients. The study incorporates strict guidelines for cytogenetic characterisation of the disease and a standardised approach to flow cytometric MRD determination with central review of data files. Toxicity will be carefully monitored and the study will be conducted according to GCP guidelines.

International joint project with Malmö University, Sweden, and AL-Qasemi Research Center, Israel: Effect of Rhus Plant Extract and its Active Fractions on Biofilm Formation in Bacterial Systems. Assoc. Prof.  Dr. T. Kačergius, Prof. Dr. D. Ericson (Sweden), Prof. Dr. A. Rayan (Israel). 2015–2017.

The aim of this research was to investigate whether the crude extract of Rhus plant inhibits Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and acid production in vitro conditions. It was revealed that the crude extract of Rhus plant significantly suppressed the biofilm formation and acid production as compared to the untreated bacteria. Importantly, this inhibitory effect occurred in the dose-dependent manner.

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

NOPHO (Nordic Pediatric Hemato-Oncology) group, http://www.nopho.org/welcome/frame.htm
 Malmö University, Malmö (Sweden)
Clinical Institute of Chemistry, Zagreb, (Croatia)
Food Institute of Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)
Department of Human and Medical Genetics of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Z. A. Kučinskienė – 

  • member of the Senate of Vilnius University;
  • member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • chairman of the Senate Scientific Committee  of Vilnius University;
  • member of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University;
  • past-President of the Baltic Atherosclerosis Society;
  • member of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC);
  • member of the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS);
  • member of the Board 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 journals: Acta Medica Lituanica, Medicina, Medicinos teorija ir praktika, Sveikatos mokslai, Seminars in Cardiology;
  • member of the international scientific committee of the EUROMEDLAB Paris (IFCC-EFLM 21st European Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine), Paris, June 21–25, 2015.

Prof. A. J. Abaravičius –

  • member of the National Committee of New Food Products (approved by the  order of the Ministry of Health;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine, www.llmd.lt;
  • member of Lithuanian Physiological Society.

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. L. Bagdonaitė – 

  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
  • member of the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS).

Assoc. Prof. V. Jablonskienė –

  • editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
  • executive editor of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.

Assoc. Prof. V. Hendrixson –

  • academic Erasmus coordinator;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine, www.llmd.lt;
  • Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS);
  • Honorary Professor of the Karaganda State Medical University.

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 Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
  • member of the Lithuaninan Medical Association;
  • member of the European Society for Clinical Cell Analysis – ESCCA.

Assoc. Prof. D. Vitkus –

  • president of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
  • National Representative at the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC);
  • National Representative at the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM);
  • National Representative at the Registration Commission of the European Society of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM);
  • member at large of the Board of Baltic Association of Laboratory Medicine;
  • member of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry;
  • corresponding Member of the Committee of Nomenclature for Properties and Units of Scientific Division of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC);
  • corresponding Member of the Committee of Reference Systems of Enzymes of Scientific Division of the IFCC;
  • corresponding Member of the Committee of Traceability in Laboratory Medicine of Scientific Division of the IFCC;
  • editorial board member of the journal Laboratory Medicine.

Lect. D. Karčiauskaitė –

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

Lect. A. Kirkliauskienė –

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

Lect. S. Kiverytė –

  • member of the European Society of Clinical Virology;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory medicine.

Lect. V. Banys –

  • president of the Board of Vilnius Subsidiary of Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
  • board member (treasurer) of Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
  • member of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC);
  • member of International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. (ISTH), Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).

Lect. A. Mažeikienė –

  • member of European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS);
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.

 

GASTROENTEROLOGY, NEPHROUROLOGY AND SURGERY CLINIC

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

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Kęstutis Strupas

STAFF 

Professors: Habil. Dr. K. Strupas, Dr. V. Beiša, Dr. E. Poškus, Dr. T. Poškus, Dr. G. Simutis, Dr. A. Šileikis, Dr. G. Brimas, Habil. Dr. F. Jankevičius, Dr. M. Miglinas, Habil. Dr. J. Valantinas.
Associate professors: Dr. V.Jotautas, Dr. V. Sokolovas, Dr. K. Trainavičius, Dr. K. Saniukas, Dr. G. Verkauskas, Dr. H. Ramonas, Dr. A. Želvys, Dr. A. Černiauskienė, Dr. L. Andreikas, Dr. G. Denapienė, Dr. E. Gavelienė, Dr. A. Stašinskas, Dr. A. Gradauskas.
Lecturers: Dr. S. Mikalauskas, G. Pošiūnas, Dr. L. Rimševičius, Dr. I. Stundienė, Dr. L. Mašalaitė, R. Vaicekauskas, Dr. I. Savlan.
Assistants: P. Gradauskas, B. Buckus, D. Kubilius, E. Brazdžiūtė.
Research fellows: Dr. V. Liakina, M. Petrulionis.
Doctoral students: A. Karpavičius, A. Rybakovas, A. Beiša, D. Danys, J. Tumas, A. Buivydienė, A. Mickevičius, B. Buckus, A. Laučytė-Cibulskienė, A. Strumila, G. Bernotavičius, N. Staikūnienė, A. Gaižauskas, M. Barisienė, E. Brazdžiūtė, A. Bakavičius.

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

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy

Diagnostic/prognostic markers for prediction of HCC 

Novel treatment for the GI bleeding

Contemporary diagnostic analysis of ascite liquid

Epidemiology and novel treatment of viral hepatitis

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Investigation Efficiency of Traumatic – Restorative, Minimally Invasive Surgeries and Transplantation Methods in Visceral Surgery. Prof. K. Strupas, Prof. G. Brimas. 2014–2018.

Possibilities and results of minimally invasive surgery in patients with recurrent inguinal hernias, spleen, liver, adrenal gland, thyroid and parathyroid glands, pancreas and colorectal pathology were collected and evaluated. Results of the research in 2015 were presented at the 6th workshop of European Society of Endocrine Surgery in Varna, Bulgaria.

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

The prospective multicenter study "Value of inflammation markers for early assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP)" was finished and doctoral dissertation was defended in 2015.

In collaboration with the Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg (Germany) the experimental studies were continued (K.Strupas, R.Račkauskas).

The prospective clinical study BRAFV600E mutation and other molecular markers for diagnosis of thyroid malignancies was continued.

The prospective multicentric study The risk factors and clinical value of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy (Prof.V.Beiša, V.Eismontas, E.Zdanytė) in corporation with Klaipėda University Hospital was launched in 2015 in order to evaluate possible factors in postoperative hypocalcaemia, including preoperative mesurements of vitamin D, PTH, Ca, FT4, FT3, paying special attention to surgical techniques, possible injuries to arterial branches supplying parathyroid glands and postoperative predictors of hypocalcaemia. The study The value of intraoperative neurostimulation in optimizing safety of thyroidectomy (Prof. K.Strupas, A.Rybakovas) is going to evaluate intraoperative palpation method of intraoperative neurostimulation comparing it with intraoperative sonoscopy and with posoperative laryngoscopy.

Main publication:

Buckus, B., Brimas, G., Stašinskas, A., Smalenskaitė, A., Tautkus, S., Beganskienė, A., Kareiva, A. 2015. Analytical characterization of adipose tissue structure and composition: a novel approach towards diagnosis of metabolic disturbances in the human body. Chemistry, vol. 26, no 2, p. 98–106.

Pathogenetic Relationships of Chronic Liver Disease with Disorders of other Abdominal Organs, Improvement of Therapeutic and Surgical Treatment. Prof. J. Valantinas. 2014–2018.

The aim of the present study was to assess the role of EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) in predicting the recurrence of esophageal varices following EBL (endoscopic band ligation). Forty patients who had undergone EBL for eradication of varices were examined over a 12-month period to detect variceal recurrence. EUS was performed before ligation to detect and describe the type, grade, and the number of ECV (esophageal collateral veins). EUS findings obtained prior to EBL were compared in the variceal recurrence and non-recurrence groups.

Recurrence rate of esophageal varices after EBL is high (47.5%). EUS can clearly depict ECV and has a value in predicting variceal recurrence after EBL; severe peri-ECV and multiple peri-ECV were significant and independent prognostic factors associated with variceal recurrence risk.

Main publication:

Masalaite, L., Valantinas, J., Stanaitis, J. 2015. Endoscopic ultrasound findings predict the recurrence of esophageal varices after endoscopic band ligation: a prospective cohort study. Scand J Gastroenterol., vol. 50(11), p. 1322–30.

The Value of Spectroscopy and Molecular Markers in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Urological Cancer. Prof. F. Jankevičius. 2014–2018.

A new method discriminating cancerous kidney tissue from healthy parenchyma measuring vibrational spectra (IR absorption or SERS) from intracellular fluid has been developed. The method is based on spectral analysis of tumor and healthy tissue in order to find characteristic spectral markers. The most significant spectral differences – spectral markers - were found in in the region between 400 and 180 cm -1, where spectral bands related to various vibrations of fatty acids, glycoluipids and carbohydrates are located. This investigation demonstrated that spectral markers in the IR and SERS spectra are different and the methods can complement each other. Both of them have potential to be used directly at the time of surgery.

It is interesting to notice that despite divergent methylation profile of paired PCa foci revealed on hierarchical cluster analysis, the foci of separate cases with biochemical recurrence showed similar methylation profile and the highest mean levels of DNA methylation. Differences in DNA methylation status observed in paired tumor foci confirms the heterogeneity of PCa tissue, while common epigenetic profile of recurrent tumors may provide the basis for development of novel prognostic markers.

Main publications:

Demidenko, R., Razanauskas, D., Daniunaite, K., Lazutka, J. R., Jankevicius, F., Jarmalaite, S. 2015. Frequent down-regulation of ABC transporter genes in prostate cancer. BMC Cancer, vol. 15, p. 683, doi: 10.1186/s12885-015-1689-8

Serenaite, I., Daniunaite, K., Jankevicius, F., Laurinavicius, A., Petroska, D., Lazutka, J. R., Jarmalaite, S. 2015. Heterogeneity of DNA methylation in multifocal prostate cancer. Virchows Arch., vol. 466(1), p. 53–59.

Velička, M., Urboniene, V., Čeponkus, J., Pucetaite, M., Jankevicius, F., Sablinskas, V. 2015. Detection of cancerous biological tissue areas by means of infrared absorption and SERS spectroscopy of intracellular fluid. In: Biosensing and Nanomedicine VIII, 95500A-6 (Hooman Mohseni, Massoud H. Agahi, Manijeh Razeghi, eds.) Proc. of SPIE, vol. 9550, doi:10.1117/12.2186395.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Colorectal Cancer: Study of Mortality, Disability and Quality of Life in Lithuania. Prof. K. Strupas.

Supported by grant LIG01/2011, the study was continued in 2014; prospective study of the quality of life of patients after resections for colorectal cancer was studied; the data was submitted to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons meeting in USA in 2015.

The project: New Biomarcers for Individualized Chemotherapy of Colon Cancer: Proteomics, RNA Nomics, Clinics (No SEN-15069) started in 2015.

In this project we will use chemotherapy sensitive and resistant CRC cell lines that will be established or have been established already. We will perform highthroughput quantitative proteomic and microRNomic analysis of the cell lines. Potential predictive biomarkers will be identified from the bioinformatic analysis of proteomic and microRNomic data and validated in various models of cell culture. Next, the selected set of potential protein and microRNA biomarkers will be validated in human CRC clinical samples. The project will result in the discovery of potential predictive biomarkers for the successful personalized CRC adjuvant chemotherapy.

The research project Identification of Early Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers of Pancreatic Intraductal Adenocarcinoma using Protein Mass Spectrometry Analysis was continued in 2015. It focuses on tissue and serum biomarkers detection, suitable for early diagnostics of pancreatic intraductal adenocarcinoma. During the year 2015, around 30 additional samples of different pancreas tissue specimens and 5 blood samples have been collected and fresh-frozen stored in the tissue bank. 20 of them started to be investigated by protein mass spectrometry.

International Science Programmers and Projects 

Projects Supported by COST (European Concerted Research Action designated as COST Action BM1204) were continued in 2015. An integrated European platform for pancreas cancer research: from basic science to clinical and public health interventions for a rare disease.

The main objective of the Action is to capitalise on emerging scientific and technological developments in the field of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). On 27 April 2015 working group meeting was in the Tissue Bank of the National Center for Tumor Diseases in Heidelberg (Germany) and on November 06–09, 2015, working groups meeting and the Workshop/Conference Burning Issues in Pancreatology - the Combined EFIS & EPC meeting, and the pancreas Annual Conference, organized by UEG, EFIS, EAPM and EU Pancreas was in Cluj-Napoca (Romania).

The Disease Burden of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection and Develop Strategies that Can Manage the Burden. The Center for Disease Analysis (CDA), Amanda Sibley, Prof. J. Valantinas.

Recent unpublished estimates from an ongoing national seroprevalence survey suggest an anti-HCV prevalence of 1.96% among adults in Lithuania.  While prevalence may be lower than reported averages for the Eastern Europe region, HCV accounts for a substantial proportion of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and liver-related deaths in Lithuania. Recent developments in antiviral regimens achieve higher sustained viral response rates (SVR) and greater convenience than the current standard of care. To understand the impact of new therapies on the burden of HCV in Lithuania, a modeling approach was used.

Under a scenario to increase treatment efficacy and expand fibrosis restrictions, there will be 32 890 total viremic cases in 2030, a 7% reduction from the base case. By 2030, prevalent HCC (80 in 2030) and annual liver related mortality (105 in 2030), will each be reduced <5% from the base case in 2030.

The base case results demonstrate an increasing burden of HCV-attributable HCC cases and liver related deaths in Lithuania. The results from a scenario to increase efficacy and treat patients with mild fibrosis (≥F1), without increasing the number of patients treated, will have little impact on total viremic cases or advanced outcomes such as HCC or liver-related mortality.

Main publications:

Valantinas, J., Liakina, V., Speiciene, D. 2015. Strategies to manage hepatitis C virus infection disease burden . J Viral Hepat., vol. 3, suppl. 4, p. 42–65.

Liakina, V., Speiciene, D., Valantinas, J. 2015. The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus infections with today's treatment paradigm. J Viral Hepat., vol. 3., suppl 4, p. 21–41.

Liakina, V., Speiciene, D., Valantinas, J. 2015. Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in select countries. J Viral Hepat., vol. 3, suppl 4, p. 4–20. 

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

Our data identify CCL20 as a candidate risk gene for PBC. Chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) and its chemokine receptor CCR6 contribute to the formation and function of mucosal lymphoid tissues and are notably, in the context of the immune-mediated lymphocytic cholangitis characteristic of PBC, involved in the localization of Th17 cells and CD8 effector T cells to cholangiocytes and the periductal area in portal tracts16. This study also reinforces the importance of IL-12 and JAK-STAT signaling in this disease.

The identification of disease-associated regulatory variants at multiple risk loci emphasizes the potential importance of gene regulation in the pathogenesis of PBC (and presumably other complex disorders). This possibility is corroborated by the finding of numerous risk loci wherein the index and/or closely related SNPs that appear to represent regulatory, mQTL and/or eQTLs variants related to the nearby gene. Via the FGWAS analysis, this study also suggests particular importance of CD20þ B cells and Th1 cells in the pathogenesis of PBC. However, both the cell types and the specific gene variants most relevant to PBC require further investigation and in particular exploration of the tissue-specific functional effects of the disease-associated variants.

Main publication:

Liakina, V., Gregersen, P.K. Italian PBC Genetics Study Group; UK-PBC Consortium, Gershwin ME, Anderson CA, Lazaridis KN, Invernizzi P, Seldin MF, Sandford RN, Amos CI, Siminovitch KA. 2015. International genome-wide meta-analysis identifies new primary biliary cirrhosis risk loci and targetable pathogenic pathways. Nat Commun., vol. 6, p. 8019.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. K. Strupas –

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

Prof. V. Beiša –

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

Prof. G. Simutis – 

  • member of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
  • member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology society;
  • member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES).

Prof. E. Poškus –

  • chairman of the Lithuanian Minimally Invasive Surgery Society;
  • member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology society;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Coloproctologists;
  • 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).

Prof. A. Šileikis –

  • secretary of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
  • member of the International HepatoPancreato Biliary Association (IHPB);
  • member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO);
  • member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology Society;
  • member of the Lithuanian Minimally Invasive Surgery Society.

Prof. T. Poškus –

  • Vice-president of the Lithuanian Society of Coloproctologists;
  • member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology Society;
  • member of Vilnius Association of Surgeons.

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.

Assoc. Prof. V. Jotautas- 

  • 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).

Dr. S. Mikalauskas –

  • 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);
  • member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology Society.

Prof. J. Valantinas – 

  • editor of the journal Internistas, supplement Gastroenterology;
  • editorial board member of the journal World Journal of Gastroenterology;
  • editor 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);
  • President 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.

Assoc. Prof. G. Denapienė, Dr. J. Stundienė, Dr. L. Mašalaitė, Dr. I. Savlan, Lect. R. Vaicekauskas – 

  • members of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.

Dr. V. Liakina –

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

Prof. G. Brimas –

  • deputy editor-in-Chief of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija;
  • editorial board member of the journal Videosurgery and Miniinvasive Techniques;
  • President of the Association of Lithuanian Surgeons;
  • President of the Bariatric Surgery Society.

Assoc. Prof.  A. Stašinskas –

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

Assoc. Prof.  K. Saniukas –

  • President of the Baltic Spinal Cord Injury Scientific Society;
  • President of Lithuanian Scientific Society of Paediatric Orthopaedics and Traumatology.

Assoc. Prof.  K. Trainavičius –

  • member of the Baltic Association of Pediatric Surgeons (BAOPS);
  • member of the Council of Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Surgery;
  • editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics), www.idejugrupe.lt.

Prof. F. Jankevičius – 

  • chairman of the Lithuanian Early Prostate Cancer Detection Programme;
  • member of th European Association of Urology (EAU);
  • corresponding member of Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Urologie;
  • member of Lithuanian Urological Association.

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.

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);
  • member 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;
  • member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology society.

Prof. M. Miglinas – 

  • member of the European Dialysis Transplantation 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);
  • chairman of Lithuanian Kidney Foundation;
  • President of the Lithuanian Hypertension Society;
  • Cross of the Knight of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas.

Lect. L. Rimševičius –

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

 

CLINIC OF INFECTIOUS, CHEST DISEASES, DERMATOVENEREOLOGY AND ALLERGOLOGY

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

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Arvydas Ambrozaitis

Centre of Infectious Diseases 

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

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Arvydas Ambrozaitis

Centre of Pulmonology and Allergology

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 250 1871
E-mail: ; 

Head – Prof. Dr. Edvardas Danila

Centre of General Thoracic Surgery

2 Santariškių, LT–08661 Vilnius
Tel./fax 261 1636
E-mail: , 

Head – Habil. Dr. Ričardas Janilionis

Centre of Dermatovenereology 

2 J. Kairiūkščio, LT-08411 Vilnius
Tel. 272 0385, fax 272 0256
E-mail: , 

Head – Prof. Dr. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. A. Ambrozaitis, Dr. E. Danila, Habil. Dr. R. Dubakienė, Dr. M. Bylaitė, 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. J. Grigaitienė , Dr. R. Gancevičienė (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. D. Radzišauskienė (part-time), Dr. R. Gancevičienė (part-time), Dr. V. Šileikienė (part-time), A. Marcinkutė (part-time), B. Zablockienė (part-time), I. Balčiūnienė (part-time).
Assistants: T. Karmazienė (part-time), Ž. Jagelavičius (part-time), R. Aleksonienė (part-time), R. Kibarskytė (part-time), I. Kiselienė (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. V. Kvedarienė (part-time), Dr. L. Malinauskienė (part-time), A. Stiklerytė.
Doctoral students: Ž. Jagelavičius, R. Jurčiukonytė, R. Aleksonienė, B. Zablockienė, I. Balčiūnienė, E. Jurevičienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Pathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases: scientific assessment of the current methods used in the diagnostics, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases; search of a new diagnostics, treatment and prevention methods; study of the mechanisms of infectious diseases pathogenesis; study of a safety and efficacy of a new vaccines and drugs for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases

Etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne and hidradenitis suppurativa: fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies

Epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment and prevention of epithelial skin cancers and melanoma

Strategy and tactics of the surgical management of patients with different skin pathology

Evaluation of the efficacy of the diagnostic and therapeutic methods in obstructive, interstitial, neoplastic and allergic disorders

Strategy and tactics of the surgical management of patients with different thoracic pathology 

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Pathogenesis, Diagnostics, Treatment and Prevention of Infectious Diseases. Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, Assoc. Prof. L. Jančorienė, Assoc. Prof. R. Matulionytė, Prof. K. Žagminas, D. Radzišauskienė, B. Zablockienė, A. Marcinkutė, A. Stiklerytė. 2014–2018. 

Safety and efficacy of the triple antiviral therapy with telaprevir in treatment-naïve and treatment experienced genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis or compensated liver cirrhosis. Assoc. Prof. L. Jančorienė. Prof. A. Ambrozaitis

The aim of this study is to assess the safety and virologic response of telaprevir-based triple therapy in genotype 1 CHC treatment-naïve and treatment–failure patients with bridging fibrosis or liver cirrhosis. Significantly improved SVR (70.6%) with triple therapy was achieved in treatment-naïve patients as compared with historical SVR results (44%) in dual therapy. In treatment-failure group statistically significant benefit in achievment of SVR was shown in previous relapsers (p=0.001) and partial responders (p=0.004) as compare with previous non-responders. Most common adverse effects (anemia, rash, pruritus, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia) gradually resolved after the treatment completion.

Triple antiviral therapy with boceprevir in genotype 1 treatment experienced hepatitis C patients with bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis: safety and virologic response. Assoc. Prof. L. Jančorienė, prof. A. Ambrozaitis.

The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and virologic response of boceprevir-based triple antiviral therapy in treatment experienced genotype 1 CHC patients, with bridging fibrosis or liver cirrhosis. SVR with boceprevir –based triple therapy was achieved in 47.1% of genotype 1 CHC patients with bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis who previously had a failure to dual treatment. Statistically significant benefit in achievement of SVR was shown in previous relapsers (p=0.001) and partial responders (p=0.033) as compared with previous non-responders. Most common side effects gradually resolved after the treatment completion.

Tick-borne ecephalitis (TBE) in Vilnius region in 2005–2014: epidemiologic and clinical aspects. D. Radzišauskienė, Prof. K. Žagminas, Assoc. Prof. L. Jančorienė, Prof. A. Ambrozaitis.

The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of TBE in Vilnius region during 2005–2014, including the descriptive analysis of TBE epidemiology and determination of the main clinical features and sequelae of TBE in Vilnius region. In 2015 data from all the source documents were collected and entered into the specially designed Data Collection Form and finally entered into the Epi database program. The final data analysis will be conducted in 2016 and the paper will be submitted for publication.

Prevalence of viral hepatitis A, B and C serological markers in the first time non-remunerated blood donor’s population in Lithuania. Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, Prof. K. Žagminas, Assoc. Prof. L. Jančorienė, A. Stikleryte.

The objective of this cross-sectional study is to estimate the prevalence viral hepatitis serologic and virologic markers, such as anti-HAV, HBsAg, HBV-DNR, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, HCV-RNA among the first-time non-remunerated blood donors in Lithuania. Total of 200 first-time non-remunerated blood donors were tested in 2015 for VH serologic markers. Total of 27 (13.5%) were positive for anti-HAV, 1 (0.5%) – for HBsAg, 1 (0.5%) – for HBV-NAT, 5 (2.5%) – for anti-HBc, 110 (55%) – for anti-HBs, 5 (2,5%) – for anti-HCV, 4 (2%) – for HCV-NAT. All 200 sera samples tested for anti-HEV were negative. The study is in progress.

Evaluation of preventive value of suppression in nitric oxide production for the development of influenza-induced pneumonia. B. Zablockienė, Prof. A. Ambrozaitis.

The aim of the study is to evaluate how neuraminidase inhibitors and iNOS antisense suppress the pulmonary inflammation from the overproduction of free radicals during the influenza infection in the mouse model. The nitrotyrosine and influenza nucleoprotein levels in mice lungs were assessed by Western Blot analysis. The levels of iNOS RNR, IFN - γ, TNF - α were determined using reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reactions. The study is in the progress.

Evaluation of Epidemiology and Efficacy of the Diagnostic and Treatment Methods in Lung and Allergic Diseases and Disorders. Prof. E. Danila, Prof. R. Dubakienė, Assoc. Prof. Habil. Dr. R. Janilionis, Assoc. Prof. A. Blažienė, Assoc. Prof. R. Zablockis, Assoc. Prof. V. Gruslys, Dr. V. Kvedarienė, Dr. L. Malinauskienė, Dr. V. Šileikienė, R. Aleksonienė, Ž. Jagelavičius. 2014–2018.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Lung Diseases

The aim of the study is 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 evaluated. The study is in progress.

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 are evaluated. The study is in progress.

D –dimer levels in pleural fluid

A 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 into the study. Pleural D-dimer levels are measured and compared with D-dimer concentrations in plasma. Pleural fluid LDH, protein, pH, glucose levels are assessed as well. The study is in progress.

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 investigated. The study is in progress.

Differences between self-reported drug hypersensitivity reactions in Lithuanian adults and children

The aim of 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. Total of 35 questions about drug allergy symptoms and also about food and pollen allergy, family history were assessed. Preliminary data were presented at the EAACI ENDA meeting in 2015. Final data are in assessment, preliminary analysis and publication in future.

Allergen immunotherapy: patients selection, efficacy of different methods and  treatment results

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions in adults with allergic rhinoconjuctivitis with or without asthma. Data were collected using our made questionnaire from 47 patients. Total of 30 patients received SLIT, 17 – SCIT. There was no statistically significant difference between SCIT and SLIT groups in terms of nose itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, palate and eyes itching and asthma symptoms. Eyes tearing significantly improved in SLIT group after half a year. We conclude that treatment with ASIT is effective and safe.

Textile dye allergy and allergic contact dermatitis

A total of 214 consecutive dermatitis patients from Lithuania were tested with the mix, consisting of Disperse Blue 35, Disperse Yellow 3, Disperse Orange 1, Disperse Orange 3, Disperse Red 1 and 17, all at 0.5%, and Disperse Blue 106 and 124, both at 0.1%, and with the ingredients at these concentrations if the patients were positive to the mix. Of the total number, 6 patients (2.8%) were positive to the mix and none were positive for separate dyes. Investigating textiles randomly obtained all over the world we noticed similar pattern of dyes on TLC plates among different extracts. We found that disperse dyes used for patch testing are rarely found in the textiles, therefore we plan to investigate which disperse dyes are used. The study is in progress.

Patch tests in allergy diagnosis: Identifying opportunities and obstacles for good clinical practice under current EU legislation

Actions taken in 2015 are:

review of literature for gaining evidence to define the best patch test practice; analysis of present practices of patch testing used in EU countries; a survey of expectations and concerns of European allergologists regarding this method and it’s legal frameworks; analysis of legal regulations of patch test materials and procedures on the EU level, as well as local regulations in EU Member State;

Identification of opportunities and obstacles for a better clinical practice under current EU legislation; issuing a position paper with evidence-based guidelines for performing patch tests within the current scientific and legislative context.

Main publications: 

Pimkina, E., Zablockis, R., Nikolayevskyy, V., Danila, E., Davidavičien, E. 2015. The Xpert® MTB/RIF assay in routine diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis: a multicentre study in Lithuania. Respir Med, vol. 109, p. 1484–1489.

Malinauskienė, L., Blažienė, A., Chomičienė, A., Isaksson, M. 2015. Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products even when unlabelled. Open Med, vol. 10, p. 323–328.

Bousquet, J., Schunemann, H.J., Fonseca, J., Kvedariene, V., Mercier, J. 2015. MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis (MASK-rhinitis): the new generation guideline implementation. Allergy, vol. 70, p. 1372–1392.

Strategy and Tactics of the Surgical Management of Patients with Different Thoracic Pathology. Habil.dr. R. Janilionis

New surgical methods using ultrasound intraoperatively and VATS were elaborated for the surgical management of the patients with pleuropulmonary suppurations: tracheobronchial resection and reconstruction for malignant and benign stenosis: 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 videomediastinoscopy and videoassisted thoracoscopic surgery in diagnostics and management of the patients was assessed.

Main publication: 

Jagelavičius, Ž., Vaitėnas, G., Jovaišas, V., Janilionis, R. 2015. Riboto piopneumotorakso gydymas vakuumine žaizdų gydymo Sistema. Lietuvos chirurgija, vol. 14(1), p. 46–51.

Diagnostic and Treatment Peculiarities of Basal Cell Carcinoma. Prof. Dr. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė, R. Jurčiukonytė.

The aim of the study is to assess the demographic data, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment of basal cell carcinoma: fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies. Different morphological forms of BCC (20 of each morphological form) are selected for the pathological and IHC evaluation. The obtained study results were presented as poster in an international congress of EADV and national meeting. The study is in progress.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in Hospitalized Patients in Lithuania in 2015–2017 (No. SEN-03/2015). Prof. A. Ambrozaitis, Assoc. Prof. L. Jančorienė, B. Zablockienė. 2015–2018.

To assess seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness we are going to perform a hospital-based case-control study in 18 years and older subjects with influenza-like illness symptoms. Patients will be swabbed and presence of influenza virus will be confirmed by RT-PCR. Demographic and clinical information (age, sex, chronic medical conditions, use of antiviral medication, influenza vaccination status) will be collected in order to identify risk groups patients. This study will also contribute to the seasonal infleunza vaccination effectiveneess assessment against the influenza virus (sub)types circulating in Eastern European Region.

International Research Projects

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 aim of the study is to investigate specific biomarkers of patients with onset of childhood psoriasis (<15 years): to analyze differences between adult onset and children onset of psoriasis at clinical, immunological and genetic levels. The prospective cohort study will be carried out in the VU Center of Dermatovenereology in cooperation with Professor Mona Stahle and her research group at Karolinska Institute Department of Medicine Solna, Dermatology and Venereology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. The study is in progress.

Contractual Research

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Stratified, Multi-Center Trial Evaluating Conventional and High Dose Oseltamivir in the Treatment of Immunocompromised Patients with Influenza. Assoc. Prof. R. Matulionytė.

The aim of this observational study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the conventional and high dose of oseltamivir in the treatment of immunocompromised patients with influenza. One patient was enrolled into the study in 2015. The study is in progress.

Clinical and Virological Outcome of European Patients Infected with HIV. Assoc. Prof. R. Matulionytė.

This multi-national, multi-center study aims at determining and evaluating the clinical virological outcomes of European patients infected with HIV within the frame of Copenhagen HIV Programme (CHIP), initiated by University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences. Total of 61 patients was enrolled into the sudy in 2015. The study is in progress.

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 Tt Severe Chronic Plaque-Type Psoriasis Completing Preceding Psoriasis Phase III Studies with Secukinumab. Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė, T. Karmazienė. 2012–2015.

Two patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were included. The study is in progress.

A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of Multiple Dupilumab Dose Regimens Administered as Monotherapy for Maintaining Treatment Response in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis. Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė, Assoc. Prof. J. Grigaitienė, Dr. E. Aukštuolienė. 2015–2018.

Four patients were included, the study is in progress.

Long Term Clear Skin Maintenance Treatment Optimization in Patients with Moderate to Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: A Randomized, Multicentre, Open-Label with Blinded-Assessment, Comparative, 52 Week Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Secukinumab 300 Mg. Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė, T. Karmazienė, M. Krivickaitė. 2015–2018.

Two patients are already involved. The study is in progress.

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

Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London (UK)
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
University of Strasbourg (France)
Ludwig – Maximilians University, Munich (Germany)
Skåne university hospital, Lund University, Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology (Sweden)
Malmo University (Sweden) 

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Ambrozaitis –

  • chairman of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt;
  • country representative and member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), www.escmid.org;
  • member of the European Association of the Study of the Liver, www.easl.ch;
  • national representative and board member of the Infectious Diseases Section of European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), www.uems.net;
  • board member of the Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association, www.baltipa.lt;
  • editor –in-chief of the journal Infekcinės ligos (Infectious Diseases), www.lid.lt;
  • editorial board member of the journal HIV&AIDS Review: International Journal of HIV-related Problems, www.journals.elsevier.com/hiv-and-aids-review;  
  • editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), www.mtp.lt;
  • editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences), www.sam.lt/lt/sam/moksliniai/straipsniai/;
  • editorial board member of the journal Internistas (Internist), www.medpraktika.lt; 
  • editorial council member of the journal Acta medica Lituanica, www.lmaleidykla.lt; 
  • member of Allergology Commission of Lithuanian Academy of  Sciences, www.lma.lt.

Assoc. Prof. R. Matulionytė – 

  • chair of the Vilnius Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt;
  • board member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt;
  • member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, www.escmid.org;
  • member of the European AIDS Clinical Society, www.eacs.ws.

Assoc. Prof. L. Jančorienė –

  • member of the European Association of the Study of the Liver, www.easl.ch;
  • member of the International Society of Travel Medicine, www.istm.org;
  • member of the Central European Vaccination Awareness Group;
  • board member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt;
  • board member of the Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association, www.baltipa.lt;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology, www.gastroenterologija.lt.

B. Zablockienė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt;
  • member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, www.escmid.org;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists, http://www.chest.lt/.

A. Stiklerytė –

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

Prof. E. Danila –

Prof. R. Dubakienė –

  • member of European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer products, http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/04_sccp_en.htm;
  • chairperson of Allergology Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, http://lma.lt/index.php?lang=lt;
  • 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 Lituanica, http://www.lmaleidykla.lt/ojs/index.php/actamedicalituanica;
  • 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), http://www.mtp.lt/;
  • editorial board member of the journal Immunopathologia;
  • member of the Lithuanian Immunology Society, www.imcentras.lt/lid/;
  • member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, http://www.eaaci.org/;
  • vice-chairman of the Immunology Institute Council of Vilnius University;
  • head of internet website Alergija, astma, imunologija (Allergy, Asthma, Immunology), http://www.aai.lt.

Assoc. Prof. A. Blažienė – 

Assoc. Prof. R. Zablockis – 

Dr. L. Malinauskienė – 

Dr. V. Šileikienė –

Dr. V. Kvedarienė –

 R. Aleksonienė – 

Habil. Dr. R. Janilionis  - 

  • board member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery;
  • board member of Vilnius Surgical Society;
  • member of European Respiratory Society (ERS), www.ersnet.org;
  • member of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery;
  • editorial board member of the journal Medicina, www.medicina.kmu.ll 
  • editorial boad member of the journal Lithuanian Surgery,  http://www.chirurgija.lt.

Assoc. Prof. Dr.V. Gruslys –

  • member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons, www.lkscd.lt;
  • member of European Respiratory Society (ERS), www.ersnet.org;
  • board member of Lithuanian Society of Minimal Invasive Surgery, http://www.mic.lt;
  • member of Lithuanian Respiratory Society, http://www.chest.lt.

Ž. Jagelavičius –

  • member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons, www.lkscd.lt;
  • member of European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS), www.ests.org;
  • member of European Respiratory Society (ERS). 

Prof. M. Bylaitė –

  • president of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt; 
  • 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, http://www.conferencelithuania.eu;
  • 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;
  • board member of the Euro-Asian Association of Dermatovenerologists, www.eaad.com;
  • editorial board of the Journal of Health Sciences, http://jhs.pharm.or.jp/.

Assoc. Prof. J. Grigaitienė –

Assoc. Prof. R. Gancevičienė –

  • board member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt;
  • member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology; 
  • member of the Baltic Society of Dermatovenereology, http://www.eadv.org/;
  • member of the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists, http://www.ifscc.org/.

I. Balčiūnienė –

T. Karmazienė –

I. Kisielienė –

 

NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY CLINIC

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 8688 62744, fax. 8688 62728
E-mail:  

Head – Prof. Dr. Dalius Jatužis

STAFF

Professors: Dr. D. Jatužis; Dr. G. F. Kaubrys.
Associate professors: Dr. R. Mameniškienė, Dr. S. Ročka; Dr. K. Laurikėnas.
Lecturers: Dr. K. Ryliškienė; Dr. R. Kvaščevičius; Dr. R. Kaladytė-Lokominienė, Dr. G. Terbetas, Dr. J. Valaikienė, Dr. A. Vilionskis, Dr. R. Kizlaitienė.
Senior research fellows: Habil. Dr. V. Gaigalaitė.
Junior research fellows: Dr. A. Klimašauskienė; A. Preikšaitis, Ž. Chomanskis.
Doctoral students: N. Giedraitienė; I. Sereikė; D. Valadkevičienė, E. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė, M. Kurminas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Cognitive disorders in neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular, demyelinating diseases and epilepsy

Assessment and practical application of new diagnostic and treatment methods in stroke and cerebrovascular disease, demyelinating, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy and migraine

Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, traumatic brain injuries, degenerative spinal diseases and cerebral neoplasms

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, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy and migraine; evaluation of neurophysiological and clinical peculiarities of patients with critical illness; depiction of nervous system disorders and mental diseases in historical documents related to Vilnius and Vilnius university.

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 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Assessment of New Diagnostic and Treatment Methods in Neurology and Neurosurgery (Cerebrovascular, Neurodegenerative, Oncological, Demyelinating Diseases, Epilepsy, Traumatic Injury, Degenerative Spinal Diseases). Prof. D. Jatužis. 2014–2018.

Center 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, neurodegenerative 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:

Rotomskis, A., Margevičiūtė., R, Germanavičius, A., Kaubrys, G., Budrys, V., Bagdonas, A. 2015. Differential diagnosis of depression and Alzheimer’s disease with the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R). BMC Neurol, vol. 15, p. 57.

Kuzmickienė, J., Kaubrys, G. 2015. Selective ability of some CANTAB battery test measures to detect cognitive response to a single dose of Donepezil in Alzheimer disease. Med Sci Monit, vol. 21, p. 2572–82.

Giedraitiene, N., Kaubrys, G., Kizlaitiene, R., Bagdonaite, L., Griskevicius, L., Valceckiene, V., Stoskus M. 2015. Therapeutic plasma exchange in multiple sclerosis patients with abolished Interferon-beta bioavailability. Med Sci Monit., vol. 21, p. 1512–9.

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

Center 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.

Main publications:

Maas, A.I.R., Menon, D.K., Steyerberg, E.W., Citerio, G., Lecky, F., Manley, G.T., Hill, S., Legrand, V., Sorgner A, on behalf of the CENTER-TBI Participants and Investigators (see Appendix) [Rocka S., Preiksaitis A.]. 2015. Collaborative European neuro trauma effectiveness research in traumatic brain injury (CENTER-TBI): a prospective longitudinal observational study. Neurosurgery, vol. 76(1), p. 67–80.

Rackauskas, A., Lapteva, O., Rocka, S. 2015. Timing of surgery for neurologically compromised traumatic cervical spine injuries. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2015 Oct 7 [Epub ahead of print] – Part A, doi http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1055/s-0035-1564052.

Balseris, S., Strazdas, G., Ročka, S., Jakštas, T. 2015. Endoscopic endonasal approach of congenital meningoencephalocele surgery: first reported case in Lithuania. Case Reports in Otolaryngology, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, vol. 2015, Article ID 728561, 5 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/728561.

National Research Projects

National Science Program Healthy Ageing, Project SEN-05/2015 Research on Synthesis Regulation of Proteins, Associated with the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease in cooperation with the Vilnius University Institute of Biotechnology. Prof. G. Kaubrys.

Analysis of Braing Tumors Prognostic Factors and Early Response with Visual Biomarkers in cooperation with National Cancer Institute (No. MIP-015/2014; KT2014-27). Assoc. Prof. S. Ročka.

Clinical research Impact of Modified Lindy-Hop Dance Therapy on Motor Condition and Quality of Life in Early Parkinson's Disease in collaboration with Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. Lect. R. Kaladytė Lokominienė.

Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk Programme. Prof. D. Jatužis.

Main publication:

Laucevičius, A., Rinkūnienė, E., Skujaitė, A., Petrulionienė, Ž., Puronaitė, R., Dženkevičiūtė, V., Kasiulevičius,V., Jatužis, D., Ryliškytė, L., Šlapikas, R. 2015. Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in Lithuanian middle-aged subjects participating in the primary prevention program, analysis of the period 2009–2012. Blood Press., vol. 24(1), p. 41–7.

International Programmes, Projects and Contracts

SITS (Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke) since 2002, national coordinators – Prof. D. Jatužis and Dr. A. Vilionskis.

SITS is an academic-driven, non-profit, international collaboration with a base at Karolinska Institutet 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. Related projects: SITS-EAST and ESO-SITS.

Main publication:

Tsivgoulis, G., Kadlecová, P., Kobayashi, A., Czlonkowska, A., Brozman, M., Švigelj, V., Csiba, L., Kõrv,J., Demarin, V., Vilionskis, A., Jatuzis, D., Katsanos, AH., Rudolf, J, Krespi, Y., Mikulik, R. 2015. Safety of Statin pretreatment in intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke. Stroke, vol. 46, p. 2681–4.

SITS-EAST since 2007, national coordinators – Prof. D. Jatužis and Dr. A. Vilionskis.

It 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 publication:

Karlinski, M., Kobayashi, A., Czlonkowska, A., Mikulik, R., Vaclavik, D., Brozman, M., Gdovinova, Z., Švigelj, V., Csiba, L., Fekete, K., Kõrv, J., Demarin, V., Bašic-Kes, V., Vilionskis, A., Jatuzis, D., Krespi, Y., Shamalov, N., Andonova, S., Ahmed, N., Wahlgren, N. 2015. Safe implementation of treatments in Stroke–East Registry (SITS-EAST) Investigators. Intravenous thrombolysis for stroke recurring within 3 months from the previous event. Stroke, vol. 46, p. 3184–9.

ESO – SITS since 2015. National coordinators – Prof. D. Jatužis and Dr. A. Vilionskis.

It started as a project with aim to estimate the quality of stroke service in East and Central Europe. The study was initiated in 2015.  It is now developing a questionnaire for the documentation of quality of stroke service in Central and Eastern Europe.

EuroHYP-1 since 2012. Leader (national coordinator) – Prof. D. Jatužis.

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) since 2009. Leader (coordinator) - Assoc. Prof. R.  Mameniškienė.

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.

Current Status of Epilepsy Health Care for Adult Patients from Central and Eastern European Union Countries since 2015. Leader (coordinator) - Assoc. Prof. R. Mameniškienė.

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 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 publication:

Mameniskiene, R., Sakalauskaite-Juodeikiene, E., Budrys ,V. 2015. People with epilepsy lack knowledge about their disease. Epilepsy Behav., vol. 46, p. 192–7.

International Multicenter Register: European Register of Antileptic Drugs and Pregnancy (EURAP) since 2015. Leader (coordinator) - Assoc. Prof. Rūta Mameniškienė.

Main publication:

Tomson, T., Battino, D., Bonizzoni, E., Craig, J., Lindhout, D., Perucca, E., Saber, A., Thomas, S.V., Vajda, F. 2015. EURAP Study Group (R.Mameniskiene). Dose-dependent teratogenicity of valproate in mono- and polytherapy: an observational study. Neurology, vol. 85(10), p. 866–72.

International Register of the Treatment of Refractory Status Epilepticus since 2015. Leader (coordinator) - Assoc. Prof. Rūta Mameniškienė.

International project on the EEG changes during the olfactory stimulation in patients with epilepsy Cochrane Neurological Network: Systematic Reviews and Metaanalysis in Neurology.

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

Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)
National Cancer Institute (Lithuania)
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania)
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (Sweden)
Dianalund Epilepsy Centre (Denmark)
University of Regensburg, Department of Neurology, Stroke Unit, Neurovascular Laboratory (Germany)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. D. Jatužis –

  • President of the Lithuanian Stroke Association and Lithuanian Neurological Association;
  • educational co-ordinator of World Federation of Neurology (WFN) for Lithuania;
  • delegate of Lithuania for the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
  • executive editor of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology);
  • fellow member of European Stroke Organization (FESO), member of ESO Trials Network Committee;
  • national coordinator of ESO-EAST Enhancing and Accelerating Stroke Treatment (5-year collaboration with selected physicians from Eastern countries to optimise stroke care in Eastern Europe);
  • national Coordinator in SITS (Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke) and member of SITS-EAST;
  • leading Investigator in EuroHYP-1 trial.

Prof. G. Kaubrys –

  • member of subspecialty scientific panel Dementia and Cognitive Disorders of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
  • member of subspecialty scientific panel Higher Cortical Functions of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
  • voting member of the Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness;
  • editor-in-chief of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology);
  • member of the Council of the Lithuanian Neurological Association.

Assoc. Prof. R. Mameniškienė – 

  • President of the Lithuanian Society for epileptology;
  • member of the Council of the Lithuanian Neurological Association;
  • editor-in-chief of the journal Nervų ir psichikos ligos;
  • national Coordinator in European Register of Antileptic Drugs and Pregnancy (EURAP);
  • national Coordinator in the international registry of the treatment of refractory status epilepticus.

Assoc. Prof. S. Ročka –

  • member of Lithuanian Neurosurgical Society;
  • 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. K. Laurikėnas – 

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

Lect. 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.

Lect. Dr. G. Terbetas – 

  • member of Lithuanian Neurosurgical Society;
  • member of Lithuanian Society of Vertebrology.
  • AOSpine member

Lect. R. Kaladytė-Lokominienė –

  • member of the Council of Lithuanian Neurological Association;
  • member of Movement Disorders Scientific Panel of European Academy of Neurology;
  • member of International Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Society;
  • member of Cochrane Collaboration Neurological Network;
  • coordinator of Huntington's Disease Coordination Centre.

Lect. K. Ryliškienė –

  • member of the Board of Nordic Stroke Society;
  • head of Neurology Panel of Students Research Society of Vilnius University Medical Faculty;
  • member of International Arterial Measurements Collaboration.

Lect. A. Vilionskis – 

  • member of council of the Lithuanian Stroke Association;
  • member of the Lithuanian Neurological Association;
  • fellow member of ESO (European Stroke Organisation);
  • national coordinator in SITS (Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke) and member of SITS-EAST.

Lect. J. Valaikienė -

  • member of the Lithuanian Association of Neurology;
  • member of the Lithuanian Stroke Association;
  • member of Lithuanian Society of Clinical Physiology;
  • member of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Scientific Panel of Neurosonology;
  • member of the EAN Scientific Panel of Infectious diseases;
  • member of the World Federation of Neurology.

 

INSTITUTE OF ODONTOLOGY

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

Head - Prof. Dr. Vytautė Pečiulienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Pūrienė, Dr. V. Pečiulienė.
Associate professors: Dr. R. Manelienė, Dr. L. Zaleckas (part-time), Dr. V. Rutkūnas, Dr. E. Miliūnienė, Dr. S. Drukteinis, Dr. V. Brukiene, Dr. L. Linkevičienė, Dr. T. Linkevičius, Dr. R. Bendinskaitė.
Lecturers: Dr. D. Ivanauskaitė (part-time).
Assistants: Dr. J. Rimkuvienė, Dr. K. Sveikata (part-time), V. Almonaitis (part-time), R. Pletkus (part-time), A. Rimkevičius (part-time), J. Žekonienė (part-time), R. Trumpaitė-Vanagienė (part-time), R. Rasteniene (part-time), P. Kalesinskas (part-time), V. Zaleckiene (part-time), D. Janavičiene (part-time), G. Grigaite (part-time).
Doctoral students: P. Kalesinskas, V. Janulytė, L. Džiaugytė, I. Gendvilienė. 

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Oral health and treatment needs of patients with Haemophilia A and B in Lithuania

Management of traumatic dental injuries: a survey of Lithuanian dentists

Prevalence of traumatic injuries to the permanent front teeth among 6th grade Lithuanian schoolchildren in Vilnius city

Specialities of medical services and management of patients with odontogenic maxillofacial infections in Lithuania

Lichen planus patients with clinical indicators and their relations with the social and lifestyle risk factors and subjective assessment of life quality

Supply and requirement for dentists and dental specialists in Lithuania

Planning projections 

The quality of life of the retirement-age dentists in Lithuania 

Complications associated with dental implants

Long term ortodontic treatment results, stability, complications, patients self evaluation

Traditional and digital implant impression techniques. Evaluation and comparison of accuracy 

Biocompatibility of prosthetic materials in implant prosthodontics

CAD/CAM and other digital technologies to improve treatment protocols in prosthodontics Prospective randomised long term three centre study of the Baltic Cleft Network (Rostock, Germany; Ryga, Latvia and Vilnius, Lithuania. Influence of the surgical technigues and orthodontical treatment on facial growth of cleft patient

Prevention of Dental Caries Using Antisense Oligonucleotides to Glucosyltransferases of Mutans Group Streptococci

Prevalence and etiology of facial bone fractures in Lithuania

Theory based oral hygiene education in adolescents

Salivary factors and caries in family members

Marginal fit of fixed prostheses and its influence on the periodontal tissues

Construction of composite bone scaffold material and in vivo evaluation of biocompatibility and osteopromotion

Oral health and treatment needs of children with cerebral palsy in Vilnius city

Psychological preparation for dental procedures of children with autism spectrum disorders: assessment of possibilities

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Evaluation of Prevalence, Treatment Methods Modalities, Rehabilitation and Prevention of Patients with Congenital and Acquired Diseases of Stomatognatic System. Prof. V. Pečiulienė. 2014–2018.

The aim of the project is to evaluate: the prevalence of congenital and acquired stomatognatic system diseases and to select the most effective methods of treatment and prevention, attitude of patients and dentists towards the quality of dental treatment procedures, dental health behaviour modification in adolescents, and the dental fear. This project overwhelms different scientific fields which are devoted to different topics in odontology.

Main publications:

Rastenienė, R., Aleksejūnienė, J., Pūrienė, A. 2015. Dental treatment needs and health care-seeking behaviours of patients with acute odontogenic infections in Lithuania. Int Dent J. 2015 Aug, vol. 65(4), p. 188–95.

Rutkunas, V., Bukelskiene, V., Sabaliauskas, V., Balciunas, E., Malinauskas, M., Baltriukiene, D. 2015. Assessment of human gingival fibroblast interaction with dental implant abutment materials. J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2015 Apr., vol. 26(4), p.169.

Aleksejūnienė, J., Brukienė, V., Džiaugytė, L., Pečiulienė, V., Bendinskaitė, R. 2015. A theory-guided school-based intervention in order to improve adolescents’ oral self-care: a cluster randomized trial. Int J Paediatr Dent., vol. 26(2), p. 100–9, doi: 10.1111/ipd.12164.

National Research Projects

Lithuanian Research Council. Construction of Composite Bone Scaffold Material and in Vivo Evaluation of Biocompatibility and Osteopromotion (No MIP-15552). 

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

Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
University of British Columbia, Vancouver (Canada)
Institute of Biotechnology Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Laser Research Center, Vilnius University (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Pečiulienė – 

  • editorial board member of the journals Stomatologija (Dentistry); Euroepan Journal of General Dentistry; Acta Medica Lituanica.

Prof. A. Pūrienė – 

  • editorial board member of the journals Stomatologija (Dentistry); Dental and Medical Problems; Quintessence International Lietuva;Health Sciences.

Assoc. Prof. V. Rutkūnas – 

  • editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry);
  • vice-president of organizing committee of international conference „Prevention of complications in prosthetic dentistry, http://lood.lt/lt/2015_m_konferencija/,

Assoc. Prof. V. Brukienė – 

  • editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry);  Quintessence International Lietuva; Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika.

J. Rimkuvienė –

  • editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry).

Assoc. Prof.  S. Drukteinis, L. Linkevičienė, R. Bendinskaitė, J. Žekonienė – 

  • editorial board members 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

Laboratory of Biologically Active Materials

29 a Geležinio Vilko, Vilnius
Tel 239 8992
Email: 

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Rūta Dubakienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Laurinavičius, Habil. Dr. V. Basys, Habil. Dr. R. Dubakienė, Dr. V. Grabauskienė, Dr. D. Characiejus.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Jasulaitis, Dr. D. Vaitkienė, Dr. J. Gulbinovič, Dr. A. Laurinavičienė, Dr. A. Barakauskienė, Dr. E. Žurauskas, Dr. J. Kasnauskienė, Dr. E. Kazėnaitė.
Lecturers: Dr. M. Balčiūnas, Dr. K.Ivanauskas, V. Baltrūnienė, D.Linkevičiūtė, S. Budrikienė, R. Dzetaveckienė, Dr. K. Garuolienė, D. Petroška, A. Gintautas, A. Šimbelytė.
Assistants: U. Mickys, T. Baltrūnas, R. Katkus, I. Lisauskienė, J.Stasiūnienė, J. Drachneris, J.Bublevič, G. Rimeika.
Research fellow: Dr. D. Bironaitė (part-time).
Doctoral students: S. Laima, I. Lisauskienė , V. Rutkauskaitė, S. Mažeikienė, J. Besusparis, A. Šimbelytė, V. Baltrūnienė, S. Chmieliauskas, D. Žilėnaitė. 

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

Development of the predictive, preventive, personilize and prognostic biomarkers of the diseases

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 Lithuania

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Development of the New Diagnostic and Prognostic Molecular Markers for Major Disease. Diagnostic Value and Clinico-Pathologic Correlations of the Pathological Tests. Prof. A. Laurinavičius. 2014–2018.

The selected  new molecular biomarkers of major disease 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. Identification and validation of such biomarkers will allow expanding range of non-invasive disease prognosis methods. The integration of mathematical theories to the domain of human pathology diagnosis in terms of methodology, quantitative analysis, and added value of newly developed tissue heterogeneity metrics.

Main publications:

Pavyde, E., Maciulaitis, R., Mauricas, M., Sudzius, G., Didziokiene, EI., Laurinavicius, A., Sutkeviciene, N., Stankevicius, E., Maciulaitis, J., Usas, A. 2015. Skeletal muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells: a potential strategy for the treatment of acute kidney injury. Acta Physiologica, vol. 215, p. 8–9.

Maciulaitis, J., Deveikyte, M., Rekstyte, S., Bratchikov, M., Darinskas, A., Simbelyte, A., Daunoras, G., Laurinaviciene, A., Laurinavicius, A., Gudas, R., Malinauskas, M., Maciulaitis, R. 2015. Preclinical study of sz2080 material 3d microstructured scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering made by femtosecond direct laser writing lithography. Biofabrication, 7, doi: 10.1088/1758-5090/7/1/015015.

Development of the Predictive, Preventive, Personilize and Prognostic Biomarkers of the Diseases. Prof. V. Grabauskienė, Prof. D. Characiejus. 2014–2018.

We are researching new immunohistochemical and molecular biology biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and disease progression of dilated cardiomyopkathy and for patient selection for novel aetiology-directed treatment strategies. We evaluate the clinical potential of titin ligands in monitoring progression of cardiac remodeling associated with end-stage IDCM. We investigate mechanisms of parvoB19 virus damages on mice cardiomyocites. Also we investigate the prognostic and predictive biomarkers in cancer patients with special attention on T lymphocytes which are most important payers of the control of neoplastic disease.

Main publications:

Sudžius, G., Mieliauskaitė, D., Šiaurys, A., Vilienė, R., Butrimienė, I., Characiejus, D., Dumalakienė, I. 2015. Distribution of peripheral lymphocyte populations in primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients. Journal of Immunology Research, vol. 2015, Article ID 854706, 10 pages.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/854706

Bironaite, D., Daunoravicius, D., Bogomolovas, J., Cibiras, S., Vitkus, D., Zurauskas, E., Zasytyte, I., Rucinskas, K., Labeit, S., Venalis A., Grabauskiene, V. 2015. Molecular mechanisms behind progressing chronic inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, vol. 15, p. 26.

Bogomolovas, J., Brohm, K., Čelutkienė J., Balčiūnaitė G., Bironaitė D., Bukelskienė V., Daunoravičius D., Witt C C, Fielitz J, Grabauskienė V, Labeit S. 2015. Induction of Ankrd1 in dilated cardiomyopathy correlates with the heart failure progression. BioMed Research International, vol. 2015, Article ID 273936, 9 pages.

Genesis and Gnoseology of Violence. Assoc. Prof. A. Jasulaitis. 2014–2018.

Comparative analysis of 1422 cases of violence of children against 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.

Main publications:

Laima, S., Fomin, D., Jasulaitis, A., Bareikytė, A., Banionis, D., Andriuškevičiūtė, G., Chmieliauskas, S. 2015. Psichologinės ir somatinės streso išraiškos, jų paplitimas. Laboratorinė Medicina, vol. 17(3), p. 110–114.

Pūras, D., Laima, S., Jasulaitis, A., Andriuškevičiūtė, G., Chmieliauskas, S. 2015. The forensic medical assessment of psychological and physical violence experienced by children. Journal of Chemical, Biological and Physical Sciences, vol. 5(2), p. 1566–1573.

Stasiūnienė, J., Justickis, V., Jasulaitis, A. 2015. Newborn murder and its legal prevention. Sveikatos Politika Ir Valdymas, vol. 1, p. 91–119.

The Molecular Mechanisms of the Allergic Diseases Formation among Lithuanian Population, Development of New Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies. Prof. R. Dubakiene. 2008–2016.

The most common food allergens were assessed and changes in prevalence of sensitization to them during first 30 months of life were analyzed, 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:

Bousquet, J., Schunemann, HJ., Fonseca, J., Dubakiene, R. et al. 2015. MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis (MASK-rhinitis): the new generation guideline implementation. Allergy, vol. 70, p. 1372–1392.

Utilization of Cardiovascular Medications and Impact on Changes in Cardiovascular Mortality and Morbidity in Lithuania. Prof. V. Basys, Dr. J. Gulbinovič. 2014–2018.

Main publication:

Lisauskienė, I., Garuolienė, K., Gulbinovič, J. 2014. Trends and pattern of the utilization of cardiovascular medicines in Lithuania in 2003-2012. Acta Medica Lituanica, vol. 21(3), p. 129–136.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Significance of Titin Ligands Murf and CARP in Dilated Myocardium -Timuc A (No. MIP-011/2014). Prof. V. Grabauskienė. 2014–2016.

In this work we plan to investigate the relationship between the expression of two titin (a protein that organize sarcomere) ligands and the myocardial injury in mice experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) model and standardized DCM patient cohort focussing on the titin associated ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and MuRF2 and the stress response protein CARP (Cardiac Ankyrin Repeat Protein). Using DCM patient heart biopsies, we will assess how the expression of studied proteins correlates with the nature and severity of myocardial injury. We shall investigate causative links between studied proteins and by comparing wildtype mice with MuRF and CARP knock-out mice during the EAM/DCMP. Pilot study of patient heart biopsies have shown that CARP expression correlates with the severity of myocardial injury in DCM patients. This study due to the cooperation between medical doctors and biologists will combine clinical and experimental aspects of dilated cardiomyopathy. Obtained results will create a scientific basis for further research on molecular pathogenesis of human DCM and the search for new therapeutic targets

Main publication:

Bogomolovas, J., Brohm, K., Čelutkienė, J., Balčiūnaitė, G., Bironaitė, D., Bukelskienė, V., Daunoravičius, D., Witt, CC., Fielitz, J., Grabauskienė, V., Labei, S. 2015. Induction of Ankrd1 in dilated cardiomyopathy correlates with the heart failure progression. BioMed Research International, vol. 2015, Article ID 273936, 9 pages.

Research Council of Lithuania. Bioluminescence Imaging of Lymphocytes in Antitumour Reactions (No. MIP-046/2013. Prof. D. Characiejus. 2013–2015.

The aim of this project was 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. Sensitized T lymphocytes from transgenic luciferase-expressing β-actin-luc mice rejected allogeneic SL2 tumors in RAG-/- mice. After rejection of primary SL2 tumor, RAG-/- mice were able to reject second rechallenge. Lymphocytes could be tracked in vivo using bioluminescence imaging. Rejection of the rechallenged tumor was associated with lymphocyte proliferation and migration to the tumor site.

Main publication:

Juršėnaitė, J, Girkontaitė, I, Mauricas, M, Eidukevičius, R, Šiaurys, A, Characiejus, D. 2015. Bioluminescence imaging of adoptively transferred lymphocytes during allogeneic tumor rejection. Anticancer Res., vol. 35(12), p. 6573–6.

Research Council of Lithuania, Lithuanian National Non-Infectious Diseases Program. Development of Complex Biomarkers for the Evaluation of Clinical Significance of Prostate Cancer (2012–2015). Project manager (research leader) – Prof. Juozas Lazutka, Chief researcher – Prof. Arvydas Laurinavičius, Junior researcher – D. Petroška.

The main goal is to select new molecular biomarkers of prostate cancer 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.

Main publications:

Serenaite, I., Daniunaite, K., Jankevicius, F., Laurinavicius, A., Petroska, D., Lazutka, J. R., Jarmalaite, S. 2015. Heterogeneity of DNA methylation in multifocal prostate cancer. Virchows Archiv, vol. 466, p. 53–59.

Demidenko, R., Daniunaite, K., Laurinavicius, A., Lazutka, JR., Jankevicius, F., Jarmalaite, S. 2015. Gene expression profile of recurrent prostate cancer. BJU International, vol. 116, p. 6–7.

Research Council of Lithuania. A Comprehensive Biomarker intra-Tumour Heterogenecity Evaluation by Digital Immunohistocheminstry Image Analysis. Project is funded under measure VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-03-051 Support to Research Activities of Scientists and Other Researchers (hereinafter referred to as the Global Grant Measure), Priority 3 Strengthening of Capacities of Researchers and other Scientists of the Operational Programme for Human Resources Development for 2007–2013, EU Social fund. Research leader – Prof. A. Laurinavičius.

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:

Laurinavicius, A., Green, A., Laurinaviciene, A., Smailyte, G., Ostapenko, V., Meskauskas, R,  Ellis, I. 2015. Ki67/SATB1 ratio is an independent prognostic factor of overall survival in patients with early hormone receptor-positive invasive ductal breast carcinoma. Oncotarget, vol. 6(38), p. 41134–45.

Plancoulaine, B, Laurinaviciene, A, Herlin P, Besusparis, J, Meskauskas R, Baltrusaityte, I, Iqba,l Y, Laurinavicius, A. 2015. A methodology for comprehensive breast cancer ki67 labeling index with intra-tumor heterogeneity appraisal based on hexagonal tiling of digital image analysis data. Virchows Archiv.2015 Oct 19. [Epub ahead of print]

Research Council of Lithuania. Pharmacist Assistants (Pharmatechnicians) Professional Development in the Pharmaceutical Specialisty. No. VP1-2.2-ŠMM-04-V-06-017. K. Ivanauskas. 2013–2015.

International Research Projects 

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

In SARCOSI, eight European laboratories will team up that have demonstrates scientific excellence and complementary expertise in the field of sarcomeric signalling. The network structure reflects also the geographic diversity of ERA with participating teams from France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, 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 program 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 – 

Prof. R. Dubakienė –

  • National representative for Lithuania in EU FP7 Health programme;
  • member of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products of the European Commission, www.eu.int.sccp;
  • expert member of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • Chairmain of Allergology Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • expert of Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation;
  • editor-in-chief of the journal Alergologija ir klinikinė imunologija (Allergology and Clinical Immunology,  www.alergija.lt;
  • editorial board member of the journal Acta medica Lituanica;
  • editorial board member of the journal  Revue of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
  • editorial board member of 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 the internet website Alergija, astma, imunologija (Allergy, Asthma, Immunology), http://www.aai.lt.

Prof. A. Laurinavičius –

  • member of the International Society of Nephrology;
  • affiliate-member of the College of American Pathologists;
  • 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 of the Management Board of the Lithuanian 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 –

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

Assoc. Prof. E. Žurauskas, Assoc. Prof. D. Vaitkienė, D. Petroška, U. Mickys –

  • members 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.

 

CLINIC OF PSYCHIATRY

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

Head – Prof. Dr. Vita Danilevičiūtė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. V Danilevičiūtė, Dr. D. Pūras, Dr. A. Germanavičius (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. A. Šiurkutė, Dr. S. Lesinskienė, Dr. E. Laurinaitis, Dr. A. Navickas, Dr. B. Diomšina (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. A. Dervinytė-Bongarzoni (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. R. Aranauskas, Dr. A. Deksnytė, Dr. R. Viliūnienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: J. Radzevičienė, I. Veličkienė, E. Dlugauskas (part-time).

Assistants: R. Balčiūnas, I. Gaškaitė, I. Veličkienė, L. Bukelskis, E. Dlugauskas, 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 (part-time).

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Evaluation of functioning and quality of life of patients with psychiatric disorders

Analysis of outcome variables of the treatment of psychotic, affective and neurotic disorders

Different approaches on psychosocial rehabilitation and assertive outreach for comprehensive integrated community care for people with mental disorders in the community settings

Evaluation of services for people with mental illness and their carers

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

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. 2014–2018.

During 2015 Clinic of Psychiatry concentrated on research on affective disorders.Our clinic conticuere research on biological markers.  Psychiatric Clinic continued research on alkoholic withdrawal as well as on Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA).

Main publications:

Hilbig, J., Viliūnienė R., Friborg, O., Pakalniškienė, V., Danilevičiūtė, V. 2015. Resilience in a reborn nation: validation of the Lithuanian resilience scale for adults (RSA). Comprehensive Psychiatry, vol. 60, p. 126–133.

Diomšina, B., Rasmussen, P., Danilevičiūtė, V. 2015. Clinical experience of long-term treatment with aripiprazole (Abilify) in children and adolescents at the child and adolescent psychiatric clinic 1 in Roskilde, Denmark. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, vol. 72, no 3, p. 597–606.  

Čiūras, E., Dlugauskas, E., Danilevičiūtė, V. 2015. Interaction of antidepressants with antiepileptic, antyhypertensive, non steroidal anti-inflammatory and anti-infective drugs. Neurologijos seminarai, vol. 19(64), p. 77–83.

Research on Suicide Behaviour and Implementation of the Suicide Prevention Methods in Lithuania. Assoc. Prof. A. Navickas. 2014–2018.

Research of suicidal behavior within Vilnius population; total Lithuanian population, comparative analysis of suicides among EU countries. Participation in the Commiittee of Suicide Prevention Plan in Vilnius municipality and signed Memorandum of the action (17 December, 2015). Three international (6 presentations) and 4 national (6 presentations) conferences and 2 seminars were organized. One article was published and 1 international article and 5 other articles were prepared for publishing.           

Main publication:

Navickas, A. 2015. Violence deaths. Lithuania in context of the European Union. Spectrum, p. 26–29.

Complex Care for Children with Mental and Developmental Disorders: Implementation of the Model and Evaluation of Need for Services. Prof. D. Pūras. 2014–2018.

Research was carried out on the need of services for children with mental, behavioral and developmental disorders. Preliminary results identified substantial gaps in the system of services and the need for increasing quantity and quality of mental health services for children and adolescents. Recommendations of this research are reflected in publications. These recommendations were used by the Ministry of Health in formulation of guidelines for further development of child and adolescent mental health serrvices in the Republic of Lithuania.

Main partners - Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU).

Main publications:

duRivage, N., Keyes, K., Leray, E., Pez, O., Bitfoi, A, Koç, C., Goelitz, D., Kuijpers, R., Lesinskiene, S., Mihova, Z., Otten, R., Fermanian, C., Kovess-Masfety, V. 2015. Parental use of corporal punishment in Europe: intersection between public health and policy. PLoS ONE, vol. 10(2), p. e0118059.

Kovess-Masfety, V., Pilowsky, D.J, Goelitz, D., Kuijpers, R., Otten, R., Moro, M.F., Bitfoi, A., Koç, C., Lesinskiene, S., Mihova, Z., Hanson, G., Fermanian, C., Pez, O., Carta, M.G. 2015. Suicidal ideation and mental health disorders in young schoolchildren across Europe. Journal of Affective Disorders. epub: February 20, 2015, vol. 177, p. 28–35.

Olaya, B., Moneta, M.V., Pez, O., Bitfoi, A., Carta, M. G., Eke, C., Goelitz, D., M Keyes, K., Kuijpers, R., Lesinskiene, S., Mihova, Z., Otten, R., Fermanian, C, Haro, J.M., Kovess, V. 2015. Country-level and individual of overweight and obesity among primary schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study in seven European countries. BMC Public Health, epub:8 May, 2015.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Study on History of Psychiatry in Soviet Lithuania 1944-1990 (Case Of One Psychiatric Hospital) (No. 004/55/MTS-150000-317). Dr. T. Vaiseta (Faculty of History). 2013–2015.

Dr. T. Vaiseta (led by scientific supervisor Prof. Dr. A. Germanavičius) has prepared and submitted final report to the Research Council of Lithuania, where he presents analysis of all documents from national archives for documents related to Vilnius psychiatric hospital (5 Vasaros, Vilnius) together with in-depth interviews with former psychiatric clinic employees and ex-patients. This work gave impulse for public campaign on promotion of the research on history of psychiatry (about 20 publications and public speaches), and contributed to popularisation of science.

Research Council of Lithuania. Paradigm Change of Mental Health and Well-being in Lithuania: Towards Empirically Valid Model (No. GER-15070). Dr. E. Šumskienė.

This project is aimed to contribute to the paradigmatic change by scientific research and evaluation of efficacy of pharmaceutical and pscyhotherapeutical treatment to psychological and social functioning, and to estimate economic burden of treatment and mental diseases that society must pay. Interdisciplinary group was formed for this research, including representatives of sociology, psychology, psychiatry and economics. Within this project, it is supposed to create valid model that enables evaluation of efficacy of different patterns of treatment by various social, psychological and economical rates. It is planned to invoke the results and experience of foreign colleagues researchers, estimate the deficits in the system of mental health care, and to collect and analyze empirical data from providers of medical and social services as well as from mental health care experts and service users. The combination of quantitative and qualitative approach will be used in this longitudinal study.

Prof. A.Germanavicius gave oral presentation about research protocol of this project at international conference of World Federation of Mental Health in Cairo, October 2015.

COST programme project: IS1302. Prof. A. Germanavičius.

Prof. A. Germanavičius is deputy coordinator of National coordinator assoc. prof. Ilona Česnienė (Vilnius University Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology) at EU COST project Action IS1302 Towards an EU research framework on forensic psychiatric care: http://www.cost.eu/domains_actions/isch/Actions/IS1302.

In April and October 2014 prof. A.Germanavicius participated in two international conferences of the project in Cyprus and in Split (Croatia) respectively, where he worked within Working Group WG1 activities (http://lfpc-cost.eu/). In accordance with this research protocol prof. A. Germanavicius and forensic psychiatrist Aldona Šileikaitė have collected data on the characteristics and determinants of inpatients of forensic psychiatric patients in Lithuania (total sample of 335 inpatients of Rokiskis Forensic Psychiatric Hospital).

Main publications:

Rotomskis, R, Margevičiūtė, A. Germanavičius, G., Kaubrys, V., Budrys, A., Bagdonas, S. 2015.  Differential diagnosis of depression and Alzheimer’s disease with the Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R). BMC Neurology, vol. 15(1), p. 57, doi:10.1186/s12883-015-0315-3.

Lanfredi, M, Zoppei, S, Ferrari, C, Bonetto C, Van Bortel, T, Thornicroft, G, Knifton, L, Quinn, N, Rossi, G, Lasalvia, A. ASPEN Study Group. 2015. Self-stigma as a mediator between social capital and empowerment among people with major depressive disorder in Europe: The ASPEN study. European Psychiatry, vol. 30(1), p. 58–64.

Lasalvia, A., Van Bortel, T., Bonetto, C., Jayaram, G., van Weeghel, J., Zoppei, S., Knifton, L., Quinn, N., Wahlbeck, K., Cristofalo, D., Lanfredi, M., Sartorius, N., Thornicroft, G.  The ASPEN/INDIGO Study Group. 2015. Cross-national variations in reported discrimination among people treated for major depression worldwide: the ASPEN/INDIGO international study. The British Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 207(6), p. 507–514; doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.114.156992

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

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)
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. V. Danilevičiūtė –

  • board member of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University; 
  • editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), 

Prof. A. Germanavičius –

  • editorial board member of the ournals Medicina (Biomedicine), Biologinė psichiatrija ir psichofarmakologija (Biomedicine, Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology), Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health), Sveikatos mokslai (Public Health);
  • peer reviewer of the journal Health Education Journal (SAGE publishing company).

Prof. D. Pūras –

Assoc. Prof. E. Laurinaitis –

  • editorial board member of the International Journal of Psychotherapy;
  • editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine), http://medicina.kmu.lt;
  • editorial board member of the journal Pain Medicine (Skausmo medicina);
  • board member of European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP), www.europsyche.org;
  • president of European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP), www.europsyche.org.

Assoc. Prof. A. Šiurkutė –

  • member of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association (LPA).

Assoc. Prof. S. Lesinskienė –

  • consultant for child and adolescent psychiatry, Ministry of Health Care of the Republic of Lithuania;
  • vice-president of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association; 
  • editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics), www.medpraktika.lt/leidiniai/leidinys/2/Pediatrija.

Assoc. Prof. A. Navickas –

  • president of the Lithuanian Association of Suicidology;
  • president of the Lithuanian Psychiatric Association; 
  • member of International Association of Suicide Prevention;
  • member of the Committee of North Psychiatric Associations;
  • member of the Streering Commiittee of the European Psychiatric Association;
  • editorial board member of the journal Biologinė psichiatrija ir psichofarmakologija (Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology), http://www.pri.kmu.lt/biological-psychiatry.ht; 
  • chief editor  board member of the journal Psichiatrijos žinios (News of Psychiatry); 
  • member of section on classification, diagnostic assessment, nomenclature of World Psychiatric Association.

 

DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MEDICAL PHYSICS

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 8688 62803, tel./fax. 236 5177
E-mail: 

Head - Prof. Dr. Algirdas Edvardas Tamošiūnas

STAFF 

Professors: Dr. A. E. Tamošiūnas, Dr. N. R. Valevičienė.
Associate professors: Dr. J. Dementavičienė, Dr. R. Briedienė, Dr. S. Letautienė, Dr. E. Aleknavičius, Dr. R. Grigienė.
Lecturers: Dr. A. Samuilis, Dr. B. Gricienė, Dr. M. Matačiūnas.
Assistant: A. Bajorinaitė.
Doctoral students: D. Palionis, A. Neverauskienė, K. Kristinaitytė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS 

To create new functional and anatomical imaging techniques and evaluate effectiveness for diagnostics of cardiovascular and oncological diseases

Estimation of iron overload in liver and heart on 3T MRI

Physical properties in vitro of metabolites using high resolution 9.4T NMR spectrometer

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015 

Projects Supported by University Budget

New Functional and Anatomical Imaging Techniques in Cardiovascular and Oncology Diagnostics. Prof. A. E. Tamošiūnas. 2014–2018.

The aim is to develop and evaluate new functional and anatomical imaging techniques in cardiovascular and oncology cancer diagnostics.

National Research Projects

Research Project. Multi-Parametric MRI for Glial and Metastatic Brain Tumors. 2013–2019.

The purpose of this study is to compare MRI perfusion, spectroscopy and tractography findings with tumour histological and molecular biology examination. We want to find if there are any specific MRI markers which can help determine histological tumor type and grade and predict its behaviour. Trial aim is to evaluate accuracy and applicability of multiparametric MRI biomarkers for diagnosis of brain tumours histological type, differential grade and neovascularisation assessment.  Participants include National Cancer Institute, Neuroangiosurgery Center of Vilnius University, UZ Brussels. 

Research Council of Lithuania. Research project Healthy Aging: Optimisation of Computed Tomography Radiation Doses in Lithuania.

The objective of this research is to reduce the adverse health effects and risk of cancer development by using computer tomography and nuclear medicine assays, and to develop and improve the tools and instruments for the diagnosis and medical decisions of the lifespan shortening and life quality affecting diseases by utilizing medical imaging technologies. As the survey result recommendations to health care institutions will be provided, the optimized protocols created and the tool developed (software with the database) for the collecting, filing and analyzing patients’ doses obtained by utilizing ionization radiation in medical assays.

International Research Projects

Euro CMR Registry Project. The European Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (EuroCMR) Registry is an initiative of the ESC Working Group Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. Enrolment of patients on a European level started in March 2009, resulting in the largest database on the clinical use, the impact on patient management, image quality and safety of cardiovascular MR (CMR) available so far. Including the German pilot phase (2007–2009) 31.500 patients from 58 centers in 15 countries all over Europe have been collected. In addition to the questionnaire of the pilot phase, dedicated scientific issues will be addressed by individual additional protocols.

Enhancing Safety and Qquality of Computer Tomography for Pediatric Patients. Submitted to IAEA as regional project for 2015–2018.

CT is the largest contributor to medical radiation exposure among the Lithuania population. Significant increase in the use of CT has led to higher patient doses, which has fuelled concern about the long-term consequences of these exposures, especially for children, who have a several times higher risk of developing the radiation-related cancer in comparison with adults, even if the received radiation dose is the same. Obective of the project is to reduce the dose level while still answering the clinical questions creating optimized CT scanning protocols instead of standard adapted for children.

Research data was presented at the 12th international conference Medical Physics in the Baltic States 2015.

Main publications:

Brazaitis, A., Tamošiūnas, A., Tutkuvienė, J. 2015. Patellofemoral joint biomechanics in the females with anterior knee pain applying full weight bearing kinematic MRI. Acta medica Lituanica, vol. 22 (1), p. 47–53.

Neverauskienė, A., Gricienė, B., Petkelytė, M., Vištartaitė, B., Mockienė, E., Jonuškaitė, D., Praninskienė, R., Tamošiūnas, A. E. 2015. Vaikų galvos kompiuterinės tomografijos tyrimų, atliktų dėl neurologinių simptomų, diagnostinė svarba ir apšvita. Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 21( 4.1), p. 477–482. 

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

SATT LUTECH & Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris (France)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Assoc. Prof. J. Dementavičienė – 

  • editorial board member of the journal  Theory and Practice in Medicine.

Dr. R. Briedienė – 

  • managing editor of the journal  Acta Medica Lituanica. 

Dr. R.  Grigienė – 

  • editorial board member of the journal World Journal of Surgical Oncology.

 

DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION, PHYSICAL AND SPORTS MEDICINE

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius, Lithuania
Tel. 236 5173
E-mail 

Head – Prof. Dr. Alvydas. Juocevičius 

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Juocevičius, Dr. V. Alekna, Dr. J. Raistenskis, Dr. M. Tamulaitienė.
Associate professor: Dr. R. Dadelienė.
Lecturers: Dr. L. Būtėnaitė, Dr. J. Indriūnienė, Dr. I. E. Jamontaitė, Dr. D. Janonienė, Dr. S. Lenickienė, Dr. I. Muntianaitė, Dr. A. Mastavičiūtė, Dr. I. Tvarijonienė, Dr. A. Valiulis.
Assistants: A. Adomavičienė, L. Aučynienė, J. Bernatavičius, F. Blužaitė, A. Budėjienė, A. Cirtautas, J. Kesienė, S. Kilkutė, J. Kupčiūnas, A. Miezienė, dr. L. Mikulėnaitė, T. Palšytė, D. Saprunova, J. Stasiukynienė, S. Strička, A. Šidlauskienė, L. Varnienė, R.Venskaitis.
Doctoral students: A. Adomavičienė, G. Narmontaitė, I. Raudonytė, I. Slivovskaja.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Prognostication of Comprehensive Rehabilitation Effectiveness in Patients with Movement Disturbances. Prof. A. Juocevičius. 2014–2018.

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 2015, the staff of the Department continued performance of comparable examination and methodology development of comprehensive rehabilitation effectiveness prognostication. On the base of these data, 11 articles were published in scientific journals, and research workers took part at international and in Lithuanian scientific meetings: 7 poster presentations and 9 oral reports.

Main publications:

Indriulionis, T., Raistenskis, J., Saniukas, K. et. al. 2015. Efficiency of orthopaedic brace with laser on knee joint function, pain and swelling. Baltic Journal of Sport & Health Sciences, vol. 3(98), p.13–21.

Muntianaitė, I., Balčius, T., Jamontaitė, I. E. 2015. Relationship between training frequency and functional movements of basketball players. The risk of sport injuries. Sport Science, vol. 1(79), p. 56–62.

Adomavičienė, A., Juocevičius, A. 2015. Biopsychosocial factors predicted the functioning in daily life, social activities and occupations among persons with SCI. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 47, No. 8, p. 782.

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

National Rehabilitation Centre Vaivari (Latvia)
Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre (Estonia) 
Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
Notwill Rehabilitation Centre (Switzerland) 
Hannover Medical School (Germany)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Habil Dr. A. Juocevičius – 

  • 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;
  • vice-president 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 Gerontologija (Gerontology),  Internistas (Internist),  Neurologijos seminarai (Neurology Seminars);
  • permanent secretary and member of  Health Ministry Commissions on Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Issues;
  • chairman of the Rehabilitation Master Studies programme committee;
  • chairman of working groups of the rehabilitation field studies programmes, and self-study programmes.

Prof. Habil. Dr. V. Alekna – 

  • editor-in-chief of the journal Gerontologija (Gerontology);
  • committee member of the Rehabilitation Master Studies programme;
  • vice-President of Lithuanian Society of Geriatricians;
  • president of Lithuanian Osteoporosis Foundation.

Prof. Dr. M. Tamulaitienė –

  • editorial board member of the journal Gerontologija (Gerontology);
  • committee member of the Rehabilitation Master Studies programme;
  • member of the self-assessment work group of Rehabilitation Study programmes.

Dr. D. Janonienė –

  • chairman of the Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Studies programme committee;
  • member of the Rehabilitation Master Studies programme committee;
  • member of the self-assessment work group of Rehabilitation Field Studies programmes.

Dr. I. E. Jamontaitė –

  • chairman of the Physiotherapy Undergraduate Studies programme committee;
  • member of the work group of Rehabilitation Field Studies programmes description under Education and Science Ministry;
  • board member of Lithuanian Physiotherapy association.

Dr. S. Lenickienė – 

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

A. Cirtautas –

  • member of the Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Studies programme committee
  • board member of ENOTHE;
  • board member of Lithuanian Physiotherapy association;
  • honorary member of Lithuanian Ooccupational Therapy Asociation.

A. Adomavičienė – 

  • member of the working group of Rehabilitation Studies programmes.

 

CLINIC OF RHEUMATOLOGY, ORTHOPAEDIC AND TRAUMATOLOGY AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius-21
Tel. 236 5303, fax. 236 5302
E-mail: 

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Algirdas Venalis 

STAFF

Professors: Prof. Habil. Dr. I. Butrimienė, Prof. Habil. Dr. N. Porvaneckas, Prof. Habil. Dr. K. Vitkus.
Associate professors: Dr. M. Kocius, Dr. V. Uvarovas, Dr. R. Rugienė, Dr. S. Stropuvienė, Dr. L. Zabulienė.
Lecturers: Dr. I. Šatkauskas, Dr. S. Ryliškis, Dr. N. Jakutis.
Research fellows: Dr. Š. Mažeika, Dr. R. Rugienė, Dr. D. Miltinienė.
Doctoral students: T. Sveikata, D. Karpec, R. Šakalytė, E. Puncevičienė, E. Tertelienė. 

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

Outcomes of early undifferentiated arthritis

Evaluation of femoral head blood flow and ischemic factors after femoral neck fracture

Influens of the psychosocial factors on the early knee joint replacement outcomes

Influence of the perioperative optimization on the hip replacement outcomes

Anatomical and clinical study: Medialisation of the stitches in modified Ma Griffith MI repair for Aciles tendon rupture

Functional outcomes after pelvic ring ant acetabulum fracture treatment

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Phototherapy Application for the Systemic Sclerosis Patients in Clinical Practice. Prof. A. Venalis. 2014–2018.

The main objective of the project is evaluation of narrow band light beam of ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) and infrared (IFR) light effect on skin elasticity, microcirculation and general condition in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Associations between Genetic, Epigenetic Factors and Rheumatoid Arthritis Ethiopathogenesis and Clinical Course. I. Butrimienė. Since 2015, Ongoing.

Aim of the study: scientific literature analysis about vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and higher risk of autoimmune rheumatic disease, vitamin D correlation with disease activity and severity, analysis of influence on immunomodulatory effect. Data collection of epigenetics (DNA methylation, microRNR, histon modification, ect.) that potentially mediates genetic risk for autoimune rheumatic diseases. Analysis of association between risk factors and epigenetics in pathogenesis of disease. Special attention will be kept on vitamin D concentration and oral health as external risk factors in higher susceptibility for rheumatic diseases and influence in ethiopathogenesis by causing changes in gene function.

Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Laboratory Parameters Significance for the Early Undifferentiated Arthritis Outcomes. Prof. A. Venalis. 2014–2018. 

The aim is to evaluate the significance of certain clinical, laboratory (including genetic), and sociodemographic parameters, alone or in combination, for the outcomes of early undifferentiated arthritis; to find  a  method that will  diagnose chronic inflammatory joint disease as soon as possible, before irreversible joint damage is present and to determine when to start treatment with antirheumatic disease modifying drugs. Study design and methodology protocol is developed according to the literature analysis. This study is already approved by the Lithuanian Bioethics Committee.

Rheumatic Diseases and Functional-Structural Alterations of Cardiovascular System over Time. A. Venalis. Since 2014, Ongoing.

The aim of this study is to reveal the progression of structural and functional alterations of arteries in rheumatic diseases over time. The patients’ risk of having cardiovascular event over the next 10 years will be calculated. Comparing clinical, laboratory, vascular endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness changes in rheumatic patients is expected to identify the factors leading to the development of early atherosclerosis. Extensive clinical examination of the patients’ micro and macrovascular endothelial cell dysfunction, their correlation with immunological blood tests, and analysing changes over time could lead to new insights on these rare and little studied diseases. 

Development of Lithuanian Database of Biologic Therapy for the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases. I. Butrimienė. 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, the data of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with biologics were entered in the Lithuanian database of biologic therapy in rheumatic diseases (BIOLIT) from 5 Centres of Rheumatology across Lithuania.

By December 2015 information was collected and recorded from 472 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 3170 questionnaires). We continue analyzing patients’ data concerning treatment efficacy, drug immunogenicity and adverse events profile, with special attention to latent tuberculosis and infectious complications.

Main publications: 

Arstikyte, I., Butrimiene, I., Petrulioniene, A., Venalis, A. 2015. A rare kind of lymphoma in a patient treated with two different biological agents. Arch Rheumatol., vol. 30(1), p. 75–78;  doi: 10.5606/ArchRheumatol.2015.4383.

Arštikytė, I., Butrimienė, I., Venalis, A. 2015. Results of observational study on biologic therapy for the treatment of autoimmune arthritis (data from the Lithuanian database of biologic therapy of rheumatic diseases). Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 21(3.2), p. 390–405; doi: 10.15591/mtp.2015.063.

Peculiarities of Applying Biological Therapy to Rheumatic Patients in Lithuania. I. Butrimienė. 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 were published.

Evolution of Immunogenicity in Rheumatic Patients treated with Anti-TNF. I. Butrimienė. 2012–2015.

The project is devoted to the investigation of secondary failure of treatment of rheumatic patients under anti-TNF treatment. Patients treated with anti-TNF blockers 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 were determined.

Main publication:

Arstikyte, I., Kapleryte, G., Butrimiene, I., Venalis, A. 2015. Influence of immunogenicity on the efficacy of long-term treatment with TNFα blockers in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis patients. BioMed Research International, Article ID 604872, 10 pages. Online first: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/604872.

Orthopedic trauma. Clinical, Psychosomatic and Radiologic Peri- and Postoperative Evaluation of Axial Skeleton and Joint Degenerative Diseases. Prof. N. Porvaneckas. 2014–2018.  

Title: Comparison of three tourniquet application methods in primary total knee arthroplasty surgery

The protocol was approved by the Regional Ethical Committee and registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT01355900). Double blinded randomized study was performed from January 2010 to February 2014. The scientific thesis was defended in September 2015.

A prospective randomized study of minimally invasive treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture

The protocol was approved by the Regional Ethical Committee. Prospective randomized study January 2015–December 2019. 

Main publication:

Makulavicius, A., Martin, X., Mazarevicius, G., Klinga, M., Uvarovas, V., Porvaneckas, N., Monzo Planella, M., Mazurek ,T. 2015. Comparative anatomical study of standard percutaneous and modified medialized percutaneous Bunnell type repair for artificial Achilles tendon rupture: positive effect of medialisation of the stitches with lower risk of sural nerve injury. Folia Morphologica. epub: 03 September 2015; doi:10.5603/FM.a2015.0067.

Research Council of Lithuania. Influence of the Perioperative Optimization on the Results of the Hip Replacement Outcomes. Prof. C. Svensen, Dr. A. Andrijauskas, Prof. N. Porvaneckas. 2013–2015.

We continued the prospective randomized clinical trial within a research project The Influence of Perioperative Optimization on the Results of Primary Endoprosthesis of the Hip Joint funded by the European Social Fund under the Global Grant measure (VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-03-019; the EU Structural Funds).

Main publication:

Andrijauskas, A., Markevicius, V., Navikas, D., Porvaneckas, N., Andriukaitis, D., Stankevicius, E., Uvarovas ,V., Sipylaite, J., Kvederas, G., Gelzinis, G. 2015. In Vivo testing of the semi-closed loop infusion system: the preliminary observations. Elektronika ir Elektrotechnika, vol. 21(1), p. 28–32.

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 Sset (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.

Main publication:

Ingegnoli, F, Boracchi, P, Gualtierotti, R, Smith, V, Cutolo, M, Foeldvari, I. 2015. EUSTAR co-authors. A comparison between nailfold capillaroscopy patterns in adulthood in juvenile and adult-onset systemic sclerosis: A EUSTAR exploratory study. Microvasc Res., vol. 102, p. 19–24; doi: 10.1016/j.mvr.2015.07.007.

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). A 13-years  follow-up study.

Main publications:

Dadonienė, J., Stropuvienė, S., Stukas, R., Venalis, A., Sokka-Isler, T. 2015. Predictors of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Lithuania: Data from a cohort study over 10 years. Medicina, vol. 51(1), p. 25–31.

Stropuviene, S. 2015. Reumatoidinio artrito diagnostika. Lietuvos gydytojo žurnalas, Nr 3(76), p. 10–13.

EMerging EUlar NETwork (EMEUNET)

Diana Karpec is a working group member and country liaison of EMEUNET, which 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. Diana Karpec as country liaison is responsible for disseminating and promoting provided information amongst young clinicians and scientists within the country. As a working group member she belongs to the website subgroup (www.eular.emeunet. org).

During the last year D. Karpec took part as a principal investigator in an international survey concerning differences and similarities in rheumatology training programs across European countries. D. Karpec collected data from Lithuania’s rheumatology trainees.

Main publication: 

Sivera, F., Ramiro, S., Cikes, N., Dougados, M., Gossec, L., Kvien, T.K., Lundberg, I.E., Mandl, P., Moorthy, A., Panchal, S., da Silva, J.A., Bijlsma, J.W. 2015. Working Group on Training in Rheumatology across Europe. Differences and similarities in rheumatology specialty training programs across European countries. Ann Rheum Dis., vol. 74(6), p. 1183–7. 

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

Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet Södersjukhuset, Section of Anaesthesiology and Intensive CareSE 118 83 Stockholm (Sweden)

Vilnius University, Faculty of Physics, Department of Quantum Electronics (Lithuania)

State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine (Lithuania)

The EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research group (Italy)

The European League against Rheumatism (Switzerland)

Södersjukhuset Section of Anaesthesiology and Intensive CareSE 118 83 Stockholm (Sweden)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. N. Porvaneckas –

  • editorial board member of the journal Medicina;
  • editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika.

Assoc. Prof. M. Kocius –  

  • editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika.

Prof. A. Venalis – 

  • board member of European League against Rheumatism;
  • member of executive committee for clinical trials in European League against Rheumatism;
  • member of the Lithuanian Rheumatology Association;
  • editorial board member of the journals Reumatologijos seminarai (Seminars in Rheumatology);
  • 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;
  • member 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.

Dr. S. Stropuvienė – 

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

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);
  • member of the Lithuanian Rheumatology Association.

 

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING AND FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE

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

Head – Prof. Habil.  Dr. Danutė Kalibatienė 

STAFF 

Professors: Habil. Dr. D. Kalibatienė, 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, Dr. Ž.Visockienė (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. R. Staigis, Dr. S. Varvuolytė, Dr. A. Mikaliūkštienė,  Dr. Olga Nečajauskaitė (part-time), Dr. R. Šturienė (part-time), Dr. R. Stundžienė (part-time), Dr. Z. Gierasimovič (part-time), V. Karpavičienė, M. Buitkus (part-time), E. Gruodytė (part-time).
Assistants: I. Fomčenko (part-time), D. Jakučionis (part-time), V. Kielaite (part-time), I. Dailidkienė (part-time), J.Gimžauskienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: V. Sinkevičienė, V. Karpavičienė, A. Jomantienė.
Specialists: Z. Svirid, E. Kuzienė, M. Voroneckij.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Investigation of etiopathogenetic risk factors of internal diseases

Development of optimal methods of diagnosis in ischemic cerebral and cardiovascular diseases, internal diseases, pediatric allergology, allergology and clinical immunology, abdominal surgery

Quality of life of patients with internal diseases

Investigation of new factors influencing lung cancer treatment efficiency

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

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Research of the Etiopathogenesis of Internal Diseases, Detection of Optimal Diagnostic and Treatment Methods. Prof. D. Kalibatienė. 2014–2018.

The aim of first research was to investigate the quality of life (QoL), sense of coherence in patients with atrial fibrillation. The investigation concluded that lower education, income and family status (single),  duration of atrial fibrillation and heart failure NYHA functional class III and IV were associated with lower QoL.

The aim of next research was to evaluate the prevalence of vertebral artery (VA) hypoplasia in young adults and to find associations between the VA diameter and blood flow volume and demographic as well as anthropometric indicators. The investigation concluded that VA hypoplasia is a frequent anomaly of VA.

102 patients with acute pancreatitis were included in the multicenter prospective study. The first results of this study concluded that the BISAP score between the HAPS, CTSI, MCTSI is sufficiently precise, universal for early prediction of severe acute pancreatitis, necrosis, can predict the needs of further interventions and outcomes. The laboratory marker hematocrit is a sufficiently early and precise marker for differentiating severe pancreatitis from mild acute and moderate severity disease course.

Main publications:

Karpavičienė, V., Kalibatienė, D. 2015. Sense of coherence in patients with atrial fibrillation. Theory and Practice in Medicine, vol. 21 (Nr. 4.3), p. 841– 847.

Gaigalaitė, V., Ožeraitienė, V., Vilimas, A., Polevoda, V. 2015. Vertebral artery hypoplasia in young adults. Theory and Practice in Medicine, vol. 21 (Nr. 4.3), p. 829–833.

Karpavičius, A., Dambrauskas, Ž., Samuilis, A., Gradauskas, A., Žvinienė, K., Brimas, G., Činčikas, J., Mečkovski, A., Šileikis, A., Strupas, K. 2015. The value of clinical and radiological scores for acute pancreatitis severity and complications assessment. The results of the multicenter prospective study. Theory and Practice in Medicine, vol. 21 (Nr. 4.3), p. 814–822.

The Evaluation of Nursing Needs and Quality of Life and Perfection of Health Care and Education of Patients. Prof. D. Kalibatienė. 2014–2018.

The aim was to research types of verbal and physical violence experienced by nurses working with the patients suffering from psychomotor agitation and to identify how various factors have impact on the psychological resilience and emotional state of the nurses. An overview of the strategic EU documents has showed that in the last decade patient safety has received much attention. In order to improve patient safety, enough attention should be given to team work, while teamwork in contemporary world is one of the vital factors in determining the success of an organization.

Main publications:

Kymelytė-Slapšinskaitė, N., Mikaliūkštienė, A., D., Kalibatienė, D. 2015. Assessment of the hospital based end-of-life care on account of the nursing expertise. Theory and Practice in Medicine, vol. 21 (Nr. 4.3), p. 752–759.

Ožeraitienė, V., Gabrilavičiūtė, L., Gaigalaitė, V. 2015. Investigation of psychological resilience and emotional status, verbal and physical violence against the nurses caring psychomotor agitated patients. Theory and Practice in Medicine, vol. 21 (Nr. 4.3), p. 834–840.

Jerdiakova, N, Mikaliūkštienė, A, Kalibatienė, D. 2015.Insurance of the patient safety in health care facilities. Theory and Practice in Medicine, vol. 21 (Nr. 4.3), p. 739–745.

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

National Centre of Pathology (Lithuania)
Laboratory of Biomedical Physics, Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Laser Research Center, Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Střední Zdravotnická Škola (Chech Republic)

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 Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika, http://www.sdtsc.lt/index.php?id=285;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology,  http://www.gastroenterologija.lt/;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Internists;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine,  http://www.paliatyvipagalba.lt/;
  • board member of the Society of Lithuanian Nurses with university education, http://www.lusd.lt/;
  • head of the self-assessment work group of Nursing Studies programmes;
  • head of the Nursing Bachelor’s and Master’s degree final thesis Defending Committee.

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, http://www.sdtsc.lt/index.php?id=285.

Prof. R. Ėmužytė –

  • 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;
  • 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 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 Alergia astma immunologia (Allergy Asthma Immunology) (Poland);
  • editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics).

Prof. S. Cicėnas –

  • board member of the ESTS (European Society of Thoracic Surgeons);
  • member of the IASLC (International Association for study of lung cancer);
  • board member of the Lung Cancer Study Group EORTC (European organization for research and treatment of cancer);
  • board member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons;
  • editorial board member and of the journal Lithuanian Surgery;
  • editorial board member of the journal Biological Science Monitor (expert of malignant pleural mesothelioma issues);
  • member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonology and Allergy.

Assoc. Prof. V. Ožeraitienė –

Assoc. Prof. A. Gradauskas – 

  • vice-president of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
  • board member of the Lithuanian Association of Minimally Invasive Surgery, http://www.mich.lt/.

Dr. A. Mikaliūkštienė –

  • member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine, http://www.paliatyvipagalba.lt/;
  • member of the self-assement work group of Nursing Studies programmes;
  • member of Nursing Bachelor’s’s degree final thesis Defending Committee;
  • editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Helth Sciences);
  • editorial board member of the journal Slauga: mokslas ir praktika.

Dr. R. Stundžienė – 

  • chair of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/ ;
  • member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/;
  • member of Nursing Bachelor’s’s degree final thesis Defending Committee.

Dr. Z. Gierasimovič –

  • member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/;
  • editorial board member of the journal Slauga: mokslas ir praktika;
  • member of Nursing Bachelor’s’s degree final thesis Defending Committee.

 

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, Dr. G. Marinskis, Dr. Ž. Petrulionienė, Dr. K. Ručinskas, Dr. P. Šerpytis, Dr. V. Tarutis.
Associate professors: Dr. S. Aidietienė, Dr. J. Čelutkienė (part-time), Dr. R. Karalius, Dr. B. Petrauskienė, Dr. A. Rudys, Dr. R. Steponėnienė, Dr. G. L. Vilkevičius.
Lecturers: Dr. J. Barysienė (part-time), Dr. G. Davidavičius (part-time), Dr. J. Misiūra, Dr. N. Misonis (part-time), Dr. M. Sučila, Dr. R. Vaitkevičius (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. J. Badarienė (part-time), G. Burneikaitė (part-time), Dr. I. Butkuvienė, Dr. A. Čypienė (part-time), Dr. R. Čypienė, K. Drėgūnas, Dr. S. Glaveckaitė (part-time), Dr. V. Grabauskienė, Dr. A. Grebelis, Dr. L. Gumbienė, Dr. L. Jurgauskienė, Dr. G. Kalinauskas, Dr. Ž. Katliorienė (part-time), Dr. E. Rinkūnienė, Dr. L. Ryliškytė, Dr. P. Semėnienė, A. Simanavičienė, Dr. R. Sipavičius (part-time), Dr. S. Sudikas (part-time), Dr. B. Vaišnytė (part-time), Dr. A. Valaika, Dr. D. Zakarkaitė (part-time), A. Zorinas (part-time), Dr. G. Zuozienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: A. Aliachmed, A. Baranauskas, A. Berukštis, L. Bezuška, M. Budra, G. Burneikaitė, A. Drąsutienė, E. Gaižauskas, V. Janušauskas, J. Jarašūnas, V. Juknevičius, S. Kutkienė, E. Lycholip, A. Lipnevičius, R. Navickas, G. Račkauskas, V. Rudienė, A. Skrebūnas, S. Solovjova, E. Stanevičiūtė, 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

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 cardiac surgery 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

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Prevention of Atherosclerosis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Induced Diseases. Prof. A. Laucevičius. 2014–2018.

During the 2015, a large 3 year research project was completed and results accepted by the Research Council of Lithuania. During the project, over 800 intermediate cardiovascular risk patients were analyzed for personalized CVD risk assessment and diastolic dysfunction diagnostic biomarkers. A separate group of patients with resistive hypertension and their response to renal denervation procedure was investigated, for predictive biomarkers for the long-term effect and quality of the procedure.

Main publications:

Laurent, S., Parati, G., Chazova, I., Sirenko, Y., Erglise, A., Laucevicius, A., Farsang, C. 2015. Randomized evaluation of a novel, fixed-dose combination of perindopril 3.5mg/amlodipine 2.5mg as a first-step treatment in hypertension. Journal of Hypertension, vol. 33(3), p. 653–662.

Rinkūnienė, E., Laucevičius, A., Petrulionienė, Ž., Dženkevičiūtė, V., Kutkienė, S., Skujaitė, A., Kasiulevičius, V. 2015. The prevalence of dislipidemia and its relation to other risk factors: a nationwide survey of Lithuania. Clinical Lipidology, vol. 10(3), p. 219–225.

Laucevičius, A., Ryliškytė, L., Balsytė, J., Badarienė, J., Puronaitė, R., Navickas, R., Solovjova, S. 2015. Association of cardio-ankle vascular index with cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular events in metabolic syndrome patients. Medicina, vol.  51(3), p. 152–158.

New Technologies for Management of Structural Heart Diseases and Arrhythmias. Prof. Dr. A. Aidietis, Prof. Dr. K. Ručinskas. 2014–2018.

A minimally invasive transapical mitral valve repair program using Neochord DS-1000 system (11 patients). Transapical closure approach for the treatment of a prosthetic valve paravalvular leak (4 patients). A percutaneous (femoral and trans apical approach) aortic valve disease treatment (11 patients). Results have been presented in cardiothoracic meetings (WSCTS 2015, Edinburg, UK; Mitral conclave 2015, New-York, USA; Heart valve society meeting 2015, Nica, France).

Main publications:

Colli, A., Manzan, E., Rucinskas, K., Janusauskas, V., Zucchetta, F., Zakarkaite, D., Aidietis, A., Gerosa, G. 2015. Acute safety and efficacy of the NeoChord procedure. Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, vol. 20(5), p. 575–581.

Merk, D. R., Aidietis, A., Seeburger, J. 2015. Off-pump transapical neo-chordae implantation. Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery, vol. 4(3), p. 293–294.

Rackauskas, G., Saygili, E., Rana, O.R., Saygili, E., Gemein, C., Laucevicius, A., Aidietis, A., Marinskis, G., Šerpytis, P., Plisienė, J., Pauža, D.H., Schauerte, P. 2015. Sub-threshold high frequency electrical field stimulation induces VEGF expression in cardiomyocytes. Cell Transplantation, vol. 24(8), p. 1653–1659.

Improvement and Evaluation of Congenital Heart Disease Surgery. Prof. Dr. V. Tarutis. 2014–2018.

Further evaluation of the Functional Single Ventricle type repair surgery was continued.  45 patients were evaluated and the results of the younger group where compared with the patiens in the elder group more than 3 years old, with the tendency towards less amount of pleural effusions in the younger patients group. The impact of Coronary Arteries Anomalies into the results of the surgical correction of the Transposition of the Great Arteries was estimated. There was no significant influence of variable coronary arteries anatomy patterns into the postoperative mortality, except aortic cross clamping and perfusion times were prolonged. A very rare congenital anomaly of the right atrial aneurysm was presented as a case report with the excellent long term results of the surgical treatment.

Main publications:

Bezuska, L., Lebetkevicius, V., Lankutis, K., Sudikiene, R., Sirvydis, V.J., Tarutis, V. 2015. Fontan completion for younger than 3 years of age: outcome in patients with Functional Single Ventricle. Pediatric Cardiology, vol. 36, p. 1680–1684.

Jonavičius, K., Lipnevicius, A., Sudikiene, R., Zurauskas, E., Lebetkevicius, V., Tarutis, V. 2015. Surgical repair of a giant congenital right atrial aneurysm: a case report. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, vol. 10, p. 72.

Jonavičius, K., Lipnevicius, A., Katliorienė, Ž., Lankutis, K., Sudikienė, R., Liekienė, D. Lebetkevicius, V., Tarutis, V. 2015. Vainikinių arterijų anatomijos įtaka stambiųjų kraujagyslių transpozicijos chirurginiam gydymui Vilniaus universiteto ligoninės Santariškių klinikų Širdies chirurgijos centre. Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojo priedas, vol. 19(8), p. 20–24.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania.  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-03-041). Prof. A. Laucevičius. 2013–2015.

A prospective group of 1100 patients with metabolic syndrome was included in the study, in 770 arterial markers were repeated at the end of follow-up of 3.5 years. The relationship of extensive list of laboratory parameters and markers of arterial stiffness to the cardiovascular outcomes and development of diastolic dysfunction was determined. The pulse wave velocity was found to be the most powerful predictor of diastolic dysfunction and cardiovascular outcomes in this patient population, what is reported in two publications.

Main publication: 

Badarienė, J., Čelutkienė, J., Petrikonytė, D., Balsytė, J., Rinkūnienė, E., Ryliškytė, L., Dženkevičiūtė, V., Čypienė, A., Kizlaitis, R., Puronaitė, R., Laucevičius, A. 2015. Diagnostic value of electrocardiogram stress testing in patients with metabolic syndrome. Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine, vol. 21, p. 9–15.

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

Ghent University Hospital, Ghent (Belgium)

Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht (the Netherlands)

Southampton University Hospital, Wessex Cardiothoracic Centre (England)

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Pittsburgh (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://lma.lt/en/about-lac/the-presidium/list-of-members;
  • member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
  • editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Lithuania), http://medicina.kmu.lt/editor-l.htm;
  • editorial board member of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine, http://www.seminarsincardiology.com/archive-issues.php;
  • editorial board member of the journal Internistas (Internist);
  • editorial board member of the journal Mediterranean Journal of Pacing and Electrophysiology (MESPE;, 
  • editorial board member of the 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. Dr. A. Aidietis –

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

Prof. Dr. A. Kibarskis –

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

Prof.  Dr. G. Marinskis –

  • editor-in-Chief of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine, http://www.seminarsincardiology.com/archive-issues.php;
  • President of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
  • President of organizing committees of the 4th Baltic Heart Failure Meeting and 12th international conference Arrhythmia Lithuania 2014;
  • member of the Credentials committee;
  • board member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
  • European Society of Cardiology - Member of Fellowship Committee;
  • European Heart Rhythm Association - Member of Nomination Committee.

Prof. Dr. Ž. Petrulionienė – 

  • editorial board member of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine, http://www.seminarsincardiology.com/archive-issues.php;
  • editor of chapter Cardiologic Seminars of the journal Internistas (Internist);
  • President of Lithuanian Heart Association;
  • member of the European Society of Cardiology;
  • Chairman of Prevention and Rehabilitation workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology.

Prof. Dr. P. Šerpytis –

  • Chairman of Intensive Cardiac Care workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
  • member of the European Society of Cardiology.

Prof. Dr. V. Grabauskienė –

Prof. Dr. V. Tarutis –

  • member of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery;
  • member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Aidietienė – 

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

Assoc. Prof. Dr. 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.  Dr. R. Karalius –

  • 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 the Society of Cardiology of Lithuania;
  • member of the European Society of Cardiology;
  • member of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. 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.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. J. Čelutkienė –

  • Chairman of Heart Failure workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology.

Dr. L. Gumbienė, Dr. Ž. Katliorienė, Dr. D. Liekienė –

  • memberS of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Cardiology.

Dr. R. Malickaitė –

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

Dr. R. Sipavičius –

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

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.

Prof. Dr.  A. Aidietis, Prof. Dr. V. Grabauskienė, Prof. Dr. A. Kibarskis, Prof. Dr. G. Marinskis, Assoc. Prof. Dr. B. Petrauskienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Rudys, Assoc. Prof. Dr. R. Steponėnienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. J. Čelutkienė, Dr. A. Čypienė, Dr. R. Čypienė, Dr. D. Liekienė, Dr. J. Misiūra, Dr. P. Semėnienė, Prof. Dr. P. Šerpytis –

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

Dr. R. Čypienė, Dr. G. Kalinauskas, Dr. V. Lebetkevičius, Dr. D. Liekienė, Dr. R. Malickaitė, Dr. G. Norkūnas, 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, 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

Professors: Habil. Dr. A. Raugalė (emeritus), Habil. Dr. V. Usonis, Habil. Dr. A. Valiulis, Dr. N. Drazdienė, Dr. A. Jankauskienė Dr. L. Ragelienė, Dr. O. Rudzevičienė.
Associate professors: Dr. R. Čerkauskienė, Dr. S. Dumčius, Dr. J. Grikinienė, Dr. O. Kinčinienė, Dr. V. Panavienė, Dr. V. Urbonas, Dr. R. Vankevičienė, Dr. V. Žilinskaitė.
Lecturers: Dr.S. Burokienė, Dr. I. Ivaškevičienė, Dr. R. Kemežys, Dr. G. Kleinotienė, Dr. A. Liubšys, Dr. S. Petraitienė.
Assistant: V. Radžiūnienė.
Senior research fellows: Dr. R. Ėmužytė, Dr. R. Firantienė.
Junior research fellows: Dr. B. Skerlienė, K. Ažukaitis, N. Giedraitė, I. Kairienė.
Doctoral students: T. Alasevičius, V. Bilius, S. Burokienė, N. Buterlevičiūtė, R. Ivaškevičius, A. Jagelavičienė, A. Mulevičienė, R. Selvestravičius.

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 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Regulation of Causes and Outcomes of Children’s Diseases, Traumas and Inborn Anomalies. Prof. V. Usonis. 2014–2018.

Nationwide renal biopsy data in Lithuania 1994–2012 was evaluated: the most common entity was IgA nephropathy, followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis; prominent decrease in incidence of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and increase in crescentic glomerulonephritis were noted over the study period. Pre-hospital paediatric healthcare services in emergency departments: perspectives for optimisation were analysed. The study on timing of surgery for cryptorchidism and fertility prediction based on the evaluation of spermatogenesis in testicular biopsies suggested early orchopexy up to 1 year of age; in particular cases pharmacological treatment with LH-RH analogues should be considered.

Interaction between genotype and immune factors in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma was analysed. The significance of fetal inflammatory response syndrome in early and later adaptation of premature infants was studied. Panton-valentine leukocidin presence and not methicillin-resistance is associated with severe invasive community-acquired staphylococcus aureus infections in children – it was shown as a result of a European Multi-Centre (PISA) study.

Main publications:

Brazdziute, E., Miglinas, M., Gruodyte, E., Priluckiene, J., Tamosaitis, A., Bumblyte, I. A., Kuzminskis, V., Burbaickaja, S., Sakalauskiene, M., Jankauskiene, A., Cerkauskiene, R., Pundziene, B., Laurinavicius, A. 2015. Nationwide renal biopsy data in Lithuania 1994–2012. International Urology and Nephrology, vol. 47, no 4, p. 655–662.

Pundzienė, D., Dobilienė, R., Čerkauskienė, R., Mitkienė, A., Medzevičienė, E., Darškuvienė, A., Jankauskiene. 2015. Long-term follow-up of children with typical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Medicina, vol. 51, iss. 3, p. 146–151.

Giedraitė, N., Besusparis, J., Čerkauskienė, R., Masalskienė, J., Jankauskienė, A. 2015. Nauja membranoproliferacinio glomerulonefrito klasifikacija: vaikų atvejai Lietuvoje (New classification of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis: paediatric cases in Lithuania). Medicinos teorija ir praktika, vol. 21, no. 3.1, p. 316–320.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Habil. Dr. (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. Habil Dr. 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);
  • President of the international conference Vilnius Course 2015.

Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Valiulis –

  • national Coordinator of WHO project Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD);
  • President of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society (till November 2015);
  • 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;
  • Editor-in-chief of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija ( Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology);
  • editorial board member of the journal Paediatric Respiratory Reviews;
  • member of Strategic Paediatric Alliance for the Future Health of Children in Europe (EAP-EPA-ECPCP);
  • President of the international conference XX Vilnius International Paediatric Pulmonology and Alergology Conference-School, April 20, 2015.

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);
  • vicepresident of the Lithuanian Neonatology Association;
  • member of the European Association on Perinatal Medicine;
  • president of Lithuanian section of Deutsch-Baltische Arztegesellschaft www.deutsch-baltische-aerzte.de.

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).

Prof. L. Ragelienė –

  • 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).

Prof. O. Rudzevičienė –

  • board and council member of Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
  • 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 board of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology).

Assoc. Prof. 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);
  • Lithuanian representative in European Training Committee of Paediatric Allergology;
  • national representative of European ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) Committee;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.

Dr. R. Firantienė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.

Assoc. Prof. 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).

Assoc. Prof. O. Kinčinienė –

  • president of the Lithuanian Paediatric Cardiology Society;
  • deputy editor of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics).

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).

Dr. B. Skerlienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. V. Urbonas –

  • President of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society (since November 2015);
  • 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;
  • 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).

Assoc. Prof. 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.

Assoc. Prof. V. Žilinskaitė –

  • board member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Intensive Care Society;
  • member of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine;
  • editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics).

Dr. 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).

 

CLINIC OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, FAMILY PRACTICE AND ONCOLOGY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. / fax:  236 5075
E-mail:  

Head – Prof. Pr. Virginijus Šapoka

STAFF

Professors: Dr.V. Šapoka, Dr. V. Kasiulevičius, Dr. V. Alekna , Dr. L. Griškevičius, Dr. N. Samalavičius, Dr.V. Ostapenko (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. V. Urbanavičius, Dr. E. Mišeikytė Kaubrienė, Dr. V. Dženkevičiūtė, Dr. Ž. Visockienė (part-time), Dr. L.Vencevičienė (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. A. Abraitienė, Dr. V. Pečeliūnas, Dr. A. Marcijonienė (part-time), Dr. K. Simanauskas (part-time), N. Burokienė (part-time), Ž. Gudlevičienė (part-time).
Assistants: A. Slobinas (part-time), S. Tulytė (part-time), L. Vaitkevičiūtė (part-time), D. Diglys (part-time), A. Galkinė (part-time).
Doctoral students: V. Andrejevaitė, R. Aškinis, A. Krasauskas, A. Urbanavičiūtė, R. Gaidamovič, N. Lachej, R. Pileckytė, V. Dirsė, J. Mozūraitienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

Early Diagnostics and Prevention of Non-infection Diseases in Family Practice and in Gerontology

Biomarker Research in Hematology and Oncology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Relation of Cardiovascular Diseases Epidemiological Factors and Genome: the study in the Lithuanian Population.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relation between cardiovascular diseases risk factors and biochemical and genetic risk markers of atherosclerosis in the Lithuanian population.

Conclusions: 

1. The study data showed that 26.4% of individuals had a proper weight, one half (46.9%) of Lithuanian adults were overweight, and 26.7 % had obesity. Our study suggests that on average physical activity of traditional Lithuanian population is low-moderate. One third of the study population does not routinely engage in the physical activity as basic as walking, while up to one third would perform higher physical activity either at work or leisure. Family history, particularly if mother or sisters have CVD, is important CVD risk factor.

2. The nutrition of most adult Lithuanians does not correspond with healthy nutrition recommendations: insufficient consumption of vegetables, fruits, cereal products, fish and fish products and overconsumption of meat and meat products.

3. The prevalence of dyslipidaemia - 94.2 %. Our study population had alarmingly high levels of blood lipids with the average total cholesterol (TC) of 6.24 mmol/L and average of LDL-C of 4.12 mmol/L.

4. Every third individual (37.7%) had the symptoms of clinical anxiety (HAD score was 8 points and above according to anxiety scale) and 17.5 % had symptoms of clinical depression. Statistically important correlation between anxiety and CVD was found. 

5. During the statistical analysis of genetic risk factors of CVD we have determined the alleles’ frequencies of 61 SNPs and run the test of independence between the affected and healthy subjects groups to determine the association. Six statistically significant differences in alleles’ frequencies were found. The genetic association of those six SNPs and the CVD were shown and replicated independently in other studies. All other remaining 55 SNPs selected for the analysis are also reported in the literature as associated with CVD but there is no association found during this research. This could be due to the sample size or the phenotype selected for the study. Nevertheless rs2252641, rs6903956, rs2023938, rs4773144, rs789335, and rs1751486 could be the tag SNPs for the risk definition (assessment) and specific markers for the general CVD phenotype in the Lithuanian population.

Main publication:

Burokienė, N., Karčiauskaitė, D., Kasiulevičius, V., Kučinskas, V., Kučinskienė, Z. A. 2015. Risk assessment of cardiovascular diseases by assessing biochemical markers of atherosclerosis in Lithuanian population. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 2(66), p. 47–52.

Evaluation and comparisson of disease outcomes in patients with acromegaly.

The study involved retrospective data collection from charts of 49 patients with acromegaly who were consulted by an endocrinologist in Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu klinikos. It was concluded that SSAs are more effective in the treatment of acromegaly when applied after transphenoidal surgery, as they help to achieve control of the disease in a greater percentage of patients. Although we observed higher mean observational period IGF-1 in the first-line SSA treatment group as compared to second-line SSA therapy group, the difference was not statistically significant. Control of the disease remains a challenge despite availability of high-dose SSA treatment as 27–36% of patients receiving primary or second-line SSA treatment remain uncontrolled. Study results were presented in the 17th European Congress of Endocrinology, Dublin 2015 (Abstract no. EP726).

The relationship between lean mass, total and regional fat mass, bone mineral content, bone mineral density in elderly.

Partial correlation analysis was performed and after controlling for age total body BMD, lumbar spine BMD, femur neck BMD were positively associated with fat mass, android fat mass in both groups. Partial correlation analysis was performed to determine if body composition main variables were significantly related to total body BMD, site-specific BMD after adjustment for age and weight for removing mechanical effect of loading. However after adjustment for age and body weight fat mass was significantly negatively associated with total body BMD and site-specific BMD. Android fat mass was negatively associated with total body BMD and stronger with femur neck BMD in men. Partial correlation analysis between fat mass and total body BMD showed weak inverse relationship in women. Gynoid The multiple stepwise linear regression analysis models were designed to investigate the influence of fat mass and regional fat distribution on total body BMD and site-specific BMD. Fat mass negative influence on bone was observed in regression analysis.

Values of Oncological Ddiseases and Blood Biological Markers. Prof. L. Griškevičius, Prof. J. Didžiapetrienė. 2013–2018.

Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Study

A retrospective biomarker (IH, SNPa karyotyping) study on R-CHOP treated 100 DLBCL has been completed and undergoind analysis.

Conclusions of Thyroid carcinoma study. Follow-up of the BRAF V600E mutation status in the fine needle aspiration potentially may increase sensitivity in diagnostic of papillary thyroid cancer. Even though the results are encouraging, larger scale prospective trials are needed.

Development of molecular tool to identify thyroid follicular carcinoma among different benign follicular lesions.

Patients with thyroid atypical follicular lesions (probability of follicular carcinoma) are involved in the study and fine needle aspiration biopsies and patient vein blood is collected and flash frozen for isolation of nucleic acids enriched in non-coding RNA. Fine needle aspiration biopsy material undergoes cytological analysis. Patients after cytological confirmation of probable/determined follicular carcinomas undergo thyroidectomy and operation material undergoes histological analysis. Operation material, unused for histological analysis is flash frozen for isolation of nucleic acids enriched in non-coding RNA. Currently 6 cases of histologically confirmed follicular carcinoma and 36 cases of benign follicular lesions are collected for further investigations.

In parallel three dimensional (3D) or conventional (2D) cancer cell line cultures are cultivated and microenvironment dependent changes of gene and miRNR expression are investigated using technologies of global analysis.

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy study to identify dysplasia of melanocytic nevus.

The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy in the diagnosis of melanocytic dysplastic nevus.

The results of the study confirmed that features of melanocytic cutaneous lesions examined by in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy correspond to features of cellular atypia in a histological examination. Sensitivity and specificity of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy in the diagnosis of dysplastic nevi is insufficient to distinguish dysplastic nevi from common nevi, but the accuracy of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy is significant in diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma.

Since the in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy examination improves the accuracy of cutaneous melanoma diagnosis, it should be used when atypia of nevus is detected or cutaneous melanoma is suspected.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Šapoka –

  • board member of the International and European 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);
  • Vilnius University Senate member.

Assoc. Prof. V. Urbanavičius –

  • member of the Eurodiabetes index 2015 committee;
  • editorial board member of the journals Lietuvos endokrinologija (Endocrinology of Lithuania), Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), Diabetes Review and Internistas (Internist);
  • member of the organizing committees of the endocrinological conferences;
  • member of the European association of study of the diabetes.

Prof. V. Kasiulevičius –

  • president  of the Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners;
  • editor-in-chief of the journal Internistas (Internist);
  • member of the World Organization of Family Physicians and General Practitioners (WONCA);
  • head of Lithuanian delegation of UEMO (European Society of General Practitioner).

 Prof. V. Alekna-

  • President of Lithuanian Osteoporosis Foundation;
  • vice-President Lithuanian Society of Gerontologists and Geriatrists;
  • 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, Dr. A. Germanavičius, Dr. E. Gefenas.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Astrauskienė (part-time), Dr. M. Jakubauskienė, Dr. V. Giedraitis, Dr. J. Kairys (part-time), Dr. S. Vainauskas.
Lecturers: 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. 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,  G. Smailytė (part-time), V. Jaeck (part-time).
Research fellows: D. Austys (part-time), M. Baranauskas (part-time), Dr. A.Valiulis (part-time).
Assistants: L. Paškevičius (part-time), N. Kuprevičienė (part-time), V. Taminskienė, J. Lekstutienė (part-time), V. Dobrovolskij (part-time), N. Dambrauskaitė (part-time), I. Kušeliauskaitė (part-time), Paulius Stravinskas (part-time).
Doctoral students: N. Kuprevičienė, D. Austys, V. Andreikėnaitė, I. Tamulaitytė-Morozovienė, V. Taminskienė, I. Pačiauskaitė, A. Černovas, O. Ubartienė, D. Dudutienė, A. Bilotienė, A. Motiejūnienė, S. Grublytė, L. Steponavičienė.

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 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Assessment of Health Risk Factors and Sense of Coherence of Elderly People. Prof. R. Stukas. 2014–2018.

Data analysis of a questionnaire-based survey of elderly people was continued. 2 articles for journals of ISI web of knowledge were prepared. The presentations at a scientific conference on a basis of research results were prepared. Methodical material for the elderly people was prepared. Students of public health master degree study program were involved into the process of data analysis. Master thesis on basis of this research was prepared.

PhD thesis Peculiarities of health-determined life quality and subjective well-being of elderly people is being prepared.

Main publications:

Stukas, R., Surkiene, G., Cernovas, A., Alekna, V. 2005. Non-communicable diseases and medication intake in institutionalized elderly. Eur J Pub Health, vol. 25, Suppl. 3, p. 384–385. (poster presentation, 8th European Public Health Conference. October 14–17, 2015, Milan, Italy)

Tamulaityte-Morozoviene, I., Alekna, V., Stukas, R., Surkiene, G., Dadoniene, J., Tamulaitiene, M. 2015. The self-reported psychological consequences of falls in elderly women in Lithuania. Osteoporosis International with Other Metabolic Bone Diseases, 2015 Mar, vol 26(1), p. 527.

Prevalence Study on Unintentional Domestic Injuries among Pre-School Children. Prof. G. Šurkienė. 2014–2018.

Analysis of home-related injuries among children under five attending preschool education establishments in Lithuania was performed.

Main publication:

Račaitė, J., Šurkienė, Jakubauskienė, M., Žiliūtė, E. 2015. The prevalence of home related injuries among children under five attending preschool education establishments in Lithuania. Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija, vol. 18, no. 2, p. 7–14.

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

The aim of the project was to analyze ethical and legal aspects of biomedical research with human biological materials. The database of Bibliography of Bioethics which gives brief bibliographical information about the articles published in Lithuanian and international journals as well as legislation of Republic of Lithuania regulating ethical dilemmas in a number of fields which involves a bioethical evaluation was updated. Issues of research biological materials were dealt with during seminar, 9–16 August, Belgrade.

International Science Programmes, Projects and Contracts

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

In 2015 the 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. On the 9th–16th of August the proseminar of Advanced Certificate Program: E-Education in Research Ethics: Central and Eastern Europe was held in Belgrade. In addition, the following seminars were organised:  Ethics of HIV research, Advanced Certificate Program: Research Ethics in Central and Eastern Europe, http://bioethics.uniongraduatecollege.edu/nih-grant/about.

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 –

  • editorial college member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
  • editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
  • member of the National Health Board;
  • member of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine;
  • member of the board of the Lithuanian Ministry of Health.head of graduate and postgraduate study programmes Committee for Bachelor and Master degree in Public Health;
  • board member of the Lithuanian Society of Hygienists and Epidemiologists;

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;
  • chair of the Committee for Doctoral studies at Vilnius University in Public Health Areas;
  • public consultant to minister to health of Lithuania;
  • member of graduate and postgraduate study programmes committee for Bachelor and Master degree of Public Health.

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.

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);
  • organizing committee member of the annual conference Vilnius Seminars in Rheumatology;
  • organizing commitee member of the World Arthritis Day.

Assoc. Prof. E. Gefenas –

  • co-director of the Advanced Certificate Program in Research Ethics in Central and Eastern Europe sponsored by Union Graduate College Bioethics Program (Schenectady, New York);
  • member 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 advisory editorial board of the journals Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy: A European Journal, (Springer);
  • international advisory board member of the journal Medical Humanities, (BMJ Publishing Group);
  •  chairperson of the bureau of the Intergovernmental Bioethics Committee (IGBC);
  • management Committee member of COST Action IS1201.

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

Dr. A. Čekanauskaitė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Bioethics Society;
  • member of the Board of the Foundation for Patient Safety, Innovations and Quality.

Dr. M. Jakubauskienė –

  • vice president of the Public Mental Health Section of the European Public Health association (EUPHA);
  • member of the Lithuanian Bioethics Society;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Young Researchers;
  • member of the Board of Federation Global Initiative on Psychiatry; 
  • member of the National NGO and expert coalition on Mental Health;
  • leader of the international Research in Public Mental Health course.

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 Respiratory Society;
  • vicepresident of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
  • chairman of Lithuanian Alliance Against Chronic Lung Diseases (WHO-GARD Lithuania);
  • vicechairman of Mother and Child Health Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • National coordinator in Strategic Pediatric Alliance for the Child Health in Europe;
  • National delegate at Global Asthma Initiative (GINA) and Global Allergic Rhinitis Initiative (ARIA);
  • chairman of Advisory Board of Lithuanian Council of Asthma Clubs;
  • chief executive of IPOKRaTES Lithuania Fund;
  • editor-in-chief of the journal Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology;
  • editor-in-chief of the journal Lithuanian Paediatric Chronicle;
  • editorial board member of the Paediatric Respiratory Reviews, Pneumonologia i Alergologia Polska, Pediatria Polska, Russian Paediatric Journal;
  • chairman of Vilnius International Paediatric Pulmonology Conference – School;
  • chairman of 4 Lithuanian National Asthma Congresses;
  • chairman of 3 Lithuanian Congresses on Paediatric Pulmonology;
  • 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, TB, Immunoprophylaxis, Mother & Child, Suckling, Human Resources, Accessibility of Health Service of Lithuanian Ministry of Health;
  • chairman of Committee of Experts of Vaccination of Lithuanian Ministry of Health;
  • chief Vilnius Paediatrician of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. J. Kairys –

  • editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences).

Dr. R. Vaitkienė –

  • representative of the Republic of Lithuania of the workshop on Health in All Policies for Nordic and Baltic States;
  • member of the delegation of the Republic of Lithuania at the 65th session of the World Health Organization Region Committee for European, September  14–17, 2015, Vilnius, Lithuania;
  • representative of the Republic of Lithuania of the session of Health Committee Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development 24–7 June 2015, Paris, France;
  • member of the delegation of the Republic of Lithuania of 51st session of the Public Governance Committee Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, 24 April  2015, Paris, France;
  • deputy member of the Administrative Commmission for the Coordination of Social Security Systems, European Commission, since 2009, Brussels, Belgium.

Dr. R. Jankauskas –

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

R. Baranauskienė –

  • member of Social Protection Committee at European Commission;
  • associated partners Health Authorities representative in Orphanet Europe Joint Action;
  • member of Council Working Party on Public Health at senior level.

Dr. R. Bartkevičiūtė -

  • member of Food Quality and Safety Commission of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences Division of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • member of Lithuanian Breastfeeding Committee.

Dr. R. Barzda – 

  • member of Food Safety and Quality Commission of Agricultural and Forest Sciences Department of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • representative of the Republic of Lithuania in Codex Alimentarius Commis.

Dr. L. Murauskienė – 

  • associate editor for BMC Health Services Research.

Dr. D. Brogienė –

  • coordinator of the Erasmus Mundus Regional Health Master program;
  • executive director  of the Foundation for Patient Safety, Innovations and Quality;
  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Ostetricians and Gynaecologists;
  • President of Legal, Ethics and Competence evaluation commission;
  • member of the Board of Lithuanian Doctors Association;
  • board member of CPME (Standing Committee of European Doctors).

 

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND MEDICAL GENETICS

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 250 1798, 250 1794
E-mail: 
 www: http://www.genetika.mf.vu.lt

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), Dr. E.Pranckevičienė (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. L. Ambrozaitytė (part-time), Dr. A. Molytė (part-time), Dr. V. Šliužas (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. Ž. Čiuladaitė (part-time), Dr. I. Domarkienė, Dr. V. Ginevičienė (part-time), Dr. A. Matulevičienė (part-time),  Dr. A. Morkūnienė (part-time),  Dr. E. Preikšaitienė (part-time), Dr. J. Songailienė (part-time), Dr. J. Sušinskas (part-time), Dr. I. Uktverytė, J. Arasimavičius (part-time), I. Baškirova, B. Burnytė (part-time), Š. Germanas (part-time), R. Meškienė, V. Mikštienė (part-time), A. Pranculis, T. Rančelis, B. Tumienė (part-time).
Assistants: B. Aleksiūnienė (part-time), A. Skučaitė (part-time).
Biologist investigator: A. Urnikytė.
Doctoral students: A. Pranculis, T. Rančelis, V. Mikštienė, B. Tumienė, B. Aleksiūnienė, B. Burnytė, A. Urnikytė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS 

Population Genetics of Lithuania
Genomics of Intellectual Disability
Genetic Basis of Imprinting Disorders 

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Diversity of Human Genome, Its Origin and Phenotypical Realization. Prof. Dr. A.Utkus. 2014–2018.

The research of the specific genetic loci for schizophrenia, muscular dystrophies, and other hereditary phenotypes has been performed investigating physical mapping and possible DNA variants function.

Main publication:

Vilhjalmsson, B. J., Jian Yang, Finucane, H. K., Gusev, A., Ripke, S., Genovese, G., Bhatia, G., Do, R., Hayeck, T., Hong-Hee Won, Kučinskas, V. et al. (Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium). 2015. Modeling linkage disequilibrium increases accuracy of polygenic risk scores. The American Journal of Human Genetics 97, October 1, 2015, p. 576–592.

Stavusis, J., Inashkina, I., Jankevics, E., Radovica, I., Micule, I., Strautmanis, J., Naudina, M. S., Utkus, A., Burnytė, B., Lace, B. 2015. CAV3 gene sequence variations: National Genome Database and clinics. Acta Neurol Scand, doi: 10.1111/ane.12369. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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. Habil. Dr. V. Kučinskas. 2011–2015.

Whole exome sequencing of 33 samples and genome-wide SNP genotyping of 475 individuals from six ethnolinguistic groups of Lithuania were performed. The database of whole exome sequencing data of 147 samples, whole genome sequencing data of 3 samples and genome-wide SNP genotyping data of 475 samples was established (all data impersonalized). Results of the LITGEN project has been presented in thesis, posters and oral presentations, scientific publications. The main results and data (genome-wide genotyping, whole exome and whole genome sequencing, Y chromosome genotyping and whole mtDNA sequencing, biochemical profiling) of the LITGEN project were presented in the final conference which was held on 6th of March, 2015. During the conference the newest data and results were presented by invited speaker’s prof. R. Jankauskas (Vilnius University), Dr. Giedrė Motuzaitė Matuzevičiūtė (Cambridge University) and Dr. Alexandra P. Zhernakova together with Dr. Pieter Neerincx (Groningen University). Final report of the LITGEN project was submitted and approved by the National Research Council.

Main publications:

Kushniarevich, A., Utevska, O., Chuhryaeva, M., Agdzhoyan, A., Dibirova, K., Uktveryte, I., <…> Kucinskas, V. <…> et al. 2015. Genetic heritage of the Balto-Slavic speaking populations: a synthesis of autosomal, mitochondrial and Y-chromosomal data. PLoS ONE, vol. 10(9), p.  e0135820;  doi:10.1371/journal.pone.013582.

Pranckevičiene, E., Rančelis, T., Pranculis, A,. Kučinskas, V. 2015. Challenges in exome analysis by LifeScope and its alternative computational pipelines. BMC Research Notes. London, Biomed Central, vol. 8, no 1. art no 421, p. 1–15.

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. Habil. Dr. V. Kučinskas. 2012–2016.

All relevant information for 145 patients (i.e.127 families) with intellectual disability and their family members was uploaded into the database. The molecular genetic analysis using array-based comparative genomic hybridization and next generation sequencing using whole exome and genome sequencing approach was completed. Analysis was performed using the optimized algorithm. Variants in potential candidate genes were identified. Clinically significant changes were identified and published.

Main publications:

Preiksaitiene, E., et al. 2015. Novel missense mutation in the NSDHL gene identified in a Lithuanian family by targeted next-generation sequencing causes CK syndrome. Am J Med Genet, vol.167(6), p. 1342–8; doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36999.

Preikšaitienė, E., Benušienė, E., Matulevičienė, A., Grigalionienė, K., Utkus, A., Kučinskas, V. 2016. Lys106Glu mutation of SOX9 gene causes acampomelic campomelic dysplasia: prenatal and postnatal clinical findings. Am J Med Genet, 2016 Mar, vol. 170(3), p. 781–4; doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37466. Epub 2015 Nov 24.

Taiwan-Latvia-Lithuania Cooperation Project: Functional Model for the Mitochondrial Disease Evaluation and Biomarker Development. (Reference No.: TAP LLT-02/2015). Prof. Dr. A. Utkus. 2015–2017.

Recruitment of the patients with suspected or confirmed mitochondrial disorders and the control group, mtDNA sequencing, and copy number analysis of patients and cybrid creation were performed in 2015. Platelets collected from blood samples of 37 Lithuanians were fused with Rho0 (ρ0) 143B osteosarcoma cells without functional mtDNA at Department of Medical Research Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital during junior researchers traineeship. The quality of cybrid cells was ensured by several procedures such as mtDNA copy number determination. Cybrids were frozen at –80°C and stocked for further experiments.

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

Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics (Lithuania)
National Cancer Institute (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Olympic Sports Center (Lithuania)
University of Lausanne (Swiss Confederation)
Department of Medical Research Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan (China)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES 

Prof. Dr. A. Utkus –

Prof. Habil. Dr. V. Kučinskas –

  • member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, http://lma.lt/intranetas/index.php?m=profile&user=309;
  • editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), http://www.llmd.ip.lt/lm/;
  • editorial board member of the Journal of Applied Genetics (Poland), http://www.jay.au.poznan.pl/JAG/;
  • editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
  • editorial board member of the journal Medical Genetics (Russia);
  • editorial board member of the journal Acta medica Lituanica;
  • editorial board member of the Balkan Journal of Medical Genetisc (Makedonija);
  • consultant on medical genetics, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
  • board member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
  • member of the European Society of Human Genetics (board member of Education Committee of ESHG), www.eshg.org;
  • member of the American Society of Human Genetics, www.ashg.org;
  • member of Human Genome Organization (HUGO).

Prof. L. Cimbalistienė –

Dr. J. Kasnauskienė –

Dr. E. Pranckevičienė –

  • member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org.

Dr. E. Benušienė –

Dr. A. Jakaitienė –

Dr. A. Matulevičienė – 

Dr. A. Morkūnienė –

Dr. J. Sušinskas – 

Dr. J. Songailienė –

Dr. V. Ginevičienė – 

Dr. V. Šliužas – 

Dr. L. Ambrozaitytė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
  • member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org;
  • member of the American Society of Human Genetics;
  • COST Action BM1208 (European Network for Human Congenital Imprinting Disorders) group member.

Dr. I. Domarkienė – 

Dr. A. Molytė –

Dr. Ž. Čiuladaitė – 

Dr. E. Preikšaitienė –

Dr. I. Uktverytė –

B. Aleksiūnienė –

B. Burnytė –

V. Mikštienė – 

R. Meškienė – 

A. Pranculis –

B. Tumienė –

A. Skučaitė –