Faculty of Medicine

Sukurta: 24 July 2017

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

Dean – Prof. Habil. Dr. Algirdas Utkus

STAFF

664 teachers (incl. 349 holding research degree), 97 research fellows (incl. 54 holding research degree), 125 doctoral students.

Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology
Clinic of Anaesthesiology and Reanimatology
Clinic of Ear, Nose, Throat and Eyes diseases
Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine
Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephrourology and Surgery
Clinic of Infectious, Chest diseases, Dermatovenereology and Allergology
Clinic of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Institute of Odontology
Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology
Clinic of Psychiatry
Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Physics of Medicine
Department of Rehabilitation, Physical and Sports Medicine
Clinic of Rheumatology, Orthopaedic and Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery
Department of Nursing and Fundamentals of Internal Medicine
Clinic of Cardiovascular diseases
Clinic of Children‘s Diseases
Clinic of Internal Medicine, Family Practice and Oncology
Institute of Public Health
Department of Human and Medical Genetics

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 2016

V. Berlin. Planning projections of dentist and dental specialist supply and demand in Lithuania until 2024.

N. Burokienė. Investigation of relation between the epidemiological factors of cardiovascular diseases and genome in the Lithuanian population.

A. Mažeikienė. Assessment and analysis of antioxidant carotenoids in Lithuanian population and their significance in the etiopathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.

R. Rastenienė. Odontogenic maxillofacial infections, evaluation of determinants and treatment modalities.

R. Badaras. Rapid opioid detoxification with an implementation of the new method of gradually increasing dosage of naltrexone induction.

A. Puišys. Evaluation of crestal bone stability around dental implants placed in lower jaw after vertical soft tissue thickenning.

V. Karpavičienė. Health-related quality of life in patiens with atrial fibrillation.

V. Janušauskas. Comparison of minimally invasive epicardial ablation methods of artial fibrillation treatment.

D. Montvilaitė. Analysis of associations among visual system and auxological characteristics in preschool children with retinopathy of prematurity.

D. Ringaitienė. Prevalence, assesment and effect of malnutrition on early posoperative complications in cardiac surgery.

S. Laima. Psichological violance: forensic medical observations and survey of criteria.

N. Giedraitienė. Cognitive assessment with bicams and computerized cantab tests during and after multiple sclerosis relapse.

Ž. Jagelavičius. Minimally invasive surgery for pleural empyema: assessment of efficacy.

V. Andrejevaitė. Association of anxiety disorders and indicators of atherosclerosis, hemostasis and the structure and function of arterial wall in male smokers.

A. Dulskas. Changes in urogenital and anorectal function in patients undergoing radical surgery for rectal cancer.

T. Rančelis. Diversity analysis of pathogenic genomic variants and genes that cause the autosomal recessive diseases using whole exome sequencing.

A. Adomavičienė. The longitudinal study of biopsychosocial functions of people with spinal cord injury.

R. Navickas. Arterial and molecular biomarker for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus risk assesment comperative study.

E. Baltruškevičienė. Predictive and prognostic significance of molecular markers in colorectal cancer patients receiving Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy with Bevacizumab.

V. Bartuškienė. Growth programming during the prenatal period: influence of maternal undernutrition of offspring physical status in rats (an experimental study).

R. Žaliūnienė. Different aspects of oral health, dental treatment needs and oral health-related quality of life in Lithuanian patients with haemophilia - a case control study.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2016

International conferences:
3^rd international conference for PhD students and other young scientists Evolutionary
Medicine: Pre-existing Mechanisms and Patterns of Current Health Issue
Ultrasonography in Gynecology
Epilepsy Update 2016
10^th Baltic Sea Summer School on Epilepsy- BSSSE 1
5^t^h meeting on Acute Cardiac Care and Emergency Medicine
6^th conference Rare Cardiomyopathies in Children and Adults
Conference of Rare Diseases
21^st Vilnius International Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology Conference – School
Rare Kidney Disease
International training course ESPGHAN Summer School
Vilnius Course 2016
Dysmorphology Autumn 2016
Neuromuscular Diseases 2016
Huntington Disease
Unique Genome Variants in Congenital Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Origin, Genomic
Mechanisms, Functional and Clinical Consequences
3^th international congress On Lung Disorders
International congress Update in Dermatovenereology 2016
Nursing Science and Practice 2016: International Experience
Treatment Methods for Bordeline Patients
Pecularities of the Development of Lithuanian Psychiatry 1990–2015

National conferences:

Woman’s Health and Beauty
Diagnostics and Management of Precancer Lesions in Private Out-patient Gynecological Practice
Actualities in Obstetrics and Gynecology
National workshop Prenatal Medicine: Ultrasound Screening in the First and Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Lithuanian Neurology 2016
14^th Lithuanian summer school of neurology 2016
Neuroangiosurgery Centre 2016
The News of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure: New Clinical Data, Indications and Modern Technologies
Congenital Heart Disease in Adults
Arterial Hypertension Update in 2016
Everyday Practice 2016: Children’s Respiratory Disease
Update on Children’s Liver and Metabolic Diseases
Topicalities of Paediatric Cardiology
Lithuania’s Children’s Health 2016
Children’s Health Issues 2016
10^th annual meeting of Lithuanian ERS (European Respiratory Society) Association Interventional Pulmonology and Allergology 2016
6^th national convention of Lithuanian Paediatric Respiratory Society
Update on Paediatric Allergy 2016
Update on Paediatric Neurology
12^th conference devoted to World COPD Day Autumn of Pulmonology and Allergology 2016
National scientific- practical conference Children’s Health Promoting Environment. Let’s Build it Together
Public Healht Science and Practice
6^th meeting of Lithuanian Human Genetics Society
Acute Appendicitis
Pediatric Spinal Surgery in Lithuania. Pediatric Surgery 2016
Minimally-invasive Colorectal Surgery and Visceral Surgery Innovations
Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculosis
Limits and Shades in Pathology: Non-tumor and Tumor-Simulating Pathology
Infectology 2016
Nursing Science and Practice 2016
Specialists’ Experience on Primary Level of Everyday Doctor’s Work
Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders in arly Childhood.

National seminars:

Advanced Certificate Program: Research Ethics in Central and Eastern Europe
New Treatment Possibilities for Men with Urinary Incontinence
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
News in Pulmonology and Allergology.

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2016

Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology:
The project coordinated by Italian anthropologist Dario Piombino-Mascali, a visiting scholar in the Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Anthropology (including studies in Egyptian mummies, church mummies, and anatomical specimens) drew very important data related to discoveries in cases of rickets, hydrocephalus, atherosclerosis, and tuberculosis, a case of variola virus was also identified via ancient DNA analysis. This specific case revealed that smallpox is a much more recent disease than it was assumed in some historical mentions.

Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephrourology and Surgery:
The successful organ-tissues transplantations-program in Vilnius University Santariškių Hospital is the best fact to take Vilnius University Hospital as the leading Transplantation Center in the Baltic States.

Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Physics of Medicine:
Optimization and surveilance of CT exposure was performed.

CLINIC OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY

antariškių str. 2, 08661 Vilnius
Tel./fax 2501484, 2501487
E-mail

Head – Prof. Dr. Gražina Stanislava Drąsutienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. G. S. Drąsutienė, Dr. N. Drazdienė, Dr. D. Ramašauskaitė.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Arlauskienė, Dr. D. Bartkevičienė, Dr. Ž. Bumbulienė, Dr. D. Laužikienė, Dr. M. Šilkūnas, Dr. J. Zakarevičienė.
Lecturers: Dr. D. Bužinskienė, Dr. G. Domža, Dr. V Rudaitis, Dr. K. Mačiulienė.
Assistants: A. Amšiejienė, V. Paliulytė, I. Daunoravičienė.
Doctoral students: A. Amšiejienė, Ž. Sabonytė-Balšaitienė.
Obstetrics and gynaecology scientific group of students: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. M. Šilkūnas, coordinator – student P. Jukna; 50 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Health of mother and foetus: physiology and pathology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Project Supported by University Budget

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

Over the last 20 years, Lithuania has experienced significant improvements in perinatal health. The marked decrease in cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary and genital morbidity was observed among pregnant women. Hemorrhage and infections during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period are considered the most common causes of maternal death.
Statistically significant differences in clinical pregnancies depend on the number of transferred embryos in the age groups of <35 and 35–40. The number of obtained oocytes, the number of transferred embryos and the availability of surplus embryos for freezing may serve as predictors of pregnancy rates in ART.
Postmenopausal women were twice as likely to experience pain during SCSH as premenopausal women were. Therefore, postmenopausal women might benefit from analgesia induced prior to the procedure.

Main publications:

Opolskiene, G., Radzvilaite, S., Bartkeviciene, D., Ramasauskaite, D., Zakareviciene, J., Drasutiene, G. 2016. Pain experience during saline-contrast sonohysterography differs between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Journal of Clinical Ultrasound, vol. 44, iss. 5, p. 267–271;
doi: 10.1002/jcu.22291.

Drąsutienė, G., Drazdienė, N., Arlauskienė, A., Ramašauskaitė, D., Zakarevičienė, J., Basys, V., Kazėnaitė, E., Drąsutis, J., Sakalauskaitė, I., Sniečkuvienė, V. 2016. Trends in maternal health in Lithuania 1995–2014. Acta medica Lituanica, vol. 23, no. 2, p. 117–125;
doi: 10.6001/actamedica.v23i2.3328.

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 & Gynecology);
member of Integrated Health Care Management Committee of Perinatology, Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania.

Prof. N. Drazdienė –

expert neonatologist of the Ministry of Health, Republic of Lithuania;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynecology);
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;
head of Lithuanian section of German-Baltic Physician Society.

Prof. D. Ramašauskaitė –

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

Assoc Prof. A. Arlauskienė –

board member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynecologists;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynecology);
member of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG);
chairman of scientific committee of National Congress of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynecologists.

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 Gynecology.

Assoc. Prof. Ž. Bumbulienė –

head of section of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynecologists;
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 Gynecology;
board member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynecologists;
chairman of organizing committee of National Congress of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynecologists.

V. Paliulytė –

board member of Vilnius Region Society of Obstetricians Gynecologists.

DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

M. K. Čiurlionio 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel.: 239 87 06
Fax: 239 87 05
E-mail:
http://www.aha.mf.vu.lt

Head – Prof. Dr. Janina Tutkuvienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. R. Jankauskas, Dr. R. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė, Dr. J. Tutkuvienė, Dr. V. Žalgevičienė.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Barkus, Dr. R. Čepulienė, Dr. E.M. Jakimavičienė, Dr. Ž. Miliauskienė, Dr. L. Nedzinskienė, Dr. A. Suchomlinov, Dr. V. Tutkus (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. V. Bartuškienė, J. Janavičius (part-time), Dr. M. Leonavičiūtė-Klimantavičienė (part-time), V. Lukošaitis (part-time), R. Morkūnienė.
Assistants: A. Audickaitė (part-time), D. Bandzevičienė (part-time), R. Girčius (part-time), R. Jacevičiūtė (part-time), K. Kuolienė (part-time), M. Minsevičius (part-time).
Research fellow: S. Šilovė.
Doctoral students: J. Drąsutis, K. Kuolienė, R. Morkūnienė, A. Vaitiekus.
Human biology and evolutionary medicine scientific group of students: scientific leader – prof. J. Tutkuvienė, coordinator – student G. Stankutė; 34 members of of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Human genome diversity, its rigin 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 2016

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 was continued. Epidemiology of trauma from medieval rural and urban burials, and anthropological data from several new samples were summarized. Diachronical analysis of the prevalence of localized enamel hypoplasia on primary canines performed, the results presented during international conference.

Main publications:

Duggan, A.T., Golding, G.B., Southon, J., Devault, A., Rouillard, J.M., Sahl, J.W., Dutour, O., Hedman, K., Sajantila, A., Smith, G.L., Holmes, E.C., Perdomo, M.F., Poinar, H.N., Piombino-Mascali, D., Marciniak, S., Poinar, D., Emery, M., Buchmann, J.P., Duchene, S., Jankauskas, R., Humphreys, M. 2016. 17th century variola virus reveals the recent history of smallpox. Current Biology, vol.26, p. 1–6.

Eleazer, C.D., Jankauskas, R. 2016. Mechanical and metabolic interactions in cortical bone development. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, vol. 160(2), p. 317–333.

Experimental (growth programming) investigations. The experimental study on the influence of maternal nutrition prior on pregnancy and during pregnancy in two rat offspring generations was ended and the survived individuals sacrificed for histomorphological analysis. The biometric indices, blood morphological and biochemical parameters as well as the histomorphological structure of the first-generation rat offspring were analysed and presented in a doctoral dissertation. The video records from the elevated T-maze (to assess the anxiety-like behaviour of the offspring) were collected. The coding scheme was developed and data coding was begun. The studies on regulative and regenerative potencies of transplanted chick limb buds were continued. The influence of alkaline, acidic and fluoridate water on prenatal development of rat offspring was summarizied, the toxicity of different doses of quantum dots for the pregnant rats was studied.

Main publication:

Vaisnoriene, I., Didžiapetrienė, J., Žalgevičienė, V., Laurinavičienė, A., Kulvietis, V., Rotomskis, R. 2016. Reflectance confocal microscopy and melanocyte – specific immunostaining of histological skin sections. J Am Acad Dermatol, vol.75. no. 2, p. 439–440.

Investigations of the physical status of contemporary inhabitants. Changes in gestational age, also peculiarities of newborns’ head growth were analysed. The results on Lithuanian longitudinal growth study (1990-2008) were further published. The publication about physical status and nutritional habits of preschool children (n=66) was submitted. Study on menarcheal age and premenstrual syndrome in Vilnius city girls was completed. The surveys on girls’ body image (BI) changes by the end of adolescence was performed, also analysis on face recognition in preschool children were finalised. The study on breast changes in females during the pregnancy was completed (n=105). The study on the relationship between the axis of the lower extremity (the allignement of the joints) in relation to the function and the other body parameters was further continued: 198 healthy 19–25 years old students were investigated according to wide anthropometric and functional programme. The localization of meniscal injuries in the stable knee was analyzed in more than 2000 arhtroscopic patients from the evolutionary point of view. All the above mentioned results were presented during international conferences.

Main publications:

Suchomlinov, A., Tutkuvienė, J. 2016. Factors associated with chldren’s height and body mass index in Lithuania, 1990–2008. Journal of Biosocial Science, vol. 48, p. 502–529.

Preising, M., Suchomlinov, A., Tutkuvienė, J., Assmann, C. 2016. Modelling human height and weight: A Bayesian approach towards model comparision. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2016, p. 1–6.

Suchomlinov, A., Čerškus, G., Kolosov, A., Rakit, I., Aßmann, C., Jakimavičienė, E., Tutkuvienė, J. 2016. Increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in Vilnius, Lithuania: comparison of two longitudinal data sets of children born in 1990 and 1996. Anthrop Anz, vol. 73(3), p. 177–185.

International Research Project

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.

Dental samples for human and pathogen genome analysis from medieval and early modern Lithuanian populations selected.

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

Institute of Anthropology, University of Vienna (Austria)
Max-Planck-Institute, Starnberg-Seewiesen (Germany)
Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zürich (Switzerland)
Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb (Croatia)
Loughborough University, Leicestershire (UK)
Institute of Forensic Medicine, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf (Germany)
Department of Anatomy, University of Göttingen (Germany)
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida (USA)
Medical University of Lodz (Poland)
University of Torun (Poland)
Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradins University (Latvia)
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 –

editorial board member of the journal Papers on Anthropology (Tartu University, Estonia);
editorial board member of the journal Anthropologischer Anzeiger (Germany);
editorial board member of the journal Archaeologia Baltica;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika;
member of the Board of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Scientific Council of the Lithuanian Institute of History;
member of the Scientific Council of the Nature Research Center;
member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (http://lma.lt/old/intranetas).

Prof. R. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė –

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

Prof. V. Žalgevičienė –

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

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;
ember 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. 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.

Dr. V. Bartuškienė –

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

J. Janavičius –

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

Dr. M. Leonavičiūtė-Klimantavičienė –

member of Lithuanian Society of Children’s Pulmonology;
member of Lithuanian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
member of European Respiratory Society.

V. Lukošaitis –

Lithuanian Association of Neurologists;
Lithuanian Society for Epileptology.

R. Morkūnienė –

member of Lithuanian Pediatric 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.

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

J. Drąsutis –

member of Lithuanian Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Society Manus Lithuanica.

A. Vaitiekus –

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

CLINIC OF ANAESTHESIOLOGY AND REANIMATOLOGY

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

Head – Prof. Dr. Jūratė Šipylaitė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. J. Šipylaitė, Dr. S.Vosylius, Dr. A. Andrijauskas.
Associate professors: Dr. E. Kontrimavičiūtė, Dr. M. Šerpytis, Dr. D. Činčikas.
Lecturers: Dr. A. Klimašauskas, Dr. S. Švedienė, Dr. I. Norkienė, Dr. R. Badaras (part-time).
Assistants: D. Ringaitienė (part-time), A. Vaitkus (part-time), E. Gaižauskas (part-time), L. Balčiūnas (part-time), V. Kuzminskaitė (part-time), D. Šileikis (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. A.Andrijauskas, Dr. S. Švedienė, Š. Judickas (part-time).
Doctoral students: D. Ringaitienė, A. Vaitkus, M. Svetikienė.
Anaesthesiology and reanimatology scientific group of students: scientific leader – Prof. S. Vosylius, coordinator – student R. Stasiunaitis; 76 members of the group.

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
Comparison of stress response in rapid opioid detoxication
Influence of perioperative optimization on the results of primary endoprosthesis of the hip joint
Optimization of low back pain diagnosis and treatment
Early changes in cognitive functioning in patients undergoing general anesthesia

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Project Supported by University Budget

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

We completed a prospective study that confirmed the association between a sodium concentration and rate of adverse clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery. A prospective trial of 20 chronic pain patients with musculoskeletal pain was studied to evaluate pressure pain threshold relation to pain, emotional status characteristics and cold pressor test relationships. A prospective trial “Effect of imunonutrition on systemic and immune inflamatory response in malnourished cardiacsurgical patients” was continued to evaluate the impact of immunonutrition on immune system and inflammatory response in low risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The results of the studies were presented at international congresses.

Main publications:

Ringaitiene, D., Gineityte, D., Vicka, V., Zvirblis, T., Norkiene, I., Sipylaite, J., Irnius, A., Ivaskevicius, J. 2016. Malnutrition assessed by phase angle determines outcomes in low-risk cardiac surgery patients. Clin Nutr. 2016 Feb 18, p. S0261-5614(16)00067-4; doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2016.02.010.

Kvascevicius, R., Lapteva, O., Kesiene, J., Vaitkus, A., Mikulenaite, L, Raugalas, R., Sipylaite, J., Rocka, S., Juocevicius, A.2016. Intrathecal Baclofen therapy for the treatment of spasticity in Lithuania. Journal of Neurological Surgery A Central European Neurosurgery, 2016 Nov 30; doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1593973.

Badaras, R., Jovaisa, T., Judickas, S., Ivaskevicius, J. 2016. Changes in potassium concentration during opioid antagonist induction. J Addict Med., Jul-Aug; vol. 10(4), p. 244–7.

National Research Project

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

Data from a 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) were analysed and made public in two articles and oral presentation at the 8^th Congress of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, 2016.

Main publications:

Markevicius, V., Cincikas, D., Porvaneckas, N., Stankevicius, E., Navikas, D., Andriukaitis, D., Sipylaite, J., Svediene, S., Uvarovas, V., Satkauskas, I., Kvederas, G., Valinevicius, A.S, Zilys, M., Andrijauskas, A. 2016. Revised evaluation of hemodilution response in the semi-closed loop infusion system. Elektronika ir Elektrotechnika (Electronics and Electrical Engineering), vol. 22 (1).

Andrijauskas A., Svensen C. H., Purvaneckas N., Sipylaite J., Stankevicius E., Cincikas D., Varovas, S., Svediene, I., Satkauskas, S., Vosylius, G., Kvederas. A., 2016. Mini volume loading test (mVLT) using 2.5 ml kg-1 boluses of crystalloid for indication of perioperative chantes in hydration status. Medicina 2016; doi: 10.1016/j.medici.2016.11.004.

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 Vilniaus University Faculty of Medicine;
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);
editorial board member of the journal Acta medica Lituanica;
vice-president of the 8th International Baltic Congress of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

Prof. A. Andrijauskas –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
member of the European Society of Anaesthesiology.

Prof. S. Vosylius –

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

Assoc. Prof. M. Šerpytis –

treasurer of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

Dr. A. Klimašauskas –

president of the Lithuanian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

Assoc. Prof. D. Činčikas, Assoc. Prof. E. Kontrimavičiūtė, Dr. I. Norkienė –

members of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

CLINIC OF EAR, NOSE, THROAT AND EYES DISEASES

Santariškių str. 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel: 236 52 70, 2501867, fax: 236 52 70
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Eugenijus Lesinskas

STAFF

Professor: Dr. E. Lesinskas.
Associate professors: Dr. M. Petrulionis, Dr. R. Ašoklis, Dr. A. Cimbalas, Dr. S. Galgauskas.
Lecturers: Dr. D. Aukštikalnis, Dr. R. Pliaukšta, Dr. D. Rauba, Dr. J. Ivaška, Dr. V. Beleškienė.
Assistants: A. Matulevičius, K. Malyško.
Scientific groups of students:
Ophtolmology: scientific leader – doc. S. Galgauskas, coordinator – student A. Bojarun; 40 members of the group.
Otorhinolaryngology: scientific leader – prof. E. Lesinskas, coordinator – student R. Kernagytė; 20 members of the group.

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 2016

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.

Estimation of prenatal and postnatal prognostic factors after cochlear implantation for children was carried out. Correlation of vestibular testing, posturography and radiological analysis for vestibular and neurologic patients was followed.
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. Choroidal thickness measurements 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.

Main publications:

Beleškiene, V., Lesinskas, E., Januškienė, V., Daunoravičienė, K., Rauba, D., Ivaška, J. 2016. Eustachian tube opening measurement by sonotubometry using perfect sequences for healthy adults. Clinical and Experimental Otolaryngology (CEO) Seoul: Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, South Korea, vol. 9, no. 2, p. 116–122; doi: 10.21053/ceo.2015.00626.

Asoklis, R., Malysko, K. 2016. Ocular Rosacea. N Engl J Med, vol. 374, p. 771; doi: 10.1056/NEJMicm1504309.

Kadziauskiene, A., Kuoliene, K., Asoklis, R., Lesinskas, E. 2016. Schmetterer L. Changes in choroidal thickness after intraocular pressure reduction following trabeculectomy. Acta Ophthalmol., Sep., vol. 94(6), p. 586–91; doi: 10.1111/aos.13057. Epub 2016 May 5. PMID: 27145732 [ISI CI 2.345].

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

Dr. D. Rauba –

board member of Lithuanian Society of Otorhinolaryngologists.

Dr. R. Pliaukšta –

chairman of Vilnius Society of Otorhinolaryngologists.

Assoc. Prof. 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;
chairman of Residency Exchange Committee in European Board of Ophthalmology.

Assoc. Prof. A. Cimbalas –

senior ophthalmologist of the Ministry of Health Care of the Republic of Lithuania;
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.

Assoc. Prof. 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

M. K. Čiurlionio str. 21/27, 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, Dr. V. Hendrixson.
Associate professors: Dr. L. Bagdonaitė, Dr. R. Budrionienė, Dr. V. Jablonskienė, Dr. T. Kačergius, Dr. S. Meidutė-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, Dr. A. Mažeikienė , Dr. D. Paškevičienė, R. Petraitis (part-time).
Assistants: I. Bikulčienė, M. Davidonis (part-time), L. Gečienė, Ž.Chomanskis (part-time), V. Makarevič, E.Ostanevičiūtė (part-time), M. Radzevičius (part-time), M.Vanagaitė-Žičkienė, L.Vasiliauskaitė (part-time), A. Virbalis (part-time), V. Žėkas.
Research fellows: Dr. L. Bagdonaitė, Dr. Ž. Daunonavičius (part-time), M. Bratčikov, Dr. T. Kačergius, Dr. S. Meidutė-Abaravičienė.
Junior research fellows: Bikulčienė I., Dr. A. Kirkliauskienė E. Malyško, Dr. A. Mažeikienė, E.Ostanevičiūtė (part-time), E. Petrik, V. Žėkas, E. Vasiliauskienė.
Doctoral student: V. Žėkas.
Scientific groups of students:
Microbiology: scientific leader – Dr. A. Kirkliauskienė, coordinator – student G. Neverauskaitė-Piliponienė; 23 members of the group.
Biochemistry: scientific leader – prof. A. Kaminskas; 2 members of the group.
Physiology: scientific leader – prof. A. Abaravičius; 1 member of the group.

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 2016

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.

Main publications:

Schizophrenia risk from complex variation of complement component 4. Sekar A., Bialas AR., de Rivera H.... Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, [Kucinskiene ZA]. Nature, 2016 Feb 11; vol. 530, p. 177–183; doi: 10.1038/nature16549.

Žėkas, V., Kučinskienė, Z. A. 2016. Endotelinės mikrodalelės: naujas ankstyvosios aterosklerozės žymuo. Laboratorinė medicina, vol.18, nr. 2, p. 87–92.

Bogomolovas, J., Gasch, A., Bajoras, V., Karčiauskaitė, D., Šerpytis, P., Grabauskienė, V., Labeit, D., Labeit, S. 2016. Cardiac specific titin N2B exon is a novel sensitive serological marker for cardiac injury. Int J Cardiol, vol. 212, p. 232–4.

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.

Main publications:

Rutkauskaitė, V., Ragelienė, L., Matuzevičienė, R., Sinkevič, K., Mauricas, M., Characiejus, D. 2016. Reduction in proportion of senescent CD8+ T lymphocytes during chemotherapy of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Anticancer Res, November 2016, vol. 36 (11), p. 6195–6199.

Radzevičius, M., Kavaliukas, V., Janeliūnienė, M., Matuzevičienė, R. 2016. Daugiaparametrė fenotipinė žmogaus monacitų charakteristika, kai įtariama lėtinė limfocitinė leukemija (Multiparameter phenotypical characterisation of human monocyte subpopulations in suspected chronic lymphocytic leucemia). Laboratorine medicina, vol. 18(4), p. 159–67.

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 (PNA) 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: 1) it was determined the inhibitory effect of antisense oligonucleotides based on PNA and phosphorothioate chemistry for the formation of oral streptococci biofilms; 2) it was developed and optimized High Resolution Melting PCR (HRM-PCR) technology for genotyping of ESBLs CTX-M group of Enterobacteriaceae; 3) possible carbapenemase producers of Enterobacteriaceae family were collected, MIC values for carbapenems were tested and primers design was applied for different carbapenemases genes; 4) assessment of the suitability of self-collected samples for the detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and correlation between HPV infection and other sexually transmitted infections were investigated; 5) laboratory testing of faecal samples from patients with symptoms of intestinal infection using novel multiplex PCR protocol for identification of intestinal pathogens was carried out and to be continued in 2017.

National Research Projects:

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.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases remain the major cause of deaths worldwide. In our work we are planning 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. 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.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Biomarkers for Patients Hospitalised Due to Acute Heart Failure: Prospective Observational Multicenter Cohort Study (MIP 049/2015). 2015–2018. Leader – Prof. 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 (Global Research on Acute Conditions Team).

The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic 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. 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.

International Research Projects

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

Vilnius University Children’s Hospital, Organizer of the Project – Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO), www.nopho.org. Countries involved in the Project: Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia. 6-year accrual period.
The primary aim of the NOPHO-DBH AML 2012 study was to improve EFS and OS in children with AML. To improve outcome, an intensified induction regimen will be given and a response guided risk-group stratification using flow cytometric minimal residual disease measurements to evaluate therapy response will be used. 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 was the MRD level at day 22 from start of the course. Secondary outcome measures in both studies include EFS, OS, remission rate and toxicity. 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.

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 study was to investigate whether methyl gallate isolated from the methanolic extract of Rhus coriaria L. fruits inhibits Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and acidogenicity in vitro conditions. Results revealed that the methyl gallate concentrations ranging from 0.55 mg/ml to 1 mg/ml significantly suppressed S. mutans biofilm formation and acidogenicity in comparison with the untreated bacteria (p < 0.05). The methyl gallate concentration of 1 mg/ml was able to reduce the biofilm formation by 99% and to prevent a decrease in pH level of the biofilm growth medium by 97%. It is noteworthy that the bioactivities of methyl gallate occurred in a dose-dependent manner. These findings are important for the development of new antibacterial agents.

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)
Department of Human and Medical Genetics of Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Centre of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Z. A. Kučinskienė –

member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
past-President of the Baltic Atherosclerosis Society;
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.

Prof. A. J. Abaravičius –

member of the National Committee of New Food Products (approved by the order Ministry of Health;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
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).

Prof. V. Hendrixson –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of open Medical Institute Lithuanian Association of Neuroscience;
member of Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS);
Honorary Professor of the Karaganda State Medical University.

Assoc. Prof. L. Bagdonaitė –

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

Assoc. Prof. V. 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. 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;
member of the ISTH;
corresponding member of the IFCC Task Force on Proficiency Testing;
corresponding member of the IFCC EMD Clinical Laboratory Management; Committee, Analytical Quality Committee;
corresponding member of the EFLM Working Group on Congresses and Postgraduate Education;
member of the 3 Working Groups at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
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 –

board member and treasurer of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry);
ISTH (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis);
CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute);
IFCC (International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) corresponding member of):
- IFCC EMD Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine Committee (C-EBLM)
- IFCC EMD Harmonization of Interpretive Comments EQA Working Group (WG-ICQA)
- IFCC EMD Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety Working Group (WG-LEPS)
- IFCC SD Reference Intervals and Decision Limits Committee (C-RIDL)
- IFCC Task Force on Ethics (TF-E)
- IFCC Task Force on Ethics (TF-E)
- IFCC Task Force for Young Scientists (TF-YS).

Lect. A. Mažeikienė –

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

GASTROENTEROLOGY, NEPHROUROLOGY AND SURGERY CLINIC

Santariškių str. 2, 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. (HP) G. Brimas, Dr. (HP) 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. G. Denapienė, Dr. E. Gavelienė, Dr. A. Stašinskas, Dr. A. Gradauskas, Dr. S. Mikalauskas, Dr. L. Andreika.
Lecturers: Dr. L. Rimševičius, Dr. A. Čekauskas, Dr. R. Adomaitis, Dr. I. Savlan, Dr. I. Stundienė, Dr. L. Mašalaitė, R. Vaicekauskas, Dr. D. Kubilius, Dr. G. Kvederas.
Assistants: P. Gradauskas, B. Buckus, E. Mačionienė.
Research fellows: Dr.V. Beiša, Dr. V. Liakina, Dr. G. Simutis, Dr. G. Denapienė, M. Petrulionis.
Doctoral students: G. Bernotavičius, A. Buivydienė, B. Buckus, A. Strumila, A. Rybakovas, A. Laučytė-Cibulskienė, A. Mickevičius, E. Mačionienė, M. Barisienė, A. Bakavičius, A. Beiša, J. Tumas, D. Danys, A. Aleknaitė, J. Makevičius, G. Tauginienė – Valeikaitė, B. Vincel.
Scientific groups of students:
Gastroenterology: scientific leader – Dr. I.Stundienė, coordinator – student J. Šarnelytė; 29 members of the group.
Abdominal surgery: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. V. Jotautas, coordinator – student M. Butvila; 7 members of the group.
General surgery: scientific leader – Prof. G. Brimas, coordinator – student K. Mikelis; 6 members of the group.
Urology: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. A. Želvys, coordinator – student V. Genytė; 13 members of the group.
Pediatric surgery: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. K. Trainavičius, coordinator – student R. Martinaitytė; 2 members of the group.
Nephrology: scientific leader – Prof. M. Miglinas, coordinator –student S. Rėkutė; 21 members of the group.

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
Patients with chronic hepatitis C quality of life study during DAA therapy

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

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 liver, adrenal gland, thyroid and parathyroid glands, pancreas and colorectal pathology were collected and evaluated. Results of the research were presented in international meetings.
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.
The research Influence of pancreatic and periampullary cancer, immunomodulation and surgery on patient metabolism and treatment outcomes has been started in January 11 2016 (Prof. K. Strupas,Prof. A. Šileikis). It focuses on plasma amino acid concentrations measurements of patients before and after operation to evaluate metabolomic changes and predict suitable preopertive treatment to avoid postoperative complications. During the year 2016, around 100 samples of plasma have been collected and fresh-frozen stored in the tissue bank.
The prospective clinical study BRAFV600E mutation and other molecular markers for diagnosis of thyroid malignancies was continued in 2016 (Dr. (HP) V. Beiša, PhD student A. Beiša). After the investigation of BRAF v600e mutation prevalence, sensitivity and specificity in the thyroid cancer, we are planning to create a new guideline in diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of thyroid nodules and to reduce the amount of diagnostic thyroid surgery.
The multicenter prospective study The risk factors and clinical value of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy (prof.V. Beiša, V. Eismontas, dr. E. Zdanytė) in cooperation with Klaipėda University Hospital was continued in order to evaluate possible factors in postoperative hypocalcaemia, including preoperative measurements 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. The possibility of mathematical voice analysis is going to be evaluated as well in order to develop simple vocal cord paralysis prediction model. Data of voice analysis was presented as a poster (Data Analysis Methods for Software Systems) at international conference in Druskininkai in December 2016.
Randomized prospective trial Laser hemorrhoidoplasty, hemorrhoidopexy and hemorrhoidectomy (D.Danys, Prof. T.Poškus) was in the inclusion process. The aim of the study is to compare early and one-year outcomes of two new surgical techniques of treatment of haemorrhoids with traditional excisional hemorrhoidectomy.
The study Distant results of the quality of life of patients operated on for colorectal cancer was started in 2016 (G.Valeikaite Tauginiene, prof. T.Poškus). Distant results of the quality of life of patients, operated on for colorectal cancer is a continuation of the prospective study, which was started in 2012 as part of the National Science Foundation grant Colorectal cancer in Lithuania: study of mortality, morbidity and quality of life, LIG01/11. It will try to identify the factors, reducing long-term quality of life in colorectal cancer patients. The study is performed in collaboration with National Cancer Institute and Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

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

One of the aims of 2016 studies was to evaluate the efficacy of deep biopsy via the endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) technique for SELs in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Conclusion: deep biopsy via the ESD technique is an effective and safe method for the diagnosis of SELs especially with a clear endophytic appearance in a large number of biopsied samples.
In another study we have evaluated polymorphisms in TPMT (TPMT*2,*3B,*3C,*3A) and ITPA (rs1127354, rs7270101) genes. They were determined using PCR-RFLP and TaqMan(®) genotyping assays. Conclusions: frequencies of TPMT and ITPA variant alleles in Lithuanian IBD group were similar to those observed in the Northern-Eastern Europe Caucasian populations.

Main publications:

Vaicekauskas, R., Stanaitis, J, Valantinas, J. 2016. Efficacy of deep biopsy for subepithelial lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Wideochir Inne Tech Maloinwazyjne, vol. 11(3), p. 192–199.

Steponaitiene, R., Kupcinskas, J., Survilaite, S., Varkalaite, G., Jonaitis, L., Kiudelis, G., Denapiene, G., Valantinas, J., Skieceviciene, J., Kupcinskas, L. 2016. TPMT and ITPA genetic variants in Lithuanian inflammatory bowel disease patients: Prevalence and azathioprine-related side effects. Adv Med Sci. 2016 Mar, vol. 61(1), p. 135–40.

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

The utility of urine-circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as the potential biomarker of prostate cancer (PCa) was evaluated. Our investigation concludes that quantitative measurement of urine-circulating miR-148a and miR-375 can serve as the non-invasive tool for sensitive and specific detection of PCa.
A new method measuring vibrational spectra (IR absorption or SERS) from intracellular fluid has been further investigated. We concluded that the proposed method is instant and can be used in the clinical setting.

Main publications:

Stuopelyte, K., Daniunaite, K., Bakavicius, A., Lazutka, J.R., Jankevicius, F., Jarmalaite, S. 2016. The utility of urine-circulating miRNAs for detection of prostate cancer. Br J Cancer. 2016 Sep 6, vol. 115(6), p. 707–15.

Stuopelytė, K., Daniūnaitė, K., Jankevičius, F., Jarmalaitė, S. 2016. Detection of miRNAs in urine of prostate cancer patients. Medicina, vol. 52 (2), p. 116–24.

Urboniene, V., Velicka, M., Ceponkus, J., Pucetaite, M., Jankevicius, F., Sablinskas, V., Steiner, G. 2016. Intra-operative on-line discrimination of kidney cancer from normal tissue by IR ATR spectroscopy of extracellular fluid. Proc. SPIE 9704, Biomedical Vibrational Spectroscopy 2016: Advances in Research and Industry, 97040E (March 7, 2016); doi:10.1117/12.2213408.

National Research Projects

Project: New Biomarcers for Individualized Chemotherapy of Colon Cancer: Proteomics, RNA Nomics, Clinics (Leader - Prof. A. Laurinavičius) was continued in 2016. It focuses on potentialy predictive biomarkers for the successful personalized colorectal cancer (CRC) adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant combinational chemotherapy by 5 fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) is the established second line treatment of the CRC. The potential efficiency of FOLFOX has to be evaluated before applying the treatment. However, although FOLFOX has been used for CRC treatment for more than decade, no successful predictive biomarkers have been introduced into clinic. Introduced into clinic, such set of biomarkers would provide successful personalized treatment of CRC. 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.

Project: New Multifunctional Nanobiosensor for Early Pancreatic Cancer Diagnostics (SEN-16041) started in 2016. Project leader: Prof. K. Strupas, Project group: Prof. A. Šileikis, Dr. M.Valius, Dr. A. Kaupinis, Dr. M. Ger, M. Petrulionis, B. Kurlinkus, N. Dreižė.

This project uses already collected and continuously being supplied clinical material for the discovery and validation of new protein biomarkers. For this task, already established mass spectrometry equipment and proven methods of Proteomics Center Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, are used. Deep quantitative differential proteomic anglysis of pancreatic tumors, chronic pancreatitis and healthy tissue (n≥5 ineachgroup) has already been performed. By means of bioinformatic analysis of proteomes potential biomarker proteins will be selected. Further, using targeted mass spectrometry and / or immunological methods we will valinate chantes of these proteins (n≥15) in tissue samples from the larger cohort of patients (n≥20). Confirmed biomarkers will be further validated in patient serum applying the detection system developed during the project. This Project will utilize two technological concepts: creation of a prototipe multifunctional nanobiosensor and discovery of novel biomarkers for detection in patients’ tissue samples.

Research Council of Lithuania

Comparison of Expression of Proteins XAP-2, UCKL-1 and MRPS18-2 that Interact with EBV Encoded Antigens in Liver Tissue and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Supported By Grant TAP LU-15-003 and was started in 2016, Leader - Dr. V. Liakina.

The project included retrospective and prospective studies of histological liver samples of patients with viral C cirrhosis with the aim to evaluate XAP-2, UCKL-1 and MRPS18-2 as prognostic/diagnostic markers of early stage of hepatocellular carcinoma.
The high UCKL-1 expression might be a prognostic factor for HCC relapse, in combination with the age and microvascular invasion. MRS18-2 protein expression has no prognostic significance in cases of HCV-associated HCC.

International Science Programmers and Projects

Projects Supported by COST (European Concerted Research Action designated as COST Action BM1204) were continued in 2016. 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).
European society of Coloproctology (ESCP) performed its European cohort study. In 2016 participating centres included hospitals performing reversal of intestinal stoma. The collaborators aimed to explore differences in patients, techniques and outcomes in closure of intestinal stoma across the international cohort to identify areas of practice variability resulting in apparent differences in outcome warranting further study.

Main publication:

Karpavicius, A., Dambrauskas, Z., Gradauskas, A., Samuilis, A., Zviniene, K., Kupcinskas, J., Brimas, G., Meckovski, A., Sileikis, A., Strupas, K. 2016. The clinical value of adipokines in predicting the severity and outcome of acute pancreatitis. BMC Gastroenterology, vol. 16, p. 99;
doi: 10.1186/s12876-016-0514-4.

GlobalSurg Collaborative. Mortality of emergency abdominal surgery in high-, middle- and low-income countries. British Journal of Surgery 2016, vol. 103 (8), p. 971–988.

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

We developed country-level disease burden models following a systematic review of HCV prevalence and genotype studies published after 2013. A Delphi process was used to gain country expert consensus and validate inputs. Published estimates alone were used for countries where expert panel meetings could not be scheduled. Global prevalence was estimated using regional averages for countries without data.

Main publication:

Blach, S., Zeuzem, S., Manns, M., et al. 2016. Global prevalence and genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus infection in 2015: a modelling study. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(16)30181-9.

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

Vibrational spectroscopy group at Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Group of Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring at Dresden Technical University (Germany)
Rouen University Hospital (France)
Medical University of Gdansk, Department of Hypertension, Gdańsk (Poland)
Medical University of Gdansk, Department of Nephrology, Gdańsk (Poland)
Renal Services at Westmead Hospital, Sydney (Australia)
Department of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen the Netherlands
RE Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology, National Academy of Science of Ukraine (Ukraine)
Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
Cryptorchidism Research Institute, Kindermedizinisches Zentrum Liestal, (Switzerland)
Department of Paediatric Urology, Central Manchester University Hospitals, CMFT Manchester, UK
University of Warsaw (Poland)
Lithuanian University of Health Science (Lithuania)
University of Latvia (Latvia)
University of Tartu (Estonia)
University of Tallinn (Estonia)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. K. Strupas –

past President of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology society;
board member of the European Academy of Surgical Scienses (EAcSS);
member of International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association;
elected president of the Association of Lithuanian Surgeons;
member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES);
editorial board member of the international journal Viszeralmedizin;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery);
editorial board member of the journal Medicina.

Prof. V. Beiša –

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

Prof. G. Simutis –

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

Prof. A. Šileikis –

Chairman of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
Chairman of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology Society;
member of the International HepatoPancreato Biliary Association (IHPB);
member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO);
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).

Assoc. Prof. 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 –

member 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.

Lect. Dr. J. Stundienė, Lect. Dr. L. Mašalaitė, Lect. Dr. I. Savlan, Lect. R. Vaicekauskas –

members of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.

Prof. G. Brimas –

deputy editor-in-Chief of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija;
editorial board member of the journal Videosurgery and Miniinvasive Techniques.

Assoc. Prof. A. Stašinskas –

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

Asist. B. Buckus –

● member of Vilnius Society of 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);
member of the European Paediatric Surgeons’ Association.

Assoc. prof. G. Verkauskas –

member of the European Paediatric Surgeons’ Association;
member of the European Society for Paediatric Urology.

Prof. F. Jankevičius –

Chairman of the Lithuanian Early Prostate Cancer Detection Programme;
member of th European Association of Urology (EAU);
Corresponding Memebr of Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Urologie;
member of the Lithuanian Urology (LUD) Society.

Assoc. Prof. H. Ramonas –

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

Assoc. Prof. 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.

Lect. A. Čekauskas –

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

Lect. R. Adomaitis –

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

Prof. M. Miglinas –

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

Assist. E. Mačionienė –

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

CLINIC OF INFECTIOUS, CHEST DISEASES, DERMATOVENEREOLOGY AND ALLERGOLOGY

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

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Arvydas Ambrozaitis

Centre of Infectious Diseases
Birutės str. 1, LT-08117 Vilnius
Tel. 272 4657, fax 275 8885
E-mail: ;
Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Arvydas Ambrozaitis

Centre of Pulmonology and Allergology
Santariškių str. 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 2501871
E-mail: ;
Head – Prof. Dr. (HP) Edvardas Danila

Centre of General Thoracic Surgery
Santariškių str. 2, LT–08661 Vilnius
Tel./fax 2 611 636
E-mail: ;
Head – Habil. Dr. Ričardas Janilionis

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

Head – Dr. Jūratė Grigaitienė

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. A. Ambrozaitis, Dr. E. Danila, Dr. R. Matulionytė, Dr. L. Jančorienė (part-time), Dr. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė (part-time), Dr. K. Žagminas (part-time).
Associate professors: Habil. Dr. R.Janilionis, Dr. A. Blažienė, Dr. R. Zablockis, Dr. V. Gruslys, Dr. L.Malinauskienė (part-time), Dr. R. Gancevičienė (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. J. Grigaitienė, Dr. D. Radzišauskienė (part-time), Dr. V. Šileikienė (part-time), Dr. Ž. Jagelavičius (part-time), Dr. A. Chomičienė, Dr. V. Šileikienė, A. Marcinkutė (part-time), B. Zablockienė (part-time), I. Balčiūnienė (part-time), T. Karmazienė (part-time).
Assistants: I. Kisielienė, I. Barakauskienė, Ž. Jagelavičius, R. Kibarskytė.
Research fellows: Dr. V.Kvedarienė (part-time), Dr. L. Malinauskienė (part-time), J. Račkauskienė (part-time), A. Stiklerytė, Habil. Dr. R. Dubakienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: R.Jurčiukonytė, R. Aleksonienė, B. Zablockienė, I. Balčiūnienė, E. Jurevičienė, R.Stankevičiūtė.
Scientific groups of students:
Infectious diseases: scientific leader – Prof. R. Matulionytė, coordinator – student I. Mažeikaitė; 21 members of the group.
Dermatovenerology: scientific leader – Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė, coordinator – student A.Vilkaitė; 41 members of the group.
Pulmonology: scientific leader – Prof. E. Danila, coordinator – student D. Galkauskas; 27 members of the group.
Allergy and clinic immunology: scientific leader – Dr. V. Kvedarienė, coordinator – student J. Rudytė; 6 members of the group.
Chest surgery: scientific leader – Dr. Ž. Jagelavičius, coordinator – student J. Katinaitė; 3 members of the group.

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 approaches of the surgical management of patients with different thoracic pathology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Lithuania in 2005–2014: eepidemiology and clinical features. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the epidemiology and clinical features of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Lithuania during 2005–2014. In 2016 all subject’s data were analyzed, including demographic data, co-morbidities, the date of illness onset, the duration of hospitalization, the symptoms of the first phase of infection and the symptoms of second phase before and during hospitalization, the duration of symptoms the results of physical examination.
Prevalence of viral hepatitis A, B and C serological markers in the first time non-remunerated blood donor’s population in Lithuania. The objective of this cross-sectional study was 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.
Prevention of influenza viral pneumonia using zanamivir and antisense oligonucleotide against inducible nitric oxide synthase. The aim of the study was to evaluate how zanamivir and iNOS antisense suppress the pulmonary inflammation during influenza infection using mouse model. The weight variations and means of lung histologic scores were compared between the mouse groups.
Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 and postpandemic influenza in Lithuania. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients hospitalized in Lithuania who were infected with pandemic influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 and to compare pandemic infection with postpandemic.

Main publication:

Ambrozaitis, A., Radzišauskienė, D., Žagminas, K., Kuprevičienė, N., Gravenstein, S., Jančorienė, L. 2016. Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 and postpandemic influenza A in Lithuania. Open Med, vol. 11, p. 341–353.

Etiology, clinical characteristics and outcomes of community-acquired bacterial meningitis in Vilnius University Hospital: results of seven years analysis. The aim of the study was to analyze causative microorganisms, clinical features, laboratory data, treatment and outcomes of adults with community –acquired bacterial meningitis (CABM) hospitalized in 2009 - 2015. The most common causative agent of CABM was N. meningitidis in accordance with the high prevalence of invasive meningococcal disease in Lithuania defined by the latest ECDC surveillance data report. Causative agents of CABM did not influence the outcome of disease.
Implication of routine HIV testing program in Infectious Diseases Centre of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos. The goal of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of fully integrated nontargeted opt-out rapid HIV screening program. Obtained results showed that routine HIV testing in Infectious disease admissions as a policy is acceptable, feasible, sustainable and can be cost-effective.
Direct-acting antivirals Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir plus Dasabuvir with or without Ribavirin in HCV genotype 1-infected treatment-naïve or treatment-experienced patients: real-life experience in Lithuania and Latvia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/r+Dasabuvir±Ribavirin (3D±RBV) in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced GT1-infected patients, who failed previous PegINF/RBV±first generation protease inhibitor (PI) therapy.
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 was to evaluate the significance of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid examination in sarcoid patients and patients with rare interstitial disorders (eosinophilic pneumonija, hypersensitivity pneumonitis). Clinical symptoms, cell differentials and distribution of lymphocyte subgroups in BALF, chest X-ray, spirometric indices, blood gases are evaluated.
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.
D –dimer levels in pleural fluid. A significance of pleural fluid D-dimer concentration is evaluated in patients with pleural effusion. Pleural D-dimer levels are measured and compared with D-dimer concentrations in plasma. Pleural fluid LDH, protein, pH, and glucose levels are assessed as well.
Evaluation of pulmonary embolism risk in lung cancer patients. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of pulmonary embolism in advanced lung cancer patients.
Evaluation of hypersensitivity reactions to cytostatic drugs in patients with lung cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate type of adverse reactions to different type of cytostatic drugs in patients with lung cancer.
Differences between self-reported drug hypersensitivity reactions in Lithuanian adults and children. The aim of study was to assess the prevalence of self-reported DHRs in adults and in children and to analyze the risk factors in both groups. Cross-sectional survey of a population was made.
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. We conclude that treatment with ASIT (allergen-specific immunotherapy) is effective and safe.

Main publications:

Zinkevičienė, A., Kainov, D., Lastauskienė, E., Kvedarienė, V., Bychkov, D., Byrne, M., Girkontaitė, I. 2016. Serum biomarkers of allergic contact dermatitis: a pilot study. Int Arch Allergy Immunol, vol. 168, p. 161–164.

Zinkevičienė, A., Kainov, D., Girkontaitė, I., Lastauskienė, E., Kvedarienė, V., Fu, Y., Anders, S., Velagapudi, V. 2016. Activation of tryptophan and phenylalanine catabolism in the remission phase of allergic contact dermatitis: a pilot study. Int Arch Allergy Immunol, vol. 170, p. 262–268.

Linauskienė, K., Malinauskienė, L., Vitkauskaitė, E., Chomičienė, A., Blažienė, A. 2016. Severe adverse skin reaction and desensitization to sorafenib. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, vol. 117, p. 209–210.

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. The value of videomediastinoscopy and videoassisted thoracoscopic surgery in diagnostics and management of the patients was assessed.

Main publications:

Gaigalaite, V., Vilimas, A., Ozeraitiene, V., Dementaviciene, J., Janilionis, R., Kalibatiene, D., Rocka, S. 2016. Association between vertebral artery hypoplasia and posterior circulation stroke. BMC Neurology, vol. 16, p. 118; doi: 10.1186/s12883-016-0644-x.

Jagelavicius, Z., Jovaisas, V., Mataciunas, M., Janilionis, R. 2016. Preoperative predictors of conversion in thoracoscopic surgery for pleural empyema. Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, vol. 23 (suppl 1):i37.3-i38·September 2016.

Janilionis, R., Lukoševičiūtė, L., Beiša, V., Jotautas, V., Petrauskaitė, R., Pečeliūnas, V., Jucaitienė, R. 2016. Successful management of gastropulmonary fistula due to invasive fungal infection after chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation: a case report. Acta medica Lituanica, vol 23, no. 3, p. 169–174.

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

The aim of the study was to assess the demographic data, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment of basal cell carcinoma: fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies. The obtained study results were presented as poster in an international congress of EADV and national meeting.

National Research Project

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

The objective was to measure seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness (SIVE) against influenza illness in patients admitted to hospital during the 2015/2016 influenza season.
Influenza and other respiratory pathogens were confirmed by multiplex RT-PCR. 99 patients were included; 4(6%) were vaccinated against influenza at least two weeks before the onset of influenza symptoms. 46.5% of patients tested positive for influenza A, 3% for influenza B and 1% had a coinfection.

International Research Project

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

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.

Contractual Research

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

The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the conventional and high dose of oseltamivir in the treatment of immunocompromised patients with influenza. Study is in process.

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

This multi-national, multi-center study to determine and evaluate 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 120 patients has been enrolled into the novel EuroSIDA cohort of HIV and HCV co-infected patients. Study is in process.

Main publication:

Laut, K. G., Shepherd, L. C., Pedersen, C., Rockstroh, J. K., Sambatakou, H., Paduta, D., Matulionyte, R., Smiatacz, T., Mulcahy, F., Lundgren, J. D., Mocroft, A., Kirk, O. 2016. EuroSIDA in EuroCoord. Associations between HIV-RNA-based indicators and virological and clinical outcomes. AIDS, vol. 30, p. 1961–72.

A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized Withdrawal Extension Study of Subcutaneous Secukinumab in Prefilled Syringes to Demonstrate Long-Term Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability up to 2 Years in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Chronic Plaque-Type Psoriasis Completing Preceding Psoriasis Phase III Studies with Secukinumab. Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė, T. Karmazienė. 2012–2016.

The multicenter, double-blind, randomized withdrawal extension study of subcutaneous secukinumab in subjects with moderate to severe chronic plaque-type psoriasis was accomplished. The prefilled syringes with secukinumab demonstrated long-term efficacy, safety and tolerability. There were no adverse events or serious drug-related adverse events, as well as no treatment discontinuations. Study is finished.

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, Dr. J. Grigaitienė, Dr. E. Aukštuolienė. 2015–2019.

The aim of this phase 3 study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of multiple dupilumab dose regimens administered as monotherapy for maintaining treatment response in patients with atopic dermatitis patients. In total 4 patients are in continuation phase. No adverse events or serious drug-related adverse events, and no treatment discontinuations. Study is in process.

Long Term Clear Skin Maintenance Treatment Optimization in Patients with Moderate to severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: a Randomized, Multicenter, 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. 2016–2019.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy and tolerability of secukinumab 300 mg in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. No adverse events or serious drug-related adverse events, and no treatment discontinuations. Study is in process.

A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized Parallel, Vehicle-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of P-3058 10 % Nail Solution in the Treatment of Onychomycosis. Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė, Assoc. Prof. I. Marčiukaitienė, Dr. J. Grigaitienė, Dr. E. Aukštuolienė, J. Barauskienė, M. Krivickaitė. 2016–2018.

The aim of this multicentre observational study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of P-3058 10 % nail solution in the treatment of onychomycosis. All patients who met study inclusion criteria were included into study. Study is in process.

A Phase III, Open-Label Clinical Trial to Study the Efficacy and Safety of the Combination Regimen of MK-5172/MK-8742 Versus Sofosbuvir/Pegylated Interferon/Ribavirin (PR) in Treatment-Naïve and PR Prior Treatment Failure Subjects with Chronic HCV GT1, 4 or 6 Infection. Prof. L. Jančorienė, A.Voinič.

The objective of this multicentre study was to compare the safety and efficacy of elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) with sofosbuvir plus pegylated interferon/ribavirin (SOF/PR) in patients with HCV infection. Two hundred fifty-seven patients with HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection were randomized to receive 12 weeks of EBR/GZR 50mg/100mg once daily (n=129) or sofosbuvir (400mg once daily) plus PR (n=128). VU Centre of Infectious diseases included 12 subjects. EBR/GZR had a superior efficacy and safety profile in patients with HCV GT1 or 4 infection compared with SOF/PR. The combination of EBR/GZR also demonstrated a superior safety and tolerability profile based on fewer serious adverse events, no serious drug-related adverse events, and no treatment discontinuations.

Main publication:

Sperl, J., Horvath, G., Halota, W., Ruiz-Tapiador, J.A., Streinu-Cercel, A., Jancoriene, L., Werling K., Kileng H., Koklu S., Gerstoft, J., Urbanek, P., Flisiak, R., Leiva, R., Kazenaite, E., Prinzing, R., Patel, M.S. S., Qiu, J., Asante-Appiah, E., Wahl, J., Nguyen, B.Y., Barr, E., Platt, H.L. 2016. Efficacy and safety of elbasvir/grazoprevir and sofosbuvir/pegylated interferon/ribavirin: a phase III randomized controlled trial. J Hepatol., vol. 65(6), p. 1112–1119

A Phase II, Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial to Study the Efficacy and Safety of the Combination Regimen of MK-5172 And MK-3682 with Either MK-8742 Or MK-8408 in Subjects with Chronic HCV GT1 and GT2 Infection. Prof. L.Jančorienė, A.Voinič.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a fixed dose combination (FDC) of MK-3682, grazoprevir (GZR), and ruzasvir (RZR) with or without ribavirin (RBV), in GT1-, 2- infected patients. Total of 675 HCV-infected patients were treated. VU Centre of Infectious diseases included 9 subjects. All patients were treated once daily with the FDC of MK3 [MK-3682 (450 mg)/GZR (100 mg)/RZR (60 mg)], with or without RBV, for 8, 12, or 16 weeks. The FDC of MK-3682/GZR/RZR for 8 weeks was highly effective and well tolerated in GT1a/1band GT3-infected, as were the 12- and 16-week treatment durations for GT2- and GT3-infected patients with or without cirrhosis. Treatment was generally well tolerated.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of ABT-493/ABT-530 in Adults with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 2 Infection (ENDURANCE-2). Prof. L. Jančorienė, A.Voinič.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ABT-493/ABT-530 in adults with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 infection without cirrhosis who have not been treated previously with HCV direct acting agents (DAAs). Total of 300 chronic HCV GT2-infected subjects were included into the study from 60 study sites. Treatment with ABT-493/ABT-530 combination for 12 weeks was highly effective and well tolerated in GT2-infected patients without cirrhosis.

Retrospective Cross Sectional Epidemiological Study on Chronic HCV Infection in the Baltic States and Ukraine: Basic Virus-, Patient- and Disease Charactristics in Diagnosed HCV Patients Care “RESPOND-C Study”. Prof. L. Jančorienė.

The objective of the retrospective international multicenter study was to assess the current patterns of HCV genotype and subtype distribution in CHC patients by countries; to assess the proportion of treatment naïve and treatment experienced CHC patients; to describe the current clinical management decision for patients with different stages of liver fibrosis; to describe the epidemiological and disease characteristics and current management decision. Total of 1451 CHC patient was included from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. VU Centre of Infectious diseases included 66 subjects.

Study of Food Allergy among Children in Birth Cohort. Prof. R. Dubakienė.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of food sensitization in EuropPrevall/Alergemol children under 5 years of age.Total of 1558 subjects data from a EuroPrevall Lithuanian birth cohort study (EU 6 FP project “EuroPrevall) were analyzed. The prevalence of food sensitization in children under 6 months of age was 1.3%, and in children under 12 months of age - 2.8%. Maternal diet and diseases, use of antibiotics during pregnancy had no significant impact on early sensitization to food allergens.

Main publication:

Grabenhenrich, L. B., Reich, A., Bellach, J., Trendelenburg, V., Sprikkelman, A. B., Roberts, G., Grimshaw, K. E. C., Sigurdardottir, S., Kowalski, M. L., Papadopoulos, N. G., Quirce, S., Dubakiene, R., Niggemann B., Fernandez-Rivas M., Ballmer-Weber B., van Ree R., Schnadt, S., Mills E.N.C, Keil, T., Beyer, K. 2016. A new framework for the documentation and interpretation of oral food challenges in population-based and clinical research. Allergy, vol. 5, p. 25–36.

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);
scientific committee member of the 16th European AIDS Conference.

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.

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 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 –

member of European Respiratory Society (ERS), http://www.ersnet.org/;
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists, http://www.chest.lt/;
editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Children’s Pulmonology and Allergology).

Prof. R. Dubakienė –

member of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
chairman of Allergology Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences; expert of Lithuanian Science Council;
expert of MITA;
editor-in-chief of the journal Alergologija ir klinikinė imunologija (Allergology and Clinical Immunology);
editor-in-chief of the on-line journal Alergologija ir klinikinė imunologija (Allergology and Clinical Immunology);
editorial board member of the journal Acta medica Lithuania, 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);
member of the Lithuanian Immunology Society;
member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
head of online websites: www.alergo.lt, www. rutadubakiene.com.

Assoc. Prof. A. Blažienė –

editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), http://www.mtp.lt/;
editor-in-chief of the journal Alergija, astma, imunologija (Allergy Asthma Immunology);
member of the European Respiratory Society (ERS), http://www.ersnet.org/;
member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, http://www.eaaci.org/;
member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, http://www.aaaai.org/home.aspx;
member of American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, http://www.acaai.org/Pages/default.aspx;
member of European Society of Immunodeficiency, http://www.esid.org;
member of Lithuanian Society of Immunology, www.imcentras.lt/lid/;
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologist, http://www.chest.lt/.

Assoc. Prof. L. Malinauskienė –

member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
member of Lithuanian society of Allergology and clinical immunology;
member of European Society for Pigment research;
Head of the Vilnius Regional Committee for Bioethical Research.

Assoc. Prof. R. Zablockis –

Chairman of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists, http://www.chest.lt/;
member of European Respiratory Society (ERS), http://www.ersnet.org/;
editor-in-chief of the journal Pulmonology News, http://www.chest.lt/;
editorial board member of the journal Pulmonology and Allergology, http://www.pulmoalerg.lt/.

Dr. A. Chomičienė –

member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, http://www.eaaci.org/;
member of Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, http://www.aai.mf.vu.lt/alerimun/draugija.htm;
editorial board member of the journal Alergija, astma, imunologija (Allergy Asthma Immunology).

Dr. V. Šileikienė –

member of European Respiratory Society (ERS), http://www.ersnet.org/;
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists, http://www.chest.lt/;
Head of referential Center of Interstitial Lung Diseases of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu klinikos, http://www.santa.lt/.

Dr. V. Kvedarienė –

editorial board member of the journal Pulmonologija, imunologija ir alergologija (Pulmonology, immunology and allergolgy);
vice-chairman of rewever board of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Children’s Pulmonology and Allergology);
member of Allergology Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
member of UCB Institute of Allergy, http://www.theucbinstituteofallergy.com/Home;
member of Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
member of Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA);
member of European Network on Drug Allergy (ENDA);
member of Integrated Care Pathways for Airways Diseases (AIRWAYS-ICPs);
medical advisor of Lithuania Asthma Patient Association.

J. Račkauskienė –

member of European Respiratory Society (ERS);
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists.

R. Aleksonienė –

member of European Respiratory Society (ERS);
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists.

R. Stankevičiūtė –

member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
member of Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.

Assoc. Prof. 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);
member of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina;
editorial boad member of the journal Lithuanian Surgery.

Assoc. Prof. Dr.V. Gruslys –

member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
board member of Lithuanian Society of Minimal Invasive Surgery;
member of Lithuanian Respiratory Society.

Dr. Ž. Jagelavičius –

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

Prof. M. Bylaitė – Bučinskienė –

president of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology;
member of executive company (EC) of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology;
board member of the European Association of Dermatooncology;
board member of the Baltic association of Dermatovenereologists;
national representative and board member of the Dermato-Venereology Section of European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS);
member of the European Dermatology Forum;
member of the European Society for Pediatric Dermatology (ESPD);
member of the International Society of Dermatology;
editorial board member of the Journal of Health Sciences.

Dr. J. Grigaitienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology;
member of Lithuanian society of Allergology and clinical immunology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Lasers.

Assoc. Prof. R. Gancevičienė –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology;
member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology;
member of the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists.

I. Balčiūnienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology.

T. Karmazienė –

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

I. Kisielienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology.

CLINIC OF NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY

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

Head – Prof. Dr. Dalius Jatužis

CENTER OF NEUROANGIOSURGERY

Šiltnamių g. 29, LT-04130 Vilnius
Tel. 236 20 17, 8687 43480
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Saulius Ročka

STAFF

Professors: Dr. D. Jatužis; Dr. G. F. Kaubrys, Dr. S. Ročka.
Associate professors: Dr. R. Mameniškienė, Dr. J. Valaikienė, Dr. K. Laurikėnas.
Lecturers: Dr. K. Ryliškienė, Dr. R. Kizlaitienė, Dr. R. Kaladytė-Lokominienė, Dr. A. Vilionskis, Dr. R. Kvaščevičius, Dr. G. Terbetas.
Assistants: E. Audronytė, R. Masiliūnas.
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, A. Jasionis, J. Kuzmickienė.
Scientific groups of students:
Neurology: scientific leader – Dr. K. Ryliškienė, coordinator – student D. Sakalauskaitė; 41 members of the group.
Neurosurgery: scientific leader – Dr. G. Terbetas, coordinator – student J. Ališauskas; 11 members of the group.

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, migraine, medication overuse headache, dizziness and vertigo.
Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, traumatic brain injuries, degenerative spinal diseases and cerebral neoplasms.

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, migraine, medication overuse headache, dizziness and vertigo; evaluation of neurophysiological and clinical peculiarities of patients with critical illness; assessment of disability in multiple sclerosis; depiction of nervous system disorders and mental diseases in historical documents related to Vilnius and Vilnius University.

Center 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 2016

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.

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; description of artworks related to neurology and artists with neurological disorders.

Main publications:

Ben-Menachem, E., Mameniškienė, R., Quarato, P. P., Klein, P., Gamage, J., Schiemann, J., Johnson, M.E., Whitesides, J., McDonough, B., Eckhardt, K. 2016. Efficacy and safety of brivaracetam for partial-onset seizures in 3 pooled clinical studies. Neurology, vol. 87(3), p. 314–323.

Kuzmickienė, J., Kaubrys, G. 2016. Specific features of executive dysfunction in Alzheimer-type mild dementia based on computerized Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) test results. Med Sci Monit, vol. 22, p. 3605–3613.

Kaubrys, G., Bukina, V., Bingelytė, I., Taluntis, V. 2016. Perception of Fechner illusory colors in Alzheimer disease patients. Med Sci Monit, vol. 22, 4670–4678.

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

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

Main publications:

Usinskiene, J., Ulyte, A., Bjornerud, A., Venius, J., Katsaros, V.K., Rynkeviciene, R., Letautiene, S., Norkus, D., Suziedelis, K., Rocka, S, Usinskas, A., Aleknavicius, E. 2016. Optimal differentiation of high- and low-grade glioma and metastasis: a meta-analysis of perfusion, diffusion, and spectroscopy metrics. Neuroradiology, vol. 58(4), p. 339–350.

Petkus, V., Krakauskaitė, S., Preikšaitis, A., Ročka, S., Chomskis, R., Ragauskas, A. 2016. Association between the outcome of traumatic brain injury patients and cerebrovascular autoregulation, cerebral perfusion pressure, age, and injury grades. Medicina, vol. 52(1), p. 46–53.

Kvascevicius, R., Lapteva, O., Kesiene, J., Vaitkus, A., Mikulenaite, L., Raugalas, R., Sipylaite, J., Rocka, S., Juocevicius, A. 2016. Intrathecal baclofen therapy for the treatment of spasticity in Lithuania. Journal of Neurological Surgery. Part A, Central European Neurosurgery [J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg], 2016 Nov 30. PMID:27903018.

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. Principal Investigator Prof. G. Kaubrys, principal Investigator at VU IBT, Prof. K. Sasnauskas.

The project is dedicated to the research of the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) related protein synthesis, to the identification of new factors that determine the potential of changes in the synthesis of these proteins, and creation of monitoring methods for observation of these factors in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. The goal of the project is to create an immunochemical ELISA-based method, which could allow testing of all potential polypeptides, encoded by the small open reading frames of the genes related to Alzheimer’s disease. These new methods may help to determine the role of synthesized small polypeptides in the fundamental changes of the protein synthesis in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. The results of the project may provide new knowledge about the AD-related regulation of protein synthesis and new opportunities for the prevention and early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

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

The aim of the project is to find out and evaluate the MRI based visual biomarkers (MR spectroscopy) in evaluating the malignancy and prognostic factors for glial brain tumors. Clinical evaluation extended radiological MR evaluation before the surgery and during the radio/chemotherapy was carried out.

Main publication:

Usinskiene, J., Ulyte, A., Bjornerud, A., Venius, J., Katsaros, V. K., Rynkeviciene, R., Letautiene, S., Norkus, D., Suziedelis, K., Rocka, S., Usinskas, A., Aleknavicius, E. 2016. Optimal differentiation of high- and low-grade glioma and metastasis: a meta-analysis of perfusion, diffusion, and spectroscopy metrics. Neuroradiology, vol. 58(4), p. 339–350.

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.

This clinical research study investigates influence of the specific dance therapy (originally created method - modified therapeutic lindy-hop technique) on the physical, emotional condition and quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease. The project is performed in collaboration with Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and Vilnius University Clinic of rehabilitation, physical and sports medicine. Additional target of this research is quantitative evaluation of therapeutic effect of dance therapy on the biomechanics of the upper limb using inertial sensors. Wireless inertial sensors are used to measure acceleration and angular velocity during multi-joint movements of both upper limbs. During pilot trial 14 patients (mean age±SD=65.43±9.41, mean UPDRS score±SD=47.8571±17.6890) with PD (average stage of disease±SD=2.0714±0.6157) have been recruited for the modified lindy-hop dance therapy. Obtained results show that this therapy has a positive influence on improved biomechanics of upper limbs and general decrease of UPDRS score.

Main publication:

Lukšys, D., Jatužis, D., Kaladytė, Lokominienė, R., Bunevičiūtė, R., Mickutė, G., Juocevičius, A., Griškevičius, J. 2016. Influence of dance therapy on the Parkinson’s disease affected upper limb biomechanics. eISSN 2345-0630; doi: 10.3846/biomdlore.2016.17.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309616897.

International Programmes, Projects and Contracts

SITS (Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke). Lithuanian centres participate 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 was 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-EAST.

SITS-EAST, Lithuanian centres participate 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.

ESO-EAST, Lithuanian centres participate since 2015. National coordinators – Prof. D. Jatužis and Dr. A. Vilionskis. It started as a project with the 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.

Main publications:

Kobulashvili, T., Höfler, J, Dobesberger, J, Mameniskiené, R., et al. 2016. Current practices in long-term video-EEG monitoring services: A survey among partners of the E-PILEPSY pilot network of reference for refractory epilepsy and epilepsy surgery. Seizure, vol. 38, p. 38–45.

Mouthaan, B.E., Rados, M., Mameniskiene, R., et al. 2016. Current use of imaging and electromagnetic source localization procedures in epilepsy surgery centers across Europe. Epilepsia, vol. 57(5), p. 770–6.

Beniczky, S., Neufeld, M., Mameniskiene, R., et al. Testing patients during seizures: A European consensus procedure developed by a joint taskforce of the ILAE - Commission on European Affairs and the European Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Association. Epilepsia, 2016 Jul 21.

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

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

Main publications:

Mameniškienė, R., Guk, .J, Jatužis, D. 2016. Family and sexual life in people with epilepsy. Epilepsy &Behavior, vol. 66, p. 39–44.

Mameniškienė, R., Rimšienė, J., Puronaitė, R. 2016. Cognitive changes in people with temporal lobe epilepsy over a 13-year period. Epilepsy & Behavior, vol. 63, p. 89–97.

Mameniškienė, R., Karmonaitė, I., Zagorskis, R. The burden of headache in people with epilepsy. Seizure, vol. 5 (41), p. 120–126.

E-pilepsy is a pan-European project since 2011, Leader (coordinator) - Assoc. Prof. R. Mameniškienė.

The primary aim of the project is to improve awareness and accessibility of surgery for epilepsy across different countries. Epilepsy surgery is an established treatment in the management of individuals with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. However, there is still a lack of awareness of the likely candidates and possible benefits of epilepsy surgery amongst doctors and patients. E-pilepsy has established a consortium of 13 centres as associate partners, with a further 15 collaborating centres to drive this project. The primary expected outcome of the project is to increase the number and proportion of European children and adults cured of their refractory epilepsy by improving delivery of optimal epilepsy surgery throughout Europe. Aspects of E-epilepsy include: improving accessibility of information; facilitation of referral for assessment; improving tools for assessment; improving analysis of investigations as well as the training across different sites of individuals to be involved in assessment for epilepsy surgery.

Main publications:

Beniczky, S., Neufeld, M., Mameniskiene, R., et al. 2016. Testing patients during seizures: A European consensus procedure developed by a joint taskforce of the ILAE - Commission on European Affairs and the European Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Association. Epilepsia, 2016 Jul 21.

Kobulashvili, T., Höfler, J., Mameniskiené, R., et al. 2016. Current practices in long-term video-EEG monitoring services: A survey among partners of the E-PILEPSY pilot network of reference for refractory epilepsy and epilepsy surgery. Seizure, vol. 38, p. 38–45.

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

A prospective observational study of pregnancies with antiepileptic drugs. It was launched in Europe in 1999 by a consortium of independent research groups and later extended to several other nations worldwide. The aim was to collect data on the risk of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy and share it in an international registry. At present, physicians from 42 countries in Europe, Oceania, Asia, Latin America and Africa are actively collaborating, and more than 23,000 pregnancies have been registered. The primary goal is to compare the risk of major congenital malformations following maternal intake of different antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and their combinations. Secondary objectives include the evaluation of: any specific pattern of foetal abnormalities; dose-effect relationships; other risk factors.

International Project on the EEG Changes during the Olfactory Stimulation in Patients with Epilepsy. Leader (Coordinator) - Assoc. Prof. R. Mameniškienė. 2009–2015.

The project aimed at investigating modulation (provocation or inhibition) of epileptiform discharges in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy versus idiopathic generalized epilepsy by olfactory stimulation compared with standard provocation methods. The underlying hypothesis was that any response would be more likely to occur in mesiotemporal epilepsy, considering the anatomical connections of the temporal lobe to the olfactory system.

Main publication:

Lunardi, M. S., Lin, K., Mameniškienė, R., et al. 2016. Olfactory stimulation induces delayed responses in epilepsy. Epilepsy & Behavior, vol. 61, p. 90–96.

Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness research in TBI: a prospective longitudinal observational study (CENTER-TBI), funded by 7BP. Coordinator: Prof. S. Ročka.

The aim of the project was to collect high quality clinical, epidemiological, radiological and genetic database of traumatic brain injured patients. CENTER-TBI aims to advance the care for apatients with traumatic brain injury by better characterization trauma as a disease and indentifying the most effective clinical interventions for managing TBI.

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 pPanel Higher cortical functions of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
voting member of the Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness (ASSC);
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 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. J. Valaikienė –

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

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 (EAN);
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;
member of Headache Scientific Panel of European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
member of Neuro-ophthalmology and Neuro-otology Scientific Panel of European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
member of European Board of Neurology in European Union of Medical Specialists;
head of Neurology Panel of Students Research Network of Vilnius University Medical Faculty.

Lect. A. Vilionskis –

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

INSTITUTE OF ODONTOLOGY

Žalgirio str. 115, 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), Dr. R. Rasteniene (part-time), Dr. K. Sveikata, Dr. P. Kalesinskas (part-time), Dr. V. Janulyte (part-time), Dr. R. Zaliuniene (part-time).
Assistants: V. Almonaitis (part-time), R. Pletkus (part-time), A. Rimkevičius (part-time), J. Žekonienė (part-time), R. Trumpaitė-Vanagienė (part-time), V. Zaleckiene (part-time), D. Janavičiene (part-time), G. Krukonis (part-time), D. Matkevicius (part-time), G. Naujokaityte (part-time), E. Nedzinskiene (part-time).
Doctoral students: L. Džiaugytė, I. Gendvilienė, S. K. Zukauskas, A. Geciauskaite, J. Cepiene.
Odontology scientific group of students: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. V. Brukienė, coordinator – student G. Vainermanas; 61 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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
Lichen planus patients with clinical indicators and their relations with the social and lifestyle risk factors and subjective assessment of life quality
The supply and requirement for dentists and dental specialists in Lithuania Planning projections
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
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
Psychological preparation for dental procedures of children with autism spectrum disorders: assessment of possibilities
Factors influencing the outcome of endodontic retreatment procedures
Comparison of different duration of students studies on diagnostic and decision making in endodontics
Reaction of resorcinol formaaldehyde treated roots on different procedures performed during retreatment procedure: study in vitro

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

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 was 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:

Dumbryte, I., Jonavicius, T., Linkeviciene, L., Linkevicius, T., Peciuliene, V., Malinauskas, M. 2016. The prognostic value of visually assessing enamel microcracks: do debonding and adhesive removal contribute to their increase? Angle orthodontist. Lawrence: E. H. Angle Orthodontists Research & Education Foundation: Inc, 2016, vol. 86, no. 3, p. 437–447.

Aleksejūnienė, J., Brukienė, V., Džiaugytė, L., Pečiulienė, V., Bendinskaitė, R. 2016. A theory-guided school-based intervention in order to improve adolescents’ oral self-care: a cluster randomized trial. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, vol. 26 (2), p. 100–109.

Džiaugytė, L., Aleksejūnienė, J., Brukienė, V., Pečiulienė, V. 2016. Self-efficacy theory-based intervention in adolescents: a cluster randomized trial-focus on oral self-care practice and oral self-care skills. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 2016 Jan 13.

National Research Projects

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

Teeth loss compromises masticatory, phonetic, esthetic, social functions. According to WHO a person who lost all of his/her teeth could be considered as handicap due to absence of “masticatory organ”. Currently dental implants are the most suitable way to restore lost teeth, but their applications often are limited because of the bone defects and deficiencies that can be formed as a result of trauma, inflammation, tumors or be inherited. Current advances in tissue engineering and developed synthesis methods to produce composite materials (CM) open new perspectives to enhance bone regeneration. Such CM having specific texture and structure are well suited to form various structured scaffolds using advanced digital technologies ( CAD/CAM milling or laser cutting), while application of stem cells on formed scaffolds further enhances regenerative processes. The novelty of this project is a development of new inorganic¬organic composite materials with applications for bone regeneration. The most advanced techniques will be used to evaluate biocompatibility and osteopromotion effect while produced scaffolds will be applied in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Implementation of project would assist in acquiring advanced technologies, spreading the knowledge internationally and making foundation in solving relevant medical and social problems.

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. Dr. V. Pečiulienė –

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

Prof. A. Pūrienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. V. Rutkūnas –

editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry).

Assoc. Prof. V. Brukienė –

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

J. Rimkuvienė –

editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry).

Assoc. Prof. S. Drukteinis –

editorial board member of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva.

Lect. L. Linkevičienė, Lect. R. Bendinskaitė, J. Žekonienė –

editorial board members of the journal Quintessence International Lietuva.

DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, FORENSIC MEDICINE AND PHARMACOLOGY

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

Head – Prof. Dr. Arvydas Laurinavicius

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Laurinavicius, Dr. V. Grabauskiene, Dr. D. Characiejus, Dr. A. Zvirbliene, Dr J. Gulbinovič.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Jasulaitis, Dr. A. Laurinaviciene, Dr. A. Barakauskiene, Dr. E. Zurauskas, Dr. E. Kazenaite.
Lecturers: Dr. K. Ivanauskas, V. Baltrunienė, J. Stasiuniene, D. Linkeviciute-Ulinskiene, S. Budrikienė, R. Dzetaveckiene, Dr. K. Garuolienė, D. Petroska, J. Drachneris, A. Gintautas, S. Jokubauskiene.
Assistants: U. Mickys, A. Padlipskaite, A. Cerkauskaite, T. Baltrunas, J. Besusparis, J. Bublevic, G. Rimeika, V.Bajoras, A.Baušys, V. Sliazaite, R. B. Grineviciute, V. Nariunaite.
Researcher: Dr. D. Bironaite.
Junior Researcher: I. Kazukauskiene.
Doctoral students: I. Lisauskiene, S. Mazeikiene, J. Besusparis, J. Bublevic, V. Baltruniene, S. Chmieliauskas, D. Zilenaite, D. Linkeviciute-Ulinskiene, I. Mirskyte.
Scientific groups of students:
Forensic Medicine: scientific leader – doc. A. Jasulaitis, coordinator – student M. Sutkevičiūtė; 14 members of the group.
Pathology: scientific leader – dokt. J. Besusparis, coordinator – student A. Šileikytė; 13 members of the group.
Pharmacology: scientific leader – prof. J. Gulbinovič, coordinator – student D. Ramanauskaitė; 26 members of the group.

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 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Development of the New Diagnostic and Prognostic Molecular Markers, Diagnostic Value of Pathological Tests, Correlations between Clinical and Pathology Tests. Prof. A. Laurinavicius. 2014–2018.

Novel methodologies explored for biomarker intra-tumor heterogeneity evaluation by digital immunohistochemistry image analysis, including the aspects of microenvironment. Alternative methods for kidney fibrosis measurements in kidney biopsies were evaluated.

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

The use of the new biomarkers has evolved in a better identification of the aetiology and pathophysiology of the disease and development of novel treatment strategies. We are searching new immunohistochemical and molecular biology biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and disease progression of dilated cardiomyopathy and for patient selection for novel aetiology-directed treatment strategies. 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:

Bogomolovas, J., Gasch, A., Bajoras, V., Karciauskaite, D., Serpytis, P., Grabauskiene, V., Labeit, D., Labeit, S. 2016. Cardiac specific Titin N2B Exon is a novel sensitive serological marker for cardiac injury. International Journal of Cardiology, vol. 212, p. 232–34.

Rutkauskaite, V., Rageliene, L., Matuzeviciene, R., Sinkevic, K., Mauricas, M., Characiejus, D. 2016. Reduction in proportion of senescent CD8+ T lymphocytes during chemotherapy of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Anticancer Research, vol. 36, no. 11, p. 6195–199.

Bulavaite, A., Lasickiene, R., Vaitiekaite, A., Sasnauskas, K., Zvirbliene, A. 2016. Synthesis of human parainfluenza virus 2 nucleocapsid protein in yeast as nucleocapsid-like particles and investigation of its antigenic structure. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, vol. 100, no. 10, p. 4523–534.

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

Expression of the following symptoms of psychological violence-induced stress was statistically significant: difficulty in making decisions, inability to complete one task before starting another hostility towards people, unwillingness to act in the background of minor problems, lack of interests after working hours, morning fatigue.

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

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.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of the heart failure. The only treatment for advanced or therapy-resistant end-stage DCM is heart transplantation. Therefore, the need for new, cost –effective DCM treatment and diagnostic tools is particularly acute in modern cardiology. In this work we planed 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. 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., Šimoliūnas, E., Rinkūnaitė, I., Smalinskaitė, L., Podkopajev, A., Bironaitė, D., Weis, C.-A., Marx, A., Bukelskienė, V., Gretz, N., Grabauskienė, V., Labeit, D., Labeit, S. 2016. A novel murine model of parvovirus associated dilated cardiomyopathy induced by immunization with VP1-unique region of parvovirus B19. BioMed Research International 2016, p. 1627184.

Research Council of Lithuania. Novel Biomarkers for Individualized Therapy of Colon Cancer: Proteomics, Micrornomics and Clinics. Research leader – Prof. A. Laurinavičius, Junior researcher – J. Besusparis.

HTC116 primary and resistant to 5-fluorouracil (5FU) HCT116 / 5FU and oxaliplatin (OxaPt) HCT116 / OxaPt 2D cultures and proteome microRNA detection experiments were performed. Differential analysis of the data allows identifying differences between the cell lines. HCT116, HCT116 / 5FU and HCT116 / OxaPt cells growing in 3D culture conditions were selected, 5-FU and OxaPt effects for spheroids capacity were evaluated/measured. Prospective colorectal adenocarcinoma patient cohort is being collected.

Main publication:

Main publications:

Besusparis, J., Plancoulaine, B., Rasmusson, A., Augulis, R., Green, A.R., Ellis, I.O., Laurinaviciene, A., Herlin, P., Laurinavicius, A.2016. Impact of tissue sampling on accuracy of Ki67 immunohistochemistry evaluation in breast cancer. Diagn Pathol, vol. 11(1), p. 82; doi: 10.1186/s13000-016-0525-z.

Laurinavicius, A., Plancoulaine, B., Herlin P., Laurinaviciene, A. 2016. Comprehensive immunohistochemistry: digital, analytical and integrated. Pathobiology, vol. 83(2–3), p. 156–163.

Laurinavicius, A., Plancoulaine, B., Rasmusson, A., Besusparis, J., Augulis, R., Meskauskas, R., Herlin, P., Laurinaviciene, A., Abdelhadi, A., Muftah, A., Miligy I., Aleskandarany, M. A., Rakha, E., Green, A. R., Ellis, I. O. 2016. Bimodality of intratumor Ki67 expression is an independent prognostic factor of overall survival in patients with invasive breast carcinoma. Virchows Archiv, p. 1–10.

International research projects

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 addresses fundamental technologies underpinning digital pathology. HER2 fluorescence in situ hybridization study in breast cancer was performed in 2016.

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

Université de Caen Basse-Normandie (France)
Cancer Pathology Nottingham University (UK)
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (USA)
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. A. Laurinavičius –

member of Clinical Nephrology Committee, Lithuanian Association of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation;
member of 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;
editorial board member of the journal Pathology Informatics;
management board chairman of the Lithuanian Association of Health Informatics and Bioinformatics.

Prof. V. Grabauskienė –

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

Prof. 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.

Assoc. Prof. E. Žurauskas –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

Assoc. Prof. A. Laurinavičienė –

president of Lithuanian Association of Pathology Technologists.

U. Mickys –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

D. Petroška –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

CLINIC OF PSYCHIATRY

Vasaros str. 5, LT-10309 Vilnius
Tel. 261 10 43, fax 231 37 47
E-mail:

Head – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alvydas Navickas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. S. Lesinskienė, Dr. D. Pūras, Dr. A. Germanavičius (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. A. Navickas, Dr. A. Šiurkutė, Dr. E. Laurinaitis, Dr. B. Diomšina (part-time).
Research fellow: Dr. A. Dervinytė-Bongarzoni (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. R. Viliūnienė, V. Raškauskas, Dr. R. Aranauskas (part-time), Dr. A. Deksnytė (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).
Doctoral students: I. Veličkienė, E. Dlugauskas, A. Šileikaitė.
Scientific groups of students:
Child and adolescent psychiatry: scientific leader – Prof. S. Lesinskienė, coordinator – student D. Rojaka; 18 members of the group.
Psychiatry: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. A.Navickas, coordinator – student A. Kiziela; 47 members of the group.
Psychotherapy: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. E. Laurinaitis, coordinator – student K. Lašaitė; 34 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Suicide epidemiology and prevention
Continuing studies on psychopharmacogenetic
Initiated new studies on psychocardiology, psychodermatology, psychooncology and music therapy
Anxiety studies: coronary heart disease, anxiety disorders and inflamation markers.
Forensic paychiatry
Resilience and distress dynamics
Studies on psychoactive substancies

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Prevalence, Clinical Peculiarities of Psychotic, Affective and Neurotic Disorders; Relation of Treatment and Preventive Methods with Functioning of Patients and Quality of Their Life. Assoc. Prof. A. Navickas. 2014–2018.

Anxiety studies: coronary heart disease, anxiety disorders and inflamation markers. Studies on psychopharmacogenetic continued. The new studies on psychocardiology, psychodermatology, psychooncology and music therapy were initiated. Studies on psychoactive substancines use, resilience and distress dynamics were continued.

Main publications:

Aliukonienė, R., Navickas, A. Bareikytė, A. 2016. Naujagimio nužudymo teisiniai ir medicininiai aspektai. Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences in Eastern Europe), vol. 26, nr. 1, p. 65–69.

Navickas, A., Valančiūtė, J., Navickas, P., Lukavičiūtė, L., Danilevičiūtė, V. 2016. Rūkymo ypatumai tarp psichiatrijos ir nepsichiatrijos stacionaruose gydomų pacientų Lietuvoje. Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences in Eastern Europe), vol. 26, nr. 1, p. 110–116.

Lengvenytė, A., Strumila, R., Dlugauskas, E., Utkus, A. 2016. Farmakogenetinio tyrimo vertinimas psichiatrijoje: retrospektyvi klinikinių atvejų analizė. Labaratorinė medicina, vol. 18, nr. 1, p. 23–28.

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

Research of suicidal behaviour in Vilnius and other Lithuanian regions was performed. The total Lithuanian population was investigated; comparative analysis of suicides among EU countries was completed. 2 international and 4 national conferences and seminars were organized. 1 article was published in international journal and 2 articles national journal and 5 other scientific articles prepared for publishing.

Main publications:

Fountoulakis, K. N., Chatzikosta, I., Navickas, A., et al. 2016. Relationship of suicide rates with climate and economic variables in Europe during 2000–2012. Ann Gen Psychiatry, vol. 15, p. 19.

Navickas, A., Smirinenko, A., Navickas, P., Lukavičiūtė, L., Dembinskas, A., Gurevičius, R., Aliukonienė, R., Benošis, A., Badaras, R., Daškevičius, K., Daškevičienė, J. 2016. Savižudybių mediciniški ir visuomeniški aspektai Lietuvoje XX amžiaus pirmojoje pusėje. Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences in Eastern Europe), vol. 26, nr. 1, p. 88–95.

Benošis, A., Aliukonienė, R., Navickas, A., Aliukonis, V. 2016. Savižudybių prevencijos aktualijos ikiteisminių tyrimų medžiagos apžvalgos duomenimis. Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences in Eastern Europe), vol. 26, nr. 1, p. 10–20.

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 and adolescents with mental, behavioral and developmental disorders. Recommendations of this research are reflected in publications and were used by the Ministry of Health in formulation of guidelines for further development of child and adolescent mental health serrvices in Lithuania.

Main publications:

Puras, D. 2016. Universal health coverage: a return to Alma-Ata and Ottawa. Health and Human Rights Journal, vol. 18(2), p. 7–10.

Kišūnaitė, A., Pūras, D. 2016. Towards a holistic approach to children’s rights in Lithuanian mental health policy: a case study. Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, vol. 2, p. 40–47.

Kovess-Masfety, V., Keyes, K., Hamilton, A., Hanson, G., Bitfoi, A., Golitz, D., Koç, C., Kuijpers, R.., Lesinskiene, S., Mihova, Z, Otten, R., Fermanian, C., Pez, O. 2016. Is time spent playing video games associated with mental health, cognitive and social skills in young children? Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol., vol. 51(3), p. 349–57.

National Research Projects

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

Prof. A. Germanavičius is deputy coordinator of National coordinator assoc. prof. I. Česnienė (Vilnius University Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology) at EU COST project Action IS1302 “Towards an EU research framework on forensic psychiatric care”. In accordance of this research protocol forensic psychiatrist Aldona Šileikaitė has analyzed data on the characteristics and determinants of inpatients of forensic psychiatric patients in Lithuania.

Main publications:

Jurkuvėnas, V., Bagdonas, A., Germanavičius, A. 2016. Simple and complex information processing speed in psychiatric samples. Psychology, vol. 53(53), p. 7–23.

Hökby, S., Hadlaczky, G., Westerlund, J., Wasserman, D., Balazs, J., Germanavicius, A., Machin et al. Are mental health effects of internet use attributable to the web-based content or perceived consequences of usage? A longitudinal study of European adolescents. JMIR Mental Health, vol. 3(3), p. e31.

Šileikaitė, A., Česnienė, I., Germanavičius, A. 2016. Risk factors for violent behaviour among forensic psychiatric patients. Health Sciences, vol. 26(1), p. 21–26.

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

Assoc. Prof. A. Navickas –

president of the Lithuanian Psychiatric Association;
president of the Lithuanian Association of Suicidology;
member of International Association of Suicide Prevention;
member of the Commiittee of Nordic 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);
editor-in-chief of the journal Psichiatrijos žinios (News of Psychiatry);
editor-in-chief of the journal Psichiatrijos naujienos (Psychiatric News).

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).

Prof. D. Pūras –

editorial board member of the national journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
editorial board member of the national journal Medicina;
archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, member of International Advisory Board.

Prof. A. Germanavičius –

editorial board member of the journals Medicina (Biomedicine), Biologinė psichiatrija ir psichofarmakologija (Biomedicine, Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology), Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health), Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
peer reviewer of the Health Education Journal.

Assoc. Prof. E. Laurinaitis –

editorial board member of the International Journal of Psychotherapy;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
editorial board member of the journal Pain Medicine (Skausmo medicina);
board member of European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP);
president of European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP);
member of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association (LPA).

Assoc. Prof. A. Šiurkutė –

member of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association (LPA).

Lecture V. Raškauskas –

member of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association (LPA);
Since 2012 elected as a member (expert) of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) in respect of Lithuania.

DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MEDICAL PHYSICS

Santariškių str. 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 8688 62 803
Tel./fax. 2365 177
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.
Assistant: A. Bajorinaitė.
Lecturers: Dr. A. Samuilis, Dr. B. Gricienė, Dr. M. Matačiūnas, Dr. A. Brazaitis.
Doctoral students: D. Palionis, A. Neverauskienė, K. Kristinaitytė, A. Bajorinaitė, D. Jocius
Radiology scientific group of students: scientific leader – prof. N. R. Valevičienė, coordinator – student Dž. Jagminas; 33 members of the group.

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 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

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

Main publications:

Ulyte, A., Valeviciene, N., Palionis, D., Kundrotaite, S., Tamosiunas, A. 2016. Prevalence and clinical significance of extracardiac findings in cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Hellenic J Cardiol. 2016 Sep 22, p. S1109–9666(16)30195-6.

Palionis, D., Berukstis, A., Misonis, N., Ryliskyte, L., Celutkiene, J., Zakarkaite, D., Cerlinskaite, K., Valeviciene, N., Tamosiunas, A., Laucevicius, A. 2016. Could careful patient selection for renal denervation warrant a positive effect on arterial stiffness and left ventricular mass reduction? Acta Cardiol., vol. 71(2), p. 173–83.

National Research Projects

Research project: Multi-Parametric MRI for Glial and Metastatic Brain Tumors. Assoc. Prof. S. Letautienė. 2013–2019.

The purpose of this study was to compare MRI perfusion, spectroscopy and tractography findings with tumour histological and molecular biology examination. Trial aim was to evaluate accuracy and applicability of multiparametric MRI biomarkers for diagnosis of brain tumours histological type, differential grade and neovascularisation assessment.

Main publication:

Usinskiene, J., Ulyte, A., Bjørnerud, A., Venius, J., Katsaros, V.K., Rynkeviciene, R., Letautiene, S., Norkus, D., Suziedelis, K., Rocka, S., Usinskas, A., Aleknavicius, E. 2016. Optimal differentiation of high- and low-grade glioma and metastasis: a meta-analysis of perfusion, diffusion, and spectroscopy metrics. Neuroradiology, vol. 58(4), p. 339–50; doi: 10.1007/s00234-016-1642-9.

Research Council of Lithuania. Optimisation of Computed Tomography Radiation Doses in Lithuania. Dr. B. Gricienė.

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.

International Research Projects

Euro CMR Registry Project. Prof. N. Valevičienė.

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.

Optimization of Ionizing Radiation Exposure in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. Prof. A. E. Tamošiūnas. 2016–2018.

Objectives of the project are to create new diagnostic guidelines and optimize CT and Nuclear mecine imaging techniques. In 2016 we collected ionizing radiation exposure data fro one CT scanner, analysed exposure profiles, preliminary data were presented in Baltic Congress of Radiology 2016. At the end of 2017–18 collected data should be published.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. E. Tamošiūnas –

board member of Lithuanian Radiologists’ Association;
board member of Lithuanian Ultrasound Association;
member of European Society of Radiology;
radiology consultant of Ministry of Health (Lithuania).

Assoc. Prof. J. Dementavičienė –

editorial board member of the journal Theory and Practice in Medicine;
vicepresident of Lithuanian Radiologists’ Association;
member of European Society of Radiology;
member of European Society of Neuroradiology;
member of International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine;
member of Radiology Society of North America;
social advicer to Health Care Minister of Lithuania;
lecturer at continuing and advanced education courses at Vilnius University in Neuroradiology, Chest, Abdominal, Musculosceletal Imaging;
consultant and expert at the State Forensic Medicine Service, Lithuania;
member of Research Committee at European Society of Radiology.

Dr. R. Briedienė –

managing editor f 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

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

Head – Prof. Dr. Alvydas Juocevičius (2016 09 01)

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Juocevičius, Dr. V. Alekna, Dr. J. Raistenskis, Dr. M. Tamulaitienė.
Associate professors: Dr. R. Dadelienė, Dr. L. Galkutė.
Lecturers: Dr. L. Būtėnaitė, Dr. J. Indriūnienė, Dr. I. E. Jamontaitė, Dr. D. Janonienė, Dr. A. Adomavičienė, Dr. I. Muntianaitė, Dr. A. Mastavičiūtė, Dr. I. Besakirskienė, Dr. A. Valiulis.
Assistants: L. Aučynienė, I. Bartkutė, J. Bernatavičius, F. Blužaitė, A. Budėjienė, L. Budrienė, A. Cirtautas, A. Grigonytė, E. Jablonskytė, J. Kesienė, R. Kulikauskaitė, M. Liškauskas, L. Mikulėnaitė, T. Palšytė, I. Raudonytė, J. Stasiukynienė, D. Svirskis, E. Tamulionienė, A. Vainiūtė, R.Venskaitis.
Doctoral students: A. Grigonytė, G. Narmontaitė, I. Raudonytė, I. Slivovskaja.
Rehabilitation, physical and sport’s medicine scientific groups of students: scientific leader – Dr. L. Būtėnaitė, coordinator – student E.Voicikaitė; 15 members of students.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

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 was 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 2016, the staff of the Department continued performance of comparable examination and methodology development of comprehensive rehabilitation effectiveness prognostication. On the base of these data, 17 articles were published in scientific journals, and research workers took part at international and in Lithuanian scientific meetings: 23 poster presentations and 19 oral reports.

Main publications:

Kiekens, C., Moyaert, M., Juocevicius, A., et al. 2016. Education of physical and rehabilitation medicine specialists across Europe: a call for harmonisation. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med, vol. 52(6), p. 881–886.

Stucki, G., Zambolini, M., Juocevicius, A., et al. 2016. Practice, science and governance in interaction: European effort for the system-wide implementation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine., vol. 52, p. 1–10; doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.16.04436-1.

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);
chairman of the Expert Group of the Ministry of Education, Industry Branch (Health and Social Work);
permanent secretary and member of Health Ministry Commissions on Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Issues;
chairman of the Rehabilitation Master studies programme committee;
chairman of working groups of the rehabilitation field studies programmes, and self-study programmes;
scientific commitee member of the 20^th European Congress of PRM, Portugal
chairman of the conference ,Developments of the Balneology in Europe and Lithuania, Druskininkai;
chairman of the conference Return the Health, Palanga.

Prof. Habil. Dr. V. Alekna –

chief editor of the journal Gerontologija(Gerontology);
committee member of the Rehabilitation Master’s 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’s studies programme;
member of the self-assessment work group of Rehabilitation study programmes.

Lect. 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.

Lect. Dr. A. Adomavičienė –

chairman of the Occupational Therapy Undergraduate studies programme committee;
member of working group of Rehabilitation Master’s Studies programme committee;
member of ENOTHE;
member of Lithuanian Occupational therapy Asociation

Assistant 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 Occupational therapy Asociation.

DEPARTMENT OF RHEUMATOLOGY, ORTHOPEDIC TRAUMA AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

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

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Algirdas Venalis

STAFF

Professors: Prof. Dr. I. Butrimienė, Prof. Habil. Dr. N. Porvaneckas, Prof. Habil. Dr. K. Vitkus, Prof. V. Uvarovas.
Associate professors: Dr. M. Kocius, Dr. I. Šatkauskas, Dr. R. Rugienė, Dr. S. Stropuvienė, Dr. L. Zabulienė.
Lecturers: Dr. S. Ryliškis, Dr. N. Jakutis, Dr. D. Miltinienė.
Research fellows: Dr. Š. Mažeika, Dr. R. Rugienė, Dr. D. Miltinienė, Dr. I. Arštikytė.
Doctoral students: T. Sveikata, D. Karpec, R. Šakalytė, E. Puncevičienė, E. Tertelienė, A. Makulavičius, G.Stundžaitė-Baršauskienė, A. Petrulionienė.
Scientific groups of students:
Rheumathology: scientific leader – Dr. D. Povilėnaitė, coordinator – student A. Bobin; 11 members of the group.
Reconstructive and plastic surgery: scientific leader – Dr. M. Minderis, coordinator – student M. Tamulevičius; 15 members of the group.
Orthopaedics and traumatology: scientific leader – Dr. S. Ryliškis, coordinator – student M. Urmanavičius; 31 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Peculiarities of applying biological therapy to rheumatic patients in Lithuania
Immunogenicity in rheumatic patients with anti-TNF treatment
Outcomes of early undifferentiated arthritis
Light emitting diodes effect in systemic sclerosis patients
Evaluation of femoral head blood flow and ischemic factors after femoral neck fracture
Influence 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 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Phototherapy in the Animal Models of Systemic Sclerosis. Prof. A. Venalis, PhD student D. Karpec. 2014–2018.

The main objective of the project was to define the efficacy and safety of narrowband UVA1 for the treatment of dermal fibrosis in bleomycin-induced mouse scleroderma.

Peculiarities of Applying Biological Therapy to Rheumatic Patients in Lithuania. Prof. I. Butrimienė, Dr. I. Arštikytė. 2007–2016.

Data of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with biologics is entered in the Lithuanian database of biologic therapy in rheumatic diseases (BIOLIT) from 5 Centres of Rheumatology across Lithuania. We continue analyzing patients’ data concerning treatment efficacy, drug immunogenicity and adverse events profile, with special attention to latent tuberculosis and infectious complications. The peculiarities of applying biological therapy to rheumatic patients in Lithuania concerning lower drugs dosages and treatment efficacy and adverse event profile are analyzed.

Immunogenicity in Rheumatic Patients Treated with Anti-TNF. Prof. I. Butrimienė, Dr. I. Arštikytė . 2012–2016.

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. In response to the new biosimilar drugs that were introduced into clinical practice further investigations of their immunogenicity and the relationship with treatment outcomes are investigated.

Main publication:

Narkeviciute, I., Mieliauskaite, D., Mackiewicz, Z., Butrimiene, I., Viliene, R., Dumalakiene, I. 2016. Are cytotoxic effector cells changes in peripheral blood of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome related to persistent virus infection: Suggestions and conundrums. Cellular Immunology, vol. 310, p. 123–130.

Associations between Genetic, Epigenetic Factors and Rheumatoid Arthritis Ethiopathogenesis and Clinical Course. Prof. I. Butrimienė, Phd Student E. Puncevičienė. Ongoing since 2015.

Aim of study: investigate the association between genetic, epigenetic factors in pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, disease activity and clinical course. 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, PhD student R. Šakalytė. 2014–2018.

The aim of this study was 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.

Rheumatic Diseases and Functional-Structural Alterations of Cardiovascular System over Time. A. Venalis. Dr. S. Stropuvienė, Dr. R. Rugienė, Dr. D. Miltinienė. Ongoing since 2014.

The aim of this study was to reveal the progression of structural and functional alterations of arteries in rheumatic diseases over time. 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.

Main publications:

Naciute, M., Mieliauskaite, D., Rugiene, R., Nikitenkiene R., Jancoriene, L., Mauricas, M., Nora-Krukle, Z., Murovska, M., Girkontaite, I. 2016. The frequency and significance of the parvovirus B19 infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. J Gen Virol., 2016 Oct 14.

Montrimaitė, M., Požerskytė, R., Bagdonaitė, L., Rugienė, R., Čypienė, A., Laucevičius, A. 2016. Antikūnų prieš ekstrahuojamus branduolio antigenus ryšys su kraujagyslių pažeidimo ir uždegimo žymenimis esant sisteminei skerozei. Laboratorinė medicina, vol. 18, nr. 2, p. 62–5.

The Long Term Prognosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients after Knee Arthroplasty in Lithuania. Prof. A. Venalis, PhD student E. Tertelienė. Ongoing since 2015.

The aim of study was to identify factors that influence the patients functional outcome and quality of life after total knee arthroplasty in Lithuania.The main objectives of this study are: to evaluate the results of total knee replacement in rheumatic patients 2 years after surgery; to identify factors that influence implant survival, complications rate and risk factors for revision surgery; to validate Lithuanian Arthroplasty database with respect to revisions recorded and to identify conservatively treated or untreated infected patients.

Lyme Disease and Rheumatic Symptoms: Epidemiological and Clinical Interface with a Transmitter of Disease and Biological Characteristics of the Pathogen. Prof. A. Venalis, PhD student A. Petrulionienė. Since 2016, ongoing.

The main objective of the project was to determine correlations between infected ticks with different genotypes of Borrelia burgdorferi (B.b.) in different regions of Lithuania, Lyme’s disease, immunoglobulin and clinical course in order to forecast the clinical way of disease according to B.b. genotype.

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

Comparison of three tourniquet application methods in primary total knee arthroplasty surgery. A prospective randomized study of minimally invasive treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. A prospective study of functional outcomes after pelvic ring ant acetabulum fracture treatment.

Main publications:

Andrijauskas, A., Svensen, C.H., Porvaneckas, N., Šipylaitė, J., Stankevičius, E., Činčikas, D., Uvarovas, V., Švedienė, S., Šatkauskas, I., Vosylius, S., Kvederas, G. 2016. A mini volume loading test (mVLT) using 2.5-mLkg-1 boluses of crystalloid for indication of perioperative changes in hydration status. Medicina, 2016 Nov 25.

Masionis, P., Popov, K., Kurtinaitis, J., Uvarovas, V., Porvaneckas, N. 2016. Surgical treatment of the adductor longus muscle's distal tendon total rupture in a soccer player. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res., vol. 102(5), p. 673–6.

Uvarovas, V., Šatkauskas, I., Urbonavičius, R., Bučinskas, V., Griškevičius, J., Vengrauskas, V., Petryla, G., Masionis, P., Andrijauskas, A., Porvaneckas, N. 2016. Different stabilization techniques for type 62B3 acetabular fractures in combination with primary total hip arthroplasty in elderly patients: a biomechanical comparison. Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil., vol. 7(3), p. 153–7.

International Research Projects

The EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) Initiated Multicentral Online Study Minimum Essential Data Set. Since 2011, Coordinator: Walker, Ulrich A. University Basel. Dr. R. Rugienė.

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

Main publications:

Dobrota, R., Maurer, B., Graf, N., Jordan, S., Mihai, C., Kowal-Bielecka, O., Allanore, Y., Distler, O. 2016. EUSTAR co-authors. Prediction of improvement in skin fibrosis in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: a EUSTAR analysis. Ann Rheum Dis., 2016 Mar 25.

Elhai, M., Avouac, J., Walker, U.A., Matucci-Cerinic, M., Riemekasten, G., Airò, P., Hachulla, E., Valentini, G., Carreira, P.E., Cozzi, F., Balbir Gurman, A., Braun-Moscovici, Y., Damjanov, N., Ananieva, L.P., Scorza, R., Jimenez, S., Busquets, J., Li, M., Müller-Ladner, U., Kahan, A., Distler, O., Allanore, Y. 2016. EUSTAR co-authors. A gender gap in primary and secondary heart dysfunctions in systemic sclerosis: a EUSTAR prospective study. Ann Rheum Dis., vol. 75(1), p. 163–9.

EMerging EUlar NETwork (EMEUNET). Coordinator - PhD student D. Karpec. Since 2013.

EMEUNET is a working group of young clinicians and researchers in rheumatology. The objectives of the organization 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.
During the last two years D. Karpec took a 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 rheumatology trainees.

Main publication:

Sivera, F., Ramiro, S., Cikes, N., Cutolo, M., Dougados, M., Gossec, L., Kvien, T. K., Lundberg, I. E., Mandl, P., Moorthy, A., Panchal, S., da Silva, J. A., Bijlsma, J. W. 2016. Working Group on Training in Rheumatology across Europe (D.Karpec). Rheumatology training experience across Europe: analysis of core competences. Arthritis Res Ther., vol. 18(1), p. 213.

Access to Social Security Benefits in Case of Work Disability Due to RA. Prof. I. Butrimienė. The Research team at Maastricht University initiated the project since 2016.

The aim of this study was to compare the differences in access to social security benefits in case of sick leave and work disability and to compare the level on income substitution and impoverishment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in different countries across Europe. 43 countries take part in the project. Prof. I. Butrimienė is a principal investigator of Lithuania.

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

Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet Södersjukhuset. Section of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stockholm (Sweden)
VU 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)
Children’s Hospital Okland Research Institute, San Francisco (USA)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Venalis –

board member of European League against Rheumatism;
executive committee member for clinical trials in European League against Rheumatism;
member of the Lithuanian Rheumatology Association;
editorial board member of the journal 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. 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. I. Butrimienė –

board member of Opinion Leaders for Biological Therapy, Europe;
executive committee member 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 journal Reumatologijos seminarai (Seminars in Rheumatology);
acting secretary of the Lithuanian Rheumatology Association.

Dr. R. Rugienė –

editorial board member of the journal 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.

Dr. I. Arštikytė –

member of Emerging Eular Network (EMEUNET) - The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) working group of young clinicians and researchers in rheumatology;
member of the organizing committee of annual conference Vilnius Rheumatology Seminars;
member of the Lithuanian Rheumatology Association.

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING AND FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE

Antakalnio str. 57, 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, Dr. S. Cicėnas (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. V. Ožeraitienė, Dr. A. Gradauskas.
Lecturers: Dr. R. Staigis, Dr. S. Varvuolytė, Dr. A. Mikaliūkštienė, Dr. Olga Nečajauskaitė (part-time), Dr. R. Stundžienė (part-time), Dr. Z. Gierasimovič (part-time), Dr. 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).
Senior specialist: Z. Svirid.
Specialists: E. Kuzienė, M. Voroneckij.
Nursing scientific group of students: scientific leader – Dr. A. Mikaliūkštienė, coordinator – student G. Piškinaitė; 11 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Investigation of etiopathogenetic risk factors of internal diseases
Development of optimal methods of diagnosis in ischemic cerebral and cardiovascular
Diseases, internal diseases (gastrointestinal, diabetes, lung), pediatrics, 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 2016

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 retrospective study was to evaluate a hypothesis of a possible causal link between VA hypoplasia (VAH) and the incidence of posterior circulation stroke (PCS) or TIA depending on the degree of VAH and vascular risk factors. The aim of next research was to evaluate the prognostic usefulness of adipokines in prediction of the severity and outcome of acute pancreatitis (AP). Adipokines, IL-6 and CRP levels were measured at admission and on 3rd day of hospital stay and compared with the control group. The third research work was about differences in lung cancer occurrence and characteristics between men and women. The conclusion of this research was that lung cancer incidence suggests that gender-related factors may influence lung cancer risk. The carcinogenic effect of tobacco smoke and the use of hormone replacement therapy could result in susceptibility to lung cancer among women.

Main publications:

Karpavicius, A., Dambrauskas, Z., Gradauskas, A., Samuilis, A., Zviniene, K., Kupcinskas, J., et al. 2016. The clinical value of adipokines in predicting the severity and outcome of acute pancreatitis. BMC Gastroenterology, vol. 16, p. 99.

Schveigert, D., Krasauskas, A., Didžiapetrienė, J., Kalibatienė, D., Cicėnas, S. 2016. Smoking hormonal factors and molecular markers in female lung cancer. Neoplasma, vol. 63(4), p. 504–9.

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 of scientific study in nursing was to evaluate the operating team members’ attitude on teamwork and safety climate in the operating room.
The next research work was to study the preparedness of the nursing staff to carry out intervention procedures. The research indicated that the number of mistakes, associated with sanitary-epidemiological safety of intervention procedures, made in all the groups of professional experience (in year) of the staff, decreased with every year. General hand hygiene skills of the staff before intervention procedures significantly improved compare with results obtained earlier.
The aim of third research work was investigate the impact of Type D personality traits and level of depression on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with implanted pacemakers. This study established that the level of depression of the research subjects was not found to depend on the implanted pacemaker.

Main publications:

Jerdiakova, N., Mikaliūkštienė, A., Kalibatienė, D. 2016. Surgical team attitudes concerning safety climate and teamwork in the operating oom. Theory and Practice in Medicine, vol. 22 (4), p. 301–308.

Gierasimovič, Z., Mikaliūkštienė, A., Kalibatienė, D. 2016. Sanitary – epidemiological safety of intervention procedures in nursing practise. Theory and Practice in Medicine, vol. 22 (4), p. 322–327.

Ožeraitienė, V., Čepaitė, G., Gaigalaitė, V. 2016. Type D personalities with implanted pacemakers: quality of life aspects. Theory and Practice in Medicine, vol. 22(4), p. 336–41.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. D. Kalibatienė –

internist-consultant and head of the Department of Internal Diseases at Vilnius Clinical Hospital;
member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University;
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;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Internists;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine;
board member of the Society of Lithuanian Nurses with university education;
head of the self-assessment work group of Nursing Studies programmes;
head of the Nursing Bachelor’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.

Prof. S. Cicėnas –

member of the ESTS (European Society of Thoracic Surgeons);
member of the IASLC (International Association for Study of Lung Cancer);
member of the Lung Cancer Study Group EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons;
editorial board member and of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery);
editorial board member of the journal BSM (Biological Science Monitor) expert of malignant pleural mesothelioma issues;
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonology and Allergy.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. V. Ožeraitienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners;
member of Nursing Bachelor’s degree final thesis Defending Committee;
editorial board member of the journal Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika.

Assoc Prof. Dr. A. Gradauskas –

head of the Clinic of Surgery at Vilnius city Clinical Hospital;
vice-president of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
board member of the Lithuanian Association of Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Dr. A. Mikaliūkštienė –

Director of the Center of Nursing Studies at Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių klinikos;
member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine;
member of Nursing Bachelor’s degree final thesis Defending Committee;
editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
editorial board member of the journal Slauga: mokslas ir praktika.

Dr. R. Stundžienė –

chair of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board;
member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization;
member of Nursing Bachelor’s degree final thesis Defending Committe

Dr. Z. Gierasimovič –

member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board;
editorial board member of the journal Slauga: mokslas ir praktika;
member of Nursing Bachelor’s degree final thesis Defending Committee.

CLINIC OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Santariškių str. 2, 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. J. Čelutkienė (part-time), Dr. A. Kibarskis, Dr. G. Marinskis, Dr. Ž. Petrulionienė, Dr. K. Ručinskas, Dr. P. Šerpytis, Dr. V. Tarutis.
Associate professors: Dr. S. Aidietienė, Dr. G. Davidavičius (part-time), Dr. S. Glaveckaitė (part-time), Dr. G. Kalinauskas, Dr. R. Karalius, Dr. B. Petrauskienė, Dr. A. Rudys, Dr. R. Steponėnienė, Dr. G. L.Vilkevičius.
Lecturers: Dr. J. Barysienė (part-time), V. Bilkis (part-time), Dr. R. Kūgienė, Dr. J. Misiūra, Dr. N. Misonis (part-time), Dr. I. Norkienė, Dr. R.S. Samalavičius, Dr. M. Sučila, Dr. D. Sudavičienė (part-time), Dr. R.Vaitkevičius (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. J. Badarienė (part-time), L. Bezuška, G. Burneikaitė (part-time), Dr. I. Butkuvienė, Dr. A. Čypienė (part-time), Dr. R. Čypienė, K. Drėgūnas, Dr. V. Grabauskienė, Dr. A. Grebelis, Dr. L. Gumbienė, Dr. V. Janušauskas, Dr. L. Jurgauskienė, Dr. Ž. Katliorienė (part-time), Dr. V. Lebetkevičius, Dr. D. Liekienė, Dr. R. Malickaitė, Dr. V. V. Maneikienė (part-time), Dr. R. Navickas, Dr. G. Nogienė, Dr. E. Rinkūnienė, Dr. L. Ryliškytė, Dr. P. Semėnienė, A. Simanavičienė, Dr. R. Sipavičius (part-time), Dr. S. Sudikas (part-time), Dr. R. Sudikienė, (part-time), Dr. B.Vaišnytė (part-time), Dr. E. Uždavinytė-Gatelienė (part-time), Dr. A.Valaika, Dr. D. Zakarkaitė (part-time), A. Zorinas (part-time), Dr. G. Zuozienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: A. Aliachmed, T. Baltrūnas, A. Berukštis, M. Budra, A. Drąsutienė, E. Gaižauskas, J. Jarašūnas, V. Juknevičius, S. Kutkienė, E. Lycholip, A. Lipnevičius, G. Račkauskas, V. Rudienė, R. Ruseckaitė, A. Skrebūnas, S. Solovjova, E. Stanevičiūtė, R. Šerpytis, V. Šileikienė, A. Zorinas.
Scientific groups of students:
Cardiology: scientific leader – Prof. P. Šerpytis, coordinator – student A. Šaulytė; 17 members of the group.
Cardiac surgery: scientific leader – Prof. V. Tarutis, coordinator – student J. Šniaukšta; 12 members of the group.
Emergency medicine: scientific leader – Dr. R. Samalavičius, coordinator – student S. Kolevinskaitė; 44 members of the group.

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 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Prevention of Atherosclerosis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Induced Diseases. Prof. A. Laucevičius. 2014–2019.

During the 2016 the relationship between arterial stiffness and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was evaluated in patients with metabolic syndrome. Also the proportions of patients were investigated to detect early heart failure with preserved ejection fraction using a combination of B type Natriuretic Peptide and peak VO2. 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:

Solovjova, S., Ryliškytė, L., Čelutkienė, J., Badarienė, J., Navickas, R., Puronaitė, R., Bieliauskaitė, G., Skiauterytė, E., Lisaitė, G., Laucevičius, A. 2016. Aortic stiffness is an independent determinant of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in metabolic syndrome patients. Blood Pressure, vol. 25(1), p. 11–20.

Berūkštis, A., Vajauskas, D., Gargalskaitė, U., Misonis, N., Burneikaitė, G., Zakarkaitė, D., Miglinas, M., Laucevičius, A. 2016. Impact of renal sympathetic denervation on cardiac sympathetic nerve activity evaluated by cardiac MIBG imaging. EuroIntervention, vol. 11, p. 1070–1076.

Makikallio, T., Holm, N. R., Kalinauskas, G., Linder, R .B. A., Pentikainen, M., Hervold, A., Banning, A., et al. 2016. Percutaneous coronary angioplasty versus coronary artery bypass grafting in treatment of unprotected left main stenosis (NOBLE): a prospective, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial. The Lancet 2016, 388, 10061, p. 2743–2752.

New Technologies for Management of Structural Heart Diseases and Arrhythmias. Prof. Dr. A. Aidietis, Prof. Dr. K. Ručinskas. 2014–2019.

A minimally invasive transapical mitral valve repair program using Neochord DS-1000 system. Transapical closure approach for the treatment of a prosthetic valve paravalvular leak. A percutaneous (femoral and transapical approach) aortic valve disease treatment.

Main publications:

Svetikienė, M., Janušauskas, V., Griciūtė, J., Katkus, R., Ringaitienė, D., Šipylaitė, J., Ručinskas, K., Šerpytis, P. 2016. Successful treatment of right heart thrombi and acute massive pulmonary embolism by repeated thrombolysis. Journal of Clinical & Experimental Cardiology, vol. 7(6), p. 100045.

Janušauskas, V., Puodžiukaitė, L., Maneikienė, V. V., Zuozienė, G., Radauskaitė, G., Burneikaitė, G., Samalavičius, R.S., Aidietienė, S., Ručinskas, K., Aidietis, A. 2016. Long-term results of minimally invasive stand-alone bi-atrial surgical ablation with a bipolar ablation device for persistent and longstanding persistent AF: a single-center case series of 91 patients. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, vol. 11, p. 23.1–8.

Janušauskas, V., Puodžiukaitė, L., Radauskaitė, G., Zorinas, A., Aidietienė, S., Jurkuvėnas, P., Račkauskas, G., Ručinskas, K., Aidietis, A. 2016. Procedural arrhythmia termination during beating-heart, stand-alone surgical ablation and long-term outcome in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine, vol. 22, p. 1–6.

Improvement and Evaluation of Congenital Heart Disease Surgery. Prof. Dr. V. Tarutis. 2014–2019.

Surgical experience of 30 years in Fontan procedures and the long-term follow-up results were analyzed. The mean follow-up time was 7.4±6.6 years. Fenestration was created in 40 (50%) patients. Our series showed improving results after Fontan completion with excellent mid-term outcome after extra-cardiac total cavopulmonary connection with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene conduit.

Research Council of Lithuania Project

Cardiometabolic Early Vascular Aging Determinants (SEN – 03/2016). Prof. A. Laucevičius. 2016–2018.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause for morbidity and mortality in Lithuania as well as in Europe. Vastly increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome leads to the need of studying the effects of related pathological conditions on cardiometabolic risk. What is more, according to the scientific literature from the last decade, cardiovascular risk is closely related to patients' vascular age. Early vascular aging is a relatively new definition of biological and vascular age mismatch, which increases the cardiovascular risk.
The aim of the study was to identify the factors affecting vascular aging. Analyse the association between vascular age dynamics and cardiometabolic outcomes (cardiovascular events and diabetes onset) during the follow-up period.

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)
The 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;
member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
editorial board member of the journals Medicina (Lithuania), Journal of Human Hypertension, Blood Pressure, Cardiology Management, Cardiology Journal (Folia Cardiologica), Internistas (Internist), Mediterranean Journal of Pacing and Electrophysiology (MESPE) ;
managing editor of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine;
international editorial board member of the journal Europace (ESC);
member of Steering committee of 5th international meeting on Acute Cardiac Care and Emergency Medicine, 5–7 May 2016, Vilnius, Lithuania;
scientific committee member of the international congress Breaking the Cardiovascular Continuum through Understanding, recognition, treatment and Prevention of the Disease, 26–28 May, 2016, Vilnius.

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;
member of Steering committee of 5^th international meeting on Acute Cardiac Care and Emergency Medicine, 5–7 May 2016, Vilnius, Lithuania.

Prof. Dr. J. Čelutkienė –

board member of The Heart Failure Association for the European Society of Cardiology;
chairman of Heart Failure workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
member of Lithuanian Heart Association.

Prof. Dr. V. Grabauskienė –

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

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).

Prof. Dr. G. Marinskis –

editor-in-Chief of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine;
member of Steering committee of 5^th international meeting on Acute Cardiac Care and Emergency Medicine, 5–7 May 2016, Vilnius, Lithuania;
member of the Credentials Committee;
member of Fellowship Committee of the European Society of Cardiology;
member of Nomination Committee of the European Heart Rhythm Association;
board member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
Chairman of Heart Rhythm workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology

Prof. Dr. Ž. Petrulionienė –

editorial board member of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine;
editor of chapter Cardiologic Seminars of the journal Internistas (Internist)
member of the European Society of Cardiology;
Chairman of Prevention and Rehabilitation workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology.

Prof. Dr. K. Ručinskasn–

member of European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery;
member of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery;
board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
member of Steering committee of 5th international meeting on Acute Cardiac Care and Emergency Medicine, 5–7 May 2016, Vilnius, Lithuania.

Prof. Dr. P. Šerpytis –

member of the European Society of Cardiology;
chairman of Intensive Cardiac Care workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
member of Steering committee of 5^th international meeting on Acute Cardiac Care and Emergency Medicine, 5–7 May 2016, Vilnius, Lithuania.

Prof. Dr. V. Tarutis –

member of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery;
board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Aidietienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. Dr. S. Glaveckaitė –

member of European Society of Cardiology for Valvular Heart Diseases and Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance working groups;
chairman of imaging workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
members of Lithuanian Heart Association;
member of Steering committee of 5^th international meeting on Acute Cardiac Care; and Emergency Medicine, 5–7 May 2016, Vilnius, Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Grebelis –

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

Assoc. Prof. Dr. G. Davidavičius –

member of Lithuanian Association for Interventional Cardiology;
member of Steering committee of 5^th international meeting on Acute Cardiac Care and Emergency Medicine, 5–7 May 2016, Vilnius, Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. G. Kalinauskas –

member of European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery;
member of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery;
President of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
chairman of Cardiac Surgery workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
member of Steering committee of 5^th international meeting on Acute Cardiac Care and Emergency Medicine, 5–7 May 2016, Vilnius, Lithuania

Assoc. Prof. Dr. R. Karalius –

member of the European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery;
member of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic 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.

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.

V. Bilkis –

board member of Lithuanian Association for Interventional Cardiology;
member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
member of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology.

Dr. L. Gumbienė –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Cardiology;
chairman of Pulmonary Artery Hypertension and Congenital Heart Disease for Adults workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
member of European Society of Cardiology;
member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
organizing committee member of the national conference Congenital heart disease in adults, June 17, 2016, Vilnius, Lithuania.

Dr. L. Jurgauskienė –

member of European Respiratory Society;
member of European Federation for Immunogenetics;
member of Baltic Sea Society for Immunology;
member of Lithuanian Society for Immunology;
member of Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of Lithuanian Respiratory Society;
member of Lithuanian Rheumatology Association.

Dr. Ž. Katliorienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Cardiology.

Dr. D. Liekienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Cardiology.

Dr. R. Malickaitė –

member of European Federation for Immunogenetics;
member of International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation;
board member of Lithuanian Society for Immunology;
board member of Lithuanian Society for Alergology and Clinical Immunology;
members of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of Lithuanian Association of Transplantology.

Dr. I. Norkienė –

member of European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists (EACTA);
member of Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

Dr. R. Sipavičius –

editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery);
member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons

Dr. J. Misiūra –

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

Dr. R. S. Samalavičius –

board member of European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists;
board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
member of Steering committee of 5^th international meeting on Acute Cardiac Care and Emergency Medicine, 5–7 May 2016, Vilnius, Lithuania;
member of Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

Dr. S. Sudikas, Dr. M. Sučila, Dr. B. Vaišnytė –

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

Dr. A. Valaika –

board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons.

Prof. Dr. A. Aidietis, Prof. Dr. V. Grabauskienė, Prof. Dr. A. Kibarskis, Prof. Dr. G. Marinskis, Assoc. Prof. Dr. G. Davidavičius, Assoc. Prof. Dr. B. Petrauskienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Rudys, Assoc. Prof. Dr. R. Steponėnienė, Dr. J. Badarienė, Dr. J. Barysienė, G. Burneikaitė, Dr. I. Butkuvienė, Dr. A. Čypienė, Dr. R. Čypienė, Dr. R. Kūgienė, Dr. D. Liekienė, Dr. V. Maneikienė, Dr. J. Misiūra, Dr. L. Ryliškytė, Dr. E. Rinkūnienė, Dr. P. Semėnienė –

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

Dr. R. Čypienė, M. Budra, Dr. I. Butkuvienė, E. Gaižauskas, Dr. L. Gumbienė, Dr. Ž. Katliorienė, Dr. V. Lebetkevičius, A.Lipnevičius, Dr. D. Liekienė, Dr. V. Maneikienė, Dr. G. Norkūnas, Dr. P. Semėnienė, Dr. R.Sipavičius, A. Zorinas –

members of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons.

CLINIC OF CHILDREN’S DISEASES

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

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Vytautas Usonis

STAFF

Professors: 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. S. Petraitienė, 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. J. Rascon, Dr. S. Rusonienė.
Assistent: V. Radžiūnienė.
Senior research fellows: Dr. R. Ėmužytė, Dr. R. Firantienė.
Junior research fellows: Dr. B. Skerlienė, K. Ažukaitis, N. Giedraitė, D. Jonuškaitė.
Doctoral students: T. Alasevičius, N. Stirbienė, A. Jagelavičienė, A. Mulevičienė, R. Selvestravičius.
Scientific groups of students:
Pediatrics: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. J. Grikinienė, coordinator – student E. Liukpetrytė; 43 members of the group.
Neonatology: scientific leader – Prof. N. Drazdienė, coordinator – student M. Stančiukaitė; 29 members of the group.

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 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Visual system and physical condition of preterm children. An integrated multi-dimensional analysis focused on the relationship between the visual system and physical condition of preterm children affected by retinopathy of prematurity was carried out, provided new knowledge about ontogeny of preterm newborns in terms of similarities and differences in the development of a visual organ immature at the time of birth and of the whole body.
Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPn) serotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility among preschool children. The study on the circulation of Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPn) serotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility among preschool children in Lithuania before the introduction of universal infant pneumococcal vaccination was carried out, the conclusion was made that the rates of nasopharyngeal SPn susceptibility to penicillin and macrolides are still high among preschool children in Lithuania, however they are lower compared with previous studies; a strict policy with respect to antibiotic prescription together with widespread use of vaccination could potentially reduce the carriage rate of antibiotic-resistant pneumococci in our country.
Incidence and clinical characteristics of acute otitis media (AOM) among children. An epidemiological, prospective, observational study devoted to determination of the incidence and clinical characteristics of acute otitis media (AOM) among children aged <6 years during 1 year was conducted: the conclusion was made that the disease burden of AOM is relevant and public health initiatives to reduce it should be considered.
Allergic rhinitis (AR) control. Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) were currently being developed to optimize AR control, as the selection of pharmacotherapy for patients with AR depends on several factors, including age, prominent symptoms, symptom severity, control of AR, patient preferences and cost, allergen exposure and the resulting symptoms vary, treatment adjustment is required - an algorithm was developed by consensus and it should be confirmed by appropriate trials.
The study on association between 25(OH)D levels and proteinuria, hypertension, and renal survival and a mechanism for 25(OH)D show that Vitamin D is an effective, easily available, safe, and cheap nutritional supplement that may be a useful adjunctive treatment to RAAS blockade to retard progressive renal function decline and that randomized controlled studies on the renoprotective effects of vitamin D in childhood CKD are required.
The characteristics and outcomes of transplantation type - kidney or combined liver-kidney transplantation - in children and adolescents with kidney failure and liver fibrosis due to autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) was analysed and it was shown that the combined liver-kidney transplantation in ARPKD is associated with increased mortality and was not associated with improved 5-year kidney transplant survival.

Main publications:

Stacevičienė, I., Petraitienė, S., Vaičiūnienė, D., Alasevičius, T., Kirslienė, J., Usonis, V. 2016. Antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae, isolated from nasopharynx of preschool children with acute respiratory tract infection in Lithuania. BMC Infectious Diseases. London : BioMed Central Ltd, vol. 16, art. no. 216, p. 2–8.

Usonis, V., Jackowska, T., Petraitiene, S., et al. 2016. Incidence of acute otitis media in children below 6 years of age seen in medical practices in five East European countries /BMC Pediatrics. London: BioMed Central Ltd, vol. 16, art. no. 108, doi: 10.1186/s12887-016-0638-2.

Shroff, R., Aitkenhead, H., Costa, N., Trivelli, A., Litwin, M., Picca, S., Anarat, A., Sallay, P., Ozaltin, F., Zurowska, A., Jankauskiene, A., Montini, G., Charbit, M., Schaefe, F., Wühl, E. 2016. ESCAPE Trial Group. Normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with less proteinuria and attenuate renal failure progression in children with CKD. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Washington: American Society of Nephrology, vol. 27, no. 1, p. 314–322.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Habil Dr. V. Usonis –

expert for Research Council of Lithuania;
member of Central European Vaccination Advisory Group (CEVAG);
expert on vaccine-related issues at the European Disease Control Centre (ECDC);
board member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
chairman of the Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association (BALTIPA);
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);
President of the international conference Vilnius Course 2016.

Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Valiulis –

executive Committee member and Treasurer of European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP/UEMS-SP);
chairman of the Commission of Mother and Child of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
president of the Lithuanian Paediatric Respiratory Society;
vice President of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
chairman of Vilnius International Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology Conference-School (20 annual postgraduate courses since 1996);
editor-in-chief of Index Copernicus journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology);
editorial board member of PubMed journal Acta Medica;
national Coordinator of WHO project Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (WHO-GARD Lithuania);
member of Strategic Paediatric Alliance for the Future Health of Children in Europe (EAP-EPA-ECPCP).

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);
vicepresident of Lithuanian Neonatology Association;
board member of Lithuanian Pediatric Society and Vilnius Pediatric Society;
member of the European Association on Perinatal Medicine;
vicepresident of Lithuanian section of German-Baltic Physicians’ Society (Deutsch-Baltische Arztegesellschaft).

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 Dialysis working group 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 peer review 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 Pediatrija (Paediatrics.)

Dr. R. Ėmužytė –

editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology);
editorial board member of the journal Alergologija ir klinikinė imunologija (Allergology and Clinical Immunology);
editorial board member of the journal Medinfo;
international editorial board member of the journal Alergia astma immunologia (Allergy Asthma Immunology) (Poland);
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
pastmember at large of Executive Committee of European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI);
Lithuanian representative in European Training Committee of Paediatric Allergology;
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 Lithuanian Paediatric Endocrinology Association;
member of the International Growth Hormone Research Society (GRS);
member of the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE);
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;
president of the Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition;
consultant as paediatric gastroenterologist at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
board member of Lithuanian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition;
member and representative of the Baltic countries of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).

Assoc. Prof. R. Vankevičienė –

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

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).

Dr. J. Rascon –

member of European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation;
member of European Society of Pediatric Oncology;
board member of Nordic Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology.

CLINIC OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, FAMILY PRACTICE AND ONCOLOGY

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

Head – Prof. Dr. Virginijus Šapoka

STAFF

Professors: Dr. V. Šapoka, Dr. V. Kasiulevičius, Dr. V. Alekna, Dr. L. Griškevičius, Dr. N. Samalavičius, Dr. V. Ostapenko (part-time) .
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), E.Vitkauskaitė (part-time)
Doctoral students: V. Andrejevaitė, R. Aškinis, N. Burokienė, A. Krasauskas, A.Galkinė, R. Kavalnienė, N. Lachej, R. Pileckytė, V. Dirsė, J. Mozūraitienė, I. Aleknaitė, J. Bublevič.
Scientific groups of students:
Internal medicine: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. V. Dzenkevičiūtė, coordinator – student A. Vinikovas; 14 members of the group.
Gerontology: scientific leader – Prof. V. Alekna, coordinator – student A. Šmigelskytė; 16 members of the group.
Oncohematology: scientific leader – Dr. Ž. Gudlevičienė, coordinator – student I. Bagužytė; 40 members of the group.
Endocrinology: scientific leader – Dr. A. Abraitienė, coordinator – student G. Želnytė; 19 members of the group.
Family medicine: scientific leader – Dr. V. Andrejevaitė, coordinator – student A. Dilbaitė; 55 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment of diseases: fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies
Early diagnostics and prevention of non-infectious diseases in family practice and in gerontology
Biomarker research in hematology and oncology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

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 in the Lithuanian population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between nutrition, anxiety/depression, biochemical and genetic markers of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk among 40–65 year old Lithuanian citizens. According to investigated CVD risk factors we found, that almost every fourth resident of Lithuania has normal body weight, half of the respondents are overweight, and 26.7 percent are obese and low physical activity during leisure time. In our studied Lithuanian population we found a higher than recommended cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides concentration levels. We have received a significant association between CVD and the presence of anxiety.

Main publications:

Urnikytė, A., Domarkienė, I., Stoma, S., Ambrozaitytė, L., Uktverytė, I., Meškienė, R., Kasiulevičius, V., Burokienė, N., Kučinskas, V. 2016. CNV analysis in the Lithuanian population. BMC Genetics, vol. 17, p. 64.

Pranculis, A., Rančelis, T., Ambrozaitytė, L., Uktverytė, I., Domarkienė, I., Burokienė, N., Kučinskienė, Z.A., Kučinskas, V. 2016. The prevalence of rare variants potentially important for the response to medicines used for CVD treatment in the Lithuanian population. Journal of Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoproteomics, vol. 7, p. 157.

Association of anxiety disorders and indicators of atherosclerosis, hemostasis, and the structure and function of arterial wall in male smokers. The aim of study was to assess the associations of anxiety disorders and indicators of atherosclerosis, hemostasis, the structure and function of arterial wall in male smokers. In the study the association of anxiety disorder and markers reflecting major atherosclerosis pathogenetic pathways was explored in male smokers’ population. It was shown that anxiety disorders together with other risk factors, such as strength of nicotine dependence, number of smoked cigarettes, and smoking experience was associated with hypertriglyceridemia, increased platelet functional activity and lower carotid arteries rigidity in male smokers.

Review of co-morbidities, management and outcomes of patients with acromegaly consulted in a single centre in Vilnius, Lithuania over 9 year period. We have concluded that acromegaly is associated with an increased morbidity. SSAs are more effective in the treatment of acromegaly when applied after transsphenoidal surgery, as they help to achieve control of the disease in a greater percentage of patients. Availability of high-dose SSA treatment is associated with better treatment outcomes and leads to disease remission in a significantly higher percentage of patients. Control of the disease remains a challenge despite availability of high-dose SSA treatment as 12-31% of patients receiving second-line or primary SSA treatment remain uncontrolled.

To assess leptin, adiponectin and insulin resistance changes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in diabetic and non-diabetic morbidly obese patients. The most significant metabolic changes occurred within 1 year after LAGB. Subsequent 4 years of follow-up revealed stabilization in metabolic indices rather than significant improvement.

Main publication:

Kurakovas, T., Banisauskaite, I., Matuleviciute, I., Jureviciute, J., Matulevicius, V., Ostrauskas, R., Verkauskiene, R., Urbanavicius, V. 2016. Comparison the sexuality of 26–36-years-old Lithuanian healthy and type-1 diabetic males with older than 40 years men sexuality of 8 European countries. Problems of Endocrinology, vol. 62(5), p. 37–39.

Investigation of association between frailty and procollagen type I N propeptide in community dwelling elderly women. Concusion was found in elderly women pre-frailty to be associated with higher levels of procollagen type I N propeptide. Relationship between frailty and procollagen type I N propeptide was not observed.

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

Chronic B lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). 25 relapsed refractory CLL patients with poor perfomance status or ≥65 years of age with any perfomance status were collected and their demographic data, previous therapy, disease status were evaluated.
Medium age of the patients was 73 years, advanced stage detected in 60%, bulky disease in 48%, B symptoms in 72% of the patients, median treatment lines was 1, and median CIRS was 5. All 25 patients were evaluated for molecular prognostic markers: FISH, TP53 mutational status, IgVH mutations.
Very high risk disease with 17pdeletion and/or TP53 mutation was confirmed in 24% of the patients, no aberrations or favourable 13pdeletion were found in 56% of the patients. Toxicity profile was favourable: III-IV AE reported only in 23% of the patients. Overall response (partial response and stable disease reported in 88% of the patients.

Main publication:

Dirse, V., Gineikiene, E., Zvirblis, T., Bertasiute, R., Paulsson, K., Griskevicius, L. 2016. Single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis of clonal evolution in younger adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma, vol. 57(11), p. 2716–9.

The task of the study E3 ubiqutin ligases: search of new biomarkers for aggressive melanoma target therapy was to establish less toxic combination of RITA and Nutlin-3 for melanocytes, but which can synergistically kill metastatic melanoma cells. Conclusion of this study: more experiments with higher concentrations of inhibitors and different human skin metastatic cell lines are necessary.
The aim of the study DNA repair system gene expression of the importance of providing patients with the IB - IIIA stages of non-small-cell lung cancer, post-operative treatment was to estimate rate of DNA-repair system genes ERCC1 and RRM1 expression of the importance of tumor, blood and bronchial secretions, providing patients with IB - IIIA stage non-small cell lung cancer, post-operative treatment and assess the time to disease progression or relapse.
Analysis of tumor cell molecular biomarkers for the development of non-invasive/low-invasive methods for cancer diagnosis and patient follow-up.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Šapoka –

board member of International and European Society of Internal Medicine;
editor-in-chief of the journal Internistas (Internist);
president of 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).

Assoc. Prof. V. Urbanavičius –

member of Eurodiabetes Index 2015 Committee;
editorial board member of journals Lietuvos endokrinologija (Endocrinology of Lithuania), Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), Diabetes Review and Internistas (Internist);
member of the organizing commitees of endocrinological conferences;
member of European Association of Study of Diabetes.

Prof. V. Alekna –

president of Lithuanian Osteoporosis Foundation;
vice- president of Lithuanian Society of Gerontologists and Geriatrists;
editor-in-Chief of the journal Gerontologija (Gerontology).

INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH

M.K. Čiurlionio str. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8732, 239 8738
Fax 239 8738

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. M. Jakubauskienė, Dr. V. Giedraitis, Dr. J. Kairys (part-time), Dr. S. Vainauskas, Dr. L.Murauskienė
Lecturers: Dr. A. Astrauskienė (part-time), Dr. L. Ašoklienė (part-time), Dr. R. Bartkevičiūtė (part-time), Dr. A. Bagdonavičius (part-time), A. Barzda (part-time), R. Baranauskienė (part-time), Dr. A. Beržanskytė, D. Brogienė (part-time), Dr. M. Butikis, A. Čekanauskaitė (part-time), N. Kuprevičienė (part-time), Dr. E. Peičius (part-time), Dr. R. Sketerskienė (part-time), Dr. L. Stundžė, Dr. A. Juodaitė – Račkauskienė (part-time), Dr. R. Vaitkienė (part-time), Dr. R. Jankauskas (part-time), Dr. J. Stanislavovienė, G. Smailytė (part-time), V. Dobrovolskij (part-time),V. Jaeck .
Research fellows: D. Austys, M. Baranauskas (part-time), Dr. A.Valiulis.
Assistants: L. Paškevičius (part-time), V. Taminskienė, J. Lekstutienė (part-time), N. Dambrauskaitė, I. Kušeliauskaitė, Paulius Stravinskas (part-time).
Doctoral students: D. Austys, V. Andreikėnaitė, I. Tamulaitytė - Morozovienė, V. Taminskienė, I. Pačiauskaitė, A. Černovas, O. Ubartienė, D. Dudutienė, A. Bilotienė, A. Motiejūnienė, S. Grubytė, L. Steponavičienė, R. Maceinaitė, J. Račaitė.
Public health scientific group of students: scientific leader – Prof. G. Šurkienė, coordinator – student E. Jansonas; 31 members of the group.

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 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

New objective for the study was defined: Lifestyle, health-related quality of life and subjective well-being in older adults.

Main publications:

Cernovas, A., Kluonaitis, K., Tamulaitiene, M., Stukas, R., Alekna, V. 2016. The relationship between subjective wellbeing, perceived stress and health related quality of life in elderly women. Eur Geriatr Med., Suppl 1: S89.

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

In 2016 statistical analysis of home related injuries among 6–7 years old children attending pre-school education establishments in Lithuania was performed.

Main publications:

Račaitė, J., Šurkienė, G. Unintentional domestic injuries among prie-school children and parents/guardian need of knowledge about children safety at home. National scientific- practical conference Children’s health promoting environment. Let’s build it together. Collection of Conference Articles. Vilnius, p. 37–40.

Racaite, J., Surkiene, G. 2016. The Prevalence of Home Related Injuries among Children undern Five Attending Preschool Establishments in Lithuania (Abstract). Injury Prevention, vol. 22(Suppl. 2), p. A.87.

Ethical Aspects of Biomedical Reasearch with Human. Prof. E. Gefenas. 2014–2018.

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.

Main publications:

Dranseika, V., Gefenas, E., Waligora, M. 2016. Broadening the “Infrastructure Effect”: Lessons from the Early Development of Research Ethics in Eastern Europe. The American Journal of Bioethics, vol. 16, no. 6, p. 26–28.

Philpott-Jones, S., Gefenas, E., Macpherson, C. C., Strosberg, M. A., Hall, R. T. 2016. Fogarty and charge of moral imperialism: a response to Hellmann et al. Archives of Medical Research, vol. 47, p. 65–66.

International Science Programmes, Projects and Contracts

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

In 2016 our Department continued collaboration with Union Graduate College Bioethics Program (USA) in implementation of the project Advanced Certificate Program: Research Ethics in Central and Eastern Europe.

Project: Development of a Model for the Strengthening of the Capacities to Identify and Reduce Health Inequalities. Project’s coordinator at Vilnius University Dr. A. Beržanskytė. 2014–2017.

Project is funded by the Norwegian financial mechanism 2009–2014 programme No. LT11 “Public Health Initiatives”. In 2016 recommendations for the reduction of health inequalities were developed. They covered different areas having impact on health inequalities as alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, nutrition, suicides.

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 journals Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health), Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
member of the National Health Board;
member of the board of the Lithuanian Ministry of Health;
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Hygienists and Epidemiologists.

Prof. G. Šurkienė –

editorial board member of the journals Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health), Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences), Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology);
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 the Minister to Health of Lithuania.

Prof. K. Žagminas –

editorial board member of the journals Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health), 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);
member of organizing committee for the annual conference Vilnius Seminars in Rheumatology;
member of organizing commitee of World Arthritis Day.

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 journals Medicina (Medicine), Sveikatos Mokslai (Health Sciences), Biologinė psichiatrija ir psichofarmakologija (Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology);
members 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. V. Giedraitis –

editorial board member of Sociology of Development;
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;
vice president of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
chairman of Lithuanian Alliance Against Chronic Lung Diseases (WHO-GARD Lithuania);
vice chairman 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 (Index Copernicus);
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 (20 annual international conferences of Paediatric Asthma, Pneumonia, CF, TB and Orphan Lung Diseases; more than 8000 trained doctors);
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 –

member of the delegation of the Republic of Lithuania at the meeting with the representatives of the European Commission, 9–10 March, 2016, Brussels, Belgium;
representative of the Republic of Lithuania at the seminar Reliesing Health Care System Resources: Tackling Ineffective Spending and Waste of Health Committee Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, 7–9 April 2016, Paris, France;
representative of the Republic of Lithuania at the final consultation European Framework for Action on Integrated Health Services Delivery, World Health Organization Region Office for European, 2–4 May 2016, Copenhagen, Denmark;
member of the delegation of the Republic of Lithuania at the Baltic Policy dialog Strengthening primary care: implementing change towards better coordination and more multiprofessional working, World Health Organization Region Office for European, Observatory for Health Systems and Policy and Ministry of Social Affairs of Estonia, 2–4 November, 2016, Tallin, Estonia;
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;
representative of Associated Partners Health Authorities 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 Republic of Lithuania in Codex Alimentarius Commis

Dr. L. Murauskienė –

associate editor for BMC Health Services Research.

Dr. D. Brogienė –

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

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND MEDICAL GENETICS

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

Head – Prof. Dr. Algirdas Utkus

STAFF

Professor emeritus: Habil. Dr. V. Kučinskas (part-time).
Professors: Dr. L. Cimbalistienė (part-time), Dr. A. Utkus (part-time), Dr. A. Jakaitienė (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. E. Benušienė (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), B. Aleksiūnienė (part-time), A. Skučaitė (part-time), Dr. A. Morkūnienė (part-time), B.Tumienė (part-time).
Senior research fellow: Dr. E. Preikšaitienė (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. Ž. Maldžienė (part-time), Dr. I. Domarkienė, Dr. V. Ginevičienė (part-time), Dr. A. Matulevičienė (part-time), Dr. J. Sušinskas (part-time), Dr. I. Kavaliauskienė.
Junior research fellows: Dr. J. Songailienė (part-time), J. Arasimavičius (part-time), I. Baškirova (part-time), B. Burnytė (part-time), Š. Germanas (part-time), R. Meškienė, V. Mikštienė (part-time), A. Pranculis (part-time), T. Rančelis, T. Petrėnas (part-time), E. Gasperskaja (part-time).
Assistant: N. Krasovskaja (part-time).
Biologist investigator: A. Urnikytė.
Doctoral students: T. Rančelis, V. Mikštienė, B. Tumienė, B. Aleksiūnienė, B. Burnytė, A. Urnikytė. L. Pranckėnienė, E. Gasperskaja, R. Laukienė.
Genetic scientific group of students: scientific leader – Dr. E. Preikšaitienė, coordinator – student A. Dapkutė; 14 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Population genetics of Lithuania
Genomics of intellectual disability
Genetic basis of imprinting disorders

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

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 neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, severe dysmorphic phenotypes, and other hereditary phenotypes has been performed investigating physical mapping and possible DNA variants function. Genome wide based studies of the Lithuanian population; genomic research in the Lithuanian physical performance athlete group.

Main publications:

Koumbaris, G., Kypri, E., Tsangaras, K., Achilleos, A., Mina, P., Neofytou, M., Velissariou, V., Georgia, C., Kallikas, I., Gonzalez-Linan, A., E. Benušienė, E., Patsalis, P. C. et al. 2016. Cell-free DNA analysis of targeted genomic regions in maternal plasma for non-invasive prenatal testing of trisomy 21, trisomy 18, trisomy 13 and fetal sex. Clinical Chemistry, vol. 62 (6), p.1–8.

Franke, B., Stein, J. L., Ripke, S. Et al. Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, ENIGMA Consortium,... et al... [from Lithuania V. Kučinskas, Z. A. Kučinskienė]. 2016. Genetic influences on schizophrenia and subcortical brain volumes: large-scale proof of concept. Nature Neuroscience. New York: Nature Publishing Group, vol. 19, no. 3. p. 420–431.

Matulevičienė, A., Meškienė, R., Morkūnienė, A., Ambrozaitytė, L., Meškauskas, R., Garunkštienė, R., Drazdienė, N., Utkus, A., Kučinskas, V. 2016. Frame shift mutations of the ZMPSTE24 gene in two siblings with restrictive dermopathy. Clinical Dysmorphology, vol. 25, iss. 1, p. 7–11.

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.

The task of the project was achieved, all activities were performed, and project’s data is published. During final project’s conference researchers presented results achieved during this project. 128 patients with unknown etiology of intellectual disability were enrolled in the project. The genetic diagnosis was established in ~20% of the patients. New phenotypic observations of recognizable syndromes added new insights for further delineation of the known disorders. Clinical characterization of the patients with novel mutation, expanded the clinical spectrum of syndromes.

Main publications:

Preiksaitiene, E., Benušienė, E., Ciuladaite, Z., Šliužas, V., Mikštienė, V., Kučinskas, V. 2016. Recurrent foetal syndromic spina bifida associated with 3q26.1-qter duplication and 5p13.33-pter deletion due to familial balanced rearrangement. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol., vol. 55(3), p. 410–4.

Preiksaitiene, E., Tumienė, B., Maldžienė, Ž., Pranckevičienė, E., Morkūnienė, A., Utkus, A., Kučinskas, V. 2016. Features of KAT6B-related disorders in a patient with 10q22.1q22.3 deletion. Ophthalmic genetics, vol. 23, p. 1–4.

Preikšaitienė, E., Ambrozaitytė, L., Maldžienė, Ž., Morkūnienė, A., Cimbalistienė, L., Rančelis, T., Utkus, A., Kučinskas, V. 2016. Identification of genetic causes of congenital neurodevelopmental disorders using genome wide molecular technologies. Acta medica Lituanica, vol. 23, no. 2, p. 73–85.

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.

In total 29 patients were recruited for the mitochondrial investigation in 2016 in Lithuania. All patients were referred with clinical symptoms suggestive of mitochondrial pathology. Full length mitochondrial DNA sequencing and analysis of the results completed for at least 33 Lithuanian patients. The distribution of mt haplogroups within Lithuanian patients with symptoms suggestive of mitochondrial pathology corresponds to distribution in general Lithuanian/European populations.

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 –

editorial board member of the journals Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
President of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics (board member of Education Committee of ESHG);
board member of Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
member of the Lithuanian National Committee on Biomedical Ethics.

Prof. Habil. Dr. V. Kučinskas –

member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
editorial board member of the journals Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), Journal of Applied Genetics (Poland), Medicina (Medicine), Journal Medical Genetics (Russia), Acta medica Lituanica, Balkan Journal of Medical Genetisc (Macedonia);
consultant on medical genetics, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics (board member of Education Committee of ESHG);
member of the American Society of Human Genetics;
member of Human Genome Organization (HUGO).

Prof. Dr. L. Cimbalistienė –

member of the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics (chairperson of Committee of Financial Supervisory Commission);
member of the Lithuanian Doctors’ Union.

Prof. A. Jakaitienė –

member of Lithuanian Mathematical Society;
member of Lithuanian Statistics Society;
member of International Epidemiological Association.

Dr. E. Benušienė –

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

Dr. J. Kasnauskienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
board member of Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.

Dr. E. Pranckevičienė –

member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

Dr. L. Ambrozaitytė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, (board member of Committee of Professional Competence and Ethics);
member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
member of the American Society of Human Genetics;
COST Action BM1208 (European Network for Human Congenital Imprinting Disorders) group member.

Dr. I. Domarkienė –

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

Dr. V. Ginevičienė –

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

Dr. I. Kavaliauskienė –

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

Dr. Ž. Maldžienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
National scholarship program of the World Federation of Scientists.

Dr. A. Matulevičienė –

member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
member of the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, (board member of the Committee of Financial Supervisory Commission);
member of the Lithuanian Doctors’ Union.

Dr. A. Morkūnienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
COST Action BM1208 (European Network for Human Congenital Imprinting Disorders) group member.

Dr. A. Molytė –

member of the Lithuanian Computer Society.

Dr. J. Songailienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the International Society for Neonatal Screening;
member of the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM);
president of the Baltic Metabolic Group;
National representative of Lithuania in ERNDIM/EuroGenTest (ERNDIM- European Research Network for Evaluation and Improvement of Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment of Inherited Disorders of Metabolism; EuroGentest - EU-funded Network of Excellence).

Dr. V. Šliužas –

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

Dr. E. Preikšaitienė –

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

Dr. J. Sušinskas, Dr. A. Skučaitė –

members of the Lithuanian Mathematical Society.

B. Aleksiūnienė –

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

B. Burnytė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the Society for Studies of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, SSIEM;
Orphanet information scientist.

V. Mikštienė –

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

R. Meškienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics.

A. Pranculis –

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

B. Tumienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the Society for Studies of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, SSIEM;
board member of Baltic Metabolic Group;
member of Lithuanian Child Neurology Association;
member of Lithuanian Society of Epileptology;
member of Lithuanian Society of Neurosciences;
Orphanet information scientist.

E. Gasperskaja –

member of the Lithuanian Stem Cell Research Association.

L. Pranckėnienė –

member of the European Society of Human Genetics.