Faculty of Medicine

Sukurta: 14 December 2023

M. K. Čiurlionio 21, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8700
E-mail:
http://www.mf.vu.lt
Dean – Prof. Dr Dalius Jatužis

STAFF
648 teachers (380 holding research degree), 106 research fellows (73 holding research degree), 77 doctoral students.

DEPARTMENTS OF THE FACULTY
Institute of Biomedical Sciences
Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology
Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine
Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology
Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Physics of Medicine
Department of Human and Medical Genetics
Lithuanian Population and Rare Diseases Biobank
Pharmacy Center
Institute of Clinical Medicine
Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Clinic of Anaesthesiology and Reanimatology
Clinic of Ear, Nose, Throat and Eyes Diseases
Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephrourology and Surgery
Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Dermatovenereology
Clinic of Chest Diseases, Immunology and Allergology
Clinic of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Clinic of Psychiatry
Clinic of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery
Clinic of Cardiovascular Diseases
Clinic of Children’s Diseases
Clinic of Internal Medicine, Family Practice and Oncology
Clinics of Emergency Medicine
Centre for Visceral Medicine and Translational Research
Institute of Dentistry
Institute of Health Sciences
Department of Rehabilitation, Physical and Sports Medicine
Department of Nursing
Department of Public Health
Center for Health Ethics, Law and History
Department of Optometry

RESEARCH AREAS
• Healthy people, disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment
• Human genome diversity, its origins and phenotypic realisation
• Human and public health, quality of life and environment
• Etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment of diseases: fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Genetic structure and variation in the Lithuanian population
• Genomics of intellectual disability and congenital anomalies and rare genetic disorders
• Genetic analysis of hereditary phenotypes – genetic characterisation of human phenome, genome and regulome
• Exercise genetics and genomics, the biology of healthy ageing, molecular biology of physical activities, OMICS technologies
• Drug utilisation Research
• Pharmacokinetics studies of oncological drugs
• The role of the pharmacist and the importance of pharmacy services in controlling the treatment of chronic diseases
• Development, creation and implementation of pharmaceutical services
• Renal pathology, digital pathology image analysis, pathology informatics, health information systems, standards, testing of cancer biomarkers in tissue, multi-resolution analysis of biomarkers
• Inflammatory cardiomyopathy: prognostic biomarkers of heart failure
• Cancer immunology: T-lymphocytes, macrophages
• Environmental and metabolic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
• Human cytomics: the search for and analysis of markers and assays for the diagnosis, prognosis and response to therapy of cells and their diseases
• Basic, clinical and epidemiological studies of pathogenic and relatively pathogenic micro-organisms involved in the pathogenesis of human diseases
• Creation of new functional and anatomical imaging techniques and evaluation of effectiveness for diagnostics of cardiovascular, abdominal and oncological diseases
• Estimation of iron overload in the liver and heart
• Physical properties in vitro of metabolites using high resolution 9.4T NMR spectrometer
• AI and deep learning applications in diagnostic imaging
• Ethical legal and social issues of biobanking
• Biobank quality management
• Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of serious illnesses
• New scientific discoveries that benefit people's health
• Personalised medicine
• National and International Scientific Collaboration
• Phenotypic variety of Lithuanian and other populations in a changing environment
• Health of mother and foetus: physiology and pathology
• Impact of perioperative and psychosocial risk factors on long-term mortality, quality of life, stress reactions after cardiac surgery
• Organ dysfunction in critically ill oncohaemathological patients
• Early changes in cognitive functioning in patients undergoing general anaesthesia
• Spinal bupivacaine baricity and dose in day-case surgery
• Development of new methods of opioid detoxification for illicit and prescription opioid-dependent patients
• Metabolism and amino acid homeostasis in critical care patient
• Diagnostic, treatment and prognostication challenges in critical care patients with COVID-19
• Estimation of the influence of morphology and clinical peculiarities of otorhinolaryngological and ophthalmological diseases to results of the application of novel diagnostic methods and treatment.
• 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 patients for liver, pancreas, or kidney transplantation)
• Research of liver and pancreas transplantation techniques
• Study of dietary treatment of enteropathies
• Minimal hepatic encephalopathy
• Gut microbiota in health and disease
• Extrahepatic complications of liver cirrhosis
• Diagnostic/prognostic markers for prediction of HCC
• Novel treatment for the GI bleeding
• Contemporary diagnostic analysis of ascitic fluid
• 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
• 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 the safety and efficacy of new vaccines and drugs for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases
• Effectiveness, feasibility and impact of latent tuberculosis treatment for the prevention of active tuberculosis among HIV-positive individuals
• Incidence, aetiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory chronic dermatosis (acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, vitiligo): basic and clinical research, implementation of innovative technologies
• Dermatooncology in Lithuania: epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment
• Evaluation of the efficacy of the diagnostic and treatment methods in obstructive, interstitial, neoplastic and allergic lung diseases: diagnosis and management of interstitial lung diseases.
• Diagnosis and management of COPD and bronchial asthma; sensitivity to various kinds of disinfectants among the medical staff.
• Development of new technologies, methods of early cancer detection and treatment interventions
• Improvement of the quality of life of cancer patients.
• Pleural disease, diagnostic procedures, pleural biopsy; diagnosis, epidemiological and clinical research on drug hypersensitivity.
• Allergen immunotherapy: selection of patients, efficacy of different methods and long-term treatment results.
• Drug hypersensitivity diagnostic peculiarities.
• Contact allergy to cosmetics, textiles, and heavy metals.
• Study of interactions between allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma, application of new technologies in allergic and respiratory diseases.
• Strategy and approaches of the surgical management of patients with different thoracic pathology.
• Role of mobile technologies in diagnostic and management of allergic diseases.
• Cognitive disorders in neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular, demyelinating diseases and epilepsy.
• Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, demyelinating diseases, headache, dizziness, and degenerative spinal diseases.
• Pharmacogenomics, impact of COVID-19, electroencephalographic changes during the different stimulations, prognostic implications, antiseizure medications in epilepsy.
• Research on cerebral autoregulation disorders in traumatic injury and subarachnoidal bleeding, deep brain stimulation and blood pressure control, intratumoral genetic heterogeneity in brain gliomas, and blood-brain barrier pathology in vitro.
• Historical research on the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of nervous diseases in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, 19th century and interwar Lithuania.
• Evaluation of functioning and quality of life of patients with psychiatric disorders
• Analysis of outcome variables of the treatment of developmental, neurotic, affective and psychotic in children and adults
• Transition processes in young people, medical students
• Different approaches to 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 families
• Suicidal behaviour and psychiatric and somatic disorders
• Outcomes of early undifferentiated arthritis
• Associations between genetic, epigenetic factors, rheumatoid arthritis etiopathogenesis and clinical course
• Outcomes of systemic sclerosis
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• The role of nailfold videocapillaroscopy in diagnosing other systemic diseases
• Epidemiology of rheumatic diseases
• Reconstructive surgery: clinical applications of free and pedicled flaps, results
• Autologous breast reconstruction – key methods, clinical results
• Implant-based breast reconstruction – clinical analysis of complications
• Breast reduction: methods, clinical results, factors contributing to choosing the best technique
• Pelvic trauma, hip and knee arthroplasty, foot surgery, wrist surgery
• Gait analysis
• Bone infection treatment
• Investigation of arterial wall functional and structural disorders in Atherosclerosis and Metabolic Syndrome
• Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The development of high-risk strategies in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases
• Studies of multidisciplinary heart failure care, novel biomarkers, telemonitoring and physical training
• Rare cardiovascular diseases: searching for mechanisms and new methods of diagnostics and treatment technologies
• Fundamental and clinical research on cardiac arrhythmias. Improvement of methods of the complex treatment of atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmia
• Complex multimodality imaging assessment of left and right ventricular function in coronary artery disease, hypertension and heart failure
• Congenital heart disease and cardiac surgery in infants.
• New possibilities of hybrid (interventional and surgical) and minimally invasive technologies in cardiovascular medicine
• Assessment of cardiac structural changes by applying novel imaging technologies and methodologies
• Air pollution and child health
• Allergic rhinitis and its impact on bronchial asthma in children
• Health care of mother and child: physiological and social aspects and research on natural development of the child
• Studies on functional development of organs and systems in newborns and children
• Studies on neonatal pathology and perinatal mortality in Lithuania
• Non-invasive analysis of immunological markers in amniotic fluid to predict fetal inflammatory response syndrome and outcomes of preterm neonate
• Investigations of the significance of genetic factors for adaptive suitability in the cohort of preterm infants in Lithuania
• Studies on the effects of gestational diabetes on neonatal health
• Studies on peculiarities in chronic inflammation as diagnostic markers and targets for early therapeutical intervention in children with asthma and cystic fibrosis
• Peculiarities of central and peripheral hemodynamics in premature and sick newborns
• Studies on electric impedance tomography as a new diagnostic tool in neonatal pulmonology
• Development of diagnostics, therapeutic and prophylaxis methods in acute, chronic and newly emerging infectious, immune, allergic and metabolic diseases
• Progression and outcomes in pediatric renal disorders
• Studies in immunoprophylaxis and vaccination
• Diagnostics and treatment of inherited metabolic diseases
• Diagnostics, treatment and prophylaxis of children’s abuse and trauma
• Gut microbiota and gut-brain axis
• Studies on childhood cancer aetiology and predisposition, identification of new therapeutical targets and criteria for treatment risk-group stratification to further improve treatment individualisation and reduce treatment burden and long-term side effects
• Research in childhood acute leukaemias, including research in leukaemia aetiology, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies for chemotherapy drugs, investigations in acute and late toxicities;
• Studies on antimicrobial stewardship in paediatrics
• Studies for improving the quality of care for children and young adolescents in health facilities
• Aetiology and long-term outcomes in inherited and acquired pediatric kidney diseases (cystic kidney diseases, glomerulopathies, chronic kidney disease, vesicoureteral reflux)
• Early vascular ageing, left ventricular abnormalities, and neurocognition in hypertensive children
• Cardiovascular disease and kidney function impairment in children with a solitary functioning kidney
• Health, shared decision making and other modern technologies for the management of chronic noncommunicable disease (CNDs)
• Healthy ageing through the early diagnostics and prevention of CNDs
• Human ecology
• Development of the methods in diagnostics, the treatment and prophylaxis of acute and chronic pediatric neurological and developmental disorders, research on immune, genetic, metabolic and other factors, as well as the application of digital technologies, research on distance education of children during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Studies on the long-term impact of exposure to screens on children’s physical and mental health
• Studies on diagnostic accuracy of allergological tests and optimal management of pediatric patients with allergic conditions
• Etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment of diseases: fundamental and clinical research, innovative technologies
• Early diagnostics and the prevention of non-infection diseases in family practice and gerontology
• Biomarker research in hematology and oncology
• Investigation of etiopathogenetic risk factors and quality of patients’ life with internal diseases
• Emergency medicine
• Acute cardiac care
• Resuscitation
• Polytrauma
• Triage
• Acute coronary syndromes
• Sudden death
• Acute heart failure
• ECMO
• Biomarkers in the Emergency Department
• Single-cell diagnostics
• Intraoperative visualisation
• Non-invasive biomarkers
• "Organ-On-A-Chip" models
• Microbiome
• Artificial intelligence
• Genetics and proteomics
• Individualised pancreas, liver and stomach cancer treatment
• Etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of stomatognathic system disease: fundamental and clinical research
• 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
• Public mental health, social determinants of population health, health services research
• Epidemiological and public health implications of the relationship between rheumatic diseases, tuberculosis and malignant tumours
• Biopsychosocial model
• Effectiveness of rehabilitation, physical and sports medicine
• Components of physical capacity
• Prevention of disease and injury
• Innovations in nursing science, research and studies
• Nursing and midwifery policymaking
• Quality of nursing care
• Ethics in nursing care
• Professional competency of nurses
• Nursing and patient education
• Research of nurses’ working environment
• Needs and features of perioperative nursing care
• Patient safety and the role of nurse
• Physical activity and nursing care
• Advanced nursing practice
• History of medicine
• History of public health
• Medical ethics
• A comprehensive study of human vision
• Vision correction
• Recognition of eye diseases
• Use of modern innovative technologies

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2022
Eglė Mazgelytė. “Analysis of Hair Steroid Hormone Concentrations for the Assessment of Chronic Stress and its Association with Cardiovascular Disease Risk“ Assoc. Prof. Dr Dovilė Karčiauskaitė 2022.11.09
Vika Gabė. Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Using Gallic Acid Esters. Submitted to the Committee of Medicine and Health Sciences for review on 25 November 2022. Assoc. Prof. T. Kačergius
Ieva Kažukauskienė. Prognostic Utility of Myocardial, Serum and Echocardiographic Biomarkers in Patients with Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Medical and Health Sciences, Medicine (M 001) (Academic supervisor – Prof. Dr Virginija Grabauskienė)
Gedmantė Radžiuvienė. Assessment of sources of variation in HER2 oncogene amplification and expression, Natural Sciences, Biology (N 010) (Academic supervisor: Prof. Dr Arvydas Laurinavičius, Academic consultant: Prof. Habil. Dr Juozas Rimantas Lazutka)
Romena Laukienė. MiRNA analysis and prognostic value of thyroid carcinomas.
G. Balčiūnienė. A Value of Inflammatory Markers in Maternal Blood and Amniotic Fluid in the Diagnosis of Chorioamnionitis
V. Žitkutė. Reduction of Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Experimental Uterus Transplantation (Disertacija apginta: Graco Medicinos Universitetas, Gracas, Austrija)
M. Svetikienė. Effects of postoperative immunonutrition on cellular and systemic immune responses and outcomes in low-risk cardiac surgery.
Šarūnas Judickas. Organ dysfunction in critically ill oncohaemathological patients: prevalence, risk factors, impact on mortality.
Samanta Grubytė. Epidemiological patterns and risk factors of hepatitis C infection in Lithuania.
Regina Aleksonienė. Peculiarities of the Course of Sarcoidosis and Factors Determining Its Development.
Elena Jurevičienė. The interrelationship of multimorbidity and COPD: the impact on health care resources and the analysis of the possibility of change.
Kotryna Linauskienė. Contact allergy to heavy metals: risk factors and pathogenesis.
R. Masiliūnas. The effects of a comprehensive national policy, stroke characteristics, and external factors on the reperfusion therapy of acute ischemic stroke.
E. Puncevičienė. Associations of rheumatoid arthritis etiopathogenesis and clinical course with genetic and epigenetic factors.
Tomas Baltrūnas. The Value of Near Infrared Spectroscopy in Detecting Tissue Perfusion Changes During the Revascularization of Peripheral Arteries and Its Prognostic Value.
Mindaugas Budra. Long–Term Results of Transapical Mitral Valve Repair for Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation.
Vytautas Juknevičius. Evaluation of Patients with Resistant Arterial Hypertension before and after Pharmacological Treatment Correction or a Renal Artery Sympathetic Denervation Procedure.
Renata Juknevičienė. Diagnosis of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes by testing myocardial injury and stress biomarkers in the emergency department”
Giedrė Balčiūnaitė. Structural myocardial changes in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and their clinical implications
S. Sendžikaitė. Early vascular aging and arterial hypertension in children after correction of coarctation of the aorta.
J. Navikienė. Evaluation of brain and renal regional oxygenation of very low birth weight preterm infants (<1500g) with patent ductus arteriosus measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).
Adomas Rovas. Expression of periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis specific microRNAs and associations with clinical status
G. Riederienė. Lithuanian oral hygienists' health, attitude to work and satisfaction with their work activities;
T. Aukštikalnis. Effects of comprehensive medical reannihilation program on Adolescents nonspecific low back pain.
Ž. Žandaras. Assessment of Lithuanian residents' knowledge about nutrition and its determining factors in the context of the information society
S. Grubytė. Epidemiological patterns and risk factors of hepatitis C infection in Lithuania;
Gitana Riederienė. Lithuanian oral hygienists' health, attitude to work and satisfaction with their work activities.
Tomas Aukštikalnis. Effects of comprehensive medical reannihilation program on Adolescents non-specific low back pain.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2022
1. Pharmacy united in action for a healthier world. Conference to highlight Pharmacists Day
2. Laboratory medicine topics
3. Day of thrombosis
4. Laboratory diagnostics in clinician‘s practice
5. Summer school of ultrasound diagnostics 2022
6. 7th meeting of Baltic Society of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
7. Baltic magnetic resonance association meeting
8. Neurooncology. Conference of Baltic Association of Neuropathologists in Cooperation with TREL Project
9. Vilnius Vascular Symposium
10. Features of Diagnostic and Treatment of Allergic Diseases in Covid and post-Covid Era
11. International DNA Day in Lithuania
12. Conference dedicated to World Down Syndrome Day in Lithuania 2022 (online)
13. Future of Sports Science 2022: Actuality of Physical and Psychosocial Aspects (online)
14. Population Genetics from the Baltic Perspective: Microevolutionary Processes of the Lithuanian Genomes
15. Dysmorphology summer 2022
16. 22nd Congress of European Anthropology Association
17. 23rd Paleopathology Association European Meeting
18. Ultrasound Guided Regional Anesthesia
19. Scientific Analysis of Clinical cases
20. Unusual and hard cases in otorhinolaryngology
21. Update in Neuro Ophthalmology International Joint Conference with BEST Vol. 8
22. Modern Dermatovenereology: With A Flight Towards Tomorrow
23. Infectology 2022
24. A Practical Approach to Acne and the Consequences That Accompany the Disease
25. Resistance of microorganisms and choice of antimicrobial drugs and other relevant issues of infectious diseases
26. Dermoscopy Workshop
27. Harmonising Age-Related Facial Changes: combining synergistic non-surgical techniques
28. Parasitic Liver Diseases
29. Actual Topics in Epidemiology, Treatment and Prevention of Infectious Diseases
30. What's New in Infectology: Impressions from International Scientific Conferences in 2022
31. Topical problems of Pulmonology
32. News in Pulmonology
33. Annual meeting of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons. Challenges of the Covid-19 disease and other topical issues in cardiothoracic surgery.
34. Allergology and Clinical Immunology in 2022: Destroying Myths.
35. An update in allergology and clinical immunology – 2022
36. Bronchial asthma management master class
37. 20th Lithuanian Summer School of Neurology
38. Mental Health of Children and Adolescents: Current Issues of Prevention and Treatment
39. Scientific report-election conference of the Lithuanian Association of Rheumatologists
40. Baltic Heart Failure and Arrhythmias
41. 7-th Meeting of Baltic Society of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance
42. Innovations in Cardiothoracic Surgery
43. 4th Lithuanian Pulmonary Hypertension Conference
44. Cardiologists of Tomorrow: virtual Academy – Digital Cardiology
45. Flight No Lithuanian Society of Cardiology 2022
46. Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Lithuania – 20 years of progress through collaboration
47. Multidisciplinary workshop on clinical trials in pediatric oncology
48. Updates on pediatric allergology 2022
49. The 5th National Conference “Child Health Care 2022
50. The 5th Baltic Paediatric Congress
51. The Lithuanian Society of Coloproctologists X triennial meeting with International Conference Mayo Clinic days in Vilnius, Lithuanian–Turkish session and The International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons Session
52. The 31st Biennial Meeting of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons
53. Latest advancements and dilemmas in rectal cancer
54. Scientific–practical conferences within the frame of “Endocrinology seminars”:
55. Diabetes diagnostics, treatment, and long-time follow-up – topical issues
56. Gender dysphoria – are we ready for a teamwork?
57. Overview of hot topics from the European Congress of Endocrinology
58. Diabetes – where we are now and how far can we go?
59. Tobacco Harm Reduction - Myth or Reality?
60. National Scientific Practical Conference “ResusJohny”
61. Treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease – From Prevention to Intervention
62. Endobaltic 2022. International meeting organized by Lithuanian Society of Endodontology. 2022 11 25-26. Paulius Tušas (President of LSE) (T)
63. PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY 2022. International annual meeting organized by Lithuanian Society of Prosthodontics. 2022 05 6-7 (Kaunas). Prof. V. Rutkunas (President of LSP) (T)
64. Patients as Key Actors in The Health Care System (EANS summer school)
65. 5th international scientific-practical conference "Healthier environment - healthier children"
66. Current Affairs of Nursing Science and Practice 2023
67. Current Issues of Medical Rehabilitation and Resortology Today
68. Current affairs of optometrist practice 2022
69. Department of Public Health: the past reaches out to the future
70. Occupational Health Current Affairs
71. An international ENPHE Spring scientific practical seminar
72. Physiotherapy Education in an Agile World
73. Rehabilitation Sciences
74. Current Issues of Medical Rehabilitation and Resortology Today

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2022
1. Assoc. Prof. R. Matuzevičienė. Lead publication with photographs of the authors on the cover of the publication Cytometry Part B: Clinical Cytometry (Impact factor (2021) 3,248) Vol. 102B Number 2 March 2022 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15524957/2022/102/2
2. Novel prognostic models based on computational pathology assessment of immune response at the tumour-stroma interface were obtained for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and non-muscle invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma (both studies submitted for publication). They add to the previous findings in other solid tumours evidence that density profiles of infiltrating lymphocytes (immunogradient) across the tumour interface are strong and independent predictors of patient survival.
3. Lithuanian Science Award. Five scientists, Prof. Dr (HP) Vaidutis Kučinskas, Prof. Dr Eglė Preikšaitienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr Laima Ambrozaitytė, Prof. Dr (HP) Loreta Cimbalistienė, and Prof. Dr (HP) Algirdas Utkus were awarded the Lithuanian Science Prize in the field of biomedical and agricultural sciences for the cycle of studies ‘Genome Rearrangements in Congenital Developmental Disorders of the Central Nervous System: Origins, Genomic Mechanisms, Functional and Clinical Consequences’ (2007–2020).
4. Publication in prestigious Nature journal. Trubetskoy V, ... Kučinskas V et al. Mapping genomic loci implicates genes and synaptic biology in schizophrenia // Nature. Berlin: Nature Research. ISSN 0028-0836. eISSN 1476-4687. 2022, Vol. 604, No. 7906, p. [1-24]. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04434-5.
5. Dr Alina Urnikytė is nominated by the Lithuanian Radio and Television Annual Awards Nomination in the section “Discovery of the Year” for the dissemination of research achievements in the research of the Lithuanian genome. Presentations on the uniqueness of the genome and the particularity of Lithuanian origins on Lithuanian TV channels LNK and LRT, and radio interviews on the LRT radijas and Žinių radijas).
6. Research Assistant L. Lukavičiūtė, Assoc. Prof. Dr R. Gancevičienė. 1st place in the competition for the most interesting clinical case, “Cutaneous B cell lymphoma”. International Scientific-Practical Conference of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenerology “Modern Dermatovenerology: looking forward to tomorrow”. 29th April 2022. Vilnius, Lithuania.
7. Jurevičienė E, Burneikaitė G, Dambrauskas L, Kasiulevičius V, Kazėnaitė E, Navickas R, Puronaitė R, Smailytė G, Visockienė Ž, Danila E. Epidemiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comorbidities in Lithuanian national database: a cluster analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19(2): 970.
8. Kvedarienė V, Biliute G, Didziokaitė G, Kavaliukaite L, Savonyte A, Rudzikaite-Fergize G, Puronaite R, Norkuniene J, Emuzyte R, Dubakiene R, Valiulis A, Sousa-Pinto B, Bedbrook A, Bousquet J. Mobile health app for monitoring allergic rhinitis and asthma in real life in Lithuanian MASK-air users. Clin Transl Allergy 2022; 12(9): 12192.
9. Linauskiene K, Zimerson E, Sörensen Ö, Antelmi A, Bruze M, Dahlin J, Malinauskiene L, Stenton J, Svedman C, Isaksson M. Patch test results to extracts of synthetic garments in textile dye positive patients. Contact Dermatitis 2022; 87(4): 325-330.
10. Azukaitis K, Palmer SC, Strippoli GF, Hodson EM. Interventions for minimal change disease in adults with nephrotic syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Mar 1;3(3):CD001537. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001537.pub5. PMID: 35230699; PMCID: PMC8887628. First publication for Cochrane database review.
11. Research assistant, Senior researcher Dr Karolis Ažukaitis was elected Junior Member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.
12. Prof. Arūnas Valiulis reached H=40 and published 17 WoSCC articles (16 in Q1 journals) in 2022, as well establishing and leading two new research groups at Vilnius University Medical Faculty: the Quality of Life Research Group and the Human Ecology Research Group.
13. Hand Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: Surgical and Oncological Outcomes from a Single Tertiary Referral Centre. Samalavicius NE, Kuliesius Z, Samalavičius RS, Tikuisis R, Smolskas E, Gricius Z, Kavaliauskas P, Dulskas A.J Clin Med. 2022 Jun 29;11(13):3781. doi: 10.3390/jcm11133781.
14. Robotic colorectal surgery using the Senhance® robotic system: a single center experience. Samalavicius NE, Dulskas A, Janusonis V, Klimasauskiene V, Eismontas V, Deduchovas O, Janusonis T, Markelis R, Smolskas E.Tech Coloproctol. 2022 Jun;26(6):437-442. doi: 10.1007/s10151-022-02589-x. Epub 2022 Mar 19.PMID: 35305181
15. Inguinal hernia TAPP repair using Senhance® robotic platform: first multicenter report from the TRUST registry. Samalavicius NE, Dulskas A, Sirvys A, Klimasauskiene V, Janusonis V, Janusonis T, Eismontas V, Deduchovas O, Stephan D, Darwich I, Poth C, Schilcher F, Slabadzin Y, Kukharchuk M, Willeke F, Staib L.Hernia. 2022 Aug;26(4):1041-1046. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02510-9. Epub 2021 Sep 30.PMID: 34591213
16. Vints, Wouter A.J.; Levin, Oron; Fujiyama, Hakuei; Verbunt, Jeanine; Masiulis, Nerijus. Exerkines and long-term synaptic potentiation: mechanisms of exercise-induced neuroplasticity // Frontiers in neuroendocrinology. San Diego: Elsevier B.V. ISSN 0091-3022. eISSN 1095-6808. 2022, vol. 66, art. no. 100993, p. 1-27. DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100993. [Embase; Scopus; MEDLINE; Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Academic Search Premier] [M.k.: N 010] [IF: 8,333, AIF: 5,476, IF/AIF: 1,521, kvartilis: Q1 (2021, Clarivate JCR SCIE)] [CiteScore: 16,40, SNIP: 2,547, SJR: 2,383 (2021, Scopus Sources)]. DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100993
17. Gates, A. B., Zilinskiene, R., Fatkulina, N., Mieziene, B., Jankauskas, R., Gerulskiene, I., & Metsios, G. S. (2022). Promoting physical activity in patient populations through curriculum change in undergraduate Lithuanian medical schools and schools of health: the VANGUARD project. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 56(20), 1199-1200. (Q1; IF 18,473)
18. Skurvydas, A., Lisinskiene, A., Majauskiene, D., Valanciene, D., Dadeliene, R., Istomina, N., Jamontaite, I., E., Sarkauskiene, A. The First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic Strengthened the “Strong” and Weakened the “Weak” Ones. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022, 19(21), 14523. 3. ISSN 1660-4601. doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph192114523 IF 4.614
19. International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association-Kenneth Warren Fellowship Award granted to Assoc.Prof. A. Gulla

INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

M. K. Čiurlionio 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 87 06
E-mail:
http://www.aha.mf.vu.lt
Head – Prof. Dr Janina Tutkuvienė

STAFF
Professors: Dr (HP) R. Jankauskas, Dr (HP) J. Tutkuvienė, Dr R. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė, 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), Dr R. Vosyliutė.
Assistants: Dr M. Leonavičiūtė-Klimantavičienė (part-time).
Junior Assistants: R. Mackevičienė, R. Morkūnienė.
Lecturers: D. Bandzevičienė (part-time), V. Gurskytė (part-time), J. Janavičius (part-time), R. Karneckė (part-time), E. Paulikaitė (part-time).
Research fellows: senior researcher Dr R. Jankauskas, senior researcher Dr D. Piombino-Mascali, senior researcher Dr J. Tutkuvienė; researcher Dr J. Kozakaitė.
Doctoral students: K. Kuolienė, G. Laurinavičiūtė, V. Lukošaitis, R. Mackevičienė R. Morkūnienė, J. Tutkus.
Students’ scientific group of Human Biology and Evolutionary Medicine: scientific supervisor – prof. J. Tutkuvienė; coordinator – student M. Sveikataitė in total – 37 members of students.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Phenotypic variety of Lithuanian and other populations in a changing environment

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
The phenotypic variety of Lithuanian inhabitants, its prenatal and postnatal factors in a changing environment. Supervisors: Prof. J. Tutkuvienė, Prof. R. Jankauskas (2019–2023).
Bioarcheological investigations. Results of paleopathological and paleoodontological analysis of remains of victims of the 2nd World War, buried at Zokniai (part of the city of Šiauliai) and Armalėnai (Šilutė County) were analysed and presented at the International Congress of the PPA. Results of new data on nutrition and pathologies, migration and stature variation of past populations (stable isotope and paleogenomic data) were summarised and published.
Main publications:
1. Piombino Mascali, D; Brindzaitė, R.; Jankauskas, R.; Girčius, R.; Tamošiūnas, A.E.; Motuzaitė Matuzevičiūtė, G; Kozakaitė, J. A bioarchaeological approach for the examination of two Lithuanian clergymen: Juozapas Arnulfas Giedraitis and Simonas Mykolas Giedraitis (18th-19th centuries AD) // International journal of osteoarchaeology. Hoboken: Wiley. ISSN 1047-482X. eISSN 1099-1212. 2022, vol. 32, no. 1, p. 75-85. DOI: 10.1002/oa.3045.
2. Kozakaitė, J.; Jakulis, M.; Brindzaitė, R.; Miliauskienė, Ž.; Piombino Mascali, D.; Jankauskas, R. A possible case of paralysis in early modern Vilnius and the implications for social care // International journal of paleopathology. New York: Elsevier Science. ISSN 1879-9817. eISSN 1879-9825. 2022, vol. 36, p. 14-23. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2021.09.002.
3. Marciniak, S.; Bergey, Ch.M.; Silva, A.M.; Hałuszko, A.; Furmanek, M.; Veselka, B.; Veleminsky, P.; Vercellotti, G.; Wahl, J.; Zarina, G.; Longhi, C.; Kolar, J.; Garrido-Pena, R.; Flores-Fernandez, R.; Herrero-Corral, A.M.; Simalcsik, A.; Muller, W.; Sheridan, A.; Miliauskienė, Ž.; Jankauskas, R.; Moiseyev, V.; Kohler, K.; Kiraly, A.; Gamarra, B.; Cheronet, O.; Szeverenyi, V.; Kiss, V.; Szeniczey, T.; Kiss, K.; Zoffmann, Z.K.; Koos, J.; Hellebrandt, M.; Maier, R.M.; Domboroczki, L.; Virag, C.; Novak, M.; Reich, D.; Hajdu, T.; von Cramon-Taubadel, N.; Pinhasi, R.; H. Perry, G. An integrative skeletal and paleogenomic analysis of stature variation suggests relatively reduced health for early European farmers // Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Washington: National Academy of Sciences. ISSN 0027-8424. 2022, vol. 119, no. 15, art. no. e2106743119, p. [1-12]. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106743119.
4. Piličiauskas, G.; Simčenka, E.; Lidén, K.; Kozakaitė, J.; Miliauskienė, Ž.; Piličiauskienė, G.; Kooijman, E.; Šinkūnas, P.; Robson, H.K. Strontium isotope analysis reveals prehistoric mobility patterns in the southeastern Baltic area // Archaeological and anthropological sciences. 2022, vol. 14, iss. 4, art. no. 74, p. [1-21]. DOI: 10.1007/s12520-022-01539-w.
5. Kozakaitė, J.; Ryčkov, A.; Ramonaitė, M.; Brindzaitė, R.; Jankauskas, R.; Piombino Mascali, D. On some paleopathological examples of amputation and the implications for healthcare in 13th-17th century Lithuania // International journal of paleopathology. New York: Elsevier Science. ISSN 1879-9817. eISSN 1879-9825. 2022, vol. 37, p. 68-76. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2022.04.005.

Experimental (growth programming) investigations.
The data of aged rat retinas from the experimental study of two generations of rat offspring, whose mothers were nutritionally deprived, were analysed and summarised, and a scientific article was prepared and published in “Histology and Histopathology”. Some of the retinal wholemounts of this experiment were stained with GFAP, Iba1, and isolectin.
The experimental study of the impact of maternal obesity on the retinal morphology of offspring was ongoing: eyeballs and retinal wholemounts were prepared for staining, retinal sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunostained with GFAP, Iba1 and RBPMS. The thickness of the retina layers was measured. Microglial and ganglion cells were counted, and macroglia were evaluated. The results of the analysis were presented in a poster.
Investigation of the viability of periodontal ligament cells in different media was continued, and results were analysed and summarised for publication.
Analysis of the micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells and evaluation of embryos of two generations of Long-Evans clone rats that drank fluoridated and/or boron-saturated water was completed and presented at the local scientific meeting and international scientific conference; an article was prepared for the publication.
Main publication:
1. Laurinaviciute G., Simkunaite-Rizgeliene R., Zalgeviciene V., Bartuskiene V., Cepuliene R., Jakimaviciene E.M., Galgauskas S., Petroska D., Besusparis J., Tutkuviene J. Maternal undernutrition model of two generations of rats: Changes in the aged retina. Histol Histopathol. 2022 Sep 23:18522.

Investigations of the physical status of contemporary inhabitants.
An article on the head circumference of newborns was published, and a manuscript on the weight and height of newborns was prepared for publication. The analysis of data for a longitudinal study of preterm newborns (n=450) in Lithuania was continued: the results on the incidence and timing of different diseases in relation to sub-categories of prematurity until adolescence were reported at an international conference. The studies on body image were continued: the questionnaire for investigation of body image in the elderly was developed; results on changes in body size, body image and self-esteem of Lithuanian adolescents in 2011–2021, including the COVID-19 pandemic period, were reported at an international conference, the study of body image and self-esteem in men with gynecomastia was performed, the associations between usage psychotropic substances and body image were analysed and published in the national journal. Materials on premenstrual syndrome study were prepared for publication, and results were reported at an international conference. The manuscript on female breast morphology was prepared for publication. Studies about the peculiarities of the perimenopausal period in women were continued: the meta-analysis of recent publications on menopause was made, and an original questionnaire was developed. Materials of the study of age dynamics of facial indices during puberty (longitudinal study) were prepared for publication; the results were presented at an international conference. A study on the most attractive facial features was performed: more than 150 persons (18-40 y.o.) were questioned online, and the results were analysed and presented at an international conference. Associations of anthropometric parameters and body flexibility with eye size and degree of myopia in a study of Lithuanian adolescents’ data were reported at an international conference and prepared for publication. The study on the relation between malnutrition in the early developmental periods and ophthalmologic status in ageing individuals was continued; the results on the relationship between retinal parameters and female body size, shape, and proportions were presented at an international conference. The data collection on anatomical variants of cerebral arteries in relation to cerebral vascular pathologies was finished: in total, 175 patients were included in the investigation, and the results of the analysis of the prevalence of different anatomical variations of the cerebral arterial circle in acute stroke were presented at an international conference. The anatomical variations of the superior sagittal sinus and its tributaries were analysed, and the results were published. The results of other anatomical studies (nutrient foramina in bones, tributaries of portal veins) were reported at an international conference.
Main publications:
1. Morkuniene R., Tutkuviene J., Cole T.J., Jakimaviciene E.M., Isakova J., Bankauskienė A., Drazdiene N., Basys V. Neonatal head circumference by gestation reflects adaptation to maternal body size: comparison of different standards. Sci Rep 12, 11057 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-15128-3
2. Juskys R., Rocka S., Suchomlinov A. (February 07, 2022) Anatomical Variations of Superior Sagittal Sinus and Tributary Bridging Veins: A Cadaveric Study. Cureus 14(2): e21979. doi:10.7759/cureus.21979
3. Martynas Masolas, Laura Nedzinskienė. Savo kūno įvaizdžio vertinimo sąsajos su priklausomybę sukeliančių medžiagų vartojimu. Visuomenės sveikata; 2022/3(98), p. 60-66;
4. Gratas Šepetys, Martynas Masolas, Artiomas Širvys, Laura Nedzinskienė. Ginekomastijos požymių paplitimas ir sąsajos su savęs vertinimu. Visuomenės sveikata; 2022/3(97), p. 65-70

National Research Projects
Anthropological investigations of remains of participants of anti-Soviet resistance in 1944–1953 (Leipalingis, Alytus district). Grant from the Genocide and Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania. Prof. R. Jankauskas (leading scientist), Dr J. Kozakaitė (researcher), Assoc. Prof. Ž. Miliauskienė (researcher), 2019–2022. During historical, archaeological, and anthropological investigations in Leipalingis (Alytus district), the remains of 33 participants in the anti-Soviet resistance movement (1944–1953) were uncovered. At least 14 individuals were identified. The investigation is still ongoing.

International Research Projects
The health, development and social identity of children afforded mummification in the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Sicily (AHRC-funded). D. Piombino-Mascali (2021–2023) (https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=AH%2FV014331%2F1)

Alliance4Life_ACTIONS. (No. 964997). Horizon-2020 Prof. J. Tutkuvienė (member of the Steering and Scientific Committee, Board member) 2021–2023.
Alliance4Life is a bottom-up initiative of twelve leading Life Science institutions and universities from eleven countries of Central and Eastern Europe that aim at closing the divide in European health research and innovation. In 2022, the Early Stage Researchers’ Retreat for PhD students and postdocs was organised, and a white paper on combining research, teaching, and medical practice was finalised.

Developing a new Network of Researchers on Contemporary European Motherhood (MotherNet). Horizon 2020 project: Research and Innovation Framework Programme, Activity: WIDESPREAD-05-2020 – Twinning (between Vilnius University, Uppsala University, and the National University of Ireland Maynooth), 2020–2022. Teaching assist. R. Morkūnienė – ESR’s representative member of the Consortium management Committee; Leader of the working group cluster on developing a collaborative research project on Mothers of Preterm Newborns from the perspective of the medical humanities.

Contractual Research
Anthropological investigation of remains buried at the territory of Samogitian Diocese Museum in Varniai. The investigation has been completed.

Anthropological investigation of remains buried at several historical cemeteries in Vilnius city and some rural sites. Some investigations are in progress, and others have been completed.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Institute of Anthropology, University of Vienna (Austria)
Max-Planck-Institute, Starnberg-Seewiesen (Germany); Leipzig, Jena (Germany)
Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zürich (Switzerland)
Institute of Child Health, London (UK)
Cambridge University (UK)
Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb (Croatia)
The Institute for Mummy Studies, Bolzano (Italy)
Institute of Forensic Medicine, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf (Germany)
Department of Anatomy, University of Göttingen (Germany)
University of Central Florida (Orlando, Florida, USA)
Cranfield University (UK)
Staffordshire University (UK)
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (UA)
University of Tartu (Estonia)
McMaster University (Canada)
University of Catania (Italy)
State Forensic Medicine Service (Lithuania)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. J. Tutkuvienė
• head of the Doctoral School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Vilnius University
• member of Vilnius University Senate
• member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University
• chair of the Doctoral Committee for PhD studies in Medicine at Vilnius University
• council and Board member of the European Anthropological Association
• member of the Commission for Human Ecology of International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (IUAES)
• member of the other international scientific societies: International Association of Human Biologists, Society for Studies of Human Biology (SSHB), International Auxollogical Society, International Society for the Study of Human Growth and Clinical Auxology (ISGA)
• member of national scientific societies: Lithuanian Morphological Society, Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Section of Gynaecology of Children and Adolescents)
• chief Editor of the journal Anthropologischer Anzeiger
• chief Editor of the journal Homo
• editorial board member of the journals: Collegium Antropologicum, Journal of Human Ecology; Visuomenes Sveikata (Public health)
• chairperson of the Local organizing and Scientific committees of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine https://www.eaa2022.mf.vu.lt/ https://www.journals.vu.lt/proceedings/article/view/28981/28129
Prof. R. Jankauskas
• member of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (http://lma.lt/old/intranetas)
• editor-in-chief of the journal Acta Medica Lituanica
• editorial boards member of the journals: Papers on Anthropology (Tartu University, Estonia); Antropological Review (Journal of Polish Anthropological Society); Lietuvos archeologija; Archaeologia Baltica; Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija
• member of the Board of the European Anthropological Association
• member of the Scientific Council of the Lithuanian Institute of History
• member of Paleopathology Association
• member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Archaeology
• chairperson of the scientific and local organizing committees of the Paleopathology Association 23rd European members meeting (Vilnius, August 25-29, 2022)
• member of the Scientific committee of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine
Prof. R. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė
• member of the European Anthropological Association
• member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of Committee of Medicine study programme of the Faculty of Medicine
• member of the Local organizing committee of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine
Prof. V. Žalgevičienė
• chairperson of the Commission of Appeal at the Faculty of Medicine
• member of the Dispute Resolution Commission for Medical residency studies
• member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of Baltic Laboratory Animal Association (Balt-LASA)
• member of the Local organizing committee of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine
Senior Research Fellow D. Piombino-Mascali
• board member of the Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology
• board member of Frontiers in Medicine
• board member of Journal of Bioarchaeological Research
• member of British Association of Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology
• honorary inspector of the mummified bioanthropological heritage of Sicily
• visiting professor of Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
• visiting professor of Department of Humanities, University of Catania, Italy
• member of Paleopathology Association
• honorary member of American Society of Embalmers
• collaborator of the Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity for the study of archaeological human remains
• invited speaker at different venues
• member of the scientific and local organizing committees of the Paleopathology Association 23rd European members meeting (Vilnius, August 25-29, 2022)
• member of the organizing committee of the 1st International forensic symposium at the Institute of Legal Medicine (Catania, 28-29 October 2022)
• Arqus European University Alliance visiting fellow, Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padua University, Italy
Assoc. Prof. A. Barkus
• member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of the European Anthropological Association
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Archaeology
• member of the Local organizing committee of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine
Assoc. Prof. R. Čepulienė
• member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of the European Anthropological Association
• member of the World’s Poultry Science Association
• member of the Local organizing committee of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine
Assoc. Prof. E. M. Jakimavičienė
• member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of the European Anthropological Association
• member of the International Auxological Society
• member of International Society for the Study of Human Growth and Clinical Auxology (ISGA)
• member of the Local organizing committee of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine
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
• member of the local organizing committee of the Paleopathology Association 23rd European members meeting (Vilnius, August 25-29, 2022)
Assoc. Prof. L. Nedzinskienė
• member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of the Local organizing committee of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine
Assoc. Prof. A. Suchomlinov
• member of the European Anthropological Association
• member of the International Auxological Society
• member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of the Local organizing committee of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine
Assoc. Prof. V. Tutkus
• member of European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA)
• member of International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS)
• member of Lithuanian Association of Arthroscopic Surgeons
• member of Lithuanian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
• member of Lithuanian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Assoc. Prof. R. Vosyliūtė
• member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of the Lithuanian Biophysical Society
• member of the Lithuanian Biochemical Society
• member of the Local organizing committee of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine
Assist. 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
Junior Assist., PhD student R. Mackevičienė
• member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of the Lithuanian Ornithological Society
• member of the Local organizing committee of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine
Junior Assist., PhD student R. Morkūnienė
• member of Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of European Anthropological Association
• member of the International Auxological Society
• member of International Society for the Study of Human Growth and Clinical Auxology (ISGA)
• member of the Local organizing committee of the Joint International Meeting organized at Vilnius University (August 24-27th, 2022): 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, The 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine
Researcher J. Kozakaitė
• Member of the Lithuanian Society of Archaeology
• Member of the local organizing committee of the Paleopathology Association 23rd European members meeting (Vilnius, August 25-29, 2022)
Lect. R. Karneckė
• 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. E. Paulikaitė
• member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society
• member of Baltic Laboratory Animal Association (Balt-LASA)
PhD student K. Kuolienė
• member of the European Anthropological Association
• member of Lithuanian Ophthalmological Society
• member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
PhD student G. Laurinavičiūtė
• member of Lithuanian Ophthalmological Society
• European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
PhD student V. Lukošaitis
• member of Lithuanian Association of Neurologists
• member of Lithuanian Society for Epileptology
• member of Lithuanian Stroke Association

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Šimkūnaitė-Rizgelienė, Renata; Bartuškienė, Violeta; Čepulienė, Ramunė; Žalgevičienė, Violeta; Besusparis, Justinas; Reivytytė, Rosita; Semenkovaitė, Justina; Tutkuvienė, Janina. Effect of maternal undernutrition on histomorphological profile of visceral adipose tissue, pancreas and liver of rat offspring (pilot study) / Morphogenesis and regeneration of human and animals’ organs in the norm, with pathology and under the correction: Ukrainian scientific-practical conference with international participation, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the professor’s I.O. Zhutaiev birth; Poltava, April 14th, 2022.
2. Tutkuvienė Janina. Body Image and Psychological Status of Addolescents in Relation to Individual Factors and Global Pandemics “, Potsdam University (May 31st, 2022; invited lecture).
3. Tutkuvienė Janina, Budrytė Milda, S. Gervickaitė. Prevalence of real and most attractive facial features among young Lithuanian men and women. The 30th Aschauer Soiree of Auxological Society in Krobielowice, June 18th, 2022.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES
Jankauskas R., Kozakaitė J.
• Working group on identification of remains of high-ranking officers of Home Army (Armia Krajowa) with Institute of National remembrance.
Jankauskas R.
• European Commission Research Executive Agency expert.
• The State Education Development Agency of Latvia expert.
• Member of Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, performance evaluation group
• Member of selection committee to select new Board of the Research Council of Lithuania (ordered by Ministry of Education, Science and Sports).
Piombino-Mascali D.
• An expert for the Swiss National Science Foundation.
• An expert for the National Science Center, Poland.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
Tutkuvienė J.
• Regular consultations provided to public and other institutions with regard to growth and development criterions of Lithuanian children.
• An expert of the International Auxological Society on children's growth and development: http://www.kindergesundheit24.de/web/about#inhalt
• Evaluation of Junior Professorship tenure track in Human Biology (with a focus on research in biological ageing or microbiome), The Zoological Institute of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Kiel University, Germany.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
R. Jankauskas: participation in several science-education national TV programs:
https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000206580
https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000243543/istorijos-detektyvai-ka-du-lietuviai-v-amziuje-veike-sicilijoje-bei-kaip-kava-uzkariavo-europa

D. Piombino-Mascali: participation in a number of national and international popular science events and TV programs:
https://lnm.lt/renginiai/paroda-ka-slepia-sarkofagas-senoves-egipto-mumiju-tyrimai/
https://magazine.leviedeitesori.com/le-mummie-svelate-dallo-studioso-serata-speciale-alle-catacombe-dei-cappuccini/
https://www.medicalexcellencetv.it/medicina-legale-antropologia-archeologia-forense-a-catania-il-1-international-forensic-symposium/

Interview with J. Tutkuviene. The changes in the criteria of facial attractiveness in recent years (LRT „Labas rytas“ TV show, May 23rd, 2022)
https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000214510/keiciasi-grozio-standartai-vyru-ir-moteru-grozio-supratimas-panaseja

Interview with J. Tutkuviene. Growth and maturation children under conditions of war and other stress (LRT „Labas rytas“ TV show, June 6th, 2022)
https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000220106/labas-rytas-lietuva-i-d-kokia-itaka-vaikams-daro-karo-sukeltas-stresas

Interview with J. Tutkuviene. Changes in the perception of attractiveness over the past decades (LNK „Labas vakaras“ TV show, July 15th, 2022)
https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000214510/keiciasi-grozio-standartai-vyru-ir-moteru-grozio-supratimas-panaseja

LITHUANIAN POPULATION AND RARE DISEASES BIOBANK

M. K. Čiurlionio 21, LT-3101 Vilnius
Tel. 250 1791
E-mail:
http://www.biobankas.mf.vu.lt/
Head – Dr Violeta Mikštienė

STAFF
Project expert: Prof. Dr A. Utkus (part-time).
Senior researcher: Dr V. Mikštienė (part-time), Dr Ž. Maldžienė (part-time)
Researchers: Dr T. Rančelis (part-time), Dr J. Songailienė, Dr E. Siavrienė (part-time).
Research assistants: D. Balkelienė (part-time), Dr R. Dzindzalieta (part-time), G. Mazur (part-time), M. Petkevičienė (part-time), Rasa Pulkaunikaitė (part-time), Elena Urbštaitė (part-time),
IT specialist: Deivid Čaikin (part-time).
Data protection specialist: M. Siavris (part-time).

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Ethical legal and social issues of biobanking
• Biobank quality management
• Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of serious illnesses
• New scientific discoveries that benefit people's health
• Personalised medicine
• National and international scientific collaboration

National Research Projects
Human Biological Resources Center (HBRC) (CPVA-V-701-16-0001). Dr Violeta Mikštienė, Prof. Algirdas Utkus, Dr Jurgita Songailienė, Dr Tautvydas Rančelis, Dr Ramūnas Dzindzalieta grant for 2019–2022.
The aim of the project is to join the international research infrastructure BBMRi-ERIC by creating a modern national biobank infrastructure in Lithuania. The objective of the project is to establish a National Center for Human Biological Resources (HBRC) with a unified system for the collection, processing, storage, and data management of biological samples and related health information.
In 2022, the common IT system for data management was coordinated, and the documents for biobank licensing were prepared.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
National Cancer Institute (Lithuania)
Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (Lithuania)
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)
Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno klinikos (Lithuania)
State Research Institute Center for Innovative Medicine (Lithuania)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr A. Utkus
• member of the Executive Committee of The Association of Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE);
• chairman of the National Health Council;
• editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• President of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Lietuva);
• editorial council member of the journal Acta Medica Lituanica;
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org;
• member of the American Society of Human Genetics, www.ashg.org
• coordinator of ERN-RND (European Reference Network on Rare Neurological Diseases).
Dr V. Mikštienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics,
http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the Lithuanian Heart Association,
http://www.heart.lt/lithuanian-heart-association/.
Dr Ž. Maldžienė, Dr T. Rančelis, D. Balkelienė, G. Mazur
• members of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm.
Dr R. Dzindzalieta
• member of Lithuanian Computer Society, https://www.liks.lt.
Dr J. Songailienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the International Society for Neonatal Screening,
https://www.isns-neoscreening.org/;
• member of the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM), http://www.ssiem.org/home/welcome.asp;
• president of the Baltic Metabolic Group, http://www.ssiem.org/nationalsocieties/membercountries.asp;
• 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), https://erndim.org/home/start.asp.
Dr E. Siavrienė
• member of Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of Lithuanian Stem Cell Research Association, http://www.stemcell.lt/.
M. Petkevičienė
• member of Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the Baltic Metabolic Group, http://www.ssiem.org/nationalsocieties/membercountries.asp.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND MEDICAL GENETICS

Santariškių 2, 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), Dr Habil. V. Kučinskas (emeritus), Dr A. Utkus, Dr E. Preikšaitienė (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr L. Ambrozaitytė (part-time), Dr A. Matulevičienė (part-time), Dr A. Morkūnienė (part-time), Dr A. Molytė (part-time), Dr B. Tumienė (part-time), Dr R. Janavičius (part-time), Dr I. Kavaliauskienė (part-time), Dr R. Sabaliauskaitė (part-time), Dr S. Ustilaitė (part-time), Dr B. Burnytė (part-time), Dr M. Mozerė, Dr V. Gružauskas (part-time), Dr S. Danilenko (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr A. Bankauskienė (part-time), Dr N. Bratčikovienė (part-time), Dr V. Šliužas (part-time), Dr J. Songailienė (part-time), Dr T. Žvirblis (part-time).
Researchers: Dr V. Mikštienė (part-time), Dr T. Rančelis (part-time), Dr B. Aleksiūnienė (part-time), Dr A. Urnikytė (part-time), Dr E. Siavrienė (part-time).
Senior researchers: Dr I. Domarkienė (part-time), Dr V. Ginevičienė (part-time), Dr E. Pranckevičienė (part-time), Dr Ž. Maldžienė (part-time).
Lecturers: N. Krasovskaja (part-time), K. Šiaurytė (part-time).
Teaching assistants: K. Baronas (part-time), E. Dagytė, K. Šablauskas (part-time).
Research assistants: J. Arasimavičius (part-time), L. Januška (part-time), R. Meškienė (part-time), L. Pranckėnienė (part-time), G. Petraitytė (part-time), Dr R. Dzindzalieta (part-time), G. Žukauskaitė (part-time), K. Samaitė (part-time)
Doctoral students: E. Dagytė, G. Žukauskaitė, G. Petraitytė, K. Grigalionienė, D. Braždžiūnaitė, E. M. Vaitėnienė, D. Žebrauskienė, S. Dauengauer-Kirlienė, K. Baronas, A. Letukienė.
Postdoctoral fellows: Dr A. Urnikytė, Dr T. Rančelis.
Genetic scientific student group: scientific leader: Prof. Dr E. Preikšaitienė, coordinator: student Karina Mickevičiūtė; 6 students.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
CRISPR-Cas13 Technology Application to Investigate Resistance to Chemotherapy Agents (No. MSF-JM-2/2021). PhD student G. Petraitytė. 2021–2022.
Gene expression manipulation using genome editing technology CRISPR-Cas or RNA interference (RNAi) are the most promising approaches to investigate the genotype and phenotype changes of cells and the relationships (or networks) of these changes at the gene level. Applying these approaches in studying a specific target protein could potentially reveal important cellular mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy agents. CRISPR-Cas13 system is new in gene expression studies and has a strong advantage in these experiments: the target of Cas13 is RNA molecule. This characteristic eliminates the possibility of the off-targets. Moreover, CRISPR-Cas13 is more effective in the long term and does not cause nonspecific target cleavage compared to RNAi (using siRNA molecules). In this study, the characteristics of the CRISPR-Cas13 system for expression studies of long-living protein serpin B5, located both in the cell cytoplasm and nucleus, were evaluated, and transcriptomes were sequenced.

Fundamental Research of Human Genome Architecture: Characterisation of Phenome, Genome and Regulome Markers of the Lithuanian Population. Prof. Dr A. Utkus. 2019–2023.
The fundamental human population study on genomic variation and microevolutionary processes with the clinical and medical genetic research on the genetic variation in rare and complex disorders (phenotypes) was performed. The results analyse distinct population genetic structure, origin, and evolution with the inferences on phenotype and genotype heterogeneity and their complex interaction.
Main publications:
1. Domarkienė, Ingrida; Mažeikienė, Asta; Petrauskaitė, Guostė; Kučinskienė, Zita Aušrelė; Kučinskas, Vaidutis. New associations of serum beta-carotene, lycopene, and zeaxanthin concentrations with NR1H3, APOB, RDH12, AND CYP genes // Food science & nutrition. Hoboken : Wiley of Science. ISSN 2048-7177. 2022, vol. 10, no. 3, p. 763-771. DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2705. [DB: MEDLINE, Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]
2. Mazgelytė, Eglė; Burokienė, Neringa; Vysocka, Agata; Narkevičius, Martynas; Petrėnas, Tomas; Kaminskas, Andrius; Songailienė, Jurgita; Utkus, Algirdas; Karčiauskaitė, Dovilė. Higher levels of stress-related hair steroid hormones are associated with the increased SCORE2 risk prediction algorithm in apparently healthy women // Journal of cardiovascular development and disease. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2308-3425. 2022, vol. 9, no. 3, art. no. 70, p. [1-17]. DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9030070. [DB: Scopus, Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science)]
3. Petraitytė, Gunda; Mikštienė, Violeta; Siavrienė, Evelina; Cimbalistienė, Loreta; Maldžienė, Živilė; Rančelis, Tautvydas; Vaitėnienė, Evelina Marija; Ambrozaitytė, Laima; Dapkūnas, Justas; Dzindzalieta, Ramūnas; Pranckevičienė, Erinija; Kučinskas, Vaidutis; Utkus, Algirdas; Preikšaitienė, Eglė. Donor splice site variant in SLC9A6 causes Christianson syndrome in a Lithuanian family: a case report // Medicina. Kaunas; Basel : LSMU ; MDPI AG. ISSN 1010-660X. eISSN 1648-9144. 2022, vol. 58, no. 3, art. no. 351, p. [1-11]. DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030351. [DB: MEDLINE, Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]

Analysis of Biomarkers for Suicidal Tendencies and Depression, and Validation of the Prognostic Model in Lithuania. Prof. Dr A. Utkus. 2020–2023.
Three groups of suicidal, depressive, and control individuals are collected for the analysis of methylation, transcriptome, and biochemical markers (e.g. cortisol, IL6, TNFalpha, and others). An extensive questionnaire is filled in for every participant. The project is a collaborative initiative between Vilnius University, the Faculty of Medicine, the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, the Department of Human and Medical Genetics, and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, the Republican Vilnius University Hospital (Respublikinė Vilniaus universitetinė ligoninė), the public institution Vilnius City Mental Health Center (VšĮ Vilniaus miesto psichikos sveikatos centras) and Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. Individuals from all three groups have undergone methylation sequencing, and the data is being analysed. The RNA samples have been prepared for transcriptome sequencing.
Main publication:
1. "Significantly elevated phosphatidylethanol levels in recent suicide attempters, but not in depressed controls and healthy volunteers: possible role of CRP and inflammation", submitted for possible publication in European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Complete list of authors: Robertas Strumila; Aiste Lengvenyte; Linas Zdanavicius; Robertas Badaras; Edgaras Dlugauskas; Sigita Lesinskiene; Eimantas Matiekus; Martynas Marcinkevicius; Lina Venceviciene; Algirdas Utkus; Andrius Kaminskas; Tomas Petrenas; Jurgita Songailiene; Laima Ambrozaityte.

National Research Projects
Ancient and New Alleles in Lithuanian’s Genome: Mutations, Selection and Adaptation (ANELGEMIA). (No. S-MIP-20-34). The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. Dr (HP) V. Kučinskas. 2020–2022.
The main objective of the study is to analyse microevolutionary forces: mutations and signatures of adaptive positive selection of the Lithuanian population from whole genome sequencing data. The main research question is how commonly mutations are under selection in modern humans and how humans evolve from generation to generation. This research will contribute to the progress of scientific knowledge and is of special importance in clarifying the relationship between natural selection and disease and improving our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms observed at individual and population levels.
Main publications:
1. Urnikytė, Alina; Pranckėnienė, Laura; Domarkienė, Ingrida; Dauengauer-Kirlienė, Svetlana; Molytė, Alma; Matulevičienė, Aušra; Pilypienė, Ingrida; Kučinskas, Vaidutis. Inherited and de novo variation in Lithuanian genomes: introduction to the analysis of the generational shift // Genes. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2073-4425. 2022, vol. 13, iss. 4, art. no. 569, p. [1-12]. DOI: 10.3390/genes13040569. [Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus; Embase] [IF: 4,141; AIF: 4,682; IF/AIF: 0,884; Q2 (2021, InCites JCR SCIE)] [CiteScore: 5,00; SNIP: 1,042; SJR: 1,032; Q2 (2021, Scopus Sources)].
2. Dauengauer‐Kirlienė, S., Domarkienė, I., Pilypienė, I., Žukauskaitė, G., Kučinskas, V., & Matulevičienė, A. Causes of preterm birth: Genetic factors in preterm birth and preterm infant phenotypes. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research. First published: 15 December 2022. https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.15516

Adaptive Genetic Mechanisms – a Comprehensive Study of Whole Genome Variation in the Group of the Lithuanian Chernobyl Catastrophe Liquidators (ADAPT). (No. S-MIP-20-35). The Research Council of Lithuania. L. Ambrozaitytė, PhD. 2020–2022.
The aim of the study is to characterise the genome variation of the Chernobyl catastrophe liquidators in the context of the general Lithuanian and other populations. The object of the study is the microevolutionary processes, which will be evaluated by investigating the adaptive mechanisms of genomes.
The obtained results will be important and have an impact on the fundamental science of population and evolutionary genomics, personal and preventive medicine, and the application of genomic editing tools.
Main publications:
1. Submitted to the Balkan Journal of Medical Genetics: “Putative protective genomic variation in the Lithuanian population”
2. Submitted to the Annals of Human Genetics: “Genomic signatures of adaptation in the cohort of Lithuanian clean-up workers of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster”
3. Under review in PLoS ONE: “DNA Mutation Prediction in the Irradiated Population Group: Neural Networks Approach”.

Integrative Research for Genetic Causes of Rare Inherited Diseases (ATGC). (No. S-MIP-21-15). The Research Council of Lithuania. E. Preikšaitienė, MD, PhD. 2021–2024.
The main idea of the project is to continue the study of rare genetic diseases beyond the DNA level in order to better understand the origins of the diseases and to provide valuable insights into the biological processes underlying their development. To implement this idea, young researchers with expertise in programming and in different biomedical fields such as clinical genetics, molecular genetics, cytology, bioinformatics, and functional genomics (transcriptomics, proteomics) will analyse the exome/genome sequencing data and will pursue the investigation of identified variants of uncertain clinical relevance at the level of the RNA and proteins by transcriptome sequencing, functional assays, and computational analysis of the modelling of the proteins and the assessment of their properties.
Main publication:
1. Siavrienė E, Maldžienė Ž, Mikštienė V, Petraitytė G, Rančelis T, Dapkūnas J, Burnytė B, Benušienė E, Sasnauskienė A, Grikinienė J, Griškevičiūtė E, Utkus A, Preikšaitienė E. PIGN-Related Disease in Two Lithuanian Families: A Report of Two Novel Pathogenic Variants, Molecular and Clinical Characterisation. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Oct 26;58(11):1526. doi: 10.3390/medicina58111526. PMID: 36363484; PMCID: PMC9693321.

Impact of Genetic Markers of the Myokine Signalling Pathway on Human Metabolism and Muscle Function. (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-25-0200). The Research Council of Lithuania. V. Ginevičienė, PhD student A. Bortkevič. 2021–2022.
The project is designed to carry out research-based practical activities that provide students with higher education qualifications in line with modern technology and cognition and to develop a fully educated, ethically responsible and creative personality.

Significance of genetic markers for energy metabolism during physical activity. No. P-SV-22-62. The Research Council of Lithuania. V. Ginevičienė, PhD student G. Anikevičiūtė, 2022.

Genetic markers of energy metabolism and molecular adaptation to exercise, No. P-ST-22-183. The Research Council of Lithuania. V. Ginevičienė, PhD student G. Anikevičiūtė. 2022–2023.
The project aims to improve the student's scientific qualifications by conducting molecular genetic research and bioinformatic and biostatistical analysis of the obtained results in order to identify the significance of the genome markers of Lithuanian elite athletes for energy homeostasis and physical capacity. In addition, the aim is to promote students’ scientific communication: the formation of scientific ideas, research results and reports, and the preparation of conference thesis and research work.
Main publications:
1. Ginevičienė, V.; Utkus, A.; Pranckevičienė, E.; Semenova, E.A.; Hall, E.C.R.; Ahmetov, I.I. Perspectives in sports genomics // Biomedicines. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2227-9059. 2022, vol. 10, no. 2, art. no. 298, p. [1-16]. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020298. [IF: 4,757; AIF: 5,640; IF/AIF: 0,843; Q2 (2021, InCites JCR SCIE)].
2. Ahmetov, I.I; Halle E.C.R.; Semenova E.A.; Pranckevičiene E.; Ginevičiene V. Advances in sports genomics. Advances in Clinical Chemistry, 2022 Elsevier, ISSN 0065-2423 ,Vol. 107, p. 215-263. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acc.2021.07.004.
3. Ginevičienė, V; Urnikytė, A. Association of COL12A1 rs970547 polymorphism with elite athlete status // Biomedicines. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2227-9059. 2022, vol. 10, iss. 10, art. no. 2495, p. [1-8]. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102495. [IF: 4,757; AIF: 5,640; IF/AIF: 0,843; Q2 (2021, InCites JCR SCIE)].

International Research Projects
The Impact of Natural Selection on Infectious Diseases in Lithuanian Population. (No. 09.3.3-LMTK-712-23-0104). The European Social Fund under the programme Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities. Dr A. Urnikytė, Prof. Dr V. Kučinskas. 2021–2023.
The project aims to identify the areas of the genome affected by natural selection in the Lithuanian population to explain their adaptation to infectious diseases and to carry out comparison analysis with archaic genomes by analysing the data of the next generation of sequencing and to present the results of these studies at international conferences and publications.
Main publication:
1. Ginevičienė, Valentina; Urnikytė, Alina. Association of COL12A1 rs970547 polymorphism with elite athlete status // Biomedicines. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2227-9059. 2022, vol. 10, iss. 10, art. no. 2495, p. [1-8]. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102495. [DB: Scopus; Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)] [Citav. rod.: 4.757, AIF: 5.640, IF/AIF: 0.855, Q2 (2021, SCIE)].

Bioinformatic Implementation and Automatisation of Genome Data Associated with Human Risk Behaviour. (No. 09.3.3-LMTK-712-23-0119). The European Social Fund under the programme Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities. Dr T. Rančelis, Prof. Dr A. Utkus. 2021–2023.
The project aims at improving existing and acquiring new skills as well as implementing high-level R & D activities through planning and conducting high-level research in the field of genetics and genomics, participating in international traineeships and presenting research results at international conferences and scientific publications.

Genetic Background of Overgrowth Syndromes in Polish and Lithuanian Populations: Basis for Rapid Genetic Testing to Prevent Neoplasias (GOSPL) No. S-LL-21-5. Prof. A. Utkus. 2021–2024.
Overgrowth syndromes (OGs) are a highly heterogeneous group of conditions which show a common feature of excessive growth. This project aims to determine the genetic background of OGs in Polish and Lithuanian populations to develop diagnostic algorithms and optimise healthcare strategies for neoplasia prevention. We hope that the whole genome analysis of identified novel and previously documented mutations and variants related to OGs will be a starting point to develop and implement personalised follow-up plans for these patients, in particular, to facilitate neoplasia prevention or timely treatment. This is the first collaborative study on overgrowth conditions between Lithuania and Poland.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (Lithuania)
Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics (Lithuania)
Department of Medical Research Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan (China)
Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology
Republican Vilnius University Hospital (Respublikinė Vilniaus universitetinė ligoninė) (Lithuania)
Public Institution Vilnius City Mental Health Center (VšĮ Vilniaus miesto psichikos sveikatos centras) (Lithuania)
Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (Lithuania)
Medical University of Bialystok, Faculty of Medicine (Poland)
Stanford University (USA, project ELITE (Exercise at the Limit - Inherited Traits of Endurance))
Education Academy, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas Lithuania

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr A. Utkus
• member of the Executive Committee of the Association of Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE);
• chairman of the National Health Council;
• editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• President of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Lietuva);
• editorial council member of the journal Acta Medica Lituanica;
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org;
• member of the American Society of Human Genetics, www.ashg.org
• coordinator of ERN-RND (European Reference Network on Rare Neurological Diseases).
Prof. Dr Habil. V. Kučinskas
• board member of the European Science Foundation College of Experts;
• council member of the Federation of European Academies of Medicine, https://www.feam.eu/abous-us/governance;
• Genetics advisory board member of the Rare Disease Joint Action (RD-ACTION);
• vice chairperson of the division of Biology, Medicine and Geosciences of the Lithuanian, Academy of Sciences, http://www.lma.lt/;
• Emeritus member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, http://lma.lt/intranetas/index.php?m=profile&user=309;
• editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine), http://www.llmd.ip.lt/lm;
• editorial board member of the Journal of Applied Genetics, http://www.jay.au.poznan.pl/JAG/;
• editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
• editorial board member of the journal Medical Genetics;
• editorial board member of the journal Acta Medica Lituanica;
• editorial board member of the Balkan Journal of Medical Genetisc;
• consultant on medical genetics, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
• board member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org.
• member of the American Society of Human Genetics, www.ashg.org;
• member of Human Genome Organization (HUGO).
Prof. Dr L. Cimbalistienė
• member of the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM), http://www.ssiem.org;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics (chairperson of Committee of Financial Supervisory Commission), http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the Lithuanian Doctors’ Union, http://www.lgs.lt/.
Prof. Dr A. Jakaitienė
• member of Lithuanian Mathematical Society, http://www.mif.vu.lt/lmd/index.html;
• board member of Lithuanian Statistics Society, http://www.statistikusajunga.lt/;
• member of International Biometric Association, https://www.biometricsociety.org;
• country representative of International Biometric Association in Nord Baltic Region, http://ibsnbr.org;
• country representative at European Statistical Advisory Committee, https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/european-statistical-advisory-committee-esac.
Prof. Dr E. Preikšaitienė
• board member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm
Dr E. Pranckevičienė
• member of Canadian Society of Molecular Biosciences, https://csmb-scbm.ca;
• member of American Association of Advancement of Science, https://www.aaas.org;
• member of International Neural Network Society, https://www.inns.org;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics;
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org.
Dr L. Ambrozaitytė
• managing editor of the journal Acta medica Lituanica, https://www.lmaleidykla.lt/ojs/index.php/actamedicalituanica;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org;
• member of the American Society of Human Genetics, www.ashg.org.
Dr I. Domarkienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org.
Dr Ž. Maldžienė, Dr A. Morkūnienė, Dr T.Rančelis, Dr E. Siavrienė, G. Žukauskaitė, G. Petraitytė, K. Grigalionienė, D. Braždžiūnaitė
• members of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm.
Dr V. Ginevičienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the European College of Sport Science, http://www.ecss.mobi/;
• member of the Baltic Sport Science Society, www.leu.lt/download/6594/bsss_sutartis.pdf;
• member of the Lithuanian Federation of Sports Medicine, http://www.lsmf.lt/.
Dr A. Matulevičienė
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org.;
• member of the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP), https://www.ema.europa.eu/en;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, (board member of the Committee of Financial Supervisory Commission), http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Doctors;
• coordinator of ERN-ITHACA (Network of Intellectual Disability and Congenital Malformations); https://ern-ithaca.eu/.
Dr A. Molytė
• member of the Lithuanian Computer Society, https://www.liks.lt/;
• member of Lithuanian Mathematical Society, http://www.mif.vu.lt/lmd/index.html.
Dr J. Songailienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the International Society for Neonatal Screening,
https://www.isns-neoscreening.org/;
• member of the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM), http://www.ssiem.org/home/welcome.asp;
• president of the Baltic Metabolic Group, http://www.ssiem.org/nationalsocieties/membercountries.asp;
• 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), https://erndim.org/home/start.asp.
Dr V. Šliužas
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org.
Dr A. Bankauskienė
• members of the Lithuanian Mathematical Society.
Dr V. Mikštienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org.
Dr B. Tumienė
• board member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org;
• Lithuanian representative in the European Reference Network Board of Member States, https://ec.europa.eu/health/ern_en;
• member of the Panel of Experts, WHO Collaborative Global Network for Rare Diseases, https://www.rarediseasesinternational.org/collaborative-global-network/;
• Diagnostic Scienitific Committee Vice-Chair in the International Rare Diseases Researc Consortium, https://irdirc.org/;
• Member of the Advisory Committee, European Rare dIsease research Coordination and support Action, ERICA, https://erica-rd.eu/;
• member of the Panel of Experts, Rare2030: Foresight in rare disease policies, https://www.rare2030.eu/;
• member of the Interregional Committee, Regions4PerMed, https://www.regions4permed.eu/;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics,
http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• 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 Lithuania National Coordinator, Orphanet Operating Committee member, https://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/index.php.
Dr B. Aleksiūnienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org.
Dr B. Burnytė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics, http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm;
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org;
• member of the American Society of Human Genetics, www.ashg.org;
• member of the Society for Studies of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, SSIEM;
• Orphanet information scientist;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics,
http://www.geneticahumana.lt/LZGD/organizacija.htm.
J. Arasimavičius
• member of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, https://eadv.org/;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereologists, http://www.ldvd.lt/;
• member of European Association of Dermato Oncology, http://www.eado.org/;
• member of International Dermoscopy Society, https://dermoscopy-ids.org;
Dr A. Urnikytė
• member of the European Society of Human Genetics, www.eshg.org.
Dr M. Mozerė
Dr V. Gružauskas
Dr S. Danilenko
• member of Lithuanian Mathematical Society, http://www.mif.vu.lt/lmd/index.html.
Dr T. Žvirblis
• member of Lithuanian Mathematical Society, http://www.mif.vu.lt/lmd/index.html;
• board member of Lithuanian Statistics Society, http://www.statistikusajunga.lt/.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Ginevičienė V., Utkus A. Genetic markers for soft-tissue injury risk in Lithuanian athletes. BASEM (British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine) Annual Congress "Positive Health & Performance", Brighton, UK, May 26th and 27th 2022.
2. Bortkevič A, Anikevičiūtė G, Sivačiova M.O., Ginevičienė V. The association of TFAM (rs1937), MB (s7293) and GDF5 (rs143383) polymorphisms with endurance status in Lithuanian athletes. BASEM (British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine) Annual Congress "Positive Health & Performance", Brighton, UK, May 26th and 27th 2022.
3. Gineviciene V., Utkus A., Mitochondrial transcription factor-a and myoglobin genes variations are associated with endurance performance in Lithuanian elite athletes. 27th Annual Congress of the EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF SPORT SCIENCE (ECSS) 30 Aug - 2 Sep 2022, Sevilla, España.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
1. Five scientists, prof. habil. Dr Vaidutis Kučinskas, prof. Dr Eglė Preikšaitienė, assoc. prof. Dr Laima Ambrozaitytė, prof. Dr (HP) Loreta Cimbalistienė, and prof. Dr (HP) Algirdas Utkus were awarded Lithuanian Science Prize in the field of biomedical and agricultural sciences for the cycle of studies ‘Genome Rearrangements in Congenital Developmental Disorders of the Central Nervous System: Origins, Genomic Mechanisms, Functional and Clinical Consequences’ (2007–2020).
2. Prof. habil. Dr Vaidutis Kučinskas was awarded the LMA Commemorative Medal for significant contribution to the development of human and medical genetics science, research on the Lithuanian genome, science policy making, outstanding competence and education of the younger generation, and for special merits as head of the Department of Biology, Medicine, and Geosciences.
3. Doctoral fellow Gabrielė Žukauskaitė awarded 1st place for the best presentation in Medicine Section in 15th Young Scientists' Conference "Biofuture: perspectives of nature and life sciences", Division of Biology, Medicine and Geosciences, Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, 24 November 2022, Vilnius, Lithuania. https://www.lma.lt/news/1785/253/15-oji-Lietuvos-jaunuju-mokslininku-konferencija-Bioateitis-gamtos-ir-gyvybes-mokslu-perspektyvos

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES
Dr B. Tumienė, prof. Dr (HP) A.Utkus, Dr L.Ambrozaitytė
• members of the Rare Diseases Health Policy Group of Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.
Prof. Dr (HP) A. Utkus
• chairman of the National Health Council.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
• Dr I. Domarkienė, consultation for the National Museum of Lithuania's exhibition "New People: the Indo-Europeans" (forthcoming).

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Events
1. Dr Ingrida Domarkienė. Organizing the event “Medical Genetics Awareness week 2022”.
Oral presentations
1. Urnikytė A. Inferring microevolutionary processes in the Lithuanian population. Tarptautinė konferencija POPGEN. Valdovų rūmai. 2022-05-20/21, Vilnius.
2. Urnikytė A. Ancient DNA and Lithuanian population studies: a scientist's journey from data to results. DNA Day in Lithuania comemoration event. 2022-04-25, Vilnius.
3. Ginevičienė V. Lecture dedicated to the VU community "Genetics of physical performance - innovation in sports science and rehabilitation". February 22, 2022.

Interviews
• Dr Valentina Ginevičienė. Interview on issues of GENE DOPING in the scientific journal "Sciences et Avenir" (editor of SANTÉ Physiologie, Nicolas Gutierrez C.), for the article “Le dopage génétique: la menace invisible'. https://www.sciencesetavenir.fr/sante/la-menace-invisible_163801
• Prof. habil. Dr Vaidutis Kučinskas. Interview for the Lithuanian Radio and Television Show „Historical detectives. Indo-Europeans who changed the face of Lithuania and Europe: what did they bring to this land?“ (Istorijos detektyvai. Indoeuropiečiai, pakeitę Lietuvos ir visos Europos veidą: ka jie atnešė į šį kraštą?) 2022.02.13
• Prof. Dr (HP) Algirdas Utkus – interviews to various TV channels, news portals, broadcasts, some of them:
https://www.lrt.lt/tema/algirdas-utkus
https://www.delfi.lt/temos/algirdas-utkus

PHARMACY CENTER

Geležinio Vilko 29A, LT-03101Vilnius
Tel. 239 8771
E-mails:
Head –Prof. Dr Jolanta Gulbinovič

STAFF
Professors: Dr J. Labokas (part-time), Dr B. Wettermark (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr J. Grincevičius, Dr J. Pečeliūnienė (part-time), Dr K. Garuolienė, Dr A. Cavaco (visiting associate professor), David Woods (visiting associate professor).
Assistant professors: Dr K. Ložienė (part-time), Dr N. Šlekienė, Dr R. Kalėdaitė (part-time), Dr A. Vagoras (part-time), Dr V. Naumavičius (part-time), Dr A. Repečkienė (part-time).
Teaching assistant: I. Trečiokienė.
Lecturers: Dr K. Ivanauskas, R. Matulaitienė (part-time), R. Losinskaja (part-time), A. Levkina (part-time).
Research assistants: I. Trečiokienė

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Drug Utilization Research
• Pharmacokinetics studies of oncological drugs
• The role of the pharmacist and the importance of pharmacy services in controlling the treatment of chronic diseases
• Development, creation and implementation of pharmaceutical services

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Drug Utilisation Research and Treatment Management in Hypertensive Patients. I. Trečiokienė. 2019–2022.
In 2022, we studied antihypertensive drug utilisation patterns and persistence in hypertensive patients and prepared and submitted a manuscript. A paper on persistence was published.
Main publications:
Trečiokienė, Indrė; Bratčikovienė, Nomeda; Gulbinovič, Jolanta; Wettermark, Bjorn Gunnar Erik Evert; Taxis, Katja. Trend of antihypertensive medicine use in the Baltic States between 2008 and 2018: a retrospective cross-national comparison // Pharmacoepidemiology. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2813-0618. 2022, vol. 22, no. 1, p. [1-11]. DOI: 10.3390/pharma1010001.
Trečiokienė, Indrė; Bratčikovienė, Nomeda; Gulbinovič, Jolanta; Wettermark, Bjorn Gunnar Erik Evert; Taxis, Katja. Non-persistence to antihypertensive drug therapy in Lithuania // European journal of clinical pharmacology. Heidelberg: Springer. ISSN 0031-6970. eISSN 1432-1041. 2022, vol. 78, iss. 10, p. 1687-1696. DOI: 10.1007/s00228-022-03369-0.

Drug Utilisation Research in Cardiovascular and Asthma Patients. Principal investigator: I. Trečiokienė, J. Gulbinovič, B. Wettermark. 2021–2024.
Research permissions No. 2021/2-1314˗790 and No. 2021/2-1316˗792. Two manuscripts were prepared for submission.

Development, Creation and Installation of Pharmaceutical Services. SAVIGLI-VA study. Principal investigator: J. Pečeliūnienė. 2022.
Research permission No. 2021/5˗1341˗817. Master theses prepared.
Main publication:
1. Levkina, Anastasija; Ašemberg, Ernest; Žukauskaitė, Irena; Norkus, Antanas; Zygmantaitė, Karolina; Pečeliūnienė, Jūratė. The role of the pharmacist in the self-monitoring of glycemia in a diabetic patient // Lietuvos endokrinologija. Kaunas: Medicininės informacijos centras. ISSN 1392-7213. 2022, t. 31, Nr. 3-4, p. 67.

International Research Projects
ENABLE COST Action. J. Gulbinovič, I. Trečiokienė, K. Garuolienė. 2020–2024.
During 2022, the following actions were performed:
WG1. Two-part survey to examine how COST ENABLE countries implement medication adherence plans and which are the personal, healthcare professional, and health system barriers and facilitators of medication adherence performed. Results presented at EspaComp.
WG1. Protocol on systematic review about Interventions to improve medication adherence in chronic diseases (high prevalence, lifelong and high burden treatment) registered on OSF and submitted for publication.
WG3. Reimbursed Medication Adherence Enhancing Interventions in European Countries: Results of the EUREcA Study published.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Groningen University (The Netherlands)
Uppsala University (Sweden)
Tartu University (Estonia)
Copenhagen University (Denmark)
BioRemedium, UAB (Lietuva)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Dr Bjorn Wettermark
• Executive committee member of The European Drug Utilisation Group (Euro DURG), https://www.pharmacoepi.org/eurodurg/executive-committee/;
• Scientific organising committee Chair for EuroDurg conference “ Sustainability of drug use: equity and innovation” Bologna, Italy, 2023 , https://eventi.unibo.it/eurodurg2023;
• Scientific advisor to the Swedish Medical Products Agency;
• Member of International Sociaty of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE);
• Advisory editor at the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, https://www.springer.com/journal/228/editors.
David Woods
• Member of Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ) https://www.otago.ac.nz/pharmacy/people/profile/?id=2113;
• Member of Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA);
• Member of Medicines Safety Expert Advisory Group (New Zealand).
I. Trečiokienė
• scientific committee member of NCPC2021 conference Next chapter in Patient Care: patient –centered approach and digital innovation in healthcare https://ncpc2021.erpmusic.com/submit-abstract/;
• executive committee member of The European Drug Utilisation Group (Euro DURG), https://www.pharmacoepi.org/eurodurg/executive-committee/;
• COST Enable MS substitute, https://enableadherence.eu/working-groups/working-group-1-current-practices/;
• Scientific organising committee member for EuroDurg conference “ Sustainability of drug use: equity and innovation” Bologna, Italy, 2023 https://eventi.unibo.it/eurodurg2023;
• International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) member, VU representative for Academic Pharmacy Section;
• Member of International Sociaty of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE).
Dr K. Garuolienė
• Member of The European Drug Utilisation Group (Euro DURG);
• Member of Lithuanian Society of Clinical Pharmacology;
• COST Enable MS member, https://enableadherence.eu/working-groups/working-group-3-sustainable-implementation-of-adherence-enhancing-technologies/.
Dr J. Grincevičius
• Member of Lithuanian Pharmaceutical Association;
• Member of ISIDOG: International Society for Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Dr K. Ivanauskas
• Member of Lithuanian Pharmaceutical Association.
Dr J. Labokas
• Member of the European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources – ECPGR (Wild Species Conservation in Genetic Reserves Working Group and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Working Group);
• board member of the journal Diversity.
Dr K. Ložienė
• Editor of special issue "Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Essential Oils and Other Extracts: From Extraction to Application" of journal Molecules (MDPI Publishing, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules/special_issues/extractin_oilslietuvos sveikata);
• Board member of THAISZIA - Journal Botany (P. J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia),
• Member of joint of doctoral committee of Nature Research Centre and Vilnius University (domain Biomedical Sciences, direction - Ecology and Environmental Science).
Dr J. Pečeliūnienė
• Member of SEPD; CINP; EAN; ESC.
Dr V. Naumavičius
• Permanent member of WCMFS (World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies) Committee of Education Instructions;
• Member of LAGA (Lithuanian Association of Acupuncture Physicians).
Dr A. Liubavičiūtė
• Guest editor of the jouranl Jove, (https://www.jove.com/methods-collections/263). A theme: Models to assess the efficacy of pharmacological substances for various diseases studies;
• Member of Lithuanian Society for Stem Cell Research organization;
• Member of Lithuanian Society for Immunology, Baltic Laboratory Animal Science Association (Balt-LASA).
R. Losinskaja, R. Matulaitienė
• Board members of Lithuanian Pharmaceutical Association, https://www.lfsajunga.lt/lfs-valdyba.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Kamarauskaitė, Anastasija; Pečeliūnienė, Jūratė; Žukauskaitė, Irena; Norkus, Antanas; Ašemberg, Ernest. The Role of the pharmacist in diabetes management by supporting patients in structured self- monitored blood glucose assessment // Research in social and administrative pharmacy: Conference Abstracts: Next Chapter in Patient Care 2021: patient-centered approach and digital innovation in health care (NCPC 2021) : 7-9 April 2022, Parnu, Estonia. New York: Elsevier. ISSN 1551-7411. eISSN 1934-8150. 2022, 18, iss.6, suppl. p. 8. DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.03.044. Best poster award.
2. Girdenytė, Milda; Matulaitienė, Rūta; Pečeliūnienė, Jūratė; Fens, Tanja; Trečiokienė, Indrė. Differences between patient and professionals' perception of a good pharmaceutical consultation: the perspective of Pharmacy Game in Lithuania // Research in social and administrative pharmacy: Conference Abstracts: Next Chapter in Patient Care 2021: patient-centered approach and digital innovation inhealthcare (NCPC 2021) 7-9 April 2022, Parnu, Estonia. New York: Elsevier Inc. ISSN 1551-7411. eISSN 1934-8150. 2022, vol. 18, iss. 6, suppl. p. E1. DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.03.021.
3. Trečiokienė, Indrė; Bratčikovienė, Nomeda; Gulbinovič, Jolanta; Wettermark, Bjorn; Taxis, Katja. The initiation of treatment and one-year treatment non-persistence rates in hypertensive patients in Lithuania // Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety: Supplement: Abstracts of the 38th International Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology: Advancing Pharmacoepidemiology and Real-World Evidence for the Global Community, August 26–28, 2022, Copenhagen, Denmark. Hoboken: Willey. ISSN 1053-8569. eISSN 1099-1557. 2022, vol. 31, iss. S2, art. no. 773, p. 355. https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.5518
4. Indrė Trečiokienė; Benedikta Mikšienė; Jolanta Gulbinovič; Katja Taxis. Impact of drug policy on the consumption of original and generic antihypertensive drugs. FIP 2022: World congress of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences: 80th annual congress of FIP Congress in Seville (Spain): abstracts, Seville, FIP. 2022 https://www.fip.org/abstracts?page=abstracts&action=item&item=24092
5. Indrė Trečiokienė; Jūratė Pečeliūnienė; Bjorn Gunnar Erik Evert Wettermark; Jolanta Gulbinovič; Katja Taxis. Hypertension management. The 22-year history of Mr. Jonas. FIP 2022: World congress of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences: 80th annual congress of FIP Congress in Seville (Spain): abstracts, Seville, FIP. 2022 https://www.fip.org/abstracts?page=abstracts&action=item&item=24010

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Publications in the Magazines:
1. Kamarauskaitė, Anastasija; Ašemberg, Ernest; Žukauskaitė, Irena; Norkus, Antanas; Pečeliūnienė, Jūratė. Vaistininko vaidmuo tarpdisciplininėje diabeto komandoje // Diabetas. Vilnius: Sveikata. ISSN 1392-5946. 2022, Nr. 1, p. 5-6.
2. Kamarauskaitė, Anastasija; Ašemberg, Ernest; Norkus, Antanas; Pečeliūnienė, Jūratė. Praktiniai patarimai, kaip atlikti trijų dienų septynių „taškų “matavimą // Diabetas. Vilnius: Sveikata. ISSN 1392-5946. 2022, Nr. 1, p. 6-8.
3. Indrė Trečiokienė, doc. Kristina Garuolienė, prof. Jolanta Gulbinovič. Ar lietuviai suvartoja daug vaistų? Spectrum, 2022 pavasaris. https://www.vu.lt/naujienos/spectrum/straipsniai/ar-lietuviai-suvartoja-daug-vaistu

DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, FORENSIC MEDICINE AND PHARMACOLOGY
M. K. Čiurlionio 21, LT-03101Vilnius
Tel. 239 8727
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Arvydas Laurinavičius

STAFF
Professors: Dr Dainius Characiejus, Dr Jolanta Gulbinovič, Dr Violeta Kvedarienė, Dr Arvydas Laurinavičius.
Associate professors: Dr Justinas Besusparis, Dr Edita Kazėnaitė, Dr Aida Laurinavičienė, Dr Jurgita Stasiūnienė, Dr Edvardas Žurauskas.
Assistant professors: Dr Tomas Baltrūnas, Dr Vaida Baltrūnienė, Dr Augustinas Baušys, Dr Sigitas Chmieliauskas, Dr Tomas Janušonis, Dr Elena Jurevičienė, Dr Ieva Kažukauskienė, Dr Sigitas Laima, Dr Ingrida Lisauskienė, Dr Dovilė Žilėnaitė-Petrulaitienė.
Teaching assistants: Julius Drachneris, Dmitrij Fomin, Aušra Garnelytė, Rokas Šimakauskas.
Lecturers: Dalius Banionis, Lina Barkienė, Artūras Barkus, Snežana Budrikienė, Agnė Čerkauskaitė, Armantas Gintautas, Skirmantė Jokubauskienė, Rimgaudas Katkus, Eglė Majauskienė, Vygantė Maskoliūnaitė, Ugnius Mickys, Jolita Pancerė, Donatas Petroška, Dovilė Ramanauskaitė, Dmitrij Šeinin, Rūta Barbora Valkiūnienė, Marius Žiemininkas.
Research professors: -
Senior researchers: Dr Aida Laurinavičienė, Dr Allan Rasmusson.
Researcers: Dr Tomas Baltrūnas, Dr Ieva Kažukauskienė, Dr N. Prokopčiuk.
Research assistants: R. Augulis.
Doctoral students: Renaldas Augulis, Agnė Čerkauskaitė, Gabija Didžiokaitė, Julius Drachneris, Ieva Drejerienė, Aušra Garnelytė, Rokas Stulpinas, Rokas Šimakauskas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Renal pathology, digital pathology image analysis, pathology informatics, health information systems, standards, testing of cancer biomarkers in tissue, multi-resolution analysis of biomarkers
• Inflammatory cardiomyopathy: prognostic biomarkers of heart failure
• Cancer immunolology: T-lymphocytes, macrophages

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
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. Prof. Dr A. Laurinavičius. 2019–2022.
Research carried out by doctoral students contributed to the implementation of this research activity:
• modelling of immune response and microenvironment in renal cancer tissue by digital pathology methods (Doctoral student: Aušra Garnelytė, Academic supervisor: Prof. Dr Arvydas Laurinavičius, consultant: Prof. Dr F. Jankevičius);
• prognostic modelling of liver tumour pathology by artificial intelligence tools (Doctoral student: Rokas Stulpinas, Academic supervisor: Prof. Dr Arvydas Laurinavičius);
• collagen IV α345 nephropathy phenotype-genotype associations and prognostic factors (Doctoral student: Agnė Čerkauskaitė, Academic supervisor: Prof. Dr Arvydas Laurinavičius);
• modelling of urothelial carcinoma and its microenvironment by digital pathology and artificial intelligence methods (Doctoral student: Julius Drachneris, Academic supervisor: Prof. Dr Arvydas Laurinavičius);
• morphometry of kidney tissue based on artificial intelligence (Doctoral student: Renaldas Augulis, Academic supervisor: Prof. Dr Arvydas Laurinavičius).
Main publications:
1. Yousif, Mustafa; van Diest, Paul J; Laurinavičius, Arvydas; Rimm, David; van der Laak, Jeroen; Madabhushi, Anant; Schnitt, Stuart; Pantanowitz, Liron. Artificial intelligence applied to breast pathology // Virchows archiv: an international journal of pathology. New York : Springer. ISSN 0945-6317. eISSN 1432-2307. 2022, vol. 480, iss. 1, p. 191-209. DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03213-3. [DB: PubMed, Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]
2. Acs, Balazs; Leung, Samuel C. Y.; Kidwell, Kelley M.; Arun, Indu; Augulis, Renaldas; Badve, Sunil S.; Bai, Yalai; Bane, Anita L.; Bartlett, John M. S.; Bayani, Jane; Bigras, Gilbert; Blank, Annika; Buikema, Henk; Chang, Martin C.; Dietz, Robin L.; Dodson, Andrew; Fineberg, Susan; Focke, Cornelia M.; Gao, Dongxia; Gown, Allen M.; Gutierrez, Carolina; Hartman, Johan; Kos, Zuzana; Lænkholm, Anne-Vibeke; Laurinavičius, Arvydas; Levenson, Richard M.; Mahboubi-Ardakani, Rustin; Mastropasqua, Mauro G.; Nofech-Mozes, Sharon; Osborne, C. Kent; Penault-Llorca, Frédérique M.; Piper, Tammy; Quintayo, Mary Anne; Rau, Tilman T.; Reinhard, Stefan; Robertson, Stephanie; Salgado, Roberto; Sugie, Tomoharu; van der Vegt, Bert; Viale, Giuseppe; Zabaglo, Lila A.; Hayes, Daniel F.; Dowsett, Mitch; Nielsen, Torsten O.; Rimm, David L.; McShane, Lisa M.; Nielsen, Torsten; Leung, Samuel; Borgquist, Signe; Chan, Angela; Denkert, Carsten; Ehinger, Anna; Ellis, Matthew; Flowers, Margaret; Galderisi, Chad; Gholap, Abhi; Hartman, Douglas J.; Hugh, Judith C.; Jadhav, Anagha; Kornaga, Elizabeth N.; Kreipe, Hans; Levenson, Richard; Mastropasqua, Mauro; Moriya, Takuya; Pan, Hongchao; Pantanowitz, Liron; Neri, Ernesta Paola; Polley, Mei-Yin; Ruan, Jason; Sakatani, Takashi; Shepherd, Lois; Smith, Ian; Sparano, Joseph; Spears, Melanie; Srinivasan, Malini; Starczynski, Jane; Todd, Austin; Virk, Shakeel; Wang, Yihong; Yang, Hua; Zhang, Zhiwei; Zlobec, Inti. Systematically higher Ki67 scores on core biopsy samples compared to corresponding resection specimen in breast cancer: a multi-operator and multi-institutional study // Modern pathology. London: Springer Science and Business Media LLC. ISSN 0893-3952. eISSN 1530-0285. 2022, vol. 35, p. 1362-1369. DOI: 10.1038/s41379-022-01104-9. [DB: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]
3. Čerkauskaitė, Agnė; Savige, Judy; Janonytė, Karolina; Jeremičiūtė, Ieva; Miglinas, Marius; Kazėnaitė, Edita; Laurinavičius, Arvydas; Strupaitė-Šileikienė, Rasa; Vainutienė, Vija; Burnytė, Birutė; Jankauskienė, Augustina; Rolfs, Arndt; Bauer, Peter; Schröder, Sabine; Čerkauskienė, Rimantė. Identification of 27 novel variants in genes COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 in Lithuanian families with Alport syndrome // Frontiers in medicine. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. eISSN 2296-858X. 2022, vol. 9, art. no. 859521, p. [1-12]. DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.859521. [DB: Embase, Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]

Development of the Predictive, Preventive, Personalised and Prognostic Biomarkers of the Diseases. Prof. Dr V. Grabauskienė, Prof. Dr D. Characiejus, Dr V. Baltrūnienė. 2020–2022.
Research carried out by doctoral student I. Kažukauskienė analysed the performance of myocardial and systemic inflammation biomarkers as predictors of mid-term and long-term outcomes in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. The prevalence and prognostic relevance of cardiotropic viruses in the myocardium of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were assessed. Myocardial deformation parameter global longitudinal strain was evaluated as a prognostic tool in patients with advanced heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy. (Doctoral student: Ieva Kažukauskienė, Academic supervisor: Prof. Dr Virginija Grabauskienė)
Main publications:
1. Tulytė, Skaistė; Characiejus, Dainius; Matuzevičienė, Rėda; Janiulionienė, Aušra; Radzevičius, Mantas; Žvirblis, Tadas; Šileikis, Audrius. The effects of treatment on peripheral blood immune cell profile in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) // Anticancer research. Athens: International Institute of Anticancer Research. ISSN 0250-7005. eISSN 1791-7530. 2022, vol. 42, iss. 6, p. 3067-3073. DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.15794. [DB: PubMed, Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]
2. Kažukauskienė, Ieva; Baltrūnienė, Vaida; Jakubauskas, Artūras; Žurauskas, Edvardas; Maneikienė, Vytė Valerija; Daunoravičius, Dainius; Čelutkienė, Jelena; Ručinskas, Kęstutis; Grabauskienė, Virginija. Prevalence and prognostic relevance of myocardial inflammation and cardiotropic viruses in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy // Cardiology journal. Gdansk: Via Medica. ISSN 1897-5593. eISSN 1898-018X. 2022, vol. 29, no. 3, p. 441-453. DOI: 10.5603/CJ.a2020.0088. [DB: Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science), Scopus, MEDLINE, PubMed]
3. Bironaitė, Daiva; Kažukauskienė, Ieva; Bogomolovas, Julijus; Daunoravičius, Dainius; Jakubauskas, Artūras; Vitkus, Dalius; Žurauskas, Edvardas; Ručinskas, Kęstutis; Labeit, Siegfried; Grabauskienė, Virginija. Molecular mechanisms behind persistent presence of parvovirus B19 in human dilated myocardium // Cell biology and translational medicine: stem cells in tissue differentiation, regulation and disease / Kursad Turksen (ed.). Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2022. ISBN 9783031023774. eISBN 9783031023781. ISSN 2522-090X. eISSN 2522-0918. 2022, vol. 15, p. 181-202. (Advances in experimental medicine and biology, ISSN 0065-2598, eISSN 2214-8019; vol. 1376). DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_702. [DB: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]

Genesis and Gnoseology of Violence. Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Stasiūnienė. 2020–2022.
The aim of the project is to investigate the peculiarities of physical violence in Lithuania – to be able to track the rates of violence, ascertain the sociodemographic profile of victims and suspects, and identify risk factors, as well as define health impairments. To achieve the aims, data from the Information Technology and Communications Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania and The State’s Forensic Medicine Service are collected and analysed.
Main publications:
1. Fomin, Dmitrij; Chmieliauskas, Sigitas; Laima, Sigitas; Stasiūnienė, Jurgita; Jasulaitis, Algimantas; Šerpytis, Pranas. Sudden cardiac death in patients with coronary heart disease and antemortem alcohol intake: A STROBE – compliant retrospective study // Medicine. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISSN 0025-7974. eISSN 1536-5964. 2022, vol. 101, iss. 45, art. no. e31396, p. [1-6]. DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000031396. [DB: MEDLINE, Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]
2. Diana Vasiljevaitė, Sigitas Laima, Sigitas Chmieliauskas, Jurgita Stasiūnienė. Sexual violence in Lithuania in 2013-2021: analysis of the situation, dynamics, and evaluation of forensic medical examinations. 8th Czech-Slovak Congress of Forensic Medicine (Abstract Book). 15-17 June 2022, Prague.

National Research Projects
Assessment of Glomerular Patterns of Injury by Using Artificial Intelligence Methods. (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712). Under the measure Educating society and strengthening the potential of human resources activity Development of Competences of Scientists, Other Researchers and Students Through Practical Research Activities. The Research Council of Lithuania. Project leader: Prof. A. Laurinavičius, researcher: J. Besusparis. 2020–2022.
We performed a cross-validated comparison of three modifications of a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based approach for recognition and intraglomerular quantification of nine main glomerular patterns of injury. Reference values provided by two nephropathologists were used for validation. For each glomerular image, visual attention heatmaps were generated with a probability of class attribution for further intraglomerular quantification. The quality of classifier-produced heatmaps was evaluated by an intersection over union metrics (IoU) between predicted and ground truth localisation heatmaps.
Main results (publications, presentation):
1. Oral presentation “18th European Congress on Digital Pathology”, Berlin, Germany, 2022. “Assessment of glomerular patterns of injury by machine learning methods”.
2. Manuscript entitled "A spatially guided machine learning method to classify and quantify glomerular patterns of injury in histology images" was submitted to Scientific Reports; preprint version available at: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-2337818/v1 A spatially guided machine learning method to classify and quantify glomerular patterns of injury in histology images | Research Square

Artificial Intelligence-Driven Prediction of BCG Immunotherapy Response in Patients with Non-Muscle Invasive Papillary Urothelial Bladder Carcinoma (AI4BCG). 3rd competition of the 10th call for the implementation of researcher groups projects. Principal investigator: Prof. Dr F. Jankevičius, primary project implementers: Dr A. Laurinavičius, Dr A. Čekauskas, Dr M. Morkūnas, J. Drachneris. 2021–2024.
The objective of the proposed study is to develop independent predictive models based on machine vision and learning of TME architectural patterns and immune response properties in NMIPUC patients treated with BCG vaccine.
Main results:
1. Submitted poster presentation. Julius Drachneris, Allan Rasmusson, Mindaugas Morkūnas, Mantas Fabijonavičius, Albertas Čekauskas, Feliksas Jankevičius, Arvydas Laurinavičius: Indicators of CD8+ Cell Gradients across the Tumour Epithelium-Stromal Interface of Non-Muscle Invasive Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma predicts Relapse-free Survival after BCG immunotherapy. 9th Digital Pathology & AI Congress: London, Europe, 2022/12/7–8.
2. Submitted Article. Julius Drachneris, Allan Rasmusson, Mindaugas Morkunas, Mantas Fabijonavicius, Albertas Cekauskas, Feliksas Jankevicius, Arvydas Laurinavicius: CD8+ Cell Density Gradient across the Tumor Epithelium-Stromal Interface of Non-Muscle Invasive Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma predicts Recurrence-free Survival after BCG Immunotherapy. Cancers, Manuscript ID: cancers-2144575, submitted: 2022/12/21.

Vilnius Vascular Symposium 2022. No. P-MOR-22-58 under the measure "Grant for scientific events". The Research Council of Lithuania. Project leader Dr T. Baltrūnas. 2022/10/13–2022/10/14
A conference dedicated to vascular disease diagnostics and treatment was held on 2022/09/29–30. It is the biggest conference in the Baltic states of the kind. The symposium was accredited with Ethical Med Tech and 12 CME credits. More than 200 participants, from which more than 100 were from abroad, took part in the conference. During the symposium, there were workshops for residents. Meetings for scientists regarding the new and already started projects were held. The conference was also live-transmitted via a YouTube channel. The conference material is planned to be freely accessible in the future.
The positive feedback from the participants and conference speakers is a testament to the success of the event. The 4th Vascular Symposium is planned for the Autumn 2024.

Deep-Context Tissue Analytics for Integrated Pathology Modeling in Tumours and Kidney Allografts. The Research Council of Lithuania. Project leader Prof. Dr A. Laurinavičius, other participants: Dr A. Laurinavičienė, Dr A. Rasmusson, Dr B. Plancoulaine, Dr R. Levenson, Dr M. Shribak, Dr K. Y. Jen. 2014–2021.
The aim of the study is to develop novel tissue-based analytical assays for integrated modelling of tumour and kidney allograft pathology. Objective 1 is to explore tissue processing/data extraction approaches to discover unique digital signatures of tissue components and integrated pathology indicators. Objective 2 is to design and validate the “deep-context” tissue assays for selected analytical and clinical tasks to enable robust and affordable multidimensional modelling of tissue pathology.
Main publication:
1. Plancoulaine, Benoit; Rasmusson, Allan; Labbé, Christophe; Levenson, Richard; Laurinavičius, Arvydas. A new approach for microstructure imaging // Scientific reports. Berlin: Nature research. ISSN 2045-2322. 2022, vol. 12, art. no. 19565, p. [1-8]. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24176-8. [DB: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]

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)
Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University (Sweden)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr A. Laurinavičius
• member, Lithuanian Association of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation;
• member, European Society of Pathology;
• member, Renal Pathology Society;
• member, the board of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology;
• editorial board member of the journal Medicina (Medicine);
• editorial board member of the journal Diagnostic Pathology;
• editorial board member of the journal Pathology Informatics;
• chairman, Management Board, Lithuanian Association of Health Informatics and Bioinformatics.
Prof. Dr J. 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
• member of the Council of the Lithuanian Society of Immunology.
• member of International Scientific Advisory Board, International Institute of Anticancer Research
• member of the Editorial Board of the journal Frontiers in Immunology
Assoc. Prof. Dr E. Žurauskas, U. Mickys, D. Petroška
• members of the Lithuanian Society of Pathology.
Dr A. Laurinavičienė
• president of Lithuanian Association of Pathology Technologists.
Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Stasiūnienė, Assist. Prof. Dr S. Chmieliauskas, Teaching Assist. R. Šimakauskas, Teaching Assist. D. Fomin, Lect. D. Banionis
• members of the Lithuanian Society of Forensic Medical Physicians.
Assist. Prof. Dr S. Laima
• Vice-President of the Lithuanian Society of Forensic Medical Physicians.
Assist. Prof. Dr T. Baltrūnas
• Vice-President, Endovascular Specialist Association
• Vice-President, Lithuanian Society of Vascular Surgery
Teaching assist. Artūras Barkus
• President, Lithuanian Society of Clinical Toxicology
Teaching assist. Lina Barkienė
• Vice-president, Lithuanian Society of Clinical Toxicology

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Arvydas Laurinavičius: invited oral presentation “Digital Data-Driven Kidney Pathology Assessment”, 59th ERA CONGRESS (European Renal Association), Paris (France).
2. Justinas Besusparis: “Assessment of Glomerular Patterns of Injury by Machine Learning Methods”, European Congress on Digital Pathology (ECDP2022), Berlin (Germany).
3. Arvydas Laurinavičius: invited oral presentation “Digital and Computational Pathology: Enabling Pathologists”, European Society of Pathology Academy (ESPA2022), Genval (Belgium).
4. Arvydas Laurinavičius: invited oral presentation “Computational Pathology for Tissue Microenvironment Assessment”, 9th Digital Pathology & AI Congress, Europe, London (UK).
5. Arvydas Laurinavičius: invited lecture "Digital and Computational Pathology: Towards Augmented Intelligence", Estonian Society of Oncologists conference, Tallin (Estonia).
6. Ieva Kažukauskienė: Salzburg Well Cornelly Seminar in Cardiology. "Pocket in the Heart" awarded as excellent case presentation.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. Dr S. Chmieliauskas: media interview: 2022-07-09 http://www.lrytas.lt : "Experts revealed what happens to a pedestrian after a car accident" [„Ekspertai atskleidė, kas vyksta su pėsčiuoju po automobilio smūgio“].
2. Dr S. Laima: interviews on the science popularization show: 2022-08-12, 2022-08-17 ir 2022-08-24:
2.1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub6tBWUMb8g&ab_channel=Mokslosriuba;
2.2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA8-ctDXb-Y&ab_channel=Mokslosriuba;
2.3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNrvs2lCM00&t=1s&ab_channel=Mokslosriuba

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY, MICROBIOLOGY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE

M. K. Čiurlionio 21, LT-03101Vilnius
Tel. 239 8720
E-mail:
Head – Assoc. Prof. Dr Dovilė Karčiauskaitė

STAFF
Professors: Dr A. Abaravičius, Dr A. Kaminskas, Dr V. Hendrixson.
Associate professors: Dr D. Karčiauskaitė, Dr V. Jablonskienė, Dr T. Kačergius, Dr R. Matuzevičienė, Dr L. Bagdonaitė, Dr D. Vitkus, Dr A. Mažeikienė, Dr A. Kirkliauskienė.
Dr V. Banys, Dr I. Bikulčienė, Dr D. Paškevičienė, Dr E. Mazgelytė, Dr S. Kiverytė
Teaching assistants: M. Radzevičius, V. Gabė, M. Vanagaitė-Žičkienė.
Lecturers: E. Ostanevičiūtė, A. Coj
Researchers: Dr M. Bratčikov, Dr A. Linkevičiūtė, V. Žėkas
Doctoral students: M. Radzevičius, R. Stonys, L. Černiauskas. L.Vasiliauskaitė

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Environmental and metabolic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
• Human cytomics: the search for and analysis of markers and assays for the diagnosis, prognosis and response to therapy of cells and their diseases.
• Basic, clinical and epidemiological studies of pathogenic and relatively pathogenic micro-organisms involved in the pathogenesis of human diseases.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Comparison of the Effect of Different Gallic Acid Esters on the Ability to Inhibit Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation and Acidogenicity. International Joint Project with the Al-Qasemi Research Center, Israel. Assoc. Prof. Dr Tomas Kačergius, Assoc. Prof. Dr Agnė Kirkliauskienė, Assist. Vika Gabė, Prof. Dr Anwar Rayan (Israel). 2021–2022.
The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of different gallic acid esters (alkyl gallates: methyl, ethyl, octyl, lauryl gallates), which are found naturally in plants, against S. mutans biofilm formation and acidogenicity in vitro conditions. Results revealed that the highest concentrations of studied gallic acid esters significantly reduced S. mutans biofilm biomass as well as prevented a decrease in pH level, as compared to controls (p<0.05). This investigation showed that gallic acid esters containing longer alkyl chains produce up to ~27.6-fold stronger inhibitory activity against S. mutans biofilm formation and acidogenicity. Due to the capacity to effectively inhibit S. mutans biofilm formation and the acidogenicity, gallic acid esters with longer alkyl chains might be used as anticaries agents for oral formulations to reduce the prevalence of dental caries.
Main publications:
1. Rayan, M., Abu-Lafi, S., Falah, M., Kacergius, T., Kirkliauskiene, A., Gabe, V., Rayan, A. Alkyl Gallates as Potential Antibiofilm Agents: A Review. Molecules (submitted on 2 December 2022).

Association of Hair Steroid Hormones with Chronic Stress Level and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Middle-aged and Elderly Women. Assoc. Prof. Dovilė Karčiauskaitė, Assist. Prof. Eglė Mazgelytė. 2020-2022.
One hundred forty-five apparently healthy females (50–64 y.o.) participating in the national cardiovascular disease prevention program were enrolled in the project. During the project, hair steroid hormone (cortisol, cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone) levels were measured using the HPLC-MS/MS technique. Also, anthropometric data, glucose and lipid metabolism biomarkers, and the SCORE2 risk prediction algorithm were used to estimate CVD risk. The results of the project revealed that higher hair glucocorticoid levels were associated with the increased prevalence of conventional CVD risk factors and metabolic syndrome, as well as a higher SCORE2 risk prediction algorithm, which estimates the 10-year fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease risk.
Main publication:
1. Mazgelytė, Eglė; Burokienė, Neringa; Vysocka, Agata; Narkevičius, Martynas; Petrėnas, Tomas; Kaminskas, Andrius; Songailienė, Jurgita; Utkus, Algirdas; Karčiauskaitė, Dovilė. Higher levels of stress-related hair steroid hormones are associated with the increased SCORE2 risk prediction algorithm in apparently healthy women. Journal of cardiovascular development and disease. Basel: MDPI. eISSN 2308-3425. 2022, vol. 9, no. 3, art. no. 70, p. [1-17]. DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9030070.

Value of Biological Markers for Paraproteinemia. Leader of the project: Assoc Prof. V. Pečeliūnas, Prof. L. Griškevičius. Others: Assoc Prof. R. Matuzevičienė, doctoral student M. Radzevičius. 2019–2023.
During the project, the following were implemented: expression of myeloma disease immunoassay markers and their predictive value in the treatment with immunomodulators. Compilation of myeloma register and data analysis in collaboration with foreign researchers. Harmonisation of normal and pathological plasma cell research methods in collaboration with foreign researchers. Analysis of clinical prognostic markers in patients with AL amyloidosis. Analysis of clinical prognostic markers in patients with AL amyloidosis.

Stress impact on the changes of platelet membrane and platelet function in diabetic rats. Joint project with State Research Institute, Center for Innovative Medicine, Department of Biomodels (Lithuania). Assist. Prof. Dr I. Bikulčienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Kašėta. 2022–2025.
Patients with metabolic disorders (i.e., type I or type II diabetes mellitus), often complicated by cardiovascular diseases and experiencing psychological stress, use drugs that correct platelet aggregation and the composition and level of lipids in the blood serum. Therefore, only the processes taking place in the animal model will reveal and evaluate the real changes in the composition and activation of the platelet membrane under the influence of psychological stress.

Investigation of the Mechanisms of Extracellular Microparticles (Exosomes) Involvement in the Cellular Response to Oxidative Stress. Researcher V. Žėkas. 2020–2021.
Work carried out in 2021: 1) A study of the reactive oxygen forms in HUVEC cell culture using a flow cytometry method using fluorescent antibodies (MitoSox, H2DCFDA) that marks reactive oxygen forms; 2) Western blot analysis of proteins important for cell survival and generation of oxidative stress: NADPH Oxidases NOX1, NOX2, NOX5, ERK 1/2, Akt B; 3) Preparation and submission of manuscript, currently under review. Title: “Changes in the amount and oxidative properties of human blood-derived extracellular vesicles after myocardial infarction”. Results show that despite the inflammatory origin of post-MI EVs, which was determined by showing a higher level of MDA in post-MI patients’ blood, and as they carried pro-oxidant enzymes NOX1, NOX5, and NOX2, post-MI EVs caused less oxidative stress in endothelial cell culture experiments. We conclude that there are quantitative and qualitative differences between the EVs of healthy vs post-MI individuals. Healthy control EVs, as well as post-MI patient EVs, carry both pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant enzymes, but post-MI EVs have a stronger anti-oxidative effect on the endothelium, which could help improve the post-MI condition.
Main publications:
1. Žėkas V; Kurg R; Kurg K; Bironaitė D; Radzevičius M; Karčiauskaitė D; Matuzevičienė
2. R; Kučinskienė Z. Oxidative properties of blood-derived extracellular vesicles in 15 patients after myocardial infarction. Medical science monitor. 2022; 28:e935291, p. [1-10]

National Research Projects
Platform for Non-Invasive Methods for Early Diagnosis and Prognosis of Severe Acute Pancreatitis. Project funded by the European Regional Development Fund according to the supported activity Research Projects Implemented by World-class Researcher Groups under Measure No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0025. Assoc. Prof. Dalius Vitkus. 2018–2022.
An in-depth analysis of biochemical processes was conducted in order to construct a platform for non-invasive methods to be used for early diagnosis and prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis. It demonstrated the dependence of an amount of HSP70 and HSP90 in serum vs. severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) in a cohort of 49 patients. Tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLMs) have been developed to investigate HSPs’ interactions with tBLMs that can be probed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Main publications:
1. Budvytyte, R., Milasiute, A., Vitkus, D., Strupas, K., Gulla, A., Sakinyte, I., Razumiene, J. Tethered Lipid Membranes as a Nanoscale Arrangement towards Non-Invasive Analysis of Acute Pancreatitis. Biomedicines. 2021, 9: 755. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9070755.

Applying innovative non-invasive biomedical research methods to managing stress in group dynamics: the case of military conscripts in Lithuania. (No. S-MIP-20-59). The Research Council of Lithuania. Assoc. Prof. A. Mažeikienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr D. Karčiauskaitė, PhD student E. Mazgelytė. 2020–2022.
Stress in the groups during compulsory military service was conceptualised. Psychological and physical stress and the stress experienced during service at the individual, small and large group level was distinguished.
It was found that there was a statistically significant association between endogenous steroid hormones in the hair as reliable biological markers of individual stress levels, on the one hand, and socio-environmental factors experienced in the group during compulsory military service on the other. The results of this study suggest that subjective estimates of social factors may be successfully associated with changes in steroid hormone levels in hair, which objectively indicate the magnitude of stress experienced by conscripts during compulsory military service.
Main publications:
1. Larsson, Ulf Gerry; Smaliukienė, Rasa; Mažeikienė, Asta; Vaičaitienė, Ramutė; Bekešienė, Svajonė; Mazgelytė, Eglė; Karčiauskaitė, Dovilė. Perceived stress and hair cortisol levels amongst conscripts during basic military training: a repeated measures study // Military psychology. Abingdon : Routledge Journals. ISSN 0899-5605. eISSN 1532-7876. 2022, first on line, p. [1-10]. DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2021.2018902. [Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus] [IF: 1,298; AIF: 3,400; IF/AIF: 0,381; Q3 (2020, InCites JCR SSCI)] [CiteScore: 2,10; SNIP: 0,614; SJR: 0,396; Q2 (2020, Scopus Sources)] [FOR: S 003, M 001]

2. Bekešienė, Svajonė; Smaliukienė, Rasa; Vaičaitienė, Ramutė; Mažeikienė, Asta; Larsson, Ulf Gerry; Karčiauskaitė, Dovilė; Mazgelytė, Eglė. Three-Faceted Approach to Perceived Stress: A Longitudinal Study of Stress Hormones, Personality, and Group Cohesion in the Real-Life Setting of Compulsory Basic Military Training // Sustainability: Security Challenges in the Context of Sustainability : MDPI. ISSN 2071-1050. 2022, vol. 14, iss. 3, art. no. 1046, p. 1-13. DOI: 10.3390/su14031046. [Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science); Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus] [CiteScore: 3,90; SNIP: 1,242; SJR: 0,612; Q1 (2020, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: S 003, N 001, M 001]
3. Smaliukienė, Rasa; Bekešienė, Svajonė; Mažeikienė, Asta; Larsson, Ulf Gerry; Karčiauskaitė, Dovilė; Mazgelytė, Eglė; Vaičaitienė, Ramutė. Hair cortisol, perceived stress, and the effect of group dynamics: a longitudinal study of young men during compulsory military training in Lithuania // International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: Emergent Topics in Young Adult Health Disparities. Basel : MDPI. ISSN 1661-7827. eISSN 1660-4601. 2022, vol. 19, iss. 3, art. no. 1663, p. 1-15. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031663. [Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science); Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus] [CiteScore: 3,40; SNIP: 1,356; SJR: 0,747; Q2 (2020, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: S 003, N 001, M 001]

Studies on the Virulence Potential of Meningococcal Isolates: Implications for an Improved Molecular Diagnostics of Invasive Meningococcal Disease. (Nr. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-03-0036). The Research Council of Lithuania. Research leader: M. Plečkaitytė. Member of research: Assist Prof. Silvija Kiverytė. 2020/09/16–2023/09/01
During the project, the following were implemented: expression of myeloma disease immunoassay markers and their predictive value in the treatment with immunomodulators; the compilation of a myeloma register and data analysis in collaboration with international researchers; the harmonisation of normal and pathological plasma cell research methods in collaboration with international researchers; the analysis of clinical prognostic markers in patients with AL amyloidosis; and the analysis of clinical prognostic markers in patients with AL amyloidosis.

Personalised Upper Respiratory Tract Microbiome Testing – A New Diagnostic and Healthcare Tool (YourAirwayMicrobiome) (No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-03-0079). The Research Council of Lithuania. Member of the research team: Assist. Prof. S. Kiverytė. 2022–2023
In 2022, 24 subjects were tested in this project. Subjects underwent bronchoscopy, and bronchial aspirates were collected and subjected to the following tests:
• microscopic examination
• microbiological culture, the quantity of micro-organisms cultured in the microbiological culture was semi-quantitatively assessed.
• PCR test
• determination of the antibiotic susceptibility of the micro-organisms cultured in the microbiological culture.

International Research Projects
Recognition and Education in Violence, Abuse and Neglect for Medical and Healthcare Practitioners – REVAMP, 2019-1-UK01-KA203-061608. The Project was funded by the British Council. The consortium countries: UK (coordinator), Lithuania, Germany, France, Norway, Iceland, and Greece. Prof. V. Hendrixson: Coordinator of the project of the Lithuanian team. 2019–2022
The REVAMP project addresses the under-resourced and under-developed problem of identifying and responding to victims of domestic violence and abuse (DVA)/domestic violence and abuse (DVA) in healthcare settings. The project aims to propose a major innovation based on directly improving the health status of victims of violence throughout their lives by increasing the capacity of doctors and health professionals to identify the problem in a timely manner. Four learning modules have been developed: orientation; covering IPV/DVA against children and young people; against adults; and against the elderly. The learning platform consists of online and engaging training for doctors and other healthcare professionals to help them better identify and understand IPV/DVA. The modules have been translated/are in the process of being translated (as the process is still ongoing) into all languages of the partner countries. The REVAMP platform will be available to the user in the near future.

Simulation in Undergraduate MEDical Education for Improvement of SAFEty and Quality of Patient Care (SAFEMED+), 618812-EPP-1-2020-1-GE-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP. The project is funded by EC. The consortium countries: Italy, Spain, Lithuania, Georgia, Armenia, and Ukraine. Prof. V. Hendrixson. Coordinator of the project of the Lithuanian team. 2020-2023
Ongoing project: a plan for integrating clinical competencies into medical studies has been developed, and consultations and training sessions have been provided to non-EU project partners on integrating clinical practice/internship into the medical curriculum and on complementing the curriculum with general competencies, in particular, patient communication skills. Training on how to properly prepare for the OSCE examinations was attended. A SAFEMED training book is currently being prepared.

ALLTogether1– A Treatment Study Protocol of the ALLTogether Consortium for Children and Young Adults (1–45 years of age) with Newly Diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). Assoc. Prof. R. Matuzevičienė. 2019–2023.
In 2021, study groups from the five Nordic countries, Estonia and Lithuania (NOPHO), the UK (UKALL), the Netherlands (DCOG), Germany (COALL), Belgium (BSPHO), Ireland (SHOP), and France (SFCE) have designed a common treatment protocol as the new standard of care for children and young adults with ALL. The risk-stratification is based on a novel, personalised algorithm using clinical characteristics, genetic changes in the leukaemia and response to therapy. More than 50 ALL trials have been performed in 2022 on the A2G protocol in pediatric and adult patients. Data collection, collation and analysis continue.

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)
AL-Qasemi Research Center (Israel)
Department of Human and Medical Genetics of Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Centre of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
State Research Institute, Center for Innovative Medicine, Department of Biomodels (Lithuania)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. D. Karčiauskaitė
• board member of Baltic Atherosclerosis Society;
• board member of Lithuanian Laboratory Medicine Society;
• member of European Atherosclerosis Society.
Prof. A. J. Abaravičius
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
• member of Lithuanian Physiological Society.
• member of the Admissions - Attestation Commission at the Faculty of Medicine
Prof. A. Kaminskas
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.
Prof. V. Hendrixson
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
• member of Open Medical Institute Lithuanian Association of Neuroscience;
• member of Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS);
• member of Lithuanian Association of Neuroscience;
• member of Lithuanian Association of Physiology;
• expert of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education of Republic of Lithuania
• Honorary Professor of the Karaganda State Medical University;
• editorial board member of the open access journal Clinical Research in Neurology: https://asclepiusopen.com/clinical-research-in-neurology/editorial-board.
Assoc. Prof. L. Bagdonaitė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.
Assoc. Prof. V. Jablonskienė
• scientific editor of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine)
• editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.
Assoc. Prof. T. Kačergius
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Microbiologists;
• member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Basel, Switzerland.
Assoc. Prof. R. Matuzevičienė
• editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
• 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 Lithuanian Medical Association;
• member of the European Society for Clinical Cell Analysis – ESCCA.
• member of the Santaros Clinics Physician Society
• member of NOPHO, The Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology
• European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) representative in European Cancer Organisation for Essential Requirements for Quality Cancer Care (ERQCC): Hematological Malignancies Working Group
Assoc. Prof. D. Vitkus
• president of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine (LLMD);
• member-at-large of the Executive Board of the European Federation of Clinical chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM);
• national Representative at the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC);
• member of the EFLM Profession Committee Task Group EFLM Syllabus Course;
• scientific Committee member of the European Organization for External Quality Assurance Providers in Laboratory Medicine (EQALM), Chairmen of the WG for Performance Specifications;
• member at large of the Board of Baltic Association of Laboratory Medicine (BALM);
• member of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC);
• corresponding member of the Committee of Nomenclature for Properties and Units of the Scientific Division of the IFCC;
• corresponding member of the Committee of Traceability in Laboratory Medicine of the Scientific Division of the IFCC;
• corresponding member of the IFCC EMD Clinical Laboratory Management Committee;
• corresponding member of the EFLM Working Group on Congresses and Postgraduate Education;
• corresponding member of the EFLM Working Group “Register”;
• external Quality Assessment Scheme expert, “Labquality OY”, Finland;
• editorial Board member of the journal Laboratory Medicine;
• member of the Scientific Committee of the International Congress on Quality in Laboratory Medicine and Health Technology Labquality Days 2022, April 20-21, 2022, Helsinki, Finland;
• member of the Scientific Program Committee 2022 EQALM Symposium, October 12-14, 2022, Athens, Greece.
• member of the Organizing Committee of the XVI Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine, September 22-24, 2022, Tallinn (Estonia);
• member of the International Scientific Advisory Board of the XXIV International Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Worldlab 2022, June 26-30, 2022, Seoul, Republic of Korea;
• member of the International Scientific Advisory Board of the XXIV IFCC-EFLM European Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, April 10-14, 2022, Munich, Germany.
Assoc. Prof. A. Kirkliauskienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Microbiologists;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases.

Assoc. Prof. A. Mažeikienė
• member of European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS);
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.
Assist. Prof. S. Kiverytė
• member of the European Society of Clinical Virology;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine.
Assist. Prof. V. Banys
• board member and treasurer of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
• AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry);
• ISTH (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis);
• CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute);
• corresponding member of IFCC (International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine):
- 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. Prof. I. Bikulčienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
• member of European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS);
• member of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM);
• member of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Academy.
Teaching Assist. V. Gabė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Microbiologists;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases.
Assist. Prof. E. Mazgelytė
• member of European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS);
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics.
Researcher V. Žėkas
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine;
• member of the International Society of Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV).
• member of the Baltic Extracellular Vesicles Society (BEVS).

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
• Assist. Prof. I. Bikulčienė. Association between platelet membrane fatty acid spectrum and oxidative stress in healthy and post myocardial infarction men. International Congress on Advanced Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research (Virtual event) 30-31 March, Paris, France, 2022.
• Kirkliauskienė A., Miciulevičienė J., Radzišauskienė D., Sinkevič R., Kaplerienė L., Bratčikov M. Can decolonization with intranasal mupirocin lead to successful control of Staphylococcus aureus infections? Oral presentation. International conference “Infectology 2022”. 3–4 June 2022, Klaipėda, Lithuania.
New possibilities in EFLM. XVI Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine, Tallinn, Estonia, September 22-24, 2022.
• Assoc. Prof. D. Vitkus. New possibilities in EFLM. XVI Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine, Tallinn, Estonia, September 22-24, 2022
• Assoc. Prof. D. Vitkus. EQA of 2020‘s: needs and trends. XVI Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine, Tallinn, Estonia, September 22-24, 2022.
• Assoc. Prof. D. Vitkus. Digital transformation of medical laboratory: present, needs and perspectives. ISACA Lietuva Conference „Digital transformation of medicine“, Vilnius, June 15, 2022.
• Assoc. Prof. A. Mažeikienė. What is the best way to measure chronic stress objectively using biomarkers? Project results. International research seminar on PSYCHOLOGICAL & BIOLOGICAL MEASURES OF BEHAVIOUR AND PERFORMANCE IN MILITARY DOMAIN; March 1, 2022; online.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES
Assoc. Prof. R. Matuzevičienė
• member of MOH of Lithuania Working Group for Laboratory test Nomenclature harmonication with international LOIC System.
Assoc. Prof. T. Kačergius
• member of the commission “LMA COVID-19” of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences [http://www.lma.lt/komisija].
Assoc. Prof. D. Vitkus
• Member of the Working Group for the preparation of the project linking Nomenclature of clinical laboratory tests with the LOINC coding system, approved by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Lithuania on October 18, 2021 by order No. V-2341 "On the Approval of the Nomenclature of Clinical Laboratory Tests". Order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Lithuania, October 3, 2022. No. V-1512.
Prof. V. Hendrixson
• 2019-2022 Chair of the working group of experts of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC) updating the description of the field of medical studies (by order of the director of SKVC No V-115, November 4, 2019)
• Member of the Working Group for the implementation of the Action Plan for the Psychological Well-being of Employees in the Personal Health Care System 2021-2024 by Order of the Ministry of Health of Lithuania, 2022
• Member of Working group to update the Medical Doctor Standard (Medicinos gydytojo norma) by Order of the Ministry of Health of Lithuania, 2022

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. Assoc. Prof. T. Kačergius – Interview for the television broadcast “Science soup (Mokslo sriuba)” of the Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT): “How do viruses mutate?”, 28 February 2022 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u933hbUxb4).
2. Assoc. Prof. T. Kačergius – Interview for the television broadcast “Science soup (Mokslo sriuba)” of the Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT): “Six answers to vaccine skeptics”, 15 February 2022 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0XlgN_DqyI).
3. Assoc. Prof. T. Kačergius – scientific advisor of Augustė Kirkliauskaitė, a student of class IVc at Vilnius Lyceum, for her research project and matriculation thesis “The Effect of Extracts of Thyme, Chamomile and Sage on Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation”. This research project’s announcement “Schoolgirl’s Matriculation Thesis Gave Her the Chance to “Try Out” the Career of a Scientist” published in the section of “News” on the website of Vilnius University, 12 October 2022 (https://naujienos.vu.lt/brandos-darbas-moksleivei-leido-pasimatuoti-mokslininko-profesija-menesi-leido-vu-laboratorijoje/

DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MEDICAL PHYSICS

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 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, Dr B. Gricienė, Dr A. Samuilis, Dr D. Valančienė.
Asisstants: Dr A. Brazaitis, Dr D. Palionis, Dr J. Ušinskienė, Dr M. Matačiūnas, Dr R. Briedienė.
Lecturers: R. Baltagalvienė.
Doctoral students: R. Komiagienė, G. Lengvenis, A. Domarkiene, D. Jocius, K.Gimžauskienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Creation of new functional and anatomical imaging techniques and evaluation of effectiveness for diagnostics of cardiovascular, abdominal and oncological diseases
• Estimation of iron overload in liver and heart
• 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 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Possibilities of Low Dose Computed Tomography and Nuclear Medicine Applications in Medical Diagnostics. Dr A. E. Tamošiūnas, Dr J. Dementavičienė, Dr A. Samuilis, D. Jocius. 2014–2023.
The objective for 2022 was to implement newly created protocols to reduce radiation exposure for patients and personnel during PET/CT, SPECT/CT and CT imaging studies. Those protocols were evaluated on how Lithuanian DRL could be improved.
Main publication:
1. Skovorodko, Kirill; Komiagienė, Renata; Maciusovič, Mažena; Gilys, Laurynas; Vajauskas, Donatas; Grigonienė, V.; Žiliukas, J.; Raudonienė, J.; Gricienė, Birutė. Nationwide survey on radiation doses received by patients in nuclear medicine imaging procedures // Journal of radiological protection. Bristol : IOP Publishing. ISSN 0952-4746. Eissn 1361-6498. 2022, vol. 42, iss. 3, art. no. 031507, p. 1-8. DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac8202. [DB: Scopus; Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)] [Citav. rod.: IF: 1,559; AIF: 4,584; IF/AIF: 0,340; Q3 (2021, SCIE)] [Scopus: CiteScore: 2,20; SNIP: 0,953; SJR: 0,442 (2021, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: M 001,M 004,N 002] [Indėlis: 0,110] [eLABa ID: 140894559]

New Non-Invasive Imaging Methods for the Diagnostics of Chronic Liver Diseases. Dr A. E. Tamošiūnas, Dr J. Dementavičienė, Dr A. Samuilis, D. Jocius, R. Komiagienė. 2014–2026.
In 2022, we evaluated preliminary study data and implemented AI applications for ultrasound elastography to replace conventional liver biopsies.
Main publication:
1. Jocius D, Vajauskas D, Mikelis K, Jokubauskiene S, Jakutiene J, Strupas K, Tamosiunas AE. Quantitative Assessment of Liver Impairment in Chronic Viral Hepatitis with [99mTc]Tc-Mebrofenin: A Noninvasive Attempt to Stage Viral Hepatitis-Associated Liver Fibrosis. 2022 Sep 23;58(10):1333. Medicina (Kaunas). doi: 10.3390/medicina58101333.

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. A. E. Tamošiūnas
• 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. Prof. Dr R. Briedienė
• managing editor of the journal Acta Medica Lituanica.
Assoc. Prof. B. Gricienė
• board member of Medical Pfysicists Socienty of Lithuania;
• member of Radiation Protection Society of Lithuania;
• member of Lithuanian Radiologists’ Association.
Assoc. Prof. A.Samuilis
• board member of Lithuanian Radiologists’ Association;
• vicepresident of Lithuanian Radiologists’ Association;
• board member of Lithuanian Ultrasound Assocation;
• member of European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology;
• member of Education & Professional Standards Committee-EFSUMB;
• member of European Society of Radiology.
Assoc. Prof. D.Valančienė
• Member of the European Society of Radiology;
• Member of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Radiology;
• Member of the European Society of Oncological Imaging.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Juratė Dementavičienė. 8th Baltic Congress of Radiology. Role of MRI in Neuroradiology emergencies. 2022, Talin, Estonia. https://www.conference-expert.eu/en/bcr2022/en/event-programme/12/pr/289
2. Juratė Dementavičienė. 8th Baltic Congress of Radiology. Challenges in Brain tumour posttreatment imaging. 2022, Talin, Estonia. https://www.conference-expert.eu/en/bcr2022/en/event-programme/12/pr/392
3. Jurgita Ušinskienė. 8th Baltic Congress of Radiology.The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patient's management - the experience of Lithuanian Cancer Center. 2022, Talin, Estonia. https://www.conference-expert.eu/en/bcr2022/en/event-programme/12/pr/326
4. Artūras Samuilis, Perez Girbez. 33rd annual meeting and postgraduate course ESGAR . Vascular and biliary complications after liver transplant. 2022, Lisbon, Portugal.
5. Artūras Samuilis. 8th Baltic Congress of Radiology. Ischemic bowel disease, what radiologist should know. 2022, Tallinn, Estonia. https://www.conference-expert.eu/en/bcr2022/en/event-programme/12/pr/401
6. Artūras Samuilis. 8th Baltic Congress of Radiology. iRECIST: when and how to use it?. 2022, Tallinn, Estonia. https://www.conference-expert.eu/en/bcr2022/en/event-programme/12/pr/363

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
N.R.Valevičienė. The research dissemination in newspapers and television about Cardiac magnetic. resonanse.

INSTITUTE OF CLINICAL MEDICINE

CLINIC OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY

Santariškių 2, 08661 Vilnius
Tel. 250 1484; 250 1487
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Diana Ramašauskaitė

STAFF
Professors: Dr D. Ramašauskaitė, Dr Ž. Bumbulienė, Dr K. Mačiulienė (Prof. of partnership).
Associate professors: Dr A. Arlauskienė, Dr D. Bartkevičienė, Dr D. Laužikienė, Dr V. Rudaitis, Dr M. Šilkūnas, Dr R. Vansevičiūtė-Petkevičienė (Assoc. Prof. of partnership), Dr J. Zakarevičienė.
Assistant professors: Dr A. Amšiejienė, Dr D. Bužinskienė, Dr G. Domža, Dr G. Mečėjus, Dr V. Paliulytė, Dr J. Volochovič.
Teaching assistants: L. Andreika, K. Norvilaitė, Ž. Sabonytė-Balšaitienė, B. Vaigauskaitė.
Lecturers: R. Einikytė, E. Frolovas, A. Matuolytė, B. Žaliūnas, V. Žitkutė.
Doctoral students: Ž. Sabonytė-Balšaitienė, K. Norvilaitė, R. Gricius, V. Gulbinienė, L. Andreika, A. Čekuolis.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Health of mother and foetus: physiology and pathology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Project Supported by the University Budget
Peculiarities of Women’s Health Care. Prof. Dr D. Ramašauskaitė. 2019–2023.
The significance of specific dietary and behavioural recommendations for the prevention of haemorrhoids during pregnancy was studied. The intervention aimed to modify dietary and behavioural habits significantly reduces the rate of haemorrhoids after pregnancy and can be safely recommended to pregnant women.
Successful uterus transplantation, a potential treatment method for women suffering from absolute uterine infertility, is negatively affected by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). The protective effect of relaxin (RLX) or/and erythropoietin (EPO) on experimental uterus IRI was investigated. Pretreatment with RLX, EPO or a combination of both EPO and RLX significantly alleviates uterine tissue damage caused by IRI.
Main publications:
1. Jakubauskienė, Lina; Jakubauskas, Matas; Ražanskienė, Gintarė; Leber, Bettina; Weber, Jennifer; Rohrhofer, Lisa; Ramašauskaitė, Diana; Strupas, Kęstutis; Stiegler, Philipp; Schemmer, Peter. Relaxin and erythropoietin significantly reduce uterine tissue damage during experimental ischemia–reperfusion injury // International journal of molecular sciences. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 1422-0067. 2022, vol. 23, iss. 13, art. no. 7120, p. [1-11]. DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137120. [DB: Embase; PubMed; Scopus; Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)] [Citav. rod.: IF: 6,208; AIF: 6,975; IF/AIF: 0,890; Q1 (2021, SCIE)] [Scopus: CiteScore: 6,90; SNIP: 1,401; SJR: 1,176 (2021, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Indėlis: 0,100] [eLABa ID: 134842866]
2. Bužinskienė, Diana; Sabonytė-Balšaitienė, Živilė; Poškus, Tomas. Perianal diseases in pregnancy and after childbirth: frequency, risk factors, impact on women’s quality of life and treatment methods // Frontiers in surgery. Lausanne : Frontiers Media S.A. eISSN 2296-875X. 2022, vol. 9, art. no. 788823, p. [1-5]. DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.788823. [DB: MEDLINE; Scopus; Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)] [Citav. rod.: 2.568, AIF: 3.304, IF/AIF: 0.777, Q2 (2021, SCIE)] [Scopus: CiteScore: 1.40, SNIP: 1,230, SJR: 0.527, (2021, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Indėlis: 0,667] [eLABa ID: 122994119]
3. Poškus, Tomas; Sabonytė-Balšaitienė, Živilė; Jakubauskienė, Lina; Jakubauskas, Matas; Stundienė, Ieva; Barkauskaitė, Gabija; Šmigelskaitė, Mantė; Jasiūnas, Eugenijus; Ramašauskaitė, Diana; Strupas, Kęstutis; Drąsutienė, Gražina Stanislava. Preventing hemorrhoids during pregnancy: a multicenter, randomized clinical trial // BMC pregnancy and childbirth. London : BioMed Central. eISSN 1471-2393. 2022, vol. 22, no. 1, art. no. 374, p. [1-7]. DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04688-x. [DB: Scopus; Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)] [Citav. rod.: 3.105, AIF: 3.486, IF/AIF: 0.890, Q2 (2021, SCIE)] [Scopus: CiteScore: 4.10, SNIP: 1,518, SJR: 0.960, (2021, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Indėlis: 0,270] [eLABa ID: 129498115].

National Research Projects
Noninvasive Immunological Analysis of Amniotic Fluid in Preterm Birth, (No. P-MIP-19-66). The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. D. Ramašauskaitė. 2019–2022.
The significance of various biomarkers (TNF-α, MMP-8, suPAR, EGF, IL-6, IL–10, IL–17, S100b protein, defensins, surfactant protein A, RANTES, toll-like receptors 2 and 4, TGFβ) in non-invasively obtained amniotic fluid was evaluated for prediction fetal inflammatory response syndrome and neonatal outcomes in patients after preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation. MMP-8 and TNF-α showed the highest diagnostic characteristics prognosticating fetal inflammatory response syndrome. TNFα and EGF in non-invasively collected amniotic fluid are reliable predictors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates.
Main publications:
1. Gulbinienė, Violeta; Balčiūnienė, Greta; Dumalakienė, Irena; Vilienė, Rita; Pilypienė, Ingrida; Ramašauskaitė, Diana. The significance of TNF-α and MMP-8 concentrations in non-invasively obtained amniotic fluid predicting fetal inflammatory response syndrome // International journal of gynecology and obstetrics. Hoboken : Wiley. ISSN 0020-7292. eISSN 1879-3479. 2022, first on line, p. [1-7]. DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14478. [DB: MEDLINE; Scopus; Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)] [Citav. rod.: 4.447, AIF: 3.486, IF/AIF: 1.275, Q1 (2021, SCIE)] [Scopus: CiteScore: 5.70, SNIP: 1,775, SJR: 0.956, (2021, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Indėlis: 0,498]
2. Gulbinienė, Violeta; Balčiūnienė, Greta; Petronienė, Justina; Vilienė, Rita; Dumalakienė, Irena; Pilypienė, Ingrida; Ramašauskaitė, Diana. The significance of epidermal growth factor in noninvasively obtained amniotic fluid predicting respiratory outcomes of preterm neonates // International journal of molecular sciences. Basel : MDPI. ISSN 1422-0067. eISSN 1422-0067. 2022, vol. 23, iss. 6, art. no. 2978, p. [1-15]. DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062978. [DB: Embase; PubMed; MEDLINE; Scopus; Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)] [Citav. rod.: 6.208, AIF: 6.975, IF/AIF: 0.890, Q1 (2021, SCIE)] [Scopus: CiteScore: 6.90, SNIP: 1,401, SJR: 1.176, (2021, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Indėlis: 0,213]

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Zurich University (Switzerland)
University of Gdansk (Poland)
Warshaw Medical University (Poland)
Jagiellonian University Krakow (Poland)
Lublin Medical University, Lublin (Poland)
Pomeranian Medical University (PMU) Szczecin (Poland)
Lund University (Sweden)
Riga Stradins University (Latvia)
Niels-Stensen-Kliniken Marienhospital Osnabrück (Germany)
University Hospital Estaing Of Clermont-Ferrand (France)
University of Graz (Austria)
Ghent University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Belgium)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. D. Ramašauskaitė
• board member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists, (http://www.lagd.lt/apie-mus/valdybos-nariai/28);
• editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynaecology;
• elected member of Committee for Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health FIGO (FIGO - The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics), https://www.figo.org/committee-safe-motherhood-and-newborn-health;
• member of EBCOG Council (EBCOG European Board & College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, https://www.ebcog.eu/council);
• working group member of the 7th LifeCourse Immunisation Summit – 2022, 1-3 December (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
• editorial board member of the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology, section Reproduction (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/editors)
Prof. Ž. Bumbulienė
• president of EURAPAG (European Association of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology), http://www.eurapag.com/association/ec/;
• board member of FIGIJ (International Federation Of Infant and Juvenile Gynaecology), http://www.figij.org/;
• president of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists, (http://www.lagd.lt/apie-mus/valdybos-nariai/28);;
• board member of Vilnius Medical Society, www.vmd.lt ;
• board member of Polish Medical Association in Lithuania, www.psml.lt;
• member of EBCOG Council (EBCOG European Board & College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, https://www.ebcog.eu/council );
• member of the UEMS Multidisciplinary Joint Committee on Adolescent Medicine & Health
• editorial advisory board member of the journal Ginekologia Polska, https://journals.viamedica.pl/ginekologia_polska/about/editorialTeam;
• international editorial board member of the journal Wiadomości Lekarskie, https://wiadlek.pl/editorial-board-2/;
• international advisory board member of the journal Paediatric and Adolescent Reproductive Health, http://rzdp.geotar.ru/;
• editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynaecology);
• head of editorial board of the journal Ginekologijos aktualijos;
Assoc. Prof. A. Arlauskienė
• editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos akušerija ir ginekologija (Lithuanian Obstetrics & Gynaecology);
• member of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, www.isuog.com;
• director of Ian Donald School of Medical Ultrasound Branch for Lithuania, www.iandonaldschools.com.
Assoc. Prof. D. Bartkevičienė
• president of the Lithuanian Aesthetic Gynaecology Association, (http://www.estetineginekologija.lt/daiva-bartkeviciene/);
• editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Scienses);
• member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
• member of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology(ISUOG), www.isuog.com;
• member of European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE);
• member of the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) group;
• member of the European Society of Aesthetic Gynaecology (ESAG).
Assoc Prof. V. Rudaitis
• president of Gynaecology Oncology Association;
• board member of EU initiative programme # ENI-LLB-1-029 on reduction of social exclusion in the quality of life cancer patients in Vilnius and Grodno regions;
• secretary of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists (http://www.lagd.lt/apie-mus/valdybos-nariai/28);
• consultant for enhancement of minimal invasive total laparoscopic hysterectomy On-Site Training during regular scheduled interventions for physicians selected by Medtronic company.
• member of European Society of Gynecologycal Oncology
• Head of Teaching program “ Diagnostic and treatment of oncogynecological diseases”
• Principal investigator of HPV-301 trial for treatment of preinvasive cervival diseases
Assist. Prof. V. Paliulytė
• member of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, http://www.isuog.com;
• Head of Vilnius region Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from 2022-04-29;
• Board member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists
• Organisator of national Conference Ovarian tumors: practical aspects. Vilnius https://reg.eventas.lt/website/9364/
• Organisator of national Conference Hipertensive disorders in pregnancy: topical issues of diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Vilnius. https://reg.eventas.lt/website/9681/
Assist. Prof. D. Bužinskienė
• member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetritian Gynaecologists
• Review Editor of Journal Frontiers in Surgery (from 2021-12-03). Frontiers in surgery. Lausanne : Frontiers Media S.A. eISSN 2296-875X;
Teach. Assist. K. Norvilaitė
• Member of the Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists
• Member of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG).
• Member of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Teach. Assist. Ž. Sabonytė-Balšaitienė
• member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
• member of the European Society of Aesthetic Gynaecology (ESAG).
Teach. Assist. L. Andreika
• doctorant in Vilnius University faculty of Medicine;
• board member of Vilnius region Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
• member of Gynaecology Oncology Association;
• member of European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE);
• investigator of uterine sentinel lymphnode visualisation study.
Assoc. Prof. of partnership R. Vansevičiūtė-Petkevičienė
• member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Oncology; (LOD)
• member of European Society of Gynaecological Oncology; (ESGO).
Lect. B. Žaliūnas
• member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists.
Lect. V. Žitkutė
• board member of Vilnius region Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians Gynaecologists;
• member of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG);
• member of Austrian Society for Surgery;
PhD student V. Gulbinienė
• member of the Union of European Neonatal & Perinatal Societies;
• member of the Lithuanian neonatology association;

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Invited presentation. D. Ramasauskaite. Maternal Vaccinations: Building Trust Among Pregnant Women. The 14th Excellence in Pediatrics Conference, 1-3 December 2022 Amsterdam (Netherlands).
2. V. Gulbinienė. Poster presentation „Predictive markers for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in noninvasively obtained amniotic fluid in preterm neonates“; UENPS 2022 Congress, 02-04 September 2022 Cracow (Poland). The poster presentation was awarded the UEPNS 2022 Best Abstract Award.
3. V. Gulbinienė. Poster presentation "4th Summer discussions on Neonatology congress", 15-18 June 2022 Avignon (France). "Predictive markers of fetal inflammatory response syndrome in non-invasively obtained amniotic fluid";
4. Podium Presentation. Matuolyte A, Domza G, Ramasauskaite D, Volochovic J, Deveikiene G. Estimating fetal weight, using fractional limb volume, in twin pregnancies.
5. Joint 22nd EAA, 15th ISGA, 5th ICEM congress, 24-27 d. August 2022, Vilnius
6. L. Andreika, D. Ramašauskaitė, V. Rudaitis. The evaluation of uterine sentinel lymphnode visualisation. Joint 22nd EAA, 15th ISGA, 5th ICEM congress, 24-27 d. August 2022, Vilnius

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
1 Doctoral student Greta Balčiūnienė received a scholarship from the Research Council of Lithuania for academic achievements in 2021 (registration No. P-DAP-21-145, Order No. V-472).

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
1. Best poster – Sabonyte-Balsaitiene Z, Buzinskiene D, Poskus T, Ramasauskaite D, Drasutiene G. Maternal dietary, physical activity and unhealthy behaviors changes over the past decade in Lithuania: a multicenter clinical trial. JOINT INTERNATIONAL MEETING. 22nd EAA Congress – 15th ISGA Congress – 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine, August 24-27, 2022 Vilnius, Lithuania
2 Best poster presentation – V. Gulbinienė. Poster presentations „Predictive markers for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in noninvasively obtained amniotic fluid in preterm neonates“; UENPS 2022 Congress, 02-04 September 2022 Cracow (Poland). The poster presentation was awarded the UEPNS 2022 Best Abstract Award.
3. Prof. Žana Bumbulienė - Laureate of the Honorary Statuette of Biegański 2022 Pleno Titulo - the highest award of the Medical Society of Częstochowa (Poland) - in recognition of professional and social merits.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
Prof. D. Ramašauskaitė
• The member of Group of Experts of Biomedical Research of Lithuanian Bioethics Committee
• Vice – President of Management Committee for Perinatology Integrated Health Care of Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania
• Member of Committee on the Evaluation of Personal Health Services of Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania
Rasa Vansevičiūtė-Petkevičienė
• Expert of the Commission for the Determination of Harm to Patients of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania
Bronius Žaliūnas
• Consultant of the State Accreditation Service for Health Care Activities at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. Live youtube translation. Menopause. D. Ramasauskaite, I . Brimiene. https://www.15min.lt/gyvenimas/naujiena/sveikata/gydytojos-paaiskino-ar-imanoma-atitolinti-menopauze-ir-kviecia-i-unikalu-tyrima-1028-1937370
2. D. Ramasauskaite. Caesarean delivery on maternal request. https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/naujiena-gimdyvems-galu-gale-gales-prasyti-pageidaujamos-operacijos.d?id=91659663
3. Ž.Bumbulienė. 2022-09-19 Do teenage girls take advantage of the opportunity to get free contraceptives?
4. Aktualus pokalbis. Specialistai: paauglės per vangiai naudojasi galimybe nemokamai gauti kontracepcijos priemones

CLINIC OF ANAESTHESIOLOGY AND REANIMATOLOGY

Santariškių 2, LT-08661, Vilnius
Tel. 236 5235
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Jūratė Šipylaitė

STAFF
Professor: Dr (HP) J. Šipylaitė.
Associate professors: Dr R. Badaras, Dr D. Činčikas, Dr A. Klimašauskas, Dr E. Kontrimavičiūtė, Dr I. Jovaišienė, Dr D. Ringaitienė, Dr M. Šerpytis, Dr S. Švedienė, Dr (HP) S. Vosylius.
Assistants: Dr Š. Judickas, Dr M. Svetikienė, Dr A. Vaitkus.
Teaching assistants: D. Gražulytė, G. Laubner-Sakalauskienė, G. Šostakaitė.
Lecturers: Dr D. Gasiūnaitė, V. Kuzminskaitė, T. Strainys.
Senior researcher: Dr A. Andrijauskas.
Research assistant: V. Vicka.
Doctoral students: D. Gražulytė, G. Laubner-Sakalauskienė, G. Šostakaitė, V. Vicka.
Students’ scientific group of Anaesthesiology and Reanimatology: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. S. Vosylius, coordinator – student E. Gegeckas, 102 members in the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Impact of perioperative and psychosocial risk factors on long-term mortality, quality of life, stress reactions after cardiac surgery
• Organ dysfunction in critically ill oncohaemathological patients
• Early changes in cognitive functioning in patients undergoing general anesthesia
• Spinal bupivacaine baricity and dose in day-case surgery
• Development of new methods of opioid detoxification for illicit and prescription opioid dependent patients
• Metabolism and amino acid homeostasis in critical care patient
• Diagnostic, treatment and prognostication challenges in critical care patients with COVID-19

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Perioperative Patient Optimisation and Management of Critical States. Prof. Dr J. Šipylaitė. 2019–2023.
Research on organ dysfunction in critically ill oncohaemathological patients and the effects of postoperative immunonutrition on immune responses and outcomes was completed.
COVID-19 patients hospitalised in ICU were analysed with a focus on respiratory drive and systemic inflammatory response.
The effectiveness of detoxification was investigated with the intention of ceasing the patient's prescription opioid use.
Chronic lead poisoning in Lithuanian shooting range workers was investigated.
The needs of paramedics in prehospital stroke care were analysed.
Main publications:
1. Vicka V., Januskeviciute E., Krauklyte J., Aleknaviciene A., Ringaitiene D., Jancoriene L., Sipylaite J. Determinants of Increased Effort of Breathing in Non-Intubated Critical COVID-19 Patients. Medicina (Kaunas) 2022 Aug 21; 58(8):1133. doi: 10.3390/medicina58081133.
2. Vicka V., Januskeviciute E., Bartuseviciene I., Ringaitiene D., Aleknaviciene A., Serpytis M., Rimsevicius L., Miglinas M., Jancoriene L., Sipylaite J. Kinetics of SuPAR hemoadsorption in critical COVID-19 patients on renal replacement therapy. BMC Nephrol 2022 Nov 18; 23(1):371. doi: 10.1186/s12882-022-03003-2.
3. Laubner G., Zakarauskaitė B., Pociuvienė G., Tamošauskas R., Badaras R. “Change of quality of life in patients with chronic pain with prescription opioid usage after opioid detoxification‘, Journal of Opioid Management 2022 Jul-Aug;18(4):377-383.

National Research Projects
Biosensor Platform for Fast, Cheap and Accurate Quantification of Amino Acids in Patients Undergoing Renal Replacement Therapy (DIALSENS). (No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718). The Research Council of Lithuania. Participants: J. Sipylaite, D. Ringaitiene, M. Serpytis, I. Lisauskiene, V. Vicka, A. Vickiene, I. Kvietinskaite. 2020–2024.
Recruitment of the patients was continued, reaching 60 patients at the end of the year. Midterm analysis was performed and accepted by the Lithuanian Research Council. The midterm results were presented in the ESICM LIVES 2022 in Paris and finalised in a manuscript submitted to the Journal of Renal Nutrition (now undergoing the 1st round of review). Additionally, documents for the extension of the bioethics permission were submitted for review.

Contractual Research
Developing and Validation of a Prototype Innovative Lung Ventilation Device. Industry (Teltonika Telemedic) ordered a research project (20210804-02 // (1.57) 15600-INS-127). Audrius Andrijauskas (PI), and expert-consultants: Tomas Jovaiša, Darius Činčikas, Saulė Švedienė. 2021–2022.
A feasibility study using the State of Art (SoA) analysis to investigate the viability of remote monitoring and partial control of mechanical lung ventilation.
Recommendations for the development of remote monitoring and partial control of mechanical lung ventilation, as well as consulting during the development process.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Vilnius University Life Sciences Center, https://www.gmc.vu.lt/en/about/news
Kaunas University of Technology, https://en.ktu.edu/

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. J. Šipylaitė
• member of Lithuanian Society of of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/;
• member of the European Society of Anaesthesiology, https://www.esahq.org/;
• member of European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, https://www.esicm.org/;
• member of the Board of Anaesthesiology of Medical Specialists of the European Union, http://www.eba-uems.eu/
Assoc. Prof. R. Badaras
• member of Lithuanian Society of of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/;
• member of the Lithuanian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, www.lpemd.org;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Clinical Toxicology, https://www.apsinuodijimai.lt/;
• member of European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT), https://www.eapcct.org/;
• member of European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), https://www.espen.org/;
• member of the pool of experts on ad hoc rapid risk assessment of chemical threats under the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) at European Commission, https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/scheer_en
Assoc. Prof. D. Činčikas
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/
Assoc. Prof. I. Jovaišienė
• council member, scientific secretary of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/;
• member of the European Society of Anaesthesiology, https://www.esahq.org/;
• Representative Council member of European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology, http://www.eacta.org/about-eacta/organs/representative-council/;
• member of European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology (EACTA);
Assoc. Prof. A. Klimašauskas
• vice president of the Lithuanian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, www.lpemd.org;
• council member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/
Assoc. Prof. D. Ringaitienė
• council member of Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/;
• member of European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, https://www.esicm.org/;
• member of European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, http://www.espen.org/
Assoc. Prof. M. Šerpytis
• member of Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Parenteral and Enteral nutrition
Assoc. Prof. S. Vosylius
• member of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, https://www.esicm.org/;
• editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija, http://www.zurnalai.vu.lt/lietuvos-chirurgija/pages/view/editorial-board
Assoc. Prof. S. Švedienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/;
• member of the European Society of Anaesthesiology, https://www.esahq.org/;
• member of the European Society of Regional Anesthesia, https://esraeurope.org/;
• council member of the Baltic Society of Regional Anesthesia, https://www.facebook.com/balticregional /;
• Board and Scientific committee member of the International congress, organized by Baltic Society of Regional Anesthesia, https://www.facebook.com/balticregional
Senior Researcher A. Andrijauskas
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/
Assist. Prof. Š. Judickas
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/;
• member of European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, https://www.esicm.org/
Assist. Prof. A. Vaitkus
• council member of Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/
• member of Association of Pain Clinics, Lithuania, www.skausmoklinika.lt
Teach. Assist. D. Gražulytė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/;
• member of European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology (EACTA), http://www.eacta.org
Teach. Assist. G. Laubner-Sakalauskienė
• board member in EAPCCT (European Association of Poison Centers and Clinical Toxicologist), https://www.eapcct.org/
Research Assist. V. Vicka
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/;
• member of European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, https://www.esicm.org/
Lect. D. Gasiūnaitė
• council member of Lithuanian Society of of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/;
• member of the European Society of Anaesthesiology, https://www.esahq.org/;
• member of the European Society of Regional Anesthesia, https://esraeurope.org/
Lect. V. Kuzminskaitė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, http://anest-rean.lt/;
• member of the European Society of Anaesthesiology, https://www.esahq.org/

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Vosylius S., Januskeviciute E., Krauklyte J., Meskauskiene J., Aliukoniene N., Balakirev A. Patient–ventilator asynchronies in mechanically ventilated patients: a machine learning tool for detecting ineffective efforts. ESICM EuroLives 40, Madrid, May 12-14, 2022.
2. Vicka V., Miskinyte S., Bartuseviciene I., Vickiene A., Ringaitiene D., Serpytis M., Lisauskiene I., Sipylaite J.. Characterization of amino acid loss in critically ill patients on renal replacement therapy. Oral poster presentation, speaker: Vaidas Vicka. ESICM LIVES 2022, Paris.
3. Svetikiene M. Can we influence the outcomes of frail patients postoperatively? EACTAIC 37 Annual Congress, Naples, Italy, December 14-16, 2022.
4 Svetikiene M., Trybe D., Isajevas V., Vezeliene J., Ringaitiene D., Serpytis M., Sipylaite J. Impact of Early Postoperative Immunonutrition On Renal Impairment In Low-Risk Cardiac Surgery Patients. EACTAIC 37 Annual Congress, Naples, Italy, December 14-16, 2022.
5. Grazulyte D., Kazlauskas E., Jovaisiene I., Zelviene P., Truskauskaite-Kuneviciene I., Sipylaite J. Long-term quality of life and posttraumatic stress following cardiac surgery: a 5-year follow-up study. eactaic 37 annual congress, Naples, Italy, December 14-16, 2022.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
M. Šerpytis
• Deputy Chairman of the Monitoring Council for the Promotion and Organization of Organ Donation (the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania)
• member of working group of the Ministry of Health of the Lithuania for the description of the procedure for the coordination and provision of health care services for the donation of tissues and organs of a deceased adult.

CLINIC OF EAR, NOSE, THROAT AND EYE DISEASES

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel.: 236 52 70, 250 1867
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Eugenijus Lesinskas

STAFF
Professor: Dr E. Lesinskas.
Associate professors: Dr R. Ašoklis, Dr A. Cimbalas, Dr S. Galgauskas.
Assistant professors: Dr V. Beleškienė, Dr D. Rauba, Dr J. Ivaška, Dr R.Strupaitė-Šileikienė, Dr A.Kadziauskienė, Dr A. Paškonienė.
Lecturers: A. Morozas, A. Matulevičius, A. Misevičė, M. Polianskis, D. Vaitkūnaitė, A.Misevičė, J.Pilvelytė, I.Šimkienė
Students’ scientific groups of:
Ophtolmology: scientific leader – Assoc. Prof. S. Galgauskas, coordinator – student I. Janiškevičiūtė; 30 members of the group.
Otorhinolaryngology: scientific leader – Prof. E. Lesinskas, coordinator – student T. Petkus: 25 members of the group.
Doctoral students: M. Polianskis, E. Jašinskienė

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Estimation of the influence of morphology and clinical peculiarities of otorhinolaryngological and ophthalmological diseases to results of application of novel diagnostic methods and treatment.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Influence of Morphological and Clinical Peculiarities of Otorhinolaryngological and Ophthalmic Diseases on the Adapting New Diagnostic Systems and on Treatment Outcomes. Prof. E. Lesinkas, Lect.A. Morozas, Assist. Prof. R. Ašoklis, A. Kadziauskienė, Doctoral student E. Jašinskienė. 2014–2023.
In 2022, the project moved forward. There was a presentation at the European Congress of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Cancer in Milan in October 2022 on the impact of post-cochlear implantation on music understanding. We are planning to continue the study and present further results at the Baltic Congress in spring/summer 2023.
The ophthalmological team published a review study of the long-term experience of dacryocystorhinostomies and collaborated in publishing articles on the genetics of Alport syndrome, glaucoma prevention and artificial intellect in glaucoma diagnosis.
Main publications:
1. Polianskis M, Ivaška J, Dadonienė J, Lengvenis G, Besusparis J, Rauba D, Morozas A, Ivaškienė T, Lesinskas E. Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease Presenting as Temporal Bone Lesion with Facial Nerve Palsy. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2022 Jun 7:1-7. doi: 10.1159/000522612. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35671746.
2. Šimkienė R, Šiupšinskienė N, Purlys P, Žvirblis T, Lesinskas E. Adaptation and Validation of the Lithuanian Version of the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index. J Voice. 2022 Mar 28:S0892-1997(22)00041-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.02.012. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35361515.
3. Makselis A, Petroska D, Kadziauskiene A, Jaruseviciene R, Ruzgys A, Cimbalas A, Besusparis J, Asoklis RS. Acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction: clinical and histological findings of 275 cases. BMC Ophthalmol. 2022 Jan 5;22(1):12. doi: 10.1186/s12886-021-02185-x. PMID: 34986808; PMCID: PMC8734260.
4. Gasiunas K, Galgauskas S. Green tea-a new perspective of glaucoma prevention. Int J Ophthalmol. 2022 May 18;15(5):747-752.

National Research Projects
Effectiveness of Internet-based Interventions for Tinnitus: A Comparative Study. The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. Dr E. Lesinskas, Dr J. Eimontas. 2022–2024.
The research just started in October 2022; thus, there are no results from that year yet.

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. E. Lesinskas
• senior otorhinolaryngologist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
• president of the Lithuanian Society of Otorhinolaryngologists;
• member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine;
• member of the Council of Vilnius University
• editorial board member of the journals 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.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Prof. Dr E. Lesinskas. Meniere's Disease-is there something new? 17th International Meeting of the Mediterranean Society of Otology and Audiology (Slovenia).
2. Assist. Prof. Dr A. Paškonienė. The importance of the temporal bone 3T MR imaging in the diagnosis of Meniere’s disease. CEORL-HNS 2022 (Italy).
3. Lect. Donata Vaitkūnaitė. Assessment of changes in music perception performance in pediatric cochlear implant users. CEORL-HNS 2022 (Italy).
4. Assist. Prof. Dr R.Strupaitė-Šileikienė. Quality of life of achromatopsia patients. Forum Ophthalmologicum Balticum 2022 (Estonia).

CLINIC OF GASTROENTEROLOGY, NEPHROUROLOGY AND SURGERY

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5250
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Habil. Kęstutis Strupas

STAFF
Professors: Dr Habil. K. Strupas, Dr E. Poškus, Dr T. Poškus, Dr G. Simutis, Dr A. Šileikis, Dr G. Brimas, Dr F. Jankevičius, Dr M. Miglinas, Dr Habil. J. Valantinas, Dr G. Verkauskas.
Associate professors: A. Černiauskienė, Dr G. Sadauskaitė, Dr A. Gradauskas, Dr V. Jotautas, Dr V. Sokolovas, Dr A. Stašinskas, Dr A. Želvys, Dr L. Rimševičius, Dr I. Stundienė, Dr A. Kielaitė-Gulla, Dr E. Kazėnaitė.
Assistant professors: Dr R. Adomaitis, Dr A. Bakavičius, Dr G. Bernotavičius, Dr V. Bilius, Dr B. Buckus, Dr A. Čekauskas, Dr Ž. Juodeikis, D. Kubilius, Dr L. Mašalaitė, Dr M. Petrulionis, Dr I. Savlan. Dr A. Strumila, Dr R. Vaicekauskas, Dr B. Kurlinkus, Dr M. Kvietkauskas, Dr M. Kryžauskas.
Teaching assistants: E. Mačionienė, R. Račkauskas, D. Sukackienė, E. Dieninytė-Misiūnė
Lecturers: P. Gradauskas, R. V. Dagilytė, P. Valatka,
Researchers: Dr V. Liakina, Dr G. Sadauskaitė, , Dr G. Simutis.
Doctoral students: E. Mačionienė, J. Makevičius, D. Sukackienė, R. Račkauskas, V. Kazlauskas, M. Snicorius, A. Baušys, U. Žakauskienė, G. Platkevičius, T. Januškevičius, G. Varanauskas, E. Dieninytė-Misiūnė, M. Lukšta, A. Grybas, J. Valčiukienė, V. G. Samsonė, V. Petrauskas.

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
• Gut microbiota in health and disease
• Extrahepatic complications of liver cirrhosis
• 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 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Investigation Efficiency of Traumatic – Restorative, Minimally Invasive Surgeries and Transplantation Methods in Visceral Surgery. Prof. K. Strupas, Prof. G. Brimas. 2019–2023.
For the first time in Lithuania and the Baltic States, a liver transplant from a non-beating heart donor was performed at the Santaras Clinics of the Vilnius University Hospital. On 2022/05/30, at Vilnius University Hospital for Santara Clinics, the liver transplantation team performed the first liver transplantation operation in the Baltic States using a donor organ perfusion machine to maintain the organ – the donor's liver was connected to a hypothermic oxygenated perfusion machine. The results of the research were presented at national, regional and international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Main publications:
1. Beatrice Lukenaite, Erika Griciune, Bettina Leber, Kestutis Strupas, Philipp Stiegler, Peter Schemmer. Necroptosis in Solid Organ Transplantation: A Literature Overview //International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022, 27;23(7):3677. doi: 10.3390/ijms23073677.Poskus, Tomas; Jakubauskas, Matas; Čekas, Karolis; Jakubauskiene, Lina; Strupas, Kestutis; Samalavičius, Narimantas Evaldas. Local perianal anesthetic infiltration is safe and effective for anorectal surgery // Frontiers in surgery. Lausanne : Frontiers Media S.A. eISSN 2296-875X. 2021, vol. 8, art. no. 730261, p. 1-6. DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.730261.
2. Baušys, Augustinas; Mažeikaitė, Morta; Bičkaitė, Klaudija; Baušys, Bernardas; Baušys, Rimantas; Strupas, Kęstutis. The role of prehabilitation in modern esophagogastric cancer surgery: a comprehensive review // Cancers. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2072-6694. 2022, vol. 14, no. 9, art. no. 2096, p. [1-16]. DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092096. [DB: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded

Chronic Liver Diseases Genomic and Proteomic, These Diseases Pathogenetic Relationship with Other Abdominal Disease, Optimisation of Therapeutic and Surgical Treatment. Prof. J. Valantinas, Ass. Prof. E. Kazėnaitė, Ass. Prof. G. Sadauskaitė, Ass. Prof. I. Stundienė, Dr V. Liakina, Dr L. Mašalaitė, Dr I. Savlan, Dr E. Gavėlienė, Dr R. Vaicekauskas, A. Aleknaitė. 2019–2023.
The main research efforts in 2022 have been focused on analysing the impact of COVID-19 infection on the liver. In this study, the frequency of liver damage and its effect on the severity of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in hospitalised patients has been analysed.
Associations of malignant diseases with gastrointestinal disorders, as well as difficult-to-diagnose cases, have also been further analysed, and this year, we presented a clinical case of metastatic multifocal melanoma of multiple organs. We also continued research on the NAFLD clinical management. A comprehensive review of the impact of gut microbiota on the manifestation of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with NAFLD was prepared this year.
In 2022, the clinicians were also involved in a large international clinical study focused on the Etrolizumab therapy of patients with ulcerative colitis who were previously non-responders to the tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (HICKORY) therapy. The results of the phase 3 of this trial were presented in two publications.
Main publications:
1. Puteikis K, Kazėnaitė E, Mameniškienė R.Psychiatric comorbidities and all-cause mortality in epilepsy: A nationwide cohort study.// Front Neurol. 2022 Aug 18;13:956053. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.956053. eCollection 2022.PMID: 36061994. Q2
2. Vaigauskaitė B, Baušytė R, Valatkaitė E, Skliutė G, Kazėnaitė E, Ramašauskaitė D, Navakauskienė R. Prognostic Gene Predictors of Gestational Diabetes in Endometrium and Follicular Fluid of Women after Infertility.// Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Mar 30;58(4):498. doi: 10.3390/medicina58040498.PMID: 35454338. Q2
3. Cerkauskaite A, Savige J, Janonyte K, Jeremiciute I, Miglinas M, Kazenaite E, Laurinavicius A, Strupaite-Sileikiene R, Vainutiene V, Burnyte B, Jankauskiene A, Rolfs A, Bauer P, Schröder S, Cerkauskiene R.Identification of 27 Novel Variants in Genes COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 in Lithuanian Families With Alport Syndrome. //Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Mar 28;9:859521. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.859521. eCollection 2022.PMID: 35419377. Q1
4. Jurevičienė E, Burneikaitė G, Dambrauskas L, Kasiulevičius V, Kazėnaitė E, Navickas R, Puronaitė R, Smailytė G, Visockienė Ž, Danila E. Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Comorbidities in Lithuanian National Database: A Cluster Analysis. //Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan 15;19(2):970. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19020970.PMID: 35055792. Q2
5. Mader R; EU-JAMRAI, Bourély C, Amat JP, Broens EM, Busani L, Callens B, Crespo-Robledo P, Damborg P, Filippitzi ME, Fitzgerald W, Grönthal T, Haenni M, Heuvelink A, van Hout J, Kaspar H, Muñoz Madero C, Norström M, Pedersen K, Pokludova L, Dal Pozzo F, Slowey R, Urdahl AM, Vatopoulos A, Zafeiridis C, Madec JY.Defining the scope of the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance network in Veterinary medicine (EARS-Vet): a bottom-up and One Health approach.//J Antimicrob Chemother. 2022 Feb 23;77(3):816-826. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkab462.PMID: 35022739. Q1
6. Peyrin-Biroulet L, Hart A, Bossuyt P, Long M, Allez M, Juillerat P, Armuzzi A, Loftus EV Jr, Ostad-Saffari E, Scalori A, Oh YS, Tole S, Chai A, Pulley J, Lacey S, Sandborn WJ; HICKORY Study Group.Etrolizumab as induction and maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis in patients previously treated with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (HICKORY): a phase 3, randomised, controlled trial. //Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Feb;7(2):128-140. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00298-3. Epub 2021 Nov 17.PMID: 34798039 Clinical Trial. Q1
7. Rubin DT, Dotan I, DuVall A, Bouhnik Y, Radford-Smith G, Higgins PDR, Mishkin DS, Arrisi P, Scalori A, Oh YS, Tole S, Chai A, Chamberlain-James K, Lacey S, McBride J, Panés J; HIBISCUS Study Group.Etrolizumab versus adalimumab or placebo as induction therapy for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (HIBISCUS): two phase 3 randomised, controlled trials. //Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Jan;7(1):17-27. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00338-1. Epub 2021 Nov 17.PMID: 34798036. Q1
8. Maksimaityte V, Reivytyte R, Milaknyte G, Mickys U, Razanskiene G, Stundys D, Kazenaite E, Valantinas J, Stundiene I.Metastatic multifocal melanoma of multiple organ systems: A case report. //World J Clin Cases. 2022 Oct 6;10(28):10136-10145. Doi:10.12998/wjcc.v10.i28.10136.PMID: 36246820. Q3
9. Liakina V, Stundiene I, Milaknyte G, Bytautiene R, Reivytyte R, Puronaite R, Urbanoviciute G, Kazenaite E. Effects of COVID-19 on the liver: The experience of a single center. //World J Gastroenterol. 2022 Oct 21;28(39):5735-5749. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i39.5735.PMID: 36338891. Q2
10. Liakina V, Strainiene S, Stundiene I, Maksimaityte V, Kazenaite E.Gut microbiota contribution to hepatocellular carcinoma manifestation in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. //World J Hepatol. 2022 Jul 27;14(7):1277-1290. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i7.1277.PMID: 36158907. Review. Q3

Diagnostic Investigation of Urinary Tract Cancerogenous Tissue by Infrared Spectroscopy. Assoc. Prof. A. Želvys, Prof. F. Jankevičius, G. Platkevičius. 2019–2023.
In 2022, tissue samples were analysed, and articles were prepared by Zacharovas, E; Velicka, M; Platkevicius, G; Cekauskas, A; Zelvys, A; Niaura, G; Sablinskas, V. Toward a SERS Diagnostic Tool for Discrimination between Cancerous and Normal Bladder Tissues via Analysis of the Extracellular Fluid. ACS OMEGA Volume 7 Issue 12 Page 10539-10549 DOI10.1021/acsomega.2c00058 Published MAR 29 2022. This study shows the possible application of the label-free SERS for the discrimination between the 29 cancerous and normal human bladder tissues via analysis of the extracellular fluid of the tissues. The proposed 30 method is not suitable for the identification of cystitis-affected bladder tissue since the chemistry of both not cancerous 31 cell types is similar.
Main publications:
1. Fiber based infrared spectroscopy of cancer tissues. Bandzeviciute,R; Ceponkus, J; Velicka, M; Urboniene, V; Jankevicius, F; Zelvys, A; Steiner, G; Sablinskas, V. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE Volume: 1220 Article Number: 128724 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.128724 Published: NOV 15 2020.
2. Fiber attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy of kidney tissue during live surgery. Sablinskas, V ; Bandzeviciute, R ; Velicka, M ; Ceponkus, J; Urboniene, V; Jankevicius, F; Laurinavicius, A; Dasevicius, D; Steiner, G. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS Volume: 13, Issue: 7, Article Number: e202000018 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202000018, Published: JUL 2020. 3. Zacharovas, E; Velicka, M; Platkevicius, G; Cekauskas, A; Zelvys, A; Niaura, G; Sablinskas, V. Toward a SERS Diagnostic Tool for Discrimination between Cancerous and Normal Bladder Tissues via Analysis of the Extracellular Fluid. ACS OMEGA Volume 7 Issue 12 Page 10539-10549 DOI10.1021/acsomega.2c00058 Published MAR 29 2022.

The Role of Locally Administrated Antifibrotic and Anti-inflammatory Agents (Mitomycin, Triamcinolone, Pirfenidone) in Improving the Postoperative Results of Urethral Stricture Surgical Treatment. Prof. F. Jankevičius, A. Grybas. 2021–2025.
The project “Artificial urethra for the treatment of hypospadias and urethral strictures” has been started. The project involves cooperating with the Biochemical Institute at the Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University. The aim of the project is to create and test in an animal model a functional artificial urethral tissue, which would be manufactured using 3D-bioprinting technology. The main task is to create a functional, antifibrotic artificial tissue fragment and analyse its capabilities for urethral stricture treatment in an in vivo model. During the period of attestation, we produced cultures of cells from human and rabbit adipose tissue, buccal mucosa, and healthy and fibrotic urethra. The markers for these cells were determined, and their proliferation and differentiation potential were evaluated. To analyse the mechanism of action of a common antifibrotic drug and its potential to be used in the construction of artificial tissue, toxicity and effective dose determination tests were carried out on primary myofibroblast cells and WPMY human myofibroblast cell line. Employing 3D bioprinting, the polymers and bio-ink were selected and tested to manufacture a model of an artificial scaffold for urethral reconstruction. The surgical procedures to create a stricture model in rabbits were performed.
The publications are still in progress.

The Role of Non-invasive, Minimally Invasive and Molecular Methods in the Diagnosis of Congenital Obstructive Uropathies. V. Kazlauskas. Supervisor: Prof. G. Verkauskas. 2018–2022
The research was conducted from 2018 until 2022 at Vilnius University Santaros Klinikos. Together with retrospective analysis of available data, all patients who had unilateral or bilateral hydro- or ureterohydronephrosis and patients of the control group were prospectively included in the study. The efficacy of diuretic-enhanced renal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of congenital hydronephrosis was analysed retrospectively. The value of urinary obstruction biomarkers and ultrasound findings to predict renal scan results and operative management was done prospectively. Biopsy material was studied by the analysis of the expression of fibrosis-related genes in strictured ureteral tissue and in ureteral tissue without obstruction. These findings were correlated to perioperative ultrasonography findings and urinary obstruction biomarkers. Based on published results, the doctoral thesis is prepared and ready for defence on 2023/03/24.
Main publication:
1. Kazlauskas V, Bilius V, Jakutis V, Komiagiene R, Burnyte B, Verkauskas G. Urine Biomarkers Combined With Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Obstruction in Pediatric Hydronephrosis. Front Pediatr. 2022 Jan 6;9:762417.

The Influence of Immune System Senescence to Kidney Transplant Survival and Choice of Immunosuppression. E. Mačionienė, Prof. M. Miglinas. 2015–2022.
The Study started in 2016 and is performed in collaboration with the Life Sciences Center. The study focuses on the identification of molecular biomarkers of kidney transplant rejection. Additional clinical data has also been collected, and patient enrolment is continued. This Study is paused in 2022 due to the maternity leave of PhD Student E. Macioniene and will be continued in 2023.

Comparison of “Endoscopy First” and “Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy First” Strategies for Patients with Gallstone Disease and Intermediate Risk of Choledocholithiasis. Prof. G. Simutis, doctoral student A. Aleknaitė. 2018–2021.
In 2021, a randomised clinical study enrolling adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallbladder stones with an intermediate risk of choledocholithiasis was completed. A total of 74 participants were included and randomised into two groups. Analysis of collected data was performed, and a doctoral dissertation, “The preoperative prediction and management of choledocholithiasis before planned laparoscopic cholecystectomy based on individual risk of choledocholithiasis”, was prepared and defended on 2021/09/21.
Main publication:
1. Aleknaite, A., Simutis, G., Stanaitis, J., Jucaitis, T., Drungilas, M., Valantinas, J., Strupas, K. Comparison of Endoscopy First and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy First Strategies for Patients With Gallstone Disease and Intermediate Risk of Choledocholithiasis: Protocol for a Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2021,10(2): e18837. doi: 10.2196/18837.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Extracorporeal Lithotripsy Efficiency and Their Optimisation. Assoc. Prof. A. Želvys, M. Snicorius. 2018–2022.
Extracorporeal lithotripsy and endourology are the methods used for surgical treatment of kidney stone disease: age, gender, location, skin-to-stone distance, maximum stone length, stone volume, stone surface area, mean stone Hounsfield units (HU) and highest HU score were explored in uni- and multivariate regression analysis. For stone composition, FTIR-ATR spectroscopy was used. The recommendations for treatment choice are expected at the end of the scientific work.
Main publication:
1. Snicorius, M., Bakavicius, A., Cekauskas, A., Miglinas, M., Platkevicius, G., Zelvys, A. Factors influencing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy efficiency for optimal patient selection. Videosurgery and Other Miniinvasive Techniques. 2021, 16(2): 409-+. doi: 10.5114/wiitm.2021.103915.

Dynamics of Changing Nutritional Status and Related Factors in Patients after Kidney Transplantation. D. Sukackiene, L. Rimsevicius, Prof. M. Miglinas. 2017–2022.
Main publication:
1. Sukackiene D, Rimsevicius L, Miglinas M. Standardized Phase Angle for Predicting Nutritional Status of Hemodialysis Patients in the Early Period After Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation. Front Nutr. 2022 Feb 16;9:803002. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.803002. PMID: 35252294; PMCID: PMC8889040.

Comparative Study of Renal Function and Factors Influencing Kidney Dysfunction after Radical and Partial Nephrectomies. J. Makevičius, Prof. M. Miglinas, Prof. F. Jankevicius. 2016–2022.
The aim of the study is to identify V. Samsonė, Prof. M. Miglinas, Dr L. Rimševičius. 2022-2026.
The Study started in October 2022 and is performed in collaboration with the University of Toronto (Canada), the National Center of Pathology and the Laser Research Center, Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University. The study aims to investigate arteriovenous fistulae histopathological parameters and, based on the results, to offer personalised treatment for end-stage renal disease patients. Additional clinical data has also been collected. Ten patients were included in the Study, and patient enrolment is continued.

Assessment of Sodium Intake in Lithuanian Population and Its Relationship to Arterial Hypertension and Kidney Damage Markers. U. Žakauskienė, Prof. M. Miglinas. 2019–2023.
The aim of this study is to evaluate salt intake and its effect on blood pressure and kidney damage. This study is approved by the Vilnius Regional Bioethics Committee. Data collection and participant enrolment were finished in 2020. More than 1000 subjects participated in the study. Data analysis was performed in 2021-2022. The results of the research were presented at national, regional and international meetings and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Main publications:
1.. Zakauskiene U, Macioniene E, Zabuliene L, Sukackiene D, Linkeviciute-Dumce A, Banys V, Bratcikoviene N, Karosiene D, Slekiene V, Kontrimas V, Simanauskas K, Utkus A, Brazdziunaite D, Migline V, Makarskiene I, Zurlyte I, Rakovac I, Breda J, Cappuccio FP, Miglinas M. Sodium, Potassium and Iodine Intake in an Adult Population of Lithuania. Nutrients. 2022 Sep 16;14(18):3817. doi: 10.3390/nu14183817. PMID: 36145201; PMCID: PMC9504939./
2. Miglinas M, Ševčenko V, Račaitė A, Žakauskienė U, Vickienė A, Miglinė V, Wang W, Beaney T, Poulter NR, Macioniene E. May Measurement Month 2017-2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Lithuania. Eur Heart J Suppl. 2022 Oct 7;24(Suppl F):F22-F24. doi: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suac043. PMID: 36225270; PMCID: PMC9547500.

Molecular microscope diagnostic system for kidney transplantation. M. Miglinas, A. Vickienė, E. Mačionienė. 2022-2024.
The Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDS) uses gene chips (similar to computer chips) to read molecules in renal graft biopsies. Researchers at the Nephrology Center, in collaboration with the Alberta (Canada) Centre for Transplantation Applied Genomics, isolated iRNA from kidney tissue biopsies and measured donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cf DNA) in the blood of kidney transplant recipients. Machine learning algorithms then translated the expression measurements into diagnostic probabilities to detect rejection reactions in transplanted kidneys and correlated (dd-cf DNA) with active molecular and histological rejection reactions in transplanted kidney biopsies with the potential to reduce the need for the invasive technique of kidney graft biopsies.
Main publications:
1. Halloran PF, Reeve J, Madill-Thomsen KS, Kaur N, Ahmed E, Cantos C, Al Haj Baddar N, Demko Z, Liang N, Swenerton RK, Zimmermann BG, Van Hummelen P, Prewett A, Rabinowitz M, Tabriziani H, Gauthier P, Billings P; Trifecta Investigators. Combining Donor-derived Cell-free DNA Fraction and Quantity to Detect Kidney Transplant Rejection Using Molecular Diagnoses and Histology as Confirmation. Transplantation. 2022 Dec 1;106(12):2435-2442. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000004212. Epub 2022 Nov 22. PMID: 35765145; PMCID: PMC9698190.
2. Halloran PF, Reeve J, Madill-Thomsen KS, Demko Z, Prewett A, Billings P; Trifecta Investigators. The Trifecta Study: Comparing Plasma Levels of Donor-derived Cell-Free DNA with the Molecular Phenotype of Kidney Transplant Biopsies. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2022 Feb;33(2):387-400. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2021091191. Epub 2022 Jan 20. PMID: 35058354; PMCID: PMC8819982.
3. Halloran PF, Reeve J, Madill-Thomsen KS, Demko Z, Prewett A, Gauthier P, Billings P, Lawrence C, Lowe D, Hidalgo LG; Trifecta Investigators. Antibody-mediated Rejection Without Detectable Donor-specific Antibody Releases Donor-derived Cell-free DNA: Results From the Trifecta Study. Transplantation. 2022 Oct 3. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000004324. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36190186.

National Research Projects
Artificial Urethra for the Treatment of Hypospadias and Urethral Strictures. R&D Implementation scheme (SMART) funded under Measure 01.2.2-LMT-K-718 Targeted Research in SMART Specialisation Areas and managed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania and the Research Council of Lithuania. In cooperation with Vilnius University Life Science Center and Vilnius University Hospital Santaros klinikos. A. Grybas, Assoc.Prof. Dr A. Želvys, Prof. Dr G. Verkauskas. 2020–2023.
During the course of the project, we produced cultures of cells from human and rabbit adipose tissue, buccal mucosa, and healthy and fibrotic urethra. The markers for these cells were determined, and their proliferation and differentiation potential were evaluated. Cells with the easiest isolation and cultivation conditions were selected. Using healthy and strictured tissue cells, as well as other tissue samples collected, the mechanisms of fibrosis under profibrotic conditions in the urinary tract were evaluated, mainly by gene expression analysis.
Toxicity of antifibrotic drug and effective dose determination tests were carried out on primary myofibroblast cells and WPMY human myofibroblast cell line. Biocompatible polymers were chosen for the manufacture of the artificial tissue, and the dynamics of antifibrotic drug release from these polymers were investigated. Employing 3D bioprinting, these polymers and bio-ink were used to manufacture a model akin to urethral tissue. Surgery to create a stricture model in rabbits, as well as implantation of different artificial urethra samples, was done to compare effectiveness.

International Research Projects
International Project on Hepatitis B and C Epidemiology “Polaris Observatory”. Coordinator: CDA Foundation, USA. Prof. J. Valantinas, Dr V. Liakina. 2014–2025.
In 2022, the research was focused on analysing the progress made by countries toward the goal of eliminating or reducing the burden of HCV infection. The data on the prevalence of HCV (viraemic infection, defined as HCV RNA-positive cases) and the cascade of care among people of all ages (age ≥0 years from birth) for the period between 2015/01/01 and 2020/12/31 were analysed. We estimated a global prevalence of viraemic HCV infection of 0·7% (95% UI 0·7–0·9), corresponding to 56·8 million viraemic HCV infections globally. Although this number represents a decrease from 2015, our forecasts suggest we are not currently on track to achieve global elimination targets by 2030. As countries recover from COVID-19, these findings can help refocus efforts aimed at HCV elimination.
Main publication:
1. Polaris Observatory Collaborators. The case for simplifying and using absolute targets for viral hepatitis elimination goals. J Viral Hepat. 2021, 28(1): 12–19. doi: 10.1111/jvh.13412.

Contractual Research
Apex-Pedi study sponsored by Shionogi/Syneos-Health: II phase open-label multicenter study in subjects with complicated urinary tract infection; 2020-2023 Prof. Gilvydas Verkauskas, principal investigator

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Academy of Science of Ukraine (Ukraine)
Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
University of Heidelberg (Germany)
Renal Services at Westmead Hospital, Sydney (Australia)
Academy of Science of Ukraine (Ukraine)
Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
University of Warsaw (Poland)
University of Latvia (Latvia)
University of Tallinn (Estonia)
Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, (Netherlands)
Royal Free Hospital of London, United Kingdom
University of Glasgow (UK)
Cryptorchidism Research Institute, Kindermedizinisches Zentrum Liestal (Switzerland)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr Habil. K. Strupas
• board member of the European Academy of Surgical Scienses (EAcSS);
• member of International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association;
• 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. Dr 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 hernia society (EHS).
Prof. Dr 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. Dr A. Šileikis
• chairman of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
• member 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. Dr T. Poškus
• Vice-president of the Lithuanian Society of Coloproctologists;
• member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology Society;
• member of Vilnius Association of Surgeons.
Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Sokolovas
• president Lithuanian Association of Transplantology;
• member of the Lithuanian Minimally Invasive Surgery Society;
• member of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
• member of Lithuanian Surgical Oncology Society;
• member of the Lithuanian Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Society;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.
Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Jotautas
• member of the Lithuanian Minimally Invasive Surgery Society;
• member of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Coloproctologists.
Assoc. Prof. A. Kielaite-Gulla
• member, Association for Academic Surgery;
• member, European Society of Surgical Oncology for Young Surgeons
• member, Pancreas Club;
• member. Association of Women Surgeons
• member, European Pancreas Club
• leader, EU Committee “ Guide to the quality and safety of organs for transplantation (9th edition), working group TO 132.
• Leader, International consortium “ CovidSurg Week”
Prof. Dr Habil. J. Valantinas
• editor-in-Chief of the journal Internistas supplement Gastroenterology;
• editorial board member of the journal World Journal of Gastroenterology;
• editorial board member of the journal Medicinos teorija ir praktika;
• member of the international Pancreas-2000 scientists group;
• member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL);
• member of the World Organization of Gastroenterology (OMGE);
• president of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.
Assoc. Prof. G. Denapienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr I. Stundienė, Assistant Prof. L. Mašalaitė, Lect. I. Savlan, Lect. R. Vaicekauskas
• members of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology.
Researcher Prof. V. Liakina
• editorial board member of the journal World Journal of Gastroenterology;
• editorial board member of the journal World Journal of Clinical Cases;
• editorial board member of the journal World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology;
• 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.
Assoc. Prof. E. Kazėnaitė
• member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL);
• member of the World Organization of Gastroenterology (OMGE).
Prof. Dr G. Brimas
• deputy editor-in-Chief of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija;
• editorial board member of the journal Videosurgery and Miniinvasive Techniques.
Assoc. Prof. Dr A. Stašinskas
• editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos chirurgija;
• board number of the Association of Lithuanian Surgeons.
Assist. Prof. Dr B. Buckus
• member of Vilnius Society of Surgeons.
Prof. Dr G. Verkauskas
• member of the European Paediatric Surgeons’ Association (EUPSA);
• member of the European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU);
• member Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Nephrology;
• board member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Surgery;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Urology (LUD);
• member of the Baltic Association of Pediatric Surgeons (BAOPS).
Assist. Prof. Dr G. Bernotavičius
• member of the Baltic Association of Pediatric Surgeons (BAOPS);
• board member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology (LVOTD);
• member of the Lithuanian Society of of Orthopedics and Traumatology (LTOD);
• member of Scoliosis Research Society (SRS).
Assist. Prof. Dr A. Strumila
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Surgery;
• member of the Baltic Association of Pediatric Surgeons (BAOPS);
• member of the European Paediatric Surgeons’ Association (EUPSA).
Assist. Prof. Dr V. Bilius
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Surgery;
• member of the Baltic Association of Pediatric Surgeons (BAOPS);
• member Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Nephrology;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Urology (LUD).
Prof. Dr 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. Dr A. Želvys
• member of the European Board of Urology ( EBU);
• member of the European Association of Urology (EAU);
• member of the Lithuanian Urology (LUD) Society;
• member of the Lithuanian Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation Association (LNDTA);
• member of the Lithuanian Society for Sexual Medicine (LSSM).
Assoc. Prof. Dr A. Černiauskienė
• member of the Lithuanian Urology (LUD) Society;
• member of the Lithuanian Society for Sexual Medicine (LSSM).
Assist. Prof. Dr 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. Prof. Dr 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).
Assist. Prof. Dr A. Bakavičius
• member of the Lithuanian Urology (LUD) Society;
• member of th European Association of Urology (EAU).
Prof. Dr M. Miglinas
• member of the European Dialysis Transplanatation Association – European Renal Association (EDTA-ERA);
• member of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH);
• member of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN);
• member of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH);
• president of Lithuanian Kidney Foundation;
• president of the Lithuanian Hypertension Society.
Assoc. Prof. Dr 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).
Teach. 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).

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Ex vivo analysis of bladder urothelium and bladder cancer tissues by means of fiber based attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. European Urology Open ScienceVol. 40 Supplement S28–S29 Published in issue: June, 2022. G. Platkevicius, R. Bandzeviciute, J. Ceponkus, A. Cekauskas, A. Zelvys, V. Sablinskas. Presented at 7th Baltic Meeting in conjunction with the EAU.
2. Expression of adam and adamts proteases following currative gnrha treatment for cryptorchidism. Hadziselimovic F, Verkauskas G, Vincel B, Stadler M. 60th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) Rome, Italy, September 15–17, 2022.
3. In vitro investigation of gene expression markers in fibrotic ureteral tissue. Ramune Zilinskaite-Tamasauske, Vytis Kazlauskas, Povilas Barasa, Natalija Krestikova, Darius Dasevicius, Vytautas Bilius, Gilvydas Verkauskas. EUPSA June 29 – July 2, 2022; Tel Aviv.
4. Paediatric acute appendicitis: is there anything we can still learn? Paulius Valatka (Lithuania), Ruta Maciulyte, Arunas Strumila, Andrius Cekuolis. 7th World Congress of Pediatric Surgery. October 12-15, 2022; Prague

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
1. Working group for organ donation improvement, created by Lithuanian Ministry of Health with participation of Presidency of Lithuania. A. Želvys.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. Urology seminars periodic annual event for general physicians.
2. Individualised approach in kidney transplantation. Presentation at National Health Council by A. Želvys.

CLINIC OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND DERMATOVENEREOLOGY

Santariškių 14, LT- 08406 Vilnius
Tel. 275 2594
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Ligita Jančorienė

CENTRE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Santariškių 14, LT- 08406 Vilnius
Tel: 275 2594
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Ligita Jančorienė

CENTRE OF DERMATOVENEREOLOGY

J. Kairiūkščio 2, LT-08411 Vilnius
Tel. 272 0385
E-mail:
Head – Assoc.Prof. Dr Jūratė Grigaitienė (till 31.10.2022), Teaching assist. Tadas Raudonis (from 01.11.2022 - ongoing)

STAFF
Professors: Dr L. Jančorienė (part-time), Dr R. Matulionytė (part-time), Dr M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr R. Gancevičienė (part-time), Dr D. Radzišauskienė (part-time), Dr J. Grigaitienė (part-time), Dr B. Zablockienė (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr R. Valintėlienė (part-time).
Teaching assistants: I. Kisielienė (part-time), T. Raudonis (part-time), E. Matulytė (part-time), D. Stundys (part-time)
Lecturers: M. Paulauskas (part-time), L. Svetikas (part-time), O. Aliancevič (part-time), K. Žvirblytė – Skrebutėnienė (part-time), A. Marcinkutė (part-time), M. Macejevska (part-time).
Doctoral students: I. Kisielienė, T. Raudonis, E. Matulytė, D. Stundys, E. Strumilienė, I. Kubiliūtė.
Research professor: Dr R. Matulionytė (part-time).
Research assistants: I. Kubiliūtė (doctoral student) (part-time), E. Strumilienė (doctoral student) (part-time), S. Grubytė (doctoral student) (part-time), L. Lukavičiūtė (doctoral student) (part-time).
Investigator: F. Majauskaitė (part-time), K. Vagoraitė (part-time).
Students’ scientific groups:
Infectious diseases: scientific leader: Assistant professor B. Zablockienė, coordinator: student Š. Raudonis; 43 members of the group.
Dermatovenerology: scientific leader: Teaching assistant I. Kisielienė, coordinator: student M. Rimdeikaitė, 96 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
• Effectiveness, feasibility and impact of latent tuberculosis treatment for the prevention of active tuberculosis among HIV-positive individuals
• Incidence, etiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory chronic dermatosis (acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, vitiligo): basic and clinical research, implementation of innovative technologies
• Dermatooncology in Lithuania: epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Biomarkers of Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Assoc. Prof. Dr Rūta Gancevicienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr Jurate Grigaitienė, PhD Student Tadas Raudonis. 2019–2024.
The objective of this study is to evaluate biomarkers of hidradenitis suppurativa and their associations with disease severity and comorbidities. Biomarkers are planned to be evaluated in skin samples from the affected and unaffected areas. In addition, saliva samples will be used for genotyping. Biological sample collection (skin samples) was underway in 2022; they will be transferred overseas for immunohistochemistry studies in 2023. The first publications are planned in 2023–2024.

Analysis of epidemiological, risk and preventive factors of atopic dermatitis, impact of inflammatory and genetic markers on disease type, clinical appearance and course. Prof. Dr Matilda Bylaitė-Bučinskienė, PhD Student Inga Kisielienė. 2020-2022.
The objective of this study is to establish the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the Lithuanian population, to analyse potential risk factors for the development of atopic dermatitis in children of atopic and non-atopic parents, to analyse inflammatory markers associations with disease severity, clinical appearance and course and to evaluate associations between severity of atopic eczema and child behaviour problems. The investigation is a population-based, single-centre prospective with a one-year follow-up. Data are collected from physical examination, questionnaires (evaluation of risk factors, disease severity, the child behaviour checklist) and patients' blood serum. The first publication is planned for 2023.

Evaluation of quality of life and correlation between facial anthropometric parameters, cancer worry, scar appearance distress and self-esteem in patients with facial basal cell carcinoma. Prof. Dr Ligita Jančorienė, Prof. Dr Janina Tutkuvienė, PhD Student Domantas Stundys. 2020-2024
The perspective single-centre study focuses on the evaluation of facial skin cancer patients starting right after the skin cancer diagnosis was established, continuing during the perioperative period, with an extended follow-up until full scar healing is achieved. The objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of life, cancer-worry-related distress and body image self-esteem of facial skin cancer patients considering already existing facial and body anthropometric parameters as well as their changes post-surgery.

The manuscript, “The Quality of Life in Surgically Treated Head and Neck Basal Cell Carcinoma Patients: A Comprehensive Review”, was submitted for review to the Journal “Cancers” on 2022/12/17. Authors: Domantas Stundys, Gintare Ulianskaite, Ieva Stundiene, Jurate Grigaitiene, Ligita Jancoriene.

Effectiveness, Feasibility and Impact of Latent Tuberculosis Treatment for the Prevention of Active Tuberculosis among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Prof. Dr Raimonda Matulionytė, PhD Student Elžbieta Matulytė. 2018–2022.
Scientific activities in 2022: 1) the dynamics of morbidity, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and outcome-related risk factors of active TB diagnosed in 2008-2020 (n=345) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Lithuania were evaluated by performing a retrospective cohort analysis (publication submitted to PlosONE after the second peer review); 2) to compare the prevalence of LTBI and LTBI-related risk factors between PLHIV and HIV-negative population, 390 PLHIV and 443 HIV-uninfected individuals were screened with TST and (or) IGRA, and the data was analysed.
Main publication:
1. Matulytė, Elžbieta; Kančauskienė, Žavinta; Kaušas, Aidas; Urbonienė, Jurgita; Lipnickienė, Vilnelė; Razmienė, Ilona; Kopeykinienė, Jelena; Jonaitytė, Brigita; Eimutienė, Aldona; Arštikaitienė, Gertrūda; Lisinskaitė, Aistė; Gudaitis, Tomas; Raudonis, Šarūnas; Danila, Edvardas; Costagliola, Dominique; Matulionytė, Raimonda. Latent tuberculosis infection and associated risk factors among people living with HIV and HIV-uninfected individuals in Lithuania // Journal of the International AIDS Society: vol. 25, suppl. 6: HIV Glasgow, 23–26 October 2022, Glasgow, UK / Virtual. Chichester : John Wiley and Sons. eISSN 1758-2652. 2022, vol..25, suppl. 6, p. 124-126. DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26009.

Key Risk Factors for Hcv Infection in Lithuania: Case-Control Study. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė, Research Assist., PhD Student S. Grubytė. 2021–2022.
The study comprised 119 chronic hepatitis C cases and 119 controls. Case and control distributions of gender, age group, education, marital status, occupation, and household income: most of the participants were males (63.9%), mostly belonging to two age groups – 35-50 years (38.2% of all the males) and 51+ years (37.5% of all the males). The median age of study participants was 44 (IQR 35-55.25) years. It is important to highlight that cases and controls had the same gender and age group distribution to control the potential confounding factors. The results of the cross-sectional study suggest that potential future health problems due to untreated chronic HCV infection and the likely efficacy and safety profile of CHC therapy may influence patients' decisions about starting and ending CHC treatment. Stigma was identified as a major barrier to CHC treatment in our study. We also need to address barriers to treatment initiation related to lack of knowledge about HCV infection and lack of financial resources to treat CHC and to take into account socioeconomic factors when planning strategies to prevent HCV infection. The results of the study were presented in the thesis.

Samanta Grubytė wrote her academic dissertation on “Epidemiological patterns and risk factors of hepatitis C infection in Lithuania”. Academic supervisor Prof. Dr Ligita Jančorienė (Vilnius University, Medical and Health Sciences, Public Health – M 004, Medicine – M 001). Defence date: 2022/11/25.

The Characterisation of Genetic Diversity and Association with COVID-19 Disease Indicators in the Lithuanian Population (COVID-19_LT). Prof. Dr Ligita Jančorienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr Birutė Zablockienė, Lect.Mindaugas Paulauskas, PhD student Ieva Kubiliūtė. 2021–2026.
The aim of this study is to identify host genomic factors increasing susceptibility or resistance to the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 infection severity in the Lithuanian population. More than 500 participants were included in this study in 2021-2022. This biomedical study is being conducted in collaboration with Finnish researchers and is part of the international COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, which aims to bring together researchers from around the world to study genetic factors relevant to the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Preliminary data of collected information from the questionaries and data from the study database were presented at an international conference.

Direct Self-Sampled Gargle Water LAMP as a Screening Method for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infections. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr B. Zablockienė. 2020-2022.
The indirect RT-PCR of oro-nasopharyngeal swab samples is currently considered the gold standard method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections, yet as the method is technically complex and time-intensive, it is generally not suitable for the rapid testing and stratification of patients. We assessed whether the direct LAMP (Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification) of gargle water samples is sensitive enough to serve as a more rapid and affordable alternative to the gold standard.
Main publication:
1. Arbačiauskaitė, Skaistė; Babakhani, Pouya; Sandetskaya, Natalia; Vitkus, Dalius; Jančorienė, Ligita; Karosienė, Dovile; Karčiauskaitė, Dovilė; Zablockienė, Birutė; Kuhlmeier, Dirk. Self-sampled gargle water direct RT-LAMP as a screening method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infections // Diagnostics. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2075-4418. 2022, vol. 12, no. 4, art. no. 775, p. [1-17]. DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040775. [Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus] [IF: 3,992; AIF: 8,280; IF/AIF: 0,482; Q2 (2021, InCites JCR SCIE)] [CiteScore: 2,40; SNIP: 1,100; SJR: 0,658; Q4 (2021, Scopus Sources)

Medical Technologies to Improve SARS-CoV-2 Testing: Development and Testing of an Innovative Saliva Sampling System and Testing Method. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr Birutė Zablockienė, Lect. Mindaugas Paulauskas. 2020–2022.
Comparison of the clinical value of RT-qPCR-based SARS-CoV-2 tests performed on saliva samples (SSs) and nasopharyngeal swab samples (NPSs) for prognosis of the COVID-19 disease severity. Methods: Three paired SSs and NPSs of 100 hospitalised COVID-19 patients were analysed by RT-qPCR and compared to 150 healthy controls. Cases divided into mild and moderate disease (Cohort I) and severe disease (Cohort II) cohorts were compared by demographic, clinical and laboratory profiles and Ct values. Results: Ct values of SSs were lower than those of NPSs (P=0.002). Although the Ct values of the Ist SSs were significantly lower in Cohort I than in Cohort II (P=0.04), they became negative earlier (mean 11.7 vs. 14.8 days, P=0.005). There was a strong positive correlation between the number of days since the onset of symptoms and Ct values in both SSs and NPSs (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that Ct value ≤30 from SSs was the independent predictor for severe COVID-19 (HR=10.06, 95% CI: 1.84-55.14, P=0.008). Conclusion: Salivary RT-qPCR testing is suitable for early SARS-CoV-2 infection detection, while simple measurement of Ct values can assist in predicting severe COVID-19 outcomes. The manuscript “Sars-Cov-2 Rt-Qpcr CT Values in Saliva and Nasopharyngeal Swab Samples for Disease Severity Prediction” was recently submitted to the ISI medical journal and is currently under review.

Patients with COVID-19 Infection and Hospitalised in Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Clinical Course and Medical Care Study. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė, assoc Prof. Dr B. Zablockienė, PhD student Ieva Kubiliūtė, Lect.M. Paulauskas. 2020–2023.
The study aims to identify the infection course of COVID-19-infected inpatients, as well as the complications, prognosis, and effectiveness of the patients’ medical care. Depersonalised data were retrieved from electronic VUH SK medical records.

The manuscript, “Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for In-Hospital Mortality in Adult COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Single-Centre Cohort Study of 2794 Patients in Vilnius, Lithuania”, is in the final stage of preparation.

The Analysis of COVID-19 Pneumonia Long-Term Sequelae to the Respiratory System and Quality of Life, the Identification of Possible Prognostic Immunologic and Genetic Markers. Prof. Dr Ligita Jancoriene, Prof. Dr Laura Malinauskiene, Assoc. Prof. Dr B. Zablockienė, PhD student E. Strumiliene. 2021–2025.
The aim of this study is to analyse the long-term consequences of COVID-19 pneumonia in the group of moderate and severe COVID-19 disease survivors, analyse the sequelae to the respiratory system and quality of life, and identify the possible prognostic factors. This follow-up research was started in 2021 and is being continued by collecting the follow-up data from radiological lung examination, pulmonary function tests and quality of life questionnaires. The blood samples for analysis of possible prognostic markers to the severity of COVID-19 disease and long-term lung injury are being collected. The publication is in the stage of preparation.

Research on COVID-19 Disease Predictive and Prognostic Indicators. Prof. Dr Ligita Jančorienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr Violeta Mikštienė, PhD Student Ieva Kubiliūtė. 2021–2025.
The preliminary aim of the thesis is to identify risk factors and prognostic indicators for severe COVID-19 disease and death due to COVID-19 infection, as well as the possible predictive and prognostic association of genetic factors with the form of COVID-19 infection.
Preliminary objectives of the thesis: to systematically evaluate the demographic, anamnestic, epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics of hospitalised patients with COVID-19, to identify risk factors, combinations of risk factors and prognostic indicators for the severe form of COVID-19 in the hospitalised patient population, to identify risk factors, combinations of risk factors and prognostic indicators for death from COVID-19 in the hospitalised patient population, to determine the predictive and prognostic associations of genetic factors with the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the severity of COVID-19 disease. The first publications are planned for 2022.

Presentations at international conferences (posters):
1. Majauskaitė, Aleksandra; Kubiliūtė, Ieva; Svetikas, Linas; Jančorienė, Ligita. Maculopapular skin eruptions associated with COVID‐19: a case series // 32nd European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID), Lisbon, Portugal, online, 23 – 26 April 2022. Lisbon : ECCMID. 2022, p. [1].
2. Kubiliūtė, Ieva; Kunigonytė, Monika; Lubytė, Karolina; Svetikas, Linas; Rudėnaitė, Akvilė; Zablockienė, Birutė; Gefenaitė, Giedrė; Jančorienė, Ligita. Obesity and overweight associations with COVID-19 severity among adults hospitalized in the university hospital, Lithuania // European journal of case reports in internal medicine: vol. 9, suppl. 1: 20th European Congress of Internal Medicine, 9 - 11June in Malaga, Spain: abstract book. Milano : SMC media. ISSN 2284-2594. 2022, vol. 9, no. 1, p. 52. DOI: 10.12890/2022_V9Sup1.
3. Kubiliūtė, Ieva; Kunigonytė, Monika; Lubytė, Karolina; Svetikas, Linas; Rudėnaitė, Akvilė; Zablockienė, Birutė; Gefenaitė, Giedrė; Jančorienė, Ligita. COVID-19 disease course risk factors among adults hospitalized in the university hospital, Lithuania // European journal of case reports in internal medicine: vol. 9, suppl. 1: 20th European Congress of Internal Medicine, 9 - 11June in Malaga, Spain: abstract book. Milano : SMC media. ISSN 2284-2594. 2022, vol. 9, no. 1, p. 186-187. DOI: 10.12890/2022_V9Sup1.
4. Kubiliūtė, Ieva; Kunigonytė, Monika; Lubytė, Karolina; Svetikas, Linas; Rudėnaitė, Akvilė; Zablockienė, Birutė; Gefenaitė, Giedrė; Jančorienė, Ligita. An observational study of the pandemic situation and outcomes of Covid-19 patients in the university hospital, Lithuania // European journal of case reports in internal medicine: vol. 9, suppl. 1: 20th European Congress of Internal Medicine, 9 - 11June in Malaga, Spain: abstract book. Milano : SMC media. ISSN 2284-2594. 2022, vol. 9, no. 1, p. 43-44. DOI 10.12890/2022_V9Sup1.
5. Kubiliūtė, Ieva; Urbonienė, Jurgita; Rudėnaitė, Akvilė; Zablockienė, Birutė; Gefenaitė, Giedrė; Jančorienė, Ligita. COVID-19 course risk factors among elderly patients hospitalized in the university medical center, Lithuania // 22nd EAA congress – 15th ISGA congress – 5th international conference of evolutionary medicine, August 24-27, 2022 Vilnius, Lithuania : abstract book. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2022, p. 176. (Vilnius University Proceedings, eISSN 2669-0233; vol. 27). DOI: 10.15388/EAA-ISGA-ICEMMeeting.2022.
6. Kubiliūtė, Ieva; Urbonienė, Jurgita; Aliancevič, Oleg; Paulauskas, Mindaugas; Rudėnaitė, Akvilė; Zablockienė, Birutė; Jančorienė, Ligita. Case fatality rate of different age patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in the university medical center, Lithuania // 22nd EAA congress – 15th ISGA congress – 5th international conference of evolutionary medicine, August 24-27, 2022 Vilnius, Lithuania : abstract book. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2022, p. 177. (Vilnius University Proceedings, eISSN 2669-0233; vol. 27). Prieiga per internetą: <https://www.journals.vu.lt/proceedings/article/view/28981/28129>.
7. Kubiliute Ieva, Urboniene Jurgita, Rudenaite Akvile, Zablockiene Birute, Gefenaite Giedre, Jancoriene Ligita. 288. Prognostic Factors for In-hospital Mortality of Patients with Severe COVID-19 Hospitalized in the University Medical Center, Lithuania, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, Volume 9, Issue Supplement_2, December 2022, ofac492.366, https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofac492.366
Main publication:
1. Lubytė, Karolina; Kunigonytė, Monika; Kubiliūtė, Ieva; Rudėnaitė, Akvilė; Zablockienė, Birutė; Jančorienė, Ligita. Pirmosios COVID-19 bangos metu Vilniaus universiteto ligoninės Santaros klinikų Infekcinių ligų centre hospitalizuotų COVID-19 sirgusių pacientų ligos eigos analizė // Infekcinės ligos: žurnalo Internistas priedas. Vilnius : „Baltijos idėjų grupė“ ir partneriai. 2022, Nr, 1, p. 20-25.

Study of the Aetiology and Long-Term Residual Effects of Acute Infectious Encephalitis. Assoc. Prof. Dr Daiva Radzišauskienė. A total of 22 patients with infectious encephalitis were included in 2022. A total of 20 patients were observed for residual effects after discharge from the hospital. 2019–2023.

Association of Clinical Syndrome of Lyme Disease With Characteristics of the Pathogen Vector. Assoc. Prof. Dr Daiva Radzišauskienė. A total of 170 patients were included in the retrospective part of the study. A total of ten patients were included in the prospective part of the study. 2019–2023.

National Research Projects
Impact of Blood Plasma From COVID-19 Patients for Blood-Brain Barrier. (No. 13.1.1-LMT-K-718-05-0005). The Research Council of Lithuania. Principal investigator and chief researcher: Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė, investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr B. Zablockienė. 2021-2023.
On 2022/02/15, the project was approved by the Vilnius Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. In 2022, 61 subjects were enrolled, blood samples were tested, and Mini-Mental Questionnaires were evaluated. Researchers at the Centre for Innovative Medicine assessed the effect of plasma from COVID-19 patients, survivors and healthy controls on the blood-brain barrier using an in vitro human cerebrovascular endothelial cell model, as well as assessed changes in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the plasma of COVID-19 patients, survivors and healthy controls.

The Proof of Concept of a Cutting-Edge Solution Dedicated to Monitoring COVID-19 Patient’s Health at Home (PIOAS), funded under the EIT Health RIS Innovation Scheme (Grant Agreement No. 2021-RIS_Innovation-059). Principal Investigator Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė, investigators: Assoc. Prof. Dr B. Zablockienė, research assistant, PhD student E. Strumilienė, D. Naumovas, D. Juozapaitė, 2022.
Led by the start-up MB Hadroneda, the project aimed to bring a new device to the medical technology market that will help to reduce the number of patients with COVID-19 and other lung diseases in hospitals and allow home monitoring. The project sought to achieve a proof of concept for a PIOAS (hardware/software) solution and take a step towards commercialisation.
Ten clinical settings were tested in 2022. The regulatory clarification, regulatory pathway, extended risks and hazards analysis were performed. Thirty hospitals were interviewed in the EU regarding the clinical workflow of solution and value. Technical improvements to prototypes were made. 130 COVID-19 patients interviewed. Project coordination and report preparation/ submission tasks accomplished. Deliverables: Improved business creation model, Regulatory classification report, Initial freedom to operate analysis/summary, Regulatory roadmap, Risk and hazard analysis sheet and a report, Clinical workflow document with tests (+10 settings) in model results.

Investigation of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Lithuania using serological methods. (No. S-REP-22-8). Lithuanian Research Council. Senior Researcher Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė. September – December 2022.
Preparation for the involvement of the volunteers and study protocol was submitted to the Lithuanian Bioethics Committee in 2022.

SARS-CoV-2 serological antibody test dynamics and protective significance in health care workers vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine. (No. P-ST-22-60). Lithuanian Research Council, sub-activity Development of students’ abilities by conducting research during the semester. Principal Investigator and Research Supervisor in a research project Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė, student T. Alčauskas. September 2022 – March 2023.
The project was approved by the Vilnius Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee in 2021, No.2021/11-1395-870. In 2022, 1808 healthcare workers were enrolled in the study, with periodic blood sampling to assess the dynamics of COVID antibodies and to collect information on cases of COVID-19 infection.

International Research Projects
EuroSIDA/RESPOND, ongoing since 2015.
Prof. Dr R. Matulionyte (steering committee member, PI), PhD student E. Matulyte (investigator).
https://www.chip.dk/Research/Studies/EuroSIDA/Study-group
EuroSIDA study is a prospective observational cohort study following adult people living with HIV (PLHIV). The study aims to follow the long-term clinical prognosis for the general population of HIV-infected patients living in Europe and to assess the impact of antiretroviral therapy on these patients. EuroSIDA was one of the cohorts to establish the International Cohort Consortium of Infectious Disease (RESPOND) cohort consortium on infectious diseases in 2017.
Main publications:
EuroSIDA
1. Fursa, Olga; Mocroft, Amanda; Lazarus, Jeffrey V; Amele, Sarah; Lundgren, Jens; Matulionytė, Raimonda; Rasmussen, Line D.; Rockstroh, Jürgen K.; Parczewski, Milosz; Jilich, David; Moreno, Santiago; Vassilenko, Anna; Lacombe, Karine; Wandeler, Gilles; Borodulina, Elena; Brännström, Johanna; Wiese, Lothar; Orkin, Chloe; Behrens, Georg M.N.; Mansinho, Kamal; Portu, Jose Joaquin; Peters, Lars. The hepatitis C cascade of care in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals in Europe- regional and intra-regional differences // AIDS. Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISSN 0269-9370. eISSN 1473-5571. 2022, vol. 36, no. 3, p. 423-435. DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000003112.
2. Amele, Sarah; Sandri, Anastasia Karachalia; Rodger, Alison; Vandekerckhove, Linos; Benfield, Thomas; Milinkovic, Ana; Duvivier, Claudine; Stellbrink, Hans- Jürgen; Sambatakou, Helen; Chkhartishvili, Nikoloz; Caldeira, Luis; Laguno, Monserrat; Domingo, Pere; Wandeler, Gilles; Gisinger, Martin; Kuzovatova, Elena; Dragovic, Gordana; Knysz, Brygida; Matulionytė, Raimonda; Rockstroh, Jürgen Kurt; Lundgren, Jens Dilling; Mocroft, Amanda; Peters, Lars. HCV reinfection after HCV therapy among HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals in Europe. // HIV medicine. Hoboken : Wiley. ISSN 1464-2662. eISSN 1468-1293. 2022, vol. 23, no. 6, p. 684-692. DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13212.
3. Fursa, O.; Bannister, W.; Neesgaard, B.; Podlekareva, D.; Kowalska, J.; Benfield, T.; Gerstoft, J.; Reekie, J.; Rasmussen, L.; Aho, I.; Guaraldi, G; Staub, T.; Miro, J.; Laporte, J.; Elbirt, D.; Trofimova, T.; Sedlacek, D.; Matulionytė, Raimonda; Oprea, C.; Hadziosmanovic, V.; Mocroft, A.; Peters, L. Prevalence, outcomes, and factors associated with testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among people living with HIV across Europe in the multinational EuroSIDA cohort // Journal of the International AIDS Society: vol. 25, suppl. 6: HIV Glasgow, 23–26 October 2022, Glasgow, UK / Virtual. Chichester : John Wiley and Sons. eISSN 1758-2652. 2022, vol.25, suppl. 6, p. 15-17. DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26009.
RESPOND:
1. Byonanebye, Dathan M; Polizzotto, Mark N; Neesgaard, Bastian; Sarcletti, Mario; Matulionytė, Raimonda; Braun, Dominique L.; Castagna, Antonella; de Wit, Stéphane; Wit, Ferdinand; Fontas, Eric; Vehreschild, Jörg Janne; Vesterbacka, Jan; Greenberg, Lauren; Hatleberg, Camilla; Garges, Harmony; Gallant, Joel; Anne, Alain Volny; Öllinger, Angela; Mozer- Lisewska, Iwona; Surial, Bernard; Spagnuolo, Vincenzo; Necsoi, Coca; van der Valk, Marc; Mocroft, Amanda; Law, Matthew; Ryom, Lene; Petoumenos, Kathy. Incidence of hypertension in people with HIV who are treated with integrase inhibitors versus other antiretroviral regimens in the RESPOND cohort consortium // HIV medicine. Hoboken : Wiley. ISSN 1464-2662. eISSN 1468-1293. 2022, vol. 23, iss. 8, p. 895-910. DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13273.

Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Countries (ECEE) Network Group, ongoing since 2018. Prof. R. Matulionytė, country coordinator/representative, expert. https://www.eceenetwork.com
The aim of this Network group is to review the implementation of EACS guidelines across Central and Eastern European and neighbouring countries and to discuss national strategies for the timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy in response to changing guidelines. The network creates consensus statements and conducts meaningful research, with results being published in international journals, which should then inform further actions by governmental agencies and support local activism.
Activity in 2022 related to the main topics reflected in publications: dynamics of HIV and hepatitis epidemiology, late presentation in care, access to cART and its components, hard-to-reach population and addressing the gaps of HIV continuum of care, laboratory monitoring instruments, new ART strategies, prophylaxis and vaccination, HIV care during COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
Main publications:
1. Lakatos, Botond; Kowalska, Justyna; Antoniak, Sergii; Gokengin, Deniz; Begovac, Josip; Vassilenko, Anna; Wasilewski, Piotr; Fleischhans, Lukas; Jilich, David; Matulionytė, Raimonda; Kase, Kerstin; Papadopoulus, Antonios; Rukhadze, Nino; Harxhi, Arjan; Hofman, Sam; Dragovic, Gordana; Vasyliev, Marta; Verhaz, Antonija; Yancheva, Nina; Oprea, Cristiana. Retrospective evaluation of an observational cohort by the Central and Eastern Europe Network Group shows a high frequency of potential drug–drug interactions among HIV‐positive patients receiving treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) // HIV medicine. Hoboken : Wiley. ISSN 1464-2662. eISSN 1468-1293. 2022, vol. 23, no. 6, p. 693-700. DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13214.
2. Skrzat-Klapaczyńska, Agata; Kowalska, Justyna D.; Afonina, Larisa; Antonyak, Svitlana; Balayan, Tatevik; Begovac, Josip; Bursa, Dominik; Dragovic, Gordana; Gokengin, Deniz; Harxhi, Arjan; Jilich, David; Kase, Kerstin; Lakatos, Botond; Mardarescu, Mariana; Matulionytė, Raimonda; Oprea, Cristiana; Panteleev, Aleksandr; Papadopoulos, Antonios; Sojak, Lubomir; Tomazic, Janez; Vassilenko, Anna; Vasylyev, Marta; Verhaz, Antonija; Yancheva, Nina; Yurin, Oleg; Horban, Andrzej. The management of HIV care services in Central and Eastern Europe: data from the Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group // International journal of environmental research and public health. Basel : MDPI AG. eISSN 1660-4601. 2022, vol. 19, iss. 13, art. no. 7595, p. [1-9]. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137595.
3. Kowalska, Justyna D.; Bieńkowski, Carlo; Fleischhans, Lukáš; Antoniak, Sergii; Skrzat-Klapaczyńska, Agata; Suchacz, Magdalena; Bogdanic, Nikolina; Gokengin, Deniz; Oprea, Cristiana; Karpov, Igor; Kase, Kerstin; Matulionytė, Raimonda; Papadopoulos, Antonios; Rukhadze, Nino; Harxhi, Arjan; Jilich, David; Lakatos, Botond; Sedlacek, Dalibor; Dragovic, Gordana; Vasylyev, Marta; Verhaz, Antonia; Yancheva, Nina; Begovac, Josip; Horban, Andrzej. The presence of either typical or atypical radiological changes predicts poor COVID-19 outcomes in HIV-positive patients from a multinational observational study: data from Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group // Viruses. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 1999-4915. 2022, vol. 14, iss. 5, art. no. 972, p. [1-12]. DOI: 10.3390/v14050972.
4. Kowalska, Justyna D.; Rukhadze, Nino; Sojak, Lubomir; Bociaga-Jasik, Monika; Sedlacek, Dalibor; Matulionytė, Raimonda; Jilich, David; Yancheva, Nina; Papadopoulos, Antonios; Rozplochowski, Blazej; Patrascu, Raluca; Aimla, Kersti; Begovac, Josip; Parczewski, Miłosz; Golovco, Elena; Bielec, Dariusz; Bartovská, Zofia; Shembri, Aaron; Zvirbulis, Viesturs; Hlebowicz, Maria; Kocbach, Piotr; Lakatos, Botond. Preliminary report on the provision of HIV care to war refugees with HIV who are migrating from Ukraine: data from the ECEE Network Group // AIDS. Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISSN 0269-9370. eISSN 1473-5571. 2022, vol. 36, no. 13, p. 1887-1890. DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000003355.

Co-funded by the 3rd Health Programme of the European Union Joint Action on integrating prevention, testing and linkage to care strategies across HIV, viral hepatitis, TB and STIs in Europe (INTEGRATE), Grant Agreement No. 761319, in partnership with Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (EU project 761319). Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Grigaitiene, PhD student T. Raudonis. 2016–2021. https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/chafea_pdb/health/projects/761319/summary
The project ended in 2021, and the project results are to be finalised in Eurosurveillance in 2022.
Main publications:
1. Jordans, Carlijn C.E.; Vasylyev, Marta; Rae, Caroline; Jakobsen, Marie Louise; Vassilenko, Anna; Dauby, Nicolas; Grevsen, Anne Louise; Jakobsen, Stine Finne; Raahauge, Anne; Champenois, Karen; Papot, Emmanuelle; Malin, Jakob J.; Boender, T. Sonia; Behrens, Georg M.N; Gruell, Henning; Neumann, Anja; Spinner, Christoph D.; Valbert, Frederik; Akinosoglou, Karolina; Kostaki, Evangelia G.; Nozza, Silvia; Giacomelli, Andrea; Lapadula, Giuseppe; Mazzitelli, Maria; Torti, Carlo; Matulionytė, Raimonda; Matulytė, Elžbieta; Welzen, Berend J. Van; Hensley, Kathryn S.; Thompson, Magdalena; Ankiersztejn-Bartczak, Magdalena; Skrzat-Klapaczyńska, Agata; Săndulescu, Oana; Streinu-Cercel, Adrian; Streinu-Cercel, Anca; Miron, Viktor Daniel; Pokrovskaya, Anastasia; Hachfeld, Anna; Dorokhina, Antonina; Sukach, Maryna; Lord, Emily; Sullivan, Ann K.; Rokx, Casper. National medical specialty guidelines of HIV indicator conditions in Europe lack adequate HIV testing recommendations: a systematic guideline review // Eurosurveillance. Stockholm : European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). ISSN 1560-7917. eISSN 1025-496X. 2022, vol. 27, iss. 48, art. No. 5, p. [1-13]. DOI: 10.2807/15607917.ES.2022.27.48.2200338.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Genomics: Decoding Pathogenesis as Requirement for Targeted Treatment. European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation. Assoc. Prof. Dr Ruta Ganceviciene, PhD student Tadas Raudonis, Prof. Dr Christos C. Zouboulis. 2022-2024.
This multicenter, real-world, European study with international participation will recruit 2000 patients with HS and 2000 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. This new, cutting-edge, EADV-supported project has the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of its aetiology, lead to the development of new therapies and also promote personalised medicine. In 2022, we started patient recruitment and biological sample collection. Patients' demographics, clinical signs, lifestyle habits and severity classification will be documented by the updated first-visit protocol of the European Registry for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (ERHS). DNA isolation from buccal cotton swabs of patients and controls, as well as blood samples and skin biopsies from selected healthcare providers, will serve for disease gene identification through next-generation DNA sequencing by a high-throughput automated approach to prepare high-quality genomic DNA for exome capture.

COVID-19 Surveillance and Risk Factors Research (I-MOVE-COVID-19 LTU). Biomedical research of European hospital surveillance, risk factors and vaccine effectiveness I-MOVE-COVID-19 Network – Multidisciplinary European network for research, prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prof. Dr Ligita Jančorienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr Birutė Zablockienė, PhD student Ieva Kubiliūtė, investigator: F. Majauskaitė. 2020–2023
Biomedical research of European hospital surveillance, risk factors and vaccine effectiveness I-MOVE-COVID-19 Network - Multidisciplinary European network for research, prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical epidemiological characteristics of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 or influenza and determine the main risk factors associated with severe disease and death due to COVID-19 or influenza. Until the end of 2021, 487 participants with COVID-19 disease were included. Since the influenza season of 2022, the study of the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine has continued. The protocol was updated and renamed: COVID-19 European Hospital Surveillance, Risk Factors and Vaccine Effectiveness. Patients with influenza, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics are involved in the study.
Main publication:
1. Lubytė, Karolina; Kunigonytė, Monika; Kubiliūtė, Ieva; Rudėnaitė, Akvilė; Zablockienė, Birutė; Jančorienė, Ligita. Pirmosios COVID-19 bangos metu Vilniaus universiteto ligoninės Santaros klinikų Infekcinių ligų centre hospitalizuotų COVID-19 sirgusių pacientų ligos eigos analizė // Infekcinės ligos: žurnalo Internistas priedas. Vilnius : „Baltijos idėjų grupė“ ir partneriai. 2022, Nr, 1, p. 20-25.

VACCELERATE European Corona Vaccine Trial Accelerator Platform. H2020-IBA-SC1-CORONAVIRUS-2020-4 (EU-wide COVID-19 vaccine trial network). National coordinator for Lithuania: Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė, Project researcher: Assoc. Prof. Dr B. Zablockienė. 2021–2024.
VACCELERATE is a pan-European network set up to boost phase 2 & 3 COVID-19 vaccine trials. CONSORTIUM consists of 26 partners from 21 countries.
During May 2022, the questionnaire was made available in 12 countries and 14 languages. To date, more than 36,000 volunteers have registered, mainly from Germany. Within the first year since its establishment, the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry has matched more than 15,000 volunteers to clinical trials. The VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry is an active single-entry point for European residents interested in COVID-19 clinical trials participation in 12 countries (i.e., Austria, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Turkey). The registry is currently in the implementation phase in 5 additional countries (i.e., Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel and the Netherlands).
Main publications:
1. Salmanton-García, Jon; Stewart, Fiona A.; Heringer, Sarah; Koniordou, Markela; Álvarez-Barco, Elena; Argyropoulos, Christos D.; Themistocleous, Sophia C.; Valle-Simón, Paula; Spivak, Orly; Součková, Lenka; Merakou, Christina; Amélia Mendonça, Maria; Joanna Davis, Ruth; Maria Azzini, Anna; Askling, Helena H.; Vene, Sirkka; Van Damme, Pierre; Steinbach, Angela; Shiamakkides, George; Seidel, Danila; Olesen, Ole F.; Noula, Evgenia; Macken, Alan; Luís, Catarina; Leckler, Janina; Launay, Odile; Isitt, Catherine; Hellemans, Margot; Frías-Iniesta, Jesús; Di Marzo, Romina; Carcas, Antonio J.; Boustras, George; Borobia, Alberto M.; Barta, Imre; Albus, Kerstin; Akova, Murat; Ochando, Jordi; Cohen-Kandli, Miriam; Jane Cox, Rebecca; Husa, Petr; Jančorienė, Ligita; Mallon, Patrick; Marques, Laura; Mellinghoff, Sibylle C.; Nauclér, Pontus; Tacconelli, Evelina; Tóth, Krisztina; Zaoutis, Theoklis E.; Zeitlinger, Markus; Cornely, Oliver A.; Pana, Zoi-Dorothea. VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry: a European study participant database to facilitate clinical trial enrolment // Vaccine. Oxford : Elsevier Ltd. ISSN 0264-410X. eISSN 1873-2518. 2022, vol. 40, no. 31, p. 4090-4097. DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.05.022. [Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus] [IF: 4,169; AIF: 6,566; IF/AIF: 0,634; Q3 (2021, InCites JCR SCIE)] [CiteScore: 6,70; SNIP: 1,395; SJR: 1,392; Q1 (2021, Scopus Sources)]

Presentations at international conference ECCMID (posters):
1. Salmanton-García Jon, Steinbach,Angela, Stewart Fiona A, Hofstraat S., Merakou C, Kopsidas I, Valle Simon P, Akova Murat, Bonten M. Jane, Cox Rebecca, Van Damme Pierre, Flisiak R, Husa Petr, Jančorienė Ligita, Cohen-Kandli Miriam, Koscalova A, Launay Odile, Lungren J, Mallon Patrick, Marques Laura, Nauclér Pontus, Cano Ochando Jordi, Tacconelli Evelina, Tóth Krisztina, Trelle S, Zeitlinger Markus, Zaoutis,Theoklis E, Pana Zoi-Dorothea, Cornely Oliver A, Bruijning-Verhagen P. VACCELERATE EUVAP (European vaccine trial accelerator platform). 32nd ECCMID: European congress of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases, Lisbon, Portugal, 23-26 April 2022, on line. 2022. p. [1-2].
2. Salmanton-García Jon, Stewart Fiona A, Heringer Sarah, Argyropoulos Christos D, Koniordou Markela, Themistocleous,Sophia C, Álvarez-Barco Elena, Akova Murat, Askling Helena H, Maria Azzini Anna, Cano Ochando Jordi, Cohen-Kandli Miriam, Jane Cox Rebecca, Davis R.J, Husa Petr, Jančorienė Ligita, Macken Alan, Mallon Patrick, Marques Laura, Mendonca MA, Merakou,C, Nauclér Pontus, Shiamakkides George, Souckova J, Spivak O, Tacconelli Evelina, Valle Simon P, Zeitlinger Markus, Albus Kerstin, Bonneton M, Koscalova A, Launay Odile, Seidel Danila, Steinbach Angela, Tóth Krisztina, Trelle S, Van Damme,Pierre, Zaoutis Theoklis E, Cornely Oliver A, Pana Zoi-Dorothea. VACCELERATE Volunteer registry. 32nd ECCMID: European congress of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases, Lisbon, Portugal, 23-26 April 2022, on line. 2022. p. [1-2].

European Cohorts of Patients and Schools to Advance Response to Epidemics (EuCARE). Funded by HORIZON-HLTH-2021-CORONA-01-02 (COVID19 - HERA Incubator). Project researchers: Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr B. Zablockienė, research assistant: PhD student E. Strumilienė. 2022–2026
The EuCARE project brings together a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, virologists, epidemiologists, statisticians and top AI experts to reveal the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 variants on key public health sectors, as outlined in the call. Started three biomedical research studies: 1. Hospitalised COVID-19 patients cohort study in the EuCARE project [EuCARE-HOSPITALIZED] 2022-05-10 approved by Vilnius Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, No.2022/5-1423-903; 2. Health care workers cohort study in the EuCARE-HCW] 2022-04-12 approved by Vilnius Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, No.2022/4-1427-898. 3. Assessment of post-COVID-19 manifestations in a multicentre cohort study (EuCARE-POSTCOVID study] 2022/05/10 approved by the Vilnius Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, No.2022/5-1424-904.

Contractual Research
SOLIDARITY TRIAL and SOLIDARITY TRIAL PLUS World Health Organisation An International Randomised Trial of Additional Treatments for COVID-19 in Hospitalised Patients Who Are All Receiving the Local Standard of Care. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė (steering committee member, PI), Assoc. Prof. Dr B. Zablockienė, Lect.M. Paulauskas. 2020-ongoing.
WHO helps evaluate drugs by randomising their effects on important outcomes. The WHO Solidarity trial involves collaboration between hundreds of hospitals in dozens of countries. It began by evaluating four repurposed drugs and now, under the guidance of an independent Expert Group, is now evaluating additions to the local Standard of Care of other potential drugs.
Main publication:
1. Jančorienė, Ligita (author); Griškevičius, Laimonas (author); Zablockienė, Birutė (investigator); Paulauskas, Mindaugas (investigator); Sakalauskienė, Ugnė (investigator). Remdesivir and three other drugs for hospitalised patients with COVID-19: final results of the WHO Solidarity randomised trial and updated meta-analyses // The Lancet. New York : Elsevier BV. ISSN 0140-6736. eISSN 1474-547X. 2022, vol. 399, iss. 10339, p. 1941-1953. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(22)00519-0. [Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus] [IF: 202,731; AIF: 8,280; IF/AIF: 24,484; Q1 (2021, InCites JCR SCIE)] [CiteScore: 115,30; SNIP: 33,801; SJR: 15,652; Q1 (2021, Scopus Sources)]

A Multinational, Phase 2, Randomised, Adaptive Protocol to Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Reactogenicity of Different COVID-19 Vaccines Administration in Older Adults (≥75) Already Vaccinated Against SARS- CoV-2 (EU-COVAT-1_AGED). Principal investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr Birutė Zablockienė, investigators: Prof. Ligita Jančorienė and Augustė Jelinskaitė. 2022–2023.
There are currently not enough data on the optimal timing of revaccination in the elderly. Furthermore, there is no reliable clinical evidence of immune responses with heterologous vaccine strategies in the age group over 75 years. Therefore, this study will aim to evaluate the effects of different mRNA-based vaccines as a booster in the elderly population of 75 years and older. The results of the study would be valuable in shaping vaccination programs in Europe and the world.

A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomised Withdrawal Extension Study of Subcutaneous Secukinumab to Demonstrate Long-Term Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Assoc. Prof. J. Grigaitienė, T. Raudonis. 2021–2025.
Extension study to assess effects of non-interrupted versus interrupted and long-term treatment of two dose regimens on efficacy and safety in subjects with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The purpose of this extension study is to evaluate the maintenance of HiSCR response at Week 104 in either continuous or interrupted therapy (using a randomised withdrawal period) of two dose regimens and to assess long-term efficacy, safety and tolerability of secukinumab in subjects with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) completing either of the two Phase III studies, CAIN457M2301 or CAIN457M2302, both 52 weeks in duration. In addition, this study will provide long-term access to the study medication.

A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lebrikizumab in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. Assoc. Prof. J. Grigaitienė, R. McGlone, teaching assistant T. Raudonis, I. Gylienė. 2020–2022.
This is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study which is 52 weeks in duration. The study is designed to confirm the safety and efficacy of lebrikizumab as monotherapy for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, utilising a 16-week induction treatment period and a 36-week long-term maintenance treatment period. Eligible adult and adolescent patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis for at least one year, defined according to the American Academy of Dermatology Consensus Criteria, an Eczema Area and Severity Index Score (EASI) of ≥16, an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of ≥3 and a body surface area (BSA) of ≥10% will be enrolled. Efficacy will be measured through the IGA, EASI, BSA, SCORAD, Pruritus and Sleep-loss scores.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy Study of Lebrikizumab (DRM06-AD07/J2T-DM-KGAA) in Participants with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis (Adjoin). Assoc. Prof. J. Grigaitienė, R. McGlone, I. Gylienė. 2021–2024.
A long-term study to assess the safety and efficacy of Lebrikizumabin patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. This is the extension of the previous lebrikizumab study. Primary endpoint – describe the proportion of patients discontinued from study treatment due to adverse events through the last treatment visits.

A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Nemolizumab in Subjects with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. Assoc. Prof. J. Grigaitienė, R. McGlone. 2020–2024.
This is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel-group study in adult and adolescent subjects with moderate-to-severe AD. The study is designed to confirm the safety and efficacy of nemolizumab in subjects with AD when the disease is not adequately controlled with topical medications. Eligible subjects must have a documented history of inadequate response to topical AD medication(s). The study consists of 4 periods over approximately 60 weeks: screening (including run-in), initial treatment, maintenance, and follow-up. A long-term extension of up to 3 years in duration is foreseen. Eligible adult and adolescent patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis for at least two years, defined according to the American Academy of Dermatology Consensus Criteria, an Eczema Area and Severity Index Score (EASI) of ≥16, an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of ≥3 and a body surface area (BSA) of ≥10% will be enrolled. Efficacy will be measured through the IGA, EASI, BSA, SCORAD, Pruritus and Sleep-loss scores.

A Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomised, Double-Blind Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of ABP 654 Compared with Ustekinumab in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis. Assoc. Prof. J. Grigaitienė, T. Raudonis, I. Gylienė, L. Lukavičiūtė, L. Martinelė. 2021–2022.
The study is designed to investigate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of ABP 654
compared with ustekinumab in subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. During the approximately 56 weeks of total study participation, each subject will receive a total of either 5 or 6 doses, based on the one group to which they are assigned, as described below. Subjects will receive an initial three doses of either ABP 654 or ustekinumab at weeks 0, 4, and 16. From week 28, subjects will receive either ABP 654 or ustekinumab every eight weeks (Q8W) or every 12 weeks (Q12W). Subjects with a PASI 75 response or better improvement will continue on the study and will be re-randomised in a blinded fashion such that subjects initially randomised to Group A (ABP 654) will continue to receive ABP 654 and those in Group B (ustekinumab) will be re-randomised 1:1 to either continue on ustekinumab (Treatment Group B1) or switch to ABP 654 (Treatment Group B2). Subjects will receive the investigational product at week 28 and the last dose of the investigational product at week 40.

A Phase III, Randomised, Double-Blind, Multicentre Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Immunogenicity of SB17 Compared to Stelara® in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis. Assoc. Prof. J. Grigaitienė, Teaching Assistant T. Raudonis, I. Gylienė, L. Lukavičiūtė, L. Martinelė. 2021–2022.
This is a randomised, double-blind, multicentre clinical study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, tolerability, PK, and immunogenicity of SB17 compared to Stelara® in subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Subjects will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either SB17 or Stelara® via subcutaneous injection. Investigational products (IPs) (SB17 or Stelara®) will be administered at Week 0, 4, and then every 12 weeks up to Week 40, and the last assessment will be done at Week 52. At Week 28, subjects who achieved a PASI50 response will enter the transition period. In the transition period, subjects receiving Stelara® will be randomised again in a 1:1 ratio to either continue on Stelara® (Stelara®/Stelara®) or be transitioned to SB17 (Stelara®/SB17) up to Week 40. Subjects receiving SB17 will continue to receive SB17 up to Week 40, but they will follow the randomisation procedure in order to maintain blinding.

A Phase IV, Randomised, Double-blind, Parallel-group, Multiple-dose, Active Comparator, Multicentre Clinical Study to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, Safety, and Immunogenicity of SB5 Versus Humira® in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis. Assoc. Prof. J. Grigaitienė, T. Raudonis, I. Gylienė, L. Lukavičiūtė, L. Martinelė. 2022–2023.
This is a Phase IV, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, multiple-dose, active comparator, multicentre clinical study to evaluate the PK, efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of SB5 versus Humira® in subjects with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. All entered subjects will be treated with Humira® during a lead-in period of 13 weeks, where the last dose occurs at Week 11. All subjects will receive an initial dose of Humira® 80 mg at Week 0, followed by Humira® 40 mg every other week starting one week after the initial dose via subcutaneous (SC) injection. At Week 13, subjects who achieved at least a 50% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI50) response will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to either be switched between Humira® and SB5 (G1) or continue on Humira® (G2).

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)
Riga Stradins University (Latvia)
Skåne university hospital, Lund University, Department of occupational and environmental dermatology (Sweden)
Lund University (Sweden)
Malmo University (Sweden)
University Hospital Cologne (Germany)
Ludwig – Maximilians University, Munich (Germany)
Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Branderburg (Germany)
Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI (USA)
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY (USA)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Research assistants PhD student Ieva Kubiliūtė and teaching assistant PhD student Elžbieta Matulytė attended EACS closed meetings by the personal invitations:
1. EACS Young Investigators Conference 2022, held in Brussels, Belgium on 01-02 July 2022
This two-day event included presentations, plenary sessions and workshops, organised by a scientific committee composed of young experts. The YING educational project aims to foster deeper and more frequent exchanges among young HIV experts across Europe.
2. EACS Standard of Care for HIV and Co-infections in Europe, held in Brussels, Belgium on 13-14 October 2022
This closed meeting gathers around a hundred HIV experts, community representatives and institutional partners from the WHO European region. It is a 1 ½ day meeting consisting of plenaries and information-sharing discussions on the current European situation. This meeting provides a unique opportunity to monitor progress and pitfalls in care for people living with HIV throughout Europe.
Research assistants PhD student Laura Lukavičiūtė participated in fellowship “Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis masterclass: from theory to practice“. November 24-25, 2022. Ghent, Belgium.
Assoc. prof. Dr Birutė Zablockienė participant at ESCMID Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate 2022-2024.
It is a 2-year studying programme with a broad range of topics in Antimicrobial Stewardship. Basic, advanced and elective courses should be completed, followed by exams and developed and implemented AMS project executed throughout the 2-year study period. The basic module in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and advanced modules in Rome, Italy and Belgrad, Serbia, are completed already.
Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė
• member of European Adult immunization board (AIB), http://www.adultimmunizationboard.org
• member of WHO International Steering Committee of Solidarity Trial
• member of the International Society of Travel Medicine, www.istm.org
• 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
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Gastroenterology, www.gastroenterologija.lt
• member of the working group for preparation of Action Plan for Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control 2019–2022, Lithuania
• member of the Coordination group for the control of national HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections action plan under Lithuanian Ministry of Health
• member of Independent Experts (advisors, consultants) group for the National Immunoprophylaxis programe for 2019–2023
• member of the working group for the concept of infectious diseases management and control, Ministry of Health of The Republic of Lithuania
• member of Expert group under Lithuanian Ministry of Health for the preparation of National guidelines for the rational use of antimicrobials and for the preparation of draft version of guidelines for the selection of the recommended first-line and reserve antimicrobials
• member of the Antibiotic Resistance Prevention Expert Group, Ministry of Health of The Republic of Lithuania
• member of the National Health Council (Nacionalinė sveikatos taryba), appointed in September 30, 2021 by the Seimas of Republic of Lithuania (resolution no. XIV-544 “On the appointment of Members of the National Health Council”)
• member of the Doctoral Committee on Public Health at Medical Faculty, Vilnius University
• member of the editorial committee of the journal “Internistas” supplement “Infekcinės ligos”
• member or lead of organizing committee of national scientific-practical conferences: “Resistance of microorganisms and choice of antimicrobial drugs and other relevant issues of infectious diseases", “Parasitic liver diseases”; September 22, 2022, “Actual topics in the epidemiology, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases”; October 12, 2022, “What's new in infectology: impressions from international scientific conferences in 2022”; December 21, 2022
• member of organizing committee of international scientific-practical conference “Infectology 2022”; June 3-4, 2022
Prof. Dr R. Matulionytė
• board member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt
• member of the editorial committee of the journal “Internistas” supplement “Infekcinės ligos”
• Lithuanian delegate in the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) – Infectious Diseases section
• steering committee member of the multi-centre prospective observational cohort study group EuroSIDA/RESPOND
• member of the HIV Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe (ECEE) Network Group
• member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), www.escmid.org
• member of the European AIDS Clinical Society, www.eacs.ws
• member of Monitoring network for drugs and drug addiction at Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control Department of the Republic of Lithuania
• member of the Antibiotic Resistance Prevention Expert Group, Ministry of Health of The Republic of Lithuania
• member of Independent Experts (advisors, consultants) group for the National Immunoprophylaxis programme for 2019–2023
Prof. Dr M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė
• board member of the European Association of Dermato Oncology, www.eado.org
• board member of the Baltic association of Dermatovenereologists, www.badv.org
• member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), www.eadv.org
• 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 member of the Journal of Health Sciences
• editorial board member of the Journal of Lithiania’s Obstetrics and Gynecology
• editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences), www.sam.lt/lt/sam/moksliniai/straipsniai/
Assoc. prof. Dr R. Gancevičienė
• president of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt
• member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, www.eadv.org
• member and board member of the local Euromelanoma Committee
• editorial board member of the Journal of Dermato-Endocrinology, Landes Biosciences
• member of the Scientific Technical Committee Cosmetics of Lithuanian Department for Standardization
• Member of the scientific committee of:
• -11th Conference of the European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation e.V.; https://www.ehsf 2022.com
• -Chair and board member: 35th Nordic Congress of Dermatology & Venereology, NCDV 2022; April 22, 2022, ncdv2022.org;
• -International Scientific-Practical Conference of Lithuanian Association Of Dermatovenereologist, 2022; April 29, 2022, Vilnius
• -Scientific-practical dermoscopy workshop, April 28, 2022; Vilnius
• -Scientific-practical symposium ”Harmonising Age-Related Facial Changes: combining synergistic non-surgical techniques”; September 14, 2022
• -Scientific - practical seminar “A practical approach to acne and the consequences that accompany the disease”; March 7, 2022, Vilnius
Assoc. prof. Dr J. Grigaitienė
• 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 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
Assoc. prof. Dr B. Zablockienė
• 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 Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists, http://www.chest.lt
• member of Lithuanian Ultrasound Association, http://www.ultragarsas.lt
• member of organizing committee of national scientific-practical conferences: “Resistance of microorganisms and choice of antimicrobial drugs and other relevant issues of infectious diseases" and “Actual topics in the epidemiology, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases”; 12th October 2022
• ESCMID Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate 2022-2024 participant. It is a 2-year studying programme with a broad range of topics in Antimicrobial Stewardship. Basic, advanced and elective courses should be completed, followed by exams and developed and implemented AMS project executed throughout the 2-year study period. The basic module in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and advanced modules in Rome, Italy and Belgrad, Serbia, are completed already.
Assoc. prof. Dr D. Radzišauskienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt
Assist. prof. Dr R. Valintėlienė
• member of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, www.escmid.org
• member of the editorial committee of the journal “Internistas” supplement “Infekcinės ligos”
Teaching assist. I. Kisielienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt
Teaching assist. T. Raudonis
• 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 European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation, www.ehsf.eu
• specialist in the EU project 761319 (partner - Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos) - Joint Action on integrating prevention, testing and link to care strategies across HIV, viral hepatitis, TB and STIs in Europe (INTEGRATE)
Teaching assist. E. Matulytė
• 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.org
Teaching assist. D.Stundys
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt
Research assist. I. Kubiliūtė
• 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.org
Research assist. E. Strumilienė
• member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists, http://www.chest.lt/
• member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists and Allergologists, www.pulmoalerg.lt
• member of Society of Vilnius Region Allergologists and Immunologists, www.vaki.lt
• member of European Respiratory Society, https://www.ersnet.org/
Research assist. L. Lukavičiūtė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt
• member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), www.eadv.org
Lect. M. Paulauskas
• 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
Lect. L. Svetikas
• 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
Lect. O. Aliancevič
• 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
Lect. K. Žvirblytė-Skrebutėnienė
• members of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt
Lect. A. Marcinkutė
• 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
Lect. M. Macejevska
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt
• member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, www.eadv.org
Research Assist. S. Grubytė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Dermatovenereology, www.ldvd.lt
Investigator F. Majauskaitė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt
Investigator K. Vagoraitė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Infectious Diseases, www.lid.lt

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė. Oral presentation “Travellers vaccinations, recommendations and peculiarities during COVID-19” at Riga Stradins University international COVID-19 conference „Impact, innovations and plannig“, April 28-29, 2022, Riga, Latvia
2. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė. Oral presentation ”COVID-19 laboratory testing from clinician perspective” at international scientific-practical conference “Roche Diagnostic Day 2022” on May 12, 2022.
3. Assoc. prof. Dr R. Ganceviciene. “State of the art: traditional treatments for acne and rosacea” 5th Nordic Congress of Dermatology & Venereology, NCDV 2022; ncdv2022.org; April 22, 2022; Copenhagen, Denmark.
4. Research assistant L. Lukaviciute, R. McGlone, A. Rudnicka. Oral presentation „Atopic dermatitis: the results of baltic observational study“. BADV 18TH Congress. September 22-24, 2022. Riga, Latvia.
5. Research assistant, PhD student I. Kubiliute, Dr J. Urboniene, assoc. prof. Dr B. Zablockiene, Dr G. Gefenaite, prof. Dr L. Jancoriene. Poster presentation „Prognostic Factors for In-hospital Mortality of Patients with Severe COVID-19 Hospitalized in the University Medical Center, Lithuania“ at International conference ID week 2022, in October 19-3, 2022, Washington DC, USA. Published at Open Forum Infectious Diseases, Volume 9, Issue Supplement_2, December 2022, ofac492.366, https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofac492.366
6. Prof. Dr R. Matulionyte. Integrated HIV/viral hepatitis indicator-condition guided testing in hospital settings.ECDC online workshop: Implementing ECDC HIV, hepatitis B and C testing guidance, as well as STI testing standards in the EU/EEA (specific contract No1 ECDC/2021/020);Web-based, August 25-26 (Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia), September 14-15 (France, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland), 21-22 September (Austria, Belgium, Germany), September 27-28 (Croatia, Greece, Malta, Portugal), October 5-6 (Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania). Audience: Public health professionals covering the different disease areas (STIs, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis) who are responsible for testing policy and guidelines and/or have experience organising and implementing testing in EU/EEA countries.
7. https://eva.ecdc.europa.eu/totara/catalog/index.php?catalog_fts=HIVSTIVH&orderbykey=featured&itemstyle=narrow

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė:
• member of European Adult immunization board (AIB), http://www.adultimmunizationboard.org
• Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė: member of Council of Health Experts initiated by the President of the Republic of Lithuania.
• Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė is a member of National Health Board. member of the National Health Council (Nacionalinė sveikatos taryba) on 30 September, 2021 appointed by the Seimas of Republic of Lithuania (resolution no. XIV-544 “On the appointment of Members of the National Health Council”)

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė delivered oral presentation “Significance of COVID-19 vaccination in the heat of spread of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain”, clinical practical conference for pharmacists, 10st February 2022, Vilnius, Lithuania.
2. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė delivered presentation „Ilgasis COVID-19 ir pokovidinis sindromas [Long-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome]“ at Roundtable discussion „COVID-19 akualijos [COVID-19 actualities]“ at Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, 5th April 2022, Vilnius, Lithuania.
3. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė moderated one part of discussion at the Health Forum "Lessons from health crises and preparedness for threats", on 27th Jun 2022, Presidential Palace, Vilnius
4. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė delivered presentation „Hepatito C viruso eliminacijos perspektyva Europoje [Hepatitis C virus elimination perspective in Europe]“ at World Hepatitis C Day Forum, Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, 21st July 2022, Vilnius, Lithuania.
5. Prof. Dr R. Matulionytė participated in programs related to AIDS Day on Lithuanian national (LRT) TV, Delfi TV, “Žinių” radio.
6. Research assistant L. Lukavičiūtė. Oral presentation „ Treatment of mild forms of skin psoriasis. Psoriasis: when a systemic disease requires a systemic approach“. Skin Academy [Odos akademija] online Seminars. 3th October – 5th December 2022.
7. Research assistant L. Lukavičiūtė. Organising and lecturing in an educational project on skin diseases and their prevention - Skin Academy.
8. Prof. Dr J. Grigaitienė, research assistant L. Lukavičiūtė, I. Gylienė, J. Pamedys, S. Tulytė, N. Fatkulina, J. Kesienė, M. Kliukas. Authors of methodological document "Melanoma of the skin: prevention, diagnosis and treatment" has been prepared by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania. Project No 10.1.3-ESFA-V-918-01-0009 "Improving the quality of services through the development of standards for integrated health care for the main causes of death and health disorders".
9. Educational material (lectures) uploaded in the leading Baltic’s online education platform for healthcare professionals EVISIT for registered healthcare specialists. Those who are listened lectures and answered he test questions earns CME points or credit points:
10. Prof. Dr L. Jančorienė “Chronic viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, HIV infection: what are the features for such co-infection, principles of diagnostics and treatment and sequela”. This course covers hepatitis C and HIV confection in liver cirrhosis patients, it’s dignostics, treatment and surveilance. Uploaded on July 2022
11. Scientific popularization on TV, radio and Internet broadcasts (prof. Dr L. Jančorienė, prof. Dr R. Matulionytė, prof. Dr M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė, assoc. prof. Dr J. Grigaitienė, assoc. prof. Dr R. Ganceviciene, assoc. prof. Dr D. Radzišauskienė, assoc. prof. Dr B. Zablockienė, assist. prof. Dr R. Valintėlienė, teaching assit. T. Raudonis, teaching assit. E. Matulytė, lecturer L. Svetikas, lecturerA. Marcinkutė).
12. The Lithuanian public broadcaster, Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT) in 1st January 2022 published Awards of the Year 2021: State Creator of the Year - Ligita Jančorienė (For tireless work at the epicenter of the pandemic) [The creator of the state of the year is the person, collective or organization that has contributed the most to the growth of the Lithuanian state]. Read more:
13. https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000192875/lrt-metu-apdovanojimai-2021-metu-valstybes-kurejas-ligita-jancoriene
14. On the evening of Vilnius' 699th birthday, 10 Vilnius residents were presented with Christopher statuettes for ideas and works for Vilnius, fostering and glorifying the city. St. The Christopher Awards have been awarded since 1998. Nominations for merit in science, law enforcement, education, culture and art, Vilnius historical memory, sports, business, tourism development, charity, architecture are offered by Vilnius residents, other nominations offered by Vilnius residents are also possible. In 25th January 2022 Ligita Jančorienė was awarded with the Christopher statuette: prof. L. Jančorienė The head of Centre of Infectious Diseases, has focused her professional knowledge on acute and chronic viral hepatitis, HIV infection, other viral infections, infectious diseases and their prevention, vaccination and travel medicine. Read more: https://www.vz.lt/laisvalaikis/akiraciai/2022/01/26/sv-kristoforo-statuleles--mokslininkams-gydytojams-menininkams

CLINIC OF CHEST DISEASES, IMMUNOLOGY AND ALLERGOLOGY

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 250 1871
E-mail: ;
Head – Prof. Dr Edvardas Danila

STAFF
Professors: Dr E. Danila (part-time), Dr L. Malinauskienė (part-time).
Affiliated professor: Dr Habil. R. Dubakienė.
Research professor: Dr V. Kvedarienė (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr A. Chomičienė (part-time), Dr V. Gruslys (part-time), Dr Habil. R. Janilionis (part-time), Dr V. Šileikienė (part-time), Dr R. Zablockis (part-time).
Senior researcher: Dr L. Malinauskienė (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr Ž. Jagelavičius (part-time), Dr K. Linauskienė.
Teaching assistant: K. Černiauskas (part-time), R. Gauronskaitė (part-time).
Lecturers: E. Bagurskienė (part-time), G. Cincilevičiūtė (part-time), K. Kėvelaitienė (part-time), V. Kumpauskaitė (part-time), G. Šlekytė (part-time).
Doctoral students: K. Černiauskas, R. Gauronskaitė, R. Vėbrienė.
Students’ scientific groups:
Pulmonology: scientific leader – Prof. E. Danila, coordinator – student R. Bleifertaitė; 18 members of the group.
Allergy and Clinic Immunology: scientific leader – Res. prof. V. Kvedarienė, coordinator – student G. Biliūtė; 42 members of the group.
Thoracic Surgery: scientific leader – Assist. prof. Ž. Jagelavičius, coordinator – student T. Abartis; 16 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Evaluation of the efficacy of the diagnostic and treatment methods in obstructive, interstitial, neoplastic and allergic lung diseases: diagnosis and management of intersticial lung diseases.
• Diagnosis and management of COPD and bronchial asthma; sensitivity to various kinds of desinfectants among the medical staff.
• Development of new technologies, methods of early cancer detection and treatment interventions
• Improvement of the quality of life of cancer patients.
• Pleural disease, diagnostic procedures, pleural biopsy; diagnosis, epidemiological and clinical research of drug hypersensitivity.
• Allergen immunotherapy: selection of patients, efficacy of different methods and long term treatment results.
• Drug hypersensitivity diagnostic peculiarities.
• Contact allergy to cosmetics, textiles, and heavy metals.
• Study of interactions between allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma, application of new technologies in allergic and respiratory diseases.
• Strategy and approaches of the surgical management of patients with different thoracic pathology.
• Role of mobile technologies in diagnostic and management of allergic diseases.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Lung Diseases. Prof. E. Danila. 2014–2022.
The study aims 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, and biopsy material were evaluated.
Main publication:
1. Pocienė I, Gauronskaitė R, Galkauskas D, Mainelis A, Gruslys V, Danila E. Age as a risk factor in the occurrence of complications during or after bronchoscopic lung biopsy. Geriatrics (Basel) 2022; 7(2): 34.

Predictors of noninvasive respiratory support failure in COVID-19 patients. Assoc. Prof. R. Zablockis. 2017–2022.
Patients who required NIV exhibited a higher prevalence of treatment failure and had higher mortality than patients who received high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). Using logistic regression, the respiratory rate oxygenation (ROX) index at 24 h and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were found to be predictors of HFNC efficacy. It was the ROX index at 24 h and the CCI optimum cut-off values for HFNC outcome that were 6.1 and 2.5, respectively. Serum ferritin level and lymphocyte count were confirmed as predictors of NIV failure. Serum ferritin level at a cut-off value of 456.2 ng/mL and lymphocyte count lower than 0.70 per mm3 were associated with NIV failure with 70.5% sensitivity, 68.7% specificity and sensitivity of 84.1%, specificity of 56.2%, respectively.
Main publication:
1. Zablockis R, Šlekytė G, Mereškevičienė R, Kėvelaitienė K, Zablockienė B, Danila E. Predictors of noninvasive respiratory support failure in COVID-19 patients: a prospective observational study. Medicina (Kaunas) 2022; 58(6): 769.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and comorbidities. Prof. E. Danila. 2014–2022.
Various comorbidities and multimorbidities frequently occur in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to an overload of healthcare systems and increased mortality. The cross-sectional analysis of the nationwide Lithuanian database was performed; 321,297 patients aged 40-79 years were included; 4834 of them had COPD. A significantly higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), lung cancer, kidney diseases, and the association of COPD with six-fold higher odds of lung cancer (OR 6.66; p < 0.0001), a two-fold of heart failure (OR 2.61; p < 0.0001), and CVD (OR 1.83; p < 0.0001) was found. Six clusters in COPD males and five in females were pointed out in patients without COPD-five and four clusters accordingly. The most prevalent cardiovascular cluster had no significant difference according to sex or COPD presence, but a different linkage of dyslipidemia was found. The study raises the need to elaborate on adjusted multimorbidity case management and screening tools to enable better outcomes.
Main publications:
1. Jurevičienė E, Burneikaitė G, Dambrauskas L, Kasiulevičius V, Kazėnaitė E, Navickas R, Puronaitė R, Smailytė G, Visockienė Ž, Danila E. Epidemiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comorbidities in Lithuanian national database: a cluster analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19(2): 970.

Drug Hypersensitivity Diagnostic Peculiarities. Prof. L. Malinauskienė. 2014–2022.
In 2022, we analysed data on the vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine in the suspected hypersensitive patient population and rare adverse reactions to drugs.
Main publications:
1. Malinauskiene L, Aleksandraviciute L, Kryzauskaite L, Savlan I. Rare complication of nadroparin injections: Skin necrosis and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10(1): e05297.
2. Žilėnaitė E, Malinauskienė L, Černiauskas K, Griguola L, Linauskienė K, Kvedarienė V, Chomičienė A. Vaccinating with a COVID-19 Vaccine: Experience of the Tertiary Allergology Center. Acta Med Litu 2022; 29(1): 27-32.

Strategy and approaches of the surgical management of patients with different thoracic pathology. Assoc. Prof. R. Janilionis. 2017–2022.
Work on spontaneous pneumothorax is in progress, and 23 new patients were included in the prospective study part during the year. Collecting retrospective data is in progress. Collected and analysed data about spontaneous pneumothorax and mediastinal or subcutaneous emphysema in patients with COVID-19 infection.
Updated and supplemented data on surgical treatment of myasthenia gravis.
Updated and supplemented data on the result of surgical treatment of postintubation tracheal stenosis.

National Research Projects
Seasonal Peculiarities of Indoor Air Pollution and Its Impact on Respiratory Morbidity and Allergy of Primary School Children (LMT, P-MIP-20-404). The Research Council of Lithuania. Dr V. Kvedarienė. 2020–2025.
The project aims to quantify the impact of air pollution on child morbidity as a result of respiratory and allergic respiratory diseases and to assess the main sources of indoor air pollution. This idea will be implemented through complex measurements of air quality, statistical data analysis of children’s health status and cases of respiratory tract inflammations and allergic testing. The results of the project will allow recommendations to be made relating to the improvement of school indoor air quality for national health organisations, making a better environment for children.
In 2022, the air pollution levels of aerosol particles in the school environment were assessed, and the main pollution sources were determined. The diagnosis of allergic diseases in primary school children started.
Main publication:
1. Juskiene I, Prokopciuk N, Franck U, Valiulis A, Valskys V, Mesceriakova V, Kvedariene V, Valiulyte I, Poluzioroviene E, Sauliene I, Valiulis A. Indoor air pollution effects on pediatric asthma are submicron aerosol particle-dependent. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181(6): 2469-2480.

International Research Projects
Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The SADA Network (European Sleep Apnea Database) supports the project. Assoc. Prof. R. Zablockis. 2017–2022.
Twenty-six countries (36 sleep centres) representing 20 ESADA and six non-ESADA countries participated in the project, performing OSA diagnostic procedures as well as treatment and titration procedures. In 2022, the study data was analysed, and the article was prepared and published.
Main publication:
1. Fietze I, Laharnar N, Bargiotas P, ..., Zablockis R, Penzel T. Management of obstructive sleep apnea in Europe - A 10-year follow-up. Sleep Med 2022; 97: 64-72.

Contact allergy to textiles. The project is supported by the Edvard Welander-Finsen (Sweden) grant. Prof. L. Malinauskienė. 2014–2022.
A. Patch-testing with a textile dye mix not containing DO 3
In 2022, consecutive patients in Vilnius and Malmo were tested with a new TDM 7.0%. Data were analysed, and the results were published.
B. Patch testing patients with the textile extracts and isolated dyes
In 2022, TDM 6.6% pet. positive individuals were patch tested with the extracts of synthetic fibre clothes that do not contain any of the pure DDs present in the TDM 6.6% to study the reactivity pattern. The results were analysed and published.
Main publications:
1. Linauskiene K, Zimerson E, Sörensen Ö, Antelmi A, Bruze M, Dahlin J, Malinauskiene L, Stenton J, Svedman C, Isaksson M. Patch test results to extracts of synthetic garments in textile dye positive patients. Contact Dermatitis 2022; 87(4): 325-330.
2. Isaksson M, Antelmi A, Dahlin J, Stenton J, Svedman C, Zimerson E, Glas B, Hagvall L, Lagrelius M, Löwnertz A, Malinauskiene L, Matura M, Bruze M. Exclusion of Disperse Orange 3 is possible from the textile dye mix present in the Swedish baseline patch test series. A study by the Swedish Contact Dermatitis Research Group. Contact Dermatitis 2022. doi: 10.1111/cod.14223. Epub ahead of print.

Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) in collaboration with the leading French scientists Prof. Pascal Demoly (Montpellier University, France) and Prof. J. Bousquet (INSERM 1168, France) and cooperation with 70 centres of science worldwide. Prof. R. Dubakienė, Dr V. Kvedarienė, 2002–2025.
In 2022, the data were analysed, and the results were published.
Main publication:
1. Bousquet J, Toumi M, Sousa-Pinto B, ... Kvedariene V.... The Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) Approach of Value-Added Medicines: As-Needed Treatment in Allergic Rhinitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2022; 10(11): 2878-2888.

Integrated Care Pathways for Airway Diseases (AIRWAYS-ICPs).
AIRWAYS ICPs was initiated in 2014 in collaboration with the leading French scientists: Prof. Pascal Demoly (Montpellier University, France) and Prof. Jean Bousquet (INSERM 1168, France) and 23 collaborating centres. Dr V. Kvedarienė. 2014–2025.
The practical consideration of the organisational allergy department on COVID-19 was created by a panel of international experts. The data were analysed, and the results were published.
Main publication:
1. Sousa-Pinto B, Sá-Sousa A, Amaral R, ... Kvedarienė V, .... Assessment of the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) using MASK-air. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2022; 10(1): 343-345.e2.

European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) in collaboration with the leading French scientists: Prof. P. Demoly (Montpellier University, France) and Prof. J. Bousquet (INSERM 1168, France) and 74 collaborating centres. Dr V. Kvedarienė. 2014–2025.
The data were analysed, and the results were published.
Main publication:
1. Sousa-Pinto B, Azevedo LF, Jutel M, ... Kvedariene V, .... Development and validation of combined symptom-medication scores for allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2022; 77(7): 2147-2162.

Study of Interactions between Allergic Rhinitis and Bronchial Asthma, Application of New Technologies in the Program (MASK-air/MASK: MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel Network) in collaboration with the leading French scientists: Prof. P. Demoly (Montpellier University, France) and Prof. J. Bousquet (INSERM 1168, France) and cooperation – 23 centres of science worldwide. Dr V. Kvedarienė. 2014–2025.
The data were analysed, and the results were published.
Main publications:
1. Kvedarienė V, Biliute G, Didziokaitė G, Kavaliukaite L, Savonyte A, Rudzikaite-Fergize G, Puronaite R, Norkuniene J, Emuzyte R, Dubakiene R, Valiulis A, Sousa-Pinto B, Bedbrook A, Bousquet J. Mobile health app for monitoring allergic rhinitis and asthma in real life in Lithuanian MASK-air users. Clin Transl Allergy 2022; 12(9): 12192.
2. Sousa-Pinto B, Azevedo LF, Sá-Sousa A, ... Kvedariene V, .... Allergen immunotherapy in MASK-air users in real-life: Results of a Bayesian mixed-effects model. Clin Transl Allergy 2022; 12(3): e12128.
3. Sousa-Pinto B, Schünemann HJ, Sá-Sousa A, ... Kvedariene V, .... Comparison of rhinitis treatments using MASK-air® data and considering the minimal important difference. Allergy 2022; 77(10): 3002-3014.

TWINNING (Transfer of Innovation) Research Project. Since 2014, in collaboration with the leading French Prof. J. Bousquet (INSERM 1168, France) and cooperation – with 23 centres of science worldwide. Dr V. Kvedarienė. 2014–2025.
The aim of this study was to transfer innovation from an app developed by the MACVIA-France EIP on the AHA reference site (Allergy Diary) to other reference sites. The research data of a few years was summarised, and the article in the course of writing.
Contractual Research
The benralizumab retrospective study has been commissioned to describe real-world patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes in Central Eastern Europe and the Baltics (BREEZE) (Study Code D3250R00108). Assoc. Prof. V. Šileikienė. 2022.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University (Sweden)
Prof. Pascal Demoly (Montpellier University, France) and Prof. Jean Bousquet (INSERM 1168, France), Prof. Annick Barbaud (Hopital universitaire Est Parisien site Tenon) Paris (France)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. E. Danila
• member of European Respiratory Society (ERS), http://www.ersnet.org/;
• vice-chair and member of the Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists, http://www.chest.lt/;
• editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Children’s Pulmonology and Allergology).
• editorial board member of the journal Pulmonology News, http://www.chest.lt
Affil. 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. L. Malinauskienė
• member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (www.eaaci.org);
• board member of the Lithuanian society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
• president of the Vilnius Regional Society of Allergologists and Clinical Immunologists;
• national representative of the International Hereditary Angioedema Organization (https://paelietuva.haei.org/);
• editor-in-chief of the journal Alergija, astma, imunologija (Allergy Asthma Immunology) (https://www.medpraktika.lt/leidiniai/zurnalai/internisto-priedai/ ) and editorial board member of the journal Pulmonologija ir alergologija (Pulmonology and Allergology) (https://www.pulmoalerg.lt/wp-admin/admin-post.php?action=preview_document&post_id=2096).
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. Dr Habil. R. Janilionis
• 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.lt0.
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. 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);
• board member of Vilnius Regional Society of Allergologists and Clinical Immunologists http://vaki.lt.
Research professor 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);
• chairman of Lituanian Allergy and Asthma Association;
• 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 Lithuanian Asthma Patients Association.
Assoc. prof. V. Šileikienė, Lect. G. Cincilevičiūtė, Lect. V. Kumpauskaitė, Lect. G. Šlekytė, Lect. E. Bagurskienė
• members of European Respiratory Society (ERS), http://www.ersnet.org/;
• members of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists, http://www.chest.lt/.
Assist. prof. Ž. Jagelavičius
• board 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.
Lect. K. Kėvelaitienė
• member of European Respiratory Society (ERS);
• member of Lithuanian Society of Pulmonologists.
Teaching assistant 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/.
Assist. prof. 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).
PhD stud. R. Vėbrienė
• member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Matulytė E, Davidavičienė E, Kančauskienė Ž, Diktanas S, Kaušas A, Vėlyvytė D, Lipnickienė V, Laurenčikaitė M, Danila E, Costagliola D, Matulionytė R. The socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and outcomes of tuberculosis among HIV-infected adults in Lithuania: a twelve-year analysis. 31st European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2021), Vienna, Austria, 9–12 July 2021: online. Vienna: ECCMID. 2021, abstract no 02214.
2. Matulytė E, Kančiauskienė Z, Kaušas A, Barkus A, Lipnickienė V, Razmienė I, Kopeikinienė J, Gudaitis T, Raudonis S, Danila E, Costagliola D, Matulionytė R. Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and associated risk factors in people living with HIV in Lithuania. HIV Medicine. 2021, 22,S3(PE3/59): 178–180. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/hiv.13183.
3. Orvydaitė M, Kvedarienė V. The role of skin testing in iodinated contrast media induced hypersensitivity. The 21st International Congress of Young Medical Scientists, 27–29 May 2021, Poznan, Poland.
4. Matulytė E, Lisinskaitė A, Gudaitis T, Raudonis Š, Danila E, Costagliola D, Matulionytė R, Kančauskienė Ž, Kaušas A, Urbonienė J, Lipnickienė V, Razmienė I, Kopeykinienė J, Jonaitytė B, Eimutienė A, Arštikaitienė G. Latent tuberculosis infection and associated risk factors among people living with HIV and HIV-uninfected individuals in Lithuania. „HIV Glasgow“. 23–26 October 2022, Glasgow, UK.
5. Danila E. Selected topics from ERS Congress 2022. International conference "The Baltic respiration days". 04-05 November 2022, Riga, Latvia.
6. Malinauskiene L.Lectured at the European Society of Contact Dermatitis Congress (June 8-10, 2022, Amsterdam. The Netherlands) „What we know about textile dermatitis?“

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
1. R. Dubakienė prepared Lithuanian names of food allergens for the Bank of Terms of the Lithuanian State Commission.
2. E. Danila, R. Zablockis participated in: 1) the Intensive pulmonology task force of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania; 2) the Hospital pulmonology services task force of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.
3. E. Danila is a member of the Lithuanian Group of Independent Experts (Advisers, Consultants) at the National Immunoprophylaxis Programme.
4. A. Chomičienė participated in the Hospital allergology services task force of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.
5. Malinauskiene L. Participated in the Bronchial asthma task force of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
1. E. Danila, R. Zablockis, L. Malinauskiene – regular consultations for Lithuanian State Ministry of Health.
2. E. Danila, R. Zablockis, L. Malinauskiene, V. Šileikienė, V. Kvedarienė – advisory board for several pharmaceutical companies.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. E. Danila – Participation in radio and TV interviews about lung diseases for the public. Press publications on lung diseases for the general public.
2. L. Malinauskienė – Interviews on national TV, Facebook about allergic diseases.
3. R. Zablockis – Press publications on lung diseases for the general public (www.delfi.lt/sveikata).
4. V. Kvedarienė - Participation in radio and TV interviews about allergic diseases for the public. Press publications on allergy for the general public. Allergy shool medical advisor and lector for allergic patients.
5. A. Chomičienė – Interviews on national TV, radio about allergic diseases.

CLINIC OF NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 868862744
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Dalius Jatužis

CENTRE OF NEUROLOGY

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5095
E-mail: ;
Head – Prof. Dr Gintaras Kaubrys

CENTRE OF NEUROSURGERY

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 869771394, 868743480
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Saulius Ročka

STAFF
Professors: Dr D. Jatužis, Dr G. Kaubrys, Dr R. Mameniškienė, Dr S. Ročka, Dr P. T. Wolf
Associate professors: Dr R. Kizlaitienė, Dr J. Valaikienė, Dr K. Ryliškienė, Dr A. Vilionskis, Dr N. Giedraitienė.
Assistant professors: Dr R. Kaladytė Lokominienė, Dr A. Klimašauskienė, Dr A. Vaitkevičius, Dr R. Kvaščevičius, Dr G. Terbetas, Dr I. Slautaitė, Dr A. Preikšaitis, Dr I. Sereikė, Dr A. Jasionis, Dr R. Daukšys.
Teaching assistants: E. Audronytė, R. Masiliūnas, A. Ekkert, J. Guk, V. Taluntienė, V. Sutnikienė, Ž. Chomanskis, A. Daškevičiūtė, V. Lukošaitis.
Lecturers: G. Lukšys, G. Sudarytė, A. Visockytė.
Research professors: Dr D. Jatužis, Dr R. Mameniškienė.
Researchers: Dr A. Preikšaitis, Dr K. Ryliškienė, Dr S. Ročka, Dr E. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė.
Research assistant: -
Doctoral students: J. Ščerbak, S. Andruškevičius, G. Pakulaitė-Kazlienė.
Students’ scientific groups of:
Neurology: scientific leader: Dr K. Ryliškienė, coordinator: K. Puteikis; 70 members of the group.
Neurosurgery: scientific leader: Dr G. Terbetas, coordinator: M. Orvydaitė; 24 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Cognitive disorders in neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular, demyelinating diseases and epilepsy.
• Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, demyelinating diseases, headache, dizziness and degenerative spinal diseases.
• Pharmacogenomics, impact of COVID-19, electroencephalographic changes during the different stimulations, prognostic implications, antiseizure medications in epilepsy.
• Research on cerebral autoregulation disorders in traumatic injury and subarachnoidal bleeding, deep brain stimulation and blood pressure control, intratumoral genetic heterogeneity in brain gliomas, blood brain barrier pathology in vitro.
• Historical research on the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of nervous diseases in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, 19th century and interwar Lithuania.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Cognitive Disorders in Neurodegenerative, Cerebrovascular, Demyelinating Diseases and Epilepsy. Prof. G. Kaubrys. 2014–2022.
Research in the field of Alzheimer’s disease has been continued to evaluate the potential of computerised cognitive tests to predict early response to treatment and to search for new markers of very early Alzheimer’s disease (study of cognitive, olfactory and visuoperceptive functions). The cognitive features of multiple sclerosis were investigated; neurofilament light chain and optical coherence tomography have been studied as differential markers for various clinical forms of multiple sclerosis. Cognitive and psychometric assessments of patients with epilepsy were continued.
Main publications:
1. Giedraitiene N, Taluntiene V, Kaubrys G. Relationship between cognition and treatment adherence to disease-modifying therapy in multiple sclerosis: a prospective, cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports. 2022, 12(1): 12447. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-16790-3.
2. Puteikis K, Mameniškienė R. Psychometric properties of the Lithuanian version of the patient-weighted inventory on quality of life in epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav. 2022, 130: 108648. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108648.
3. Puteikis K, Mameniškytė A, Mameniškienė R. Sleep quality, mental health and learning among high school students after reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of a cross-sectional online survey. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022, 19(5): 2553. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19052553.

Diagnostic Evaluation and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disorders, Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Brain Disorders, Epilepsy, Headache, Dizziness, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Degenerative Spinal Diseases and Cerebral Neoplasms. Prof. D. Jatužis. 2014–2022.
Clinical research focussed on epidemiological findings, clinical characteristics, diagnostics, treatment, and prognostic factors of different neurological and neurosurgical disorders (stroke, migraine, dizziness and vertigo, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, cerebral neoplasms) has been continued. New methods of endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, innovative monitoring devices for traumatic brain injury, and new modalities in minimally invasive degenerative spinal disease management were investigated.
Main publications:
1. Giedraitiene N, Gasciauskaite G, Kaubrys G. Impact of autologous HSCT on the quality of life and fatigue in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Scientific Reports. 2022, 13; 12(1):15404. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-19748-7.
2. Deimantavicius M, Chaleckas E, Boere K, Putynaite V, Tamosuitis T, Tamasauskas A, Kavaliauskas M, Rocka S, Preiksaitis A, Vosylius S, Krakauskaite S, Berskiene K, Petkus V, Ragauskas A. Feasibility of the optimal cerebral perfusion pressure value identification without a delay that is too long. Scientific Reports. 2022, 12: 17724. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-22566-6.
3. Dapkutė A, Vainauskienė J, Ryliškienė K. Patient-reported outcomes of migraine treatment with erenumab: results from national patient survey. Neurol Sci. 2022, 43(5): 3305-3312. doi: 10.1007/s10072-021-05861-4.

Historical Research on the Prevalence, Diagnosis and Treatment of Nervous System Diseases in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, 19th Century and Interwar Lithuania. Prof. D. Jatužis and E. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė. Prof. D. Jatužis and E. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė. 2020–2023.
The study aims to reveal the origins of neurology in Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the first half of the 19th century in Vilnius, and interwar Lithuania: to show how the basic medical systems influenced the perception of nervous system diseases and treatment options, to evaluate the perception of aetiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, prophylaxis and treatment methods of nervous system diseases, to discover the origins of neurosurgery, to reveal the principles of the human cognition research.
Main publications:
1. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė E. Pamišimas ir epilepsija paūmėja šviečiant mėnesienai. Nervų ligos Vilniuje XIX a. pirmoje pusėje (Insanity and epilepsy worsen when the moonlight shines: diseases of the nervous system in the first half of the 19th-century in Vilnius). Vilnius, LAPAS, 2022 (in Lithuanian, with summary in English).

National Research Projects
Cognitive Functions in Patients With Generalised Epilepsy and Their Relationship With Demographic and Clinical Characteristics. (No. 09.3.3.-LMT-K-712-24-0199). The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. R. Mameniškienė. 2021-2022.
Analysis of data from a two-point cross-section study was performed; cognitive functions of patients with generalised epilepsy and their links to demographic and clinical characteristics were described, and the difference in cognitive functions that occurred over several years of the disease was assessed.
Main publication:
1. Puteikis K, Wolf P, Mameniškienė R. Accelerated long-term forgetting in adult patients with genetic generalized epilepsy. Epilepsia. 2022, 63(2): 474-482. doi: 10.1111/epi.17144.

Risk of Suicidal Ideation in Patients With Epilepsy. The Research Council of Lithuania. No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-25-0202). Prof. R. Mameniškienė. 2021-2022.
Desk research was performed, the database of patients with epilepsy was created, a questionnaire was developed, and analysis started.
Main publication:
1. Puteikis K, Mameniškienė R. Psychometric properties of the Lithuanian version of the NDDI-E in persons with epilepsy and suicidal ideation. Epilepsy Behav. 2022, 136: 108913. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.

International Research Projects
Implementation Research Network in Stroke Care Quality – IRENE COST ACTION. Participants: Assoc. Prof. A. Vilionskis, Teaching Assist. R. Masiliūnas, Prof. D. Jatužis. 2018–2023.
Collaborative project with other stroke centres from Eastern, North and Central Europe aimed to alleviate disparities in stroke care and improve outcomes after stroke. The IRENE COST Action is conducted mainly in European countries where the burden of stroke is higher, while the quality of stroke care is lower, and resources for healthcare are less developed compared to other European countries. In 2022, the issues of pre-hospital care, the prevalence of stroke risk factors and the treatment of acute stroke in Lithuania were investigated.
Main publications:
1. Sveikata L, Melaika K, Wiśniewski A, Vilionskis A, Petrikonis K, Stankevičius E, Jurjans K, Ekkert A, Jatužis D, Masiliūnas R. Interactive training of the emergency medical services improved prehospital stroke recognition and transport time. Front Neurol. 2022, 13: 765165. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.765165.
2. Masiliūnas R, Dapkutė A, Grigaitė J, Lapė J, Valančius D, Bacevičius J, Katkus R, Vilionskis A, Klimašauskienė A, Ekkert A, Jatužis D. High prevalence of atrial fibrillation in a Lithuanian stroke patient cohort. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022, 58(6): 800. doi: 10.3390/medicina58060800.
3. Teivane A, Jurjāns K, Vētra J, Grigorjeva J, Kupcs K, Masiliūnas R, Miglāne E. Tenecteplase or alteplase better in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion: a single center observational study. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022, 58(9): 1169. doi:10.3390/medicina58091169.

Safe Implementation of Treatment of Stroke (SITS – MOST) Project. Participants: Assoc. Prof. A. Vilionskis, Prof. D. Jatužis. 2009-2022.
Collaborative project with other stroke centres from Eastern and Central Europe: a prospective international database of all acute stroke patients treated with reperfusion treatment. The aim of the project is to collect demographic, clinical, radiological, and treatment details of all acute ischemic stroke patients treated with reperfusion treatment as a three-month follow-up as well. In 2022, the important results of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke were analysed and published.
Main publications:
1. Roaldsen MB, Eltoft A, Wilsgaard T, Christensen H, Engelter ST, Indredavik B, Jatužis D, Karelis G, Kõrv J, Lundström E, Petersson J, Putaala J, Søyland MH, Tveiten A, Bivard A, Johnsen SH, Mazya MV, Werring DJ, Wu TY, De Marchis GM, Robinson TG, Mathiesen EB; TWIST Investigators. Safety and efficacy of tenecteplase in patients with wake-up stroke assessed by non-contrast CT (TWIST): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Neurol. 2022: S1474-4422(22)00484-7. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(22)00484-7.
2. Jurkevičienė J, Vaišvilas M, Masiliūnas R, Matijošaitis V, Vaitkus A, Geštautaitė D, Taroza S, Puzinas P, Galvanauskaitė E, Jatužis D, Vilionskis A. Reperfusion therapies for acute ischemic stroke in COVID-19 patients: a nationwide multi-center study. J Clin Med. 2022; 11: 3004. doi: 10.3390/jcm11113004.
3. Vilionskis A, Gaigalaitė V, Šalaševičius L, Jatužis D. Association between systolic blood pressure parameters and unexplained early neurological deterioration (UnND) in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2022, 15: 17562864221093524. doi: 10.1177/17562864221093524.

European Stroke Organisation: Enhancing and Accelerating Stroke (ESO-EAST project). National representative: Assoc. Prof. A. Vilionskis. 2015–2022.
ESO-EAST (European Stroke Organisation: Enhancing and Accelerating Stroke Treatment) is the first comprehensive programme of improving stroke care in Europe. ESO-EAST Programme is initiated by the European Stroke Organisation and implemented in Eastern European countries through the participation of stroke professionals, professional organisations, and local authorities. In 2022, important results of comprehensive national stroke patient care policy in Lithuania 2014-2019 were finalised and published.
Main publications:
1. Masiliūnas R, Vilionskis A, Bornstein N, Rastenytė D, Jatužis D. The impact of a comprehensive national policy on improving acute stroke patient care in Lithuania. Eur Stroke J. 2022, 7: 134-142. doi: 10.1177/23969873221089158.
2. Melaika K, Sveikata L, Vilionskis A, Wiśniewski A, Jurjans K, Klimašauskas A, Jatužis D, Masiliūnas R. Prehospital stroke care, paramedic training needs, and hospital-directed feedback in Lithuania. Healthcare. 2022, 10, 1958. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10101958.

The Neuro-POCUS working group. Participants: Assoc. Prof. J. Valaikienė. 2022.
The Neuro-POCUS working group, a joint project by the European Academy of Neurology Scientific Panel Neurosonology, the European Society of Neurosonology and Cerebral Hemodynamics, and the European Reference Centers in Neurosonology (EAN SPN/ESNCH/ERcNsono Neuro-POCUS working group) is working on the task of creating a concept for point-of-care ultrasound in neurology called "Neuro-POCUS”.
Main publication:
1. Valaikiene J, Schlachetzki F, Azevedo E, Kaps M, Lochner P, Katsanos AH, Walter U, Baracchini C, Bartels E, Školoudík D. Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Neurology - Report of the EAN SPN/ESNCH/ERcNsono Neuro-POCUS Working Group. Ultraschall Med. 2022, 43(4): 354-366. doi: 10.1055/a-1816-8548.

Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young: Revealing the Etiology, Triggers, and Outcome (SECRETO). Participants: Assoc. Prof. K. Ryliškienė, Prof. D. Jatužis, Teaching Assist. R. Masiliūnas, Teaching Assist. A. Ekkert. 2018-2022.
Collaborative project with other stroke centres from Europe. The aim of the project is to decipher transient triggers, chronic subclinical and clinical risk factors, and genetic factors underlying early-onset cryptogenic ischemic stroke after comprehensive diagnostic work-up, as well as to study long-term prognosis after such events.
Main publications:
1. Jaakonmäki N, Zedde M, Sarkanen T, Martinez-Majander N, Tuohinen S, Sinisalo J, Ryödi E, Autere J, Hedman M, Junttola U, Huhtakangas JK, Grimaldi T, Pascarella R, Nordanstig A, Bech-Hanssen O, Holbe C, Busch R, Fromm A, Ylikotila P, Turgut EE, Amorim I, Ryliskiene K, Tulkki L, Pascasio LA, Licenik R, Ferdinand P, Tsivgoulis G, Jatužis D, Kõrv L, Kõrv J, Pezzini A, Fonseca AC, Yesilot N, Roine RO, Waje-Andreassen U, von Sarnowski B, Redfors P, Huhtakangas J, Numminen H, Jäkälä P, Putaala J; SECRETO Study Group. Obesity and the risk of cryptogenic ischemic stroke in young adults. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2022, 31(5): 106380. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106380.
2. Jokubaitis M, Mineikytė R, Kryžauskaitė L, Gumbienė L, Kaplerienė L, Andruškevičius S, Ryliškienė. Testing for thrombophilia in young cryptogenic stroke patients: does the presence of patent foramen ovale make a difference? Medicina (Kaunas). 2022, 58(8): 1056. doi: 10.3390/medicina58081056.
3. Ekkert A, Šliachtenko A, Utkus A, Jatužis D. Intracerebral hemorrhage genetics. Genes (Basel). 2022, 13(7): 1250. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13071250.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Harvard Medical School (United States)
Geneva University Hospitals (Switzerland)
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)
Shaare Zedek Medical Center (Israel)
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
Riga Stradins University (Latvia)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. D. Jatužis
• president of Lithuanian Stroke Association and Lithuanian Neurological Association;
• executive editor of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology), www.neuroseminarai.lt;
• editorial board member of the journals European Stroke Journal, https://journals.sagepub.com/home/eso, Acta Medica Lithuania, https://www.journals.vu.lt/AML;
• fellow member of European Stroke Organization (FESO);
• national representative and member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Stroke of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
• national educational co-ordinator and member of the World Federation of Neurology;
• national co-ordinator of international investigator-driven clinical trials (TWIST, CONVINCE).
Prof. Saulius Ročka
• member of Lithuanian Neurosurgical Society;
• member of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies;
• member of European Association of Neurosurgical Societies;
• member of Training Committee of European Association of Neurosurgical Societies
• member of Lithuanian Society for Epileptology;
• member of Lithuania Neuroscience Association.
Prof. Rūta Mameniškienė
• President of Lithuanian Socienty for epileptology (Lithuanian chapter, ILAE) since 2012
• Board Member of Lithuanian Neurology Association since 2015
• Board member of Lithuanian association of people with epilepsy EPILE
• Member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Epilepsy of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN)
• Member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Neurooncology of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
• 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.
• Member of European Academy of Neurology
• Editor-in-chief of a Lithuanian peer-reviewed journal "Neurologijos seminarai" (“Seminars in Neurology”) ISSN 1392-3064 | eISSN 2424-5917 http://www.neuroseminarai.lt/en/
• The cover editor of "Seizure – European journal of epilepsy". https://www.journals.elsevier.com/seizure-european-journal-of-epilepsy/editorial-board
• Editor-in-chief of a Lithuanian journal “Nervų ir psichikos ligos” (“Neurological and psychiatric disorders”)
Prof. G. Kaubrys
• member of the Council of the Lithuanian Neurological Association;
• member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Dementia and Cognitive Disorders of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
• voting member of the Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness (ASSC);
• editorial board member of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in neurology), www.neuroseminarai.lt;
• member of the World Federation of Neurology.
Assoc. prof. J. Valaikienė
• national coordinator of Tenecteplase in Central Retinal Artery Occlusion study (TenCRAOS)
• editorial board member of the journal Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardioneurology; www.frontiersin.org
• editorial board member of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology), www.neuroseminarai.lt
• national representative and member of the European Society of Neurosonology and Cerebral Hemodynamics (ESNCH)
• member of the Council of the Lithuanian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology and Neurosonology
• member of Subspecialty Scientific Panels Neurosonology and Infectious Diseases of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
• Core Group member of the EAN Coordinating Panel on Rare Neurological Diseases
• member of the Lithuanian Neurological Association and Lithuanian Stroke Association
• member of European Stroke Organization
• member of the World Federation of Neurology
Assoc. prof. K. Ryliškienė
• member of Subspecialty Scientific Panels Headache and Neuro-ophthalmology and Neuro-otology of the 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 Medicine;
• member of World Stroke Organization;
• editorial board member of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology), www.neuroseminarai.lt;
• member of Lithuanian Association of Headache Specialists, Lithuanian Stroke Association, Lithuanian Neurological Association.
Assoc. prof. A. Vilionskis
• editorial board member of the International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/index?journalid=391;
• Board member of Frontier in Neurology, review editor, guest associate editor, Frontiers in Neurology | Editorial board
• member of Council of Lithuanian Stroke Association;
• fellow member of European Stroke Organization; member of the Stroke unit certification committee;
• member of management committee IRENE COST ACTION;
• representative of Lithuania in ESO-EAST project;
• representative of Lithuania in SAP-E project;
• national coordinator of SITS project;
• member of Lithuanian Neurological Association;
• member of World Stroke Organization;
• member of World Federation of Neurology.
Assoc. prof. R. Kizlaitienė
• National representative of the multiple sclerosis and demyelinating diseases research group of the European Association of Neurologists (EAN);
• Chairman of the Lithuanian Multiple Sclerosis Union Doctors' Advisory Committee;
• member of the Lithuanian Association of Neurologists (LNA), member of the LNA Council;
• editorial board member of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology), www.neuroseminarai.lt;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology and Neurosonology, member of the Lithuanian Stroke Association, member of Lithuanian Neurological Association,;
• member of the European Association of Neurologists (EAN).
Assoc. prof. N. Giedraitienė
• member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Neuroimmunology of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
• member of Lithuanian Neurological Association.
Assist. prof. A. Klimašauskienė
• member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Muscle & NMJ disorders of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
• editorial board member of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology), www.neuroseminarai.lt;
• member of Lithuanian Stroke Association, Lithuanian Neurological Association, Lithuanian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology and Neurosonology
Dr Eglė Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė
• member of International Society for the History of the Neurosciences (ISHN)
• member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Sleep-wake disorders of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN)
• member of the Journal of the History of the Neurosciences (JHN) Editorial Board
• member of Council of Vilnius Medical Society
• member of Lithuanian Association of the History and Philosophy of Science
Assist. prof. R. Kvaščevičius
• editorial board member of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology), www.neuroseminarai.lt;
• 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.
Assist. prof. G. Terbetas
• member of Lithuanian Neurosurgical Society;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Vertebrology;
• AOSpine member.
Assist. prof. R. Kaladytė-Lokominienė
• editorial board member of the journal Neurologijos seminarai (Seminars in Neurology), www.neuroseminarai.lt;
• 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. prof. I. Slautaitė
• member of Council of Lithuanian Stroke Association;
• member of European Stroke Organization;
• member of Lithuanian Neurological Association.
Assist. prof. A. Vaitkevičius
• member of Lithuanian Neurological Association;
• Member of the EAN Scientific Panel Higher cortical functions.
• member of the European Stroke Organization (ESO).
Teaching assist. A. Ekkert
• executive board member of the Nordic Stroke Society;
• member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Stroke of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN).
Teaching assist. R. Masiliūnas
• Scientific coordinator of the Implementation Research Network in Stroke Care Quality – IRENE COST ACTION
• member of the Nordic Stroke Society;
• member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Stroke of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN);
• member of the European Stroke Organization (ESO).

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Mameniškienė R, Puteikis K. The capacity of relatives and partners to perceive symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicidal risk among patients with epilepsy. American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting, 1-6 Dec, 2022, Nashville, USA.
2. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė E, Eling P. Hildegard of Bingen (c. 1098–1179) on insomnia in her Causae et curae and Physica. International Society for the History of the Neurosciences (ISHN) 26th Meeting. June 14-18, 2022, Rome, Italy.
3. Valaikienė J. Neurological point of care ultrasound, neuro-pocus/Cervical Arteries Insonation – Carotid and Vertebral Protocol. 8th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, 25-28 June 2022, Vienna, Austria.
4. Taluntienė V, Kaubrys G, Giedraitienė N, Bagdonaitė L, Kizlaitienė R. Association of serum neurofilament light chain concentration and demographic characteristics and cognitive performance of patients with MS. 8th Baltic Conference on Multiple sclerosis and autoimmune disorders. April 22, 2022, Riga, Latvia.
5. Ryliškienė K. Medication overuse headache: treatment strategies. 10th Baltic Congress of Neurology, Apr 28-30, 2022, Tallinn, Estonia.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
1. Participation in working groups and committees established by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania: Prof. D. Jatužis, Assoc. prof. A. Vilionskis. Stroke Integrated Healthcare Management Committee.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
1. D. Jatužis. Expertise in State Health Care Accreditation Agency under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.
2. A. Ekkert, D. Jatužis. Expert opinion and consultations for UAB “Zive” (development of a portable device for long-term ECG monitoring).
3. A. Vilionskis. Expertise in the Commission for the Determination of Harm to Patients under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania, member of the Board of Lithuanian Bioethics Committee.
4. I. Slautaite. Expertise for Commission for the Determination of Harm to Patients under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. Scientific popularisation of TV, radio and Internet broadcasts (Prof. D. Jatužis; Prof. R. Mameniškienė, Assoc. Prof. K. Ryliškienė, Assoc. Prof. A. Vilionskis, Teaching Assist. R. Masiliūnas, researcher E. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė).
2. Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Migraine, Alzheimer’s Day - informative events for the public.
3. Lectures on stroke for the academic community of Vilnius University and Medard Čobotas University of the Third Age (D. Jatužis, R. Masiliūnas, K. Ryliškienė).
4. “Stroke club” – an organisation for stroke victims and those who want to know more about stroke. Information in the social media: Facebook group (Insulto klubas), Instagram account (@doctor_ekkert), internet website (www.insultoklubas.lt) (A. Ekkert).
5. Scientific information in the Lithuanian journals “Internistas”, “Nervų ir psichikos ligos”, and others.

CLINIC OF PSYCHIATRY

Geležinio vilko 29a, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8754
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Sigita Lesinskienė

STAFF
Professors: Dr S. Lesinskienė, Dr A. Navickas, Dr D. Pūras, Dr A. Germanavičius (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr R. Viliūnienė, Dr G. Bulotienė, Dr S. Anduškevičius (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr E. Dlugauskas, Dr A. Dervinytė-Bongarzoni, Dr T. Jasiukevičiūtė-Zelenko, Dr A. Brazauskaitė, Dr B. Jakubkaitė (part-time).
Lecturers (part-time): V. Rutkauskas, V. Andrejauskienė, L. Bukelskis, A. Senkuvienė, M. Karnickas, G. Narmontas, K. Pociūtė, A. Žemaitis, E. Petrauskaitė, V. Adomaitienė, D. Rojaka, E. Bulanovaitė, G. Valantiejienė, J. Zimkienė, P. Kiškytė, D. Jankauskienė.
Doctoral students: M. Misevičė, A. Lengvenytė, R. Strumila.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Evaluation of functioning and quality of life of patients with psychiatric disorders
• Analysis of outcome variables of the treatment of developmental, neurotic, affective and psychotic in children and adults
• Transition processes in young people, medical students
• 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 families
• Suicidal behaviour and psychiatric and somatic disorders

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Mental, Behavioural, Developmental and Dependency Disorders: Clinical Features, Possibilities of Prevention and Treatment during the Life Span. Assist. Prof. Dr E. Dlugauskas. 2019–2023.
The importance of patient pharmacogenetics in the choice of individualised treatment has been investigated, and scientific articles have been published. The influence of mental illness on cognitive functions and the association of somatic diseases with mental disorders were investigated. Scientific publications of case descriptions emphasising the individual comorbid expression of the patient's clinic and the peculiarities of appropriate treatment were prepared. The patterns of ADHD, autism spectrum and addictive disorders and the introduction of evidence-based therapies into clinical practice were investigated. The analysis of the development tendencies of psychiatric outpatient and inpatient services was started, and the preparation of recommendations for day inpatient activities while working with children and adults was initiated.
Main publications:
1. Strumila, Robertas; Zdanavičius, Linas; Badaras, Robertas; Dlugauskas, Edgaras; Lesinskienė, Sigita; Matiekus, Eimantas; Marcinkevičius, Martynas; Vencevičienė, Lina; Utkus, Algirdas; Kaminskas, Andrius; Petrėnas, Tomas; Songailienė, Jurgita; Ambrozaitytė, Laima; Lengvenytė, Aistė. Significantly elevated phosphatidylethanol levels in recent suicide attempters, but not in depressed controls and healthy volunteers: Possible role of CRP and inflammation // Journal of psychiatric research. Oxford : Pergamon-Elsevier science Ltd. ISSN 0022-3956. eISSN 1879-1379. 2022, first published online, p. [1-44]. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.12.043. [DB: Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science), Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]
2. Skėrutė, Laima; Senulytė, Augustė; Dlugauskas, Edgaras (supervisor). Psychopharmacological treatment of depression and hypertension, clinical challenges: case report and literature review Student Scientific Activities LXXIV Conference, Vilnius, 2022 May 17-20. eISBN 9786090707371. p. 299-300. (Vilnius University Proceedings, eISSN 2669-0233 ; vol. 21). DOI: 10.15388/SMVK.2022.
3. Skėrutė, Laima; Senulytė, Augustė; Dlugauskas, Edgaras (supervisor). Clinical interaction of drugs affecting the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and their combinations with antidepressants // Student Scientific Activities LXXIV Conference, Vilnius, 2022 May 17-20. eISBN 9786090706244. p. 366-367. (Vilnius University Proceedings, eISSN 2669-0233 ; vol. 15). DOI: 10.15388/Proceedings.2021.1.

Research of Analysis of Self Harmful and Suicidal Behaviour and of Effective Current Treatments. Assoc. Prof. A. Navickas. 2019–2023.
The project is focused on researching COVID-19 and mental health; cardiology and suicidal behaviour; oncological diseases and suicidal behaviour; clarifying the causes of homeless death; schizophrenia clinic analysis; research on addictions and suicidal and violent behaviour; analysis of dermatological diseases and emotional disorders; digital psychiatry.
In 2022, the main research was conducted:
- Participation in two World Psychiatric Association International Projects on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health (Prof. A. Navickas, Head of the VU Research Group):
The first project was "Estimating the effect of COVID-19 outbreak on mental health among the general population across 40+ countries (COMET-G study)". Two articles were published in international journals.
The second project, “Estimating the effect of COVID-19 outbreak on mental health among students (COMET-S study)”, has been completed, and an article is ready for publication.
- Doctoral student Aistė Lengvenytė (supervisor Prof. A. Navickas) conducts research on suicidal behaviour and bipolar affective and metabolic and cognitive disorders in collaboration with the University Clinic of Montpellier (France). The article was published in an international journal.
- Continued work in oncology and suicidology. Two articles were published in international journals.
Main publications:
1. Aistė Lengvenytė, Robertas Strumila, Caroline Dubertret, Emmanuel Haffen, Pierre-Michel Llorca, Paul Roux, Mircea Polosan, Raymund Schwan, Michel Walter, Thierry D'Amato, Dominique Januel, Marion Leboyer, Frank Bellivier, Bruno Etain, Alvydas Navickas; FondaMental Advanced Centres of Expertise in Bipolar Disorders (FACE-BD) Collaborators; Emilie Olié, Philippe Courtet. Associations of white blood cell and platelet counts with specific depressive symptom dimensions in patients with bipolar disorder: Analysis of data from the FACE-BD cohort. December 2022. Brain Behavior and Immunity 108(22). DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.002. (IF – 19.227; Q1).
2. Konstantinos N Fountoulakis, Grigorios Karakatsoulis, Seri Abraham, Kristina Adorjan, Helal Uddin Ahmed, Renato D Alarcón, Kiyomi Arai, Sani Salihu Auwal, Michael Berk, Sarah Bjedov, Julio Bobes, Teresa Bobes-Bascaran, Julie Bourgin-Duchesnay, Cristina Ana Bredicean, Laurynas Bukelskis, Akaki Burkadze, Indira Indiana Cabrera Abud, Ruby Castilla-Puentes, Marcelo Cetkovich, Hector Colon-Rivera, Ricardo Corral, Carla Cortez-Vergara, Piirika Crepin, Domenico De Berardis, Sergio Zamora Delgado, David De Lucena, Avinash De Sousa, Ramona Di Stefano, Seetal Dodd, Livia Priyanka Elek, Anna Elissa, Berta Erdelyi-Hamza, Gamze Erzin, Martin J Etchevers, Peter Falkai, Adriana Farcas, Ilya Fedotov, Viktoriia Filatova, Nikolaos K Fountoulakis, Iryna Frankova, Francesco Franza, Pedro Frias, Tatiana Galako, Cristian J Garay, Leticia Garcia-Álvarez, Maria Paz García-Portilla, Xenia Gonda, Tomasz M Gondek, Daniela Morera González, Hilary Gould, Paolo Grandinetti, Arturo Grau, Violeta Groudeva, Michal Hagin, Takayuki Harada, M Tasdik Hasan, Nurul Azreen Hashim, Jan Hilbig, Sahadat Hossain, Rossitza Iakimova, Mona Ibrahim, Felicia Iftene, Yulia Ignatenko, Matias Irarrazaval, Zaliha Ismail, Jamila Ismayilova, Asaf Jacobs, Miro Jakovljević, Nenad Jakšić, Afzal Javed, Helin Yilmaz Kafali, Sagar Karia, Olga Kazakova, Doaa Khalifa, Olena Khaustova, Steve Koh, Svetlana Kopishinskaia, Korneliia Kosenko, Sotirios A Koupidis, Illes Kovacs, Barbara Kulig, Alisha Lalljee, Justine Liewig, Abdul Majid, Evgeniia Malashonkova, Khamelia Malik, Najma Iqbal Malik, Gulay Mammadzada, Bilvesh Mandalia, Donatella Marazziti, Darko Marčinko, Stephanie Martinez, Eimantas Matiekus, Gabriela Mejia, Roha Saeed Memon, Xarah Elenne Meza Martínez, Dalia Mickevičiūtė, Roumen Milev, Muftau Mohammed, Alejandro Molina-López, Petr Morozov, Nuru Suleiman Muhammad, Filip Mustač , Mika S Naor, Amira Nassieb, Alvydas Navickas, Tarek Okasha, Milena Pandova, Anca-Livia Panfil, Liliya Panteleeva, Ion Papava, Mikaella E Patsali, Alexey Pavlichenko, Bojana Pejuskovic, Mariana Pinto Da Costa, Mikhail Popkov, Dina Popovic, Nor Jannah Nasution Raduan, Francisca Vargas Ramírez, Elmars Rancans, Salmi Razali, Federico Rebok, Anna Rewekant, Elena Ninoska Reyes Flores, María Teresa Rivera-Encinas, Pilar Saiz, Manuel Sánchez de Carmona, David Saucedo Martínez, Jo Anne Saw, Görkem Saygili, Patricia Schneidereit, Bhumika Shah, Tomohiro Shirasaka, Ketevan Silagadze, Satti Sitanggang, Oleg Skugarevsky, Anna Spikina, Sridevi Sira Mahalingappa, Maria Stoyanova, Anna Szczegielniak, Simona Claudia Tamasan, Giuseppe Tavormina, Maurilio Giuseppe Maria Tavormina, Pavlos N Theodorakis, Mauricio Tohen, Eva Maria Tsapakis, Dina Tukhvatullina, Irfan Ullah, Ratnaraj Vaidya, Johann M Vega-Dienstmaier, Jelena Vrublevska, Olivera Vukovic, Olga Vysotska, Natalia Widiasih, Anna Yashikhina, Panagiotis E Prezerakos, Daria Smirnova. The effect of different degrees of lockdown and self-identified gender on anxiety, depression and suicidality during the COVID-19 pandemic: Data from the international COMET-G study. September 2022. Psychiatry Research 315:114702. DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114702. (IF – 11.225; Q1).
3. Konstantinos N Fountoulakis, Grigorios Karakatsoulis, Seri Abraham, Kristina Adorjan, Helal Uddin Ahmed, Renato D Alarcón, Kiyomi Arai, Sani Salihu Auwal, Michael Berk, Sarah Bjedov, Julio Bobes, Teresa Bobes-Bascaran, Julie Bourgin-Duchesnay, Cristina Ana Bredicean, Laurynas Bukelskis, Akaki Burkadze, Indira Indiana Cabrera Abud, Ruby Castilla-Puentes, Marcelo Cetkovich, Hector Colon-Rivera, Ricardo Corral, Carla Cortez-Vergara, Piirika Crepin, Domenico De Berardis, Sergio Zamora Delgado, David De Lucena, Avinash De Sousa, Ramona Di Stefano, Seetal Dodd, Livia Priyanka Elek, Anna Elissa, Berta Erdelyi-Hamza, Gamze Erzin, Martin J Etchevers, Peter Falkai, Adriana Farcas, Ilya Fedotov, Viktoriia Filatova, Nikolaos K Fountoulakis, Iryna Frankova, Francesco Franza, Pedro Frias, Tatiana Galako, Cristian J Garay, Leticia Garcia-Álvarez, Maria Paz García-Portilla, Xenia Gonda, Tomasz M Gondek, Daniela Morera González, Hilary Gould, Paolo Grandinetti, Arturo Grau, Violeta Groudeva, Michal Hagin, Takayuki Harada, M Tasdik Hasan, Nurul Azreen Hashim, Jan Hilbig, Sahadat Hossain, Rossitza Iakimova, Mona Ibrahim, Felicia Iftene, Yulia Ignatenko, Matias Irarrazaval, Zaliha Ismail, Jamila Ismayilova, Asaf Jacobs, Miro Jakovljević, Nenad Jakšić, Afzal Javed, Helin Yilmaz Kafali, Sagar Karia, Olga Kazakova, Doaa Khalifa, Olena Khaustova, Steve Koh, Svetlana Kopishinskaia, Korneliia Kosenko, Sotirios A Koupidis, Illes Kovacs, Barbara Kulig, Alisha Lalljee, Justine Liewig, Abdul Majid, Evgeniia Malashonkova, Khamelia Malik, Najma Iqbal Malik, Gulay Mammadzada, Bilvesh Mandalia, Donatella Marazziti, Darko Marčinko, Stephanie Martinez, Eimantas Matiekus, Gabriela Mejia, Roha Saeed Memon, Xarah Elenne Meza Martínez, Dalia Mickevičiūtė, Roumen Milev, Muftau Mohammed, Alejandro Molina-López, Petr Morozov, Nuru Suleiman Muhammad, Filip Mustač , Mika S Naor, Amira Nassieb, Alvydas Navickas, Tarek Okasha, Milena Pandova, Anca-Livia Panfil, Liliya Panteleeva, Ion Papava, Mikaella E Patsali, Alexey Pavlichenko, Bojana Pejuskovic, Mariana Pinto Da Costa, Mikhail Popkov, Dina Popovic, Nor Jannah Nasution Raduan, Francisca Vargas Ramírez, Elmars Rancans, Salmi Razali, Federico Rebok, Anna Rewekant, Elena Ninoska Reyes Flores, María Teresa Rivera-Encinas, Pilar Saiz, Manuel Sánchez de Carmona, David Saucedo Martínez, Jo Anne Saw, Görkem Saygili, Patricia Schneidereit, Bhumika Shah, Tomohiro Shirasaka, Ketevan Silagadze, Satti Sitanggang, Oleg Skugarevsky, Anna Spikina, Sridevi Sira Mahalingappa, Maria Stoyanova, Anna Szczegielniak, Simona Claudia Tamasan, Giuseppe Tavormina, Maurilio Giuseppe Maria Tavormina, Pavlos N Theodorakis, Mauricio Tohen, Eva Maria Tsapakis, Dina Tukhvatullina, Irfan Ullah, Ratnaraj Vaidya, Johann M Vega-Dienstmaier, Jelena Vrublevska, Olivera Vukovic, Olga Vysotska, Natalia Widiasih, Anna Yashikhina, Panagiotis E Prezerakos, Daria Smirnova. Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the general population (COMET-G) study. January 2022. European neuropsychopharmacology: the journal of the European College of neuropsychopharmacology 54:21-40. DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.10.004. (IF – 5.415; Q1).

Survey of Burning out Syndrome and Mental Health of Medical Specialists. Project leader: Prof. S. Lesinskienė. 2019–2023.
Active involvement of lecturers and medical students in the research and actuality of the topic. Preparation and implementation of the Transitions projects in cooperation with Prof. Andre Sourandr and his team at Turku University (Finland). Survey and Transitions program was successfully implemented in teaching of the 1st year medical and odontology students.
Main publications:
1. Lesinskienė, Sigita; Kinčinienė, Odeta; Šambaras, Rokas; Žilinskas, Emilijus. Analysis of attempted suicide in apediatric setting: extracted notes for clinical practice and complexity of help // International journal of environmentalresearch and public health. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 1660-4601. 2022, vol. 19, iss. 14, art. no. 8604, p. [1-9]. DOI:10.3390/ijerph19148604. [DB: Embase; PubMed; Scopus; Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science); ScienceCitation Index Expanded (Web of Science)] [Citav. rod.: IF: 4,614; AIF: 4,343; IF/AIF: 1,062; Q1 (2021, SSCI); IF:4,614; AIF: 5,672; IF/AIF: 0,813; Q2 (2021, SCIE)] [Scopus: CiteScore: 4,50; SNIP: 1,440; SJR: 0,814 (2021, ScopusSources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Indėlis: 0,500] [eLABa ID: 136210047] .
2. Norkevičienė, Audronė; Gocentienė, Romena; Šeštokaitė, Agnė; Sabaliauskaitė, Rasa; Dabkevičienė, Daiva;Jarmalaitė, Sonata; Bulotienė, Giedrė. A Systematic Review of Candidate Genes for Major Depression // Medicina-lithuania : MDPI. ISSN 1010-660X. eISSN 1648-9144. 2022, 58, 2, ARTN 285, p. 1-6. DOI:10.3390/medicina58020285. [DB: MEDLINE; Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus] [Citav. rod.: IF:2,948; AIF: 8,301; IF/AIF: 0,355; Q3 (2021, SCIE)] [Scopus: CiteScore: 2,70; SNIP: 0,959; SJR: 0,536 (2021, ScopusSources)] [M.kr.: N 010,M 001] [Indėlis: 0,361] [eLABa ID: 140118024] .
3. Mori, Yuko; Tiiri, Elina; Lempinen, Lotta; Klomek, Anat Brunstein; Kolaitis, Gerasimos; Slobodskaya, Helena R; Kaneko, Hitoshi; Srabstein, Jorge C; Li, Liping; Huong, Mai Nguyen; Praharaj, Samir Kumar; Ong, Say How; Lesinskienė, Sigita; Kyrrestad, Henriette; Wiguna, Tjhin; Zamani, Zahra; Sillanmäki, Lauri; Sourander, Andre; Akhondzadeh, Shahin (tyrėjas); S, Daniel (tyrėjas); Fung, S. (tyrėjas); Grimland, Meytal (tyrėjas); Hasharon, Hod (tyrėjas); Hamada, Shoko (tyrėjas); Chudal, Roshan (tyrėjas); Irawati, Raden (tyrėjas); Praveen A, Jain (tyrėjas); Avinash, G. (tyrėjas); Z, Jerrine (tyrėjas); Khong, N. (tyrėjas); Fossum, Sturla (tyrėjas); Albert Prabowo, Limawan (tyrėjas); Mohseny, Maryam (tyrėjas); Najafi, Ali (tyrėjas); Thanh Minh, Ngoc (tyrėjas); Ogura, Masayoshi (tyrėjas); Peng, Zhekuan (tyrėjas); Tatiana O, Rippinen (tyrėjas); Sekartini, Rini (tyrėjas); B, Nadezhda (tyrėjas); Skokauskas, Norbert (tyrėjas); Tan Ren, Yi (tyrėjas); Triantafyllou, Kalliopi (tyrėjas); Zaravinos-Tsakos, Foivos (tyrėjas). Feeling unsafe at school among adolescents in 13 Asian and European countries: occurrence and associated factors // Frontiers in psychiatry. Lausanne : Frontiers Media S.A. eISSN 1664-0640. 2022, vol. 13, art. no. 823609, p. [1-11]. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.823609. [DB: Scopus; Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science); Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)] [Citav. rod.: IF: 5,435; AIF: 5,726; IF/AIF: 0,949; Q2 (2021, SSCI); IF: 5,435; AIF: 6,111; IF/AIF: 0,889; Q2 (2021, SCIE)] [Scopus: CiteScore: 4,60; SNIP: 1,522; SJR: 1,279 (2021, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Indėlis: 0,022] [eLABa ID: 149634265].

Research of the Attachment, Emotional and Behavioural Disorders in Children: Investigation of the Impact of the Therapeutical Interventions. Prof. S. Lesinskienė. 2019–2023.
Background and methodology investigating attachment and behavioural emotional aspects have been elaborated. Divorce, family situation and mental health of children were analysed and published. Breastfeeding and psychotropic medication aspects were reviewed and published.
Various aspects of academic achievements, bullying, birth rank, gender, etc., were analysed and published, continuing cooperation from the participating in the large international epidemiological study of primary school children (CAMHEE).
Main publications:
1. Husky, Mathilde M; Bitfoi, Adina; Carta, Mauro Giovanni; Goelitz, Dietmar; Koç, Ceren; Lesinskienė, Sigita; Mihova,Zlatka; Otten, Roy; Kovess-Masfety, Viviane. Bullying involvement and suicidal ideation in elementary school childrenacross Europe // Journal of affective disorders. Amsterdam : Elsevier BV. ISSN 0165-0327. eISSN 1573-2517. 2022, vol.299, p. 281-286. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.023. [DB: MEDLINE; Scopus; Science Citation Index Expanded (Web ofScience)] [Citav. rod.: IF: 6,533; AIF: 5,412; IF/AIF: 1,207; Q1 (2021, SCIE); IF: 6,533; AIF: 5,726; IF/AIF: 1,141; Q1(2021, SSCI)] [Scopus: CiteScore: 7,80; SNIP: 1,950; SJR: 1,791 (2021, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Indėlis:0,111] [eLABa ID: 114576917]
2. Chudal, Roshan; Tiiri, Elina; Brunstein Klomek, Anat; Ong, Say How; Fossum, Sturla; Kaneko, Hitoshi; Kolaitis,Gerasimos; Lesinskienė, Sigita; Li, Liping; Huong, Mai Nguyen; Praharaj, Samir Kumar; Sillanmäki, Lauri;Slobodskaya, Helena R; Srabstein, Jorge C; Wiguna, Tjhin; Zamani, Zahra; Sourander, Andre; Akhondzadeh, Shahin(tyrėjas); Fung, Daniel S S (tyrėjas); Giannakopoulos, George (tyrėjas); Grimland, Meytal (tyrėjas); Hamada, Shoko(tyrėjas); Heinonen, Emmi (tyrėjas); Ismail, Raden Irawati (tyrėjas); Jain, Praveen A (tyrėjas); Kamath, Avinash G(tyrėjas); Khong, Jerrine Z N (tyrėjas); Kyrrestad, Henriette (tyrėjas); Lempinen, Lotta (tyrėjas); Limawan, AlbertPrabowo (tyrėjas); Mohseni, Maryam (tyrėjas); Najafi, Ali (tyrėjas); Ngoc, Minh Thanh (tyrėjas); Ogura, Masayoshi(tyrėjas); Peng, Zhekuan (tyrėjas); Rippinen, Tatiana O (tyrėjas); Sekartini, Rini (tyrėjas); Semenova, Nadezhda B(tyrėjas); Skokauskas, Norbert (tyrėjas); Tan, Yi Ren (tyrėjas); Triantafyllou, Kalliopi (tyrėjas); Zaravinos-Tsakos,Phevous (tyrėjas). Victimization by traditional bullying and cyberbullying and the combination of these amongadolescents in 13 European and Asian countries // European child & adolescent psychiatry. New York : Springer. ISSN1018-8827. eISSN 1435-165X. 2022, vol. 31, p. 1391-1404. DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01779-6. [DB: Scopus; ScienceCitation Index Expanded (Web of Science)] [Citav. rod.: IF: 5,349; AIF: 4,769; IF/AIF: 1,122; Q1 (2021, SCIE); IF:5,349; AIF: 4,818; IF/AIF: 1,110; Q1 (2021, SSCI)] [Scopus: CiteScore: 7,90; SNIP: 2,173; SJR: 1,696 (2021, ScopusSources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Fin.pr.: Russian Scientific Foundation,Academy of Finland,Academy of Finland] [Indėlis:0,023] [eLABa ID: 91582176]
3. Husky, Mathilde M.; Bitfoi, Adina; Chan-Chee, Christine; Carta, Mauro Giovanni; Goelitz, Dietmar; Koç, Ceren;Lesinskienė, Sigita; Mihova, Zlatka; Otten, Roy; Shojaei, Taraneh; Kovess-Masfety, Viviane. Self-reported fears andmental health in elementary school children across Europe // European child & adolescent psychiatry. New York :Springer. ISSN 1018-8827. eISSN 1435-165X. 2022, vol. 31, no, 12, p. 1909-1919. DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01823-5.[DB: PsycInfo; MEDLINE; Scopus; Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)] [Citav. rod.: IF: 5,349; AIF:4,769; IF/AIF: 1,122; Q1 (2021, SCIE); IF: 5,349; AIF: 4,818; IF/AIF: 1,110; Q1 (2021, SSCI)] [Scopus: CiteScore:7,90; SNIP: 2,173; SJR: 1,696 (2021, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Indėlis: 0,090] [eLABa ID: 126026551]

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
Employees of the Clinic of Psychiatry periodically serve as consultants for the Ministries of Health, Education and Sport, and Social Affairs and are members of ongoing working groups dealing with various mental health and service provision issues.

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)
Turku University (Finland)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. S. Lesinskienė
• President of Lithuanian Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists;
• editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics), www.medpraktika.lt/leidiniai/leidinys/2/Pediatrija.
• Editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health), http://www.hi.lt/content/D2_redkolegija.html
Prof. D. Pūras
• UN Special rapporteur on the right to physical and mental health, https://www.ohchr.org/en/issues/health/pages/srrighthealthindex.aspx;
• Chair of the Coordination committee of the Special procedures of the United nations;
• visiting professor of the University of Essex (UK);
• distinguished visitor of Georgetown University (USA);
• editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health), http://www.hi.lt/content/D2_redkolegija.html;
• editorial board member of the journal Medicina;
• member of International Advisory Board of the Archives 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);
• Executive Board member of ENMESH (European Network for Mental Health Service Evaluation: www.enmesh.eu);
• member of European network on Training, Evaluation and Research (ENTER: www.entermentalhealth.net);
• Representative for Lithuanian Association of Psychiatrist for Nordic Board of World Psychiatric association (WPA).
Prof. A. Navickas
• WPA Honorary Membership for excellence in service to the World Psychiatric Association;
• President of the Lithuanian Association of Suicidology;
• member of International Association of Suicide Prevention;
• editorial board member of the journal Biologinė psichiatrija ir psichofarmakologija (Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology), http://www.pri.kmu.lt/biological-psychiatry.ht;
• editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Science), http: https://sm-hs.eu/lt/;
• editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health), https://www.hi.lt/redkolegija.html.
• Editor of Mental health section of the journal Internistas (Internist).
Assoc. Prof. R.Viliūnienė
• president of Lithuanian Society of Psychoanalysis (LPaD), http://psichoterapija.org;
• member of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association (LPA).
Assoc. Prof. G. Bulotienė
• member of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association (LPA);
• member of the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) Federation Task Force;
• member of IPOS Palliative Care Standing Committee & Special Interest Group (SIG);
• member of Lithuanian Society of Oncologists (LOD);
• individual member of the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP);
• member of Lithuanian Society of Psychoanalysis (LPaD).
Assist. Dr E. Dlugauskas
• member of the Lithuanian Psychiatric Association (LPA);
• member of Lithuanian Society of Psychoanalysis (LPaD).
Assist. Dr A. Dervinyte-Bongarzoni
• member of Lithuanian Psychiatry Association;
• member of Children and Adolescents Psychiatry Association.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Lesinskiene Sigita, Lapinskaite Auguste, Karaliene Virginija. A study of the impact of the war in Ukraine on psychosomatic health of preschool children in Lithuania: parents' and children's perspective. Poster presentation at the 25th World Congress of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP 2022): “Child and adolescent mental health: shaping the future”, 2022/12.05–09, Dubai (UAE).

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Employees of the Clinic of Psychiatry periodically participate in TV and Radio discussions with journalists and society about various aspects of mental health and psychiatric disorders.
One example: 2022/12/03 13:59 Kalbos anatomija. Kaip kalbos suvokimas susijęs su smegenimis, emocijomis ir patyrimu? https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000245466/kalbos-anatomija-kaip-kalbos-suvokimas-susijes-su-smegenimis-emocijomis-ir-patyrimu

CLINIC OF RHEUMATOLOGY, ORTHOPAEDICS TRAUMATOLOGY AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius-21
Tel. 236 5302
E-mail:
Head - Prof. Dr Irena Butrimienė

STAFF
Professors: Prof. Dr I. Butrimienė, Prof. Dr N. Porvaneckas, Prof. V. Uvarovas.
Associate professors: Dr D. Miltinienė, Dr I. Šatkauskas, Dr R. Rugienė, Dr S. Stropuvienė, Dr L. Zabulienė, Dr S. Ryliškis, Dr G. Kvederas, Dr J. Kurtinaitis.
Assistant professor: Dr I. Arštikytė, Dr N. Jakutis, Dr T. Sveikata, Dr G. Stundžaitė-Baršauskienė, Dr A. Makulavičius, Dr G. Petryla
Teaching assistants: M. Montvydaitė
Lecturers: I. Sakalauskaitė.
Senior researchers: Dr R. Rugienė.
Doctoral students: R. Šakalytė, G. Šeškutė, A. Grinčuk, P. Masionis, K. Baužys

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Outcomes of early undifferentiated arthritis
• Associations between genetic, epigenetic factors, rheumatoid arthritis ethiopathogenesis and clinical course
• Outcomes of systemic sclerosis
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• The role of nailfold videocapillaroscopy in diagnosing other systemic diseases
• Epidemiology of rheumatic diseases
• Reconstructive surgery: clinical applications of free and pedicled flaps, results
• Autologous breast reconstruction – key methods, clinical results
• Implant-based breast reconstructon – clinical analysis of complications
• Breast reduction: methods, clinical results, factors contributing in choosing the best technique
• Pelvic trauma, hip and knee arthroplasty, foot surgery, wrist surgery
• Gait analysis.
• Bone infection treatment.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Associations of Rheumatoid Arthritis Etiopathogenesis and Clinical Course with Genetic and Epigenetic Factors. Prof. I. Butrimienė, PhD student E. Puncevičienė. 2015–2022.
The aim of the study was to investigate the association between genetic and epigenetic factors in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, disease activity and clinical course. The doctoral dissertation was defended at a public meeting of the Dissertation Defence Panel (2022/03/25).

Diagnostics of Rheumatological Diseases and Morphological Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Treatment Using High-Performance Ultrasound Research. Prof. I. Butrimienė, PhD student G. Šeškutė. 2019–2025.
The aim of this project is to check the benefits of superb microvascular imaging in diagnosing arthritis to evaluate the effect of the treatment. Another point is to understand the scoring system and its applicability in daily practice. These years of the study are dedicated to collecting and analysing data. A systemic review of the topic is under preparation.
Main publications:
1. Jasionyte G, Seskute G, Rugiene R, Butrimiene I. Assessing scleroderma patterns with superb microvascular imaging: is it possible? New prospects for ultrasound.
2. Clin Rheumatol. 2022 Oct 10. doi: 10.1007/s10067-022-06405-7.
3. Montvydaite M, Seskute G, Minseviciute G, Svetikas L, Miltiniene D, Selickaja S, Butrimiene I. The manifestation of myositis in tick-borne encephalitis as a prophet of severe disease course: a rare case report. Clin Rheumatol. 2022 Apr;41(4):1241-1245. doi: 10.1007/s10067-022-06058-6.
4. Seskute G, Montvydaite M, Butrimiene I. Power Doppler artifacts in evaluating inflammatory arthritis of small joints: comparison with a superb microvascular imaging technique. .J Ultrasound. 2022 Sep;25(3):765-771. doi: 10.1007/s40477-021-00643-2

Research on Early Arthritis and its Outcomes. PhD student R. Sakalyte, Assoc. Prof. S. Stropuviene, Prof. A. Venalis. 2019–2022.
The aim of this study is to analyse certain gene expression dynamics in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory arthritis. In 2020, DNA has been extracted from collected samples. Now, all data is being processed, and after statistical analysis will be performed, a manuscript will be prepared.
Main publications:
1. Sakalyte R, Denkovskij J, Bernotiene E, Stropuviene S, Mikulenaite SO, Kvederas G, Porvaneckas N, Tutkus V, Venalis A, Butrimiene I. The Expression of Inflammasomes NLRP1 and NLRP3, Toll-Like Receptors, and Vitamin D Receptor in Synovial Fibroblasts From Patients With Different Types of Knee Arthritis. Front Immunol. 2022 Jan 19;12:767512. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.
2. Sakalyte R, Bagdonaite L, Stropuviene S, Naktinyte S, Venalis A. VEGF Profile in Early Undifferentiated Arthritis Cohort. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Jun 20;58(6):833. doi: 10.3390/medicina58060833.

Bone Infection Treatment Using Bone Substitutes. PhD student Evelina Kondrusevičienė. 2022-–ongoing.
In 2022, the course of the study was planned, a plan was prepared, data analysis was started, and the preparation of the documents for obtaining permission from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee was initiated.

Analysis of Gait Characteristics of Individuals With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis Using Wearable Feet Pressure Sensors. Prof. Valentinas Uvarovas. 2022.
Pressure-sensitive sensors are currently being designed and manufactured. In parallel, the documents for obtaining permission from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee are being prepared.

Short and Long-Term Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Complex Fractures of the Distal End of the Radius (ao2r3 C Type) Using 3D Printed Models for Preoperative Planning. PhD student Aleksandr Grinčuk, Prof. Valentinas Uvarovas. 2022.
The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiological results of patients operated on at the Republican Vilnius University Hospital (RVUL) for complex fractures of the distal end of the radius 2R3 C type according to (AO/OTA nomenclature) using preoperative planning in 3D. At the moment, manuscript corrections are being made before submitting research to publishers.

Accuracy of Postoperative Risk Calculators and Laboratory Markers in Predicting Early Postoperative Complications and Mortality in Patients With Proximal Femur Fractures. PhD student Povilas Masionis, Prof. Valentinas Uvarovas. Scientific consultant: Assoc. Prof. Igoris Šatkauskas. 2022.
The study objective was to assess the accuracy of postoperative risk calculators in predicting early postoperative complications and mortality in patients with fractures of the proximal femur. In 2022, the course of the research was planned, and the documents have been prepared for the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. Currently, subjects are being questioned, and data are being collected.

A Randomised Prospective Study of the Long-Term Functional Outcomes of Surgical and Conservative Treatment of Pelvic Insufficiency Fractures. Assoc. Prof. Igoris Šatkauskas. 2022–ongoing.
In 2022, the course of the research was planned, and the documents have been prepared for obtaining the permission of the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, which will be submitted at the next meetings of the Vilnius Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee.

Gait Analysis After Total Hip Replacement Using Inertial Sensors Shimmer 2R. Prof. Valentinas Uvarovas. 2022–ongoing.
Shimmer sensors are currently being tested, and in parallel, the documents for obtaining permission from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee are being prepared.
Main publications:
1. Masionis P, Porvaneckas N, Uvarovas V, Šatkauskas I, Sveikata T, Kvederas G From Bad to Disaster: Iatrogenic Fracture Followed by Knee Perforation With Bone Fragments During Femoral Nailing. Cureus. 2022 Jan 28;14(1):e21686. doi: 10.7759/cureus.21686. eCollection 2022 Jan. PMID: 35237481
2. Masionis P, Vileikis T, Giedrius P, Šatkauskas I, Uvarovas V, Kvederas G Management of Complex Pelvic Ring and Acetabular Fracture Associated With Open Tibia Fracture in Severe Polytrauma Patient: A Case Report. Cureus. 2022 Jan 18;14(1):e21356. doi: 10.7759/cureus.21356. eCollection 2022 Jan. PMID: 35223217

Perineal Reconstruction: Clinical Evaluation of Methods. Assist.Prof. Dr N. Jakutis, PhD student K. Baužys. 2020–2024.
The collection and analysis of statistical data has been in progress since 2022.

Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using Free Tram and Diep Flaps. Analysis of the Clinical Experience of the Center. Assist. Prof. Dr N. Jakutis. 2019–2023
The analysis of the data has been ongoing since 2022.

Common Methods of Breast Reduction: Evaluation of Patient Self-esteem and Objective Postoperative Results. Assist. Prof. Dr G. Stundžaitė-Baršauskienė, Assist. Prof. Dr N. Jakutis, 2019–2023.
Validation of the Breast-Q questionnaire (by the University of British Columbia) has been completed, and , papers for the Bioethics have been prepared.

Analysis of Implant-Associated Infection after Mastectomy and Implant-Based Reconstruction. Assist. Prof. Dr N. Jakutis, PhD student K. Baužys. 2019–2023.
The analysis of the data has been in progress since 2022. K. Baužys started his doctoral thesis on this subject.

TRAM and DIEP Flap Based Autologous Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy: Analysis of the Clinical Experience in the Vilnius University Hospital Santaros klinikos. Dr N. Jakutis, K. Baužys. 2019–2023.
An oral presentation was given at the international conference “Baltic Congress of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” 2022/08/19–20, Jurmala, Latvia. The continued collection and analysis of statistical data is ongoing.

International Research Projects
From Undifferentiated Arthritis to Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Need for a Precision Medicine Approach to Treatment. PhD student R. Šakalytė, Assoc. Prof. S. Stropuvienė, Prof. A. Venalis. 2019–2023.
The project was developed in partnership with Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI). Funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA.
The aim of this study is to analyse certain gene expression dynamics in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory arthritis. In 2022, a statistical analysis of data was performed.

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)
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)
Hospital Carlo Urbani, Rheumatology department (Italy)
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH, Lithuania)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. I. Butrimienė
• board member of Opinion Leaders for Biological Therapy, Europe;
• 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.
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, European Hip Society and AO.
Prof. V.Uvarovas
• board member of the Lithuanian Orthopaedic and Trauma Society;
• board member of AO;
• member of EFFORT.
Assoc. Prof. S. Stropuvienė
• board member of the Lithuanian Rheumatology Association;
• acting secretary of the Lithuanian Rheumatology Association;
• organizing committee member of the annual conference Vilnius Rheumatology Seminars;
• editorial board member of the journal Reumatologijos seminarai (Seminars in Rheumatology).
Assoc. Prof. R. Rugienė
• editorial board member of the journal 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.
Assoc. Prof. I. Šatkauskas
• Board member of Vilnius Orthopaedic and Trauma Society
Assoc. Prof. J. Kurtinaitis
• member of AO;
• members of EFFORT.
• Board member of Lithuanian Orthopaedic and Trauma Society
Assist. Prof. I. Arštikytė
• member of Emerging Eular Network (EMEUNET) - The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) working group of young clinicians and researchers in rheumatology;
• rganizing committee member of the annual conference Vilnius Rheumatology Seminars;
• member of the Lithuanian Rheumatology Association.
Assist. Prof. T. Sveikata
• member of AO;
• member of EFFORT.
• member of Lithuanian Orthopaedic and Trauma Society
• head of Vilnius Orthopaedic and Trauma Society
Assist. Prof. G. Petryla
• member of Lithuanian Orthopaedic and Trauma Society
Assist. Prof. A. Makulavičius
• member of AO
• EFAS Council member
• member of Lithuanian Orthopaedic and Trauma Society
Assist. Prof. N. Jakutis
• board member of Lithuanian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
• board member of Lithuanian Society of Hand surgery and rehabilitation “Manus Lituanica”.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
N.Jakutis. Autologous Flap-Based Breast Reconstruction: 10 Years of Experience in Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. BALTIC CONGRESS OF PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY, August 19-20, 2022, Jurmala, Latvia.
Ankle. My worst case. A. Makulavičius, EFAS Congress 2022, Edinburgh.
Complex malleolar fractures. Talus fractures. A. Makulavičius. AO Advanced Principles of Fracture Treatement, 2022, Tallin.
Outcomes of Open "Crown" Type vs. Percutaneous Bunnell Type Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Randomized Control Study. A. Makulavičius. ACFAS 2022 Scientific Conference. 2022, Austin Texas.

CLINIC OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5307
E-mail
Head – Prof. Dr Sigita Glaveckaitė

STAFF
Professors: Dr (HP) A. Aidietis, Dr S. Aidietienė, Dr J. Čelutkienė, Dr G. Davidavičius, Dr S. Glaveckaitė, Dr G. Kalinauskas, Habil Dr A. Laucevičius, (HP) G. Marinskis, Dr (HP) Ž. Petrulionienė, Dr L. Ryliškytė (part-time), Dr (HP) K. Ručinskas, Dr (HP) P. Šerpytis, Dr V. Tarutis, Dr D. Zakarkaitė (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr J. Barysienė, Dr J. Badarienė, Dr A. Berūkštis, Dr L. Gumbienė (part-time), Dr V. Janušauskas, Dr B. Petrauskienė, Dr G. Račkauskas.
Assistants professor: Dr I. Ašakienė (part-time), Dr A. Baranauskas (part-time), Dr G. Burneikaitė, Dr A. Drąsutienė, V. Juknevičius (part-time), Dr R.Kūgienė (part-time), Dr V. V. Maneikienė (part-time), Dr N. Misonis, Dr R. Navickas (part-time), G.Radauskaitė (part-time), Dr E. Sadauskienė (part-time), Dr Dr R. Sipavičius (part–time), D.Sudavičienė (part-time), Dr R. Sudikienė (part-time), Dr A. Skrėbūnas, Dr B. Vaišnytė, Dr R.Vaitkevičius (part-time), Dr G.L.Vilkevičius (part-time). Dr A. Zorinas (part-time), Dr G. Zuozienė (part-time).
Teaching assistants: R. Šerpytis (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr J. Misiūra. V. Abraitis (part-time), N. Bileišienė (part-time), A. Karužas (part-time), G. Navickas (part-time), G. Vaitėnas (part–time),
Research professors: Dr (HP) A Aidietis, Dr J. Čelutkienė, habil.Dr A. Laucevičius, Dr(HP) Ž.Petrulionienė, Dr L. Ryliškytė, Dr (HP) K. Ručinskas, Dr D. Zakarkaitė.
Senior researchers: Dr S. Aidietienė, Dr J. Badarienė, Dr E.Berūkštis, Dr A.Čypienė, Dr S. Glaveckaitė, Dr L.Gumbienė, Dr Vilius Janušauskas, Dr L.Jurgauskienė, Dr A. Laucytė Cibulskienė, Dr R.Malickaitė, Dr R. Navickas, Dr E. Rinkūnienė, Dr P. Šerpytis.
Researchers: Dr A. Baranauskas (part-time), Dr L.Bezuška, Dr M. Budra (part–time),Dr G. Burneikaitė (part time), Dr R.Čypienė, Dr A. Drąsutienė, Dr V.Lebetkevičius, Dr D.Liekienė, Dr A. Lipnevičius (part-time), Dr E. Lycholip, Dr V.V. Maneikienė, Dr G. Račkauskas, Dr V. Rudienė (part-time), DrE. Sadauskienė, Dr P.Semėnienė, Dr R. Sudikienė, Dr A.Valaika, Dr A.Zorinas, Dr G.Zuozienė.
Research assistants: V. Bajoras (part time), K. Čerlinskaitė Bajore (part time), E. Dvinelis (part time), E. Gaižauskas (part–time), K. Jonas (part-time), P. Navickas (part -time), E. Palevičiūtė (part-time), R. Puronaitė (part-time), A. Podkopajev (part–time), A. Šatrauskienė (part time), J. Zupkauskienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: U.Aliošaitienė, J. Balsytė-Zupkauskienė, V. Bajoras, K. Čerlinskaitė Bajorė, J. Bacevičius, G. Bieliauskienė, N. Bileišienė, P. Budrys, E. Dvinelis, S. Čėsna, E. Čiburienė, D. Fomin, A. Jucevičienė, P. Navickas, A. Šatrauskienė, V.Šileikienė, E. Palevičiūtė, A. Podkopajev, G. Radauskaitė.

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.
• Studies of the Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Care, Novel Biomarkers, Telemonitoring and physical training.
• Rare Cardiovascular Diseases: Searching for Mechanisms and new Methods of Diagnostics and Treatment Technologies.
• Fundamental and Clinical Research in Cardiac arrhythmias. Improvement of Methods of Complex Treatment of Atrial and Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia.
• Complex Multimodality Imaging Assessment of left and right Ventricular Function in Coronary Artery Disease, Hypertension and Heart Failure.
• Congenital Heart Disease Cardiac Surgery in Infants.
• New Possibilities of Hybrid (Interventional and Surgical) and minimally invasive Technologies in Cardiovascular Medicine.
• Assessment of Cardiac Structural Changes by Applying Novel Imaging Technologies and Methodologies.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Prevention of Atherosclerosis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Induced Diseases. Leaders: Prof. Dr (HP) A. Laucevičius, Assoc. Prof. J. Badarienė. Researchers (main): Prof. Dr (HP) Ž. Petrulionienė, Prof. S. Glaveckaitė, Research Prof. L. Ryliškytė, Senior researcher A. Laučytė – Cibulskienė, Senior researcher E. Rinkūnienė, Senior researcher R. Navickas. 2019–2023.
We continued with data processing and database management. From the study data, three theses were prepared and presented at international conferences: 1) European Atherosclerosis Society Congress 2022, Milan, Italy; 2) 31st European Meeting on Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection, Athens, Greece; 3) 7th Baltic and North Sea Conference on Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Tartu, Estonia. One paper about the changes in psychoemotional condition after individualised aerobic training among subjects with metabolic syndrome was published in the Hellenic Journal of Cardiology”. The primary database for artificial intelligence-based prediction model analysis has been finalised, and two project proposals have been submitted for additional funding to carry out epigenetic research and analysis based on artificial intelligence. The outcome of the proposal evaluation is still pending.
Main publications:
1. Penson PE, Bruckert E, Marais D, Reiner Ž, Pirro M, Sahebkar A, Bajraktari G, Mirrakhimov E, Rizzo M, Mikhailidis DP, Sachinidis A, Gaita D, Latkovskis G, Mazidi M, Toth PP, Pella D, Alnouri F, Postadzhiyan A, Yeh HI, Mancini GBJ, von Haehling S, Banach M; International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP): Ž. Petrulionienė. Step-by-step diagnosis and management of the nocebo/drucebo effect in statin-associated muscle symptoms patients: a position paper from the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP). Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle 2022;13(3):1596–1622. IF 12.063 Q1
2. Zupkauskienė J., Laucevičienė I., Navickas P., Ryliškytė L., Puronaitė R., Badarienė J., Laucevičius A. Changes in health-related quality of life, motivation for physical activity, the levels of anxiety and depression after individualized aerobic training in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Hellenic Journal of Cardiology 2022;66:41-51. IF 5.795 Q2
3. Rinkūnienė E., Petrulionytė E., Dženkevičiūtė V., Petrulionienė Ž., Senulytė A., Puronaitė R., Laucevičius A. Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Lithuanian Men Based on Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference Group Results from the 2006–2016 Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk Prevention Program. Medicina-Lithuania 2022;58:1718, [1-11 p.]. IF 2.948 Q3

New Technologies for Management of Structural Heart Diseases. Leaders: Prof. Dr (HP) A. Aidietis, Prof. Dr (HP) K. Ručinskas. Researchers (main): Prof. G. Davidavičius, Research Prof. D. Zakarkaitė, Prof. S. Aidietienė, Prof. S. Glaveckaitė, Assoc. Prof. V. Janušauskas, Senior Researcher R. Malickaitė, Senior Researcher L. Jurgauskienė, Researcher A. Zorinas, Research Assistant A. Podkopajev. 2019–2023.
In 2022, the first patient, as a part of the ENRAPT-MR Trial, was selected for treatment. The procedure was performed on 2022 11 25. In 2022, 9 patients with end-stage heart failure were treated with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation (HeartMate III, Abbott Cardiovascular, Plymouth, MN). Some data is used in an international multicentre (12 European countries) registry (PCHF-VAD registry) and continuously added. Two new patients have been enrolled for treatment of functional tricuspid regurgitation with new Minimally Invasive Annuloplasty devices. In 2022, the installation of a hybrid operating theatre began.
Main publications:
1. Zorinas A., Zakarkaitė D., Janušauskas V., Austys D., Puodžiukaitė L., Zuozienė G., Samalavičius R.S., Jovaišienė I., Davidavičius G., Ručinskas K., Onorato E.M. Technical Recommendations for Real-Time Echocardiography and Fluoroscopy Imaging Fusion in Catheter-Based Mitral Valve Paravalvular Leak and Other Procedures. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(5):1328. IF 4.964 Q2
2. Zorinas A., Janušauskas V., Austys D., Davidavičius G., Puodžiukaitė L., Zakarkaitė D., Samalavičius R.S., Urbonas K., Kramena R., Onorato E.M., Ručinskas K. A Comparison of the Catheter-Based Transapical and Surgical Treatment Modalities for Mitral Paravalvular Leak. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(17):4999. IF 4.964 Q2
3. Onorato E.M., Alamanni F., Muratori M., Smolka G., Wojakowski W., Pysz P., Zorinas A., Zakarkaitė D., Eltchaninoff H., Litzer P.Y., Godart F., Calvert P., Christou C., Mussayev A., Missiroli B., Buzaev I., Curello S., Tesorio T., Bartorelli A.L. Safety, Efficacy and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Treated with the Occlutech Paravalvular Leak Device for Significant Paravalvular Regurgitation. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(7):1978. IF 4.964 Q2

Improvement and Evaluation of Congenital Heart Disease Surgery. Leader: Prof. Dr V. Tarutis. Researchers (main): Senior Researcher L. Gumbienė, Researcher A. Lipnevičius, Researcher D. Liekienė, Researcher V. Lebetkevičius, Researcher R. Sudikienė; Research Assist. K. Jonas, Research Assist. S. Sendžikaitė. 2019–2023.
During the year 2022, we continued our research in two major directions: evaluation and improvement of surgical treatment methods for critical congenital heart defects. The focus was directed to evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of congenital heart defects, accessibility to surgical treatment for these defects, and the outcomes of said treatment. During this time, data from our research project was presented at local and international conferences, scientific publications and two doctoral dissertations. One of which was successfully defended in spring, and the other one is currently undergoing peer-review.
Main publications:
1. Rudienė, Virginija; Kaplerienė, Lina; Jančauskaitė, Dovilė; Meškėnė, Emilija; Palevičiūtė, Eglė; Laukytė-Slėnienė, Monika; Gasiūnaitė, Diana; Ramašauskaitė, Diana; Jurevičienė, Elena; Gumbienė, Lina. Pregnancy in congenital heart disease, complicated by pulmonary arterial hypertension - a challenging issue for the pregnant woman, the foetus, and healthcare professionals. Medicina 2022, 58 (4): 476, [1-13]. IF 2.43 Q2
2. Sendžikaitė, Skaistė; Sudikienė, Rita; Lubaua, Inguna; Silis, Pauls; Rybak, Agata; Brzezinska-Rajszys, Grazyna; Obrycki, Łukasz; Jankauskienė, Augustina; Litwin, Mieczysław. Multi-centre cross-sectional study on vascular remodelling in children following successful coarctation correction. Journal of human hypertension 2022, 36 (9): 819-82. IF 2.877, Q3.
3. Sendžikaitė, Skaistė; Sudikienė, Rita; Lubaua, Inguna; Silis, Pauls; Rybak, Agata; Brzezinska-Rajszys, Grazyna; Obrycki, Łukasz; Litwin, Mieczysław; Jankauskienė, Augustina. Antihypertensive therapy of late arterial hypertension in children following successful coarctation correction. Journal of hypertension 2022: 1-10. IF 4.776, Q2.

Cardio-Oncology Services: Organisation and Implementation. Leader: Prof. S. Aidietienė. Researchers (main): Prof. J. Čelutkienė, Dr J. Misiūra, PhD student E. Čiburienė. 2019–2023.
We performed a retrospective observational study reporting the 6-year experience of the first Cardio-Oncology service in Vilnius, Lithuania. The 447 patients who were referred to our service were studied, and the association of patient survival with age, gender, reasons for referral, cancer location and stage, cardiovascular risk factors, rates and stage of cardiotoxicity and treatment strategies were analysed. According to the research that elevated resting heart rate independently predicted mortality in patients with cancer, we investigate the protective effects of ivabradine in cancer patients with elevated heart rate undergoing cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Data were analysed, and the article “Ivabradine to prevent anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: a prospective randomised open-label clinical trial “is under preparation.
Main publication:
1. Čiburienė E., Aidietienė S., Ščerbickaitė G., Brasiūnienė B., Drobnienė M., Baltruškevičienė E., Žvirblis T., Čelutkienė J. Development of a Cardio-Oncology Service in Lithuania: Prediction, Prevention, Monitoring and Treatment of Cancer Treatment-Induced Cardiotoxicity. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease 2022;9(5):134. IF 4.415 Q2

Assessment of Cardiac Structural Changes by Applying Novel Imaging Technologies and Methodologies. Leader: Prof. Sigita Glaveckaitė. Researchers (main): Prof. J. Čelutkienė, Prof. S. Aidietienė, Research Prof. D. Zakarkaitė, Researcher Dr A. Drąsutienė, Dr G. Balčiūnaitė, Teaching Assist. R. Šerpytis, PhD students: E. Dvinelis, K. Čerlinskaitė – Bajorė, P. Navickas. 2022–2027.
The scientific project “Assessment of myocardial structural changes and their prognostic significance in patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis” was successfully completed in July 2022. The primary hypothesis of the research is that severe structural changes in the myocardium are related to immediate (in-hospital) or long-term complications (MACE and all-cause mortality). The main goal of the project is to improve the qualification of researchers by mastering new imaging technologies for assessing myocardial structural changes. In 2022, the one-year follow-up of the surgical cohort was completed, and the results were published (1). Analysis of the two-year follow-up results of both (surgical and transcatheter) cohorts is ongoing, and two publications are planned for the year 2023.
The scientific research was initiated in the field of Computed tomography coronary angiography. The main goal of the research is to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of anatomical and functional imaging in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. In the meantime, documents for the Bioethical Committee and technical infrastructure are under preparation.
The scientific research was initiated in the field of non-invasive assessment using Cardiovascular magnetic resonance of myocardial inflammatory changes in the setting of acute myocarditis. The main goal of the research is to evaluate myocardial structural changes in patients after COVID-19 disease using magnetic resonance T1 and T2 parametric mapping. In the meantime, documents for the Bioethical Committee and technical infrastructure are under preparation.
Main publications:
1. Balčiūnaitė G., Besusparis J., Palionis D., Žurauskas E., Skorniakov V., Janušauskas V., Zorinas A., Zaremba T., Valevičienė N., Šerpytis P., Aidietis A., Ručinskas K., Sogaard P, Glaveckaitė S. Exploring myocardial fibrosis in severe aortic stenosis: echo, CMR and histology data from FIB-AS study. The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging 2022;38(7):1555-1568. IF 2.316 Q3
2. Šerpytis R., Majauskiene E., Navickas P., Lizaitis M., Glaveckaitė S., Ručinskas K., Petrulonienė Ž., Valevičienė N.,Samalavičius R.S., Berūkštis A., Baranauskas A., Gargalskaitė U., Laucevičius A., Chen Q.M., Alpert J.S., Šerpytis P. Randomized pilot trial on optimal treatment strategy, myocardial changes, and prognosis of patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). The American Journal of Medicine 2022;135(1):103-109. IF 5.928 Q1
3. Banovic M., Putnik S., Penicka M., Doros G., Deja M.A., Kockova R., Kotrc M., Glaveckaitė S., Gasparovic H., Pavlovic N., Velicki L., Salizzoni S., Wojakowski W., Van Camp G., Nikolic S.D., Iung B., Bartunek J.; AVATAR Trial Investigators: Lithuania: Jelena Čelutkienė, Sigita Glaveckaitė, Marta Filipova. Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Conservative Treatment in Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis: The AVATAR Trial. Circulation 2022;145(9):648-658. IF 39.922 Q1

Novel Technologies in Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease. Leaders: Prof. Dr G. Davidavičius, Prof. Dr G. Kalinauskas. Researchers (main): Prof. (HP) Dr P. Šerpytis, Prof. Dr S. Glaveckaitė, Assoc. Prof. B. Petrauskienė, Assoc. Prof. V. Janušauskas, Researcher A. Baranauskas; Researcher D. Liekienė, Researcher A. Valaika, Researcher R. Sipavičius, Teaching Assist. R. Šerpytis, PhD student P. Budrys. 2021-2026.
Ongoing activities in clinical trials are enrolling patients with coronary artery disease. The supervision of ongoing research protocol on the treatment of long coronary lesions is performed by PhD student P. Budrys.
Implementation into clinical practice of novel non-invasive diagnostic methods for coronary artery disease.
Main publications:
1. Fearon W.F., Zimmermann F.M., De Bruyne B., Piroth Z., van Straten A.H.M., Szekely L., Davidavičius G., Kalinauskas G., Mansour S., Kharbanda R., Östlund-Papadogeorgos N., Aminian A., Oldroyd K.G., Al-Attar N., Jagic N., Dambrink J.E., Kala P., Angerås O., MacCarthy P., Wendler O., Casselman F., Witt N., Mavromatis K., Miner S.E.S., Sarma J., Engstrøm T., Christiansen E.H., Tonino P.A.L., Reardon M.J., Lu D., Ding V.Y., Kobayashi Y., Hlatky M.A., Mahaffey K.W., Desai M., Woo Y.J., Yeung A.C., Pijls N.H.J.; FAME 3 Investigators. Fractional Flow Reserve-Guided PCI as Compared with Coronary Bypass Surgery. New England Journal of Medicine 2022;386(2):128-137. IF 176.082 Q1
2. Fearon W.F., Zimmermann F.M., Ding V.Y., Zelis J.M., Piroth Z., Davidavičius G., Mansour S., Kharbanda R., Östlund-Papadogeorgos N., Oldroyd K.G., Wendler O., Reardon M.J., Woo Y.J., Yeung A.C., Pijls N.H.J., De Bruyne B., Desai M., Hlatky M.A.; FAME 3 Investigators. Quality of Life After Fractional Flow Reserve–Guided PCI Compared With Coronary Bypass Surgery. Circulation 2022;145(22):1655-1662. IF 39.922 Q1
3. Čelutkienė J., Čerlinskaitė-Bajorė K., Bajoras V., Višinskienė R., Lizaitis M., Budrys P., Buivydas R., Gurevičius R., Šerpytis P., Davidavičius G. Collateral effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiology service provision and cardiovascular mortality in a population-based study: COVID-COR-LT. Clinical Research in Cardiolgy 2022;111(10):1130-1146. IF 6.138 Q2

Research of New Methods of Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Arrhythmias. Leader: Prof. Dr (HP) Germanas Marinskis. Researchers (main): Prof. Dr (HP) Audrius Aidietis, Assoc. Prof. Gediminas Račkauskas, Assoc. Prof. Jūratė Barysienė, PhD student Justinas Bacevičius. 2022-2026.
Ongoing activities in clinical trials are enrolling patients with heart rhythm disorders. Implementation into clinical practice of novel non-invasive and invasive diagnostic and treatment methods for arrhythmia. Results were announced at international meetings and conferences.
Main publications:
1. Bacevičius J., Abramikas Z., Dvinelis E., Audzijonienė D., Petrylaitė M., Marinskienė J., Staigytė J., Karužas A., Juknevičius V., Jakaitė R., Basytė-Bacevičė V., Bileišienė N., Sološenko A., Sokas D., Petrėnas A., Butkuvienė M., Paliakaitė B., Daukantas S., Rapalis A., Marinskis G., Jasiūnas E., Darma A., Marozas V., Aidietis A. High Specificity Wearable Device With Photoplethysmography and Six-Lead Electrocardiography for Atrial Fibrillation Detection Challenged by Frequent Premature Contractions: DoubleCheck-AF. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022;9:869730. [1-11 p.] IF 5.846 Q2
2. Stankus V., Navickas P., Slušnienė A., Laucevičienė I., Stankus A., Laucevičius A. A Novel Adaptive Noise Elimination Algorithm in Long RR Interval Sequences for Heart Rate Variability Analysis. Sensors. 2022;22:9213. IF 3.847 Q2
3. Solomon S.D., Claggett B.L., Miao Z.M., Diaz R., Felker G.M., McMurray J.J.V., Metra M., Corbalan R., Filippatos G., Goudev A.R., Mareev V., Šerpytis P., Suter T., Yilmaz M.B., Zannad F., Kupfer S., Heitner S.B., Malik F.I., Teerlink J.R. Influence of atrial fibrillation on efficacy and safety of omecamtiv mecarbil in heart failure: the GALACTIC-HF trial. European Heart Journal 2022;43(23):2212-2220. IF 35.855 Q1

Rare Cardiovascular Diseases – Research of new Mechanisms, Improvement of Diagnostics and Application of Novel Treatment Technologies. Leader: Assoc. Prof. J. Barysienė. Researchers (main): Prof. Dr (HP) A. Aidietis, Prof. Dr (HP) G. Marinskis, Prof. Dr J. Čelutkienė, Prof. Dr S. Aidietienė, Prof. Dr S. Glaveckaitė, Researcher Dr E. Sadauskienė, Researcher Dr D. Sudavičienė, PhD students N. Bileišienė, D. Žebrauskienė. 2021-2026.
Activities during the year 2022: ongoing collection of data concerning rare cardiovascular diseases under the clinical study “Observational study of patients suffering from rare diseases of heart, great arteries and lungs”, expanding of the database and integrating of data into National Open Access Research Data Archive (MIDAS) for storing and analysing scientific data; continuing cooperation with health care professionals from ERN GUARD – Heart (European Reference Network for Rare and low prevalence complex diseases of the heart) in difficult clinical scenarios through CPMS (Clinical Patient Management System, an IT Platform for Clinical Consultations).
Scientific reports:
1. European Human Genetics Conference, Vienna, Austria, 2022. Aortic disease and cardiomyopathy in a patient with a novel variant in the DNMT3A gene causing Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome”. Dovile Jancauskaite, Ruta Masiuliene, Egle Sadauskiene, Jurate Barysiene, Violeta Mikstiene, Egle Preiksaitiene.
2. 15th conference of young scientists of Lithuania. 2022, Vilnius, Lithuania. “Phenotype expression of pathogenic variants of MYPPC3 gene and genotype analysis of patients suffering from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy”. Dovilė Žebrauskienė, R. Masiulienė, E. Sadauskienė, J. Barysienė, V. Mikštienė, E. Preikšaitienė.
Main publications:
1. Wierzbowska-Drabik K, Kasprzak JD, Haberka M, Peteiro J, Re F, D'Alfonso MG, Mori F, Palinkas ED, Agoston G, Varga A, Djordjevic-Dikic A, Tesic M, Zagatina A, Rodriguez-Zanella H, Simova I, Merli E, Morrone D, D'Andrea A, Camarozano AC, Reisenhofer B, Prota C, Citro R, Čelutkienė J., Boshchenko A, Ciampi Q, Picano E. Left atrial volume changes during exercise stress echocardiography in heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Exercise echocardiography and left atrial changes. Hellenic Journal of Cardiology 2022;67:9-18. IF 4.047 Q2
2. Kažukauskienė I., Baltrūnienė V., Jakubauskas A., Žurauskas E., Maneikienė V.V., Daunoravičius D., Čelutkienė J., Ručinskas K., Grabauskienė V. Prevalence and prognostic relevance of myocardial inflammation and cardiotropic viruses in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiology Journal 2022;29(3):441-453. IF 2.737 Q3
3. Lopes LR, Losi MA, Sheikh N, Laroche C, Charron P, Gimeno J, Kaski JP, Maggioni AP, Tavazzi L, Arbustini E, Brito D, Čelutkienė J, Hagege A, Linhart A, Mogensen J, Garcia-Pinilla JM, Ripoll-Vera T, Seggewiss H, Villacorta E, Caforio A, Elliott PM; Cardiomyopathy Registry Investigators Group: (Vilnius): J. Čelutkienė, L. Balkevičienė, M. Laukytė, E. Palevičiūtė. Association between common cardiovascular risk factors and clinical phenotype in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EurObservational Research Programme (EORP) Cardiomyopathy/Myocarditis registry. European Heart Journal – Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes. 2022;9(1):42-53. IF 7.064 Q1

Effect of Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Care, new Biomarkers, Remote Monitoring and Exercise Treatment Studies. Leader: Prof. J. Čelutkienė. Reseachers (main): Prof. Dr (HP) K. Ručinskas, Assoc. Prof. J. Barysienė, Professor assist. Dr G. Burneikaitė, Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Janušauskas, Researcher Dr A. Zorinas, Researcher Dr V. Maneikienė, PhD students: E. Palevičiūtė, K. Čerlinskaitė Bajorė. 2021-2025.
In the sub-population (N=437) of the Lithuanian Echocardiography Study of Dyspnoea (LEDA), the role of novel biomarker sCD146 in congestion was evaluated along with clinical and ultrasound parameters. We found that sCD146 concentration reflects the degree of peripheral and systemic congestion assessed by clinical and echocardiographic indices, with a prominent association in patients with low NT-proBNP.
The systematic literature review of eighteen studies showed hypotheses generating data on potential positive effects of exercise training on parameters of LV filling pressure (E/e'), left atrium size, cardiac output, and RV function.
The study of informal caregivers’ experience highlights involving informal caregivers and persons with HF together in the implementation and future research of telemonitoring in HF care.
Main publications:
1. Juknevičienė R., Simonavičius J., Mikalauskas A., Čerlinskaitė-Bajorė K., Arrigo M., Juknevičius V., Alitoit-Marrote I., Kablučko D., Bagdonaitė L., Vitkus D., Balčiūnas M., Zuozienė G., Barysienė J., Žaliaduonytė D., Stašaitis K., Kavoliūnienė A., Mebazaa A., Čelutkienė J. Soluble CD146 in the detection and grading of intravascular and tissue congestion in patients with acute dyspnoea: analysis of the prospective observational Lithuanian Echocardiography Study of Dyspnoea in Acute Settings (LEDA) cohort. BMP OPEN 2022;12(9):e061611. IF 3.006 Q2
2. Palevičiūtė E., Šimbelytė T., Eichstaedt C.A., Benjamin N., Egenlauf B., Grünig E., Čelutkienė J. The effect of exercise training and physiotherapy on left and right heart function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic literature review. Heart Failure Reviews 2022 Jul 13. IF 4.654 Q2
3. Aamodt I.T., Lie I, Lycholip E., Strömberg A., Jaarsma T., Čelutkienė J., Hellesø R. Informal Caregivers' Experiences with Performing Telemonitoring in Heart Failure Care at Home-A Qualitative Study. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10(7):1237. IF 3.16 Q2

National Research Projects
Assessment of Myocardial Structural Changes and Their Prognostic Significance in Patients with Severe Degenerative Aortic Stenosis. EU Structural Funds. No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0148. Assoc. Prof. S. Glaveckaite. 2018–2022.
The scientific project – a prospective, open, case-driven, multicentre study (Lithuania, Denmark) – was successfully completed in July 2022. The primary hypothesis of the research is that severe structural changes in the myocardium are related to immediate (in-hospital) or long-term complications (MACE and all-cause mortality). The main goal of the project is to improve the qualification of researchers by mastering new imaging technologies for assessing myocardial structural changes. In 2022, the one-year follow-up of the surgical cohort was completed, and results were published (1). Analysis of the two-year follow-up results of both (surgical and transcatheter) cohorts is ongoing, and two publications are planned for the year 2023.
Main publications:
1. Balčiūnaitė G, Besusparis J, Palionis D, Žurauskas E, Skorniakov V, Janušauskas V, Zorinas A, Zaremba T, Valevičienė N, Šerpytis P, Aidietis A, Ručinskas K, Sogaard P, Glaveckaitė S. Exploring myocardial fibrosis in severe aortic stenosis: echo, CMR and histology data from FIB-AS study. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2022, 3:1–14.
2. Vahanian A., Beyersdorf F., Praz F., Milojevic M., Baldus S., Bauersachs J., Capodanno D., Conradi L., De Bonis M., De Paulis R., Delgado V., Freemantle N., Gilard M., Haugaa K.H., Jeppsson A., Jüni P., Pierard L., Prendergast B.D., Sádaba J.R., Tribouilloy C., Wojakowski W. ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee (CPG): J. Čelutkienė; ESC/EACTS Scientific Document Group: Glaveckaitė S. (LSC). 2021 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease. European Heart Journal 2022;43:561-632. IF 29.983 Q1

Optimisation of Diagnosis and the Creation of Treatment Strategy for Type 2 Myocardial Infarction. EU Structural Funds. No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0148. Prof. P. Šerpytis. 2018–2022.
The research paper was accepted and published in the American Journal of Medicine. Patient screening and randomisation of the study was continued. Type 2 myocardial infarction diagnosis and treatment guidelines have been prepared and reviewed.
Main publications:
1. Šulskutė K., Pilkienė A., Meškėnė E., Kersnauskaitė D., Šerpytis R, Petrulionienė Ž., Šerpytis P. High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Impact on the Differential Diagnosis of Non-ST Segment Elevation Coronary Syndromes—Is It Helping? Medicina-Lithuania 2022;58(8):1084, p.[1-10]. IF 2.948 Q3
2. Nadarajah R, Ludman P, Appelman Y, Brugaletta S, Budaj A, Bueno H, Huber K, Kunadian V, Leonardi S, Lettino M, Milasinovic D, Gale CP; NSTEMI Investigators: (Vilnius): J. Badarienė, S. Balčiūtė, L. Kaplerienė, M. Lizaitis, J. Marinskienė, A. Navickaitė, A. Pilkienė, D. Ramanauskaitė, R. Šerpytis, D. Šilinskienė, T. Šimbelytė, J. Staigytė. Cohort profile: the ESC EURObservational Research Programme Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (NSTEMI) Registry. European Heart Journal – Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes. 2022;9(1):42-53. IF 7.064 Q1

Multiscale Mathematical and Computer Modelling for Flows in Networks: Application to Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases. No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-17-0003. Principal research members from VU: Prof. Dr (HP) Audrius Aidietis, Prof. Sigita Aidietienė. 2020–2023.
It is an interdisciplinary project between applied mathematics and medicine. The idea of the research project is to provide a new, fast, and effective mathematically justified numerical strategy for multiscale modelling of the bloodstream in the network of vessels and for cardiac valves.
The Research Council of Lithuania. Heart Rate Variability and Metabolic Syndrome. Head researcher: Prof. Dr (HP) A. Laucevičius. Researchers (main): Research Prof. L. Ryliskyte, Research Assist. P. Navickas. 2019–2022.
In collaboration with the researchers at the State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, the study is conducted as a cross-sectional study carried out among subjects included in the Lithuanian High Risk (LitHiR) cohort. The study includes the assessment of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiogram, and actigraphy profiles. A subgroup of metabolic syndrome subjects also undergoes an aerobic exercise intervention study, which includes a comprehensive baseline and follow-up evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors and psychological status. In 2022, the 24-hour blood pressure and actigraphy profile data analysis was performed, and a novel adaptive noise elimination algorithm for long R-R interval sequences for heart rate variability analysis was proposed by the study team. The aforementioned method was successfully published in a well-regarded journal.
Main publications:
1. Laučytė-Cibulskienė A., Chen C.H., Cockroft J., Cunha P.G., Kavousi M., Laucevičius A., Muiesan M.L., Rietzschel E.R., Ryliškytė L., Strazhesko I.D., Vlachopoulos C., Cotter J., Dudinskaya E.N., Gale N., Ahmadizar F., Mattace-Raso F.U.S., Munnery M., Oliveira P., Paini A., Salvetti M., Tkacheva O.N., Lakatta E.G., Nilsson P.M., Scuteri A. Clusters of risk factors in metabolic syndrome and their influence on central blood pressure in a global study. Scientific Reports 2022;12(1):14409. IF 4.996 Q2 VU, VUL SK, IMC
2. Stankus V., Navickas P., Slušnienė A., Laucevičienė I., Stankus A., Laucevičius A. A Novel Adaptive Noise Elimination Algorithm in Long RR Interval Sequences for Heart Rate Variability Analysis. Sensors. 2022;22:9213. IF 3.847 Q2

International Research Projects
COST Action No. CA18216. Network for Research in Vascular Ageing. Leader: Prof. Dr (HP) A. Laucevičius. 2019–2023.
Arterial stiffness is an important component of vascular ageing and a potent CVD risk predictor, and as such, it is emerging as an appealing therapeutic target.
The tasks performed by Lithuanian scientists participating in this project: active participation in educational online meetings and working groups; preparation of different upcoming publications; contribution to CARTESIAN - COVID-19 effects on ARTErial StIffness and vascular AgiNg project, Lithuanian group, aiming to analyse COVID-19 influence on vascular ageing; examination of 50 patients at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos was performed; participation in VIII Annual Congress of The European Society of Vascular Medicine in Stockholm, as VasAgeNet members with two poster presentations (Mykolaityte J et al.; Laucyte-Cibulskiene A et al.); participation in ARTERY22 in Nancy, France as VasAgeNet members and presenting a poster: Sex-specific association between the metabolic score for insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in middle-aged adults with metabolic syndrome (Mykolaityte J et al.).
Main publications:
1. Badaras I, Laučytė-Cibulskienė A. Vascular Aging and COVID-19. Angiology. 2022 Aug 28:33197221121007. doi: 10.1177/00033197221121007. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36031949; PMCID: PMC9421419.
2. Laučytė-Cibulskienė A., Smaliukaitė M., Dadonienė J., Čypienė A., Mikolaitytė J., Ryliškytė L., Laucevičius A., Badarienė J. Inflammaging and Vascular Function in Metabolic Syndrome: The Role of Hyperuricemia. Medicina-Lithuania 2022;58:373, p.1-11. IF 2.43 Q2 VU, IMC
3. Girkantaite Z, Laucyte-Cibulskiene A, Ryliskyte L, Juceviciene A, Badariene J. Laser Doppler flowmetry evaluation of skin microvascular endothelial function in patients with metabolic syndrome. Microvasc Res. 2022 Jul;142:104373. doi: 10.1016/j.mvr.2022.104373. Epub 2022 May 2. PMID: 35513175.

COVID-19 Effects on ARTErial StIffness and Vascular AgiNg (CARTESIAN) Study. COST Action 18216. Network for Research in Vascular Ageing. Coordinator of the Lithuanian research group: Senior researcher Dr A. Laucyte-Cibulskiene. Principle Investigators: Professor Pierre Boutouyrie, Paris, France & Dr Rosa Maria Bruno, Paris, France (http://vascagenet.eu/cartesian-study-covid-19-arterial-stiffness-and-vascular-aging. 2020–2032.
In 2022, a study was performed to evaluate whether accelerated vascular ageing is associated with COVID-19, whether vascular ageing is further accelerated as a function of COVID-19 severity and pre-existing cardiometabolic disease and background treatments, and whether psychosocial factors play a role in COVID-19-induced accelerated vascular ageing process. The Rationale and Protocol of CARTESIAN were published in the Artery Research Journal. The first report on primary study results has been recently submitted. Lithuania has already enrolled 50 patients and submitted initial measurements in a RedCap database.

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, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Pittsburgh
Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade Medical School, Serbia
The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
The National Scientific Medical Center, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
Aalborg university hospital, Aalborg university, Denmark
University of Arizona College of Medicine, the United States of America
Barts Heart Centre, Heart Hospital Imaging department, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland

OTHER RESEARCH 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 (full member)
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiology
• editorial board member of the Journal Medicina (Lithuania)
• managing editor of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine
• international editorial board member of the Journal Europace (ESC)
Prof. Dr (HP) A. Aidietis
• 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
• editorial board member of the Journal Acta Medica Lituanica
• fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC)
Prof. Dr J. Čelutkienė
• president of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology
• member of Lithuanian Heart Association
• member of Heart Failure Association of the ESC
• member of European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging
• member of American College of Cardiology (FACC)
• fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC)
Prof. Dr G. Davidavičius
• member of National Society of Interventional Cardiology
• Board member of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology
• Member of European Society of Cardiology
Prof. Dr (HP) G. Marinskis
• editor-in-Chief of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine
• member of the Credentials committee
• member European Society of Cardiology - member of Fellowship Committee
• European Heart Rhythm Association - member of Nomination Committee
• member of Lithuanian Heart Association
• chairman of Heart Rhythm workgroup at Lithuanian Society of Cardiology
Prof. Dr (HP) Ž. Petrulionienė
• nucleus member of the Primary Care and Risk Factor Management Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC)
• board member of International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS)
• president Elect of Baltic Society of Atherosclerosis (BAS); board member of BAS
• fellow of European Society of Cardiology (FESC)
• member of European Society of Atherosclerosis (EAS)
• member of International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS)
• Ivory member of European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC)
• professional Associate of American Heart Association and American Stroke Association
• editorial board member of the journal Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine
• editor of chapter Cardiologic Seminars of the journal Internistas (Internist)
• national Co-ordinator of global registry EAS-FHSC
• national Co-ordinator of international project ScreenPro FH
• member of MetaBERN
• head of Lithuanian Heart Association Vilnius Branch
Prof. Dr (HP) K. Ručinskas
• member of European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
• member of CTS Net (Cardiothoracic Surgery Network)
• member of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery
• board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons
• board member of Lithuanian Association of Intensive Care Cardiology and Emergency Medicine.
Prof. Dr P. Šerpytis
• fellow of the European Society of Cardiology
• member of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology
• board member of Lithuanian Heart Association
• expert of Lithuanian Research Council
• 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. Dr V. Tarutis
• Board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons
• Member of European Association of Cardiac-Thoracic Surgery
Prof. Dr A. Aidietienė
• member of the European Society of Cardiology
• member of Lithuanian Heart Association
• member of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology
Prof. Dr S. Glaveckaitė
• president of the Lithuanian Heart Association
• board member of the Lithuanian Association of Intensive Cardiology and Emergency Medicine
• board member and vice-president of the Baltic Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Society
• professional member of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), member of the ESC Council on Valvular Heart Disease, member of the ESC Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial diseases, member of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging
• head of the Cardiac Imaging Working Group at the Lithuanian Society of Cardiology, board member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiology
• member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Cardiology and Therapy.guest reviewer in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.
Prof. Dr G. Kalinauskas
• member of European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
• board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Cardiology
Senior researcher Dr L. Gumbienė
• board member and chair of Pulmonary Artery Hypertension and Adult Congenital Heart Disease working group of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology
• member of European Society of Cardiology and working group on adult congenital heart disease
• member of Lithuanian Heart Association
Senior researcher Dr L. Jurgauskienė
• member of European Respiratory Society
• member of European Federation for Immunogenetics
• member of Baltic Sea Society for Immunology
• member of Lithuanian Society for Immunology
• member of Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine
• member of Lithuanian Respiratory Society
• member of Lithuanian Rheumatology Association
Researcher Dr D. Liekienė
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Paediatric Cardiology
• member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons
Senior researcher Dr R. Malickaitė
• member of European Federation for Immunogenetics
• member of Baltic Sea Society for Immunology
• board member of Lithuanian Society for Immunology
• member of Lithuanian Society for Alergology and Clinical Immunology
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine
Lecturer Dr J. Misiūra
• member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons
• member of the ESC Working Group of Heart Failure
Assistant professor Dr B. Vaišnytė
• member of Lithuanian Society for Vascular Surgery
• member of German-Baltic Medical Association
• member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons
Researcher Dr A. Valaika
• board member of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons
Assistant professor Dr R. Vaitkevičius
• member of Lithuanian Society of Vascular Surgery
• member of the Council of Lithuanian Society of Vascular Surgery
• member of The Baltic Society of Phlebology
Assistant professor Dr G. Vilkevičius
• editorial board member of the Journal Lithuanian Society of Phlebologists “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
Associate professor Dr G. Račkauskas
• member of American College of Cardiology (FACC)
• fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC)
• member of Lithuanian Heart Association
• member of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology
Assistant professor Dr A. Skrebūnas, Lecturer G. Vaitėnas
• members of Lithuanian Society for Vascular Surgery

Prof. Dr (HP) A. Aidietis, Prof. Dr (HP) G. Marinskis, Prof. Dr G. Davidavičius, Associate professor Dr B. Petrauskienė, Associate professor Dr J. Badarienė, Associate professor Dr J.Barysienė, Assistant professor Dr G.Burneikaitė, Senior Researcher Dr A. Čypienė, Researcher Dr R. Čypienė, Assistant professor Dr R. Kūgienė, Researcher Dr D. Liekienė, Researcher Dr V.Maneikienė, Lecturer Dr J. Misiūra, Research professor Dr L. Ryliškytė, Senior researcher Dr E.Rinkūnienė, researcher Dr P. Semėnienė, Senior researcher Dr R. Navickas
• members of European Society of Cardiology
• members of Lithuanian Heart Association
• members of Lithuanian Society of Cardiology
Associate prof. Dr V. Janušauskas, Senior researcher Dr L. Gumbienė, Researchers: Dr R. Čypienė, Dr M. Budra, Dr V. Lebetkevičius, Dr A. Lipnevičius, Dr D. Liekienė, Dr V. Maneikienė, Dr P. Semėnienė, Dr R. Sipavičius, Dr A. Zorinas, Research assistent E. Gaižauskas
• members of Lithuanian Society of Thoracic, and Cardiac Surgeons.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Vaisnyte Birute, Tumiene Birute, Gatelis Simonas. Phenotypic variability in CV-AVM1 syndrome due to a novel RASA1 mutation. ISSVA World Congress 2022: The latest in Vascular Anomalies! Vancuver-British Columbia-Canada 10-13 May 2022. https://www.issva.org/UserFiles/file/ISSVAWorldCongress2022-ProgramBook.pdf
2. Celutkiene Jelena. Putting it all together: early management of acute heart failure. Session: Meet the Experts: early management of acute heart failure. ESC Congress 2022, August 26-29, Barcelona, Spain. https://esc365.escardio.org/presentation/244511.
3. Celutkiene Jelena. Using imaging in cardio-oncology. Session: Cardiotoxicity: how to organise patient care. Heart Failure 2022, May 21-24, Madrid, Spain. https://esc365.escardio.org/presentation/240886.
4. Glaveckaite Sigita. Lipid-lowering goals in the Baltic states: mission impossible? American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2022: Session AC.JS.538. Cutting Edge Advancements and Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Metabolic Management, November 05-07, Chicago, IL, USA. https://professional.heart.org/-/media/PHD-Files/Meetings/Scientific-Sessions/2022/AHA22-Final-Program.pdf
5. Rackauskas Gediminas. Transcatheter pulmonary artery banding for adults with HFrEF: Acute and intermediate results from the ongoing First-in-Human trial. CSI Frankfurt, December 9-10, 2022. https://www.csi-congress.org/node/241
6. Rackauskas Gediminas. Affera – Integrated RF/PF & HD-Mapping technology. Euro AF Congress, December 13-14, 2022. https://www.millbrook-medical-conferences.co.uk/conferences/december-2022/europe-af.aspx.
7. Skrebūnas Arminas. Affera – Integrated RF/PF & HD-Mapping technology. Euro AF Congress 13-14 December 2022. https://www.millbrook-medical-conferences.co.uk/conferences/december-2022/europe-af.aspx

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
Prof. Dr J. Čelutkienė
• member of Scientific Advisory Group Cardiovascular of European Medicines Agency;
• member ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee
• member ESC Research Grants Committee member
• member HFA of the ESC Palliative Care Committee
• member of the Editorial Board of European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
• member of HFA Cardio-Oncology Study group
• member of HFA Study group on Left Atrium
• cardiovascular disease expert of the European Medicines Agency
Prof. Dr S. Glaveckaitė
• member of the Council of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University
• evaluator of EIT Health Education projects
• scientific project evaluator at the Lithuanian Business Support Agency (2017 - 2020)
Prof. Dr P. Šerpytis
• Working group of “Formation health supervision administrative comity for integrated pathologies in health supervision control council for cardiology, oncology, stroke and perinatology” (Cardiology cluster).
Prof. Dr Ž. Petrulionienė
• National Leader of world-wide International Familial Hypercholesterolemia Project EAS FHSC (Global EAS FH Studies Collaboration, Project leader prof. Kausik Ray).
• National Leader of International Familial Hypercholesterolemia Project ScreenPro FH (Screening Project for Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Central, Southern and Eastern Europe, Project leader Prof. Richard Ceska).
• Independent External Expert appointed by European Commission for the project evaluations.
• member of International Lipid expert Panel (ILEP)

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. World Heart Day (celebration and awareness campaign) – 29th of September, 2022; Vilnius, Kaunas, Panevėžys, Klaipėda, Druskininkai;
2. World Hypertension Day (celebration and awareness campaign) – 17th of May, 2022, Vilnius;
3. Heart Failure Awareness Days – 2nd – 8th of May 2022, Vilnius;
4. Myocardial Infarction Awareness Campaign – December, 2022.
5. Awareness campaign on atrial fibrillation „What you should know about atrial fibrillation? (January – February 2022).

CLINIC OF CHILDREN’S DISEASES

Santariškių 4, LT- 08406 Vilnius
Tel. 272 0427
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Augustina Jankauskienė

STAFF
Professors: Dr R. Čerkauskienė, Dr A. Jankauskienė, Dr J. Rascon, Dr O. Rudzevičienė, Dr V. Urbonas, Dr Habil. A. Valiulis, Dr Habil. V. Usonis (emeritus)
Associate professors: Dr S. Burokienė, Dr J. Grikinienė, Dr I. Ivaškevičienė, Dr A. Liubšys, Dr G. Kleinotienė, Dr V. V. Panavienė, Dr S. Petraitienė
Assistant professor: Dr K. Ažukaitis, Dr, R. Ivaškevičius, Dr A. Jagelavičienė, Dr, M. Leonavičiūtė Klimantavičienė, Dr, O. Kinčinienė, Dr I. J. Paulavičienė, Dr I. Pilypienė, Dr R. Praninskienė, Dr S. Rusonienė, Dr R. Samaitienė-Aleknienė, Dr I. Stacevičienė, Dr S. Šaulytė Trakymienė, Dr R. Vankevičienė, Dr V. Žilinskaitė
Teaching assistants: I. Adomaitė, I. Juškienė, P. Kalibatas, R. Kunigėlienė, E. Poluziorovienė, S. Sendžikaitė, S. Dauengauer Kirlienė, V. Gulbinienė, D. Varnas
Lecturers: dr: R. Kemežys, R. Adomaitienė, B. Aviženis, A. Judickienė, M. Kapitančukė, L. Kilaitė, E. Lanzbergaitė-Manuilova, Ž. Makselienė, N. Norgėlienė, B. Paškevič, S. Pečiulienė, V. Radžiūnienė, A. Steponavičienė, D. Vaičiūnienė, I. Žiūraitė-Loh.
Research professors: Dr Habil. V. Usonis (emeritus)
Senior researchers: Dr K. Ažukaitis, Dr R. Ėmužytė, Dr G. E. Vaitkevičienė, Prof. Dr A. Jankauskienė
Researchers: Dr N. Propokčiuk, Dr O. Kostiuk ( supported Ukrainian scientists)
Research assistants: D. Ruzgienė, R. Vitkevič
Doctoral students: I. Adomaitė, A. Janulionis, I. Juškienė, I. Kairienė, P. Kalibatas, D. Kalibatienė, R. Kunigėlienė, E. Poluziorovienė, , E. Viršilas, D. Ruzgienė, D. Varnas, M. Kapitančukė, E. Lanzbergaitė-Manuilova
Students’ scientific group of Pediatrics: scientific leader – Dr S. Burokienė, coordinator – student E. Ališauskienė, 90 members.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Air pollution and child health
• Allergic rhinitis and its impact on bronchial asthma in children
• Health care of mother and child: physiological and social aspects and research on natural development of the child
• Studies on functional development of organs and systems in newborns and children
• Studies on neonatal pathology and perinatal mortality in Lithuania
• Non-invasive analysis of immunological markers in amniotic fluid to predict fetal inflammatory response syndrome and outcomes of preterm neonate
• Investigations of the significance of genetic factors for adaptive suitability in the cohort of preterm infants in Lithuania
• Studies on the effects of gestational diabetes on neonatal health
• Studies on peculiarities in chronic inflammation as diagnostic markers and targets for early therapeutical intervention in children with asthma and cystic fibrosis
• Peculiarities of central and peripheral hemodynamics in premature and sick newborns
• Studies on electric impedance tomography as a new diagnostic tool in neonatal pulmonology
• Development of diagnostics, therapeutic and prophylaxis methods in acute, chronic and newly emerging infectious, immune, allergic and metabolic diseases
• Progression and outcomes in pediatric renal disorders
• Studies in immunoprophylaxis and vaccination
• Diagnostics and treatment of inherited metabolic diseases
• Diagnostics, treatment and prophylaxis of children’s abuse and trauma
• Gut microbiota and gut-brain axis
• Studies on childhood cancer etiology and predisposition, identification of new therapeutical targets and criteria for treatment risk-group stratification to further improve treatment individualization and reduce treatment burden and long-term side effects
• Research in childhood acute leukemias, including research in leukemia etiology, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies for chemotherapy drugs, investigations in acute and late toxicities;
• Studies on antimicrobial stewardship in paediatrics
• Studies for improving the quality of care for children and young adolescents in health facilities
• Etiology and long-term outcomes in inherited and acquired pediatric kidney diseases (cystic kidney diseases, glomerulopathies, chronic kidney disease, vesicoureteral reflux)
• Early vascular aging, left ventricular abnormalities and neurocognition in hypertensive children
• Cardiovascular disease and kidney function impairment in children with solitary functioning kidney
• Health, shared decision making and other modern technologies for the management of chronic noncommunicable disease (CNDs)
• Healthy ageing through the early diagnostics and prevention of CNDs
• Human ecology
• Development of the methods in diagnostics, treatment and prophylaxis of acute and chronic pediatric neurological and developmental disorders, research on immune, genetic, metabolic and other factors as well as the application of digital technologies, research on distance education of children during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Studies on the long-term impact of exposure to screens on children’s physical and mental health
• Studies on diagnostic accuracy of allergological tests and optimal management of pediatric patients with allergic conditions

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
The role of lung ultrasonography and other non-invasive investigations in lung injury after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A PhD project. Prof. Jelena Rascon. 2019–2023.
In 2022, a total of 29 patients were included. According to the research plan, investigations were performed before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the early and late post-transplantation period.

Significance of Biochemical and Immunological Markers in Amniotic Fluid in Predicting Intrauterine Infection. Assist.Prof. Dr I. Pilypienė, PhD student V. Gulbinienė. 2017–2022.
Immunological markers were investigated by a non-invasive method, collecting amniotic fluid transvaginally. Amniotic fluid soluble Toll-like receptor 2 and 4, TNF-α, MMP-8, and cord blood IL-6 concentrations were determined. The results of the study showed that non-invasively obtained amniotic fluid immunological markers seem to be good predictors for fetal inflammatory response with a higher rate of major neonatal outcomes in preterm infants. The study showed that non-invasive amniotic fluid analysis could be an alternative method to invasive amniocentesis.

The significance of amniotic fluid immunological markers predicting fetal inflammatory response syndrome and outcomes of preterm neonates. PhD project. Supervisor Prof. Diana Ramašauskaitė, PhD student V. Gulbinienė. 2020-2022.
In 2022, the following main findings were revealed:
1. Noninvasively obtained amniotic fluid MMP-8, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, suPAR, S100B, and defensins may predict FIRS in patients with PPROM before 34 weeks’ gestation. MMP-8 and TNF-α showed the highest diagnostic characteristics prognosticating fetal inflammatory response syndrome.
2. Amniotic fluid EGF concentration is a biochemical indicator of functional lung maturity in preterm neonates, related to gestational age and reflecting the outcome of the respiratory system of preterm neonates after birth. An EGF cutoff concentration < 35 pg/ml significantly predicted the risk of severe neonatal respiratory outcomes: severe RDS, need for respiratory support for more than four days, need for surfactant, need for mechanical ventilation and BPD.
3. TNFα and EGF in non-invasively collected amniotic fluid are reliable predictors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates.
4. The noninvasive amniotic fluid analysis may help stratify the risk of fetal inflammatory response syndrome and neonatal outcomes even before birth in patients after preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation.
Main publications:
1. Gulbiniene V, Balciuniene G, Dumalakiene I, Viliene R, Pilypiene, I, Ramasauskaite D. The significance of TNF-α and MMP-8 concentrations in non-invasively obtained amniotic fluid predicting fetal inflammatory response syndrome. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2022; 00: 1- 7.
2. Gulbiniene V, Balciuniene G, Petroniene J, Viliene R, Dumalakiene I, Pilypiene I, Ramasauskaite D. The Significance of Epidermal Growth Factor in Noninvasively Obtained Amniotic Fluid Predicting Respiratory Outcomes of Preterm Neonates. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 2978.

Timely Diagnosis of Food Allergies and Optimal Monitoring of Allergic Child Nutrition Status. Prof. Dr O. Rudzevičienė, PhD student I. Adomaite. 2017–2028.
The prospective analysis of nutrition, quality of life in food-allergic children, parental self-efficacy, and patient enrollment is continuing. The analysis of retrospective data on oral food challenge outcomes and diagnostic value of in vivo and in vitro allergy tests is finalised, and the results are published.
Main publication:
1. Adomaite I, Stirbiene N, Marciukaitiene V, et al. Prick-by-Prick Test with Pasteurised Cow's Milk: A Valuable Tool in Paediatric Practice. Biomed Res Int. 2022;2022:9738654. Published 2022 Sep 7. doi:10.1155/2022/9738654

Early Vascular Ageing and Arterial Hypertension in Children After Correction of Coarctation of the Aorta. PhD project. Prof. A. Jankauskienė, PhD student S. Sendžikaitė. 2017-2021.
The multicentre cross-sectional study was completed. Results were published in J Hypertens and J Hum Hypertens. PhD thesis successfully defended on 2022/03/24.
Main publications:
1. Sendzikaite S, Sudikiene R, Lubaua I, Silis P, Rybak A, Brzezinska-Rajszys G, Obrycki Ł, Jankauskiene A, Litwin M. Multi-centre cross-sectional study on vascular remodelling in children following successful coarctation correction. J Hum Hypertens. 2022 Sep;36(9):819-825. doi: 10.1038/s41371-021-00585-6. Epub 2021 Aug 3. PMID: 34344993.
2. Sendzikaite S, Sudikiene R, Lubaua I, Silis P, Rybak A, Brzezinska-Rajszys G, Obrycki Ł, Litwin M, Jankauskiene A. Antihypertensive therapy of late arterial hypertension in children following successful coarctation correction. J Hypertens. 2022 Sep 14. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003282. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36129116.
3. de Simone G, Mancusi C, Hanssen H, Genovesi S, Lurbe E, Parati G, Sendzikaite S, Valerio G, Di Bonito P, Di Salvo G, Ferrini M, Leeson P, Moons P, Weismann CG, Williams B. Hypertension in children and adolescents. Eur Heart J. 2022 Sep 14;43(35):3290-3301. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac328. PMID: 35896123.

Evaluation of Brain and Renal Regional Oxygenation of Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants (<1500G) With Patent Ductus Arteriosus Measured by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). PhD project. Prof. A. Jankauskienė, PhD student J. Navikienė, 2017-2021.
This PhD thesis was successfully defended on 2022/09/21.
Conclusions. In preterm infants less than 32 weeks of gestational age and less than 1500 g weight at birth, blood shunt affects regional renal oxygenation and blood flow even in the presence of hemodynamically insignificant PDA. Regional cerebral oxygenation is not affected, but hemodynamically significant PDA impairs regional renal and cerebral oxygenation and medical hsPDA treatment results in reduced blood flow through the PDA. Improvement in renal oxygenation and unchanged cerebral oxygenation as measured by NIRS was demonstrated.
Main publication:
1. Navikienė J, Liubšys A, Viršilas E, Žvirblis T, Jankauskienė A. Impact of Medical Treatment of Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus on Cerebral and Renal Tissue Oxygenation Measured by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants. 2022; 58(4):475. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina580404.

Evaluation of Lung Dynamic Function Using Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) in Very Low Birth Weight (<1500 g) Infants Who Need Respiratory Support. E. Viršilas, A. Liubšys, A. Valiulis. 2020–2023.
In 2022, an interim analysis was published. Continuing patient recruitment.
Main publications:
1. Virsilas E, Liubsys A, Janulionis A, Valiulis A. Electrical impedance tomography in pulmonary edema and hemorrhage. Pediatr Neonatol. 2022 Jul;63(4):424-425. doi: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2021.12.003. Epub 2022 Jan 7. [IF: 2.803; Q2 (2021 InCities JCR SCIE)]
2. Viršilas E, Janulionis A, Liubšys A, Valiulis A. Non-invasive respiratory support effects on sighs in preterm infants by electrical impedance tomography. Indian J Pediatr. 2022 Dec 21 doi: 10.1007/s12098-022-04413-8. [IF: 5.319; Q1 (2022 InCities JCR SCIE)].

Analysis and Associations of Clinical, Laboratory, Neurophysiological, Imaging and Neuropsychologic Data in Children with Neurologic Diseases. Assoc. Prof. J. Grikinienė, Dr R. Samaitienė, Dr R. Praninskienė. 2015–2025.
In 2022, the implementation of project activities was continued; so far, no publications have been prepared.

National Research Projects
School AQR Seasonal Peculiarities of In-door Air Pollution and Its Impact on Respiratory Morbidity and Allergy of Primary School Children. (No. P-MIP-20-404). The Research Council of Lithuania Project. Project leader and Principal investigator: Prof. Dr (HP) Arūnas Valiulis, investigators: Prof. Dr Violeta Kvedarienė, Researcher: Dr Nina Prokopčiuk, PhD student Izabelė Juškienė. 2019–2022.
It is a prospective case-control study of air pollution in primary schools and its impact on respiratory allergens and atopic dermatitis in children. Gaseous and particulate pollutants, as well as bioaerosols such as mould and fungi, are measured seasonally in Vilnius schools from May 2020 until December 2022. Validated clinical questionnaires, quality of life and fatigue questionnaires, as well as NO concentration in the exhaled air of pupils, are recorded repeatedly.
Main publications:
1. Indoor air pollution effects on pediatric asthma are submicron aerosol particle-dependent // European Journal of Pediatrics, 2022 Mar, 181: 2469–80; WoSCC Impact factor 3.183 (Q1), submitted on Oct 5, 2021, re-submitted on Feb 7, 2022, published on Mar 21, 2022, DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04443-6 (co-authors: Juskiene I, Prokopciuk N, Franck U, Valiulis A, Valskys V, Mesceriakova V, Kvedariene V, Valiulyte I, Poluzioroviene E, Sauliene I, Valiulis A)
2. Airborne pollen and fungi indoors: evidence from primary schools in Lithuania // Heliyon, Impact factor 3.776, Q2, submitted on June 15, published on December 20, 2022 (co-authors: Sauliene I, Valiulis A, Keriene I, Sukiene L, Dovydaityte D, Prokopciuk N, Valskys V, Valskiene R, Damialis)

Ancient and New Alleles in Lithuanian’s Genome: Mutations, Selection and Adaptation. The Research Council of Lithuania. Asist.Prof. Dr I. Pilypienė, Teaching Assist. S. Dauengauer-Kirlienė. 2020–2022.
The main objective of the study is to analyse microevolutionary forces: mutations and signatures of adaptive positive selection of the Lithuanian population from whole genome sequencing data. The main question to answer is how commonly mutations are under selection in modern humans and how humans evolve generation after generation. The findings provide useful information on local human population genomic variation, especially for de novo variants and will be a valuable resource for further genetic studies.
Main publications:
1. Urnikyte A, Pranckeniene L, Domarkiene I, Dauengauer-Kirliene S, Molyte A, Matuleviciene A, Pilypiene I, Kucinskas V. Inherited and De Novo Variation in Lithuanian Genomes: Introduction to the Analysis of the Generational Shift. Genes 2022, 13, 569. https:/ /doi.org/ 10.3390/genes13040569.
2. Dauengauer-Kirliene S, Domarkiene I, Pilypiene I, Zukauskaite G, Kucinskas V, Matuleviciene A. Causes of preterm birth: Genetic factors in preterm birth and preterm infant phenotypes. JOGR 2022 accepted.

Noninvasive Immunological Analysis of Amniotic Fluid in Preterm Birth. (No. S-MIP-19-57). The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. D. Ramašauskaitė 2019–2022.
The study was completed in 2022. Final conclusions:
1. Assessing the accuracy of maternal blood inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of chorioamnionitis, the neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio has a higher diagnostic value than the leukocyte count and C-reactive protein, but there is no statistically significant difference between the NLR and CRP.
2. IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-8 and suPAR in non-invasively collected amniotic fluid are statistically significant diagnostic markers for histological chorioamnionitis and fetal inflammatory response syndrome, where TNF-α and MMP-8 have the highest diagnostic value for histological chorioamnionitis and FIRS
3. Amniotic fluid EGF concentration is a biochemical indicator of functional lung maturity in preterm neonates, which is related to gestational age and reflects the respiratory outcome of preterm neonates after birth. An EGF cutoff concentration < 35 pg/ml significantly predicted the risk of severe respiratory outcomes.
4. The noninvasive amniotic fluid analysis may be an alternative to invasive amniocentesis identifying histological chorioamnionitis and fetal inflammatory response syndrome after preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation.
Main publications:
1. Gulbiniene, V.; Balciuniene, G.; Petroniene, J.; Viliene, R.; Dumalakiene, I.; Pilypiene, I.; Ramasauskaite, D. The Significance of Epidermal Growth Factor in Noninvasively Obtained Amniotic Fluid Predicting Respiratory Outcomes of Preterm Neonates. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 2978. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23062978.
2. Gulbiniene, V, Balciuniene, G, Dumalakiene, I, Viliene, R, Pilypiene, I, Ramasauskaite, D. The significance of TNF-α and MMP-8 concentrations in non-invasively obtained amniotic fluid predicting fetal inflammatory response syndrome. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2022; 00: 1- 7. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.14478.

Integrated Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Health Care Model for Children. Grant from the Lithuanian Ministry of Health. Prof. V. Urbonas, Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Burokienė, Prof. A. Jankauskienė. 2021-2022.
Written recommendations for optimisation of children's health care. Prepared educational material.
Main publication:
1. Burokiene S, Sutkus V, Vaideliene L, Urbonas V, Kevalas R, Labanauskas L, Usonis V, Jankauskiene A. Primary child health care services in Lithuania: Does it meet the needs of the children? Child Care Health Dev. 2022 May;48(3):435-442. doi: 10.1111/cch.12944.

The Impact of Longterm Screen Use on the Health of Children Mental and Physical Health. (No. (1.80 E) SU-2498). The Lithuanian Ministry of Health – the National Health Improvement Fund. Coordinator of the project: Prof. V. Urbonas 2020–2022.
The final results of the project were presented at the conferences. National recommendations were issued.
Main publication:
1. Roma Jusienė, Edita Baukienė, Rima Breidokienė, Ilona Laurinaitytė, Lina Lisauskienė, Rūta Praninskienė, Vaidotas Urbonas. The impact of the longterm screen use on the health of children mental and physical health”. Scientific research report. 2022 m. P.1-105.

Biomarkers of the gut microbiota in autism spectrum disorders. (No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-03-0099). The Research Council of Lithuania. Coordinator of the project: Prof. V. Urbonas 2020-2023.
Fecal transplantations were performed for autistic children. Parallel studies with animals. Studies with smell biosensors.

Evaluation of Counseling on Fertility Preservation in Children Treated for Cancer. (No. P-ST-22-29). The Research Council of Lithuania. The student Eglė Stukaitė-Ruibienė, Prof. Jelena Rascon, 2022 –2023.
Student research work during the autumn-winter semester. The main results: analysis of the fact of fertility counselling in patients diagnosed and treated for childhood cancer is ongoing; more than 60 subjects were surveyed; the results are summarised in the publication. A publication is under preparation.

Implementation of Fertility Counselling of Children With Cancer Into Clinical Practice. (No. P-SV-22-252). The Research Council of Lithuania. The student Eglė Stukaitė-Ruibienė, Prof. Jelena Rascon. July – August 2022.
Student research work during a summer internship. The main results: an anonymous survey of pediatric oncologists and haematologists on the specifics of the infertility risk assessment methodology was conducted; two types of information leaflets on the risk of infertility have been produced: posters for information boards in the Center for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology and personalised leaflets for patients; an analysis of the fact of fertility counselling in patients diagnosed and treated for the oncological disease was performed during the summer internship. Publication in preparation.

Impact of Hypoxia and Immune Response on Outcomes of Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumours. (No. P-PAD-22-139). The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. Jelena Rascon. 2020–2023.
The PhD project was started in November 2022. The research plan was elaborated in collaboration with the Life Science Center and the National Center of Pathology. One subject has been enrolled.

Prognostic Value of Biomarkers for Graft-Versus-Host Disease After Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. (No. KD-20180). The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. Jelena Rascon. 2020–2023.
The PhD project was started in September 2020. Thirty-six subjects were enrolled. Data are collected at the National Open Access Research Data Archive (MIDAS).
Main publication:
1. A revised version of the manuscript on “Impact of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy on treatment outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children” has been resubmitted to The Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Additional comments were received. The second revision is in preparation.

International Research Projects
European Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Information Database (E-pEEr). The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Principal investigator Prof. V. Urbonas. 2012-2030.
The inclusion of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis in the European eosinophilic esophagitis registry.
Main publication:
1. Oliva S, Dias JA, Rea F, Malamisura M, Espinheira MC, Papadopoulou A, Koutri E, Rossetti D, Orel R, Homan M, Bauraind O, Auth MK, Junquera CG, Velde SV, Kori M, Huysentruyt K, Urbonas V, Roma E, Fernández SF, Domínguez-Ortega G, Zifman E, Kafritsa P, Miele E, Zevit N; ESPGHAN EGID Working Group.. Characterization of Eosinophilic Esophagitis from the European Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Registry (pEEr) of ESPGHAN. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2022 Jun 16. Doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003530. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35706095.

PIBD (Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease) Safety Registry study. European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Principal investigator Prof. V. Urbonas. 2017–ongoing.
Collecting information about adverse events of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Autoimmune Liver Disease Among Children and Adolescents in the Nordic Countries; Differences and Similarities in Presentation, Disease Control and Treatment. Autoimmune liver disease group. Principal investigator Prof. V. Urbonas. 2019–2022.
Main publication:
1. M.H. Jørgensen, R. Almaas, G. Kharrazi, V. Urbonas, H. Kvistgaard, E.J Wollen, B.U. Andreassen, T. Casswall, B. Fischler. Slower early treatment response in paediatric patients with autoimmune liver disease treated primarily with tacrolimus compared to azathioprine and/or prednisolone. JPGN 2022;74, Suppl 2:771. DOI 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003446.

LEukemia GEne Discovery by Data Sharing, Mining and Collaboration (LEGEND). COST Action (CA16223). National Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. G. Vatkevičienė. 2017–2022.
Strengthening the expertise in the areas of leukaemia/lymphoma aetiology, biology, epidemiology, treatment, toxicity risk management, counselling, and psychological impact in a highly significant manner through international collaboration. This international action is a first step in order to promote these broad and critical activities that will be crucial for childhood leukaemia/lymphoma research and improved health care.
Main publication:
1. Helenius M, Vaitkeviciene G, Abrahamsson J, et al. Characteristics of white blood cell count in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A COST LEGEND phenotype-genotype study. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2022;69(6):e29582. doi:10.1002/pbc.29582

Contractual Research
Improvement of the quality of health care by preparing standards for integrated health care for diseases and health disorders causing the main causes of death in Lithuania. Funded by the European Union Structural Funds: project preparation of methodological document packages and training services for health care professionals (No. S-226). Leader of the expert group: Prof. R. Čerkauskienė. Project 2021–2022.

Early Diagnosis and Emergency Care of Children Diseases. (No. 09.4-2-ESFA-V-715-06-0001). European Union Investment Project 2018–2023. Improvement of Competences and Qualifications of Vilnius University Doctors. R. Čerkauskienė is the Head of the Early Diagnosis and Emergency Care of Children Diseases programme.

Modern Pediatric Diagnostic and Treatment Possibilities. European Union Investment project 2018-2023. Improvement of Competences and Qualifications of Vilnius University Doctors. (No. 09.4-2-ESFA-V-715-06-0001). Prof. A. Jankauskienė is the Head of the ‘ Modern Pediatric Diagnostic and Treatment Possibilities’ programme.

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)
Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital (Sweden)
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg (Germany)
Instytut "Pomnik - Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka", Warsaw (Poland)
Child Memorial Health Institute (Poland)
PENTA Foundation (Italy)
Harvard University, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital (USA)
Riga Children’s Hospital and Riga Stradins University (Latvia)
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (USA)
Poltava State Medical University (Ukraine)
International European University (Ukraine)
Kyiv Medical University (Ukraine)
Montpellier University (France)
Aberdeen University (UK)
London Imperial College (UK)
Great Ormond Street Hospital (UK)
Evelina‘s Children Hospital (UK)
Leuven University (Belgium)
Columbia University (USA)
Zurich University (Switzerland)
Copenhagen University Hospital Rikshospitalet (Denmark)
Helsinki University Hospital (Finland)
Oslo University Hospital (Norway)
Skåne University Hospital (Sweden)
Lund University (Sweden)
Childhood Cancer Research Institute (Austria)
Insitute Gustave Rousssy (France)
Princess Maxima Centrum (The Netherlands)
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (USA)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. A. Jankauskienė
• member of European Pediatric Nephrology Society Council;
• leader of Vilnius Reference Centre for European Rare Kidney Disease (ERKNet); ), https://www.erknet.org
• member of ESCAPE Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium;
• president of Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Nephrology;
• member of Lithuanian Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Association;
• member of International Paediatric Nephrology Association;
• member of Dialysis working group of the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology;
• member of International Paediatric Hypertension Association;
• member of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
• editorial board member of the journals Pediatrija. Acta Medica Lituanica.
• expert for rare diseases Andalusian agency
• fellow of European society for Paedaitric Nephrology
• President of ESPN 55 th conference in Vilnius 2023 www.espn2023.org
Prof. Dr Habil. V. Usonis
• member of Central European Vaccination Advisory Group (CEVAG);
• expert on vaccine-related issues at the European Disease Control Centre (ECDC);
• expert of the Research Council of Lithuania;
• member of the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID);
• board member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
• chairman of Lithuanian Committee for Poliomyelitis Eradication Certification;
• editorial board member of the Paediatric Infectious Disease Journal;
• editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology);
• editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics).
Prof. R. Čerkauskienė
• vice-president of Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Nephrology;
• member of Lithuanian Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Association;
• member of European Society Pediatric Nephrology (ESPN);
• member of International Paediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA);
• member of International society of nephrology (ISN);
• member of Vilnius Paediatric Society;
• member of International Pediatric PD Biobank;
• member of Oxaleurope;
• member of International Alport Mutation Collaborative Group;
• member of Workgroup Metabolic Nephropathies & Stone Disorders, (ERKNet, The European Rare Kidney Disease Reference Network), https://www.erknet.org;
• editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
• organising committee member of the international conference “BHK2020”;
• organising committee member of the Virtual 4nd Baltics Fabry expert meeting, 30 October 2022.
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. J. Rascon
• member of the Mission Assembly for Cancer of the Horizon Europe programme 2021–2027;
• board member of the European Reference of Paediatric Oncoloy (ENR-PaedCan);
• board member of the Lithuanin Socienty of Haematology (LHD);
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (LVOHD);
• member of the National Cancer Prevention and Control Programme 2015–2025 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
• member of the Nordic Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (NOPHO);
• member of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT);
• member of the European Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOPE);
• member of the European Society for Immune Deficiency (ESID).
Prof. O. Rudzevičienė
• board member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
• Lithuanian representative in European Training Committee of Paediatric Allergology;
• member of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Paediatric Allergology;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology;
• editorial board member of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology);
• editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
• INUNIMAI (International Network of Universities for Molecular Allergology and Immunology) coordinator for Lithuania.
• Chair of annual Conference „Updates of Pediatric Allergology“ organizing committee.
• Chair of annual Conference „Everyday practice of a doctor: diseases of respiratory organs in children“ organizing committee.
Prof. Dr Habil. A. Valiulis
• Editor-in-Chief of the journal Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija (Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology);
• Editorial Board Member of the WosCC Journals: Paediatric Respiratory Reviews, Polish Journal of Paediatrics, Advances in Respiratory Medicine;
• Planning Committee member of WHO project Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (WHO-GARD);
• Member of International Pediatric Association (IPA) Strategic Advisory Group on Non-Communicable Disease representing the Europe region for the period of 2021-2023;
• Executive Committee member and Treasurer of European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP/UEMS-SP);
• President of the Lithuanian Paediatric Respiratory Society;
• Vice-president and Board Member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
• National Coordinator and Representative of Lithuania in International Guidelines of Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA Lithuania);
• National Coordinator of Networking Projects MASK-air, e-QoL ASTHMA, Alfa-1-Qual CHILD.
Prof. V. Urbonas
• president of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
• president of the Lithuanian Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition;
• 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);
• member of the Commission of Mother and Child of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
• editorial board member of the journal Gastroenterologija ir hepatologija;
• editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija.
Assoc. Prof. S. Burokienė
• member of Scientific Paediatric Committee (PDCO) at European Medicines Agency;
• member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
• vice-president of Vilnius Paediatric Society;
• member of the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID);
• member of the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP);
• member of the the Harvard Alumni Association.
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. I. Ivaškevičienė
• member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
• member of the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID);
• member of Central European Vaccination Advisory Group (CEVAG);
• member of Paediatric tuberculosis network (PTBNET);
• member of Lithuanian Committee for Poliomyelitis Eradication Certification.
• member of National Committee of Measles and Rubella Eradication Confirmation
Assoc. Prof. V. V. Panavienė
• member of Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (PRES);
• member of Paediatric Rheumatology International Trial Organisation (PRINTO);
• editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
Assoc. Prof. S. Petraitienė
• editorial board member of the journal Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, http://www.pediatrija.org.;
• board member of Lithuanian Children’s Pulmonologist Society.
Assoc. Prof. V. Žilinskaitė
• board member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Intensive Care Society;
• member of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine;
• editorial board member of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics).
Assoc. Prof. G. E. Vaitkevičienė
• Chair of the Nordic Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (NOPHO) Leukemia and Lymphoma Committee
• board member of the Nordic Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (NOPHO);
• board member of the Lithuanian Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (LVOHD);
• member of the Nordic Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (NOPHO) Pharmacology group;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Hematology (LHD);
• member of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT);
• member of the European Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOPE).
• Chair of the Faculty and Organizing committee of the Clinical pharmacology course for junior specialists in pediatric oncology and hematology: course cycle by the Nordic Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology. (NOPHO), www.nopho.org, https://creativa.lt/event/nopho2022/.
• member of the organizing committee for the international conference "Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Lithuania – 20 years of progress through collaboration". (NOPHO), www.nopho.org , https://creativa.lt/event/nopho2022/
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).
Lect V. Radžiūnienė
• member of the European Respiratory Society;
• member of the European Cystic Fibrosis Association;
• member of Vilnius Paediatric Society.
Assist. Prof. O. Kinčinienė
• president of the Lithuanian Paediatric Cardiology Society;
• deputy editor of the journal Pediatrija (Paediatrics);
• member of the Council of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
• member of the Council of Vilnius Paediatric Society.
Assist. Prof. I. Pilypienė
• member of Vilnius Paediatric Society;
• member of the Lithuanian Neonatology Association.
Assist. Prof. R. Samaitienė-Aleknienė
• member of Baltic Child Neurology Association;
• member of Lithuanian Paediatric Neurology Society;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Epileptology.
• board member of Lithuanian Sleep Medicine Society
Assist. Prof. R. Vankevičienė
• member of the Council of Vilnius Paediatric Society;
• member of the Council of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
• member of Lithuanian Paediatric Cardiology Society;
• member of Lithuanian Cardiology Society.
Assist. Prof. S. Šaulytė Trakymienė
• Chair of the Lithuanian Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (LVOHD);
• board member of the NOPHO Scientific Committee;
• board member of EHA (European Hematology Association) 2023 Scientific Program Committee Advisory Board
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Hematology (LHD);
• member of the Nordic Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (NOPHO);
• member of of the Nordic Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (NOPHO) Thrombosis and Haemostasis working group;
• member of the European Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOPE).
Assist. Prof. R. Praninskienė
• board member of Lithuanian Paediatric Neurology Society;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Epileptology;
• member of Baltic Child Neurology Association;
• member of European Paediatric Neurology Society;
• member of International Pediatric Sleep Association.
Assist. Prof. K. Ažukaitis
• member of the Lithuanian Pediatric Nephrology Society;
• member of the European Society for Pediatric Nephrology;
• member of the ESCAPE Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium.
• member of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Junior Academy (elected in 2022)
• member of HyperChildNET (Cost Action; CA19115)
Research Assist. D. Ruzgienė
• member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
• member of the Lithuanian Pediatric Nephrology Society.
• member of the European Society for Pediatric Nephrology;
• member of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association.
Teaching Assist., PhD student I. Adomaitė
• member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Paediatric Allergists;
• member of the European Society for Immunodeficiencies;
• member of the Lithuanian Paediatric Society.
Teaching Assist., PhD student V. Gulbinienė
• member of the Union of European Neonatal & Perinatal Societies;
• member of the Lithuanian neonatology association;
Teaching Assist. S. Sendžikaitė
• Representative in the Educational committee of the AEPC
• Associate editor in the Heart University PCLC
• Editorial board member of Cardiology in the Young

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Augustina Jankauskiene, Karolis Azukaitis. „Adolescent with acute severe hypertension“. Key lecture “31st European Meeting on Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection”, June 17-20, 2022, Athens (Greece)
2. Prof. V. Urbonas. “Keynote lecture: Fecal transplantation beyond gastrointestinal diseases”. 5th Baltic Paediatric Congress, 2-4 June 2022, Tallin (Estonia)
3. Sonata Šaulytė Trakymienė. Oral presentation:”Joint protection: Peaks and Troughs of Clinical Decision Making” 15th Annual Congress of the Euroepean Hemophilia and Allied Disorders (EAHAD) February 1-4, 2022,
4. Ieva Adomaitė. “Dietary variety and parental self-efficacy in food allergic children”. Allergy School on Nutrition. Cork, Ireland. September 2022.
5. Skaistė Sendžikaitė. Invited lecturer at 9th Congress of the European Academy of Paediatric Societies in Barcelona, Spain (October 2022) “Pathophysiology of the major congenital heart diseases and possible susceptibility to COVID-19 infection”.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
1. Prof. A. Jankauskienė was awarded the St. Christopher for promoting the name of Vilnius in the world medical community.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
1. Group of Experts for Secondary and Tertiary Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Health Services in Lithuania at the Lithuanian Ministry of Health (Prof. J. Rascon);
2. Board member of the National Cancer Control and Prevention Program 2015–2025 at the Lithuanian Ministry of Health (Prof. J. Rascon);
3. Participation in a workshop for shaping Lithuanian Ecosystem 2050 organised by Government Strategic Analysis Center (2022/11/28), Assoc. Prof. K. Ažukaitis;
4. Commission of Mother and Child of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (Chair: Prof. Arūnas Valiulis);
5. Commission of Experts of National Programme of Immunoprophylaxis of Lithuanian Ministry of Health (Chair: Prof. Arūnas Valiulis);
6. Participation at Commission of Experts of National Programme of Immunoprophylaxis of Lithuanian Ministry of Health (Prof. Arunas Valiulis – chair, members: Prof. V. Urbonas, Assist. Prof. I. Ivaskeviciene);
7. Group of Experts of COVID-19 Diagnostics and Treatment of Lithuanian Ministry of Health (Assist. Prof. I. Ivaskeviciene);
8. Member of the working group of the Lithuanian Ministry of Health for the proposals of improving the legal regulation of the costs of treatment of very rare human health conditions of the mandatory health insurance fund (Prof. R. Cerkauskiene)
9. Working group Member of Commission on Reimbursement of Treatment for Very Rare Diseases of Lithuanian Ministry of Health (Prof. R. Cerkauskiene)
10. Participation at the Commission of Experts of Pediatric Nephrology requirements (Lithuanian Ministry of Health (Prof. Augustina Jankauskienė)

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
1. Leader of the expert group Project 2021–2022 Improvement of the quality of health care by preparing standards for integrated health care for diseases and health disorders causing the main causes of death in Lithuania, funded by the European Union Structural Funds: project preparation of methodological document packages and training services for health care professionals (No. S-226). (Prof. R. Cerkauskiene).
2. COST Action Proposal Reference OC-2022-1-25987 (Prof. A. Jankauskienė)
3. Infectious disease prophylaxis for the foreigners who left Ukraine because of Russian federation war activities (Assist. Prof. I. Ivaškevičienė) https://nvsc.lrv.lt/uploads/nvsc/documents/files/Rekomendacijos%2Bd%C4%97l%2Bu%C5%BEkre%C4%8Diam%C5%B3j%C5%B3%2Blig%C5%B3.pdf

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. Open lectures for the European Society for Pediatric Nephrology, a young nephrologist’s platform for research career development and performing systematic reviews (Dr K. Ažukaitis)
2. Arts and Science Lab (LT-Meno ir mokslo laboratorija, MMLAB), from 2019 by decision of Vilnius Municipality MMLAB became Vilnius City Theatre.
3. Projects in which faculty members participate as scientific consultants:
4. L. Kilaitė, A. Matulevičiūtė, J. Kuršis, "CARDIO". 2022 January–February, Vilnius
5. L. Kilaitė, S. Špakovska, S. Dovidauskas, M. Dirginčius, L. Jurgelis, G. Grinevičiūtė. "GENETIC ENGINEERING" 2022 November, Vilnius
6. Participation in Lithuanian mass media (LTV, LNK, TV3, Delfi) and radio. Talks on diseases and nutrition (Prof. V. Urbonas).
7. Lectures for parents at the national conference “Tėvystės kodas 2022” and the conference organised by the Lithuanian Prematurity Association. (Prof. V. Urbonas)

CLINIC OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, FAMILY PRACTICE AND ONCOLOGY

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5075
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Virginijus Šapoka

STAFF
Professors: Dr V. Šapoka (part-time), Dr V. Kasiulevičius (part-time), Dr L. Griškevičius (part-time), Dr N. Samalavičius (part-time)
Associate professors: Dr V. Urbanavičius (part-time), Dr E. Mišeikytė Kaubrienė (part-time), Dr V. Dženkevičiūtė (part-time), Dr Ž. Visockienė (part-time), Dr V. Ožeraitienė (part-time), Dr V. Gaigalaitė (part-time), Dr L. Vencevičienė (part-time), Dr N. Burokienė (part-time), Dr V. Pečeliūna(part-time)s , Dr J. Pečeliūnienė (part-time), Dr A. Mastavičiūtė (part-time),
Assistant professor: Dr A. Abraitienė (part-time), Dr K. Simanauskas (part-time), Dr V. Andrejevaitė (part-time), Dr S. Varvuolytė (part-time), Dr R. Staigis (part-time), Dr V. Karpavičienė (part-time), , Dr R. Kavalnienė (part-time), Dr D. Mečkauskienė (part-time), Dr R. Laukienė (part-time)
Lecturers: dr: A. Marcijonienė (part-time) A. Slobinas (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), M. Buitkus (part-time), I. Gailiūtė (part-time), S. Kasnauskienė (part-time), A. Juozapavičiūtė (part-time), T. Adomavičius (part-time), G. Matiekutė (part-time), M. Riauka (part-time), A. Apšega (part-time), V. Jakubkevičius (part-time), R. Rinkšalytė (part-time), S. Černauskienė (part-time), Y. Vasileuskaya (part-time), D. Matelienė (part-time), A. Chalkovskaja (part-time), I. Skalskis (part-time), M. Tuklerienė (part-time), U. Juškaitė (part-time), M. Jackevičius (part-time), E. Kavaliauskaitė (part-time).
Doctoral students: I. Fomčenko, A. Bliūdžius, S. Tulytė, J. Kuliavas, J. Kilaitė, K. Švaikevičienė, A. Žučenka, T. Maselienė

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

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Detection of Optimal Diagnostic and Treatment Methods and Early Prevention of Non-infectious Diseases. Prof. Dr V. Šapoka, Prof. Dr V. Kasiulevičius, Assoc. Prof. V. Gaigalaitė, Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Vencevičienė, Assoc. Prof. N. Burokienė, Assist Prof. S. Varvuolytė, PhD student A. Bliudžius. 2022–2023.
The aim of this project is to assess the prognostic factors of good outcomes and complications in patients with a first-time stroke and suffering from atrial fibrillation.
Main publications:
1. Vilionskis A, Gaigalaite V, Salasevicius L, Jatuzis D. Association between systolic blood pressure parameters and unexplained early neurological deterioration (UnND) in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2022 Jun 16;15:17562864221093524. doi: 10.1177/17562864221093524. PMID: 35747319; PMCID: PMC9210098.P.S. Vilionskis A. ir Gaigalaite V are equally first authors. (Journal Impact Factor Q1, Journal Citation Indicator Q1)
2. Vilimas A, Gaigalaitė V, Urbonas M, Jatužis D. Association of Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia and Vertebrobasilar Cerebrovascular Accident. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Aug 31;58(9):1189. doi: 10.3390/medicina58091189. PMID: 36143866; PMCID: PMC9505019 (Journal Impact Factor Q3, Journal Citation Indicator Q2)
3. Tamosaityte S , Pucetaite, M , Zelvys, A , Varvuolyte, S , Hendrixson, V ; Sablinskas, V . Raman spectroscopy as a non-destructive tool to determine the chemical composition of urinary sediments. COMPTES RENDUS CHIMIE. 2022 ; Vol. 25:73-82; DOI 10.5802/crchim.121 (Journal Impact Factor Q3, Journal Citation Indicator Q3)

Analysis of Biomarkers for Suicidal Tendencies and Depression, and Validation of the Prognostic Model in Lithuania. Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Vencevičienė. 2020–2026.
The main aim of the study in 2022 years was to evaluate whether the objective measure of chronic alcohol use, phosphatidylethanol (Peth), could be useful as a biomarker in clinical practice when caring for suicidal patients. Subsequently, we aimed to prepare a publication based on this data.
For the first time, the study showed that a recent suicide attempt is associated with significantly increased PEth levels in blood compared to both patients with MDD and individuals without psychiatric complaints. The study also revealed that MDD patients, in turn, have higher PEth levels than individuals without psychiatric complaints. Suicide attempters were also more likely to underreport their recent alcohol consumption in self-report measures, suggesting the particular interest of objective testing in this patient population. These findings suggest that PEth might be an interesting option to complement the clinical assessment of individuals at risk of SA.

Significantly Elevated Phosphatidylethanol Levels in Recent Suicide Attempters, but Not in Depressed Controls and Healthy Volunteers. The manuscript has been prepared and accepted for publication in the Journal of Psychiatric Research. Manuscript Number: JPSYCHIATRRES-D-22-00539R5

The Importance of Multimorbidity Patient’s Healthcare Model and Innovative Diabetes Treatment and Monitoring for Patient Clinical Outcomes. Theme leader: Prof. Dr V. Kasiulevičius. 2019–2023.
Our study explores the use of Fitbit activity trackers to assess physical activity and its impact on prediabetic patient health. In total, 30 volunteers (9 males and 21 females), aged 32-65 years, with impaired glucose levels and without diabetes or moving disorders, received Fitbit Inspire activity trackers and physical activity recommendations. A routine blood check was taken during the first and second visits, and body composition was analysed. Physical activity variability in time was assessed using a Poincare plot. The count of steps per day and variability differed between patients and during the research period, but the change in total physical activity was not statistically significant. Significant positive correlations between changes in lipid values, body mass composition, and variability of step count, distance, and minutes of very active physical activity were observed.
Main publications:
1. Bliudzius A, Svaikeviciene K, Puronaite R, Kasiulevicius V. Physical Activity Evaluation Using Activity Trackers for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention in Patients with Prediabetes. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jul 6;19(14):8251. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19148251. PMID: 35886100; PMCID: PMC9322784.
2. Bliudzius A, Puronaite R, Trinkunas J, Jakaitiene A, Kasiulevicius V. Research on physical activity variability and changes of metabolic profile in patients with prediabetes using Fitbit activity trackers data. Technol Health Care. 2022;30(1):231-242. doi: 10.3233/THC-219006. PMID: 34806636.
3. Jurevičienė E, Burneikaitė G, Dambrauskas L, Kasiulevičius V, Kazėnaitė E, Navickas R, Puronaitė R, Smailytė G, Visockienė Ž, Danila E. Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Comorbidities in Lithuanian National Database: A Cluster Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan 15;19(2):970. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19020970. PMID: 35055792; PMCID: PMC8775709.

Physical Activity Evaluation Using Wearable for the Patient with Prediabetes to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Theme leader: Prof. Dr V. Kasiulevicius. 2019–2022.
Our research aimed to analyse the potential of patient physical activity monitoring using Fitbit physical activity trackers and find solutions for possible implementation in the health care routine. Thirty patients with impaired fasting glycemia were randomly selected and participated for six months. Physical activity variability was evaluated, and parameters were calculated using data from Fitbit Inspire devices. Changes in parameters were found, and correlations between clinical data (HbA1c, lipids) and physical activity variability were assessed. Evaluation of physical activity variability is essential for patient health, and these methods used to calculate it are an effective way to analyse big data from wearable devices in future trials.

Computational Pharmacology: New Avenues for COVID-19 Therapeutics Search and Better Preparedness for Future Pandemic Crises. Theme leader: Assoc.Prof. Dr N. Burokienė. 2021–2022.
The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented global healthcare emergency, prompting the exploration of new therapeutic avenues, including drug repurposing. We set out to explore and develop new strategies for drug repositioning by employing computational pharmacology, data mining, systems biology, and computational chemistry to advance shared efforts in identifying key targets, affected networks, and potential pharmaceutical intervention options. Our study revealed that formulating pharmacological strategies should rely on both therapeutic targets and their networks. We showed how data mining can reveal regulatory patterns, capture novel targets, alert about side effects, and help identify new therapeutic avenues. Importantly, our work bridged the interactome with the chemical compound space to better understand the complex landscape of COVID-19 drugs. Based on the gathered data, we strongly advocate taking this opportunity to establish robust practices for treating the infectious diseases of today and the future by preparing solid analytical frameworks.
Main publication:
1. Kanapeckaitė, Austė; Mažeikienė, Asta; Geris, Liesbet; Burokienė, Neringa; Cottrell, Graeme S.; Widera, Darius. Computational pharmacology: new avenues for COVID-19 therapeutics search and better preparedness for future pandemic crises // Biophysical chemistry. Amsterdam : Elsevier B.V. ISSN 0301-4622. eISSN 1873-4200. 2022, vol. 290, art. no. 106891, p. [1-17]. DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106891. [Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus] [IF: 3,628; AIF: 6,365; IF/AIF: 0,569; Q2 (2021, InCites JCR SCIE)] [CiteScore: 4,50; SNIP: 0,849; SJR: 0,606; Q2 (2021, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Indėlis: 0,166]

Higher Levels of Stress-Related Hair Steroid Hormones Are Associated With the Increased CSORE2 Risk Prediction Algorithm in Apparently Healthy Women. Investigators: Assoc. Prof. N. Burokienė, M. Narkevičius. 2021–2022.
We aimed to investigate the association between long-term secretion of stress-related steroid hormones, including cortisol, cortisone and dehydroepiandrosterone, and the 10-year fatal and non-fatal CVD risk estimated by the SCORE2 risk prediction algorithm, as well as traditional CVD risk factors in a group of apparently healthy women. A total of 145 women (aged 50-64 years) participating in the national CVD prevention program were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, health-related characteristics, stress, anxiety and sleep quality indicators were evaluated using specific questionnaires. Anthropometric and arterial blood pressure measures were assessed by trained personnel, lipid and glucose metabolism biomarkers were measured using routine methods, and hair steroid hormone levels were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that higher levels of hair cortisol and cortisone are associated with increased SCORE2 values. Moreover, significant associations between hair glucocorticoids and individual cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, were found. These findings indicate that stress-related hair steroid hormones might be valuable biomarkers for CVD prediction and prevention.
Main publication:
1. Mazgelytė, Eglė; Burokienė, Neringa; Vysocka, Agata; Narkevičius, Martynas; Petrėnas, Tomas; Kaminskas, Andrius; Songailienė, Jurgita; Utkus, Algirdas; Karčiauskaitė, Dovilė. Higher levels of stress-related hair steroid hormones are associated with the increased SCORE2 risk prediction algorithm in apparently healthy women // Journal of cardiovascular development and disease. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2308-3425. 2022, vol. 9, no. 3, art. no. 70, p. [1-17]. DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9030070. [Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science); Scopus] [IF: 4,415; AIF: 6,004; IF/AIF: 0,735; Q2 (2021, InCites JCR SCIE)] [CiteScore: 3,60; SNIP: 1,215; SJR: 0,897; Q2 (2021, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: M 001] [Indėlis: 0,111]

Genetic, Epigenetic Factors and Lifestyle Influence the Development of Diabetes Complications. PhD project at the Center of Life Sciences, Vilnius University. PhD student – Laura Šiaulienė, supervisor – Prof. Juozas Lazutka. 2022.
Patients are screened and recruited at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos Endocrinology Department. So far, 190 patients with diabetes and healthy controls are involved in the study. Clinical, instrumental, biochemical, genetic and epigenetic analyses are performed as per protocol. Interim data analysis is in progress.

Evaluation and FUP of Multimorbid Patients. PhD project at VU Faculty of Medicine. PhD student: Kristina Švaikevičienė, supervisors: Prof. V. Kasiulevičius. 2022.
A literature review was performed in the first part of the year. Currently, the project is on hold due to maternity leave.

Values of Oncological Diseases and Blood Biological Markers. Prof. Dr L. Griškevičius , PhD students: R.Pileckytė, S. Tulytė, A. Žučenka. 2022.
The prospective study of immune system parameters (circulating lymphocyte subsets and tumour microenvironment components) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients (PDAC) was performed between February 2018 and April 2022. We analysed changes in some parameters during the time in the whole study population in the publication. The impact of circulating lymphocyte changes on the survival of patients with advanced cancer is evaluated but presented as a poster presentation. And the value of immune repertoire in early PDAC is still under evaluation.
Main publication:
1. The Effects of Treatment on Peripheral Blood Immune Cell Profile in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), S. Tulyte, D. Characiejus, R. Matuzevičienė, A. Janiulionienė, M. Radzevičius, T.Zvirblis, A.Šileikis, Anticancer Res, 2022 Jun;42(6):3067-3073.

National Research Projects
Genome, Epigenome and Telomere Length Features of Sarcopenia and Frailty. (No. P-MIP-22-126). Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. Dr V. Aleka 2022-2025.
Based on the project content and work schedule, several milestones were achieved. The establishment of standards for the collection of research participants was approved. Also, the questionnaire for the participants was finalised and agreed upon. Approval from the Vilnius regional branch of the Lithuanian Bioethics Committee has been obtained.

Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk Primary Prevention Program (LitHiR) - National Health Insurance Fund under the Ministry of Health. Assoc.Prof. V. Dženkevičiūtė. 2006 - ongoing
Studies related to cardiovascular risk assessment and the creation of an individualised cardiovascular disease prevention plan for patients were conducted.
Main publications:
1. Rinkūnienė, Egidija; Petrulionytė, Emilija; Dženkevičiūtė, Vilma; Petrulionienė, Žaneta; Senulytė, Augustė; Puronaitė, Roma; Laucevičius, Aleksandras. Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged Lithuanian men based on body mass index and waist circumference group results from the 2006–2016 Lithuanian high cardiovascular risk prevention program // Medicina. Kaunas; Basel : LSMU ; MDPI AG. ISSN 1010-660X. eISSN 1648-9144. 2022, vol. 58, no. 12, art. no. 1718;, p. [1-11]. DOI: 10.3390/medicina58121718
2. Ivanova, Eleonora; Badarienė, Jolita; Rinkūnienė, Egidija; Dženkevičiūtė, Vilma. Ne didelio tankio lipoproteinų cholesterolio reikšmė vertinant kardiovaskulinę riziką = Use of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in cardovascular risk assessment // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius: Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. ISSN 1392-6470. 2022, t. 24, Nr. 1, p. 26-31.

International Research Projects
The DEPRESSED project – is an international collaborative project funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The project involves experts in health policy, psychiatry and statistics as well as investigators who have collected depression screening data and developed rigorous methods for assessing depression screening tools. It is a unique and rigorous data platform for depression screening research. Researcher from VU: Jurate Pečeliūnienė. 2016–ongoing.
In 2022, the accuracy of the HADS Depression subscale was compared with the full HADS to screen for depression. Results were obtained, and conclusions were drawn regarding the accuracy of HADS-T and HADS-D. One article on HADS-D and Full HADS in Psychological Assessment has been accepted for publication (2022) (in press).

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Hemato-Oncologie voor Volwassenen Nederland (HOVON) foundation
European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)
Nordic Society for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. V. Šapoka
• editor-in-Chief of the journal Internistas (Internist);
• president of Lithuanian Evidence-Based Medicine Society;
• board member of journals Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), Geriatrija (Geriatrics) and Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojas (General Practitioner of Lithuania).
Prof. N. Samalavičius
• Editor in chief „Lithuanian Surgery“ https://www.zurnalai.vu.lt/lietuvos-chirurgija
• Member of editorial board ‚Annals of Coloproctology“ https://www.coloproctol.org/
• Member of editorial board ‚Frontiers in Surgery“ https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery
Prof. Dr V. Kasiulevičius
• member of Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners, http://gydytojas.blogspot.com/;
• member of Lithuanian Trade Union of Family Physicians, http://www.lsgps.lt/.
Assoc. Prof. V. Urbanavičius
• member of Eurodiabetes index 2015 committee;
• editorial board member of journals Lietuvos endokrinologija (Endocrinology of Lithuania), Medicinos teorija ir praktika (Theory and Practice in Medicine), Diabetes Review and Internistas (Internist);
• member of the organizing commitees of endocrinological conferences;
• member of European Association of the Study of Diabetes.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Žydrūnė Visockienė
• President of Vilnius Society of Endcorinology;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Endocrinology;
• board member of Lithuanian Bioethics Committee;
• member of European Association for the Study of Diabetes;
• editorial board member of the journal Lietuvos endokrinologija.
• editorial board member of the journals “Lietuvos Endokrinologija”, “Endokrinologas.lt’
Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Vencevičienė
• member of Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners.
Assoc. Prof. Dr N. Burokienė
• member of Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners.
Assoc. Prof. Jūratė Pečeliūnienė
• editorial board member of the journal Endokrinologas
Assoc. Prof. V. Gaigalaitė
• member of Lithuanian Society of Neurology;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Stroke;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Ultrasound and
• member of European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology
Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Ožeraitienė
• 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/;
Assist. Prof. Dr 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);
• expert consultant family physician of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
• expert consultant of Experts Group for Prevention of Microorganisms Resistance for Antimicrobial Treatment Development and Prevalence;
• expert consultant family physician of European Medical Agency;
• member of Appeals Commission of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.
Assist. Prof. Dr 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);
• independent expert consultant of The National Imunoprophylaxis Programme 2014–2018;
• expert consultant family physician of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
• expert consultant of Experts Group for Prevention of Microorganisms Resistance for Antimicrobial Treatment Development and Prevalence;
• expert of Vilnius region’s Antimicrobial Resistance Inter Institutional Management Group;
• expert consultant family physician of European Medical Agency;
• member of Medications Reimbursement Commission.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Andrius Žucenka, Lukas Kevličius, Linas Davainis, Birutė Davainienė, Kazimieras Maneikis, Regina Pileckytė, Dominika Vasilevska, Igoris Trociukas, Vilmantė Vaitekėnaitė, Laimonas Griškevičius; Venetoclax-Based Therapies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Excess Blasts-2 in Clinical Practice Setting. 64th American society of hematology (ASH) annual meeting and exposition, 2022
2. Andrius Žučenka, Regina Pileckytė, Kazimieras Maneikis, Vilmantė Vaitekėnaitė, Lukas Kevličius, Laimonas Griškevičius. GILTERITINIB in combination with venetoclax,low dose cytarabine and actinomycin D for FLT3 mutated relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. European hematology association (EHA) congress, 2022
3. Z. Visockiene. Dexcom One - A New Real-Time CGM: First Clinical Impressions and Real-World Experience. 15th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes. April 27-30, 2022
4. Samalavicius NE. Colorectal sugery using Senhance robotic platform. International Colorectal Symposium, Lodz, Poland, September 1-2, 2022.
5. Samalavicius NE. Laparoscopic hand assisted surgery for colorectal cancer: surgical and oncological outcomes from a tertiary referral centre. Internation Colorectal Research Summit, Seoul, Korea, September 2-4, 2022.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES
Prof. Dr (HP) N. Samalavičius.
• Member of Nature and Technical Sciences Committee at the Scientific Council of Lithuania
Assist. Prof. Dr S. Varvuolytė:
• Member of Appeals Commission of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.
• Member of working group on National rational use of antimicrobial medicines recommendations on the use of antimicrobial agents and guidance the first choice and reserve antimicrobial medicines for the development of draft lists of antimicrobial products (The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania)
• Member of working group of Pharmaceutical care (The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania)

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
Assoc.Prof. Ž. Visockienė
• consultant for working group of Ministry of Health of Singapore (MOH) project “Improvement of health care quality by preparing the standards of main health conditions, leading to increased mortality”. Section: “Diabetes prevention, diagnostics and treatment methodology”
• member of MOH working group for supervision of diabetes prophylaxis, diagnostics, and treatment
• member of MOH working group for diabetes treatment
• member of Lithuanian Bioethics Committee Collegium
Assist. Prof. R. Laukienė
• member of MOH working group for endocrinology in-patient health care organization
Prof. Dr (HP) N. Samalavičius.
• consultant for Asensus Surgical in the area of development of new robotic systems in surgery

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr V. Kasiulevičius
https://www.delfi.lt/sveikata/sveikatos-naujienos/profesorius-kasiulevicius-pasake-kam-si-rudeni-labiau-gresia-susirgti-covid-19.d?id=90803747
https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/lietuva/profesorius-kasiulevicius-ivardijo-kiek-truks-koronaviruso-banga-patare-nesugalvoti-grizti-prie-galimybiu-paso-n1179187
https://www.alfa.lt/aktualijos/lietuva/v-kasiulevicius-apie-valstybines-medicinos-ateiti-turetume-daug-problemu-jeigu-liktu-tik-privatus-sveikatos-draudimas/273654/
https://m.kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/sveikata/sveikata/palygino-lietuva-ir-danija-daugybes-susirgimu-covid-19-nebus-del-vienos-priezasties-1058066
Assoc. Prof. Jūratė Pečeliūnienė
The book “Aš ir mano diabetas. Patarimai sergantiesiems ir jų artimiesiems“ (My diabetes and I. Advice for sufferers and their relatives) was selected as the most widely read science popularization book of Vilnius University, 2022.

CLINIC OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5204
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Pranas Šerpytis

STAFF
Professors: Dr P. Šerpytis, Dr R. S. Samalavičius.
Visiting professors: Dr T. Jovaiša, Dr A. Khoury, Dr R. Jalali, Dr Z. Skvarciany.
Associate professors: Dr I. Jovaišienė, Dr R. Badaras, Dr S. Burokienė, Dr A. Klimašauskas.
Teaching assistants: Dr V. Žilinskaitė, P. Uksas, Dr R. Juknevičienė, A. Briedis, Dr A. Vilimas.
Senior researcher: Dr R. Samalavičius,
Lecturers: A. Černauskas, Š. Maciulevičius, Dr A. Vilimas, I. Vėgelytė,
J. Jaramavičius, M. Krikštaponis, Š. Maciulevičius, L. Šimėnaitė, G. Banytė, G. Montvydas.
Doctoral students: P. Uksas, A. Briedis, K. Urbonas, N. Ščupakova, J. Skruodytė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Emergency medicine
• Acute cardiac care
• Resuscitation
• Polytrauma
• Triage
• Acute coronary syndromes
• Sudden death
• Acute heart failure
• ECMO
• Biomarkers in Emergency Department

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Evaluation Of Acute Medical Care Team Performance Using Simulated Resuscitation Scenarios. PhD student Aleksandras Briedis, Prof. Pranas Šerpytis. 2018-2024.
In 2022, the scientific data was presented at EUSEM Congress 2022, Berlin, Germany; oral presentation at CPR refresher course for healthcare providers: clinical experience and self-assessment of skills; E-poster prepared for Meducation in Lithuania: basic life support workshops for high school children.

Extracorporeal Life Support Impact On Critically Ill Elderly Patients’ Outcomes. PhD student Nadežda Ščupakova, Prof. Pranas Šerpytis, Assoc. Prof. I. Jovaišienė. 2020-2024.
The aim of the research is to evaluate the impact of extracorporeal life support on critically ill elderly patient outcomes. In 2022, two posters were prepared and presented at international congresses:
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for postcardiotomy cardiac failure in octogenarians, presented in ECOS – TCS congress in Paris, June 2022.
- Postcardiotomy extracorporeal life support in octogenarians: single centre experience, presented in 37th EACTAIC congress, December 2022.
Also, the article “Extracorporeal life support for cardiogenic shock in octogenarians: single centre experience” was prepared and submitted for review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Eye Injuries After Chemical Burns in the Emergency Department, Secondary Glaucoma, Characteristics and Future Perspectives. PhD student Justina Skruodytė, Prof. Pranas Šerpytis, Prof. Dr Claudia Grünauer-Kloevekorn (University of Leipzig). 2021–2025.
The aim of the research is to evaluate the structural and functional changes of the eye after chemical burns and the relationship with the hemodynamic parameters of the eye. In 2022, the generic competencies were developed, a conference called “Emergency medicine for children and adults: critical conditions. Eyes injuries, help for adults and children in the Emergency Department” was organised in Alytus, and a lecture on eyes injuries was given online with the training programme “First aid and treatment of persons with multiple injuries”.

National Research Projects
Application of Extraordinary Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for the Treatment of Cardiogenic Shock in Elderly Patients. The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. R. S. Samalavičius, Assoc. Prof. I. Jovaišienė, PhD student K. Urbonas. 2020–2024.
During 2022, the patients’ database was created and data collected; preparations were made with partners for two non-doctoral articles.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Heart Center Leipzig- University Hospital Cardiology Department of Internal Medicine/ Cardiology (Germany)
San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome (Italy)
Olsztyn University Clinic of Emergency Medicine (Poland)
Tel- Aviv University Hospital (Israel)
Department of Medicine, University of Arizona Medical School, Tucson (USA)
National Research Center of Preventive Medicine, Moscow (Russia).

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. P. Šerpytis
• Expert at the Research Council Committee of Natural and Technical Sciences, https://www.lmt.lt/lt/apie-taryba/gamtos-ir-technikos-mokslu-komitetas/prof.-pranas-serpytis/2813
• Chairman of the Council of the ten-year-old Dvarionas Music School
• Expert in Vytautas the Great University Commission of Qualification Improvement Programs
• Editorial board member of the journals Sveikatos mokslai; Santara; International Heart and Vascular Disease Journal; Annals of Medical Case Reports; Emergency Medicine and Critical care Journal
• Scientific board member of the journal Emergency Medicine Service

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Prof. P. Šerpytis. Innovations in Cardiology – Let`s have a look what is and will be available in Cath Lab. Session in English. Warsaw Course on Cardiovascular Interventions. April 20-22, 2022
2. Prof. Robertas Stasys Samalavičius. Heart transplantation in Lithuania: VULSK experience and lesssons learned. Transplantation in Central Asia, September 22-23, 2022,Astana, Kazakstan
3. Prof. Robertas Stasys Samalavičius. Anesthesia for minimally invasive mitral valve procedures. EATAIC 37th annual congress, December 14-16, 2022, Naples, Italy.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
Prof. P. Šerpytis. Working groups of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania:
• Lithuanian Health Ministry working group of law number V-208 (dated April 8th, 2004) “For the ratification of the emergency medicine care and emergency medicine service provision order and extent”; Working group of Emergency medicine service for traumas and other external conditioned injuries (Trauma cluster); Working group for the use of ECMO system in emergency medicine service.
• Member of the Health Council at Vilnius Municipality; member of the Research Council of Lithuania;
• A working group to coordinate and address issues related to improving access to innovative medicines and innovative treatments.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
1. An online lecture for the employees of Vilnius University, “How to prevent myocardial infarction, treatment of myocardial infarction”. Prof. P. Šerpytis, 2022/03/28.
2. The importance of Physical Activity in heart disease. Prof. P. Šerpytis. 2022/04/26, Vilnius, 3rd Century University.
3. The initiative “Student for One Day” lectures online to Secondary School pupils of Lithuania: "Physical activity and heart disease". Prof. P. Šerpytis, 2022/05/02.
4. Tony Resort Elder Club, lecture- “Undesirable changes in body composition – the challenge for entrepreneurs of having a healthy circulatory system”, 2022/10/11.
5. Project “Tuk tuk heart - be healthy!” lectures about “Prevention of heart diseases. Clinical death. Primary resuscitation”. Prof. P. Šerpytis. Lectures were held to 851 pupils in secondary schools of Vilnius during the year (2022).

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Prof. P.Šerpytis. Interviews for Lithuanian National Radio, National media websites and TV shows.
Main topics: Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, Preventive Medicine, COVID-19, Arterial Hypertension, Ischemic Heart Disease, Rhythm Disorders, Healthy Lifestyle, Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases, Myocardial infarction, Sudden death, Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Healthy Diet.

CENTRE FOR VISCERAL MEDICINE AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius
Tel. 236 5250
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Habil. Kęstutis Strupas

STAFF
Professor: Kęstutis Strupas
Visiting Professor: Sohei Satoi, Japan
Researchers: Aistė Kielaitė-Gulla, Augustinas Baušys
Research Professor: Tomas Poskus

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Single cell diagnostics
• Intraoperative visualization
• Non-invasive biomarkers
• "Organ-On-A-Chip" models
• Microbiome
• Artificial intelligence
• Genetics and proteomics
• Individualized pancreas, liver and stomach cancer treatment

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
National Research Projects
Single-cell Transcriptomics and Genomics Parallel Computational Biology Laboratories. Funded under Measure 01.2.2-LMT-K-718 ‘Targeted Research in Smart Specialisation Areas’. European Regional Development Fund. Prof. K. Strupas, Prof. L. Mažutis, Assoc. Prof. Dr A. Gulla. 2020–2023.
Early diagnosis of liver cancer remains a challenge. Treatment of complex human diseases largely depends on the physiological response of the individual cells constituting a given tissue or organ. It is single cells rather than their populations that are driving tumorigenesis, metastasis and other human diseases. In 2022, the researchers initiated the development of microfluidics technology and single-cell genomics/transcriptomics data analytics of human samples, creating a liver cell atlas.
CAIX and Hypoxia Marker Detection and Intraoperative Application in Solid Tumors Visualisation. The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. D. Matulis, Prof. K. Strupas, Assoc.Prof. Dr A. Gulla, Senior Researcher Dr J. Matulienė. 2020–2022.
A conjugated compound bearing CA IX-recognising and IR fluorescent parts to be used for the diagnosis and visualisation of tumours in optically guided cancer surgery, especially for pancreas and liver cancers. In 2022, the activities were focused on CAIX synthesis and in vitro experiments.

National Pathology Center. The Value of “Preoperative Therapy” Before the Surgery of Stomach Cancer. Prof. K. Strupas, Dr A. Baušys. 2021–2022.
Main publications:
1. Bausys A, Mazeikaite M, Bickaite K, Bausys B, Bausys R, Strupas K. The Role of Prehabilitation in Modern Esophagogastric Cancer Surgery: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Apr 22;14(9):2096. doi: 10.3390/cancers14092096. PMID: 35565226; PMCID: PMC9102916.
2. Bausys A, Kryzauskas M, Abeciunas V, Degutyte AE, Bausys R, Strupas K, Poskus T. Prehabilitation in Modern Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Oct 13;14(20):5017. doi: 10.3390/cancers14205017. PMID: 36291801; PMCID: PMC9599648.

International Research Projects
Eureka – Establishing a Liver-On-A-Chip Platform for Improved Diagnosis of Liver Function. Endorsed as a high-level research project. Partners: Graz University, Austria, “Femtika”, Lithuania. Prof. K. Strupas, Prof. P. Schemmer, Assoc. Prof. Dr A. Gulla. 2021–2023.
The establishment of the microfluidic platform is currently studied with in vivo liver cells. The goal is to generate a model for liver regeneration while utilising different biopolymers.
Main publication:
1. E. Ezerskyte, M. Vengris, K. Gineitis, G Merkininkaite, B. Leber, R. Vargalis, P. Stiegler, P. Schemmer, S. Sakirzanovas, A. Gulla, K. Strupas, L. Jonusauskas Qualitative comparison between different biopolymers for usage in two-photon polymerization towards liver regeneration. Optimal Materials Express. Vol. 12, Issue 7, pp. 2550-2567 (2022).

CovidSurg – International Initiative – Lithuanian National Coordination Center. Funding: voluntary basis. Prof. K. Strupas, Prof. T. Poskus, Assoc. Prof. A. Zelvys. Researcher A. Čekauskas, Assoc.Prof. Dr A. Gulla. 2020–2022.
Main publications:
1. NIHR Global Health Unit on Global Surgery; COVIDSurg Collaborative. Elective surgery system strengthening: development, measurement, and validation of the surgical preparedness index across 1632 hospitals in 119 countries. Lancet. 2022 Nov 5: 400 (10363): 1607-1617. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736 (22)01846-3.
2. COVIDSurg Collaborative: GlobalSurg Collaborative. SARS-CoV-2 infection and venous thromboembolism after surgery: an international prospective cohort study. Anaesthesia. 2022 Jan; 77(1): 28-39. doi: 10.1111/anae. 15563.
3. COVIDSurg Collaborative. Outcomes and Their State-level Variation in Patients Undergoing Surgery With Perioperative SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the USA: A Prospective Multicenter Study. Ann Surg. 2022 Feb 1; 275 (2): 247-251. doi: 10.1097/ SLA. 0000000000005310.

INSTITUTE OF DENTISTRY

117 Žalgirio, LT-08217 Vilnius
Tel. 272 7589
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Vilma Brukienė

STAFF
Professors: Dr V. Peciulienė, Dr A. Pūrienė, Dr T. Linkevicius, Dr V. Rutkūnas, Dr L. Linkevičienė
Associate professors: Dr R. Manelienė, Dr L. Zaleckas, Dr S. Drukteinis, Dr R. Bendinskaitė, Dr Eglė-Vindašiūtė – Narbutė, Dr L.Stangvaltaite – Mouhat.
Assistant professors: Dr V. Berlin (part-time), Dr E. Nedzinskienė (part-time), Dr A. Rimkevičius (part-time), Dr R. Žaliūnienė (part-time), Dr A. Gedrimienė (part-time), Dr R. Trumpaitė-Vanagienė (part-time), Dr V. Zaleckiene (part-time), Dr S.K. Žukauskas (part-time), Dr E. Miliūnienė (part-time), Dr D. Ivanauskaitė (part-time), Dr R. Almonaitienė (part-time), Dr L. Džiaugytė- Eyeberdiyev, Dr R.Rasteniene (part-time)
Teaching assistants: -
Lecturers: V. Almonaitis (part-time), R. Pletkus (part-time), D. Janavičiene (part-time), G. Krukonis (part-time), D. Matkevicius (part-time), J. Žekonienė (part-time), G. Naujokaitytė (part-time), P. Andrijauskas (part-time), J. Pletkus (part-time), G.Aidukaite (part-time), M.Domeikaite (part-time), J.Zubaite-Maliuk (part-time), D.Kibickaja
Researchers: Dr I.Dumbrytė, Dr A.Rovas
Doctoral students: P. Tušas, I. Stankevičienė, J.Pletkus, M.Vitosytė, E.Urbonė
Students’ scientific group of Odontology: scientific leader – Prof. Dr V. Brukienė, Coordinator – student G.Šimkonytė; 61 Members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of stomatognatic system disease: fundamental and clinical research

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022

Projects Supported by the University Budget
Xerostomia, Autoimmune and Non-Autoimmune sicca Syndrome Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Neuroimmune Axis Relation with Oral Health. Prof. A. Puriene, PhD St. Indre Stankeviciene. 2019–2023.
The aim of this project is to understand xerostomia, autoimmune and non-autoimmune sicca syndrome epidemiology, epigenetics and neuroimmune axis relation with oral health. In 2022, the needed sample size of participants was examined, and the collection of samples for genetic analysis was completed and prepared for analysis. The analysis of cortisol concentration levels in saliva samples is in progress, and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
Main publications:
1. Drachev, S.N., Puriene, A., Aleksejuniene, J. et al. Prevalence of and factors associated with dental service utilization among early elderly in Lithuania. BMC Health Serv Res 22, 16 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-07388-y
2. Indre Stankeviciene, Lina Stangvaltaite-Mouhat, Vytautas Kulvietis, Egle Mazgelyte, Arunas Rimkevicius, Diana Mieliauskaite, Alina Puriene. Pilot Online Health Program Improved Mouth Dryness. Pan-European Region of the International Association of Dental Research Congress, September 15-17, Marseille: Abstract Book, 2022, 211.

Theory-Based Interventions for Improving Oral Self-Care of 15–16 Years Old Schoolchildren. Prof. V. Pečiulienė, Prof. V. Brukienė, PhD student. L. Džiaugytė-Eyeberdiyev. 2016–2022.
Targeting adolescent cohorts for health promotion is important due to the fact that adults who maintained their oral health lifestyle from adolescence through adulthood presented with better oral health than the ones who had a poorer health-related lifestyle in their adolescence. The main hypothesis of research done so far is that theory-guided interventions are superior to one-time conventional dental instruction for improving and sustaining oral self-care in adolescents. Research data has been analysed and published.
Main publication:
1. Aleksejūniene J, Dziaugyte-Eyeberdiyev L, Rasteniene R, Brukiene V. Self-determination theory guided oral self-care training for adolescents-A cluster randomised controlled trial. Health Soc Care Community. 2022 Aug 24. doi: 10.1111/hsc.13974.

Epidemiological Oral Health Survey in Lithuania. Prof. A. Pūrienė, PhD student Indrė Stankevičienė, Assoc. Prof. R. Bendinskaitė, 2015–2022
The epidemiological oral health survey aims to collect data regarding the distribution of different oral conditions and their determinants in key age groups in different regions of Lithuania and to compare present findings with the results of the adult Lithuanian survey done in 1997/1998. The national oral health survey is a cross-sectional study which takes place in 15 geographic locations. In 2022, the preparation of manuscripts and conference presentations was in progress.
Main publications:
1. Vitosyte M, Puriene A, Stankeviciene I, Rimkevicius A, Trumpaite-Vanagiene R, Aleksejuniene J, Stangvaltaite-Mouhat L. Oral Health among Adult Residents in Vilnius, Lithuania. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19 S. N.
2. Drachev, A. Puriene, J. Aleksejuniene, I. Stankeviciene, and L. Stangvaltaite-Mouhat. Prevalence of and factors associated with dental service utilization among early elderly in Lithuania. BMC.Health Serv.Res. 22 (1):16, 2022 (1):582. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010582
3. Milda Vitosyte, Alina Puriene, Indre Stankeviciene, Jolanta Aleksejuniene, Lina Stangvaltaite-Mouhat. Periodontal status and health behavior among adults in Lithuaniania. Europerio 10, June 15-18,2022, Copenhagen

Web-Based Intervention for Solving Diet-Related Oral Health Problems. PhD student Indre Stankevičienė, Prof. Alina Pūrienė, Assoc. Prof. Rūta Bendinskaitė. Health foundation.
The study aims to explore the effectiveness of interactive training in addressing dietary and oral health problems among different dental risk groups to explore the effectiveness of interactive training in solving oral health problems among high-risk dental populations. Data were collected on the effectiveness of web intervention for oral health-related knowledge in various groups of the population. Data from adult groups of pregnant women, physically disabled people, the elderly and community members without special needs were collected. Sample collection was conducted according to the plan. Preparation of the manuscript presentations.
Main publication:
1. Sabataitis V., Stankevičienė I., Pūrienė A., Bendinskaitė R., Stangvaltaite-Mouhat L. “Adults’ compliance with an internet-based programme to reduce dental anxiety”. 26th EADPH Congress, Montpellier, France.

Immediate and Long-term Characterisation of the New Flowable Bioceramic Materials and Their Biological Properties. Assoc. Prof. Saulius Drukteinis, Goda Bilvinaitė, Prof. Dr Vilma Brukienė, 2021-2023.
The present study aimed: 1) to evaluate and compare the radiopacity and surface morphology of AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer (AHPB), Bio-C Sealer (BIOC), Biodentine (BD), BioRoot RCS (BR), Grey-MTAFlow (GMF), White-MTAFlow (WMF), TotalFill BC Sealer (TF), and TotalFill BC Sealer HiFlow (TFHF) at different time moments—30 min, 24 h, and 28 days by using a scanning electron microscope; 2) to assess biological properties of these materials in vitro on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSC).
Main publication:
1. Bilvinaitė, Goda; Drukteinis, Saulius; Brukienė, Vilma; Rajasekharan, Sivaprakash. Immediate and long-term radiopacity and surface morphology of hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials // Materials. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 1996-1944. 2022, vol. 15, iss. 19, art. no. 6635, p. [1-13]. DOI: 10.3390/ma15196635. [DB: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]

Biocompatibility and Efficacy of a HOCl-based Irrigating Solution. Assoc. Prof. Saulius Drukteinis, Goda Bilvinaitė, Dr Bukelskienė Virginija; Prof. Dr Cotti, Elisabetta, 2021-2023
The aims of this study were: 1) to assess the cytotoxicity of super-oxidised water on human gingival fibroblasts using MTT assay; 2) to evaluate its efficacy in debris and smear layer removal from root canal walls using a scanning electron microscope; 3) to compare the efficiency and performance of the irrigant to conventional irrigation solutions.
Main publication:
1. Bilvinaitė, Goda; Žongolavičiūtė, Rūta; Drukteinis, Saulius; Bukelskienė, Virginija; Cotti, Elisabetta. Cytotoxicity and efficacy in debris and smear layer removal of HOCl-based irrigating solution: an in vitro study // Journal of functional biomaterials. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2079-4983. 2022, vol. 13, iss. 3, art. no. 95, p. [1-11]. DOI: 10.3390/jfb13030095. [DB: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]

The Applicability of Dynamic Navigation in Endodontic Treatment and Retreatment Procedures. Jonaitytė, Eglė Marija; Bilvinaitė, Goda; Assoc.Prof. Drukteinis, Saulius; Torres, Andres; Prof. Vygandas Rutkūnas.
The aims of this study were: 1) to assess the accuracy of dynamic navigation for the localisation of calcified root canals; 2) to evaluate the accuracy of dynamic navigation for the removal of fibre-glass points from the root canal; 3) to evaluate the accuracy of dynamic navigation for the preparation of an endodontic cavity in a tooth, covered with a crown.
Main publications:
1. Jonaitytė, Eglė Marija; Bilvinaitė, Goda; Drukteinis, Saulius; Torres, Andres. Accuracy of dynamic navigation for non-surgical endodontic treatment: a systematic review // Journal of clinical medicine. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2077-0383. 2022, vol. 11, iss. 12, art. No. 3441, p. [1-9]. DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123441. [DB: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)

New Technology for Dental Pulp-Dentin Complex Regeneration. Biocompatibility of Flowable Hydraulic Calcium Silicate-Based Cements MTA Flow “Thick” Consistency on Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells in vitro. Paulius Tušas, Milda Alksnė, Egidijus Šimoliūnas, Josette Camilleri, Saulius Drukteinis, Eglė Marija Jonaitytė, Virginija Bukelskienė, Vygandas Rutkūnas, Vytautė Pečiulienė. 2019–2023.
The aim was to evaluate the biological properties of flowable hydraulic tricalcium-silicate-based cements (MTA Flow Grey and White “Thick” consistency, Ultradent) in vitro on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSC). hDPSCs were thawed, MTA Flow eluates were prepared, and pH measurements, cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, cell morphology and hDPSCs apoptosis/necrosis with Annexin V FITC flow cytometry assay were analysed.

Evaluation of Procedural Errors Frequency during Endodontic Treatment and Their Influence on Tooth Prognosis. Prof. Dr Vytaute Peciuliene, Assoc. Prof. S. Drukteinis, Lect. G. Naujokaitytė. 2017–2023.
Successful root canal treatment is determined by many factors. Inappropriate root canal treatment procedures result in endodontic treatment errors. It is precisely they that become the main thrills that can determine not only the course of the treatment but also the further prediction of the treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of endodontic treatment errors, the impact of endodontic treatment outcomes, the prognosis and the possibility of correcting these procedural errors. Two-year follow-ups of 150 retreated teeth are done, and statistical analysis of data is done. Data is being prepared for the publication.

In Vivo and in Vitro Accuracy Evaluation of Digitally Made Impressions and Restorations on Dental Implants. Assoc. Prof. V. Rutkūnas, PhD Student A. Gečiauskaitė. 2016–2022.
We aimed to improve the accuracy of digital workflow and to achieve aesthetic and functional restorations with minimal effort. Due to constant changes in intraoral scanner hardware and software, reliable methodology and clinical guidelines will be provided. Finalisation of in vitro experiment, data collection and analysis. Preparation and submission of papers to peer-reviewed journals with IF.
Main publications:
1. Rutkunas V, Bilius V, Simonaitis T, Auskalnis L, Jurgilevicius J, Akulauskas M. The effect of different implant impression splinting techniques and time on the dimensional accuracy: An in vitro study. J Dent. 2022 Aug 24:104267. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104267. Online ahead of print. PMID: 36029970
2. Auškalnis L, Akulauskas M, Jegelevičius D, Simonaitis T, Rutkūnas V. Error propagation from intraoral scanning to additive manufacturing of complete-arch dentate models: An in vitro study. J Dent. 2022 Jun;121:104136. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104136. Epub 2022/04/20.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Factors Influencing the Accuracy of Digital Workflow. Prof. V. Rutkūnas, PhD student J. Pletkus, L. Auškalnis, J. Dirse, V. Bilius. 2019–2024,
The separate steps of the digital workflow have been analysed, trying to identify the steps most susceptible to the errors. This will help to identify better the clinical indications of fully digital and combined digital/analogue workflows. Based on the findings, the solutions helping to increase the potential of digital technologies in prosthodontics will be offered. Set up of the experiments. Clinical and laboratory study initiation. Data collection, analysis and preparation for the publication.
Main publications:
1. Pletkus J, Rutkūnas V, Gendvilienė I, Borusevičius R, Gedrimienė A, Auškalnis A, Kubilius M, Kaktys J. Model-free digital workflow and immediate functional loading of implant-supported monolithic glass-ceramic crowns: A case series. J Dent. 2022 Aug 21;125:104270. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104270. Online ahead of print. PMID: 36002118
2. Rutkūnas V, Gedrimienė A, Auškalnis L, Admakin O, Mangano F. Accuracy of Fixed Implant-Supported Dental Prostheses Additively Manufactured by Metal, Ceramic, or Polymer: A Systematic Review. J Prosthodont. 2022 Mar;31(S1):70-87. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13449.
3. Rutkunas V, Dirse J, Kules D, Simonaitis T. Misfit simulation on implant prostheses with different combinations of engaging and nonengaging titanium bases. Part 1: Stereomicroscopic assessment of the active and passive fit. J Prosthet Dent. 2022 May 5:S0022-3913(22)00229-3. doi:10.1016/j.prosdent. PMID: 35527068

Effect of different prosthetic materials on human fibroblast cell cultures. Prof. V. Rutkūnas. 2017–2022
Completion of the experiments and collection and analysis of the data.
Main publication:
1. Rutkunas V, Borusevicius R, Balciunas E, Jasinskyte U, Alksne M, Simoliunas E, Zlatev S, Ivanova V, Bukelskiene V, Mijiritsky E. The Effect of UV Treatment on Surface Contact Angle, Fibroblast Cytotoxicity, and Proliferation with Two Types of Zirconia-Based Ceramics. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 5;19(17):11113. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191711113.PMID: 36078826

3D bioprinting for bone regeneration. Prof. V. Rutkūnas, Assist. Prof. I. Gendvilienė. 2017–2022
Main publication:
1. Alksne M, Kalvaityte M, Simoliunas E, Gendviliene I, Barasa P, Rinkunaite I, Kaupinis A, Seinin D, Rutkunas V, Bukelskiene V. Dental pulp stem cell-derived extracellular matrix: autologous tool boosting bone regeneration. Cytotherapy. 2022 Jun;24(6):597-607. doi: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.02.002. Epub 2022 Mar 15. PMID: 35304075

Influence of Implant Placement Depth and Soft Tissue Thickness on Crestal Bone Stability around Implants with and without Platform Switching. A comparative Clinical Trial. Prof. Dr Tomas Linkevicius, Dr Saulius Zukauskas. 2016–2022.
The aim of our study was to investigate if implant placement depth in relation to soft tissue thickness has an influence on crestal bone stability around dental implants. The research hypothesis was that bone-level implants with platform switching, placed subcrestally when the surrounding gingiva is thin, would have similar bone resorption with bone-level implants without platform switching, placed in thick, soft tissue supracrestally.
Main publications:
1. Linkevicius T, Alkimavicius J, Linkevicius R, Gineviciute E, Linkeviciene L. Effect of Ti-base gingival height on Maintenence of crestal bone in thick biotype patients; a randomized clinical trial with 1-year fillow-up. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants, 2022 Mar-Apr; 37 (2):320-327.
2. Vatenas I, Linkevicius T. The use of the connective tissue graft from the palate for vertical soft tissue augmentation during submerged dental implant placement; a case series. Clin Exp Dent Res 2022 Oct:8(5):1103-1108.

Prospective Randomised Long Term Three Centre Study of the Baltic Cleft Network (Rostock, Germany; Ryga, Latvia and Vilnius, Lithuania): Appearance of Lip and Nose in Patients with Unilateral Clefts of Lip, Alveolus, and Palate. Assoc. Prof. L. Zaleckas. 2016–2022.
The aim of this study was to compare the long-term results of three different cleft treatment protocols treating patients with unilateral complete clefts of lip, alveolus and palate. Photographies were taken before surgery and at the age of 5 and 10 years. The evaluation of the function and aesthetics of the lip, as well as of symmetry and harmony, was carried out. The manuscript titled “Lips and noses in 10-year-old patients with repaired complete unilateral clefts of the lip, alveolus, and palate” was completed, outlining the first results from a prospective three-centre study of the Baltic Cleft Network.
Main publication:
1. Lenz J.H., Akota I., Zaleckas L., Soots M., Bagante I., Rogovska I., Frerich B., Gundlach K. Lips and noses in 10-year old patients with repaired complete unilateral clefts of lip, alveolus, and palate. A prospective three-centre study of the Baltic Cleft Network. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2022 Mar;50(3):246-253.

Practice Characteristics and Views of Dental Hygienists in Lithuania. Prof. Alina Puriene, V. Berlin, Asist. Prof. Greta Aidukaitė
The study analysed practice characteristics, views, and employment possibilities of Lithuanian dental hygienists. The questionnaire asked about the demographics of dental hygienists, characteristics of practice, patient load, career intentions, opinions about the dental hygienist workforce, and the need for governmental workforce regulation.
This year, the data was analysed. Finalisation of the dissertation work.
Main publications:
1. G. Rederiene, Y. Buunk-Werkhoven, G. Aidukaite, and A. Puriene. Relationship Between
2. Job Satisfaction and Health of Hygienists in Lithuania. Int.Dent.J., 2022
3. G. Rederiene, A. Puriene. Intentions of Lithuanian dental hygienists to leave the profession or emigrate. EuroPerio10, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2022
4. G. Rederiene, and A. PurieneWilllingness to work or to leave of Lithuanian dental hygienists. International Symposium on Dental Hygiene, 2022, Dublin, Ireland, 2022

In vitro and in vivo Research on the Influence of the Cement Type on Its Removal Quality From Zirconium Oxide Implant-Supported Restorations. Assist. Prof. E. Vindasiute-Narbute, 2018-2023
The first stage was to implement an in vitro study. The idea was to compare two different cements (resin cement and glass ionomer resin-modified cement) and their excess removal quality after cementation on implant-supported zirconia restorations. The second stage involves organising an in vivo study with the same cements to check if the results of the in vitro and in vivo studies coincide.

Research on Implant and Restorative Treatment Options in Edentulous Patients. Assist. Prof. E. Vindasiute-Narbute, 2018-2023
Crestal bone stability after flapless placement of sloped implants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate crestal bone stability around sloped implants using the flapless procedure and compare it with conventional implants placed axially. Soft tissue augmentation stability in edentulous patients. It was shown that Connective Tissue Grafts (CTG) retrieved from the tuberosity tend to determine hyperplastic responses and may induce a beneficial over-keratinisation of non-keratinised mucosa. Clinically evaluate and compare CTG from tuberosity ability to increase soft tissue thickness and the keratinisation potential after the recipient area is either prepared using a split or full-thickness flap in the edentulous mandible.

Immediate Implant Placement and Restorative Outcome in the Esthetic Area. E. Vindašiūtė-Narbutė, T. Linkevičius
Immediate implant placement has become a treatment of choice to preserve remaining bone after tooth extraction and to predict final esthetic results. The idea of the study was to compare the esthetic outcome of the immediate implant placement procedure vs the early implant placement protocol. Also, to compare different methods for soft tissue augmentation: connective tissue graft vs porcine collagen matrix.
Main publications:
1. Puisys A, Auzbikaviciute V, Vindasiute-Narbute E, Pranskunas M, Razukevicus D, Linkevicius T. Immediate implant placement vs. early implant treatment in the esthetic area. A 1-year randomized clinical trial. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2022 Jun;33(6):634-655. doi: 10.1111/clr.13924. Epub 2022 Apr 7. PMID: 35318752 Clinical Trial.
2. Puisys A, Deikuviene J, Vindasiute-Narbute E, Razukevicus D, Zvirblis T, Linkevicius T
3. Connective tissue graft vs porcine collagen matrix after immediate implant placement in esthetic area: A randomized clinical trial. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2022 Apr;24(2):141-150. doi: 10.1111/cid.13058. Epub 2022 Mar 24. PMID: 35324053 Clinical Trial.

Non Odontogenic Maxillofacial Infections. Dr Rūta Rasteniene, G. Šimėnaitė, R. Raubaitė (2021–2023)
The aim of the study is to evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with severe maxillofacial non-odontogenic infections requiring hospital care during a 17-year period. The research will also evaluate the impact of the Covid lockdown on the treatment outcomes of maxillofacial infections.
Main publications:
1. Raubaitė, Radvilė; Zaleckas, Linas; Rastenienė, Rūta. Odontogenic and non-odontogenic maxillofacial infections during COVID-19 lockdown: retrospective analysis // PER-IADR oral health congress, September 15-17, 2022, Marseille, France : abstract book : International Association for Dental Research. 2022, abstract no. O085, p. 72.
2. Raubaite, Radvile; Zaleckas, Linas; Rastenienė, Rūta. Impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on the epidemiology of maxillofacial infections: a retrospective analysis // The 16th Bialystok International Medical Congress for Young Scientists, 6th-7th May 2022. Bialystok. 2022, p. [1]. [Indėlis: 1,000] [M.kr.:M 002]

Rapid Diagnosis of COVID-19 Virus and Other Infectious Agents Using CRISPR Technology. Prof. Alina Pūrienė, Adomas Rovas
The idea of the project is to improve the quality of personal healthcare services by creating fast and accurate COVID-19 virus and other infectious agents using CRISPR nucleases appropriate for the daily practice of medical institutions. Bioethics committee approval was obtained. Clinical examination and sample collection were conducted according to the plan. Clinical and laboratory tests are being analysed. Preparation of the manuscript.

Development of Artificial intelligence-based tool AI-CE1. Alina Pūrienė, Indrė Stankevičienė, Paulius Raškevičius, Lukas Naktinis, Gintarė Klimantavičiūtė
A model of the instrument for automatic DMFT index evaluation from orthopantomogramms based on machine learning techniques was developed, and its accuracy was evaluated.
Main publications:
1. Klimantavičiūtė G., Stankevičienė I., Naktinis L., Padvelskis D., Raškevičius P., Pūriėnė A. Automatic DMFT Index Evaluation in Orthopantonograms Using AI-CE1 Technology. Joint International Meeting: 22nd EAA Congress, 15th ISGA Congress, 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine, August 24-27, Vilnius, Abstract Book, 2022, 104.
2. Naktinis L., Stankevičienė I., Stangvaltaitė-Mouhat L., Padvelskis D., Pūrienė A. Artificial Intelligence Algorithm Accuracy in Assessing Panoramic Radiographs for Caries Experience. Abstract No. 115 presented at EADPH congress 2022, Community Dental Health 2022, 39,S1-S57. doi: 10.1922/CDH_EADPHAbstracts2022. 2022 m. rugsėjo 9 d.
3. Raškevičius P., Stankevičienė I., Padvelskis D., Stangvaltaitė-Mouhat L., Naktinis L., Klimantavičiūtė G., Pūrienė A. DMFT Index Evaluation Using Deep Learning on Panoramic Radiographs. Pan-European Region of the International Association of Dental Research Congress, September 15-17, Marseille: Abstract Book, 2022, 48.

Towards Closing the Evidence-Practice Gap in Management of Deep Carious Lesions. Prof. Vilma Brukienė, Prof. Alina Pūrienė, Dr Lina Štangvaltaitė-Mouhat, PhD student Indrė Stankevičienė
Main publication:
1. Lina Stangvaltaite-Mouhat, Indre Stankeviciene, Vilma Brukiene, Alina Puriene, Sergei N Drachev. Changes in management preference of deep carious lesions and exposed pulps: questionnaire studies with a 10-year interval among dentists in Lithuania. Accepted for publication in journal „Caries research“.

Three-Dimensional Non-destructive Examination of Teeth Microcracks Using X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography and Machine Learning. Dr Irma Dumbryte
The aim of this study was to reveal the role of microcracks in the integrity and functionality of a healthy (undamaged) tooth (with or without visible microcracks on the outer surface) using X-ray micro-computed tomography in combination with convolutional neural network-assisted voxel classification and volume segmentation.
Main publication:
1. Irma Dumbryte, Donatas Narbutis, Arturas Vailionis, Saulius Juodkazis, and Mangirdas Malinauskas. Microcracks as tooth structural element: revealed by X-ray tomography and machine learning. Scientific Reports. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1953106/v1).

Evaluation of Material Composition in Verified Areas Around the Tooth Microcrack Using Photoluminescence. Dr Irma Dumbryte
The aim of the study is to evaluate the composition of the material in verified areas around the tooth microcrack using photoluminescence, e.g., with 325 nm and 266 nm laser. This would help to find out whether and to what extent structural changes to the tooth are occurring inside the microcrack compared to the areas of the enamel that are without cracks. Analysis of laboratory tests and preparation of the manuscript.

Lip Morphometry and Morphologic Pattern Variation by Ethnicity. Documentation and classification of common lip patterns and lip measurements for evaluation of their variations in the populations of Polish, Russian, and Lithuanian women.
Main publications:
1. Vitosyte M., Malinauskaite D., Chalas R., Brukiene V., Lasota A., Puriene A. Lip morphometry and morphologic pattern variation by ethnicity. Anthropolischer Anzeiger 2022. DOI: 10.1127/anthranz/2022/1598
2. Milda Vitosyte, Dominyka Malinauskaite, Renata Chalas, Vilma Brukiene, Agnieszka Lasota,
Alina Puriene. Differences in lip morphometry and morphological patterns across ethnic
groups, 22nd EAA congress – 15th isga congress – 5th international conference of evolutionary medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania, 2022-08-26.

European Student Wellness, Stress, Coping, Support and Perceptions About Remote Dental. Training During COVID-19. Prof. A. Pūrienė, L. Stangvaltaite-Mouhat
Main publications:
1. J. Aleksejuniene, D. Hysi, J. Nikolovovska, L. Stangvaltaite-Mouhat, R. Chalas, R. Oancea, K. Richardas, M. Lipski, K. Sarna-Bos, and A. Puriene. European student wellness, stress, coping, support and perceptions about remote dental training during COVID-19. Eur.J.Dent.Educ. 26 (4):820-829, 2022.

National Research Projects
Accuracy of Digitally Planned Implant Placement and Cad/Cam Immediate Prosthesis. (Project No. KD-16137). Prof. V. Rutkūnas, PhD Student R. Borusevičius. 2017–2022.
The aim of this doctoral thesis is to evaluate the accuracy as well as biological, technical and clinical aspects of digitally planned dental implantation and immediate prosthodontics rehabilitation. Creation of the experimental models, implementation of the experiments and data collection.
Main publication (submitted):
1. The effect of partial edentulous arch type and implant design on the accuracy of dynamic dental implant navigation: an in vitro study using novel X-ray free methodology. Journal of Dentistry.

Research agreement 15600-INS-132 between Vilnius University and UAB “Dantų inžinierija” company “Lazeriu padengto implanto paviršiaus techninės galimybės”. V. Rutkunas, I. Gendviliene, R. Borusevičius
Research outline, analysis and recommendations prepared for the company.

Evaluation of microarchitecture and collagen coating of regular and irregular structure 3D polycaprolactone scaffolds for dental pulp tissue regeneration. (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-16-0232). The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. V. Pečiulienė, St. E.M. Jonaitytė, PhD Student P. Tušas. 2020–2022.
The aim of this project was to create a biodegradable 3D scaffold which mimics the chemical composition and physical morphology of the pulp and can be a promising method to aid pulp regeneration. Regular and irregular structure polycaprolactone 3D scaffolds were printed using a 3D printer melted electrospinning writing head. Scaffolds’ mean pore size, pore area, pore circularity, and porosity were evaluated. Moreover, scaffolds were successfully coated with collagen. Human dental pulp stem cells were isolated from human third molar teeth pulp, which may be used in later in vitro studies.

The Association of Epigenetic Factors with the Etiopathogenesis and Clinical Status of Periodontal Diseases and Rheumatoid Arthritis. (No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0023). The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. A. Puriene, PhD Student A. Rovas. 2017–2022.
Clinical examination and sample collection were completed for all 240 participants according to the plan. Clinical and laboratory tests are being conducted and analysed. Finalisation of the dissertation work, defence of PhD thesis.
Main publication:
1. Rovas, A. Puriene, K. Snipaitiene, E. Punceviciene, B. Buragaite-Staponkiene, R. Matuleviciute, I. Butrimiene, and S. Jarmalaite. Gingival crevicular fluid microRNA associations with periodontitis. J.Oral Sci. 64 (1):11-16, 2022.

Application of Artificial Intelligence Systems to Evaluate the Diagnostic Efficiency of Sialolithiasis from Panoramic Radiograph. (No. S-SV-22-69). The Research Council of Lithuania. Student Paulius Raškevičius. The project is financed under the measure "Student research during a summer internship." Scientific Supervisor Prof. Alina Pūrienė. 2022.
The student's summer internship research was to develop a system for automated detection of salivary gland stones from panoramic radiographs using artificial intelligence technologies. The student managed to implement the set goals and tasks of the project, including data analysis and preparing presentations.

The use of artificial intelligence technologies for the identification of soft tissue calcification images in panoramic radiographs. (No. S-ST-22-85). The Research Council of Lithuania. Student Paulius Raškevičius. The project is financed under the measure “Student research during the semester”. Scientific Supervisor: Prof. Alina Pūrienė. 2022–2023.
Students during the semester identified and annotated the quantitative and qualitative features of carotid artery calcification images from panoramic radiographs using artificial intelligence technologies for the improvement of the early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Data collection and analysis are in progress.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
ACTA (The Netherlands)
University of Birmingham (England)
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)
UiT The Arctic University of Norway (Norway)
University College London and University of Kent (United Kingdom)
SPOH ARTS – International Oral Health Psychology, Amsterdam (the Netherlands)
Medical University of Lublin (Poland)
University of Medicine (Albania)
Medical University (Bulgaria)
University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Romania)
Leuven University (Belgium)
Graz University (Austria)
Malmo University (Sweden)
Zurich University (Switzerland)
University of Medicine (Albania)
Medical University (Bulgaria)
University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Sts Cyril and Methodius (Macedonia)
Faculty of Dentistry, State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemițanu” (Republic of Moldova)
Dental Faculty, Belarussian State Medical University (Belarus)
Centre for Innovative Medicine (Lithuania)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. V. Pečiulienė
• member of study committee of European Society of Endodontists;
• 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;
• editorial board member of the journal Health Sciences.
Prof. A. Pūrienė
• member of EAHM (European Association of Hospital Managers) 2015-2021, member of EAHM Scientific commitee 2019-2021. https://eahm.eu.org/the-advisory-bodies-2/
• honorary member of LAHM (Lithuanan Association of Hospital Managers) from 2020
• editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry); https://sbdmj.com/editors.html
• editorial board member of the journal Health Sciences (Lithuania); https://sm-hs.eu/lt/apie-zurnala/redakcine-kolegija/
• board member of the Stomatology Edu Journal( Romania); https://www.stomaeduj.com/editorial-board-members/
• president of Lithuanian society of Ergonomics;
• honorary member of Lithuanian society of Periodontology;
• honorary member of the Lithuanian Endodontic Society;
• member of EADPH European Association of Dental Public Health;
Prof. V. Rutkūnas
• president of Lithuanian Society of Prosthodontics;
• president of European Prosthodontic Association;
• council member of Digital Dentistry Society;
• editorial board member of Journal of Dentistry;
• editorial board member European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry
• editorial board member Stomatology Edu Journal
• editorial board member of Stomatologija, Baltic Maxillofacial and Dental Journal;
• participation of the organizing committees of international meetings: DDS, EPA, LSP
Prof. T. Linkevičius
• editorial board member of the journal Stomatologija (Dentistry);
• visiting Professor in Ghent University, Belgium.
Assoc. Prof. R. Bendinskaitė
• member of Vilnius Regional Bioethics Committee;
• expert in working groups of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania.
Prof. V. Brukienė
• president of the International Association of Dental Research, Scandinavian division;
• member of the Association of Dental Education in Europe;
• editorial board member of the journals Stomatologija (Dentistry), Baltic Dental and Maxillofacial Journal, http://www.sbdmj.com/editors.html;
• editorial board member of the journal Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika (Nursing. Science and Practice);
• President of the Lithuanian Dental Chamber.
Assoc. Prof. L. Zaleckas
• member of Association of Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons of Lithuania, member of council;
• member of Baltic Association of Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgeons;
• member of European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery;
• editorial board member of the Baltic Dental and Maxillofacial Journal.
• Delegate (representative) from Lithuania of the OMFS (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) Section and Board of Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS).
Assoc. Prof. S. Drukteinis
• member of the Research Committee of the European Society of Endodontology;
• Editorial board member of the Materials Journal (Basel)
Prof. L. Linkevičienė
• editorial board member of the journals Stomatologija (Dentistry), Baltic Dental and Maxillofacial Journal, http://www.sbdmj.com/editors.html;
• member of Lithuanian Dental Chamber;
• member of Lithuanian Orthodontics Association, member of council;
• member of European Cleft organization.
Assist. Prof. L. Džiaugytė-Eyeberdiyev
• member of council of Lithuanian Asociation of Pediatric Dentistry
https://www.lvod.lt/apie-lvod/valdyba/
Assist.prof.Eglė Vindašiūtė-Narbutė
• member of Lithuanian Society of Prosthodontics
• member of Lithuanian Dental Chamber
Assist. prof. Dr R. Rastenienė
• member of Lithuanian Dental Chamber
• member of council of Association of Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons of Lithuania
• member of EADPH European Association of Dental Public Health
Assist. prof. Dr V. Berlin
• member of Lithuanian Dental Chamber
• member of Lithuanian Orthodontics Association
• member of EADPH European Association of Dental Public Health
Assist. P. Tušas
• president of the Lithuanian Society of Endodontology

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Rutkūnas V. Mapping a digital workflow for the full-arch implant-supported prostheses. October 13-15. ORIS symposium. Munich, Germany

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
1. “Relationship between tooth loss and mandibular bone mineral density”, 2021/09/03.
b) The best research at the dental students’ international conference “Excelling through Evidence-Based Dentistry”. Daniel Kules, research advisor: Alina Pūriene. “Age and sex-related changes of mandibular bone mineral density”, 2021.10.16.
The most innovative abstract at Vilnius University Medical Faculty LXXIV Students’ Conference, 2022/05/16. Daniel Kuleš, Research Advisor: Prof. Dr (HP) Alina Pūrienė “Relationship between the mandibular base cortical bone height and vertebral densitometric data.”

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES
Prof. V.Brukiene
• Member of Lithuanian Health Ministry working group to prepare a draft amendment to the National Oral Health Program
• Member of Lithuanian Health Ministry National Politics in Dentistry group.
• Member of Lithuanian Health Ministry working group to establish the dentist qualification
• Member of Lithuanian Health Ministry working group to establish the paediatric dentist qualification
Assoc. Prof. S. Drukteinis
• Member of Lithuanian Health Ministry working group to establish the endodontologist qualification
Assoc. Prof. R. Bendinskaitė
• Member of Lithuanian Health Ministry working group to prepare a draft amendment to the National Oral Health Program
Assist. R. Rastenienė
• Member of Lithuanian Health Ministry working group to prepare a draft amendment to the National Oral Health Program
Assoc. Prof. L. Zaleckas
• Member of Lithuanian Health Ministry working group “Oral cancer”
• Member of Lithuanian Health Ministry National Politics in Dentistry group
Assoc. Prof. S. Drukteinis, prof. Dr V. Pečiulienė, P. Tušas
• Members of Lithuanian Health Ministry working group to update and review the endodontologist qualification
Prof. Alina Pūrienė
• Member council of Experts of Lithuanian Health Ministry for programs and studies.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
Prof. A.Pūrienė
• Member of 2014-2021 Monitoring committee of the EU funds Investments program

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. A.Pūrienė, I.Stankevičienė Publication in media Delfi.lt https://www.delfi.lt/projektai/skausmo-gidas/lietuvos-mediku-atliktas-tyrimas-pribloskia-rezultatais-neitiketina-nuo-ko-gali-gesti-musu-dantys.d?id=90135779
2. Tele 3 žinios Short interview Treatment of oral diseases. Dry mouth treatment prof. Alina Pūrienė, dokt.Indrė Stankevičienė, stud. Saulė Skinkytė
3. V.Brukiene, I.Stankeviciene. Life without dental caries: reality or utopia?
https://tv.lrytas.lt/laidos/odontologai-pataria/2022/12/08/news/-odontologai-pataria-gyvenimas-be-dantu-eduonies-realybe-ar-tik-utopija--25417137?type=audio&fbclid=IwAR1heJZcdCAwTAPBEoYLAJ-iczz_VOMJQyeLPPa97HbugCS6-GvxXFjAaaY

INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

M. K. Čiurlionio str. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
Ph.: 85 239 8732, 85 239 8738
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Rimantas Stukas, PhD

STAFF
Professors: Dr R. Stukas, Dr J. Dadonienė, Dr L. Murauskienė.
Associate professors: Dr M. Jakubauskienė, Dr R. Buckus (part-time), Dr O. Katakinienė (part-time), Dr G. Smailytė (part-time), Dr D. Austys, Dr A. Patašius (part-time), Dr R. Sketerskienė (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr J. Stanislavovienė, Dr M. Butikis, Dr S. Vainauskas, Dr J. Kairys (part-time), Dr L. Ašoklienė (part-time), Dr R. Bartkevičiūtė (part-time), A. Barzda (part-time), Dr A. Beržanskytė, Dr A. Juodaitė–Račkauskienė (part-time), Dr V. Taminskienė, Dr V. Dobrovolskij, R. Maceinaitė-Žandarė (part-time), J. Račaitė (part-time), I. Tamulaitytė-Morozovienė (part-time), Dr A. Astrauskienė (part-time), Dr R. Jankauskas (part-time), R. Arlauskas (part-time).
Researchers: Dr A. Valiulis.
Lecturers: Dr D. Brogienė (part-time), Dr R. Vaitkienė (part-time), V. Jaeck (part-time).
Doctoral students: I. Tamulaitytė-Morozovienė, A. Černovas, O. Ubartienė, J. Račaitė, J. Lekstutienė, G. Valinčiūtė, J. Blaževičius, R. Perminienė, J. Šuminienė, A. Gaupšienė, V. Rutkauskas, P. Kavaliauskas, R. Arlauskas, R. Lingienė, V. Lukoševičienė, G. Bulotaitė, V. Gurkšnienė.
Public health scientific group of students: scientific leader: Dr M. Jakubauskienė, coordinator: student Benita Guzikaitė, 24 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
• Public mental health, social determinants of population health, health services research
• Epidemiological and public health implications of the relationship between rheumatic diseases, tuberculosis and malignant tumors

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Assessment of Health Risk Factors and Sense of Coherence of Elderly People. Prof. R. Stukas. 2014–2024.
Conducted a study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle, health-related quality of life and subjective well-being of the elderly. To date, there have been no representative studies conducted on the diet and the consumption of dietary supplements used by the country’s elderly population during the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of dietary supplements in a representative sample of the country’s elderly population. The survey was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire online. The study was expanded and surveyed residents of various ages, including the elderly. In all, 1600 males and females aged 16–64 of the country’s population were interviewed. The χ² (chi-square) criterion was used to estimate the distribution of respondents according to categorical variables. Differences are considered statistically significant when p ≤ 0.05. In this phase of the study, an analysis was conducted to ascertain the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the consumption of dietary supplements by the working-age population, including the elderly, of the country.
The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the use of dietary supplements and an accelerating number of daily dietary supplements used by consumers. The other study data are being analysed.
Main publications:
1. Rokas Arlauskas, Donatas Austys, Rimantas Stukas. COVID-19 Pandemic and Consumption of Dietary Supplements among Adult Residents of Lithuania. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022, 19, 9591. Quartile Q1, Impact factor 4.614 https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159591; https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
2. Rūta Maceinaitė, Žymantas Žandaras, Genė Šurkienė, Birutė Strukčinskienė, Rimantas Stukas, Valerij Dobrovolskij, Rokas Arlauskas. The need for information on nutrition among adolescents and adult knowledge regarding food consumption recommendations // Central European Journal of Public Health. 2021, 29(3):236-43 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a6635 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623125/; Quartile Q4, Impact factor 1.154

International Research Projects
International multicenter study CoMix (Measuring Behavioural Change during COVID-19 Epidemic), which is a part of H2020 EpiPose Project Epidemic Intelligence to Minimize 2019-nCoV’s Public Health, Economic and Social Impact in Europe. PI in Lithuania: Assoc. Prof. Dr M. Jakubauskienė. 2020–2023.
In 2022, the data collection stage was finalised. Data analysis is in progress, and data dissemination (writing research papers and policy briefs) is under preparation and revisions.

International multicenter study COPER (Pandemic and its impact on mental health of men and women in the European Region). PI in Lithuania: Assoc. Prof. Dr M. Jakubauskienė. 2020–2022.
An international longitudinal research instrument has been updated with vaccination data, and it has been validated in Lithuania. The second wave of research data was collected. Data analysis is in progress. The dissemination of the COPER research study results is in process by writing research articles and presenting research results at the scientific conferences:
The first data was presented at the international EUPHA conference.

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 of the Republic of Lithuania (Lithuania)
University of Hasselt (Belgium)
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK)
University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer (Germany)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. R. Stukas
• editorial college member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
• editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
• board member of the Lithuanian Society of Hygienists and Epidemiologists.
Prof. J. Dadonienė
• The President of Lithuanian rheumatologist association
• The expert of Lithuanian research council
• The expert of EC Horizon Programme Health cluster
• The medical supervisor of Lithuanian arthritis association (patients’ organization)
Assoc. Prof. Dr M. Jakubauskienė
• 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 review board of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (USA)’
• member of the Lithuanian Association for Trauma Psychology;
• member of the Lithuanian Bioethics Society;
• co-leader of the International Research in Public Mental Health Course.
Prof. A. Valiulis
• president of Lithuanian Paediatric Respiratory Society;
• vice-president of Lithuanian Paediatric Society;
• chairman of Lithuanian Alliance Against Chronic Lung Diseases (WHO-GARD Lithuania);
• vice chairman of Mother and Child Health Commission of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
• national coordinator in Strategic Pediatric Alliance for the Child Health in Europe;
• national delegate at Global Asthma Initiative (GINA) and Global Allergic Rhinitis Initiative (ARIA);
• chairman of Advisory Board of Lithuanian Council of Asthma Clubs;
• chief executive of IPOKRaTES Lithuania Fund;
• editor-in-Chief of the journal Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology (Index Copernicus);
• editor-in-Chief of the journal Lithuanian Paediatric Chronicle;
• editorial boards 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);
• 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 the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
• 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
• associate editor for BMC Health Services Research;
• member of the Health Systems and Policies Monitoring Network, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies.
Assist. Prof. J. Stanislavovienė
• editorial board member of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health);
• methodological commission member of Institute of Hygiene;
• member of Occupation Health Specialists’ Society.
Lect. R. Vaitkienė
• deputy member of the Administrative Commission for the Coordination of Social Security Systems, European Commission;
• member of the intersectoral working party on implementation of United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Lithuania.
Assist. Prof. R. Jankauskas
• editorial board chair of the journal Visuomenės sveikata (Public Health).
Assist. Prof. R. Bartkevičiūtė
• member of Lithuanian Breastfeeding Committee;
• alternate representative of European Food Safety Authority Food Consumption Data Network.
Assist. Prof. R. Barzda
• representative of Republic of Lithuania in Codex Alimentarius Commission;
• representative of European Food Safety Authority Food Consumption Data Network.
Lect. D. Brogienė
• executive director of the Foundation for Patient Safety, Innovations and Quality;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chair of Legal, Ethics and Competence Evaluation Commission;
• member of the Board of Lithuanian Doctors Association. Chair of the Legal Commission;
• board member of Lithuanian Bioethics Committee under the Ministry of Health;
• Vice-president of CPME (The Standing Committee of European Doctors).
Assist. Prof. A. Juodaitė-Račkauskienė
• member of European Palliative Care Association, Belgium.
Assist. Prof. D. Austys
• member of Commission for Attestation of Lecturers Aiming the Right to Train in Radiation Safety and Security.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
1. Acknowledgement Certificate issued by the Government of The Republic of Lithuania, signed by the Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonyte has been awarded on October 21, 2022.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
1. L. Murauskiene. Leading a Working Group for Setting Priorities for Health-related Activities Financing for 2021–2028. Commissioned by Consulting Company ESTEP and the Ministry of Finance.
2. R. Vaitkienė. A member of the working group for the amendments for Lithuanian Health Strategy for 2014–2025 approved by the Resolution of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania No XII-964, 2014.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. Prof. R. Stukas. Delfi Portal Interview on Healthy Eating (11 issues)
2. Prof. R. Stukas. LRTV, Consumer Control Interview about Healthy Eating (6 issues)
3. Prof. R. Stukas. TV 3 News Interview about Healthy Eating (7 issues)
4. Assoc. Prof. M.Jakubauskienė. Interview published in the journal of the Art Association „Dailė/Art“, year 2022 No. 88. R.Survilienė. Menas ir sveikata (Art and health) https://www.artseria.lt/post/roma-surviliene

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Rokas Arlauskas, Donatas Austys, Rimantas Stukas. “Trends in the changing food selection criteria of the Lithuanian population and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic” . Joint international meeting. 22nd EAA Congress – 15th ISGA Congress – 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine. August 24-27, 2022 Vilnius, Lithuania. https://doi.org/10.15388/EAA-ISGA-ICEMMeting.2022
2. Rokas Arlauskas, Donatas Austys, Rimantas Stukas. “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the consumption of dietary supplements by the Lithuanian population”. Joint international meeting. 22nd EAA Congress – 15th ISGA Congress – 5th International Conference of Evolutionary Medicine. August 24-27, 2022 Vilnius, Lithuania. https://doi.org/10.15388/EAA-ISGA-ICEMMeting.2022

DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION, PHYSICAL AND SPORTS MEDICINE

Akademijos str. 4, LT-08661 Vilnius, Lithuania
Ph.: +370 682 22817
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Rūta Dadelienė, PhD

STAFF
Professors: Dr J. Raistenskis, Dr R. Dadelienė, Dr A. Skurvydas, Dr N. Masiulis.
Associate professors: Dr A. Adomavičienė, Dr L. Samsonienė, Dr A. Šidlauskienė, Dr R. Žilinskienė, Dr V. Majauskienė, Dr J. Armonienė.
Assistant professors: Dr J. Indriūnienė, Dr I. E. Jamontaitė, Dr A. Mastavičiūtė, Dr I. Muntianaitė, Dr J. Petrulytė, Dr S. Lenickienė, Dr I. Laucevičienė, Dr J. Andrejeva.
Research assistants: J. Blaževičius, A. Černovas, J. Motiejūnas, T. Aukštikalnis.
Lecturers: L. Aučynienė, A. Budėjienė, L. Budrienė, A. Cirtautas, J. Kesienė, L. Mikulėnaitė, T. Palšytė, M. Grybauskaitė, A. Juodytė, V. Strukčinskaitė, J. Kupčiūnas, P. Dubrovskij, S. Buklienė, R. Venskaitis, L. Uščinas, R. Ramanauskas, L. Mikulėnaitė, M. Makutienė, R. Jonaitienė, S. Buklienė, L. Vilkinaitė, M. D. Kietė, V. Belickienė.
Doctoral students: T. Aukštikalnis, R. Sinkevičius. J. Motiejūnas, A. Černovas, J. Blaževičius.
Students’ scientific group of Rehabilitation, physical and sports medicine: scientific leader: lect. T. Palšytė, coordinators: students R. Gerdaitytė, M. Gaušytė; 19 members of the group.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Biopsychosocial model
• Effectiveness of rehabilitation, physical and sport medicine
• Components of physical capacity
• Prevention of disease and injury

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
National Research Projects
Genome, Epigenome and Telomere Length Features of Sarcopenia and Frailty. The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. V. Alekna. 2022–2024

Strength Training and Skeletal Muscle–Brain Interaction. (No. S-MIP-21-37). The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. N. Masiulis. 2021–2023

Development and Introduction of Effective Models to Promote Physical Activity in the Workplace. Assoc. Prof. R. Žilinskienė. 2020–2023

Biological Feedback Measurement and Analysis Technology Center for Personal and Public Health Promotion (Bio-MAC). A collaboration between VGTU, KTU, and Santaros Clinics. Prof. Dr J. Raistenskis.

Emotional (Psychological) Well-being of School Teaching Staff. (No. SU-1565/S-162). The Foundation for Strengthening Public Health, Administered by the Lithuanian Ministry of Health (39,969.00 EUR), Main Executor: B. Miežienė. 2022–2023

International Research Projects
Network on evidence-based physical activity in old age. (COST No. OC-2020-1-24443). Representative to Lithuania in the COST Operational Management Committee. Prof. N. Masiulis. 2021–2026

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Rīga Stradiņš University, Faculty of Rehabilitation (Latvia)
Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre (Estonia)
Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
Notwill Rehabilitation Centre (Switzerland)
Leuven University, (Netherlands)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. J. Raistenskis
• editorial board member of the journals Gerontologija (Gerontology), 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. Skurvydas
• member of The Baltic Sports Science Society;
• member of the Physiology Society;
• member of the Society of the European College of Sports Science;
• editorial board member of the Journal of Sports Science;
• editorial board member of the Acta Kinesiologiae Universitatis Tartuensis (Estonia, Tartu);
• editorial board member of the Antropomotoryka Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences (JKES, Poland);
• editorial board member of the Journal of the Rehabilitation Science;
• editorial board member of the Education, Physical Education, Sport.
Prof. N. Masiulis
• member of the International Organisation EGREPA (European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity).
Prof. R. Dadelienė
• editorial boards member of the journals: Biology of Exercises; Journal of Physical Education and Human Movement; Sporto mokslas (Sport Science);
• member of Lithuanian Olympic Academy.
Assoc. Prof. A. Adomavičienė
• member of ENOTHE;
• member of Lithuanian Occupational Therapy Association.
Assoc. Prof. A. Šidlauskienė
• board member of Lithuanian Physiotherapy Association.
Assoc. Prof. R. Žilinskienė
• co-opted member of Executive Committee of European Network of Academic Sport, www.enas-sport.net;
• member of the Executive Committee of Lithuanian Student Sport Association.
Assoc. Prof. L. Samsonienė
• member of the Team Publons: Public Health and Health Services;
• member of International Council for Physical Activity and Fitness Research (ICPA);
• member of Lithuanian Association for Adapted Physical Activity.
Assoc. Prof. J. Armonienė
• member of Lithuanian Athletic Federation;
• member of Lithuanian Physical Education Teachers’ Association.
Assist. I. E. Jamontaitė
• board member of Lithuanian Physiotherapy Association.
Assist. A. Mastavičiūtė
• member of the board of Lithuanian Gerontologists and Geriatrics Association;
• member of European Academy for Medicine of Ageing;
• editorial board member and managing editor of the journal Gerontologija, http://www.gerontologija.lt.
Assist. J. Petrulytė
• chairman of Society of Social Pediatrics of Lithuania.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Sheoran, S., Vints, W. A. J., Katkutė, G., Valatkevičienė, K., Gleiznienė, R., Česnaitienė, V. J., ... & Masiulis, N. (2022, April). The Beneficial Effect of 12 Weeks of Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Associated Developments in Brain Neuronal Integrity of Older Adults. 15th Conference Of Baltic Society Of Sport Sciences (p. 106).
2. [T1] Česnaitienė, Vida; Drozdova-Statkeviciene, Margarita; Levin, Oron; Ossowsky, Marcin Zbigniew; Masiulis, Nerijus. Does physical activity improve an interaction between motor control and cognitive functions in elderly?: poster presentation // European journal of public health: 2022 HEPA Europe conference: an ecosystem approach to health-enhancing physical activity promotion. Oxford: Oxford University Press (OUP). ISSN 1101-1262. eISSN 1464-360X. 2022, vol.32, suppl. 2, p. 83. DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac095.057. [Scopus; Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science); Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Academic Search Premier] [M.k.: N 010].
3. Ginevičienė V., Utkus A. Genetic markers for soft-tissue injury risk in Lithuanian athletes. BASEM (British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine) Annual Congress "Positive Health & Performance", BRIGHTON, UK, May 26th and 27th 2022.
4. Bortkevič A, Anikevičiūtė G, Sivačiova M.O., Ginevičienė V. The association of TFAM (rs1937), MB (s7293) and GDF5 (rs143383) polymorphisms with endurance status in Lithuanian athletes. BASEM (British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine) Annual Congress "Positive Health & Performance", Brighton, May 26th and 27th 2022.
5. Gineviciene V., Utkus A., Mitochondrial transcription factor a and myoglobin genes variations are associated with endurance performance in Lithuanian elite athletes. 27th Annual Congress of the EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF SPORT SCIENCE (ECSS) 30 Aug - 2 Sep 2022, Sevilla, España
6. Dadeliene R., Nekriošius R., Dadelo. Muscle oxigenation during different intensity and duration of time training sessions in world-class kayak rowers. 27th Annual Congress of the
EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF SPORT SCIENCE (ECSS) 30 Aug - 2 Sep 2022, Sevilla, España
7. Dadelienė R., Šlepavičiūtė S., Adomavičienė A. The Effect of Different Occupation Therapy Programs on Independence and Memory Abilities after Stroke. ISPRM World Congress, Lisbon, Portugal. 2022 07 03-07.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSAIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES
1. Member of the Expert Commission under the Technical Assistance Centre for Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour (patrolled by Order No G1- 33 of 27 May 2021 of the Director of the Technical Assistance Centre for Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour). Assoc. prof. A. Šidlauskienė

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. A diet has already been discovered that can prolong our lives. Prof. Albertas Skurvydas:
LRT TV show "Beata's Kitchen", LRT.lt 2022.12.09
2. When there is already too much physical activity: instead of the hormones of happiness - a bad mood.
3. Prof. A. Skurvydas. www.DELFI.lt 2022 12 12.
About reducing excess weight and living a diet in "grams“. Prof . A. Skurvydas VE.LT 2022-09-03

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

M. K. Čiurlionio str. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
Ph.: + 370 5 239 8755
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Natalja Istomina, PhD

STAFF
Professor: Dr N. Istomina, Dr A. Emeljanovas.
Associate professors: Dr A. Gradauskas (part-time), Dr A. Mikaliūkštienė, Dr J. Kutkauskienė (part-time), Dr L. Vencevičienė (part-time), Dr S. Sabaliauskas, Dr A. Kučinskienė (part-time), Dr Evanthia Sakellari (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr R. Stundžienė (part-time), Dr Z. Gierasimovič, Dr R. Šturienė (part-time), Dr A. Jakavonytė-Akstinienė, Dr Aušra Bilotienė Motėjūnienė (part-time), Dr Laimutis Paškevičius (part-time).
Researchers: Dr J. Grubliauskienė, Dr D. Šukytė, M. Makutienė, Dr A. Molytė, Dr R. Stukas, R. Perminienė.
Teaching assistants: V. Kielė, J. Stirblienė (part-time), J. Šuminienė (part-time), A. Gaupšienė (part-time), M. Čiurlionis (part-time), I. Čergelytė-Podgrušienė (part-time).
Lecturers: V. Šilinskaitė-Legenzova, O. Misiūnienė (part-time), M. Skvarčevskaja, R. Urbanavičė (part-time), J. Žalalienė (part-time), N. Surgunt (part-time), R. Steikūnienė (part-time), V. Nomeikienė (part-time), A. Mečėjienė (part-time), R. Jankauskas (part-time), D. Guobužienė (part-time), B. Dautarienė (part-time), R. Darginavičienė (part-time), Ž. Ramanauskienė (part-time), L. Gedrimė (part-time), L. Baranauskienė (part-time), I. Basevičiūtė (part-time), M. Bracuk (part-time), I. Chlevickaitė (part-time), D. Družinina (part-time), N. Dzygalienė (part-time), R. Giliun (part-time), J. Gimžauskienė (part-time), J. Gruzinskienė (part-time), L. Marcinkevičienė (part-time), R. Rozenbergaitė (part-time), J. Rutenbergė-Galumbauskienė (part-time), A. Semionovienė (part-time), I. Subatovič (part-time), V. Senavaitienė (part-time), S. Vaikšnorienė (part-time), D. Venslauskaitė (part-time), D. Virvytienė (part-time), A. Galdikas (part-time), A. Grajauskienė (part-time), M. Klyčmudav (part-time), A. Kudriačova (part-time), Ž. Pašukonienė (part-time), G. Piškinaitė (part-time), I. Šakienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: V. Kielė, J. Stirblienė, M. Čiurlionis, A. Gaupšienė, J. Šuminienė, I. Čergelytė-Podgrušienė, R. Perminienė

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Innovations in nursing science, research and studies
• Nursing and midwifery policy making
• Quality of nursing care
• Ethics in nursing care
• Nurse professional competence
• Nursing and patient education
• Research of nurses’ working environment
• Needs and features of perioperative nursing care
• Patient safety and the role of nurse
• Physical activity and nursing care
• Advanced nursing practice

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Health and Disease Research: Nurses’ Competence and Education, Patients Teaching, Nursing Requirement and Quality. Prof. N. Istomina. 2019–2024.
In 2022, we studied the work motivation of anaesthesia and intensive care nurses and the factors that determine it. The results showed that motivation for work is determined by both external and internal factors. Job satisfaction depended on the nature of the job and the relationship with co-workers. Collaborators and communication with them were rated better by Seniors with Higher Education, working less than one post. As the length of service increased, nurses' satisfaction with their salaries decreased. We also assessed the psychosocial stress experienced by nurses and its impact on mutual cooperation, health and quality of life, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses' burnout syndrome, non-compliance and adverse events of the healthcare facility.
Main publications:
1. Tkačenko I, Mikaliūkštienė A. The Most Common Factors Motivating the Work of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Nurses. 80th International Scientific Conference of the UL. Mar 25 – 26, 2022. University of Latvia. Riga. Medicina (Kaunas), 2022; 58(1): 113.
2. Didbalytė M, Mikaliūkštienė A, Fatkulina N. Slaugytojų patiriamas psichosocialinis stresas ir jo poveikis sveikatai bei gyvenimo kokybei. Psychosocial Stress Experienced by Nurses and its Impact on Health and Quality of Life. Sveikatos mokslai. HEALTH SCIENCES IN EASTERN EUROPE. 2022; 232(2): 190-195. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35988/sm-hs.2022.074
3. Danilevičius, Adomas; Kielė, Viktorija; Urbanavičė, Rita. Komandinio darbo iššūkiai atliekant akių ligų operacijas = Ophthalmic operating room: Teamwork challenges// Sveikatos mokslai Health Science in Eastern Europe. Vilnius : Sveikatos mokslai. ISSN 1392-6373. eISSN 2335-867X. 2022, t. 32, Nr. 2, p. 143-148. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35988/sm-hs.2022.067
4. Klyčmuradov M., Kielė V., Nomeikienė N., Fatkulina N., Informacinių technologijų taikymas pooperacinių žaizdų priežiūrai. Usage of Informational Technologies in Postoperative Wound Management, Sveikatos mokslai/Health Science in Eastern Europe, 2022, 32 tomas, Nr.2, p. 149-156, DOI: https://doi.org/10.35988/sm-hs.2022.068
5. Veitienė I., Kielė V., Kutkauskienė J., Fatkulina N., Šeimos gydytojų ir bendruomenės slaugytojų komandinio darbo galymybės pirminėje sveikatos priežiūroje. Opportunities for Teamwork Between General Practicioners and Community Nurses in Primary Care. Sveikatos mokslai/Health Sciences in Eastern Europe, 2022, 32 tomas, Nr.2, p. 130-136 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35988/sm-hs.2022.065

Complex Assessment of Nurses’ Professional Competence. Prof. N. Istomina. 2019–2024.
Investigation of the professional competency of nurses and identification of clinical, educational and social controlled and uncontrollable factors influencing the competency of nurses.
Prepared instrument EduCompNurs, which has passed the pilot testing and the main questioning starting from January 2023. The final-year nursing students from the Lithuanian institution of higher education will be participating.
Main publications:
1. Koskinen S, Leino-Kilpi H, Blöndal K, Brasaitė-Abromė I, Burke E, Fitzgerald S, Fuster, P, Kielė V, Löyttyniemi E, Salminen L, Stubner J, Suikkala A. 2022. A European evaluation of the patients’ role in clinical education: A six-country cross sectional study. Nurse Education in Practice 59, 103287. doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2022.103287
2. Kaziukonis I., Kielė V., Dautarienė B., Fatkulina N. Slaugytojų kompetencija kariuomenės ir skubios pagalvos srityse. Nurses’ Competence in Military and Emergency Care, SVEIKATOS MOKSLAI Health Science in Eastern Europe, 2022, 32 tomas, Nr.2, p. 110-115, DOI: https://doi.org/10.35988/sm-hs.2022.061
3. Juškevičiūtė G., Kielė V., Žalalienė J., Kučinskienė A., Išplėstinės praktikos slaugytojų profesinių kompetencijų tobulinimo galymybės, Profesional Competence Improvement for Advanced Practice Nurses, SVEIKATOS MOKSLAI Health Science in Eastern Europe, 2022, 32 tomas, Nr.2, p. 104-109, DOI: https://doi.org/10.35988/sm-hs.2022.060

Assessment of Care Needs and Quality of Life and Improving Health Care and Education. Prof. N. Istomina. 2019–2024.
In 2022, respondents’ attitudes towards the effect of ultraviolet rays on the skin and their decision to use protection measures were analysed; nursing needs in taking care of children with a congenital heart defect were assessed; nursing needs of patients after spinal surgery were analysed. A review of the scientific literature on the concept and symptoms of occupational burnout, the causes and consequences of burnout in anaesthesia intensive care nurses, and the prevention of burnout syndrome was conducted. Analysed the professional motivation and job satisfaction of advanced practice nurses: a quantitative study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire survey conducted in 2022 from January to March.
Main publications:
1. Z. Gierasimovič., J. Kutkauskienė., I. Glodianytė. Respondents’ Attitude Towards Effect of Ultraviolet Rays on Skin and Importance of Protection Measures. Health Sciences in Eastern Europe (Sveikatos mokslai). 2022; 32 tomas Nr.2:20-26. DOI: https://doi.org/10,35988/sm-hs2022.047.
2. Z. Gierasimovič., D. Skunčikienė., N. Surgunt. Nursing Needs in Taking Care of Children with a Congenital Heart Defect. Health Sciences in Eastern Europe (Sveikatos mokslai). 2022; 32 tomas Nr.2:92-98. DOI: https://doi.org/10,35988/sm-hs2022.058.
3. V. Butkevič, Z. Gierasimovič, L. Gedrimė, V. Nomeikienė. Nursing Needs after Spinal Surgery. Health Sciences in Eastern Europe. (Sveikatos mokslai). 2022; 32 tomas Nr.2:99-103. DOI: https://doi.org/10,35988/sm-hs2022.059

Ethics and Quality Assessment of Outpatient Palliative Care Services for Adults. Prof. N. Istomina. 2020–2024.
Literature related to the topic was identified. The search process was completed by using the Pubmed database. Search words were ethics, quality and palliative. The gathered literature is being analysed – the analysis process is in the final stage.
Main publication:
1. Poškutė, Margarita; Bartkienė, Aistė; Fatkulina, Natalja; Gefenas, Eugenijus. The contribution of professional autonomy in advancing ethical behaviour: a narrative review of studies in nursing // Journal of nursing management. Hoboken : Wiley. ISSN 0966-0429. eISSN 1365-2834. 2022, vol. 30, no 7, p. 2301-2307. DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13842. [DB: Scopus, Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science), Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]

Assessment of Communication between Health Professionals. Prof. N. Istomina. 2020–2024.
In 2022, a survey was conducted on the communication of doctors and patients during consultations. The received data was processed with an SPSS package, and a publication was prepared. A literature review on social media representation of the nursing profession was compiled.
Main publications:
1. Zujeva, Olga; Gierasimovič, Zita; Giedrimė, Lina. Slaugos poreikiai ir komplikacijų prevencija po centrinės venos kateterizacijos = Nursing needs and prevention of complications after central venous catheterisation // Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika. Vilnius : Sveikatos priežiūros ir farmacijos specialistų kompetencijų centras. ISSN 1648-0570. eISSN 2669-1760. 2022, t. 3, Nr. 2, p. 1-7. DOI: 10.47458/Slauga.2022.3.2. [DB: Dimensions];
2. Gedrimė, Lina. Slaugytojas ir paciento autonomija // Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika. Vilnius: Sveikatos priežiūros ir farmacijos specialistų kompetencijų centras. ISSN 1648-0570. eISSN 2669-1760. 2022, t. 3, Nr. 3, p. 12-13. Prieiga per internetą: <https://www.journals.vu.lt/slauga/article/view/26534/25926> [žiūrėta 2022-03-24];
3. Gedrimė, Lina. Efektyvaus bendravimo įgūdžių formavimas // Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika. Vilnius: Sveikatos priežiūros ir farmacijos specialistų kompetencijų centras. ISSN 1648-0570. eISSN 2669-1760. 2022, t. 3, Nr. 5, p. 39;
4. Gedrimė, Lina; Didvalė, Daiva. Aptarti aktualūs anesteziologijos ir intensyviosios terapijos slaugoje klausimai // Slauga. Mokslas ir praktika. Vilnius: Sveikatos priežiūros ir farmacijos specialistų kompetencijų centras. ISSN 1648-0570. eISSN 2669-1760. 2022, t. 3, Nr. 3, p. 25-27.

National Research Projects
Prevalence of High-Risk Drug Use and Coverage and Quality of Opioid Substitution Treatment and Needle and Syringe Programs in Lithuania: a Multi-Method Estimation Study. Prof. N. Istomina. 2022–2023.
The study aimed to estimate the size of high-risk drug-using populations in Lithuania and to apply these estimates in assessing the coverage and quality of opioid substitution treatment and needle and syringe programs. We will use indirect prevalence estimation methods to obtain annual prevalence estimates of the population of high-risk opioid users and of people who inject drugs in Lithuania in 2021. Planned activities performed in 2022: the research methodology was prepared, and the documents were prepared and submitted for obtaining the research permit of the Bioethics Committee.

Psychological Well-Being of School Teachers. Prof. A. Emeljanovas. 2022–2023.
Project goals: to collect and analyse indicators of the psychological well-being of Lithuanian school teachers. Based on the research results, the aim is to prepare recommendations for improving the psychological well-being of school teachers and to collect indicators of the perceived availability and need for psychological help of school teachers. Based on the analysis of these indicators, measures that increase the availability of psychological support will be planned, and recommendations will be prepared to contribute to the improved psychological well-being of school teachers and the greater availability of psychological support. The scientific study results will be shared within academic society by publishing the results in scientific databases and presenting them at conferences. The main activities planned for 2022 are to carry out a study on the psychological well-being of school teachers and to investigate the perceived availability and need for psychological help of school teachers.

International Research Projects
Professional Competence in Nursing (PROCOMPNurse). Turku University, Finland. Prof. N. Istomina. 2017–2023.
In 2022, the data obtained were further analysed. Articles were published together with the project partners. Project activities and meetings continued.
Main publications:
1. Koskinen S, Burke E, Fatkulina N, Fuster P, Löyttyniemi E, Salminen L, Stubner J, Thorsteinsson H, Leino-Kilpi H. 2022. Graduating nurse students’ interest in older people nursing – A cross-sectional survey in six European countries. International Journal of Older People Nursing 17(3), e12446. doi:10.1111/opn.12446
2. Kaihlanen A-M, Gluschkoff K, Koskinen S, Salminen L, Strandell-Laine C, Fuster LinaresP, Sveinsdóttir H, Fatkulina N, Ní Chianáin L, Stubner J, Leino-Kilpi H, the ProCompNurse Consortium. 2021. Final clinical practicum shapes the transition experience and occupational commitment of newly graduated nurses in Europe – A longitudinal study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 77(12), 4782–4792. doi:10.1111/jan.15060

Supporting Teachers to Maximize Enjoyable MVPA Minutes in Children and Youth: Project Enjoyable MVPA. European Commission Erasmus+ Programme: Sport. Prof. Dr A. Emeljanovas. 2019–2022.
Researchers from the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University (VU) participated in the Erasmus+ project “Supporting teachers to maximise enjoyable MVPA” (Project No. 2019-1-EE01-KA201-051595), which aims to improve the health of adolescents by creating modern sports games designed for developing motor skills.
The methodology consists of 100 video games for physical activity translated into 5 EU languages: Lithuanian, English, Estonian, Finnish and Slovenian. The games are intended to be used in physical education lessons or during sports training, and also during leisure time.”
The project was implemented in conjunction with colleagues from Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas (Lithuania), the University of Tartu (Estonia), the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) and the Research Centre for Sports and Health Sciences – Likes (Finland). The project started in 2019 and ended in October 2022.
The project was supported by the Erasmus+ programme KA201 Strategic Partnerships for School Education.

Virtual Advice, Nurture and Guidance in Undergraduate Research and Development (VANGUARD). Erasmus+ Project. Prof. N. Istomina. 2020–2023.
Describing activities of the year 2022, would like to present the main results, goals and targets of the partner institutions. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences integrated project material into the 1st year of the Medical Study Program in the compulsory module “General Health Basics” and the study subject “Personal Health Education”. During the academic year 2021/2022, a new optional subject of study was created at Klaipėda University for the students of the nursing study programme “Healthy Physical Activity” (3ECTS). The project material at Vilnius College has been integrated into two optional subjects, Physical Education and Principles of Regular Sport and four compulsory nursing college study programme subjects: Community Nursing, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pregnancy Care, and Gerontology. Siauliai State College decided to integrate project material into the study subjects of general practice nursing: Geriatric Nursing and Community Nursing and Health Promotion. Utena College provided the project material on the subjects of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emergency Care and Intensive Care. Also, college students were encouraged to explore the topics of physical activity in their final theses.
Taking the challenge as Lithuanian collaboration partner leader, Vilnius University started the 2022 academic year with three lectures on the VANGUARD project material: “General Nursing and Practice” of the Nursing study programme, as well as three lectures in the module: “Development of Practical Nursing Skills” of the University medical study program. The lectures were placed in the electronic space of Vilnius University, thus increasing the promotion of information. After the successful launch of the lectures, representatives of Vilnius University presented the survey tool, which was adjusted to get feedback from student participants. The survey results were presented to international partners in a one-year annual meeting and considered for scientific publication. The data of the survey were presented at the British Journal of Sports Medicine; at the beginning of the 2022/2023 academic year, the Manuscript was realised.
Main publication:
1. Gates, Ann Bernadette; Žilinskienė, Ramunė; Fatkulina, Natalja; Miežienė, Brigita; Jankauskas, Rytis; Gerulskienė, Inga; Metsios, George S. Promoting physical activity in patient populations through curriculum change in undergraduate Lithuanian medical schools and schools of health: the VANGUARD project // British journal of sports medicine. London: BMJ Publishing Group. ISSN 0306-3674. eISSN 1473-0480. 2022, vol. 56, iss. 20, p. 1199-1200. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-106009. [DB: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]

Developing Multi-professional Higher Education for Promoting Mental Health and Well-being at Schools (Well@School). Erasmus + programme. Prof. N. Istomina. 2020–2023.
The international project “Developing multi-professional Higher Education for promoting mental health and well-being at school. (Well@school)” started on 2020/09/01 and will end on 2023/08/31. There were two meetings in the year 2022. The first meeting, “Learning, Teaching, Training Activities (LTT)”, was held on 2022.02.15, 16 and 18th remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the meeting, the presentation, evaluation and implementation methods of teaching were discussed. Each country has developed and presented its part of the material and its presenting ways in the H5P program. The discussion was started about the implementation guide as well. In Spring, work on the development of the program was initiated, and the pilot study was conducted in May of 2022. The transnational Project Meeting was held in Athens from 2022/06/14–16. During the meeting, the results of the pilot study were presented. The participants of the study had to answer questions about the relevance, usefulness, applicability, online training and benefits of these trainings. The program was altered and adjusted based on the answers provided. Another discussion was held In September 2022, the training program and evaluation questionnaire were established. In October 2022, the Well@school program was initiated. Each country is inviting school representatives (25 participants each) to try the new training program. The article "Competences and Methods for promoting mental health in primary school", submitted for consideration to Health Education Journal, was completed in November of 2022.
Main publication:
1. Sakellari, Evanthia; Notara, Venetia; Lagiou, Areti; Laaksonen, Camilla; Korhonen, Joonas; Fatkulina, Natalja; Grubliauskienė, Jūratė; Makutienė, Monika; Šukytė, Daiva; Erjavec, Karmen; Petrova, Gergana; Lalova, Valentina; Ivanova, Svetla; Lahti, Mari. Perceptions of mental health promotion in primary school setting: results from a qualitative study among school professionals // 10th European conference on mental health, Lisbon, Portugal, Sep 14 – Sep 16, 2022: conference abstract book. Lisbon. 2022, p. 112-113.

The Health and Social Services for Asylum Seekers research group. Prof. N. Istomina. 2022–2024.
The Health and Social Services for Asylum Seekers research group at Vilnius University, in collaboration with the University of Lleida (Spain), conducted research on the health status, social and healthcare needs of asylum seekers and war refugees from Ukraine. It also assessed the level of cultural competency and readiness of Lithuanian nurses to work with migrants.
Main publication:
1. El Arab, Rabie Adel; Urbanavičė, Rita; Jakavonytė-Akstinienė, Agnė; Skvarčevskaja, Marija; Austys, Donatas; Mateos, Jose Tomas; Briones-Vozmediano, Erica; Rubinat-Arnaldo, Esther; Istomina, Natalja. Cultural competency among Lithuanian nurses and preparedness to work with intercultural immigrants: A quantitative study protocol // Frontiers in public health. Lausanne: Frontier’s media SA. eISSN 2296-2565. 2022, first on line, p. [1-6]. DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1025508. [DB: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Klaipėda University (Lithuania)
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)
Stavropol State Medical University (Russia)
Karaganda State Medical University (Kazakhstan)
International University of Catalonia (Spain)
University Hospital of Barcelona (Spain)
University of Lleida (Spain)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. N. Istomina
• elected member of Board of European Academy of Nursing Science, https://european-academy-of-nursing-science.com/;
• member of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Nurses’ Society;
• editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
• editorial board member of the journal Slauga: mokslas ir praktika (Nursing. Science and Practice);
• member of Lithuanian Educational Research Association http://www.lera.lt/.
Prof. A. Emeljanovas
• member of FIEP (International Federation of Physical Education) National delegate;
• member of FIEP World Directorial Board;
• member of CEREPS European Council for Research in Physical Education and School Sports);
• national delegate of „Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance “;
• member of Delegate Global Community Health (GCH);
• editorial board member of the journal “Research & Investigations in Sports Medicine“ (RISM);
• board member of Lithuanian Educational Research Association.
Assoc. Prof. A. Gradauskas
• vice-president of Vilnius Association of Surgeons;
• board member of the Lithuanian Association of Minimally Invasive Surgery, http://www.mich.lt.
Assoc. Prof. 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/;
• editorial board member of the journal Sveikatos mokslai (Health Sciences);
• editorial board member of the journal Slauga: mokslas ir praktika (Nursing. Science and Practice).
Assoc. Prof. L. Vencevičienė
• member of Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners.
Assoc. Prof. S. Sabaliauskas
• member of Lithuanian Educational Research Association, http://www.lera.lt/;
• member of School of Social Researcher, www.stmokykla.lt.
Assoc. Prof. E. Sakellari
• member of the Research Group - Schools for Health in Europe network https://www.schoolsforhealth.org/;
• member of the European Academy of Nursing Science https://european-academy-of-nursing-science.com;
• external reviewer, Mental Health in the Community in Adult Continuing Education and the School of Applied Social Studies. University College Cork, Ireland https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace-cmhc;
• member of the council for the recognition of professional qualifications. Ministry of Education, Greece;
• member of the editorial board at the International Journal of Occupational Health and Public Health Nursing https://www.scienpress.com;
• member of the Expert Platform on Mental Health, Focus on depression https://www.braincouncil.eu;
• reviewer at peer reviewed scientific journals: Journal of School Health, Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, Global Journal of Health Science, Nursing and Health Sciences, International Journal of Nursing Practice, Journal of Clinical Nursing, Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, Journal of Mental Health, International Journal of Public Health, Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, BMJ Open, Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry, Spinal Cord, Journal of International Medical Research, Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, Journal of Religion & Health, Journal of Mental Health and Clinical Psychology, Advances in Mental Health.
Assist. Prof. R. Stundžienė
• member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/;
• member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/.
Assist. Prof. R. Šturienė
• member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/;
• member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/;
• 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. Prof. Z. Gierasimovič
• member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine, http://www.paliatyvipagalba.lt/;
• 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).
Assist. Prof. A. Jakavonytė-Akstinienė
• 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).
Assist. Prof. L. Paškevičius
• president of the Lithuanian Medical Tourism Association “Medicinos Lietuva”;
• president and chairman of the Board of the Lithuanian Association of Private Health Care Institutions;
• member of the Board of the Lithuanian Medical Tourism Cluster LitCare;
• president of the Lithuanian Medical Tourism Cluster Association;
• member of the Council of the Lithuanian Medical Executives’ Union;
• member of the Presidium of the Lithuanian Chamber of Tourism;
• member of the presidium of the Lithuanian Confederation of Business Employers;
• chairman of the Health Matters Commission;
• member of the Presidium of the Lithuanian Business Confederation;
• vice-chairman of the Board of the Patient Safety, Innovation and Quality Foundation.
Researcher Dr J. Grubliauskienė
• president of Lithuanian Municipalities Public Health Bureaus Association.
Researcher M. Makutienė
• member of Lithuanian Association of Occupational Therapists https://wfot.org/.
Researcher R. Perminienė
• member of National Health Council http://sveikatostaryba.lt;
• member of Committee on Health Affairs of the Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania (ALAL) https://www.lsa.lt;
• member of ECAD (European Cities Against Drugs) City delegate http://www.ecad.net/;
• member of Klaipeda City Drug Control Commission.
Teaching Assist. V. Kielė
• member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/.
Teaching Assist. J. Stirblienė
• member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/;
• member of Bioethics Board (Lithuanian Bioethics Committee), http://bioetika.sam.lt.
Teaching Assist. M. Čiurlionis
• board member of the Lithuanian Society of Palliative Medicine, http://www.paliatyvipagalba.lt/;
• chair of the Baltic Palliative Care Association, https://balticpca.com/;
• steering committee board member of the Last Aid International, https://www.letztehilfe.info/;
• mentor of European Palliative Care Academy Mentoring Program, https://www.eupca.eu/.
Teaching Assist. I. Čergelytė-Podgrušienė
• member of Lithuanian Educational Research Association http://www.lera.lt/;
• member of Social Research Association - http://www.stmokykla.lt/
Lect. O. Misiūnienė
• member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt /;
• member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/.
Lect. R. Steikūnienė
• member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt//.
Lect. N. Surgunt
• vice-president of Lithuanian Society of Operating Nurses, http://www.losdraugija.eu.
Lect. L. Gedrimė
• member of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Nurses’ Society.
Lect. J. Gruzinskienė
• member of the committee of conference organizers of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt//.
Lect. L. Marcinkevičienė
• president of Lithuanian Society of Operating Nurses, http://www.losdraugija.eu;
• editorial board member of the journal Slauga: mokslas ir praktika (Nursing. Science and Practice);
• member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt.
Lect. I. Subatovič
• member of the Lithuanian Neonatology Association Board, https://neonatologija.lt/;
• member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society, http://www.lusd.lt/;
• member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/.
Lect. V. Senavaitienė
• member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/;
• member of Lithuanian Society of Endocrinology, https://www.endokrinologai.lt/.
Lect. D. Venslauskaitė
• member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/.
Lect. A. Galdikas
• member of Lithuanian Society of Anesthesiologists – Rheumatologists http://www.anest-rean.lt.
Lect. M. Klyčmudov
• board member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization (Vilnius department), http://www.lsso.lt/.
Lect. J. Gimžauskienė
• member of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Nurses’ Society, http://www.laitsd.lt;
• member of the Lithuanian University Education Nursing Society Board, http://www.lusd.lt/;
• member of Lithuanian Nursing Specialists Organization, http://www.lsso.lt/.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Keynote speaker prof. Dr Natalja Istomina „Health and well-being: the links between policy-making, healthcare and public involvement“. International and interdisciplinary conference „“Empowerment of Public Health, Health Care and Wellbeing - Education, Research, and Practice“ 2022 11.
2. Račkauskienė, Audronė; Fatkulina, Natalja; Čiurlionis, Marius. Home-based palliative care and re-hospitalizations for palliative care patients // Palliative care and social practice: vol. 16: 7th Public Health Palliative Care International Conference. Democratizing caring, dying and grieving: participation, action, understanding and evaluation : Sage Publications Ltd. ISSN 2632-3524. 2022, vol. 16, p. 34-35. DOI: 10.1177/26323524221119941. [DB: Scopus, DOAJ, Academic Search Premier]
3. Keynote speaker prod dr Natalja Fatkulina “Cooperative and collaborative teaching and learning methods”. The CEERRF and its students participated in the spring seminar 2022 of the ENPHE network (European Network of Physiotherapy in Education) 2022 04 28-30.
4. Viktorija Kiele, Natalja Fatkulina, Ignas Kaziukonis „Nurses' Competence in Military and Emergency Care: Literature Review“. STUDIJU VIRZIENS “Veselības aprūpe” par 2021/2022. studiju gadu Rīgas Stradiņa universitātes Sarkanā Krusta medicīnas koledža

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES
1. Ministry of Health, Committee of Nursing, member Natalja Istomina.
2. Ministry of Health, Committee of Complementary and Alternative Health Care, member Natalja Istomina.
3. Lithuanian Government, Committee of Climate impact on health and life, member Natalja Istomina.
4. Member of Evaluation Committee of Indicatives of Lithuanian nurses’ and nurse students on new technologies in Nursing (Award of Queen Silvia, Sweden).

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. Interview „Lietuvoje trūksta 2 tūkst. slaugytojų, o esantys dirba iš idėjos?“ N. Istomina, M. Klyčmuradov 2022 11 09, m.kauno.diena.lt;
2. Interview “Perkraunant civilizaciją. Ar sveikatos apsaugos sistema veiktų efektyviai karo metu?” N. Istomina 2022 12 02, www.lrt.lt;
3. Interview “Duonos trūkumas, papūgos parkuose ir apsemta Klaipėda: 10 prognozių, kaip Lietuvą keis klimato kaita” N. Istomina, www.15min.lt.;
4. Interview “Specialistai: reikia ne tik rūkymo prevencijos, bet ir žalos rūkantiems mažinimo” Natalja Istomina 2022 06 10, www.lrytas.lt;
5. Interview “Prof. N. Fatkulina: be pašaukimo būti slaugytoju tiesiog neįmanoma” N. Istomina 2022 05 10 naujienos.vu.lt;
6. Interview “Greitai Lietuvoje trūks 3 tūkst. slaugytojų – mokslus baigę čia, nuo darbo krūvių bėga į Skandinaviją” Natalja Istomina 2022 10 01www.lrt.lt;
7. Interview “A call to “educational” arms, hearts and minds” N. Istomina, 2022 0 18, https://blogs.bmj.com/.

CENTER FOR HEALTH ETHICS, LAW AND HISTORY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio str., LT-03101 Vilnius
Ph.: 85 219 3283, 85 239 8743
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Eugenijus Gefenas, PhD

STAFF
Professor: Dr E. Gefenas.
Associate Professors: Dr A. Bartkienė (part-time), Dr A. Žalnora.
Partnership Associate Professor: R. Baranauskienė.
Assistants Professor: Dr A. Čekanauskaitė (part-time), Dr D. Milinkevčiūtė (part-time), Dr M. Poškutė (part-time), Dr E. Sakalauskeitė-Juodeikienė (part time).
Teaching Assistants: V. Aliukonis (part-time), J. Lekstutienė (part-time), V. Lukaševičienė (part-time).
Lecturers: N. Kancevičienė (part-time), M. Ramonaitė (part-time), V. Šimkutė (part-time).

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• History of medicine
• History of public health
• Medical ethics

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Legal and Institutional Aspects of Biomedical Research with Humans. Prof. E. Gefenas. 2019–2022.
Researchers of the Centre for Health Ethics, Law and History collected and analysed data on Research Integrity and Research Ethics training programmes and their efficiency. The team of the Centre has analysed ethical and legal issues emerging in research on human biological material, biobanks and “Big Data”.
Main publications:
1. Gefenas, Eugenijus; Lekstutienė, Jūratė; Lukaševičienė, Vilma; Hartlev, Mette; Mourby, Miranda; Ó Cathaoir, Katharina. Controversies between regulations of research ethics and protection of personal data: informed consent at a cross road // Medicine, health care and philosophy. Dordrecht: Springer. ISSN 1386-7423. eISSN 1572-8633. 2022, vol. 25, iss. 1, p. 23-30. DOI: 10.1007/s11019-021-10060-1.
2. Lukaševičienė, Vilma; Hasford, Joerg; Lanzerath, Dirk; Gefenas, Eugenijus. Implementation of the EU clinical trial regulation transforms the ethics committee systems and endangers ethical standards // Journal of medical ethics. London : BMJ Publishing Group. ISSN 0306-6800. eISSN 1473-4257. 2021, vol. 47, no. 12, e 82, p. [1-6]. DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106757.
3. Poškutė, Margarita; Bartkienė, Aistė; Fatkulina, Natalja; Gefenas, Eugenijus. The contribution of professional autonomy in advancing ethical behaviour: a narrative review of studies in nursing // Journal of nursing management. Hoboken: Wiley. ISSN 0966-0429. eISSN 1365-2834. 2022, vol. 30, no 7, p. 2301-2307. DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13842.

Medical science and studies in Vilnius. Assistant. Prof. Dr A. Žalnora. 2022–2024.
In 2022, archival materials were collected and systemised. Data on hygiene education at Stephen Báthory University and Kaunas Vytautas Magnus University were analysed and compared. Publications based on the collected data were prepared.
Main publications:
1. Kozakaitė, Justina; Ryčkov, Andrej; Ramonaitė, Monika; Brindzaitė, Rūta; Jankauskas, Rimantas; Piombino Mascali, Dario. On some paleopathological examples of amputation and the implications for healthcare in 13th-17th century Lithuania // International journal of paleopathology. New York: Elsevier Science. ISSN 1879-9817. eISSN 1879-9825. 2022, vol. 37, p. 68-76. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2022.04.005. [DB: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)]
2. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė, Eglė; Eling, Paul. Hildegard of Bingen (c. 1098–1179) on insomnia in her Causae et curae and Physica // International Society for the History of the Neurosciences (ISHN) 26th Annual Meeting, June 14-18, Rome, Italy: conference abstracts. Rome: Sapienza University of Rome. 2022, p. 28.
3. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė E. Insanity and epilepsy worsen when the moonlight shines: diseases of the nervous system in the first half of the 19th-century in Vilnius. Vilnius, Lapas, 2022.
4. Žalnora A. “Public Hygiene Education in Vilnius Region Popular Medical Magazines 1930-1939" accepted into the journal “Acta Historica Universitatis Klaipedensis”, October 10, 2022.

International Research Projects
INTEGRITY: Empowering Students through Evidence-based, Scaffolded Learning of Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR). Prof. E. Gefenas. 2019–2022.
The project aims to empower students in responsible research. The main strategy of the INTEGRITY’s team is to build knowledge and set up tools aimed at supporting high school teachers and university professors, very often required to impart professional ethics and integrity training. In 2022, using the data from the 2020 survey of upper secondary students, the Vilnius University team, together with other project partners, co-authored a publication. In addition, VU representatives took part in organising a ‘Diner Pensant’ (tasteful conversations to empower good practices in science) for senior researchers from the universities representing the partners of the INTEGRITY project.
Main publication:
1. Johansen, Mikkel Willum; Goddiksen, Mads Paludan; Centa, Mateja; Clavien, Christine; Gefenas, Eugenijus; Globokar, Roman; Hogan, Linda; Merit, Marcus Tang; Nielsen, Søren Saxmose; Olsson, I. Anna S.; Poškutė, Margarita; Quinn, Una; Santos, Júlio Borlido; Santos, Rita; Schöpfer, Céline; Strahovnik, Vojko; Wall, P. J.; Sandøe, Peter; Lund, Thomas Bøker. Lack of ethics or lack of knowledge? European upper secondary students’ doubts and misconceptions about integrity issues // International journal for educational integrity. London: BMC. ISSN 1833-2595. 2022, vol. 18, no. 1, p. 247-264. DOI: 10.1007/s40979-022-00113-0.

EU-STANDS4PM: A European Standardisation Framework for Data Integration and Data-driven in silico Models for Personalised Medicine. Prof. E. Gefenas. 2019–2022.
The so-called “Big Data” (combination of patient personal data such as electronic health records, patients’ registries and databases, as well as lifestyle information) holds immense potential for clinical applications, especially for in silico personalised medicine approaches. A Pan-European Expert forum has the overarching aim to bundle transnational standardisation guidelines for in silico methodologies in transnational and clinical research to unfold the potential of PM. In 2022, the team of Vilnius University updated the recommendations.
Main publication:
1. Ó Cathaoir, Katharina; Gefenas, Eugenijus; Hartlev, Mette; Mourby, Miranda; Lukaševičienė, Vilma. Harmonization and integration of big data of relevance for personalized medicine into in silico modelling? – Recommendations for technically feasible, and ethico-legal sustainable avenues (October 2021) https://www.eu-stands4pm.eu/publications

iRECS: improving Research Ethics Expertise and Competences to Ensure Reliability and Trust in Science. Prof. E. Gefenas. 2022–2024.
The goal of the project is to scan and map existing needs raised by new and emerging technologies in European and global research ethics communities, to produce and implement training materials for European and global audiences, to conduct research ethics training programmes, and to propose adaptations to the research ethics process in Europe. The project started in autumn 2022.

PREPARED: Pro-active Pandemic Crisis Ethics and Integrity Framework. Prof. E. Gefenas. 2022–2024.
The overall goal of the project is to develop an operational ethics and integrity framework which safeguards key ethical values, supports a rapid and effective research response to crises and improves overall pandemic preparedness. The project started in autumn 2022.

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. E. Gefenas
• chair of European Network of Research Ethics Committees (EUREC);
• member of the bureau of the European Society for Philosophy of Medicine and Health Care (ESPMH);
• board member of ethics committee of European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI);
• member of the advisory editorial board of the journal Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy: A European Journal. https://www.springer.com/journal/11019/editors
• member of the editorial board of the journal Medicina https://www.mdpi.com/journal/medicina/special_issues/46SKD7N128
• member of the editorial board of the journal The New Bioethics https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=editorialBoard&journalCode=ynbi20
Dr A. Bartkienė
• member of Lithuanian Association of the History and Philosophy of Science.
Dr A. Čekanauskaitė
• member of the Steering Committee for Human Rights in the fields of Biomedicine and Health (CDBIO) at the Council of Europe;
• member of the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee (https://en.unesco.org/themes/ethics-science-and-technology/ibc/members)
• member of the European Network of Research Ethics Committees (EUREC).
Dr M. Poškutė
• member of Lithuanian Association of the History and Philosophy of Science.
Dr E. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė
• member of Council of Vilnius Medical Society http://vmd.lt/apie/#valdyba ;
• member of Lithuanian Association of the History and Philosophy of Science;
• member of International Society for the History of the Neurosciences (ISHN)
• member of Subspecialty Scientific Panel Sleep-wake disorders of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) https://www.ean.org/home/organisation/scientific-panels/sleep-wake-disorders
• member of the Journal of the History of the Neurosciences (JHN) Editorial Board https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=editorialBoard&journalCode=njhn20
• member of Lithuanian neurologists’ association.
Dr A. Žalnora
• member of Council of Vilnius Medical Society http://vmd.lt/apie/#valdyba ;
• member of Lithuanian Morphological Society;
• member of Lithuanian Association of the History and Philosophy of Science;
• editorial board member of the Acta medico-historica Rigensia. https://www.rsu.lv/en/research/acta-medico-historica-rigensia/editorial-board
M. Ramonaitė
• member of Universeum: European Academic Heritage Network;
• member of Association of Lithuanian Museums;
• member of Lithuanian Association of the History and Philosophy of Science;
• member of International Council of Museums.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Bartkienė A., Poškutė M., Virbalis R. “Doctor-patient relationship and its evolution: ethical implication of modern technologies”. 34th European conference on philosophy of medicine and health care “Diversity and Bioethics”, ESPMH, Warsaw, Poland, 24-27 August, 2022.
2. Čekanauskaitė A., Jakubauskienė M., Kersnauskaitė D., Krotova J., Lukošienė K. “Ethical implications of DAMA: Cross-sectional survey of attitudes and intended behavior among Lithuanian physicians”. 34th European conference on philosophy of medicine and health care “Diversity and Bioethics”, ESPMH, Warsaw, Poland, 24-27 August, 2022.
3. Gefenas E., Lukaševičienė V., Lekstutienė V. “Informed consent: is it still a fundamental principle of human research?”. 34th European conference on philosophy of medicine and health care “Diversity and Bioethics”, ESPMH, Warsaw, Poland, 24-27 August, 2022.
4. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė E; Eling P. “Hildegard of Bingen (c. 1098–1179) on insomnia in her Causae et curae and Physica”, International Society for the History of the Neurosciences (ISHN) 26th Annual Meeting, June 14-18, 2022, Rome, Italy.
5. Žalnora A. The Paradox of Social Medicine in Social Republic of Lithuania: Vilnius Medical Society, “The 5-th Baltic Sea Medical Historians Symposium”, Odense, Denmark, 18-19 March, 2022.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. Poškutė M. “Academic integrity: high school students’ knowledge and experience”, the dissemination of the results of the survey conducted during INTEGRITY project.
2. Poškutė M. and Žalnora A. took part in a project "Student for one day" with lectures on the history of bacteriology and virology and ethical issues in germline genome editing, May 2, 2022.
3. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė E. An interview. “E. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė: “Šiuolaikinis neurologas iš XIX a. gydytojo apžiūros kambario pabėgtų”. https://www.mf.vu.lt/apie-mf/naujienos/33-bendros-naujienos/2922-e-sakalauskaite-juodeikiene-siuolaikinis-neurologas-is-xix-a-gydytojo-apziuros-kambario-pabegtu
4. Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė E. took part in LRT TV show “Tuzinas” and told about the treatment of nervous diseases 200 years ago. https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000242047/tuzinas-neurologe-apie-nervu-ligu-istorija-vilniuje-pries-200-metu-nuo-gyvsidabrio-vartojimo-viduriavimui-skatinti-iki-hipnozes-taikymo?fbclid=IwAR01Pb2d9TsYNsZ6MeI_skdCIQCmgVgnZBGOCixJg2j-W5crcU9NuB7fZUkhttps://www.15min.lt/gyvenimas/naujiena/seima/10-metu-santuokoje-gyvenanti-gydytoju-pora-kalbame-ta-pacia-emocine-kalba-1026-1642220
5. Žalnora A. took part in LRT TV show “Daiktiniai įrodymai” and told about viruses, bacteria and pandemics, September 15, 2022.

DEPARTMENT OF OPTOMETRY

Akademijos str. 4, LT-08412, Vilnius
Ph.: 8 5 268 6964
E-mail:
Head – assoc. prof. Saulius Galgauskas, PhD

STAFF
Associate professors: Dr Saulius Galgauskas.
Assistants: Jolanta Bendorienė (part-time), Rasa Strupaitė-Šileikienė (part-time).
Lecturers: Marina Charko (part-time).

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• A comprehensive study of human vision
• Vision correction
• Recognition of eye diseases
• Use of modern innovative technologies

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Quantitative and qualitative research development in optometry science (liet. Kiekybinių ir kokybinių tyrimų plėtra optometrijos moksle).
Main publications:
1. Green tea-a new perspective of glaucoma prevention. Gasiunas K, Galgauskas S.Int J Ophthalmol. 2022 May 18;15(5):747-752. doi: 10.18240/ijo.2022.05.09. eCollection 2022.
2. Maternal undernutrition model of two generations of rats: Changes in the aged retina. Laurinaviciute G, Simkunaite-Rizgeliene R, Zalgeviciene V, Bartuskiene V, Cepuliene R, Jakimaviciene EM, Galgauskas S, Petroska D, Besusparis J, Tutkuviene J.Histol Histopathol. 2022 Sep 23:18522. doi: 10.14670/HH-18-522.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
UAB “BOD LENSES”
UAB “EXPERIMENTICA”
UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA (OPTOMETRY DEPARTMENT)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Doc. Dr S. Galgauskas
• Member of the Association of Ophthalmologists of the Vilnius Region;
• Member of the Lithuanian Society of Ophthalmologists;
• Member of the Lithuanian Glaucoma Society;
• Member of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Dr Jolanta Bendorienė
• Representative of Lithuania in the European Association of Contact Doctors;
• Member of the American Ophthalmological Association;
• Co-author of the Lithuanian encyclopedia.
Dr Marina Charko
• Lithuanian Society of Ophthalmologists;
• Association of Ophthalmologists of the Vilnius Region;
• Lithuanian Glaucoma Society.
Dr Rasa Strupaitė-Šileikienė
• Member of the Lithuanian Society of Ophthalmologists.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
R. Strupaitė-Šileikienė, S. Galgauskas.Quality of life of achromatopsia patients. Forum Ophthalmologicum Balticum 2022. Tartu, Estonia 2022-Aug.19-20