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 DEFENDED IN 2017

I. Lisauskienė. Changes in cardiovascular medicines utilization and morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease in Lithuania.
V. Mikštienė. The genomics of congenital/hereditary hearing loss: influence on pathogenesis and the phenotypic manifestation in the Lithuanian population.
B. Tumienė. Genomic factors in epilepsy etiological structure and diagnostics.
G. Bernotavičius. A comparative study of the surgical correction of teenaged idiopathic scholiosis by identifying the optimal posture prognostic factor.
A. Buivydienė. Evaluation of chronic viral hepatitis C complications and that of developmental risk of hepatocellular carcinoma by non-invasive and histological research methods.
D. Austys. Evaluation of impact of lifestyle on accumulation of epicardial adipose tissue in adults with cardiovascular diseases using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
L. Rapolienė. Evaluation and prevention of lifestyle and psychoemotional state-mediated integral health risk.
V. Taminskienė. Bronchial asthma as a model for a chronic disease impact on the quality of life of children and their families.
I. Veličkienė. Is anxiety sensitivity associated with coronary hearth disease, anxiety disorders and inflammation markers (IL-6, IL-8).
I. Sereikė. Critical illness neuromuscular abnormality after prolonged treatment in the intensive care unit.
A. Baranauskas. The effectiveness of myocardial revascularization in patients with diffuse coronary atherosclerosis.
G. Burneikaitė. Efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave myocardial revascularization therapy in patients with stable angina pectoris the randomized, triple-blind, and sham procedure controlled study.
L. Bezuška. Univentricular heart surgeries: analysis and optimization.
I. Stacevičienė. Nasopharyngeal colonisation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in preschool children and its influence on the course of acute respiratory tract infections.
R. Aškinis. DNA repair system gene expression of the importance of providing patients with the IB – III A stages of non-small-cell lung cancer, post-operative treatment.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2017

International conferences:

Institute of Biomedical Sciences:

Seminar Post –truth in Medical Science: how to Separate Wheat from the Chaff
Huntington’s Disease Conference
Baltic Metabolic Group Meeting: Clinical and Laboratory Diagnosis of Mitochondrial Disorders
Dysmorphology Summer 2017
Ultrasound and Radiology Diagnostics 2017

Institute of Clinical Medicine:

WPA Inter Zonal congress Changing Society, Changing Psychiatry, Changing Self
Neuropsychoanalysis in Everyday Psychotherapy Practise
4th Baltic conference on Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune disorders
26th Nordic-Baltic Congress of Cardiology
Modern Approach to the Diagnostics and Treatment of Infertility. Examination and Treatment of Infertile Family. Ultrasound Diagnostics and Infertility. Controled Ovarian Stimulation
Cardiac Diseases and Pregnancy
BEST vol. 5
1st international public mental health conference From Fundamentals to Innovations
International conference of Lithuanian endodontic society Endodontology 2017

Updates in Dermatovenerology.

International conference of Lithuanian Society of Prosthodontics Fascinating Restaurative Dentistry
International seminar for Young Psychiatrists Leadership and Professional Skills Development Course
Epilepsy-2017
Ultrasound and Radiology Diagnostics 2017
2nd international conference Progress of ECMO in Lithuania
Vilnius Vascular Symposium
Vilnius Course 2017
Vilnius International Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology Conference – School.
International Conference of Rare Diseases.
Thrombotic Microangiopathies
Childhood Hypertension – A Cross Talk between Pediatric Cardiology and Nephrology

Institute of Odontology

Annual Congress of European Association for Public Health Dentistry
International conference of Lithuanian Society of Prosthodontics Fascinating Restaurative Dentistry

Institute of Health Sciences:

3rd scientific-practical conference of Baltic States Paediatric Nursing and Rehabilitation: Science and Practice 2017
1st international public mental health conference From Fundamentals to Innovations.

Local conferences:

Institute of Biomedical Sciences:

Prevention of Cervical Cancer: the Role of HPV Infection
International Down Syndrome Day 2017. My voice. My community
International DNA Day in Lithuania

Institute of Clinical Medicine:

Abnormal Bleedings in Gynecology
Methods of Vitrification of Gametes and Embryos: Theoretical and Practical Aspects
Otorinolaryngology Update
Relevances of Nursing Science and Practice 2017 (Slaugos mokslo ir praktikos aktualijos 2017)
Health and Harmony to Everyone
Harm Reduction and Prevention of Addiction
Actual Topic of Interstitial and Obstructive Lung Diseases
Actual topic of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and biological therapy of lung cancer News in Pulmonology
18th annual meeting of Lithuanian Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Infectious Diseases 2017
Neuroangiochirurgijos centras 2017
15th Summer School of Lithuanian neurologists
Lithuanian Stroke Association – 2017
Stroke in Nurses’ Daily Practice
18^th annual meeting of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons 30 years for Heart Transplantation in Lithuania
Meeting of Lithuanian ERS (European Respiratory Society) Association Interventional Pulmonology and Allergology 2017
13th conference devoted to World COPD Day Autumn of Pulmonology and Allergology 2017.
Achievements of Paediatric’s in Lithuania Eighty Years for Lithuanian Paediatric Society
Feeding problems in Children
Update on Paediatric Allergy 2017
Children's Health Issues 2017

Institute of Odontology

Annual conference of Association of Dental education in Europe
Conference of Lithuanian endodontic society Endodontology 2017

Institute of Health Sciences:

Vision of the Future: a Healthy Environmental for Children
Treatment of Post-stroke Spasms by Onabotulinumtoxina under Ultrasound Control Efficiency of Rehabilitation Methods and Means

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2017

Awards: The WPA Honorary Membership for excellence in service to the World Psychiatric Association is awarded to Dr. Alvydas Navickas on the occasion of the 17th World Congress of Psychiatry in Berlin, Germany 8–12 October 2017.

INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, 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).
Assistants: D. Bandzevičienė (part-time), K. Kuolienė (part-time), Dr. M. Leonavičiūtė-Klimantavičienė (part-time), V. Lukošaitis (part-time), R. Mackevičienė.
Lecturers: A. Audickaitė (part-time), Dr. V. Bartuškienė (part-time), L. Bračkutė (part-time), R. Bulzgytė (part-time), R. Jacevičiūtė (part-time), J. Janavičius (part-time), J. Jarašūnas (part-time), M. Minsevičius (part-time), R. Morkūnienė, K. Popov (part-time).
Research fellow: S. Šilovė.
Visiting scholar: Dr. D. Piombino-Mascali.
Doctoral students: K. Kuolienė, V. Lukošaitis, R. Morkūnienė, A. Vaitiekus.
Students’ scientific group of Human biology and evolutionary medicine: scientific leader – prof. J. Tutkuvienė; coordinator – student G. Stankutė, in total 42 students.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Human Genome Diversity, Its Origin and Phenotypic Realization

Skeletal and dental health indicators in Lithuanian paleopopulations and potential ecological, social, demographic factors of their variability

The peculiarities and factors of prenatal development, growth programming and postnatal development in both humans and experimental animals (chicken embryos, rats)

The physical status of contemporary inhabitants, the internal and external factors of phenotypic variation, the relationship between indices of physical and general health status, the analysis of secular trend and prognosis of future tendencies

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

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 new morphometric, paleopathological and paleodemographical data of Lithuanian populations from Medieval and Modern times were continued. Epidemiology of trauma from several new samples, and paleodemografical data from medieval burials were summarised. Data of porotic hyperostosis and antemortem tooth loss from selected 16–17 c. populations, and dental status of 19^th c. inhabitans of Panevezys were collected and analysed.

Main publications:

Holder, S., Dupras, T. L., Jankauskas, R., Williams, L. Schultz, J. 2017. Reconstructing diet in Napoleon’s Grand Army using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, vol. 163(1), p. 53–63; doi: 10.1002/ajpa.23184.

Panzer, S., Pernter, P., Piombino-Mascali, D., Jankauskas, R., Zesch, S., Rosendahl, W., Hotz, G., Zink, A. 2017. Checklist and scoring system for the assessment of soft tissue preservation in CT examinations of human mummies: application to the Tyrolean Iceman. RöFo: Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren, vol. 189 (12), p. 1152–1160; doi: 10.1055/s-0043-116668.

Andrades Valtueña, A., Mittnik, A., Key, F.M., Haak, W., Allmäe, R., Belinskij, A., Daubaras, M., Feldman, M., Jankauskas, R., Janković, I., Massy, K., Novak, M., Pfrengle, S., Reinhold, S., Šlaus, M., Spyrou, M.A., Szécsényi-Nagy, A., Tõrv, M., Hansen, S., Bos, K., Stockhammer, P.W., Herbig, A., Krause, J. 2017. The Stone Age plague and its persistence in Eurasia. Current Biology, vol. 27(23), p. 3683–3691; doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.10.025.

Experimental (growth programming) investigations. Further analysis of data from the experimental study on the influence of maternal nutrition prior to pregnancy and during pregnancy was carried out: the behavioural video record data from the elevated plus maze was coded with Noldus software and analysed, the histomorphological and metabolic profile of the first-generation rat offspring was presented in the international conference. The influence of water after electrolysis and effect of vitamin E on the skeletal formation was analysed and data presented in the international conference of young scientists. Effect of different concentrations of fluorine and boron on the second-generation rat offspring was continued. The influence of toxicity of different doses of quantum dots for the pregnant rats was summarised and data were published.

Main publication:

Zalgeviciene, V., Kulvietis, V., Bulotiene, D., Zurauskas, E., Laurinaviciene, A., Skripka, A., Rotomskis, R. 2017. Quantum dots mediated embryotoxicity via placental damage. Reproductive Toxicology, vol. 73, p. 222–231.

Investigations of the physical status of contemporary inhabitants. Analysis of data on parameters of Lithuanian newborns was continued: publication on weight changes during 1995–2013 years was published; publication on comparison newborns’ head circumference with INTERGROWTH study was prepared. The longitudinal study on growth of premature children was started, retrospective data from patients’ health histories were obtained (N=100). The results on Lithuanian longitudinal growth study (1990–2008) were further published. The study on physical status of 19–20 year old Lithuanians was started; 40 students were investigated according to wide anthropometrical programme. The 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, the results were published. The analysis on face recognition in preschool children were finalised. The results of study on breast changes in females during the pregnancy were published. The study on physical status, health and body image of incarcerated persons was started, the review article was published. The study on the relationship between the alignment of lower extremity in relation to functional and the other body parameters were further continued: feet x-rays of 20 anthropometrically investigated persons were performed. The localization of meniscal injuries in the stable knee was analysed in more than 2000 arthroscopic patients from the evolutionary point of view. All the above results were presented at international conferences. Knee ACL reconstruction using 5 and 6 strands was analysed in relation to body size, the results were published.

Main publications:

Suchomlinov, A., Jakaitė, V., Tutkuvienė, J. 2017. Individual variability in height tracking in infancy: comparison of two longitudinal data sets of children born in 1990 and 1996 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Anthrop Anz, vol. 74(3), p. 193–197.

Jakimaviciene, E. M., Tutkuviene, J., Isakova, J., Morkūniene, R., Drazdiene N., Basys, V. 2017. Changes in total number of births and birth size during the 1995–2013: the reflection of socio-economic fluctuations in Lithuania? Collegium Antropologicum, vol. 2(41), p. 97–107.

Tutkus, V., Kluonaitis, K., Silove, S., Tutkuvene, J. 2017. ACL reconstruction using 5- or 6-strand hamstring autrograft provides graft’s diameter bigger than 8 mm. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, doi: 10.1007/s00167-017-4668-6.

National Research Projects

Granted by National Museum of Lithuania, and the Genocide and Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania: Anthropological Investigation of Skeletal Remains of the January Uprising (1863-1864) at the Gediminas Hill in Vilnius. Prof. R. Jankauskas (leading scientist); assoc.prof. Ž. Miliauskienė (researcher). 2017–2018.

Skeletal remains of 11 participants of The January Uprising (1863–1864) were discovered on the Gediminas Hill. Identity of one of the leaders - Z. Sierakowski - was confirmed by anthropological analysis, archeological findings and superimposition. Investigation is proceeded.

Granted by The Genocide and Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania: Anthropological Investigations of Orphan’s Cemetery of the 19th c. in Vilnius. Prof. R. Jankauskas (leading scientist); assoc.prof. Ž. Miliauskienė (researcher). 2017–2018.

Historical, archaeological and anthropological investigations of Orphan’s Cemetery of the 19th c. in Vilnius lead to the discovery of 16 remains of victims of Soviet repressions (1956–1969). It was assumed that one of the prominent leaders of the Lithuanian partisans’ movement Adolfas Ramanauskas-Vanagas (1918–1957) could be buried here. Investigation is continued.

International Research Projects

International projected (44 countries) coordinated by Prof. Viren Swami (Anglia Ruskin University and Perdana University). The Breast Size Satisfaction Survey (BSSS) Prof. J. Tutkuvienė (leading scientists of the Lithuanian partner). 2017–2019.

Preparation for the project was started: documentation related to collaboration, harmonization of all the procedures with the other project partners, study organisation and management, bioethical permission, translation and adaptation of the study questionnaire was conducted.

HORIZON-2020 project coordinated by CEITEC Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic: EU-13 countries: Alliance for Life: Closing Research and Innovation Divide in the European Union. Prof. J. Tutkuvienė (Strategy Board member of the Lithuanian partner – Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine. 2017–2019.

Preparation for the project was started: documentation related to collaboration, harmonization of all the procedures with the other project partners, organisation and management of the local partner information and preparation for kick-off meeting was conducted.

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 Council of the Faculty of Medicine;
chair of the Scientific Committee of the Faculty of Medicine;
chair of the Doctoral Committee of the Faculty of Medicine;
member of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Council of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the Commission for Human Ecology of International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (IUAES);
member of the International Association of Human Biologists;
member of the Society for Studies of Human Biology;
member of the International Auxollogical Society;
member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society;
member of the Commission of Human Morphology of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Section of Gynaecology of Children and Adolescents);
editorial boards member of the journals: Journal of Human Ecology; Acta Medica Lituanica; Visuomenes Sveikata (Public Health); Anthropologischer Anzeiger; Вестник Московского университета. Серия 23. Антропология;
honorary member of Anthropological Association of Croatia Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Prof. R. Jankauskas –

editorial boards member of the journals: Papers on Anthropology (Tartu University, Estonia); Anthropologischer Anzeiger; Lietuvos archeologija; Archaeologia Baltica;
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 Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (http://lma.lt/old/intranetas);
member of Paleopathology Association.

Prof. R. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė –

member of the European Anthropological Association;
board member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society;
member of the Committee of Medical Studies Programme.

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 European Anthropological Association;
member of the World’s Poultry Science Association.

Assoc. Prof. E. M. Jakimavičienė –

member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society;
member of the European Anthropological Association;
member of the International Auxological 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. L. Nedzinskienė –

member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

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.

Assist. D. Bandzevičienė –

member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

Assist. K. Kuolienė –

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

Asssist. 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.

Assist. V. Lukošaitis –

member of Lithuanian Association of Neurologists;
member of Lithuanian Society for Epileptology;
member of Lithuanian Stroke Association.

Assist. R. Mackevičienė –

member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society;
member of the Lithuanian Ornithological Society.

Lect. A. Audickaitė –

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

Lect. V. Bartuškienė –

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

Lect. R. Jacevičiūtė –

member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

Lect. 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;
member of European Foot and Ankle Society.

Lect. R. Morkūnienė –

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

Lect. K. Popov –

member of Lithuanian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology.

Lect. 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.

D. Piombino-Mascali –

member of Paleopathology Association;
honorary membership at American Society of Embalmers.

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY, MICROBIOLOGY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius

Tel.: 239 8720, 239 8719, 239 8718; fax 239 8745

E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Zita Aušrelė Kučinskienė

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. Z. A. Kučinskienė, Dr. A. J. Abaravičius, Dr. A. Kaminskas, Dr. V. Hendrixson.
Associate professors: Dr. S. Abaravičienė, Dr. L. Bagdonaitė, Dr. V. Jablonskienė, Dr. T. Kačergius, Dr. D. Karčiauskaitė, Dr. R. Matuzevičienė, Dr. D. Vitkus.
Assistants: Dr. V. Banys (part-time), Dr. R. Budrionienė, Dr. A. Kirkliauskienė, Dr. S. Kiverytė, A. Mažeikienė, Dr. J. Valiūnienė, V. Žėkas.
Research fellows: Dr. S. Abaravičienė, Dr. L. Bagdonaitė, M. Bratčikov, Dr. Ž. Daunonavičius, E. Petrik (part time).
Teaching assistants: V. Gabė, M. Radzevičius.
Lecturers: J. Aleksaitė, I. Bikulčienė, A. Coj, L. Gečienė, Ž. Chomanskis (part-time), E. Malyško E.Ostanevičiūtė (part-time), Dr. D. Paškevičienė, R. Petraitis (part-time), M.Vanagaitė-Žičkienė, L.Vasiliauskaitė (part time), A. Virbalis (part time).
Doctoral students: V. Žėkas, M. Radzevičius.
Students’ scientific group of Microbiology: scientific leader – Dr. A. Kirkliauskienė, coordinator – student M. Ridziauskas; 31 students.

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 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

The aim is to evaluate the etiopathogenetic relationship between different clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis: coronary heart disease and metabolic syndrome (MS). Different diagnostic biomarkers in healthy individuals and patients with coronary heart disease and MS were investigated, including routine and new parameters. Nutrition of different patient groups and the impact of new high quality food products with increased biological value to human health were evaluated.

Main publications:

Burokiene, N., Domarkiene, I., Ambrozaityte, L., Uktveryte, I., Meskiene, R., Karciauskaite, D., Kasiulevicius, V., Sapoka, V., Kucinskas, V., Kucinskiene, Z. A. 2017. Classical rather than genetic risk factors account for high cardiovascular disease prevalence in Lithuania: A cross-sectional population study. Advances in Medical Sciences, vol. 62(1), p. 121–128; doi: 10.1016.

Rancelis, T., Arasimavicius, J., Ambrozaityte, L., Kavaliauskiene, I., Domarkiene, I., Karciauskaite, D., Kucinskiene, Z.A., Kucinskas, V. 2017. Analysis of pathogenic variants from the ClinVar database in healthy people next-generation sequencing. Genetics Research, vol. 99, p. e06; doi: 10.1017/S0016672317000040.

McLaughlin, R. L., Schijven, D. W., van Rheenen, K. R., van Eijk, O´Brien, M. 2017. Project MinE GWAS Consortium, Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium [From Lithuania: V.Kucinskas, Z. Kucinskiene]. Genetic correlation between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and schizophrenia. Nature Communications, 8.art. no. 14774; doi: 10.1038/ncomms14774.

Human Cytomics: Research opf 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 publication:

Dirse, V., Norvilas, R., Gineikiene, E., Matuzevičienė, R., Griskevicius, L., Preiksaitiene, E. 2017. ETV6 and NOTCH1 germline variants in adult acute leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma, doi: 10.1080/10428194.2017.1359742.

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

Inhibitory effect of phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides in combination with fluoride mouthwash for the formation of oral streptococci biofilm was determined; high resolution melting PCR (HRM-PCR) technology for genotyping of ESBLs CTX-M and SHV group of Enterobacteriaceae was developed and optimized; carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected, MIC values for carbapenems were tested and primers design was applied for most often carbapenemases genes (KPC, OXA-48, VIM, NDM, GIM, IMP); assessment of the suitability of self-collected samples for the detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and correlation between HPV infection and other STD were investigated; S. aureus resistance was detected to all tested antibiotics except vancomycin and rifampicin. In addition, erythromycin and tetracycline coding genes ermA, ermC and tetK, tetM were detected by polymerase chain reaction.

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.

The psychological stress is associated with atherosclerosis pathogenesis – dysfunction of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, activation of platelets, oxidative stress and inflammation. Malondialdehyde, total antioxidant activity and concentration of antioxidants – carotenoids in blood will be used as biomarkers of oxidative stress levels. Inflammation is evaluated by a high sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and the new biomarker cyclophilin A, which is proposed to be linked between oxidative stress and smooth muscle cells proliferation. Platelet activity is evaluated by their degranulation, aggregation and adhesion (using CD63, PAC21, CD107a markers) and leukocyte and platelet aggregates (CD45, CD14 markers).

Main publication:

Damaging factors on endotheliai cells affect circulating endothelial microvesicle count in perioheral blood. Poster Abstract. Zekas, V., Matuzeviciene, R., Karciauskaite, D., Mazeikiene, A., Burokiene, N., Radzevicius, M., Janiulioniene, A., Kucinskiene, Z.; doi: 10.1016/j. Atherosclerosis. 2017.06.422

Research Council of Lithuania. Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Biomarkers for Patients Hospitalised Due to Acute Heart Failure: Prospective Observational Multicenter Cohort Study (No.MIP 049/2015). Dr. J. Čelutkienė. Investigator – Assoc. Prof. L. Bagdonaitė. 2015–2018.

Project is carried out by Vilnius University together with a partner Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, in conjunction with the research protocol of international GREAT consortium (Global Research on Acute Conditions Team).

The aim is to evaluate the diagnostic value and regional diﬀerences of novel biomarkers, their predictive value for risk of death and rehospitalisation in acute heart failure (AHF) patients. The first aggregated larger scale observational and biomarkers database of AHF patients. 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.

Research Council of Lithuania.Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from the Clinical Specimens (European Union funding of priority axis 9 programme Educating the Society and Strengthening the Potential of Human Resources measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Scientific competence development of scientists, other researchers, students through the scientific practical work”). Principal investigator – Assist. Prof. A. Kirkliauskienė; investigator – L. Kaleinikovaitė (5th year student of the medicine programme of the Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University). 2017–2018.

The aims of this study were to determine the antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from the hospitalized patients, and to evaluate the main genes encoding virulence and resistance to some of the antimicrobial agents. The study is ongoing and the data are being obtained.

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 . 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 first study is based on the induction course from the Japanese AML99 trial and compares the efficacy of mitoxantrone and DaunoXome in the first treatment course. The primary outcome measure is the MRD level on day 22 from start of the course. The second study compares ADxE (low-dose cytarabine, DaunoXome and etoposide) with FLADx (fludarabine, high-dose cytarabine and DaunoXome) as the second induction course. The primary endpoint is the MRD level at day 22 from start of the course. Secondary outcome measures in both studies include EFS, OS, remission rate and toxicity. 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 AL-Qasemi Research Center, Israel: Effect of Gallic Acid Ester – Lauryl Gallate on Biofilm Formation in Bacterial Systems. Assoc. Prof. Dr. T. Kačergius, Prof. Dr. A. Rayan (Israel), Teaching Assistant V. Gabė. 2017–2018.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether gallic acid ester – lauryl gallate inhibits Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and acidogenicity in vitro conditions. Results revealed that lauryl gallate concentrations ranging from 0.0295 mg/ml to 0.0335 mg/ml significantly suppressed S. mutans biofilm formation and acidogenicity in comparison with the untreated bacteria (p<0.05). The lauryl gallate concentration of 0.0335 mg/ml was able to reduce the biofilm formation by 96% and to prevent a decrease in pH level of the biofilm growth medium by 97%. These findings are important for the development of new antibacterial agents.

Main publication:

Kačergius, T., Abu-Lafi, S., Kirkliauskienė, A., Gabė, V., Adawi, A., Rayan, M., Qutob, M., Stukas, R., Utkus, A., Zeidan, M., Rayan, A. 2017. Inhibitory capacity of Rhus coriaria L. extract and its major component methyl gallate on Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation by optical profilometry: Potential applications for oral health. Molecular Medicine Reports, vol. 16(1), p. 949–956; doi: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6674.

Biomedical Research Project Bedaquiline Drug Resistance Emergence Assessment in MDR-TB (Bedaquiline DREAM Program), (No. TMC207-TBCPMR005). Principal investigator: researcher E. Vasiliauskienė, microbiologist – L. Vasiliauskaitė. Organizer of project - Janssen Research & Development. Project is carried out by Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. 2016-2019.

The aim of the study is to determine new antituberculosis drug Bedaquiline (BDQ, diarylquinolone) minimal inhibitory concentration againts multidrug-resistant tuberculosis isolates using 7H11 agar dilution and 7H9 broth microdilutions after introduction BDQ to the market. The study is ongoing.

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, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Centre of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Z. A. Kučinskienė –

member of the Senate of Vilnius University;
chairman of the Senate Scientific Committee of Vilnius University;
member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
member of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University;
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 Laboratory Medicine;
editorial board member of the journals: Acta Medica Lituanica, Medicina, Sveikatos mokslai, Seminars in Cardiology.

Prof. A. J. Abaravičius –

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

Prof. A. Kaminskas –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.

Prof. V. Hendrixson –

member of the Study Committee of the Faculty of Medicine;
member of the Strategic and Development Group of Vilnius University;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
fellow of the Open Medical Institute (OMI AAF);
member of Lithuanian Association of Neuroscience;
member of Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS);
member of Lithuanian Physiology Society;
editorial board member of the journal Clinical Research in Neurology;
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;
member of the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS).

Assoc. Prof. V. Jablonskienė –

editorial board member of the journal Laboratory Medicine;
executive editor of the journal Laboratory Medicine;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.

Assoc. Prof. T. Kačergius –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Microbiologists.

Assoc. Prof. R. Matuzevičienė –

editorial board member of the journals Laboratory Medicine, 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;
member of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry;
member at large of the Board of Baltic Association of Laboratory Medicine;
national Representative at the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM);
corresponding Member of the IFCC Scientific Division Committee of Nomenclature for Properties and Units;
committee of Reference Systems of Enzymes, Committee of Traceability in Laboratory Medicine and Commutability Working Group;
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;
corresponding Member of the EFLM Working Group “Register”;
technical expert at the Lithuanian National Accreditation Bureau;
member of the 3 Working Groups at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
editorial board member of the journal Laboratory Medicine.

Assoc. Prof. D. Karčiauskaitė –

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

Assist. Prof. A. Kirkliauskienė –

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

Assist. V. Gabė –

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

Research fellow. E. Vasiliauskienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of the Lithuanian Pulmonary Society;
member of the Society of Innovative Medicine.

Assist. S. Kiverytė –

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

Assist. V. Banys –

member of Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
member of AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry);
memer of ISTH (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis);
member of CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute);
member of 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 for Young Scientists (TF-YS).

Assist. A. Mažeikienė –

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

DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, FORENSIC MEDICINE AND PHARMACOLOGY

21 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101Vilnius

Tel. 239 8727

E-mails:

Head – Prof. Dr. Arvydas Laurinavicius

STAFF

Professors: Dr. D. Characiejus, Dr. V. Grabauskienė, Dr. J. Gulbinovič, Dr. A. Laurinavičius, Dr. A. Žvirblienė.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Barakauskienė, Dr. J. Grincevičius, Dr. E. Kazėnaitė, Dr. V. Kvedarienė, Dr. R. Kvietkauskaitė, Dr. A. Laurinavičienė, Dr. E. Žurauskas.
Junnior assistants: T. Baltrūnas, V. Baltrūnienė, J. Besusparis, J. Bublevič, D. Dudutienė, R. Šimakauskas.
Lecturers: Dr. K. Garuolienė, Dr. K. Ivanauskas, Dr. M. Jodinskienė, Dr. I. Lisauskienė, Dr. K. Ložienė, A. Barkus, A. Baušys, S. Budrikienė, I. Bunevičiūtė, E. Butkutė, A. Čerkauskaitė, J. Drachneris, R. Dzetaveckienė, A. Garnelytė, A. Gintautas, R. Barbora Grinevičiūtė, S. Jokubauskienė, R. Katkus, D. Linkevičiūtė-Ulinskienė, Ž. Martinėnas, U. Mickys, V. Nariūnaitė, D. Petroška, I. Vencevičiūtė, B. Vaigauskaitė.
Assistants: Dr. N. Šlekienė, Dr. J. Stasiūnienė.
Senior Researcher: A. Rasmusson.
Doctoral students: T. Baltrūnas, V. Baltrūnienė, J. Besusparis, J. Bublevič, S. Chmieliauskas, D. Dudutienė, I. Kažukauskienė, D. Linkevičiūtė-Ulinskienė, S. Mažeikienė (sabbatical year), I. Mirskytė, R. Šimakauskas, D. Žilėnaitė.
Studensts’ scientific groups of:
Forensic medicine: scientific leader – assistant Dr. J. Stasiūnienė, coordinator – student D. Vasiljevaitė; 25 students.
Pathology: scientific leader – junior assistant, doctoral student J. Besusparis, coordinator – student A. Šileikytė; 22 students.
Pharmacology: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Kazėnaitė, coordinator – student G. Kubiliūtė; 44 students.
Pharmacy: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. J. Grincevičius, 3 students.

RESEARCH AREAS

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, personalized and prognostic biomarkers of the diseases
Genesis and gnoseology of violence
Changes in cardiovascular medicines utilization and morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease in Lithuania

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

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, Personalized and Prognostic Biomarkers of the 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 have been 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 have investigated the prognostic and predictive biomarkers in cancer patients with special attention on T lymphocytes which are the most important payers of the control of neoplastic disease.

Main publications:

Baltrūnienė, V., Bironaitė, D., Kažukauskienė, I., Bogomolovas, J., Vitkus, D., Ručinskas, K. Žurauskas, E., Augulis, R., Grabauskienė, V. 2017. The role of serum adiponectin for outcome prediction in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and advanced heart failure. Hindawi BioMed Research International, vol. 2017, article ID 3818292, 13 p., doi:.org/10.1155/2017/3818292, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2017/3818292/.

Bausys, R., Bausys, A., Vysniauskaite, I., Maneikis, K., Klimas, D., Luksta, M., Strupas, K., Stratilatovas, E. 2017. Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer patients: Report from Eastern Europe country- Lithuania. BMC Surgery, vol. 17(108), Internet link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5701498/.

Baltruniene, V., Bironaite, D., Kažukauskiene, I., Augulis, R., Grabauskiene, V. 2017. Serum adiponectin level as an independent predictor of mortality in patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy and advanced heart failure. Baltic Conference Series 2017 (online) VBRI Press, p. 7. (http://www.vbripress.com/bcs17winter/abstractsbook/ch7tissueengineeringandemhealthcaretechnology.pdf).

Genesis and Gnoseology of Violence. Assist. Dr. J. Stasiūnienė. 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 hostility towards people, unwillingness to act in the background of minor problems, lack of interests after working hours, morning fatigue.

Main publication:

Laima, S., Bytautaitė, J., Chmieliauskas, S., Fomin, D., Jasulaitis, A., Jukna, A., Mažeikienė, S., Stasiūnienė, J. 2017. Critical evaluation of metallization in electric injury. American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology: Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. I, vol. 38, no 4, p. 333–335, doi: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000335, internet link: https://insights.ovid.com/pubmed?pmid=28719379.

Changes in Cardiovascular Medicines Utilization and Morbidity and Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease in Lithuania. Prof. Dr. J. Gulbinovič. 2014–2018.

The aim of this project is to evaluate the use of medicines prescribed to treat cardiovascular disease and to analyse its correlation with changes in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It has been shown that appropriate treatment of cardiovascular disease reduceS morbidity and mortality. The use of cardiovascular medicines has been analysed since 2004 and data compared to corresponding data in other countries. Age and gender difference in the use of antihypertensive medicines has been studied. In addition, efficiency of prescribing of generic medicines has been analysed.

Main publication:

Lisauskiene, I, Garuoliene, K, Gulbinovic, J2017. Utilization of cardiovascular medicines and cardiovascular mortality in Lithuania, Sweden and Norway in 2003–2012. Medicina-Lithuania, vol. 53(4), p. 259–267, Internet link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1010660X17300526?via%3Dihub

National Research Projects

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. 2015–2021.

HTC116 primary and resistant to 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and oxaliplatin (OxaPt) differential proteome analysis in 3D cultures was performed. The analysis of the data received from 2D and 3D cultures allows identifying potential drug resistance biomarkers and highlight the resistant molecular mechanisms. The potential target genes which could affect resistance to 5FU and OxaPt cells were highlighted; SW620 cell sublines: SW620/FU, SW620/OXA, SW620/F+O, HCT116/F+O were created and characterized. Prospective colorectal adenocarcinoma patient cohort is being collected.

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 2017.

Main publications:

Della Mea, V., Carbone, A., Di Loreto, C., Bueno, G., De Paoli, P., García-Rojo, M., de Mena, D., Gloghini, A., Ilyas, M., Laurinavicius, A., Rasmusson, A., Milion, M., Dolcetti, R., Pagani, M., Stoppini, A., Sulfaro, A., Bartolo, M., Mazzon, E., Soyer, H. P., Pantanowitz, L. 2017. Teaching digital pathology: The international school of digital pathology and proposed syllabus. Journal of Pathology Informatics; internet link http://www.jpathinformatics.org/article.asp?issn=2153-3539;year=2017;volume=8;issue=1;spage=27;epage=27;aulast=Mea.

Radziuviene, G., Rasmusson, A., Augulis, R., Lesciute-Krilaviciene, D., Laurinaviciene, A., Clim, E., Laurinavicius, A. 2017. Automated image analysis of HER2 fluorescence in situ hybridization to refine definitions of genetic heterogeneity in breast cancer tissue. BioMed Research International; internet link: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2017/2321916/cta/.

Barisoni, L., Gimpel, Ch., Kain, R., Laurinavicius, A., Bueno, G., Zeng, C., Liu, Zh., Schaefer, F., Kretzler, M., Holzman, L. B., Hewitt, S. M. 2017. Digital pathology imaging as a novel platform for standardization and globalization of quantitative nephropathology. Clin Kidney J, vol. 10(2), p. 176–187; internet link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5455257/.

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

Université de Caen Basse-Normandie (France)
Cancer Pathology Nottingham University (GB)
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (USA)
Ruprecht-Karls-universitat Heidelberg, EMBL (Germany)
University Hospital Gießen and Marburg (Germany)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. A. Laurinavičius –

member of the Clinical Nephrology Committee, Lithuanian Association of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation;
member of the European Society of Pathology;
vice-chairman of the board of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology;
editorial board member of the journals: Medicina (Medicine); Diagnostic Pathology; Pathology Informatics;
chairman of the Management Board, Lithuanian Association of Health Informatics and Bioinformatics.

Prof. Dr. 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. Dr. Jolanta Gulbinovič –

member of Executive Committee of the European Association of Clinical; Pharmacology and Therapeutics (EACPT);
member of Cauncil of European Drug Utilisation Group (EuroDurg);
Board member of Lithuanian Association of Clinical Pharmacology;
member of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee of the European medicines Agency.

Prof. Dr. 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. Dr. E. Žurauskas –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Laurinavičienė –

president of Lithuanian Association of Pathology Technologists.

Lect. U. Mickys –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

Lect. D. Petroška –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.

DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MEDICAL PHYSICS

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius

Tel./fax. 236 5177

E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Algirdas Edvardas Tamošiūnas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. E. Tamošiūnas, Dr. N. R. Valevičienė.
Associate professors: Dr. J. Dementavičienė, Dr. S. Letautienė.
Asisstants: Dr. A. Samuilis, Dr. B. Gricienė, Dr. M. Matačiūnas Dr. R. Briedienė, Dr. R. Grigienė, D. Valančienė.
Junior assistant: A. Bajorinaitė.
Lecturers: R. Baltagalvienė, J. Vaičiulienė.
Doctoral students: D. Palionis, A. Neverauskienė, K. Kristinaitytė, A. Bajorinaitė, D. Jocius.
Students’ scientific groups of Radiology: scientific leader – assistant Prof. N. R. Valevičienė, student Dž. Jagminas; 33 members of the group.

RESEARCH AREAS

Creation of new functional and anatomical imaging techniques and evaluation of 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
AI and deep learning applicaions in diagnostic imaging

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

New Functional and Anatomical Imaging Techniques in Cardiovascular and Oncology Diagnostics. Dr. A. E. Tamošiūnas, Dr. N. R. Valevičienė.Dr. J. Dementavičienė, Dr. R. Briedienė, Dr. S. Letautienė, Dr. A. Samuilis, Dr. B. Gricienė, Dr. M. Matačiūnas. Prof. G. Kalinauskas, Dr. J. Valaikeinė, Dr. J. Dementavičienė. 2014–2018.

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

Lukšaitė, R., Samuilis, A., Sokolovas, V, Tamošiūnas, A. E., Strupas, K. 2017. Ultrasound imaging of vascular complications after adult orthotopic liver transplantation. Radiology Update, vol 1(2), p. 6–23.

Kizlaitienė, R, Kaubrys, G, Giedraitienė, N, Ramanauskas, N, Dementavičienė, J. 2017. Composite marker of cognitive dysfunction and brain atrophy is highly discriminating between relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Med Sci Monit., vol. 23, p. 588–597.

Aliukonis, P., Letauta, T., Briedienė, R., Naruševičiūtė, I., Letautienė, S. 2017. The role of different PI-RADS versions in prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance tomography assessment. Acta Med Litu, vol. 24(1), p. 44–50.

National Research Projects

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

Value of multi-parametric MRI biomarkers for glial brain tumors morphology and physiology. Assessment of glial brain tumors morphology and physiology by multi-parametric MRI biomarkers. The purpose of this study is to compare MRI perfusion, spectroscopy and tractography findings with tumour histological and molecular biology examination. We want to find if there are any specific MRI markers which can help determine histological tumor type and grade and predict its behaviour. Trial aim is to evaluate accuracy and applicability of multiparametric MRI biomarkers for diagnosis of brain tumours histological type, differential grade and neovascularisation assessment.

International Research Projects

Euro CMR registry project. Prof. N.R. 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. In addition to the questionnaire of the pilot phase, dedicated scientific issues will be addressed by individual additional protocols.

Joint Vilnius University and CERN cooperation project: 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 2017 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 (France)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. E. Tamosiunas –

board member of Lithuanian Radiologists’ Association;
board member of Lithuanian Ultrasound Assocation;
member of European Society of Radiology.

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;
member of Research Committee at European Society of Radiology.

Assist. Dr. R. Briedienė –

managing editor of the journal Acta Medica Lituanica.

Assist. R. Grigienė –

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

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND MEDICAL GENETICS

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius

Tel. 250 1798, 250 1794

E-mail:

www http://www.genetika.mf.vu.lt

Head – Prof. Dr. Algirdas Utkus

STAFF

Professors: Dr. L. Cimbalistienė (part-time), Dr. A. Jakaitienė (part-time), Habil. Dr. V. Kučinskas (emeritus), Dr. A. Utkus (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. L. Ambrozaitytė (part-time), Dr. E. Benušienė (part-time), Dr. J. Kasnauskienė (part-time), Dr. A. Molytė (part-time).
Senior research fellows: Dr. E. Pranckevičienė (part-time), Dr. E. Preikšaitienė (part-time).
Assistants: Dr. A. Skučaitė (part-time), Dr. V. Šliužas (part-time), Dr. A. Morkūnienė (part-time), Dr. A. Matulevičienė (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. Ž. Maldžienė (part-time), Dr. I. Domarkienė (part-time), Dr. V. Ginevičienė (part-time), Dr. J. Sušinskas (part-time), Dr. I. Kavaliauskienė, Dr. J. Songailienė (part-time), Dr. T. Petrėnas (part-time), Dr. T. Rančelis (part-time), V. Mikštienė (part-time), B. Tumienė (part-time), J. Arasimavičius (part-time), I. Baškirova (part-time), B. Burnytė (part-time), Š. Germanas (part-time), R. Meškienė, A. Pranculis (part-time), E. Siavrienė (part-time), B. Aleksiūnienė (part-time), A. Urnikytė.
Lecturers: K. Baronas, (part-time), G. Žukauskaitė (part-time), N. Krasovskaja (part-time).
Doctoral students: V. Mikštienė, B. Tumienė, B. Aleksiūnienė, B. Burnytė, A. Urnikytė, L. Pranckėnienė, E. Siavrienė, R. Laukienė.
Genetic scientific group of students: scientific leader – Dr. E. Preikšaitienė, coordinator – student Kamilė Šiaurytė; 16 students.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Genetic variation within the population of Lithuania
Genomics of intellectual disability
Genetic analysis of undiagnosed cases of rare disorders

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

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 and intellectual disability, severe dysmorphic phenotypes, and other challenging hereditary phenotypes were performed investigating physical mapping and possible DNA variants function. Genetic variation analysis of the Lithuanian population considering genomic factors within the population groups was carried out and compared to the other European and world populations.

Main publications:

Tumienė, B., Voisin, N., Preikšaitienė, E., Petroška, D., Grikinienė, J., Samaitienė, R., Utkus, A., Reymond, A., Kučinskas, V. 2017. Inflammatory myopathy in a patient with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. European Journal of Medical Genetics, vol. 60, no. 3, p. 154–158.

Urnikytė, A., Molytė, A., Kučinskas, V. 2017. Recent effective population size estimated from segments of identity by descent in the Lithuanian population. Anthropological Science. Tokyo: Anthropological Society of Nippon. Advance Publication, p. 1–6; doi:10.1537/ase.170125.

Aleksiūnienė, B., Matulevičiūtė, R., Matulevičienė, A., Burnytė, B., Krasovskaja, N., Ambrozaitytė, L., Mikštienė, V., Dirsė, V., Utkus, A., Kučinskas, V. 2017. Opposite chromosome constitutions due to a familial translocation t(1;21)(q43;q22) in 2 cousins with development delay and congenital anomalies: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore), vol. 96, iss. 16, p. e6521, doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000006521.

National Research Projects

Deciphering the Genetic Architecture of Intellectual Disability and Congenital Anomalies (INGENES). Dr. E. Preikšaitienė. 2017–2020.

Research was mainly devoted to the definition of criteria for patient collection, spreading the information about the project, and enhancing the knowledge about molecular and functional genomics while attending scientific conferences. The website www.ingenes.mf.vu.lt was created to disseminate information concerning the aim, main objectives of the project and organization of the work. A few participants made oral presentations at scientific conferences. Documentation for ethics management was prepared and the ethical approval from Vilnius Regional Bioethics Committee for INGENES project was obtained.

International Research Projects

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.

The goal of the project was achieved, all activities were performed, and results of this collaborative research project are published. The results were also presented during Baltic Metabolic Group Meeting 2017 Mitochondrial Disorders:Current Approach in Diagnosis & Treatment, 29–30th of March, 2017 in Vilnius. Approximately 80 affected people were tested using full mtDNA sequence test. A number of important issues were identified that have not been rigorously studied before. Collaboration issues are cross-cutting. Mitochondrial disorders are rare diseases, and the number of patients is small. There is a need to pool resources and coordinate efforts; this needs to be an international effort.

Main publication:

Pelnenaa, D., Burnyte, B., Jankevics, E., Lace, B., Dagyte, E., Grigalioniene, K., Utkus, A., Krumina, Z., Rozentale, J., Adomaitiene, I., Stavusis, J., Pliss, L., Inashkina, I. 2017. Complete mtDNA sequencing reveals mutations m.9185T>C and m.13513G>A in three patients with Leigh syndrome. Mitochondrial DNA Part A. Mapp Seq Anal., 2017 Dec 12, p. 1–6. doi: 10.1080/24701394.2017.1413365.

COST project: European Network for Human Congenital Imprinting Disorders, BM1208. Prof. Habil. Dr. V. Kučinskas, Dr. A. Morkūnienė. 2013–2017.

Imprinting disorders (IDs) are a group of rare congenital diseases affecting growth, development and metabolism with a lifelong impact on patients’ quality of life. IDs were usually studied separately by small groups working in isolation. This COST Action draws together researchers of all known human IDs in an interdisciplinary network, working to advance understanding of the pathophysiology with the major aim of translating this knowledge to improvement of diagnostic and clinical management for the benefit of the patients and their families.

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

Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Olympic Sports Center (Lithuania)
University of Lausanne (Swiss Confederation)
Department of Medical Research Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan (China)
Division of Medical Genetics Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo (Japan)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Utkus –

member of the Executive Committee of The Association of Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE);
member of The National Health Council;
editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
president of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
member of the Rectorate of Vilnius University;
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); Medical Genetics (Russia); Acta medica Lituanica; Balkan Journal of Medical Genetisc (Makedonija);
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
member of the European Society of Human Genetics;
member of the American Society of Human Genetics;
member of Human Genome Organization (HUGO);
chairman of the committee of Master study programme Medical Genetics at Vilnius University.

Prof. L. Cimbalistienė –

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

Prof. A. Jakaitienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. 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;
member of the Lithuanian Medical Association.

Assoc. Prof. 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.

Assoc. Prof. E. Pranckevičienė –

member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

Assoc. Prof. L. Ambrozaitytė –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
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.

Assoc. Prof. A. Molytė –

member of the Lithuanian Computer Society.

Reseach fellow I. Domarkienė –

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

Reseach fellow 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.

Reseach fellow I. Kavaliauskienė –

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

Reseach fellow 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.

Reseach fellow 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).

Reseach fellow E. Preikšaitienė –

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

Reseach fellow J. Sušinskas –

member of the Lithuanian Mathematical Society.

Reseach fellow V. Mikštienė –

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

Reseach fellow B. Tumienė –

European Reference Network Board of Member States, Lithuanian representative;
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 Operating Committee member, Encyclopedia Editor;
COST Action BM1208 (European Network for Human Congenital Imprinting Disorders) group member.

Reseach fellow B. Aleksiūnienė –

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

Reseach fellow R. Meškienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics.

Reseach fellow. E. Siavrienė –

member of the Lithuanian Stem Cell Research Association.

Reseach fellow L. Pranckėnienė –

member of the European Society of Human Genetics.

Assist. A. Skučaitė –

member of the Lithuanian Mathematical Society.

Assist. V. Šliužas –

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

Assist. 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 Medical Association.

Assist. 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.

Doctoral stud. 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.

INSTITUTE OF CLINICAL MEDICINE

CLINIC OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

2 Santariškių, 08661 Vilnius
Tel./fax 250 1484, 250 1487
E-mail

Head – Prof. Dr. Gražina Stanislava Drąsutienė

STAFF

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

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Health of mother and fetus: physiology and pathology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Project Supported by University Budget

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

Measurement of primiparous and multiparous women was carried out after labour on the 1^st, 3^rd, 10^th, 30^th, 42th and 60th postpartum days. The puerperium period after normal vaginal delivery depends on parity. The trend of involution in primiparous and multiparous women follows a similar pattern; it lasts longer in the multiparous women. Ultrasound of uterine may be important in facilitating an early detection of postpartum uterine complications. Evaluation of clinical pregnancy rate in terms of age, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, anti-Mullerian hormone level revealed that clinical pregnancy rate was 39.9%, live birth rate – 25.5%. Women who conceived where statistically significantly younger and had lower body mass index.

Main publications:

Paliulyte, V., Drasutiene, G. S., Ramasauskaite, D., Bartkeviciene, D., Zakareviciene, J., Kurmanavicius, J. 2017. Physiological uterine involution in primiparous and multiparous women: ultrasound study. Obstetrics and Gynecology International, Art. No. 6739345; doi: 10.1155/2017/6739345.

Amsiejiene, A., Drasutiene, G., Usoniene, A., Tutkuviene, J., Vilsinskaite, S., Barskutyte, L. 2017. The influence of age, body mass index, waist to hip ratio and anti-mullerian hormone level on clinical pregnancy rates in ART. Gynecological Endocrinology, ID: 1399692; doi:10.1080/09513590.2017.1399692.

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

Zurich University (Switzerland)
Medical University of Silesia (Poland)
University of Gdansk (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;
president of Lithuanian 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;
president 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.

Junior assist. V. Paliulytė –

board member of Vilnius region Society of Obstetricians Gynecologists.

CLINIC OF ANAESTHESIOLOGY AND REANIMATOLOGY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661, Vilnius

Tel. 236 5235

E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Jūratė Šipylaitė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. J. Šipylaitė, Dr. S.Vosylius, Dr. A. Andrijauskas.
Associate professors: Dr. E. Kontrimavičiūtė, Dr. M. Šerpytis, Dr. D. Činčikas, Dr. A. Klimašauskas, Dr. I. Norkienė.
Assistant professors: Dr. S. Švedienė, Dr. R. Badaras (part-time), Dr. D. Ringaitienė (part-time),
Lecturers: A. Vaitkus (part-time), E. Gaižauskas (part-time), Š. Judickas (part-time), V. Kuzminskaitė (part-time), L. Balčiūnas (part-time), D. Šileikis (part-time).
Doctoral students: A. Vaitkus, M. Svetikienė, Š. Judickas.
Students’ scientific group of Anaesthesiology and reanimatology: scientific leader – Prof. S. Vosylius, coordinator – student D.Trybė, 91 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
Optimization of low back pain diagnosis and treatment
Early changes in cognitive functioning in patients undergoing general anesthesia

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Project Supported by University Budget

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

A comparison between the new diagnostic criteria of malnutrition by ESPEN and biolelectrical impedance phase angle was perfomed to underline the imporatance of early diagnostics of malnutrition in cardiac surgery population. Analysis of preoperative risk factors of acute kidney injury, hyperoxia and perioerpative change in sodium concentration was examined and linked to clinical outcome after cardiac surgery. The results of these reasearch projects were published and presented during internationl meetings.

Main publications:

Ringaitiene, D., Gineityte, D., Vicka, V., Sabestinaite, A., Klimasauskas, A., Gaveliene, E., Rucinskas, K., Ivaska, J., Sipylaite, J. 2017. Concordance of the new ESPEN criteria with low phase angle in defining early stages of malnutrition in cardiac surgery. Clin Nutr. 2017 Aug 12, pii: S0261-5614(17)30275-3; doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2017.08.007.

Norkienė, I., Urbanaviciute, I., Kezyte, G., Vicka, V., Jovaisa, T. 2017. Impact of pre-operative health-related quality of life on outcomes after heart surgery. ANZ J Surg., 2017 Jul 12; doi: 10.1111/ans.14061. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 28702944.

Norkiene, I., Samalavicius, R., Rucinskas, K., Aidietis, A., Serpytis, P. 2017. Acute pulmonary haemorrhage after dislocation of transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis. Kardiochirurgia i Torakochirurgia Polska, vol. 14 (3), p. 203–205, doi: https://doi.org/10.5114/kitp.2017.70536.

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 Acta medica Lituanica.

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.

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

members of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

Assoc. Prof. A. Klimašauskas –

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

Assist. Prof. S. Švedienė –

counsil member of Lithuanian Society of of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
ESRA member and Baltic ESRA Counsil member.

CLINIC OF EAR, NOSE, THROAT AND EYE DISEASES

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius

Tel.: 236 52 70, 250 1867; fax 236 52 70

E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Eugenijus Lesinskas

STAFF

Professor: Dr. E. Lesinskas.
Associate profesors: Dr. M. Petrulionis, Dr. R. Ašoklis, Dr. A. Cimbalas, Dr. S. Galgauskas.
Assistants: Dr. D. Aukštikalnis, Dr. V. Beleškienė, Dr. D. Rauba, Dr. J. Ivaška.
Lecturers: A. Morozas, A. Matulevičius, K. Malyško.
Students’ scientific groups of:
Ophtolmology: scientific leader – assoc. prof. S. Galgauskas, coordinator – student A. Rakštytė; 61 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 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Clinical assessment and evaluation of the functional results of cochlear implantation for children, analysis of radiologic, genetic, systemic prognostic factors. Evaluation of peripheral vestibular system in diagnostic and treatment of Meniere’s disease: correlation of the data of videonystagmometry, posturography and temporal bone radiology.

Ocular posterior pole changes in glaucomatous eyes. Prevalence of retinal dystrophies and degenerations in Lithuania. Evaluation of intraocular pressure, choroidal and retinal thickness measurements using optical coherence tomography in non-diabetic haemodialysis patients. Evaluation of lamina cribrosa changes in glaucoma patients. Choroidal thickness mesurements in diabetic patients with macular edema treated with VEGF innhibitors. Correlation of macular degeneration autofluorescence findings with functional impairment. The use of autofluorescence findings for differential diagnosis of uveal melanomas. Evaluation of the anterior chamber changes after laser iridotomies by optical coherence tomography and the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and its relation to visual evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis.

Main publications:

Kadziauskienė, A., Strelkauskaitė, E., Mockevičiūtė, E., Ašoklis, R., Lesinskas, E., Schmetterer, L. 2017. Changes in macular thickness after trabeculectomy with or without adjunctive 5-fluorouracil. Acta Med Litu, vol. 24(2), p. 93–100, doi: 10.6001/actamedica.v24i2.3489.

Strumila, R., Lengvenytė, A., Vainutienė, V., Lesinskas, E. 2017. The role of questioning environment, personality traits, depressive and anxiety symptoms in tinnitus severity perception. Psychiatr Q. 2017 Dec, vol. 88(4), p. 865–877; doi: 10.1007/s11126-017-9502-2.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. E. Lesinskas –

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

Assoc. Prof. Dr. R. Ašoklis –

board member of Lithuanian Society of Ophthalmologists;
board member of Vilnius County Ophthalmologists Association;
member of European Board of Ophthalmology;
national delegate in European Union of Medical Specialists.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Cimbalas –

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

Assoc. Prof. Dr. S. Galgauskas –

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

Assist. Dr. D. Rauba –

board member of Lithuanian Society of Otorhinolaryngologists.

CLINIC OF GASTROENTEROLOGY, NEPHROUROLOGY AND SURGERY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius

Tel. 236 5250, fax 236 5101

E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Kęstutis Strupas

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. K. Strupas, Dr. V. Beiša, Dr. E. Poškus, Dr. T. Poškus, Dr. G. Simutis, Dr. A. Šileikis, Dr. G. Brimas, Habil. Dr. F. Jankevičius, Dr. M. Miglinas, Habil. Dr. J. Valantinas.
Associate professors: Dr. V. Jotautas, Dr. V. Sokolovas, Dr. K. Saniukas, Dr. G. Verkauskas, Dr. H. Ramonas, Dr. A. Želvys, Dr. A. Černiauskienė, Dr. G. Denapienė, Dr. E. Gavelienė, Dr. A. Stašinskas, Dr. S. Mikalauskas.
Assistants: Dr. R. Adomaitis, A. Čekauskas, Dr. A. Gradauskas, D. Kubilius, Dr. G. Kvederas, Dr. I. Savlan, P, Dr. K. Trainavičius, Dr. I. Stundienė, E. Mačionienė.
Teaching assistant: B. Buckus, A. Laučytė-Cibulskienė, D. Sukackienė.
Lecturers: P. Gradauskas, G. Pošiūnas, Dr. L. Rimševičius, Dr. L. Mašalaitė, R. Vaicekauskas.
Research fellows: Dr. V. Liakina, M. Petrulionis.
Doctoral students: 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, Ž. Juodeikis, Aistė Gulla, B. Kurlinkus, R. Vaicekauskas, D. Sukackienė, P. Bosas, R. Baušys, R. Lukšaitė.
Students’ scientific groups of:
Gastroenterology: scientific leader – Dr. I.Stundienė, coordinator – student M. Vindžiūnaitė; 34 members of the group.
Abdominal surgery: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. V. Jotautas, coordinator – student D. Tsybuldkyi; 20 members of the group.
General surgery: scientific leader – Prof. G. Brimas, coordinator – student R. Kavaliauskaitė; 39 members of the group.
Urology: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. A. Želvys, coordinator – student J. Purvaneckas; 18 members of the group.
Nephrology: scientific leader – Prof. M. Miglinas, coordinator –student S. Rėkutė; 35 members of the group.
Pediatric surgery: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. K. Trainavičius, coordinator – student D. Maldžiūtė; 26 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
Urological cancer
Kidney stone disease
Urinary incontinence Primary glomerular diseases
Resistant hypertension
Peritoneal dialysis
Medical kidney transplant management

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

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 at international meetings. The successful organ-tissues transplantations-program in Vilnius University Santaros Klinikos is the best fact to consider the Vilnius University Hospital as the leading Transplantation Center in the Baltic States.

Influence of Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer, Immunomodulation and Surgery on Patient Metabolism and Treatment Outcomes. Prof. A. Šileikis, Prof. K. Strupas, J. Tumas. 2016–2019.

The research focuses on effects of pancreatic cancer and immunonutrition on the metabolism and immune system and the use of metabolomic analyses for stratification of patients for nutritional/immunonutritional management with the aim to improve postoperative outcomes. Amino acids comprise a small, but the significant part of metabolome. Amino acid analyses improve evaluation of nutritional status and treatment of malnutrition in cancer. These analyses can be of high importance for metabolic cancer phenotyping, early diagnostics and prognostication. We introduced supplementary radiological methods for lumbar skeletal muscle index measurements in our patients for better evaluation of nutritional status and have already collected 260 plasma samples from 65 patients.

The prospective clinical study BRAFV600E Mutation and Other Molecular Markers for Diagnosis of Thyroid Malignancies. Prof. V. Beiša, A. Beiša 2017.

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. This clinical study contains the data collected of 240 patients, two papers on ISI-rated publications were released, and this study is submitted for the dissertation.

Main publication:

Beiša, A., Kvietkauskas, M., Beiša, V., Stoškus, M., Ostanevičiūtė, E., Jasiūnas, E., Griškevičius, L., Strupas, K. 2017. The utility of the Bethesda category and its association with BRAF mutation in the prediction of papillary thyroid cancer stage. Langenbecks Arch Surg., vol. 402(2), p. 227–234.

The multicenter prospective study The Risk Factors and Clinical Value of Hypocalcaemia after Total Thyroidectomy. Prof. V. Beiša, V. Eismontas, E. Zdanytė in cooperation with Klaipėda University Hospital.

The study 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. This clinical study is already done and prepared for the ISI-rated publication.

The study The Value of Intraoperative Neurostimulation in Optimizing Safety of Thyroidectomy. Prof. K. Strupas, A. Rybakovas, Prof. V. Beiša.

It is planned to evaluate intraoperative palpation method of intraoperative neurostimulation comparing it with intraoperative sonoscopy and with postoperative laryngoscopy. The possibility of mathematical voice analysis is also going to be evaluated in order to develop simple vocal cord paralysis prediction model. The data of 104 patients has been collected.

The study Choledocholithiasis Management Based on Individual Risk and Multidisciplinary Approach for Patients with Cholecystolithiasis and Scheduled Cholecystectomy. Prof. G. Simutis, A. Aleknaite. 2016–2017.

The retrospective study included 350 patients admitted to the Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos for laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystolithiasis who were investigated for concomitant choledocholithiasis. Effectiveness of currently used prognostic index of choledocholithiasis was evaluated, and new threshold values for different risk groups were calculated. The results of the study were presented at a scientific conference. A randomized prospective trial protocol on the best management strategy for patients before laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intermediate risk of choledocholithiasis has been prepared and submitted to Vilnius Regional Bioethics Committee.

Main publication:

Aleknaite, A., Simutis, G., Stanaitis, J., Valantinas, J., Strupas, K. 2017. Risk assessment of choledocholithiasis prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its management options. United European Gastroenterology Journal, vol. 0(0), p. 1–11; doi: 10.1177/2050640617731262

Randomized prospective trial Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty, Hemorrhoidopexy and Hemorrhoidectomy. D. Danys, Prof. T. Poškus. 2017.

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 is finished, 6 weeks follow-up (early results) completed by including 120 patients. Initial early results were presented at the European Society of Coloproctology Meeting in Berlin.

The study Distant Results of The Quality of Life of Patients Operated on for Colorectal Cancer. G. Valeikaite Tauginiene. Prof. T. Poškus. 2016–2018.

The study is performed in collaboration with National Cancer Institute and Lithuanian University of Health Sciences.

Distant results of the quality of life of patients, operated on for colorectal cancer is a continuation of the prospective study. It will try to identify the factors, reducing long-term quality of life in colorectal cancer patients. The patients, operated on with the curative intent for colorectal cancer are currently being followed-up for 5 years after initial operation.

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

Epigenetic biomarkers capable to predict biochemical PCa recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy were investigated. With this aim, host genes of miR-155-5p, miR-152-3p, miR-137, miR-31-5p, and miR-642a, -b were analyzed for promoter methylation in 129 PCa, 35 NPT, and 17 benign prostatic hyperplasia samples (BPH) and compared to the expression of mature miRNAs and their selected targets (DNMT1, KDM1A, and KDM5B). The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset was utilized for validation. Promoter methylation of mir-155, mir-152, and mir-31 was predictive of BCR-free survival in various Cox models and increased the prognostic value of clinicopathologic factors. Our investigations demonstrated that methylated mir-155, mir-152, mir-137, and mir-31 host genes are promising diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers of PCa. That might assist physicians in identifying poor prognosis PCa patients preoperatively.

The analysis showed that the SERS spectrum of extracellular fluid of kidney tissue is highly influenced by the vibrational bands of adenine and Lcystine molecules.

Main publications:

Daniunaite, K., Dubikaityte, M., Gibas, P., Bakavicius, A., Lazutka, R. J., Ulys, A., Jankevicius, F., Jarmalaite, S. 2017. Clinical significance of miRNA host gene promoter methylation in prostate cancer. Hum Mol Genet., vol. 26(13), p. 2451–2461.

Demidenko, R., Daniunaite, K., Bakavicius, A., Sabaliauskaite, R., Skeberdyte, A., Petroska, D., Laurinavicius, A., Jankevicius, F., Lazutka, J. R., Jarmalaite, S. 2017. Decreased expression of MT1E is a potential biomarker of prostate cancer progression. Oncotarget., vol. 8(37), p. 61709–61718.

Velička, M., Pučetaitė, M., Urbonienė, V., Čeponkus, J., Jankevičius, F., Šablinskas, V. 2017. Detection of cancerous kidney tissue by means of SERS spectroscopy of extracellular fluid. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 11 p.; doi: 10.1002/jrs.5232.

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

Evaluated MRPS18-2, UCKL-1 and XAP-2 as putative markers for hepatoceliullar carcinoma. We found that the UCKL-1 signal in the liver tissues of the peri-tumor zone in the HCC samples was stronger than that in cirrhosis. The UCKL-1 protein was expressed at higher levels in peri-tumor tissues in the cases of HCC recurrence. A multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for HCC recurrence showed that the best predictive factors for these conditions were UCKL-1 expression in tumor, vascular invasion, and HCC treatment modality, other than liver transplantation. The high UCKL-1 expression might be a prognostic factor for HCC relapse, in combination with age and microvascular invasion. MRPS18-2 protein expression has no prognostic significance in the cases of HCV-associated HCC.

Main publication:

Buivydiene, A., Liakina, V., Valantinas, J., Norkuniene, J., Mockiene, E., Jokubauskiene, S., Smaliukiene, R., Jancoriene, L., Kovalevska, L., Kashuba, E. 2017. Expression levels of the uridine-cytidine kinase like-1 protein as a novel prognostic factor for Hepatitis C virus-associated Hepatocellular Carcinomas. Acta Naturae, vol. 9(3), p. 108–114.

National Research Projects

Research project New Multifunctional Nanobiosensor for Early Pancreatic Cancer Diagnostics (SEN-16041), started in 2016, is a consistent continuity of previous project, entitled Identification of early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of pancreatic intraductal adenocarcinoma using protein mass spectrometry analysis.

Project leader: Prof. K. Strupas. Project group: Prof. A. Šileikis; M. Valius; A. Kaupinis; M. Ger; M. Petrulionis; B. Kurlinkus; N. Dreižė.

We already have included 170 subjects in our research. Our biobank holds 122 samples of histological material, 97 samples of blood serum and 42 samples of urine. After protein bioinformatic analysis, 10 proteins were selected for further validation, which will be carried out at the next stage of the project. Spectrometry of 59 samples was done. In order to create a system for detecting low abandon proteins with high sensitivity, we improved the antibody immobilization to paramagnetic particle technology and worked out a method for their covalent modification with fluorochrome. After using the CA19-9 antibody against a known cancer marker, we demonstrated that our protein modification does not interfere with the functionality of the antibody.

Main publication:

Petrulionis, M., Kurlinkus, B., Šileikis, A, Strupas, K. 2017. Trends of molecular research for pancreatic cancer diagnostics: insights of clinician. Clinics in Oncology, vol. 2, Art. 1223.

Research project Non-Invasive Approach to Early Diagnosis and Prognosis of Acute Severe Pancreatitis (01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0025) started in 2017. Project leader: J. Razumienė. Project group: Prof. K. Strupas; Prof. A. Šileikis; Assoc. Prof. D. Vitkus; Assoc. Prof. M. Šerpytis, Assoc. Prof. A. Klimašauskas, A. Karpavičius; A. Samuilis; A. Kielaitė-Gulla; R. Budvytytė; T. Ragaliauskas; M. Jankunec; T. Penkauskas; I. Šakinytė; M. Dagys; A. Laurynėnas; V. Gurevičienė; D. Ratautas.

We plan to design a platform of selective, non-invasive new generation methods by using biochemical and clinical knowledge and engineering experience. By assessing proteins (Heat shock proteins, C-reactive protein and others), enzymes, metabolites and ions related to AP, a set of various sensors will be created acting in saliva or urine and reflecting on all AP severity phases: mild, in early stage (MAP), moderate severe (MSAP) or severe AP (SAP). Therefore, identifying AP cases, we will also establish a clinical database to help us apply the clinical knowledge and guide us while establishing new diagnostic principles for non-invasive approach for the following parameters: carbamide, glucose, bilirubin, cortisol and calcium ions detection and electrochemical measurements of lipase activity. We are planning to identify proteins associated with severe AP mechanisms that cause cell membrane damage and can potentially be used as biomarkers, while parallel establishing non-invasive diagnostic methods using severe AP characteristic biomarkers, enzymes and metabolites.

Comparison of Expression of Proteins XAP-2, aHepatocellular 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.

Main publications:

Buivydienė, A., Liakina, V., Valantinas, J., et al. 2017. Expression levels of the uridine-cytidine kinase like-1 protein as a novel prognostic factor for the Hepatitis C Virus-associated Hepatocellular Carcinomas. Acta Naturae, vol. 9 (3), p. 108–114.

International Science Programmers and Projects

Projects Supported by COST (European Concerted Research Action designated as COST Action BM1204) were continued in 2017.

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).

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 publications:

Blach, S., Zeuzem, S., Manns, M., et al. 2017. Global prevalence and genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus infection in 2015: a modelling study. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, vol. 2(3), p. 161–176.

Razavi, H., Robbins, S., Zeuzem, S., et al. 2017. Hepatitis C virus prevalence and level of intervention required to achieve the WHO targets for elimination in the European Union by 2030: a modelling study. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, vol. 2(5), p. 325–336.

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

Vibrational spectroscopy group at the 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 –

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, (http://content.karger.com/Journal/EditorialBoard/223970);
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), (http://www.mtp.lt/lt/redaktoriu-kolegija-8/);
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery), http://www.chirurgija.lt;
editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Lithuania, ISI, http://medicina.kmu.lt.

Prof. V. Beiša –

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

Prof. G. Simutis –

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

Prof. A. Šileikis –

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.

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 (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
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.

Prof. G. Brimas –

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

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);
president of Lithuanian Kidney Foundation;
president of the Lithuanian Hypertension Society;
award: Cross of the Knight of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas.

Assoc. Prof. A. Stašinskas –

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

Assoc. Prof. Dr. V. Sokolovas –

president of the 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. Dr. 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.

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.

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 the European Association of Urology (EAU);
corresponding Memebr of Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Urologie;
member of Lithuanian Urological Association;
chairman of Lithuanian Society of Oncologists.

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 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).

Assoc. Prof. K. Saniukas –

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

Research fellow 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.

Assist. I. Stundienė, Assist. I. Savlan, Lect. R. Vaicekauskas, Lect. L. Mašalaitė –

members of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.

Teaching assist. B. Buckus –

member of Vilnius Society of Surgeons.

Assist. K. Trainavičius –

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

Assist. A. Čekauskas –

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

Assist. R. Adomaitis –

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

Lect. L. Rimševičius –

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

Assist. E. Mačionienė –

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

Teaching assistant D. Sukackienė –

member of Lithuanian Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Association (LNDTA);
member of Lithuanian Kidney Foundation (LKF);
member of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN).

Teaching assist. A. Laučytė Cibulskienė –

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

CLINIC OF INFECTIOUS, CHEST DISEASES, DERMATOVENEREOLOGY AND ALLERGOLOGY

1 Birutės, LT-08117 Vilnius

Tel. 272 4657; fax. 275 8885

E-mail: ;

Head – Prof. Dr. Ligita Jančorienė

Centre of Infectious Diseases

1 Birutės, LT-08117 Vilnius

Tel: 272 4657; fax: 275 8885

E-mail: ;

Head – Prof. Dr. Ligita Jančorienė

Centre of Pulmonology and Allergology

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius

Tel. 250 1871

E-mail: ;

Head – Prof. Dr. (HP) Edvardas Danila

Centre of General Thoracic Surgery

2 Santariškių, LT–08661 Vilnius

Tel./fax 261 1636

E-mail: ;

Head – Habil. Dr. Ričardas Janilionis

Centre of Dermatovenereology

2 J. Kairiūkščio, LT-08411 Vilnius

Tel. 272 0385, fax 272 0256

E-mail:

Head – Dr. Jūratė Grigaitienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. L.Jančorienė (part-time), Dr. E. Danila (part-time), Dr. R.Matulionytė, Habil. Dr. A. Ambrozaitis (part-time), Dr. M. Bylaitė (part-time).
Associate professors: Habil.Dr. R.Janilionis (part-time), Dr. A. Blažienė (part-time), Dr. R. Zablockis (part-time), Dr. V. Gruslys (part-time), Dr. L. Malinauskienė (part-time), Dr. R. Gancevičienė (part-time).
Assistants: Dr. J. Grigaitienė (part-time), Dr. D. Radzišauskienė (part-time), Dr. V. Šileikienė (part-time), Dr. Ž.Jagelavičius (part-time), Dr. A.Chomičienė (part-time).
Lecturers: A. Marcinkutė (part-time), B. Zablockienė (part-time), E. Matulytė (part-time), K. Žvirblytė Skrebutėnienė (part-time), I.Balčiūnienė (part-time), T.Karmazienė (part-time), I. Kiselienė (part-time), I. Barakauskienė (part-time), R.Aleksonienė (part-time), R. Kibarskytė (part-time), G. Cincelevičiūtė (part-time), R. Gauronskaitė (part-time), R. Saikalytė (part-time).
Research fellows: Habil. Dr. R. Dubakienė (part-time), Dr. V.Kvedarienė (part-time), Dr. L. Malinauskienė (part-time), J.Račkauskienė (part-time), A. Stiklerytė.
Doctoral students: R.Jurčiukonytė, R. Aleksonienė, B. Zablockienė, I. Balčiūnienė, E. Jurevičienė, R.Stankevičiūtė, K.Linauskienė.
Sudents’ scientific groups of:
Infectious diseases: scientific leader – prof. R. Matulionytė, coordinator – student R. Vaikutytė; 38 members of the group.
Dermatovenerology: scientific leader – prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė, coordinator – student A.Žibūdaitė; 58 members of the group.
Pulmonology: scientific leader – prof. E. Danila, coordinator – student D. Galkauskas; 25 members of the group.
Allergy and clinic immunology: scientific leader – Dr. V. Kvedarienė, coordinator – student J. Rudytė; 24 members of the group.
Chest surgery: scientific leader – Dr. Ž. Jagelavičius, coordinator – student L. Gambickas; 4 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Pathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases: assessment of the current diagnostics, treatment and prevention methods; 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
Incidence, etiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory chronic dermatosis (acne, rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, vitiligo): basic and clinical research, implementation of innovative technologies
Dermatooncology in Lithuania: 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 treatment methods in obstructive, interstitial, neoplastic and allergic lung diseases
Strategy and approaches of the surgical management of patients with different thoracic pathology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

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, Dr. D.Radzišauskienė, B.Zablockienė, A.Marcinkutė, A.Stiklerytė. 2014–2018.

Tick-borne encephalitis in Lithuania in 2005–2014: epidemiology and clinical features.

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the epidemiological patterns and clinical features of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Lithuania during 2005–2014. The retrospective study included 712 patients hospitalized with TBE in Vilnius district. Study will be continued adding data from the years 2015–2017.

Main publication:

Radzišauskienė, D., Žagminas, K., Ašoklienė, L., Jasionis, A., Mameniškienė, R., Ambrozaitis, A., Jančorienė, L., Jatužis, D., Petraitytė, I., Mockienė, E. 2017. Epidemiological patterns of tick-borne encephalitis in Lithuania and clinical features in adults in the light of the high incidence in recent years: a retrospective study. Eur J Neurol., 2017 Oct 20; doi: 10.1111/ene.13486.

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. The levels of iNOS RNR, IFN-γ, TNF-α and influenza virus were determined using reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction.

Main publication:

Zablockienė, B., Ambrozaitis, A., Kačergius, T. 2017. Gripo gydymo galimybės ir ateities perspektyvos (Current and future treatment perspectives for influenza). Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija, vol. (11), no. 1, p. 6208–6227.

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 analyse 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. Obtained data were presented during ePoster mini-oral session at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

Implication of routine HIV testing program in Infectious diseases centre of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros 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, and sustainable, also can be cost-effective. The study is in progress.

Obtained data were presented during poster session at the 9th IAS Conference on HIV Science.

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 OBV/PTV/r+DSV±RBV therapy in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced GT1-infected patients. The sustained virologic response at 12 weeks following the end of treatment was achieved in 96.8% non-transplanted and in all transplanted patients. This real-life study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of OBV/PTV/r+DSV±RBV in HCV GT1 patients, including patients with cirrhosis, liver transplants and those who failed previous antiviral 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, Assoc. Prof. L. Malinauskienė, Dr. V. Kvedarienė, Dr.V. Šileikienė, Dr. Ž. Jagelavičius, J. Račkauskienė, G. Cincilevičiūtė, R. Gauronskaitė, R. Kibarskytė, R. Saikalytė, R. Aleksonienė, E. Jurevičienė, R. Stankevičiūtė, K. Linauskienė. 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 pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis). Clinical symptoms, cell differentials and distribution of lymphocyte subgroups in BALF, chest X-ray, spirometric indices, blood gases were 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.

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. The study is in process.

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. The study is in the process.

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.

Metal contact allergy.

The aims of the study are to detect the most common contact allergens in the metal workers, to detect the depth of the penetration of the metals’ (nickel, cobalt and chrome) ions in the skin using pig skin as a human skin model and to evaluate pathophysiological reactions occurring during acute contact reaction to these metals by investigating various inflammatory cytokines. Data was obtained and analyzed from questionnaires of 185 metal workers. Results were presented as a poster in the annual Congress of the European society of Contact dermatitis in Manchester, UK.

Main publications:

Aleksonienė, R., Zeleckienė, I., Matačiūnas, M., Puronaitė, R., Jurgauskienė, L., Malickaitė, R., Strumilienė, E., Gruslys, V., Zablockis, R., Danila, E. 2017. Relationship between radiologic patterns, pulmonary function values and BALF cells in newly diagnosed sarcoidosis. J Thorac Dis, vol. 9, p. 88–95.

Chomiciene, A., Stankeviciute, R., Malinauskiene, L., Grigaitiene, J., Blaziene, A. 2017. Rare cause of periorbital and eyelids lesions: discoid lupus erythematosus misdiagnosed as allergy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, pii: S1081-1206(17)31104-3.

Linauskienė, K., Malinauskienė, L., Blažienė, B. 2017. Metals are important contact sensitizers: an experience from Lithuania. Biomed Res Int, vol. 2017, art. ID 3964045, 5 p.; doi: 10.1155/2017/3964045.

Strategy and Tactics of the Surgical Management of Patients with Different Thoracic Pathology. Habil. Dr. R. Janilionis. 2014–2018.

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:

Katinaite, J., Jagelavičius, Ž., Kybartas, A., Gruslys, V., Janilionis R. 2017. Giant esophageal lipoma: complicated surgical treatment (case report). Lithuanian Surgery, vol. 16 (1), p. 75–80.

Jagelavičius, Ž., Jovaišas, V., Matačiūnas, M., Samalavičius, N. E., Janilionis, R. 2017. Preoperative predictors of conversion in thoracoscopic surgery for pleural empyema. Eur J Cardiothoracic Surg, vol. 52 (1), p. 70–75.

Ethiopathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious, Inflammatory and Autoimmune Skin Diseases, as Well as Cutaneous Cancerous Lesions: Basic and Clinical Investigations, Implementation of Innovative Technologies. Prof. Dr. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė. 2014–2018.

The main aim of the psoriasis study is to evaluate the function of adhesive molecules and cytocines in chronic inflammation in psoariasis, to observe their correlation with inflammatory activity of the disease and find the possibility to use it as active markers for the severity of psoriasis inflammation. We plan to summarise our results and present at National as well as European meetings, and publish in one of Lithuanian journals. The study is in process.

Anther study is in the field of dermatooncology. We aim to evaluate the incidence, epidemiological and clinical correlation of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) in Lithuania, to compare the most common clinical-morphological forms in different localization of the body with the immunohistochemical data, and to analize the correlation of biomarkers with the subtypes of BCCs. We have chosen nodular, superficial and infiltrating forms of BCCs (each 30 cases) and we are planning to evaluate the morphology of those tumors (depth and spreading), the biology and immunohistochemical (markers for apoptosis, differentiation and proliferation) correlation with BCCs subtypes. The study is in progress.

Main publications:

Forsea, A. M., Tschandl, P., Zalaudek, I., Del Marmol, V., Soyer H. P. 2017. Eurodermoscopy Working Group, Argenziano G, Geller AC. The impact of dermoscopy on melanoma detection in the practice of dermatologists in Europe: results of a pan-European survey. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol., vol.31(7), p. 1148–1156; doi: 10.1111/jdv.14129.

Kandolf Sekulovic, L., Peris, K., Hauschild, A., Stratigos, A., Grob, J. J., Nathan, P., Dummer, R., Forsea, A. M., Hoeller, C., Gogas, H., Demidov, L., Lebbe, C., Blank, C., Olah, J., Bastholt, L., Herceg, D., Neyns, B., Vieira, R., Hansson, J., Rutkowski, P., Krajsova, I., Bylaite-Bucinskiene, M., et al. 2017. More than 5000 patients with metastatic melanoma in Europe per year do not have access to recommended first-line innovative treatments. Eur J Cancer, vol. 75, p. 313–322; doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2017.01.012.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in Hospitalized Patients in Lithuania in 2015-2018 (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 2015–2018 influenza seasons. A test-negative case-control study was being performed in two university hospitals of Lithuania. Influenza and other respiratory pathogens were confirmed by multiplex RT-PCR. In collaboration with the European hospital influenza vaccine effectiveness network a multicentre test negative case control study was initiated in the hospitals of 11 European countries to measure influenza vaccine effectiveness against laboratory confirmed hospitalised influenza among people aged ≥65 years.

Main publications:

Kuliese, M., Jancoriene, L., Grimalauskaite, R., Zablockiene, B., Damuleviciene, G., Velyvyte, D., Lesauskaite, V., Ambrozaitis, A., Mickiene, A., Gefenaite, G. 2017. Seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness against laboratory-confirmed influenza in 2015–2016: a hospital-based test-negative case–control study in Lithuania. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017835. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2017-017835.

Rondy, M., Launay, O., Castilla, J., Costanzo, S., Puig-Barberà, J., Gefenaite, G., Larrauri, A., Rizzo, C., Pitigoi, D., Syrjänen, R. K., Machado, A., Kurečić Filipović, S., Horváth, J. K., Paradowska-Stankiewicz, I., Marbus, S.; InNHOVE/I-MOVE+working group: [...], Ambrozaitis, A., Jancoriene, L., Zablockiene, B., Zagminas, K., Mickiene, A., Damuleviciene, G., Grimalauskaite, R., Kuliese, M., Lesauskaite, V., Velyvyte, D., [...], Moren, A. 2017. Repeated seasonal influenza vaccination among elderly in Europe: effects on laboratory confirmed hospitalised influenza. Vaccine , vol. 35(34), p. 4298–4306; doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.06.088.

International Research Projects

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

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

Patch Testing With Propolis of Different Origin in Different Countries (since 2017). In collaboration with Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Gothenburg, Sweden. Assoc. Prof. Dr. L. Malinauskienė.

The aim is to compare the frequencies of contact allergy to propolis in the participating countries, and to investigate if there is a difference in frequencies of contact allergy to propolis of different origins.

Presence of Unlabeled Formaldehyde in Cosmetic and Medications (Since 2016) In collaboration with Lund University, Skåne university hospital, Department of occupational and environmental dermatology (Sweden), Assoc. prof. Dr. L. Malinauskienė.

The aim of the study to analyse various topical medicines and cosmetic products for the presence of free formaldehyde especially if it is not labelled. We already analysed around 30 products using chomotropic acid and HPLC.

Textile Dye Allergy and Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Since 2012). In collaboration with Lund University, Skåne university hospital, Department of occupational and environmental dermatology (Sweden). Assoc. prof. Dr. L. Malinauskienė.

The aim of the study is to detect which dyes used today for textile dyeing can be inducers of the contact allergy and contact allergic dermatitis. Extracts from over 100 textile items are made to test patients already shown to be allergic to the textile dye mix allergen. Another aim is to detect which method of extraction from the textile items is the best retrieving the highest concentration of the dye. We compared three methods (extraction in ultrasonic bath, in acetone, in ethanol and artificial sweat) and analysed the samples with HPLC.

Main publication:

Malinauskiene, L., Bruze, M., Isaksson, M. 2017. Patch testing with the Swedish baseline series supplemented with a textile dye mix and gold in Vilnius, Lithuania and Malmö, Sweden. Contact Derm, vol. 77, p. 189–190.

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. One patient was included. The study was closed in March 2017.

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

This multi-national, multi-center study aims to determine and evaluate the clinical virological outcomes of European patients infected with HIV within the frame of Copenhagen HIV Programme, initiated by University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences. In total 120 patients were enrolled into the novel EuroSIDA cohort of HIV and HCV co-infected patients. The study is in process.

Main publications:

Cozzi-Lepri, A., Zangerle, R., Machala, L., Zilmer, K., Ristola, M., Pradier, C., et al. EuroSIDA Study Group ([...], R. Matulionyte, [ ...]). 2017. Incidence of cancer and overall risk of mortality in individuals treated with raltegravir-based and non-raltegravir-based combination antiretroviral therapy regimens. HIV Med.; doi: 10.1111/hiv.12557.

Shepherd, L., Borges, Á.H., Harvey, R., Bower, M., Grulich, A., Silverberg, M., et al. EuroSIDA in EuroCOORD ([…], Matulionyte R, [ …]). 2017. The extent of B-cell activation and dysfunction preceding lymphoma development inHIV-positive people. HIV Med.; doi: 10.1111/hiv.12546.

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. The 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 Weaks 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. Two patients are already involved. No adverse events or serious drug-related adverse events, and no treatment discontinuations. The 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. The study is in process.

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 multicentre 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. In total 675 HCV-infected patients were included. The FDC of MK-3682/GZR/RZR for 8 weeks was highly effective and well tolerated. The study is completed.

Main publication:

Lawitz, E., Būti, M., Vierling, J. M., Almasio, P. L., Bruno, S., Ruane, P. J., Hassanein, T. I., Muellhaupt, B., Pearlman, B., Jancoriene, L., Gao, W., Huang, H. C., Shepherd, A., Tannenbaum, B., Fernsler, D., Li J. J., Grandhi, A., Liu, H., Su, F. H., Wan, S., Dutko, F .J., Nguyen, B. T., Wahl, J., Robertson, M. N., Barr, E., Yeh, W. W., Plank, R. M., Butterton, J. R., Yoshida, E. M. 2017. Safety and efficacy of a fixed-dose combination regimen of grazoprevir, ruzasvir, and uprifosbuvir with or without ribavirin in participants with and without cirrhosis with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1, 2, or 3 infection (C-CREST-1 and C-CREST-2, part B): two randomised, phase 2, open-label trials. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol., vol. 2(11), p. 814–823.

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). In total 300 chronic HCV GT2-infected subjects, including four from Vilnius site, were enrolled 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. The study is completed.

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

The aim of the study was to assess the current patterns of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) and subtype distribution in CHC patients. This study included 1451 CHC patients. Distribution of HCV GT among patients with chronic HCV infection was as follows: GT1, 66.4%; GT3, 28.1; and GT2, 4.1%. The GT1b subtype was the most prevalent (79.4%) among GT1 patients. There were 69.6% treatment-naïve and 30.4% treatment-experienced patients. The majority of patients (85.9%) underwent treatment with a PEG-IFN regimen. The study is completed.

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. The total of 1558 subjects’ data from a EuroPrevall Lithuanian birth cohort study (EU 6 FP project EuroPrevall) were analysed. 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 R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI (USA)
Ludwig – Maximilians University, Munich (Germany)
Skåne university hospital, Lund University, Department of occupational and environmental dermatology (Sweden)
Malmo University (Sweden)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

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;
member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, www.escmid.org;
board member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt;
board member of the Baltic Immunoprophylaxis Association, www.baltipa.lt;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology, www.gastroenterologija.lt.

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; Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), www.mtp.lt; Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences), www.sam.lt/lt/sam/moksliniai/straipsniai/; Internistas (Internist), www.medpraktika.lt ; Acta medica Lituanica, www.lmaleidykla.lt;
member of Allergology Commission of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, www.lma.lt;
scientific committee member of 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;
Steering committee member for 2017–2022 of the multi-centre study group EuroSIDA
coordinator in the partnership of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos in the EU project 761319 – Joint Action on integrating prevention, testing and link to care strategies across HIV, viral hepatitis, TB and STIs in Europe (INTEGRATE).

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 the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
chairman of Allergology Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
expert of the Research Council of Lithuania;
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 journals: Acta Medica Lithuania, http://www.lmaleidykla.lt/ojs/index.php/actamedicalituanica; Revue of Allergology and Clinical Immunology; 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.

Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė –

president of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt;
member of executive company (EC) of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, www.eadv.org;
board member of the European Association of Dermato Oncology, www.eado.org;
board member of the Baltic association of Dermatovenereologists, www.badv.org;
EADV observer of the Dermato-Venereology Section of European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), www.uems.net;
member of the European Dermatology Forum, www.euroderm.org;
member of the European Society for Pediatric Dermatology (ESPD), www.espd.info;
member of the International Society of Dermatology, www.intsocderm.org;
editorial board of the Journal of Health Sciences;
editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences), www.sam.lt/lt/sam/moksliniai/straipsniai/.

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 Pulmonologists,. 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;
editorial board member of the journal Alergija, astma, imunologija (Allergy Asthma Immunology).

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/.

Assoc. Prof. Habil. Dr. R. Janilionis –

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

Assoc. Prof. V. Gruslys –

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

Assoc. Prof. R. Gancevičienė –

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

Reaserch fell. A. Stiklerytė –

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

Research fellow. V. Kvedarienė –

editorial board member of the journal Pulmonologija, imunologija ir alergologija (Pulmonology, immunology and allergolgy);
vice-chairman of reviewer 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.

Assist. 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)”.

Assist. V. Šileikienė –

member of European Respiratory Society (ERS), http://www.ersnet.org/;
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists, http://www.chest.lt/.

Assist. Ž. Jagelavičius –

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

Assist. Dr. J. Grigaitienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt;
member of Lithuanian society of Allergology and clinical immunology, www.alergologudraugija.lt;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Lasers,
national representative and board member of the Dermato-Venerology Section of European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), www.uems.net.

Lect. 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/.

Lect. Research fellow. J. Račkauskienė –

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

Lect. R. Kibarskytė –

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

Lect. R. Gauronskaitė –

member of European Respiratory Society (ERS), http://www.ersnet.org/;
member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists, http://www.chest.lt/;
member of World Sleep Society, http://worldsleepsociety.org/.

Lect. R. Aleksonienė –

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

Lect. I. Balčiūnienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt.

Lect. T. Karmazienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt;
member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, www.eadv.org.

Lect. I. Kisielienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt.

Doctoral stud. R. Stankevičiūtė –

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

Doctoral stud. K. Linauskienė –

member of Lithuanian society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (LAKID);
member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI);
member of European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID);
ESID junior country representative.

CLINIC OF NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius

Tel. 8688 62744, fax. 8688 62728

E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Dalius Jatužis

CENTRE OF NEUROANGIOSURGERY

29 Šiltnamių, LT-04130 Vilnius
Tel. 236 20 17, 868743480
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Saulius Ročka

STAFF

Professors: Dr. G. Kaubrys, Dr. R. Mameniškienė, Dr. S. Ročka.
Associate professors: Dr. R. Kizlaitienė, Dr. K. Laurikėnas, Dr. J. Valaikienė.
Assistants: E. Audronytė, Dr. N. Giedraitienė, A. Jasionis, Dr. R. Kaladytė Lokominienė, Dr. A. Klimašauskienė, R. Masiliūnas, Dr. K. Ryliškienė, Dr. A. Vaitkevičius, Dr. A. Vilionskis.
Lecturers: Dr. R. Kvaščevičius, Dr. G. Terbetas.
Junior research fellows: Ž. Chomanskis, A. Preikšaitis.
Doctoral students: E. Audronytė, A. Jasionis, M. Kurminas, J. Kuzmickienė, R. Masiliūnas, E. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė, I. Sereikė, D. Valadkevičienė.
Students’ scientific groups of:
Neurology: scientific leader - Dr. K. Ryliškienė, coordinator – student Ž. Žalalytė; 74 members of the group.
Neurosurgery: scientific leader – Dr. G. Terbetas, coordinator – L. Šalaševičius; 32 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Cognitive disorders in neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular, demyelinating diseases and epilepsy
Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, traumatic brain injuries degenerative spinal diseases and cerebral neoplasms

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

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

Main publications:

Kizlaitienė, R., Kaubrys, G., Giedraitienė, N., Ramanauskas, N., Dementavičienė, J. 2017. Composite marker of cognitive dysfunction and brain atrophy is highly accurate in discriminating between relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Med Sci Monit, vol. 23, p. 588–97.

Kluonaitis, K., Petrauskiene, E., Ryliskiene, K. 2017. Clinical characteristics and overuse patterns of medication overuse headache: Retrospective case-series study. Clin Neurol Neurosurg, vol. 163, p. 124–127; doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2017.10.029.

Mameniškienė, R., Guk, J., Jatužis, D. 2017. Family and sexual life in people with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav, vol. 66, p. 39–44; doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.

Diagnostic Evaluation and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injuries Degenerative Spinal Diseases and Cerebral Neoplasms. Prof. S. Ročka. 2017–2018.

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.

Main publications:

Petkus, V., Preiksaitis, A., Krakauskaite, S., Zubaviciute, E., Rocka, S., Rastenyte, D., Vosylius, S., Ragauskas, A. 2017. Benefit on optimal cerebral perfusions pressure targeted treatment for traumatic brain injury patients. Journal of Critical Care, vol. 41, p. 49–55.

Projects Supported by the Research Council of Lithuania

Virtual Reality Technologies to Facilitate Epley Maneuver for Healthy Volunteers. Teaching assist. R. Masiliūnas. 2017–2018.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common vestibular pathologies. Correct application of positional maneuvers is an effective and inexpensive way to diagnose and treat BPPV. However, the particle-repositioning maneuvers are currently underused due to physicians’ lack of knowledge how to apply them and the lack of time in ambulatory setting. The primary goal of this project is to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of a virtual reality device and a mobile application developed speciffically to facilitate the performance of Epley maneuver for healthy volunteers.

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 at VU IBT (VU Life Sciences Center), Prof. K.Sasnauskas, Principal Investigator at VUHSK Prof. G. Kaubrys. 01.Jan.2016–31.Dec.2019.

In 2017 submitted application to patent the newly discovered antibodies. 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.

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. 2015–2019.

The year 2017 was second stage of project; further analysis of data.
Quantitative assessment of dance therapy influence on upper limb biomechanics for a people with Parkinson's disease. Presentation the 13th international conference Mechatronic Systems and Materials MSM – 2017.

Clinical research Ataxia and Gait Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis Patients in collaboration with Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. Assoc. prof. R. Kizlaitienė. 2015-ongoing.

In 2017, data was collected and analysed. Evaluation of multiple sclerosis gait coordination via continous relative phase analysis. Presentation at the 23rd Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics, July 2–5, 2017, Seville, Spain. Differences in temporal gait parameters between multiple sclerosis and healthy people. March 2017, IFMBE proceedings: doi: 10.1007/978-981-10-4166-2_6.

Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk Programme. Prof. D. Jatužis, 2005–ongoing.

In 2017, further analysis of follow-up data was continued.

Analysis of Braing Tumors Prognostic Factors and Early Response with Visual Biomarkers in coperation with National Cancer Institute (No. MIP-015/2014; KT2014-27). Dr. E. Aleknavičius. 2014–2019.

Late follow-up of the patients.

International Research Projects

Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness research in TBI: a prospective longitudinal observational study (CENTER-TBI), funded by 7BP; www.center-tbi.eu. Participants: Prof. Dr. S. Ročka, A. Preikšaitis.

The aim of the project is 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 publication:

Cnossen, M. C., Huijben, J. A., van der Jagt, M., Volovici, V., van Essen, T., Suzanne Polinder, S., Nelson, D., Ercole, A., Stocchetti, N., Citerio, G., Peul, W. C., Maas A. I. R., Menon, D., Steyerberg, E. W. 2017. Lingsma on behalf of the CENTER-TBI investigators: S.Rocka, A.Preikšaitis. 2017. Variation in monitoring and treatment policies for intracranial hypertension in traumatic brain injury: a survey in 66 neurotrauma centers participating in the CENTER-TBI study. Critical Care, vol. 21, p. 233; doi: 10.1186/s13054-017-1816-9.

Safe Implementation of Treatment of Stroke (SITS) - EAST Project. Participants: Dr. A. Vilionskis, R. Masiliunas, Prof. Dr. D. Jatužis.

Collaborative project with other stroke centers from Eastern and Central Europe: prospective international database of all acute stroke patients treated with reperfusion treatment.

The aim of project to collect demographic, clinical, radiological, treatment details of all acute ischemic stroke patients, treated with reperfusion treatment as 3 months follow up as well.

Main publications:

Tsivgoulis, G., Katsanos, A.H., Kadlecova, P., Czlonkowska, A., Kobayashi, A., Brozman, M., Švigelj, V., Csiba, L., Fekete, K., Korv, J., Demarin, V., Vilionskis, A., Jatuzis, D., Krespy, Y., Karapanayiotides, T, Giannopoulos, S., Mikulik, R. 2017. Intravenous thrombolysis for patients with in-hospital stroke onset: propensity-matched analysis from the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke-East registry. Eur J Neurol, vol. 24(12), p. 1493–1498.

Tsivgoulis, G., Katsanos, A. H., Kadlecova, P., Czlonkowska, A., Kobayashi, A., Brozman, M., Švigelj, V., Csiba, L., Fekete, K., Korv, J., Demarin, V., Vilionskis, A., Jatuzis, D., Krespy, Y., Liantinioti, C., Giannopoulos, S., Mikulik, R. 2017. Intravenous thrombolysis in the golden hour: propensity-matched analysis from the SITS-EAST registry. J Neurol, vol. 264, p. 912–20.

Vaclavik, D., Vilionskis, A., Jatuzis, D., Karlinski, M.A., Gdovinova, Z., Kõrv, J., Tsivgoulis, G., Mikulik, R. 2017. Clinical outcome of cardioembolic stroke treated by intravenous thrombolysis. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 2017 Dec 8;

doi: 10.1111/ane.12880.

Project: The Standardized Computer-based Organized Reporting of EEG (SCORE) Leader (coordinator) – Prof. R. Mameniškienė. Since 2009.

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 publication:

Beniczky, S., H., Brøgger, J.C., Hirsch, L.J., Schomer, D.L., Trinka, E., Pressler, R.M., Wennberg, R., Visser, G.H., Eisermann, M., Diehl, B., Lesser, R.P., Kaplan, P.W., Nguyen, The Tich, S., Lee, J.W., Martins-da-Silva, A., Stefan, H., Neufeld, M., Rubboli, G., Fabricius, M., Gardella, E., Terney, D., Meritam, P., Eichele, T., Asano, E., Cox, F., van Emde Boas, W., Mameniskiene, R., Marusic, P., Zárubová, J., Schmitt, F.C., Rosén, I., Fuglsang-Frederiksen, A., Ikeda, A., MacDonald, D.B., Terada, K., Ugawa, Y., Zhou, D., Herman, S.T. 2017. Standardized computer-based organized reporting of EEG: SCORE - Second version. Clin Neurophysiol., 2017 Aug 9, pii: S1388-2457(17)30906-9;

doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2017.07.418.

E-pilepsy is a Pan-European Project. Leader (coordinator) – Prof. R. Mameniškienė. Since 2011.

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. Epilepsy 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 Eepilepsy 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 publication:

Vogt, V. L., Äikiä, M., Del Barrio, A., Boon, P., Borbély, C., Bran, E., Braun, K., Carette, E., Clark, M., Cross, J. H., Dimova, P., Fabo, D., Foroglou, N., Francione, S., Gersamia, A., Gil-Nagel, A., Guekht, A., Harrison, S., Hecimovic, H., Heminghyt, E., Hirsch, E., Javurkova, A., Kälviäinen, R., Kavan, N., Kelemen, A., Kimiskidis, V. K., Kirschner, M., Kleitz, .C, Kobulashvili, T., Kosmidis, M.H., Kurtish, S.Y., Lesourd, M., Ljunggren, S., Lossius, M.I., Malmgren, K., Mameniskiené, R., Martin-Sanfilippo, P., Marusic, P., Miatton, M., Özkara, Ç., Pelle, F., Rubboli, G., Rudebeck, S., Ryvlin, P., van Schooneveld, M., Schmid, E., Schmidt, P. M., Seeck, M., Steinhoff, B. J., Shavel-Jessop, S., Tarta-Arsene, O., Trinka, E., Viggedal, G., Wendling, A. S., Witt, J. A., Helmstaedter, C. E-PILEPSY consortium. 2017. Current standards of neuropsychological assessment in epilepsy surgery centers across Europe. Epilepsia, vol. 58(3), p. 343–355; doi: 10.1111/epi.13646.

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

International Multicenter Register: European Register of Antileptic Drugs and Pregnancy (EURAP) - a prospective observational study of pregnancies with antiepileptic drugs. Lithuanian involved in the project. Leader – Prof. R. Mameniskiene. Since 2005.

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. Participant – Prof. R. Mameniskiene, 2013-ongoing.

The project aimed to investigate 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 R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)
National Cancer Institute (Lithuania)
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. D. Jatužis –

president of Lithuanian Stroke Association and Lithuanian Neurological Association;
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 projects ESO-EAST Enhancing and Accelerating Stroke Treatment (5-year collaboration with selected physicians from Eastern countries to optimise stroke care in Eastern Europe) and SITS (Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke) and member of SITS-EAST;
leading Investigator in EuroHYP-1 trial;
member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Stroke of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN).

Prof. S. Ročka –

president of Lithuanian Neurosurgical Society;
member of Lithuanian Society for Epileptology;
member of European Association of Neurosurgical Societies;
member of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies;
member of Lithuanian Neuroscience Association.

Prof. G. Kaubrys –

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

Prof. R. Mameniškienė –

president of Lithuanian Society for Epileptology;
member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Epilepsy of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
member of the Council of the Lithuanian Neurological Association;
cover art editor of the journal Seizure - European Journal of Epilepsy;
editor-in-chief of the journal Nervų ir psichikos ligos;
editorial board member of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in neurology);
national coordinator in European Register of Antileptic Drugs and Pregnancy (EURAP);
national coordinator in the international registry of the treatment of refractory status epilepticus;
member of the Lithuanian Stroke Association;
member of the World Federation of Neurology.

Assoc. prof. J. Valaikienė –

member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Neurosonology of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Infectious Diseases of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
member of the Lithuanian Neurological Association;
member of the Lithuanian Stroke Association;
member of the World Federation of Neurology.

Assoc. Prof. R. Kizlaitienė –

member of the Council of the Lithuanian Neurological Association;
member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelinated Diseases of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
member of the Lithuanian Stroke Association;
head of the Medical Advisory Board of Lithuanian Multiple Sclerosis Association.

Assoc. Prof. K. Laurikėnas –

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

Lect. 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. G. Terbetas –

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

Assist. A. Vilionskis –

member of Council of Lithuanian Stroke Association;
fellow member of European Stroke Organization;
member of Lithuanian Neurological Association;
member of World Stroke Organization;
member of World Federation of Neurology.

Assist. R. Kaladytė-Lokominienė -

member of the Council of Lithuanian Neurological Association;
member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Movement Disorders of the 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.

Assist. K. Ryliškienė –

member of the Board of Nordic Stroke Society;
member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Headache of the 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 Faculty of Medical.

Teaching assist. R. Masiliūnas –

executive board member of the Nordic Stroke Society.

CLINIC OF PSYCHIATRY

5 Vasaros, LT-10309 Vilnius

Tel. 261 1043, fax 231 3747

E-mail: sigita.lesinskiene@mf.vu.lt

Head – Prof. Dr. Sigita Lesinskienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. S. Lesinskienė, Dr. D. Pūras, Dr. A. Germanavičius (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. A. Šiurkutė, Dr. A. Navickas, Dr. E. Laurinaitis, Dr. R. Viliūnienė, Dr. B. Diomšina (part-time).
Assistant: E. Dlugauskas.
Research fellows: Dr. A. Dervinytė-Bongarzoni (part-time).
Lecturers (part-time).: Dr. R. Aranauskas, Dr. A. Deksnytė, V. Rutkauskas, R. Balčiūnas, I. Gaškaitė, L. Bukelskis, I. Treigienė, A. Šapranauskienė, R. Samušytė, T. Grigonis, D. Natkevičienė, J. Ulevičienė, S. Ašvydienė, E. Paužienė, E. Petkutė, J. Daškevičienė, V. Mickutė, B. Didžiokaitė, L. Andrikienė, R. Židonienė, A. Nemanienė .
Doctoral students: E. Dlugauskas, A. Šileikaitė, J. Radzevičienė.
Students’ scientific groups of:
Child and adolescent psychiatry: scientific leader – Prof. S. Lesinskienė, coordinator – student R. Šambaras; 9 members of the group.
Psychiatry: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. A.Navickas, coordinator – student G.Grigentytė; 52 members of the group.
Psychotherapy: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. E. Laurinaitis, coordinator – student A.Žemaitis; 48 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Evaluation of functioning and quality of life of patients with psychiatric disorders
Analysis of outcome variables of the treatment of psychotic, affective and neurotic disorders
Different approaches on psychosocial rehabilitation and assertive outreach for comprehensive integrated community care for people with mental disorders in the community settings
Evaluation of services for people with mental illness and their carers

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

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. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. A. Navickas. 2014–2018.

During 2017, the clinic of psychiatry concentrated its research on:

- psychopathological structure of depressions, the associations of its structure with the course and prognosis of the disease;
- pathological imitative behavior and response preparation in schizophrenia;
- delirium in the cardiac intensive care unit;
- autoimmune damage relation to treatment resistance psychoses and the effectiveness of the ECT;
- changes of event-related potential P300 after ECT in patients with treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders;
- influence of 10 Hz rTMS treatment site selection on physiological and clinical outcome;
- CYP450 enzymes genetic polymorphism influence on treatment of affective disorders;
- anxiety sensitivity associated with coronary hearth disease, anxiety disorders and inflammation markers (IL-6, IL-8).

Active participation at international conferences: over 40 presentations.

Main publications:

Šerpytis, P., Navickas, P., Navickas A., Šerpytis, R., Navickas, G., Glaveckaitė, S. 2017. Age and gender-related peculiarities of patients with delirium in the cardiac intensive care unit. Kardiol Pol.; doi: 10.5603/KP.a2017.

Dankinas, D., Melynytė, S., Šiurkutė, A., Dapšys, K. 2017. Pathological imitative behavior and response preparation in schizophrenia. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 20 April 2017, p. 1–8; doi: 10.1093/arclin/acx034.

Vilkaitė, A., Audickaitė, M., Bylaitė-Bučinskienė, E., Dlugauskas, E. 2017. Evaluation of the skin and its appendages in patients with schizophrenia and depression. Neurologijos seminarai, vol. 21, iss. 3, p154–161 (in Lithuanian).

Dervinyte-Bongarzoni, A., Navickas, A. 2017. Ealy diagnosis of pospartum depression disorders – basis of effective prevention. Health Sciences in Eastern Europe, vol. 27 (113), p. 31–40, https://sam.lrv.lt/uploads/sam/documents/files/Veiklos_sritys/Sveikatos_mokslai/2017%20SM4(Internetui).pdf

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

Further research of suicidal behavior in Lithuanian population, comparative analysis of suicides among EU countries. Active participation in international conferences: over 40 lectures presented.

Main publications:

Lukaviciute, L., Navickas, P., Navickas, A., Grigaitiene, J., Ganceviciene, R., Zouboulis, C. C. 2017. Quality of life, anxiety prevalence, depression symptomatology and suicidal ideation among acne patients in Lithuania. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.; doi: 10.1111/jdv.14477.

Lekečinskaitė, L., Lesinskienė S. 2017. Suicides of children and young adults under 20 in Lithuania in 2010–2015. Public Health, vol. 2(77), p. 74–80.

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

Research was carried out on the need of services for children and adolescents with mental, behavioral and developmental disorders. Results identified substantial gaps in the system of services and the need for increasing quantity and quality of mental health services for children and adolescents. It was identified that the priority is to invest in development in specialized outpatient and day care services with teams of professionals in regional centers which cover catchment area of 200.000 to 300.00 of population. Recommendations of this research are reflected in publications. These recommendations were used by the Ministry of Health in formulation of guidelines for further development of child and adolescent mental health serrvices in the Republic of Lithuania.

Main publications:

Pūras, D., Hannah, J. 2017. Reasons for drug policy reform: prohibition enables systemic human rights abuses and undermines public health. British Medical Journal, vol. 17, 356:i6586.

Husky, M. M., Boyd, A., Bitfoi, A., Carta, G., Chan-Chee, C., Goelitz, D., Koc, C., Lesinskiene, S., Mihova, Z., Otten, R., Pez, O., Shojaei, T., Kovess-Mafety, V. 2017. Self-reported mental health in children ages 6–12 years across eight European countries. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2017 October 30; doi: 10.1007/s00787-1073-0.

Voišniš, M., Lesinskienė, S. 2017. The significance of non-medicamental treatment in case of Tourette syndrome. Pediatrics, vol. 2(78), p. 40–46.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Paradigm Change of Mental Health and Well-being in Lithuania: Towards Empirically Valid Model (GER-15070). Dr. E. Šumskienė.

Prof. A. Germanavičius took part in the research team that aimed to contribute to the paradigmatic change by scientific research and evaluation of efficacy of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment to psychological and social functioning, and to estimate economic burden of treatment and mental diseases that society must pay. Interdisciplinary research group collected data on demographical, social, psychological, psychiatric and economical variables from 380 patients. In this longitudinal study also qualitative interviews (total N=50; 30 from service users and 20 - with professionals) were performed with the objective to estimate the deficits in the system of mental health care, to collect and analyze empirical data from providers of medical and social services as well as from mental health care experts and service users.

Final analysis of data has been presented in the final report (see below at publication section), which was submitted to Research Council of Lithuania. 2 scientific publications were prepared.

COST programme project: IS1302. Prof. A. Germanavičius was deputy coordinator of National coordinator assoc. prof. Ilona Laurinaitytė at EU COST project Action IS1302 Towards an EU Research Framework on Forensic Psychiatric Care: http://www.cost.eu/domains_actions/isch/Actions/IS1302. The 19 countries involved in the action were the UK, Spain, Slovenia, Serbia, Portugal, Netherlands, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Ireland, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, France, Macedonia, Germany, Greece, Italy.

A.Germanavicius participated in two international conferences of the project respectively, where he worked within Working Group WG1 activities (http://lfpc-cost.eu/). In accordance of this research protocol prof. A. Germanavicius and forensic psychiatrist A. Šileikaitė further analyzed data on the characteristics and determinants of inpatients of forensic psychiatric patients in Lithuania (total sample of 335 inpatients of Rokiskis Forensic psychiatric hospital). Contribution was made for Final Report, which was submitted to EU COST.

In the frame of this project, International Winter School for Forensic Psychiatric Researchers was organized at Vilnius University in January 2017. Prof. A. Germanavičius and Dr. I.Laurinaitytė prepared and submitted the chapter Challenges in the Provision of Forensic Services in Baltic States to the book Long-Stay in Forensic-Psychiatric Care in Europe. Prof. A. Germanavičius made oral presentation on assessment of quality of care in forensic psychiatry during international conference in May 2017, in Vilnius.

Ministry of Health carried out project: Public Mental Health Monitoring. Prof. A. Germanavičius. 2016–2017.

Prof. A. Germanavičius carried scientific advisory role in this national project on creating the mobile application (“Pagalba Sau”) for mobile phone users that aims to monitor emotional subjective wellbeing, enhance self-help and provides information on mental health support and care. Prof. A. Germanavičius acted as scientific lead of the international forum on Innovations in Public Mental Health, which was held on 21st September 2017 in Vilnius, where he also made the keynote presentation. This conference was a part of the government project Open Government. Prof. A. Germanavičius acted as scientific commitee member of the 1st international Public Mental Health conference, which was held in Vilnius University (http://pmhconference.eu), where he alsomade keynote presentation Human Rights and Public Mental Health.

Main publications:

Winkler, P., Krupchanka, D., Roberts, T., Kondratova, L., Machů, V., Höschl, C., Sartorius, N., Van Voren, R., Aizberg, O., Bitter, I., Cerga-Pashoja, A., Deljkovic, A., Fanaj, N., Germanavicius, A., Hinkov, H., Hovsepyan, A., Ismayilov, F.N., Strkalj Ivezic, S., Jarema, M., Jordanova, V., Kukić, S, Makhashvili, N., Novak Šarotar, B., Plevachuk, O., Smirnova, D., Voinescu, B.I., Vrublevska, J., Thornicroft, G. 2017. A blind spot on the global mental health map: a scoping review of 25 years' development of mental health care for people with severe mental illnesses in central and Eastern Europe. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2017 May 8; doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30135-9.

Petružytė, D., Marcinkevičiūtė, M., Germanavičius, A., Rušinaitė, G. 2017. Kiekybinis pacientų psichometrinių rodiklių tyrimas (Quantitative research of patients’ psychometric indices). Monograph Psichikos sveikatos ir gerovės paradigmų kaita (comp. Šumskienė E. and Petružytė D.). Vilnius University, p. 86–141, http://www.fsf.vu.lt/dokumentai/Projektai/LMT/psichikos_sutrikimų_diskursai_galutinis.pdf

Petružytė, D., Marcinkevičiūtė, M. Germanavičius, A., Rušinaitė, G. 2017 Analysis of quantitative psychometric data of patients. In: Monograph Paradigm Change of Mental Health and Well-being in Lithuania: Towards Empirically Valid Model. Vilnius University, p.86–141, https://www.researchgate.net/project/Paradigm-Change-of-Mental-Health-and-Well-being-in-Lithuania-Towards-Empirically-Valid-Model (In Lithuanian).

International Research Project

The observation of children in Lithuanian care homes in preparation for their trip and stay in Italian carers’ families, cultural mediation and psychological support for children and carers. The project of the visits is delivered by the not-for-profit organization “Nuovo Cielo” (president Sara Bianci), and is carried out in collaboration with Paolo Sesti (University of Calabria, Italy). The project is ongoing.

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 Academy of Music and Theatre, Faculty of Music (Lithuania)
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. S. Lesinskienė –

vice-president of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association;
board Member of Lithuanian Society for Art Therapy Application;
vice president of IACAPAP: International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions;
board member of NBO: Nornic Baltic Organisation;
editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics), www.medpraktika.lt/leidiniai/leidinys/2/Pediatrija.

Prof. D. Pūras –

UN Special rapporteur on the right to health;
editorial board member of the national journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public health), http://www.hi.lt/content/D2_redkolegija.html;
editorial board member of the national journal Medicina;
member of International Advisory Board of the Aarchives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, http://www.archivespp.pl/International-Advisory-Board.html.

Prof. A. Germanavičius –

editorial board member of the journals: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, Medicina (Medicine), Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health), Biologinė psichiatrija ir psichofarmakologija (Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology);
scientific board member of the Neuroscience Institute at Lithuanian University of Health sciences (Kaunas).

Assoc. Prof. A. Navickas –

president of the Lithuanian Association of Suicidology;
president of the Lithuanian Psychiatric Association;
member of International Association of Suicide Prevention;
member of the Committee of Nordic Psychiatric Associations;
member of the Steering Committee of the European Psychiatric Association;
editorial board member of the journal Biologinė psichiatrija ir psichofarmakologija (Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology); http://www.pri.kmu.lt/biological-psychiatry.ht;
editor-in-chief of the journal Psichiatrijos žinios (News of Psychiatry);
chair of Organizing Committee of the WPA Inter Zonal Congress in Vilnius;
WPA Honorary Membership for excellence in service to the World Psychiatric Association on the occasion of the 17th World Congress of Psychiatry in Berlin, Germany 8–12 October 2017.

Assoc. Prof. E. Laurinaitis –

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

Assoc. Prof. A. Šiurkutė –

editorial board member of the journal Psichiatrija. Mental Health Research Centre Russian Acad.of Med.Sci;
member of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association.

Assoc. Prof. R.Viliūnienė –

president of Lithuanian Society of Psychoanalysis (LPaD), http://psichoterapija.org;
member of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association (LPA).

Research fellow Asta Dervinyte-Bongarzoni –

member of Lithuanian Psychiatry Association;
member of Children and Adolescents Psychiatry Association.

CLINIC OF RHEUMATOLOGY, ORTHOPEDIC TRAUMA AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius-21

Tel. 236 5302, fax. 236 5303

E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Irena Butrimienė

STAFF

Professors: Prof. Dr. I. Butrimienė, Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Venalis, 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.
Assistant professor: Dr. D. Miltinienė.
Research fellows: Dr. Š. Mažeika, Dr. R. Rugienė, Dr. D. Miltinienė, Dr. I. Arštikytė.
Doctoral students: D. Karpec, R. Šakalytė, E. Puncevičienė, E. Tertelienė, A. Makulavičius, G.Stundžaitė-Baršauskienė, A. Petrulionienė, G. Petryla.
Students’ scientific groups of:
Rheumathology: scientific leader – Dr. D. Povilėnaitė, coordinator – student A. Bobin; 11 members of the group.
Orthopaedics and traumatology: scientific leader – Dr. S. Prof. N. Porvaneckas, coordinator – student R. Bradūnaitė; 57 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
Influence of the psychosocial factors on the early knee joint 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
Associations between genetic, epigenetic factors and rheumatoid arthritis ethiopathogenesis and clinical course

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2018

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

The special-purpose medical device “IMC-Light” has been constructed during the doctoral studies. The equipment consists of ultraviolet (UVA1) light emitting diodes, which emit the ultraviolet rays with a peak wavelength of 365 ± 5 nm. Animal models are essential tools in investigating in-depth the search of new therapeutic modalities.

The main objective of the project is to define the efficacy and safety of narrowband ultraviolet (UVA1) for the treatment of dermal fibrosis in bleomycin-induced mouse scleroderma. The results of the study have revealed that narrowband UVA1 phototherapy reduces the dermal thickness, stops the progression of dermal fibrosis, induces the regression of already existing fibrotic changes in the established, bleomycin-induced mouse model of scleroderma. Further experiments concerning the mechanisms of action and safety of narrowband UVA1 phototherapy will be performed.

Main publications:

Karpec, D., Rudys, R., Leonaviciene L., Mackiewicz, Z., Bradunaite, R., Kirdaite, G., Venalis, A. 2017. The impact of high-dose narrowband ultraviolet A1 on dermal thickness, collagen and matrix-metalloproteinases in animal model of scleroderma. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, vol. 173, p. 448–455.

Karpec, D., Rudys, R., Leonavičienė, L., Mackiewicz, Z., Bradūnaitė, R., Kirdaitė, G., Venalis, A. 2017. The impact of narrowband ultraviolet A1 on active caspase-3 expression in scleroderma animal model. Laboratory Medicine, vol. 19, no. 3(75), p. 151–157.

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 is to 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. Accordingly, research of laboratory data of epigenetics (DNA methylation, ect.) and genetics (vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism) that potentially mediates genetic risk for rheumatoid arthritis will be done. This study is approved by Lithuanian Bioethics Committee.

Main publications:

Vojinovic, J., Tincani, A., Sulli, A., Soldano, S., Andreoli, L., Dall'Ara, F., Butrimiene, I., Punceviciene, E., et al. 2017. European multicentre pilot survey to assess vitamin D status in rheumatoid arthritis patients and early development of a new Patient Reported Outcome questionnaire (D-PRO). Autoimmunity Reviews, vol. 16, p. 548–554.

Salaffi, F., Di Carlo, M., Vojinovic, J., Tincani, A., Sulli, A., Soldano, S., Andreoli, L., Dall’Ara, F., Ionescu, R., Butrimienė, I., Punceviciene, E., et al. 2017. Validity of the rheumatoid arthritis impact of disease (RAID) score and definition of cut-off points for disease activity states in a population-based European cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Joint Bone Spine, 2017 May 24; pii: S1297-319X(17)30111-2; doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2017.05.020.

Čypienė. A, Dadonienė, J., Miltinienė, D., Rinkūnienė, E., Rugienė, R., Stropuvienė, S., Badarienė, J., Laucevičius, A. 2017. The fact not to ignore: Mean blood pressure is the main predictor of increased arterial stiffness in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. Adv Med Sci., vol. 62(2), p. 223–229; doi: 10.1016/j.advms.2017.01.005.

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

The main objective of this project is to evaluate the significance of certain clinical, laboratory and sociodemographic parameters, alone or in combination, for the outcomes of early undifferentiated arthritis. The aim of the this study is 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. With partner we plan to evaluate certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influence in pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory arthritis, to see if any of these SNPs are associated with early joint structural damage seen on ultrasound. We will also measure the activity of certain genes, which are responsible in development of autoimmune joint disease during the course of early undifferentiated arthritis.

Main publications:

Naciute, M., Mieliauskaite, D., Rugiene, R., Maciunaite, G., Mauricas, M., Murovska, M., Girkontaite, I. 2017. Parvovirus B19 infection modulates the levels of cytokines in the plasma of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Cytokine, vol. 96, p. 41–48; doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2017.03.002.

Naciute, M., Maciunaite, G., Mieliauskaite, D., Rugiene, R., Zinkeviciene, A., Mauricas, M., Murovska, M., Girkontaite, I. 2017. Increased numbers of CD4+CD25+ and CD8+CD25+ T-Cells in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis with parvovirus B19 infection. In Vivo, vol. 31(2), p. 181–185.

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 is to reveal the progression of structural and functional alterations of arteries in rheumatic diseases over time. Five years after initial examination 210 patients with rheumatic diseases will be invited to participate in this study. Classic cardiovascular disease risk factors will be evaluated as well as occurrence of new cardiovascular events over a period of five years; endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness measurements will be performed, additional assessment of patients’ intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness of the carotid artery, and the longitudinal movements of the common carotid artery assessments will be conducted. The patients’ risk of having cardiovascular event over the next 10 years will be calculated. Comparing clinical, laboratory, vascular endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness changes in rheumatic patients is expected to identify the factors leading to the development of early atherosclerosis. Extensive clinical examination of the patients’ micro and macrovascular endothelial cell dysfunction, their correlation with immunological blood tests, and analysing changes over time could lead to new insights on these rare and little studied diseases.

Main publication:

Dadonienė, J., Kumžaitė, G., Mačiulytė, R., Miltinienė, D. 2017. Clinical characteristics and long-term survival differences of the ANCA-associated vasculitis group: a cross-sectional study of 27 patients. Acta Med Litu., vol. 24(2), p. 107–112; doi: 10.6001/actamedica.v24i2.3491.

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

Aim of study is 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. This study is approved by Lithuanian Bioethics Committee.

Main publication:

Salaffi, F., Di Carlo, M., Vojinovic, J., Tincani, A., Sulli, A., Soldano, S., Andreoli, L., Dall'Ara, F., Ionescu, R., Simić Pašalić, K., Balčune, I., Ferraz-Amaro, I., Tlustochowicz, M., Butrimienė, I., Punceviciene, E., Toroptsova, N., Grazio, S., Morović-Vergles, J., Masaryk, P., Otsa, K., Bernardes, M., Boyadzhieva, V., Cutolo, M. 2017. Validity of the rheumatoid arthritis impact of disease (RAID) score and definition of cut-off points for disease activity states in a population-based European cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Joint Bone Spine, 2017 May 24, pii: S1297-319X(17)30111-2; doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2017.05.020.

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 is 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. This study is approved by Vilnius Regional Bioethics Committee, and by State Data Protections Inspectorate. Co-working with Center for Communicable Diseases and AIDS the database of patients who had Lyme didsease in 2014–2016 years in Lithuania was created.

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

Total knee arthroplasty – the influence of preoperative patient factors on pain, function and quality of life. 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:

Sveikata, T., Porvaneckas, N., Kanopa, P., Molyte, A., Klimas, D., Uvarovas, V., Venalis, A. 2017. Age, sex, body mass index, education, and social support nfluence functional results after total knee arthroplasty. Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil., vol. 8(2), p. 71–77;

doi: 10.1177/2151458516687809.

Masionis, P., Šatkauskas, I., Mikelevičius, V., Ryliškis, S., Bučinskas, V., Griškevičius, J., Martin Oliva, X., Monzó Planella, M., Porvaneckas, N., Uvarovas, V. 2017. Biomechanical evaluation of native acromioclavicular joint ligaments and two reconstruction techniques in the presence of the sternoclavicular joint: A cadaver study. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), vol. 25(3):2309499017730424; doi: 10.1177/2309499017730424.

Dambrauskas, Ž., Aukštakalnis, V., Karbonskienė, A., Kačiurinas, D., Vokietienė, J., Lapka, R., Pamerneckas, A., Porvaneckas, N., Stašaitis, K., Jasinskas, N., Dobožinskas, P., Vaitkaitis, D., Lunevičius, R. 2017. How the changes in the system affect trauma care provision: The assessment of and implications for Lithuanian trauma service performance in 2007–2012. Medicina, vol. 53(1), p. 50–57; doi: 10.1016/j.medici.2016.12.002.

Orthopedic trauma

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. The protocol was approved by the Regional Ethical Committee and registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT01355900).

A prospective randomized study of minimally invasive treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. January 2015–December 2019.

The protocol was approved by the Regional Ethical Committee. A prospective study of functional outcomes after pelvic ring and acetabulum fracture treatment is ongoing.

International Research Projects

The EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) initiated multicentral online study Minimum Essential Data Set. Since 2011. Cordinator: Walker, Ulrich A. University Basel, Dr. Rugelienė.

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 publication:

Vojinovic, J., Tincani, A., Sulli, A., Soldano, S., Andreoli, L., Dall'Ara, F., Ionescu, R., Pasalic, K. S., Balcune, I., Ferraz-Amaro, I., Tlustochowicz, M., Butrimiene, I., Punceviciene, E., Toroptsova, N., Grazio, S., Morovic-Vergles, J., Masaryk, P., Otsa, K., Bernardes, M., Boyadzhieva, V., Salaffi, F., Cutolo, M. 2017. European multicentre pilot survey to assess vitamin D status in rheumatoid arthritis patients and early development of a new Patient Reported Outcome questionnaire (D-PRO). Autoimmun Rev., vol. 16(5), 548–554; doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.03.002.

EMerging EUlar NETwork (EMEUNET). Coordinnator – PhD sutent Diana Karpec, since 2013.

Diana Karpec is a working group member and country liaison of EMEUNET (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 3 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.

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

The aim of this study is 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.

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)
Department of Quantum Electronics of the Faculty of Physics of Vilnius University (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. N. Porvaneckas –

editorial board member of the journal Medicina;
editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
board member of the Lithuanian Orthopaedic and Trauma Society;
member of EFFORT.

Prof. A. Venalis –

board member of European League against Rheumatis;
member of executive committee for clinical trials in European League against Rheumatism;
member of the Lithuanian Rheumatology Association;
editorial board member of the journals Reumatologijos seminarai (Seminars in Rhumatology);
co-president of the organizing committee of annual conference Vilnius Rheumatology Seminars;
editorial board member of the journal Rheumatology (Poland).

Prof. I. Butrimienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. M. Kocius –

editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine);
member of EFFORT.

Assoc Prof. S. Stropuvienė –

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

Assoc. Prof. R. Rugienė –

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

Reseach fellow. I. Arštikytė –

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

CLINIC OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius

Tel. 236 5307, fax 236 52 11

E-mail

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Aleksandras Laucevičius

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Aidietis, Dr. J. Čelutkienė, Dr. G. Davidavičius (part-time), Dr. A. Kibarskis, Dr. G. Marinskis, Dr. Ž. Petrulionienė, Dr. K. Ručinskas, Dr. P. Šerpytis, Dr. V. Tarutis, Dr. D. Zakarkaitė (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. S. Aidietienė, Dr. J. Barysienė, Dr. S. Glaveckaitė (part-time), Dr. G. Kalinauskas, Dr. R.Karalius, Dr. B.Petrauskienė, Dr. A. Rudys.
Lecturers: Dr. J. Misiūra, Dr. R. S. Samalavičius, Dr. M. Sučila, Dr. R.Vaitkevičius (part-time).
Assistants: Dr. R. Steponėnienė, Dr. G. L. Vilkevičius, Dr. R. Kūgienė (part-time), Dr. D. Sudavičienė (part-time), Dr. N. Misonis (part-time).
Research fellows: J. Balsytė (part-time), Dr. J. Badarienė (part-time), Dr. L. Bezuška, Dr. 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, E. Lycholip (part-time), Dr. R. Malickaitė, Dr. V. V. Maneikienė (part-time), Dr. R. Navickas, Dr. G. Nogienė, Dr. G. Norkūnas, D. Petrikonytė (part-time), R. Puronaitė (part-time), Dr. N. Misonis (part-time), Dr. E. Rinkūnienė, Dr. L. Ryliškytė, Dr. P. Semėnienė, Dr. R. Sipavičius (part-time), Dr. R. Sudikienė, (part-time), Dr. M. Sučila (part-time), Dr. E. Uždavinytė-Gatelienė (part-time), Dr. B. Vaišnytė (part-time), Dr. A. Valaika, Dr. D. Zakarkaitė (part-time), A. Zorinas (part-time), Dr. G. Zuozienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: A. Aliachmed, G. Balčiūnaitė, T. Baltrūnas, A. Berukštis, G. Bieliauskienė, M. Budra, E. Čiburienė, A. Drąsutienė, D. Fomin, E. Gaižauskas, J. Jarašūnas, K. Jonas, V. Juknevičius, S. Kutkienė, E. Lycholip, A. Lipnevičius, G. Račkauskas, V. Rudienė, R. Ruseckaitė, A. Skrebūnas, E. Stanevičiūtė, R. Šerpytis, V. Šileikienė.
Students’ scientific groups of:
Cardiology: scientific leader – prof. P. Šerpytis, coordinator – student G. Neverauskaitė - Piliponienė; 61 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 M. Trumpickaitė; 79 members of the group.
Vascular surgery: scientific leader – Dr. S. Sudikas, coordinator – student K.E. Navardauskaitė; 22 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
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

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.

We aimed to investigate the possibility to uncover the early phase of HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) by means of exercise capacity evaluation and biomarker testing in metabolic syndrome population using a combination of B type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and peak VO₂. Enrolled individuals with MetS demonstrated reduced exercise capacity and/or elevated BNP consistent with the early signs of HFpEF. The analysis of arterial markers in the prospective group revealed statistically significant association of AIxHR75 with early phase of HFpEF. We referred patients with resistant hypertension who cannot achieve normal blood pressure values after medical treatment correction for renal artery denervation. We also performed follow-up after procedure and investigated predictive biomarkers for the long-term effect and quality of the procedure. In addition, we evaluated cardiovascular risk profile in dyslipidemic middle-aged men and women over the period 2009-2016. We investigate the importance of LDL-C and TG levels assessment for FH screening in the middle-aged Lithuanian adults.

Main publications:

Rinkūnienė, E., Butkutė, E., Puronaitė, R., Petrulionienė, Ž., Dženkevičiūtė, V., Kasiulevičius, V., Laucevičius, A. 2017. Arterial function parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, vol. 11(4), p. 901–907.

Čypienė, A., Dadonienė, J., Miltinienė, D., Rinkūnienė, E., Rugienė, R., Stropuvienė, S., Badarienė, J., Laucevičius, A. 2017. The fact not to ignore: Mean blood pressure is the main predictor of increased arterial stiffness in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. Advances in Medical Sciences, vol. 62, p. 223–229.

Petrikonytė, D., Balsytė, J., Badarienė, J., Rinkūnienė, E., Solovjova, S., Šileikienė, V., Čeponienė, I., Šerpytis, P., Šerpytis, R., Petrulionienė, Ž., Šlapikas, R., Laucevičius, A. 2017. Koronarinės širdies ligos rizikos veiksnių paplitimas ir jų korekcija EUROASPIRE IV tyrimo duomenimis (Prevalence of corronary heart disease risk factors and their correction according to EUROASPIRE IV research data). Laboratory Medicine, vol.19(3), p. 191–194.

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

Since 2012, 89 patients with degenerative mitral valve regurgitatant pathology were treated at VUHSK in the transapical off-pump fashion with Neochord Implantation using NeoChord DS1000 system (NeoChord, Inc., Eden Praire, MN). In 2017, there were 11 patients, who underwent this procedure. Based on the collected data a doctoral dissertation is being prepared. Since 2005, 84 patients were treated at VUHSK for mitral valve paravalvular leak. Forty-nine patients underwent conventional redo surgery, while 35 patients underwent novel surgical transapical catheter based mitral paravalvular leak closure with a closure device. In 2017, there were six patients, who underwent this procedure. Based on the collected data a doctoral dissertation is being prepared. Since 2005, 531 patients were treated at VUHSK for mitral valve paravalvular leak. Based on the collected data a doctoral dissertation is being prepared.

Main publications:

Zorinas, A., Janusauskas, V., Zakarkaite, D., Kramena, R., Bilkis, V., Rucinskas, K., Aidietis, A., Onorato, E. M. 2017. Fusion of the real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac fluoroscopy imaging in transapical catheter-based mitral paravalvular leak closure. Postepy w Kardiologii Interwencyjnej (Advances in Interventional Cardiology), vol. 13(3), p. 263–268.

Onorato, E.M., Zorinas, A., Janušauskas, V., Davidavičius, G., Zakarkaitė, D., Kramena, R., Bilkis, V., Ručinskas, K., Samalavičius, R. S., Aidietis, A. 2017. Occlutech® Paravalvular Leak Device (PLD). In: Transcatheter Paravalvular Leak Closure. (Smolka G., Wojakowski W., Tendera M., eds.). Springer: Nature Singapore Pte Ltd, p. 55–77; doi: 10.1007/978-981-10-5400-6_4.

Račkauskas, G., Zabiela, V., Marinskis, G., Baranauskas, A., Balkutė, D., Alunderytė, J., Puodžiukynas, A., Kazakevičius, T., Kviesulaitis, V., Aidietis, A. 2017. Evaluation of atrial fibrillation management and cardiovascular risk profile in atrial fibrillation patients: a cross-sectional survey. Medicina, vol. 53, p. 19–25.

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

A review of the heart transplantation in children in Lithuania was presented at the Congress of the Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Heart Surgery 30 Years for Heart Transplantation in Lithuania. Presentation 39 years of experience of treating transposition of the great arteries in a single low-volume center was made at the 7th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in Barcelona. Our experience in surgical treatment of pulmonary artery valve endocarditis was summarized and an article prepared.

Main publications:

Bezuska, L., Lebetkevicius, V., Sudikiene, R., Liekienė, D., Tarutis, V. 2017.30-year experience of Fontan surgery: single-centre's data. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, vol. 12, p. 67.

Hiortshoi, C. M. S., Kempny, A. S., Jensen, A. S., Sorensen, K., Nagy, E., Dellborg, M., Johansson, B., Rudiene, V., Hong, G., Opotowsky, A. R., Buts, W., Mulder, B. J., Tomkiewicz-Pajak, L., D’Alto, M., Prokšeli, K., Diller, D. P., Dimopoulos, K., Estensen, M. E., Holmstrom, H., Turanlahti, M., Thilen, U., Gatzoulis, M. A., Sondergaard, L. 2017. Past and current cause-specific mortality in Eisenmenger syndrome. European Heart Journal, vol. 38(26), p. 2060–7.

Rudiene, V., Glaveckaite, S., Zakarkaite, D., Karalius, R., Gumbiene, L. 2017. Challenging diagnosis of prosthetic infective endocarditis and para-aortic conduit abscess – the role of multimodality approach. Acta Cardiologica; doi: 10.1080/00015385.2017.1314410.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania Project

The National Lithuanian studies development programme for 2016-2024 Healthy Ageing. Cardiometabolic Early Vascular Aging Determinants (SEN – 03/2016). Prof. A.Laucevičius 2016–2018.

With significantly limited data on vascular age and it’s association with the widely used risk scales, the project aims to assess if there is an additive value when assessing the risk or selecting the interventions. In addition, there is limited knowledge on cardio-metabolic risk factors and their combined impact on the dynamic of vascular aging. Therefore, in this stage of our study the aim was to examine the dynamics of early cardiovascular aging and metabolic syndrome factors, and their interaction. We have analysed if risk assessment scores (Reynolds, FRS, FRS2, ATP-III, IAS-AGLA, PROCAM and SCORE) can efficiently predict related outcomes for high CV risk patient. After analysis of all the data we collected we arrived at a conclusion that none of currently widely used risk assessment tools are suited for assessing risk for ever increasing metabolic syndrome patient group. We have also analysed additional data regarding arterial stiffness defined by aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) sufficient factor in predicting CV risk for patients with metabolic syndrome. Analysis shows that PWV ability to predict CV diseases is valid, thus PWV measures should be included in CV risk assessment tools, and not used in isolation.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Biomarkers for Patients Hospitalised Due to Acute Heart Failure: Prospective Observational Multicenter Cohort Study (MIP 049/2015). Project leader – prof. Dr. J. Čelutkienė. 2015–2018.

During 2017, the number of recruited patients in 2 study centers reached approximately 1500. Samples from more than 1000 patients were analyzed in France (supervised by prof. A. Mebazaa) for three heart failure biomarkers. For this subgroup clinical, laboratory, follow-up data and adjudicated diagnoses are collected into the dedicated multicentre database. While performing interim analyses 15 abstracts for international congresses are generated.

Main publications:

Būgaitė, J., Gabartaitė, D., Alitoit, I., Zakarkaitė, D., Čelutkienė, J. 2017. Charasteristic echocardiographic parameters of right ventricular systolic dysfunction in acute dyspnea patients. Heart Failure, 4th World Congress on Acute Heart Failure, 29 April–2 May 2017 Paris, France.

Zeimaite, R., Celutkiene, J., Vinikovas, A., Kablucko, D. 2017. Can the severity of acute dyspnea predict the type of heart failure? Heart Failure, 4th World Congress on Acute Heart Failure, 29 April–2 May 2017 Paris, France.

Cerlinskaite, K., Celutkiene, J. 2017. Anaemia is associated with higher mortality risk in patients presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnoea. Heart Failure, 4th World Congress on Acute Heart Failure, 29 April–2 May 2017 Paris, France.

International Research Project

Research project User driven innovation: Symptom monitoring after hospitalization in patients with advanced heart failure: a NordicBaltic study (Project No.: 76015). Leader of the national group - Prof. J. Čelutkienė.

Non-invasive lung impedance monitors and Actigraph devices (registering physical activity) are acquired from the Cardioset Company. Feasibility study of home measurements performed in two centers (Lithuania and Norway), 10 patients after discharge are recruited. Data on everyday symptoms, lung impedance and physical activity during 30 days are collected for analysis.

Maip publications:

Lycholip, E., Aamodt, I. T., De Vries, A., Čelutkienė, J., Stromberg, A., Jaarsma, T. 2017. Effects of telemonitoring and disease management on self- care, anxiety and depression: results from the IN TOUCH study. Heart Failure, 4th World Congress on Acute Heart Failure, 29 April–2 May 2017 Paris, France.

Lycholip, E., Aamod, I. T., Lie, I., Čelutkienė, J., Stromberg, A., Jaarsma, T. 2017. How do cardiologists and nurses think about telemonitoring in patients with heart failure? A survey in Lithuania and Norway (No.61184). Heart Failure, 4th World Congress on Acute Heart Failure, 29 April–2 May 2017 Paris, France.

Lycholip, E., Aamodt, I. T., Lie, I., Stromberg, A., Kato, N., Johansson, P., Jaarsma, T., Čelutkienė, J. 2017. Health care professionals’ perception and expectation of telemonitoring in patients with heart failure in Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. 26th Nordic-Baltic Congress of Cardiology. 1–3 June 2017, Vilnius 2017, Vilnius, Lithuania. Medicina, vol. 53 (suppl. 1), p. 74.

CULPRIT-SHOCK ClinicalTrials. Gov number NCT01927549. Funded by the European Union 7th Framework Program and others. Multivessel Versus Culprit Lesion only Percutaneous Revascularization in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock. Leader of national group Prof. P. Šerpytis. 2014–2018.

Results from the prospective, randomized, multicenter CULPRIT-SHOCK trial found that an initial strategy of culprit lesion only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces the composite of 30-day mortality and/or severe renal failure in patients with multivessel disease and cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction.

Main publication:

Thiele, H., Akin, I., Sandri, M., Fuernau, G., de Waha, S., Meyer-Saraei, R., Nordbeck, P., Geisler, T., Landmesser, U., Skurk, C., Fach, A., Lapp, H., Piek, J. J., Noc, M., Goslar, T., Felix, S. B., Maier, L. S., Stepinska, J., Oldroyd, K., Šerpytis, P., Montalescot, G., Barthelemy, O., Huber, K., Windecker, S., Savonitto, S., Torremante, P., Vrints, C., Schneider, S., Desch, S., Zeymer, U.; CULPRIT-SHOCK Investigators. 2017. PCI strategies in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 377(25), p. 2419–2432; doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1710261.

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 (UK)
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Pittsburgh (USA)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Habil. Dr. 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); Internistas (Internist); Mediterranean Journal of Pacing and Electrophysiology (MESPE); Journal of Human Hypertension; Blood Pressure; Cardiology Management; Cardiology Journal (Folia Cardiologica);
managing editor of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine;
international editorial board member of the journal Europace (ESC);
chair of the Doctoral Committee of the Faculty of Medicine.

Prof. 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.

Prof. J. Čelutkienė –

member of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
member of European Society of Cardiology;
member of Heart Failure Association of the ESC;
member of European Association of Echocardiography;
head of Heart Failure workgroup of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
fellow of the European Society of Cardiology;
board member of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC.

Prof. G. Davidavičius –

member of Lithuanian Association for Interventional Cardiology;
Registry Steering Committee member OF European Society of Cardiology TransCatheter Valve treatment (TCVT).

Prof. V. Grabauskienė –

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

Prof. A. Kibarskis –

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

Prof. G. Marinskis –

editor-in-chief of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine;
member of the Credentials Committee;
member of Fellowship Committee of European Society of Cardiology;
member of Nomination Committee of European Heart Rhythm Association;
board member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
Chairman of Heart Rhythm workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology.

Prof. 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;
Chairperson of Prevention and Rehabilitation workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology.

Prof. K. Ručinskas –

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;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery).

Prof. P. Šerpytis –

fellow of the European Society of Cardiology;
chairman of Intensive Cardiac Care workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
member of Lithuanian Heart Association;
member of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology;
editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai;
scientific board member of the journal Emergency Medicine Service;
editorial board member of the journal International Heart and Vascular Disease Journal.

Prof. 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. A. Aidietienė –

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

Assoc. prof. 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;
member of Lithuanian Heart Association.

Assoc. Prof. 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 Lithuanian Association of Surgeons.

Assoc. Prof. 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.

Assoc. Prof. 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 Lithuanian Association of Surgeons;
member of the Society of Cardiology of Lithuania.

Reseach fellow. Assist. L. Gumbienė –

board member of the Lithuanian Society of Paediatric 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.

Reseach fellow. 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.

Reseach fellows Ž. Katliorienė, D. Liekienė –

members of the Lithuanian Society of Paediatric Cardiology.

Reseach fellow 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.

Lect. J. Misiūra –

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

Assist. R. S. Samalavičius –

board member of European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists;
board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons;
member of Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care;
editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija (Lithuanian Surgery).

Lect. Reseach fellows: M. Sučila, B. Vaišnytė –

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

Reseach fellow. A. Valaika –

board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons.

Assist. 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.

Prof. A. Aidietis, Prof. V. Grabauskienė, Prof. A. Kibarskis, Prof. G. Marinskis, Prof. G. Davidavičius, Assoc. Prof. B. Petrauskienė, Assoc. Prof. A. Rudys, Assoc. Prof. J. Badarienė, Assoc. Prof. J. Barysienė, Dr. 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, Dr. R. Steponėnienė –

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

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

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Vytautas Usonis

STAFF

Professors: Dr. R. Čerkauskienė, Dr. N. Drazdienė, Dr. R. Ėmužytė, Dr. A. Jankauskienė, Dr. L. Ragelienė, Dr. O. Rudzevičienė, habil. Dr. V. Usonis, habil. Dr. A. Valiulis
Associate professors: Dr. S. Dumčius, Dr. J. Grikinienė, Dr. O. Kinčinienė, Dr. G. Kleinotienė, Dr. V. Panavienė, Dr. S. Petraitienė, Dr. V. Urbonas, Dr. R. Vankevičienė, Dr. V. Žilinskaitė.
Assistants: Dr. S. Burokienė, Dr. I. Ivaškevičienė, Dr. A Liubšys, Dr. J. Rascon, Dr. I. Stacevičienė.
Lecturers: Dr. R. Kemežys, G. Cibulskienė, I. Kulečnikova, V. Radžiūnienė, V. Žukovskaja.
Chief research fellow: Habil. Dr. V. Usonis.
Senior research fellows: Dr. R. Ėmužytė, Dr. R. Firantienė.
Junior research fellow: Dr. B. Skerlienė.
Doctoral students: T. Alasevičius, K. Ažukaitis, A. Jagelavičienė, D. Jonuškaitė, A. Mulevičienė, J. Navikienė, I. Paulavičienė, A. Pliauckienė, I. Polianskytė, R. Selvestravičius, S. Sendžikaitė, N. Stirbienė,
Students’ scientific groups of:
Pediatrics: scientific leader – Dr. S. Burokienė, coordinator – student J. Karlonaitė, 50 members of the group.
Neonatology: scientific leader – Prof. N. Drazdienė, coordinator – student U. Skirmantaitė, 50 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
Progression and outcomes of pediatric renal disorders
Studies of immunoprophylaxis and vaccination
Diagnostics and treatment of inherited metabolic diseases
Diagnostics, treatment and prophylaxis of children’s abuse and trauma

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

The study, which was aimed to determine the rate of return visits (RVs) to a paediatric emergency department (ED) within a short period after discharge and the factors related to RVs to the paediatric ED in Lithuania, concluded that RVs which have influence on overcrowding the ED and reveal some weaknesses of the health care system, accounted for only a small proportion of visits to the ED; RVs were more prevalent among younger patients after discharging from the ED in the evening and at night.

The other study identified predisposing, enabling, and need factors that influenced the parents’ decision to bring their child to the ED for minor health problems that could be managed by a primary care physician.

Main publications:

Burokienė, S., Raistenskis, J., Burokaitė, E., Čerkauskienė, R., Usonis, V. 2017. Factors determining parents’ decisions to bring their children to the pediatric emergency department for a minor illness. Medical Science Monitor. New York: International Scientific Information: Inc, vol. 23, p. 4141–4148.

Burokienė, S., Kairienė, I., Strička, M., Labanauskas, L., Čerkauskienė, R., Raistenskis, J., Burokaitė, E., Usonis, V. 2017. Unscheduled return visits to a pediatric emergency department. Medicina. Wrocław: Elsevier, vol. 53, no. 1, p. 66–71; doi: 10.1016/j.medici.2017.01.003.

Studies of Development of the Methods of Diagnostics, Treatment and Prophylaxis of Acute and Chronic Infectious Diseases Were Continued. Project Leader – Prof. V. Usonis.

A standardized antimicrobial point prevalence surveys (PPS) method was employed to determine the feasibility of developing similar quality indicators of improved antimicrobial prescribing focusing specifically on hospitalized neonates and children. The use of antibiotics among hospitalised children at two tertiary paediatric centres (Riga and Vilnius) was compared, further investigations are needed because sharing audit data and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives may encourage further changes in practice at both institutions. Sepsis epidemiology and outcome in the paediatric ICU of Vilnius University Children’s Hospital was investigated; it was shown that the majority of lethal cases of sepsis occur in patients suffering from chronic co-morbidities, such as oncologic, hematologic, neurologic, and others.

Main publications:

Sharland, H. 2017. Goossens on behalf of the ARPEC project group [collaborators 154; from Lithuania]. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. London: OUP, vol. 71, iss. 4, p. 1106–1117.

Sviestina, I., Usonis, V., Gurkšnienė, V., Burokienė, S., Ivaškevičienė, I., Mozgis, D. 2017. Prescription of antibiotics in Riga and Vilnius tertiary children’s hospitals. European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy Science and Practice. London: BMJ Publishing group; doi.org/10.1136/ejhpharm-2016-001124.

Ludvigsson, J. F., Hadjipanayi, A., del Torso, S., Mercier, J.-Ch., Valiulis, A., Stiris, T. 2017. Appropriate use of antibiotics is vital for public health. Acta paediatrica. Hoboken: Wiley, vol. 106, iss. 5, p. 691–692.

Studies of Chronic Inflammation in Paediatric Pulmonology (Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, COPD) and Elaboration of Markers of Early Diagnostics of Chronic Diseases in Children. Project leader – Prof. A. Valiulis.

Studies showed the importance of further research for better translation of wheezing phenotypes into clinical practice. The study which was aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of Lithuanian children aged 5–11 years with asthma concluded that the overall level and major determinants of QoL in them are comparable with Western populations; the pilot study on alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) and wheezing in early childhood showed no association between AAT concentration and respiratory distress severity nor with the time of the first wheezing episode and concluded that further research is needed to better understand the effects of AAT genotype not related to its concentration; participation in the development of a targeted update of the ARIA guidelines was taken.

Main publications:

Brožek, J. L., et al [in total 60 authors, incl. Arūnas Valiulis from Lithuania]. Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) guidelines - 2016 revision. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, vol. 140, iss., 4, p. 950–958; doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.03.050.

Alasevičius, T., Chorostowska-Wynimko, J., Valiulis, A., Rozy, A., Taminskienė, V., Valiulis, A. 2017. Alpha-1 antitrypsin and wheezing in early childhood: pilot study. European Journal of Pediatrics, vol. 176, iss. 11, p. 1550; doi: 10.1007/s00431-017-2979-8.

Studies of Development of the Methods of Diagnostics, Treatment and Prophylaxis of Immune, Inflammatory, Metabolic, Haematologic and Oncohaematologic Diseases. Project leader – Prof. L. Ragelienė.

Studies showed the Lithuanians experience in the improvement of the outcome of childhood acute myeloid leukaemia; the most significant improvement was demonstrated in high-risk patients who benefited from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Studies on neuroblastoma (NB) treatment in Lithuania concluded that the OS5y for children treated for NB at the refering institution over 16 years increased from 66% in the 2000–2007 period to 82% in the 2008–2015 period with the most significant improvement achieved for high risk patients, the current survival rate of children treated for NB at the refering institution is in line with the reported numbers in Northern and Western European countries. Primary immunodeficiency treated in the tertiary children’s hospital was reviewed. The influence of the inborn metabolic defects on the inflammatory processes was suggested when studying the peculiarities of the rare neurological diseases. The disclosure of new mutations in children’s rare neurological disorders widened the clinical picture of epilepsies and paroxysmal dyskinesia, movement disorders.

Main publications:

Kairienė, I., Pasaulienė, R., Lipunova, N., Vaitkevičienė, G., Ragelienė, L., Rascon, J. 2017. Improved outcome of childhood acute myeloid leukemia in an Eastern European country: Lithuanian experience. European Journal of Pediatric, vol. 176, iss. 10, p. 1329–1337.

Valienė, A., Tamulienė, I, Rascon, J. 2017. Results of neuroblastoma treatment in Lithuania: a single centre experience. Acta medica Lituanica, vol. 24, no. 2, p. 128–137.

Juozapaitė, S., Praninskienė, R., Burnytė, B., Ambrozaitytė, L., Skerlienė, B. 2017. Novel mutation in a patient with late onset GLUT1 deficiency syndrome. Brain & Development, vol. 39, iss. 4, p. 352–355.

Studies on Diagnostics, Treatment and Prophylaxis of Children’s Abuse and Trauma. Project leader – Assist. Dr. S. Burokiene.

The study was concentrated on the research of functioning and physical activity after spinal cord injury (SCI) and resulted in the conclusion that during inpatient rehabilitation precisely solved problems, favourable social conditions promoted physically active lifestyle; assurance of social support and state policy could ensure successful functioning and better physical activity in everyday life and community in long-term context of people with SCI.

Main publication:

Šidlauskienė, A., Adomavičienė, A., Burokienė, S., Raistenskis, J. 2017. Functioning and physical activity after spinal cord injury. Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs, art. No. 1000305, p. 1–10.

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

University of Heidelberg (Germany)
University of Cologne (Germany)
University of Bologna (Italy)
Bambino Gesu Hospital (Rome, Italy)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Habil. Dr. V. Usonis –

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);
chairman of the international conference Vilnius Course 2017.

Prof. R. Čerkauskienė –

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

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);
board member of Lithuanian Paediatric 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. R. Ėmužytė –

editorial board member of the journals: Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology); Alergologija ir klinikinė imunologija (Allergology and Clinical Immunology); Medinfo; Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
international editorial board member of the journal Alergia astma immunologia (Allergy Asthma Immunology) (Poland);
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.

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;
member of regional bioethical committee.

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 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).

Prof. Habil. 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;
chairman of Commission of Experts of National Programme of Immunoprophylaxis of Lithuanian Ministry of Health;
president of the Lithuanian Paediatric Respiratory Society;
vicepresident of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
chairman of Vilnius International Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology; Conference-School (21 annual postgraduate courses since 1996);
editor-in-Chief of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology);
national Coordinator and Planning Committee member of WHO project Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (WHO-GARD Lithuania);
national Coordinator and Representative of Lithuania in International Guidelines of Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA Lithuania);
site Coordinator in international research projects MACVIA MASK, AIRWAYS ICP, RareBestPractice;
member of Strategic Paediatric Alliance for the Future Health of Children in Europe (EAP-EPA-ECPCP).

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).

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.

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).

Assoc. Prof. S. Petraitienė –

member of Scientific Committee of Vilnius International Course 2017 (VICO-2017) Update on Paediatric Infectious Diseases, https://www.vilniuscourse.com;
editorial board member of the journal Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, http://www.pediatrija.org.

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 of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN);
member of the European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN).

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).

Senior reseach fellow. R. Firantienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.

Lect. S. Burokienė –

member of the Organizing Committee of the 10th International Vilnius Course Update on Paediatric Infectious Diseases.

Lect. 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 Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD).

Assist. 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);
member of Organising Committee of Vilnius International Course 2017 Update of Paediatric Infectious Diseases.

Assist. J. Rascon –

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

Junior research fellow. B. Skerlienė –

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

CLINIC OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, FAMILY PRACTICE AND ONCOLOGY

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius

Tel. / fax 236 5075

E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Virginijus Šapoka

STAFF

Professors: Dr. V. Šapoka, Dr. V. Kasiulevičius, Dr. V. Alekna, Dr. L. Griškevičius, Dr. N. Samalavičius, Dr. D. Kalibatienė, Dr. V. Gaigalaitė, Dr. V. Ostapenko (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. V. Urbanavičius, Dr. E. Mišeikytė Kaubrienė, Dr. V. Dženkevičiūtė, Dr. Ž. Visockienė, V. Ožeraitienė, Dr. L. Vencevičienė (part-time).
Chief research fellow: Dr. S. Cicėnas.
Assistants: Dr. A. Abraitienė, Dr. V. Pečeliūnas, Dr. A. Marcijonienė (part-time), Dr. K. Simanauskas (part-time), N. Burokienė (part-time), V. Andrejevaitė (part-time), Dr. S. Varvuolytė, Dr. R. Staigis (part-time), Dr. V. Karpavičienė (part-time), Dr. O. Nečajauskaitė (part-time).
Lecturers: A. Slobinas (part-time), S. Tulytė (part-time), L. Vaitkevičiūtė (part-time), D. Diglys (part-time), A. Galkinė (part-time), E. Vitkauskaitė (part-time), G. Jonuškienė (part-time), A. Degulys (part-time), I. Fomčenko (part-time), D. Jakučionis (part-time), M. Buitkus (part-time), E. Gruodytė (part-time).
Doctoral students: R. Aškinis, A. Krasauskas, A. Galkinė, R. Kavalnienė, N. Lachej, R. Pileckytė, V. Dirsė, J. Mozūraitienė, I. Aleknaitė, J. Bublevič, A. Bliūdžius.
Students’ scientific groups of:
Internal medicine: scientific leader –assoc. prof. V. Dženkevičiūtė, coordinator – student J.Šimkūnienė; 19 members of e group.
Gerontology: scientific leader – prof. V. Alekna, coordinator – student M.Fabijonavičius; 23 members of the group.
Oncohematology: scientific leader – Dr. Ž. Gudlevičienė, coordinator – student I.Ališauskaitė; 59 members of the group.
Endocrinology: scientific leader – Dr. A. Abraitienė, coordinator – student G.Kazakevičiūtė; 46 members of the group.
Family medicine: scientific leader – Dr. V. Andrejevaitė, coordinator – student A.Vyšniauskaitė; 84 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment of diseases: fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies
Early diagnostics and prevention of non-infection diseases in family practice and in gerontology
Biomarker research in hematology and oncology
Investigation of etiopathogenetic risk factors and quality of patients’ life with internal diseases
Nursing needs of patients with internal, surgical, mental, children’s diseases

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

To Assess Leptin, Adiponectin and Insulin Resistance Changes after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Morbidly Obese Patients. Prof. V. Šapoka, Prof. V. Kasiulevičius. 2013–2018.

103 patients (37 with and 66 without type 2 diabetes) underwent LAGB. Glycated hemoglobin, insulin, adipokine levels and insulin resistance were evaluated preoperatively, 1 and 4-years after LAGB. 80 of 103 patients (77.6%) completed the 4-year follow-up. After 4 years the mean excess weight loss was 38.8% and 39.5% in diabetic and non-diabetic patients respectively. Leptin levels decreased significantly in both groups at 1 year, but after 4 years this was noted only in non-diabetic patients. After 1-year adiponectin levels increased significantly only in non-diabetic patients and remained almost the same at 4 years. A significant decrease in insulin resistance was noted in both groups 1 year after LAGB and diabetes remission was observed in 23 (62.1%) patients. During all follow-up period, there was a negative correlation between preoperative insulin resistance and adiponectin levels. Leptin levels positively correlated with BMI during all study period: (baseline r =0.45; p <0.001; after 1 year (r=0.71; p <0.001; after 4 years r=0.68; p <0.001). There was no significant correlation between leptin and adiponectin concentrations preoperatively and after 1 year, however, at 4 years it was significant (r=0.27; p <0.02).

It was concluded that 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 publications:

Urbanavicius, V., Juodeikis, Z., Dzenkeviciute, V., Galkine, A., Petrulioniene, Z., Sapoka, V., Brimiene, V., Vitkus, D., Brimas, G. 2017. A prospective 4-year study of insulin resistance and adipokines in morbidly obese diabetic and non-diabetic patients after gastric banding. Wideochir Inne Tech Maloinwazyjne, vol. 12(2), p. 147-153. doi: 10.5114/wiitm.2017.67207.

Holman, R. R., Bethel, M. A., Mentz, R. J., et al., EXSCEL Study Group. 2017. Effects of once-weekly exenatide on cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 Diabetes. N England J of Med., vol. 377(13), p. 1228–1239; doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1612917.

The Influence of Social and Demographic Factors, Depression and Anxiety on Patient Satisfaction with Primary Care. Doctoral Student R. Kavalnienė, Prof. V. Kasiulevičius. 2014–2018.

The review of scientific literature concerning patients’ satisfaction with primary health care in Lithuania and other countries, as well as the impact of biosocial factors and patients’ mental health on satisfaction with primary health care was continued. The study has already surveyed 889 patients, who visited their primary health care institutions in Vilnius. Data are prepared for statistical analysis.

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

Analyzing the clinical trials already performed, when the ERCC1 and RRM1 genes were included and the treatment chosen for their expression and obtaining favorable results, and also in light of controversial authors’ data, it is expedient to carry out additional molecular studies to determine the gene expression of the DNA repair system. Thus, a molecular diagnosis of a tumor is planned, an individual postoperative treatment of patients by choosing the optimal treatment regimen after progression of the disease through chemotherapy in order to obtain the best treatment results and predicting the possible further course of the disease. The study included 80 patients with stage II non-small cell lung cancer. The result obtained shows that the expression of the ERCC1 gene in the blood after 4 months, the RRM1 gene expression in the blood after 4 months, the RRM1 gene expression in the blood after 12 months, RRM1 (-524C → T) gene polymorphism are independent predictors of survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer factors. The shorter time to disease progression or relapse after treatment is directly related to the high expression of the ERCC1 and RRM1 genes in the blood after postoperative chemotherapy. Low levels of ERCC1 and RRM1 gene expression in the bloodstream are directly related to better disease prediction and better response to postoperative treatment. Only the RRM1 (-524C → T) gene polymorphism in the blood is associated with the progression of the disease after treatment.

A Population-Based Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Array Analysis of Genomic Aberrations in Younger Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients. Prof. L. Griškevičius, doctoral student V. Dirsė. 2015–2019.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis was performed for Lithuanian adult ALL patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2017. Data was analyzed for the detection of recurrent genomic aberrations and clonal evolution (in relapsed cases). SNP array analysis was performed in 66 DLBCL patients. Recurrent chromosomal aberrations were detected in double expressor and non-double expressor immunohistochemical subtypes of DLBCL.Combined FISH and SNP array analysis indicated MYC aberrations to be initiating events and possibly responsible for generating secondary genomic abnormalities. SNP array identified deletions/gains of CDKs and cyclin genes in 12/66 (18%) of DLBCL patients. This data reveals importance of the aberrations of cell cycle genes in DLBCL.Statistical analysis of karyotypes was performed in 338 adult ALL patients from NOPHO database. Karyotype data was related to outcome and clinical data of the patients. Using next generation sequencing, rare familial ALL case was detected.

Main publication:

Dirse, V., Norvilas, R., Gineikiene, E., Matuzevičienė, R., Griskevicius, L., Preiksaitiene, E. 2017. ETV6 and NOTCH1 germline variants in adult acute leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma, vol. 4, p. 1–3.

Chronic B Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Report of the Results for 2017 Year. Prof. L. Griškevičius, doctoral student R. Pileckytė. 2015–2019.

Molecular prognostic tests in 54 relapsed CLL patients treated with high dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) and rituximab (R) were evaluated. Review of literature of HDMP and R combination in high risk CLL patients. All study treatment with HDMP/R combination completed in 29 high risk CLL patients and 25 elderly patients with comorbidities. Response, toxicity, survival data are being evaluated. Preliminary data of survival evaluated: median progression free survival was 11 months, median overall survival not reached. Favourable toxicity profile noted, no deaths on treatment reported, severe infections ≥IIIo were confirmed only in 5% of all adverse events. Follow-up period and data collection are ongoing.

E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Inhibitors (RITA and Nutlin-3) in Human Metastatic Melanoma Cell Lines. Dotoral student. J. Mozūraitienė. Dr. Ž. Gudlevičienė. 2015–2019.

The aim of the study was to establish effect of FBW7 activator oridonin and MDM2 inhibitors nutlin-3/RITA and their combination to viability of melanoma cell lines FM-94 and FM-3 (cell lines were selected according to primary results of experiments). Summarizing the received viability data for FM-94 and FM-3 cell lines at 24, 48 and 72 hours, it was determined that after 24 hours and 48 hours incubation there was significantly reduced the vitality of FM-3 cells, the most effective inhibition was with 120 μM (after 24 hours) and 30 μM (after 48 hours) of oridonin concentrations. The decreasing of FM-94 cell viability was the strongest after 72 hours of incubation with 30 μM oridonin concentration, however, also had a good effect on 60 μM and 120 μM oridonin concentrations. There was strong inhibition of FM-94 cell viability, after 72 hours incubation with combinations of oridonin. The most effective inhibitory effect was on 30 μM oridonin concentrations for both FM-94 and FM-3 cell lines.

mRNA Expression of FBW7, MDM2 and Their Substrates – NUMB, NOTCH, TP53, CCNE, BBC3, C-MYC after Effect of Metastatic Melanoma Cells with Oridonin and Nutlin-3/RITA. Dotoral student. J. Mozūraitienė, Dr. Ž. Gudlevičienė. 2015–2019.

After the effect of the FM-94 cell line with nutlin-3 it was showed that the MDM2 gene expression was the most pronounced: compared to HPRT1 („housekeeping gene“), it was almost 8 times, compared with the TBP („housekeeping gene“), 6 times. A slightly lower expression was the BBC3 gene: compared to HPRT1, the gene expression increased by almost 6-fold, compared with TBP-almost 5-fold. TP53 expression increased by almost 2 times in comparison with the expression of both „housekeeping genes” expressions. The expression of CCNE1 and c-MYC genes decreased almost 2 times. The effect of RITA on FM-94 cells revealed a significant decrease in the expression of the FBW7 gene in comparison to HPRT1 - almost 6-fold, compared to TBP-7-fold. The c-MYC expression decreased even more: comparing 7 and almost 10 times the „housekeeping genes” genes, respectively. Following the effect of the FM-94 cell line on oridonin, a significant increase in CCNE1 expression was observed in comparison with TBD-2.5 times; BBC3 - 2 times. The expression of c-MYC gene, compared to HPRT1, decreased by 3.5 times. After the effect of the FM-94 cell line with RITA and oridonin, there was activation of genes associated with apoptosis (BBC3) and cell cycle-inducing genes (c-MYC) were inhibited.

The Expression of Hes1, Notch1, Notch4 Proteins and β-catenin in Endometrial Cancer atients. Prof. J. Didžiapetrienė, doctoral student N. Lachej. 2014–2018.

About 50 paired samples of endometrial cancer and adjacent nontumor endometrial tissue samples were analyzed by quantitative Western blot method.

Analysis of the all data (N=100) from clinical point of view, analysis of progression free and overall survival period was started. The review of literature was prepared.

Main publications:

Lachej, N. 2017.The association between the notch signaling pathway and gynaecological malignancies. Acta Medica Lituanica, vol. 24, no.1, p. 35–54.

Zabuliene, L., Jasilionis, D., Miseikyte-Kaubriene, E., Stukas, R., Kaceniene, A, Smailyte, G. 2017. Parity and risk of thyroid cancer: a population-based study in Lithuania. Horm Cancer, 8(5-6) vol. 325–329; doi: 10.1007/s12672-017-0308-3.

Kraśko, J. A., Žilionytė, K., Darinskas, A., Strioga, M., Rjabceva, S., Zalutsky, I., Derevyanko, M., Kulchitsky, V., Lubitz, W., Kudela, P., Miseikyte-Kaubriene, E., Karaman, O., Didenko, H., Potebnya, H., Chekhun, V., Pašukonienė, V. 2017. Bacterial ghosts as adjuvants in syngeneic tumour cell lysate-based anticancer vaccination in a murine lung carcinoma model. Oncol Rep., vol. 37(1), p.171–178; doi: 10.3892/or.2016.5252.

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

A Possible Causal Link between VA Hypoplasia (VAH) and the Incidence of Posterior Circulation Stroke (PCS) or TIA Depending on the Degree of VAH, Collateral Circulation and Vascular Risk Factors. Prof. D. Kalibatienė. 2014–2018.

The data basis of new patients and new risk factors are included (overall new 300 patients), atno present preparation for statistical investigations is carried out. The impact of the vertebral artery hypoplasia on PCS/TIA and its pathogenic mechanism was significantly influenced by age. In our population VA diameter 2.5 mm was cut-off point for PCS/TIA and VA diameter 2.2 mm was cut-off point for VA distal occlusion/stenosis. The cut-off point of VA diameter, affecting the occurrence of PCS in different populations may vary because VA diameter depends on gender and anthropometric parameters (especially height). Arterial hypertension, contralateral VA variation or lesions and male sex increase the PCS/TIA risk in patients with VAH.

The Evaluation of Non-Pulmonary Cancer Risk Following Tuberculosis. Prof. D. Kalibatienė. 2014–2018.

Lithuania remains one of the highest tuberculosis burden countries in Europe. Epidemiological studies have long pointed to infections as important factors of cancer aetiology, but the association between tuberculosis and the risk of non-pulmonary cancers has rarely been tested and results have been inconsistent. The aim of this population-based cohort study was to examine the risk of cancer among patients diagnosed with tuberculosis using data from Lithuanian Tuberculosis, Cancer and Residents’ Registries. According to this cohort study the recommendation for the awareness of this association among physicians is warranted. Analysis suggests a reduction in risk of hormone-related cancers and melanoma.

Main publications:

Everatt, R., Kuzmickiene, I., Davidaviciene, E., Cicenas, S. 2017. Non-pulmonary cancer risk following tuberculosis: a nationwide retrospective cohort study in Lithuania. Infect Agent Cancer, vol. 12, art. no. 33; doi: 10.1186/s13027-017-0143-8.

Gaigalaitė, V. 2017. Association between vertebral artery hypoplasia and stroke, oral presentation. European Stroke Conference 2017, May 24–26, Berlin.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. Prof. D. Kalibatienė. 2014–2018.

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common long-term arrhythmia that increases the mortality, risk of stroke, hospitalization rate, worsens the quality of life (QoL) and reduces the physical capacity. During the research where 229 in-hospital patients with AF of 50–70 years of age participated, QoL in relation to sociodemographic, clinical and individual indicators was evaluated (sense of coherence). The adaptation procedure of QoL questionnaire AF-QoL was performed suitable for Lithuania. QoL was evaluated according to generic questionnaire SF-36 and disease specific questionnaire AF-QoL. The main statistically significant sociodemographic indicators that worsen QoL were defined as female gender, lower education, low income, unemployement. The following clinical factors influencing on quality of life were defined: as longer AF duration, more severe heart failure functional class, concomitant diseases.

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

The survey involved 86 nurses and nursing assistants from Vilnius City Hospital in the internal medicine, surgery and intensive care departments. The European Union prevention and good practice guide questionnaire (2013) was used for this survey. Psychosocial risk factor indicators (stress, burnout, violence, mobbing, inappropriate work time organization) and indicators of social reflection were explored. We found that respondents who worked in the internal medicine and surgery departments had a risk of stress, burnout, violence and inappropriate working time arrangements. Stress risk was significantly associated with lower education, shorter duration of service and respondents’ sickness rate. Burnout risk was significantly associated with work in surgery/intensive care team, marital status and shift/night work. Risk of mobbing was associated with shorter (up to 5 years) and longer (26 years and more) duration of service. Comparing the surgery and internal medicine nursing care team links between social reflection and psychosocial risk factors, stress risk was found to be significantly higher in the surgery team; however, burnout and inappropriate working time arrangement risks were significantly higher in the internal medicine departments.

The Relationship between Stress Coping Strategies and Personality Traits of the Nurses. Prof. D. Kalibatienė. 2014–2018

The study involved 90 female nurses. During the survey, sociodemographic data were collected. The research included a stress coping questionnaire (Ž. Grakauskas, G. Valickas, 2006) as well as the scale of Big Five Personality Dimensions (Goldberg et al., 1999). Processing of the data was performed using the programmes of statistical analysis. Almost of half of the nurses (43%) working in the therapy and surgery units’ deal with stress using solution-oriented, active coping strategies. A significant relationship between problem solving and social support strategies of the subjects working in surgery and intensive care departments indicated that mostly teamwork and assistance could help them to cope with stressful situations accordingly. Strong relationship between psychological avoidance and of emotional discharge the subjects working in surgery and intensive care departments showed that emotional discharge and distraction from a certain issue could naturally reduce negative emotions.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Šapoka –

board member of International and European Society of Internal Medicine and president of Lithuanian 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);
member of Vilnius University Senate.

Assoc. Prof. V. Urbanavičius –

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

Prof. V. Alekna –

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

Prof. D. Kalibatienė –

editorial board member of the journal Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika (Nursing. Science and Practice), http://www.sdtsc.lt/index.php?id=285;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology, http://www.gastroenterologija.lt/;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Internists;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine, http://www.paliatyvipagalba.lt/;
board member of the Society of Lithuanian Nurses with university education, http://www.lusd.lt/;
head of the self-assessment work group of Nursing Studies programmes;
head of the Nursing Bachelor’s 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 (Nursing. Science and Practice), http://www.sdtsc.lt/index.php?id=285;
PLOS ONE (ISI Web of Science) reviewer.

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. V. Ožeraitienė –

member of the Examination Appeals Board at Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine (until march, 2017);
member of the World Society of Gastroenterology;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology, http://www.gastroenterologija.lt/;
member of the Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners, http://gydytojas.blogspot.com/;
member of Nursing Bachelor’s degree final thesis Defending Committee;
editorial board member of the journal Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika (Nursing. Science and Practice), http://www.sdtsc.lt/index.php?id=285.

Assist. S. Varvuolytė –

president of Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners;
country delegate of UEMO (European Union of General Practitioners/Family Physicians;
board member and country delegate of EURACT (European Academy of Teachers in GP/FM);
member of BARN (Baltic Antibiotic Resistance Collaborative Network);
member of Medications Reimbursement Comission.

INSTITUTE OF ODONTOLOGY

115 Žalgirio, LT-08217 Vilnius

Tel. 272 7589, fax 272 8569

E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Vytautė Pečiulienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Pūrienė; Dr. V. Pečiulienė.
Associate professors: Dr. R. Manelienė, Dr. L. Zaleckas (part-time), Dr. V. Rutkūnas, Dr. S. Drukteinis, Dr. V. Brukiene, Dr. L. Linkevičienė, Dr. T. Linkevičius, Dr. R. Bendinskaitė.
Assistants: Dr. D. Ivanauskaitė (part-time), Dr. V. Janulyte (part-time), Dr. R. Almonaitiene, Dr. E. Miliūnienė, G. Naujokaityte (part-time), E. Nedzinskiene (part-time).
Junior assistants: L. Džiaugytė, A. Geciauskaite, I. Gendvilienė, A. Rimkevičius (part-time), R. Trumpaitė-Vanagienė (part-time), V. Zaleckiene (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. K. Sveikata, Dr. R. Zaliuniene (part-time), V. Almonaitis (part-time), R. Pletkus (part-time), D. Janavičiene (part-time), G. Krukonis (part-time), D. Matkevicius (part-time), J. Žekonienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: L. Džiaugytė, I. Gendvilienė, S.K. Zukauskas, A. Geciauskaite, R. Borusevicius, A. Rovas.
Students’ scientific group of Odontology: scientific leader – assoc. prof. Dr. V. Brukienė, coordinator – student G. Vitosytė; 61 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Prosthetic dentistry, implantology, regenerative dentistry

Vertical thickness of gingiva, implant platform and implant placement depth. Influence on crestal bone stability around implants. Measurement of vertical gingival thickness. Evaluation and comparison of accuracy of traditional and digital implant impression techniques Improvment of treatment protocols by CAD/CAM in prosthodontics. Biocompatibility of prosthetic materials in implant prosthodontics. Development of dental implant prototype, enriched with genetic material (micro- RNA). Construction of composite bone scaffold material and in vivo evaluation of biocompatibility and osteopromotion

Cariology, dental health

Theory based oral hygiene education in adolescents. Psychological preparation for dental procedures of children with autism spectrum disorders. Salivary factors and caries in family members

Endodontics

Evaluation of procedural errors frequency during endodontic treatment and their influence on tooth prognosis. Evaluation of root canal sealing quality by new techniques using micro-CT. Reaction of resorcinol formaaldehyde treated roots on different procedures performed during retreatment procedure. Prevalence of traumatic injuries to the permanent teeth among 6th grade Lithuanian schoolchildren in Vilnius city

Maxillofacial surgery, oral surgery, oral pathology

Appearance of lip and nose in 5-year-old patients with unilateral clefts of lip, alveolus, and palate (Prospective randomised long term three centre study of the Baltic Cleft Network (Rostock, Germany; Ryga, Latvia and Vilnius, Lithuania). Lichen planus patients with clinical indicators and their relations with the social and lifestyle risk factors and subjective assessment of life quality

Periodontolog

The association of epigenetic factors with the etiopathogenesis and clinical status of periodontal diseases and rheumatoid arthritis

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

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.

Holistic aim of the project is to evaluate the prevalence of congenital and acquired stomatognatic system diseases and to select the most effective methods of treatment and prevention with novelty approach, to examin attitude of patients and dentists towards the quality of dental treatment procedures, to implement dental health behaviour modification in adolescents. Regeneration therapy could open new perspectives in dentistry therefore bone regeneration enhancment together with current advances in tissue engineering and developed synthesis methods to produce composite materials (CM) with applications for bone regeneration are goal of group of research projects performed in institute. Successful root canal treatment is determined by many factors. The canal filling may be complicated when procedural errors occur, resulting in voids and unsatisfactory three-dimensional seal therefore evaluation of behaviour of newest materials in such situations using micro-CT is performed.

Main publications:

Džiaugytė, L., Aleksejūnienė, J., Brukienė, V., Pečiulienė, V. 2017. Self-efficacy theory-based intervention in adolescents: a cluster randomized trial-focus on oral self-care practice and oral self-care skills. Int J Paediatr Dent, vol. 27(1), p. 37–46.

Dumbrytė, I., (Vilnius Research Group), Linkevičienė, L. and Linkevičius, T. (Vilnius University), Malinauskas, M. 2017. Does orthodontic debonding lead to tooth sensitivity? Comparison of teeth with and without visible enamel microcracks. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, vol. 151, iss. 2, p. 284–291; doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2016.06.036.

Rutkūnas, V. and Gečiauskaitė, A. (Vilnius University); Jegelevičius, D, and Vaitiekūnas, M. (Kaunas University of Technology). 2017. Accuracy of digital implant impressions with intraoral scanners. A systematic review. European Journal of Oral Implantology, vol. 10, iss. 1, p. 101–120.

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. 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 because 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 inorganicorganic 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.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Pečiulienė –

board member of the International Association of Dental Research, NOF section;
board member of the Association of Dental Education in Europe;
editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry);
editorial board member of the European Journal of General Dentistry;
editorial board member of the journal 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 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 Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika (Nursing. Science and Practice).

INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

DEPARTEMENT OF REHABILITATION, PHYSICAL AND SPORTS MEDICINE

2 Santariškių, LT-08661 Vilnius, Lithuania

Tel. 8697 71123

E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Juozas Raistenskis

Students scientific group of Rehabilitation, physical and sports medicine: scientific leader – dr. S. Lenickienė, coordinator – student E. Vaicikaitė; 19 members of the gourp.

STAFF

Professors: Dr. V. Alekna, Dr. A. Juocevičius, Dr. J. Raistenskis, Dr. M. Tamulaitienė.
Associate professors. Dr. R. Dadelienė, Dr. L. Galkutė, L. Samsonienė, R. Gulbinas.
Assistants: Dr. A. Adomavičienė, Dr. J. Indriūnienė, Dr. I. E. Jamontaitė, Dr. A. Mastavičiūtė, Dr. I. Muntianaitė, Dr. J. Petrulytė, Dr. A. Šidlauskienė, Dr. A. Valiulis.
Lecturers: L. Aučynienė, T. Balčius, D. Barzinskas, J. Bernatavičius, J. Blaževičius, A. Budėjienė, L. Budrienė, A. Cirtautas, E. Jablonskytė, R. Jonaitienė, J. Kesienė, R. Kulikauskaitė, M. Liškauskas, L. Mikulėnaitė, T. Palšytė, R. Sinkevičius, D. Šatkutė, A. Vainiūtė, R.Venskaitis.
Doctoral students: T. Aukštikalnis, A. Grigonytė, G. Narmontaitė, I. Raudonytė, R. Sinkevičius, I. Slivovskaja.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

Prognostication of Comprehensive Rehabilitation Effectiveness in Patients with Movement Disturbances, Prof. J. Raistenskis. 2014–2018.

The aim of this research is to search comprehensive rehabilitation effectiveness prognostication parameters; to prepare methodology of comprehensive rehabilitation prognosis in patients with movement disturbances; to perform comparable examination of comprehensive rehabilitation prognostication, using functional status evaluation. The staff of the Department continued performance of comparable examination and methodology development of comprehensive rehabilitation effectiveness prognostication. On the base of these data, 16 articles were published in scientific journals, and research workers took part at international and in Lithuanian scientific meetings: 40 abstracts, 21 poster presentations and 13 oral reports.

Main publications:

Juocevičius, A., Adomavičienė, A., Jamontaitė, I. E. 2017. The international spinal cord injury survey and the learning health system for SCI; people with SCI in Lithuania. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, vol. 96, no. 2, p. S86–S89.

Daunoravičenė, K., Linkel, A., Žižienė, J., Griškevičius, J., Juocevičius, A., Raudonytė, I., Pauk, J., Idzkowski, A., Walendziuk, W. 2017. Alternative method of upper extremity function assessment of stroke patients by angular kinematic parameters. Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, vol. 17, no. 5.

Adomavičienė, A., Šidlauskienė, A., Raistenskis, J. 2017. Recovery of biopsychosocial functions following 15 years after spinal cord injury. Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs, vol. 5, p. 304; doi: 10.4172/2329-6879.1000304

MAIN RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION PARTNERS

Rīga Stradiņš University, Faculty of Rehabilitation (Latvia)
Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre (Estonia)
Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
Notwill Rehabilitation Centre (Switzerland)
Hannover medical school (Germany).

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. J. Raistenskis –

head of the Rehabilitation Master studies programme committee at the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University;
editorial board member of the journals Gerontologija (Gerontology), Reabilitacijos mokslai: slauga, kineziterapija, ergoterapija (Rehabilitation Sciences: Nursing, Kinesitherapy, Ergotherapy), Polish Annals of Medicine;
board member of Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians;
member of the Association of Acupuncture, Manual and Traditional Medicine Physicians.

Prof. A. Juocevičius –

president of 21st European Congress of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ESPRM 2018);
past-President of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS-PRM) Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Board;
member of the European Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ESPRM) Scientific Board;
president of the Baltic Spinal Cord Injury Scientific Society;
head of Vilnius Region of Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians;
editorial board member of the journals Gerontologija (Gerontology), Internistas (Internist), Neurologijos seminarai (Neurology Seminars);
permanent secretary and member of Health Ministry Commissions of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Issues;
member of the Rehabilitation Master studies programme committee at the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University.

Prof. V. Alekna –

chief editor of the journal Gerontologija (Gerontology);
committee member of the Rehabilitation Master’s studies programme of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University;
president of Lithuanian Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics;
president of Lithuanian Osteoporosis Foundation;
board member of UEMS Geriatric Section;
board member of European Geriatric Medicine Society (EUGMS).

Prof. M. Tamulaitienė –

committee member of the Rehabilitation Master’s studies programme Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University;
member of the self-assessment work group of Rehabilitation study programmes;
editorial board member of the journal Gerontologija (Gerontology).

Assist. 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.

Assist. 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 Association.

Lect. 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 NURSING

21 Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania

Tel. 239 8755

E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Natalja Fatkulina

STAFF

Professor: Dr. N. Fatkulina.
Associate professor: Dr. A. Gradauskas.
Assistants: Dr. A. Mikaliūkštienė, Dr. R. Stundžienė (part-time), Dr. Z. Gierasimovič (part-time).
Junior assistant: V. Kielaitė (part-time).
Lecturers: J. Gimžauskienė (part-time), I. Dailidkienė (part-time), N. Jerdiakova (part-time).
Doctoral student: V. Kielaitė.
Specialist: E. Kuzienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Quality of nursing care
Nursing needs of patients with internal, surgical, mental, children’s diseases Nurse competences
Nursing education
Empowered patient education

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Nursing specialty students' approach to learning and future prospects was evaluated and the nursing students’ opinion about the organization of the practical training process assessed. 164 nursing students participated in the research.

The role of nurses in the field of prevention of communicable diseases in health care institutions was evaluated; postoperative complications of neurosurgical with onco-hematological patients and nursing services. 30 patients after spinal neurosurgical operations and 36 onco-haematologic patients after stem cell transplantation were examined. Need of care of these patients after those operations was evaluated.

National Reseach Projects

Health and Harmony for Every Student. Ministry of Education and Science, Lithuanian Republic. Project Leader Prof. N. Fatkulina. 2017.

The aim was to sustain and develop the health literacy of students and to improve their knowledge and skills of health, to improve the national and international identification of student by using informal methods in order to promote healthy life style.

Main publications:

Charalambous, A., Papastavrou, E., Valkeapää, K., Zabalegui, A., Ingadottir, B., Lemonidou, C., Fatkulina, N., Jouko, K., Leino-Kilpi, H. 2017. Content of ortopedic patient education provided by nurses in seven European countries. Clinical Nursing Research, 2017 July 1; doi: 10.1177/1054773817713178.

Kwiecień-Jaguś, K., Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska, W., Chamienia, A., Kielaite, V. 2017. Stress factors vs job satisfaction among nursing staff in the Pomeranian Voivodship and the Vilnius region. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, AAEM-00021-2017-02; doi: 10.26444/aaem/75801.

International Research Projects

Professional Competence in Nursing (PROCOMPnurse) Lead - partner University of Turku (UTU), Faculty of Medicine, Dpt of Nursing Science, Turku, Finland, project leader - Professor Helena Leino-Kilpi, In Lithuania – Prof. N. Fatkulina. 2017–2021.

Research project aim is to produce and evaluate instruments assessing competence and factors connected, both self-assessment and objective tests and to establish a cohort for follow-up studies in future, responding to the need for longitudinal studies.

Nursing Leadership Educational Program for Doctoral and Postdoctoral Nurses (NURSE-LEAD), Erasmus + strategical partnership, project leader - Thora B. Hafsteinsdóttir, University of Island, In Lithuania – Prof. N. Fatkulina. 2017–2019.

The project aims are directing doctoral nursing students and postdoctoral nurses into an academic career in nursing by providing them with opportunities to expand their educational, research and leadership competencies. By doing so the project will attune nursing education into emerging labor market’s needs.

Baltic Sea Region Network in Personalized Health Care, Interreg Baltic Sea Region project leader (coordionator – Professor Helena Leino-Kilpi, leading sientists in Lithuania – Prof. N. Fatkulina. 2017–2018. (http://www.utu.fi/en/units/med/units/hoitotiede/baltic-sea-region/Pages/home.aspx)

The aim is to offer doctoral students a systematically built, scientifically ambitious, and multidisciplinary research training which benefits from Baltic Sea Region contacts. It is expected the network to contribute to the further improvement of the scientific standard of personalized healthcare research and increase the number of internationally competitive experts in Baltic Sea Region. Combining data and knowledge from different areas and pooling resources will pave the way for designing novel more personalized healthcare interventions.

MAIN RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION PARTNERS

University of Turku, Department of Nursing Science, Turku (Finland)
Health Science Research Centre, University College Lillebaelt and Southern Denmark University (Denmark)
Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Stockholm (Sweden)
University of Utrecht, Utrecht (the Netherlands)
University of Island, Reykjavik (Island)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. N. Fatkulina –

member of European Academy of Nursing Science, (https://european-academy-of-nursing-science.com/);
member of Association Institute of Bute;
member of the Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program;
member of the Nursing Master’s Degree Program;
member of Nursing Bachelors’ degree final thesis Defending Committee;
editorial board member of the journal Slauga: mokslas ir praktika (Nursing. Science and Practice).

Assoc. Prof. 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, http://www.mich.lt/.

Assist. A. Mikaliūkštienė –

chair of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/;
member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine, http://www.paliatyvipagalba.lt/;
member of the Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program;
member of the Nursing Master’s Degree Program;
member of Nursing Bachelors’ 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 (Nursing. Science and Practice).

Assist. R. Stundžienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine, http://www.paliatyvipagalba.lt/;
member of the Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program;
member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/;
member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/ .

Assist. Z. Gierasimovič –

member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine, http://www.paliatyvipagalba.lt/;
member of the Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program;
member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/;
editorial board member of the journal Slauga: mokslas ir praktika (Nursing. Science and Practice);
member of Nursing Bachelors’ degree final thesis Defending Committee.

Junior assist. V. Kielaitė –

member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/.

Lect. J. Gimžauskienė –

member of the Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program;
member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/;
member of the Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Nurses Association;
member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/.

Lect. I. Dailidkienė -

member of the Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program;
member of the Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Nurses Association;
member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/;
member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/.

Lect. N. Jerdiakova –

member of the Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Nurses Association;
member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

21/27 M.K. Čiurlionio, 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. J. Kairys (part-time), Dr. S. Vainauskas, Dr. L. Murauskienė, Dr. R. Buckus (part-time).
Assistants: Dr. A. Astrauskienė (part-time), Dr. L. Ašoklienė (part-time), Dr. R. Bartkevičiūtė (part-time), Dr. A. Bagdonavičius (part-time), A. Barzda (part-time), Dr. A. Beržanskytė, Dr. D. Brogienė (part-time), Dr. M. Butikis, Dr. A. Čekanauskaitė (part-time), N. Kuprevičienė (part-time), Dr. R. Sketerskienė (part-time), Dr. A. Juodaitė – Račkauskienė (part-time), Dr. R. Vaitkienė (part-time), Dr. R. Jankauskas (part-time), Dr. J. Stanislavovienė, Dr. G. Smailytė (part-time), Dr. V. Taminskienė, Dr. V. Dobrovolskij (part-time), L. Paškevičius (part-time), Dr. A. Bartkienė (part-time), M. Poškutė (part-time), A. Žalnora, D. Austys.
Research fellows: Dr. M. Baranauskas (part-time), Dr. A. Valiulis, A. Žalnora, D. Austys.
Lecturers: J. Lekstutienė (part-time), N. Bingelienė (part-time), I. Kušeliauskaitė (part-time), Paulius Stravinskas (part-time), R. Baranauskienė (part-time), A. Čepas (part-time), N. Fiodorova (part-time), V. Jaeck (part-time), V. Lukaševičienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: V. Andreikėnaitė, I. Tamulaitytė - Morozovienė, I. Pačiauskaitė, A. Černovas, O. Ubartienė, D. Dudutienė, A. Bilotienė, A. Motiejūnienė, S. Grubytė, L. Steponavičienė, R. Maceinaitė, J. Račaitė, Ž. Žandaras, J. Lekstutienė, A. Patašius.
Public health scientific group of students: scientific leader – Dr. V. Dobrovolskij, 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 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Research was supplemented with the new task: Lifestyle, health-related quality of life and subjective well-being in older adults based on this topic fragment is developing dissertation. Data collection and database creation.

Main publications:

Cernovas, A., Stukas, R., Sadauskaite, G., Surkiene, G., Tamulaitiene, M., Alekna, V. 2017. The associations between mental health and well-being in elderly women. Eur J Pub Health., vol 27 (Suppl 3):491 (poster presentation, 10th European Public Health Conference. 1–4 November 2017. Stockholm, Sweden).

Cernovas, A., Stukas, R., Fabijonavicius, M., Surkiene, G., Tamulaitiene, M., Alekna, V. 2017. The associations between emotional state, subjective well-being and health related quality of life in elderly women. Eur J Pub Health, vol 27 (Suppl 3):389 (poster and poster walk presentation), 10th European Public Health Conference. 1–4 November 2017. Stockholm, Sweden).

Cernovas, A., Serbentaite, I., Stukas, R., Tamulaitiene, M., Surkiene, G., Alekna, V. 2017. The relationships between handgrip strength and bone mineral density in older women. Eur J Pub Health, vol 27 (Suppl 3):414-5 (poster presentation, 10th European Public Health Conference. 1–4 November 2017. Stockholm, Sweden).

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

In 2017, statistical analysis of home-related injuries among preschool age children attending preschool education establishments in 23 municipalities of Lithuania was finished.

Main publication:

Žiliūtė, E., Račaitė, J., Šurkienė, G., Jakubauskienė, M., Sketerskienė, R. 2017. Lithuanian 6-7 years old children, educated in primary school and privacy education programmes, home related injuries (Lietuvos 6-7 metų vaikų, ugdomų pagal ikimokyklinio ir priešmokyklinio ugdymo programas, sužalojimų namuose paplitimas). Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health), vol., 3 (78), p. 74–80.

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

The aim of the project was to analyse ethical and legal aspects of research ethics committees’ activities concerning clinical trials with humans. The database of Bioethics Bibliography which provides brief information about articles published in Lithuanian and international journals as well as Lithuanian legislation dealing with ethical dilemmas in a number of fields was updated.

Main publication:

Gefenas, E., Lukaseviciene, V. 2017. International capacity-building initiatives for national bioethics committees. Hastings Center Report, vol. 47, iss. suppl. S1. p. 10–13; doi: 10.1002/hast.711

International Science Programmes, Projects and Contracts

Advanced Certificate Program: Research Ethics in Central and Eastern Europe. Prof. E. Gefenas. 2004–2017.

In 2017, our Department continued collaboration with Clarkson University Bioethics Program (USA) in implementation of the project. Our Department, in partnership with Clarkson University (USA), organized study visit for fellows from Central and Eastern European countries on the 22nd–26th of May.

ENERI – European Network of Research Ethics and Research Integrity. Prof. E. Gefenas. 2015–2018.

The aim of the project is to strengthen activities of education and training in research ethics and research integrity, promote a culture of integrity, and foster the development of and compliance with joint rules and norms. In 2017, researchers of Vilnius University were dealing with two main objectives of the project: preparation of a core curriculum and advanced training modules on research ethics and integrity for RECs and RIOs, and compilation of existing training materials including database on relevant case studies on research ethics and integrity.

Project: Development of a Model for the Strengthening of the Capacities to Identify and Reduce Health Inequalities. Project was funded by the Norwegian financial mechanism 2009–2014 programme No. LT11 Public Health Initiatives and implemented by the main coordinator Lithuanian University of Health Sciences and partners Institute of Hygiene, Klaipeda University and Vilnius University. Project’s coordinator at Vilnius University Dr. A. Beržanskytė. 2014–2017.

Two training programs for specialists in national and local levels were worked out, and nine training sessions for health policy decision makers and public health specialists were held in 2017. The fourth year of the project was noted with an issue of the manual, several publications in international and national journals, presentation of results in various conferences.

Main publications:

Kalėdienė, R., Stankūnas, M., Šmigelskas, K., Vaičiūnas, T., Mocevičienė, R., Petronytė, G., Jakubauskienė, M., Sauliūnė, S., Nedzinskienė, L., Valentienė, J., Liuima, V., Kaselienė, S., Veryga, A., Stukas, R., Šurkienė, G., Beržanskytė, A., Butikis, M., Žagminas, K., Navickas, A., Kriaučionienė, V., Petraitytė, I., Kanapeckienė, V., Štelemėkas, M., Liutkutė, V., Joffė, R., Janonienė, R., Radzevičiūtė, I., Pilipavičienė, L., Šiupšinskas, L., Jurgutis, A., Tarvydienė, N., Kalibatas, V., Jasiukaitienė, V. 2017. Sveikatos netolygumai. Patirtis ir perspektyvos (Health Unevenness. Experience and Perspectives). Mannual: Kaunas, 2017.

Stepukonis, F, Butkevičienė, R, Beržanskytė, A, Jakubauskienė, M, Kalediene, R, Vladičkienė, J, Stankunas, M. 2017. Administraciniai gebėjimai sveikatos netolygumams nustatyti ir mažinti Lietuvos savivaldybėse: kokybinis požiūris (Administrative skills to identify and reduce health unevenness in municipalities of Lithuania: qualitative approach). Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences), vol. 27(2), p. 87–91.

Stankunas, M., Kalediene, R., Valinteliene, R., Stukas, R., Veryga, A., Berzanskyte, A., Janoniene, R., Petronyte, G., Smigelskas, K., Radzeviciute, I., Seseikaite, N., Rimaviciene, E., Jasiukaitiene, V. 2017. Norwegian support for tackling health inequalities in Lithuania: the process, pitfalls and results. J Health Inequal, vol. 3(1), p. 5–10.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. R. Stukas –

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

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;
member of study programmes committee for Bachelor and Master degree of Public Health.

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 committee of World Arthritis Day.

Prof. E. Gefenas –

co-director of the Advanced Certificate Program in Research Ethics in Central and Eastern Europe sponsored by Clarkson University Bioethics Program (Schenectady, New York);
member of European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE);
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 advisory editorial board of the journals Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy: A European Journal, (Springer);
chairperson of the bureau of the Intergovernmental Bioethics Committee (IGBC);
coordinator of Advanced Certificate Program Research Ethics in Central and Eastern Europe;
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 Nordic Journal of Psychiatry; Medicina (Medicine); Sveikatos Mokslai (Health Sciences); Biologinė psichiatrija ir psichofarmakologija (Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology);
member of committee for strategic planning of mental health care development in Lithuania 2008–2013 at the Ministry of Health.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. M. Jakubauskienė –

vice president of the Public Mental Health Section of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA);
member of the International Scientific Committee of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA);
member of the Lithuanian Association for Trauma Psychology;
member of the Lithuanian Bioethics Society;
member of the Board of Federation Global Initiative on Psychiatry ;
co-leader of the International Research in Public Mental Health course.

Prof. A. Valiulis –

president of Lithuanian Paediatric Respiratory Society;
vicepresident of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
chairman of Lithuanian Alliance Against Chronic Lung Diseases (WHO-GARD Lithuania);
vicechairman of Mother and Child Health Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
national coordinator in Strategic Pediatric Alliance for the Child Health in Europe;
national delegate at Global Asthma Initiative (GINA) and Global Allergic Rhinitis Initiative (ARIA);
chairman of Advisory Board of Lithuanian Council of Asthma Clubs;
chief executive of IPOKRaTES Lithuania Fund;
editor-in-Chief of the journal Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology (Index Copernicus);
editor-in-Chief of the journal Lithuanian Paediatric Chronicle;
editorial board member of the journals Paediatric Respiratory Reviews, Pneumonologia i Alergologia Polska, Pediatria Polska, Russian Paediatric Journal;
chairman of Vilnius International Paediatric Pulmonology Conference – School (20th 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).

Assoc. Prof. L. Murauskienė –

member of Independent Expert Panel on Effective Ways of Investing in Health (European Commission, DG Health and Food Safety);
associate editor for BMC Health Services Research.

Assist. A. Čekanauskaitė –

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

Assist. R. Vaitkienė –

member of the delegation of the Republic of Lithuania at the meeting of Health Committee Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, 25–28 June 2017, Paris, France;
member of the delegation of the Republic of Lithuania at the Baltic Policy Dialogue Improving quality of care and ensuring patient safety: strategies, regulation, monitoring and incentives organised by World Health Organization Region Office for European, Observatory for Health Systems and Policy and Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania, 15–16 November 2017, Vilnius, Lithuania;
deputy member of the Administrative Commission for the Coordination of Social Security Systems, European Commission, since 2009, Brussels, Belgium;
member of the intersectoral working party on implementation of United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Lithuania.

Assist. R. Jankauskas –

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

Lect. R. Baranauskienė –

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

Assist. 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.

Assist. 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.

Asist. 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 the Legal Commission;
board member of CPME (The Standing Committee of European Doctors).