10178 research outputs found
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Hepatitis E genotype 3 virus isolate from wild boar is capable of replication in non-human primate and swine kidney cells and mouse neuroblastoma cells
No full textBACKGROUND: Wild boar-derived hepatitis E (HEV) genotype 3 virus has been successfully isolated in cell lines of human origin only. Considering the zoonotic potential and possible extrahepatic localisation of genotype 3 strain, it is important to investigate the viability of cell lines of different animal and tissue origins. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the permissiveness of non-human primate (MARC-145 and Vero) and swine (PK-15) cell lines of kidney origin, and a mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) cell line for isolation of wild boar-derived HEV genotype 3. [...]
Intervertebral disc disease manifestation, diagnostics and treatment in dogs
No full textThe aim of this research is to examine manifestation of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs and to analyze this disorder, it‘s diagnostic and treatment methods. Studied dogs intervertebral disc hernias was described in this master‘s thesis. Research data was collected from 2017 to 2018 in „X“ veterinary clinic. There were 150 dogs diagnosed with IVDD, which were enrolled in the frequency of manifestation, images obtained by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), treatment methods applied to the dogs and the efficiency of the treatment were analyzed. To confirm the diagnosis of the disease 145 CT and 5 MRI examinations were performed. Depending on the severity of the IVDD, 89 dogs recieved surgical treatment and 61 - conservative. Dogs were divided into study groups based on their: age (by years), sex (females and males), breed (mixbreeds and pure-breeds), localization of their herniation spinal segment (C1 – C5, C6 – T2, T3 – L3, L4 – S3, multiple segments) and treatment method used: conservative (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with cage rest) or surgical (hemilaminectomy/ laminectomy, ventral slot decompression surgeries). 3 criteria were evaluated before treatment and 4 weeks post-treatment: pain, gait and priopriocepcive correction with deep pain. The results show that IVDD mostly manifested in 6 to 9 years old 11,5 ± 7,6 kilos body weight mixbreeds and short haired Dachshund in T3 – L3 thoracolumbar spine segment. The sex of the dogs had no influence on the onset of the desease. The 3 criteria evaluated during research conclude that surgical treatment is more effective than conservative treatment (p<0.001)
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria in the skin of sick dogs
No full textBacteria play an important role in the pathogenesis of canine skin diseases. The aim of the present investigation was to isolate bacteria from the skin of sick dogs, identify them and determine the susceptibility to antimicrobials. During the study, 50 samples of dogs skin were analyzed and conducted at the LSMU VA Institute of Microbiology and Virology in 2018-2019. Material for research was delivered from various veterinary clinics located in Kaunas, Vilnius, Klaipėda and other districts, samples were collected in transport media and delivered to the laboratory with accompanying documents. Bacterial isolates were identified by classical and molecular microbiology methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. 81 strains of bacteria were isolated from 50 dog skin samples. Pure bacterial culture was isolated from 31 samples (62.0 %), mixed bacterial culture was detected in 19 samples (38.0 %). The results revealed that the most prevalent cultureble bacteria were Staphylococcus spp. (55.56 %), while S. pseudintermedius was the main causative agent of skin diseases (p<0.05). Staphylococcus spp. were most frequently susceptible to cefoxitin (97.4 %), enrofloxacin (88.9 %) and cephalexin (95.6 %). Bacteria family Enterobacteriaceae had the highest rate of susceptibility to to fluoroquinolones, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combination (83.3 %). The following bacteria that are difficult to identify by classical methods have been identified using 16S rRNA sequencing: Macrococcus spp., Corynebacterium mucifaciens, Weissella confusa, Acinetobacter lwoffii, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Corynebacterium sp., Actinomyces coleocanis, Pasteurella canis, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium ammoniagenes
miR‐20b and miR‐451a are involved in gastric carcinogenesis through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway: data from gastric cancer patients, cell lines and ins‐cas mouse model
No full textGastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and lethal gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide. Many studies have shown that development of GC and other malignancies is mainly driven by alterations of cellular signaling pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding molecules that function as tumor‐suppressors or oncogenes, playing an essential role in a variety of fundamental biological processes. In order to understand the functional relevance of miRNA dysregulation, studies analyzing their target genes are of major importance. Here, we chose to analyze two miRNAs, miR‐20b and miR‐451a, shown to be deregulated in many different malignancies, including GC. Deregulated expression of miR‐20b and miR‐451a was determined in GC cell lines and the INS‐GAS mouse model. Using Western Blot and luciferase reporter assay we determined that miR‐20b directly regulates expression of PTEN and TXNIP, and miR‐451a: CAV1 and TSC1. Loss‐of‐function experiments revealed that down‐regulation of miR‐20b and upregulation of miR‐451a expression exhibits an anti‐tumor effect in vitro (miR‐20b: reduced viability, colony formation, increased apoptosis rate, and miR‐451a: reduced colony forming ability). To summarize, the present study identified that expression of miR‐20b and miR‐451a are deregulated in vitro and in vivo and have a tumor suppressive role in GC through regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Automatinė balso sutrikimų vertinimo sistema: sukūrimas ir panaudojimas
No full textCorrect diagnosis of the voice disorder is an essential step towards its appropriate treatment and cost control. The aim of this thesis was to create and evaluate an automated voice analysis system, that differentiates normal and pathological voices using sustained vowel and continuous speech and to use it as a potential screening tool for voice disorders. Conclusions: Acoustic voice quality index in Lithuanian language (AVQI-LT) represents significant and marked concurrent validity and high diagnostic accuracy, distinguishing normal and dysphonic voices; No impact of gender and age for AVQI-LT values was revealed concluding that it appears independent of age- and gender-related vocal physiology and anatomy; Comparable results between AVQI-LT and Dysphonia severity index with a high level of validity to discriminate between normal and dysphonic voices were revealed; The AVQI-LT obtained from voice recordings using smartphone microphones revealed almost perfect agreement with studio microphone recordings, thus proving of suitability of smartphone microphone recordings for voice analysis and estimation; Combination of AVQI and Glottal function index measurements significantly improved diagnostic accuracy in differentiating normal vs pathological voice and represented potentially valuable and robust voice screening tool; The elaborated VoiceScreen system represents valid and reliable tool for normal and dysphonic voice discrimination and screening
Lithuanian Version of Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Symptom Scoring Questionnaire. Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation. Short and Long Term Results
No full textBackground: The most common cause for epiphora is nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Epiphora may decrease the quality of life due to recurrent lacrimal sac infections, worsening vision and distress in public environments. Patency of nasolacrimal duct can be verified by various clinical tests. However, there is no standardized questionnaire for symptom evaluation of NLDO patients. The objective of this study was to perform translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Lithuanian version of specific nasolacrimal duct obstruction symptom scoring (NLDO-SS) questionnaire and to evaluate short- and long-term results of endoscopic endonasal dacriocystorhinostomy (EN-DCRS) procedure. Methodology: Permission for questionnaire translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation was obtained from the authors of the original questionnaire. Translation, validation, and cross-cultural adaptation were carried out according to generally accepted methodology. Validation study of the Lithuanian version of NLDO-SS (L-NLDO-SS) was performed and short- and long-term results of EN-DCRS procedure were evaluated according to symptoms. In total, 44 patients were evaluated 2 weeks before the surgical intervention, a day before the surgery and 41 patients 2 months after the surgery, and again 10 months later. Results: The results showed an acceptable internal consistency of L-NLDO-SS questionnaire, with Cronbach's alpha-0,73 in the initial test group, and 0,71 in the retest group. Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0,94 (p<0,001), revealing good correlation between the initial scores and the retest scores. [...]
Smoking cessation and vaping cessation attempts among cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users in Central and Eastern Europe
No full textOur aim is to assess the smoking cessation and vaping cessation activity, including quit attempts and willingness to quit among university students in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as to investigate personal characteristics associated with smoking cessation and vaping cessation attempts. Data were collected by questionnaire which included 46 questions on cigarette and e-cigarette use. Questionnaires were obtained from 14,352 university students (aged 20.9 ± 2.4 years; cooperation rate of 72.2%). For the purposes of this analysis, only data from exclusive cigarette smokers (n = 1716), exclusive e-cigarette users (n = 129), and dual users (216) were included. Of all cigarette smokers, 51.6% had previously tried to quit smoking and 51.5% declared a willingness to quit cigarette smoking in the near future. Among all e-cigarette users only 13.9% had ever tried to quit using the e-cigarette and 25.2% declared a willingness to give up using e-cigarette in the near future. The majority of the group did not use pharmacotherapy to quit cigarette (87.5%) or e-cigarette (88.9%) use. Our results indicate that while most university students have some desire to quit conventional smoking, those who use e-cigarettes do not have the same desire
Lactic acid bacteria isolation from spontaneous sourdough and their characterization including antimicrobial and antifungal properties evaluation
No full textThis research effort aimed at isolating and phenotypically characterizing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates from a spontaneous rye sourdough manufactured following traditional protocols, as well as at evaluating their antimicrobial and antifungal properties as key features for future industrial applications. Thirteen LAB strains of potential industrial interest were isolated and identified to species‐level via PCR. Most of the sourdough isolates showed versatile carbohydrate metabolisms. The Leuconostoc mesenteroides No. 242 and Lactobacillus brevis No. 173 demonstrated to be gas producers; thus, revealing their heterofermenter or facultative homofermenter features. Viable counts higher than 7.0 log10 (CFU/mL) were observed for Lactobacillus paracasei No. 244, Lactobacillus casei No. 210, L. brevis No. 173, Lactobacillus farraginis No. 206, Pediococcus pentosaceus No. 183, Lactobacillus uvarum No. 245 and Lactobacillus plantarum No. 135 strains, after exposure at pH 2.5 for 2 h. Moreover, L. plantarum No. 122, L. casei No. 210, Lactobacillus curvatus No. 51, L. paracasei No. 244, and L. coryniformins No. 71 showed growth inhibition properties against all the tested fifteen pathogenic strains. Finally, all LAB isolates showed antifungal activities against Aspergillus nidulans, Penicillium funiculosum, and Fusarium poae. These results unveiled the exceptionality of spontaneous sourdough as a source of LAB with effective potential to be considered in the design of novel commercial microbial single/mixed starter cultures, intended for application in a wide range of agri‐food industries, where the antimicrobial and antifungal properties are often sought and necessary. In addition, metabolites therefrom may also be considered as important functional and bioactive compounds with high potential to be employed in food and feed, as well as cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications
The Impact of metabolic syndrome and lifestyle habits on the risk of the first event of cardiovascular disease: results from a cohort study in Lithuanian urban population
No full textBackground and Objectives: In recent years, the impact of individual risk factors on mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has been often investigated. However, there is a lack of studies that have evaluated the relationship between lifestyle habits, metabolic syndrome, and their combined influence on the first event of CVD. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome and lifestyle habits on the risk of the first event of CVD in a Lithuanian urban population. Materials and Methods: The presented data were collected from a survey that was carried out within the framework of the international project Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE). For statistical analysis, 4257 participants aged 45–72 years were selected (with a follow‐up of 11 years). Results: The findings from the Cox proportional hazards regression multivariable analysis showed that metabolic syndrome, current smoking status, and former smoking status increased the risk of the first event of CVD among men (with respective hazard ratios (HR) of 1.53, 1.94, and 1.43; p < 0.01). In women, metabolic syndrome increased the risk of the first event of CVD (HR = 1.56; p = 0.001), while the increased consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits decreased the risk of the first event of CVD (HR = 0.80; p = 0.003). Multivariable logistic regression analysis results show that a level of increased physical activity by one hour can be linked to a lower risk of metabolic syndrome by 2% among men (odds ratio (OR) = 0.98; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome and lifestyle habits including cigarette smoking in men and low consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits in women are strong predictors of the first event of CVD
Blood biomarkers differentiating viral versus bacterial pneumonia aetiology: a literature review
No full textBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The goal of this literature review is to compare current studies regarding the accuracy of different serum markers in differentiating viral from bacterial pneumonia in the pediatric population with what is employed in the medical settings at present. Currently there is still a lack of significant research, that would give us evaluation on biomarkers benefits towards getting a definite diagnosis of pneumonia. Finding out the potential of biomarkers to differentiate between viral and bacterial pneumonia is also important because knowing the exact pathogen would prevent irrational use of antibiotics. At present, irrational, broad-spectrum antibiotic use and increasing antibiotic resistance in microorganisms are still one of the greatest challenges in clinical settings. The use of biomarkers in clinical practice would not only facilitate accurate diagnosis, but would also help to reduce the amount of antibiotics overuse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search conducted on Medline and Google Scholar using a combination of terms. Articles that were in English and within ten years of the search date were manually sorted according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Initial search returned n = 13,408. After activating filters, n = 140 were identified of which n = 12 included for literature review. CONCLUSIONS: Rise or drop in the concentration of a single marker is not accurate enough for predicting viral/bacterial community acquired pneumonia. This is because there is overlapping to a varying extent depending on the marker cut-off values, detection methods, analyses, the desired specificity, and sensitivity. Furthermore, the presence of mixed infection makes almost all markers suboptimal to be used universally. New markers such as MxA1 and HMGB1 gave promising results. However, to replicate a similar testing condition in a clinical environment may not be practical. Another approach is to make use of more [...]