bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activating the Anaphase Promoting Complex to Enhance Genomic Stability and Prolong Lifespan
Authors: Harkness Troy A. A.
Published: June 2018

In aging cells, genomic instability is now recognized as a hallmark event. Throughout life, cells encounter multiple endogenous and exogenous DNA damaging events that are mostly repaired, but inevitably DNA mutations, chromosome rearrangements, and epigenetic deregulation begins to mount. Now that people are living longer, more and more late life time is spent suffering from age-related disease, in which genomic instability plays a critical role. However, several major questions remain heavily debated, such as the following: When does aging start? How long can we live? In order to minimize the impact of genomic instability on longevity, it is important to understand when aging starts, and to ensure repair mechanisms remain optimal from the very start to the very end. In this review, the interplay between the stress and nutrient response networks, and the regulation of homeostasis and genomic stability, is discussed. Mechanisms that link these two networks are predicted to be key lifespan determinants. The Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC), a large evolutionarily conserved ubiquitin ligase, can potentially serve this need. Recent work demonstrates that the APC maintains genomic stability, mounts a stress response, and increases longevity in yeast. Furthermore, inhibition of APC activity by glucose and nutrient response factors indicates a tight link between the APC and the stress/nutrient response networks.
Systemic Inflammatory Response and Atherosclerosis: The Paradigm of Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Arida Aikaterini , Protogerou Athanasios D. , Kitas George D. , Sfikakis Petros P.
Published: June 2018

Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic diseases (CIRD) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), ascribed not only to classical risk factors, but also to the presence of chronic systemic inflammatory response. Αtherosclerosis, the cornerstone of CVD, is known to be accelerated in CIRD; rheumatoid arthritis promotes atheromatosis and associates with preclinical atherosclerosis equivalent to Diabetes Mellitus, which also seems to apply for systemic lupus erythematosus. Data on ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis, albeit more limited, also support an increased CV risk in these patients. The association between inflammation and atherosclerosis, has been thoroughly investigated in the last three decades and the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis and progression of atherogenesis has been well established. Endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells and macrophage accumulation, toll-like receptor signaling, NLPR-3 formation and subsequent pro-inflammatory cytokine production, such as TNFa, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-like cytokine 1A, are few of the mechanisms implicated in the atherogenic process. Moreover, there is evidence that anti-inflammatory biologic drugs, such as anti-TNF and anti-IL1β agents, can decelerate the atherogenic process, thus setting new therapeutic targets for early and effective disease control and suppression of inflammation, in addition to aggressive management of classical CV risk factors.
Insights into the Role of PPARβ/δ in NAFLD
Authors: Chen Jiapeng , Montagner Alexandra , Tan Nguan Soon , Wahli Walter
Published: June 2018

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major health issue in developed countries. Although usually associated with obesity, NAFLD is also diagnosed in individuals with low body mass index (BMI) values, especially in Asia. NAFLD can progress from steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is characterized by liver damage and inflammation, leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD development can be induced by lipid metabolism alterations; imbalances of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules; and changes in various other factors, such as gut nutrient-derived signals and adipokines. Obesity-related metabolic disorders may be improved by activation of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)β/δ, which is involved in metabolic processes and other functions. This review is focused on research findings related to PPARβ/δ-mediated regulation of hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism and NAFLD development. It also discusses the potential use of pharmacological PPARβ/δ activation for NAFLD treatment.
Upsampling for Improved Multidimensional Attribute Space Clustering of Multifield Data
Authors: Molchanov Vladimir , Linsen Lars
Published: June 2018

Clustering algorithms in the high-dimensional space require many data to perform reliably and robustly. For multivariate volume data, it is possible to interpolate between the data points in the high-dimensional attribute space based on their spatial relationship in the volumetric domain (or physical space). Thus, sufficiently high number of data points can be generated, overcoming the curse of dimensionality for this particular type of multidimensional data. We applies this idea to a histogram-based clustering algorithm. We created a uniform partition of the attribute space in multidimensional bins and computed a histogram indicating the number of data samples belonging to each bin. Without interpolation, the analysis was highly sensitive to the histogram cell sizes, yielding inaccurate clustering for improper choices: Large histogram cells result in no cluster separation, while clusters fall apart for small cells. Using an interpolation in physical space, we could refine the data by generating additional samples. The depth of the refinement scheme was chosen according to the local data point distribution in attribute space and the histogram’s bin size. In the case of field discontinuities representing sharp material boundaries in the volume data, the interpolation can be adapted to locally make use of a nearest-neighbor interpolation scheme that avoids averaging values across the sharp boundary. Consequently, we could generate a density computation, where clusters stay connected even when using very small bin sizes. We exploited this result to create a robust hierarchical cluster tree, apply our technique to several datasets, and compare the cluster trees before and after interpolation.
Pythagorean Fuzzy Interaction Muirhead Means with Their Application to Multi-Attribute Group Decision-Making
Authors: Xu Yuan , Shang Xiaopu , Wang Jun
Published: June 2018

Due to the increased complexity of real decision-making problems, representing attribute values correctly and appropriately is always a challenge. The recently proposed Pythagorean fuzzy set (PFS) is a powerful and useful tool for handling fuzziness and vagueness. The feature of PFS that the square sum of membership and non-membership degrees should be less than or equal to one provides more freedom for decision makers to express their assessments and further results in less information loss. The aim of this paper is to develop some Pythagorean fuzzy aggregation operators to aggregate Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (PFNs). Additionally, we propose a novel approach to multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) based on the proposed operators. Considering the Muirhead mean (MM) can capture the interrelationship among all arguments, and the interaction operational rules for PFNs can make calculation results more reasonable, to take full advantage of both, we extend MM to PFSs and propose a family of Pythagorean fuzzy interaction Muirhead mean operators. Some desirable properties and special cases of the proposed operators are also investigated. Further, we present a novel approach to MAGDM with Pythagorean fuzzy information. Finally, we provide a numerical instance to illustrate the validity of the proposed model. In addition, we perform a comparative analysis to show the superiorities of the proposed method.
A Review of Artificial Intelligence Algorithms Used for Smart Machine Tools
Authors: Chang Chih-Wen , Lee Hau-Wei , Liu Chein-Hung
Published: June 2018

This paper offers a review of the artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and applications presently being used for smart machine tools. These AI methods can be classified as learning algorithms (deep, meta-, unsupervised, supervised, and reinforcement learning) for diagnosis and detection of faults in mechanical components and AI technique applications in smart machine tools including intelligent manufacturing, cyber-physical systems, mechanical components prognosis, and smart sensors. A diagram of the architecture of AI schemes used for smart machine tools has been included. The respective strengths and weaknesses of the methods, as well as the challenges and future trends in AI schemes, are discussed. In the future, we will propose several AI approaches to tackle mechanical components as well as addressing different AI algorithms to deal with smart machine tools and the acquisition of accurate results.
Effects of a Sports-Oriented Primary School on Students’ Physical Literacy and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Demetriou Yolanda , Bachner Joachim , Reimers Anne K , Göhner Wiebke
Published: June 2018

As only a small group of children fulfil the guidelines for physical activity, interventions are necessary to promote active lifestyles. We examined the effects of a sports-oriented primary school (N = 79) in comparison to a regular primary school (N = 90) on students’ physical literacy and cognitive performance. To evaluate the implementation of the sports-oriented school curriculum a process evaluation was conducted, in which the school curriculum was analysed and guideline-based interviews were carried out with the schoolteachers and the school director. To measure students’ physical literacy and cognitive performance several tests were used. Small positive effects of the sports-oriented primary school on students’ physical literacy were shown in standing long jump and attitudes towards physical activity. There were no differences between the groups regarding cognitive performance. This study provides the first insights on how a sports-oriented school can promote students’ physical literacy in the future. The results are in line with previous research that shows that when children spend more time in physical education and overall physical activities at school, no negative consequences result for their cognitive performance. In future, long-term evaluations of the effects of sports-oriented schools are required to receive valid results on the effects on students.
Corporate Derivatives and Ownership Concentration: Empirical Evidence of Non-Financial Firms Listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange
Authors: Asghar Butt Affaf , Nazir Main , Arshad Hamera , Shahzad Aamer
Published: June 2018

Risk management has been gaining tremendous fame for the last couple of years. Firms in developed and developing countries are facing a variety of risks, i.e., foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, commodity price risk, and equity risk. It calls for such hedging techniques that mitigate this risk level, thus, allowing corporations to enjoy a solid return. This paper draws attention to a new determinant of hedging, i.e., the role of ownership concentration in risk management using derivative instruments. For this purpose, a sample data of 101 non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) for six years, ranging from 2010–2016, is used. The Mann-Whitney test for difference in users and no-users is applied along with logistic regression to check the effect of ownership concentration on derivative usage. The finding of this study reveals that concentrated owners are less likely to use derivatives for hedging purposes due to concentrated owners’ interests (top five shareholders & largest shareholder, family owners). Whereas, executives are more likely to engage in the use of derivatives to increase the value of their stocks. However, associated companies are significantly less involved in hedging activities. These results are extremely advantageous for policymakers in corporations to create a more stable corporate environment.
Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Exhibit Different Biological Behaviours in Response to Commercial Bleaching Products
Authors: Llena Carmen , Collado-González Mar , Tomás-Catalá Christopher Joseph , García-Bernal David , Oñate-Sánchez Ricardo Elías , Rodríguez-Lozano Francisco Javier , Forner Leopoldo
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diffusion capacity and the biological effects of different bleaching products on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). The bleaching gel was applied for 90, 30 or 15 min to enamel/dentine discs that adapted in an artificial chamber. The diffusion of hydrogen peroxide (HP) was analysed by fluorometry and the diffusion products were applied to hDPSCs. Cell viability, cell migration and cell morphology assays were performed using the eluates of diffusion products. Finally, cell apoptosis and the expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers were analysed by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney tests (α < 0.05). Significant reductions of approximately 95% in cell viability were observed for the 3 × 15 min groups (p < 0.001), while 1 × 30 min of PerfectBleach and 1 × 90 min of PolaNight resulted in reductions of 50% and 60% in cell viability, respectively (p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained in the migration assay. Moreover, the 3 × 15 min group was associated with cell morphology alterations and reductions of >70% in cell live. Finally, hDPSCs maintained their mesenchymal phenotype in all conditions. Similar concentrations of carbamide peroxide (CP) and HP in different commercial products exhibited different biological effects on hDPSCs.
On Generalized Roughness in LA-Semigroups
Authors: Rehman Noor , Park Choonkil , Shah Syed Inayat Ali , Ali Abbas
Published: June 2018

The generalized roughness in LA-semigroups is introduced, and several properties of lower and upper approximations are discussed. We provide examples to show that the lower approximation of a subset of an LA-semigroup may not be an LA-subsemigroup/ideal of LA-semigroup under a set valued homomorphism.
Genetically modified organisms: Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Authors: Hug Kristina
Published: June 2018

The objective of this literature review is to analyze the implications of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as well as international and European position regarding such organisms. Method. Review of international and European legal requirements and ethical guidelines and relevant publications, found and accessed with the help of PubMed and Lund University Library databases. Results. The article discusses the main application areas of GMOs, the expansion of using GMOs in the world as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the implications of their usage. It further provides an overview of the suggested ways to tackle or avoid the GMO-related risks. The international and European positions regarding the application of GMOs are discussed and European Directives, Regulations, and ethical guidelines are overviewed. The article further presents the public attitudes towards GMOs in Europe as well as overviews surveys conducted at the national level. Conclusion. Suggested steps to tackle the challenge of developing and managing biotechnology for the benefit of public health and the environment are presented.
Psychological factors of delinquent adolescent girls and suicide attempters
Authors: Ribakovienë Virginija , Adomaitienë Virginija , Danytë Diana , Kalkytë Rûta
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to study and compare externalizing and internalizing difficulties, clinical problems of adolescent girls who attempted a suicide and delinquent girls. A total of 100 adolescent girls aged 11–18 years have participated in this study: 50 of them were suicide attempters, and the other 50 girls had problems of delinquent behavior. In this study, the questionnaire ASEBA YSR 11–18 was used. To compare averages, Student’s t and Mann-Whitney’s U tests were applied with a 0.05 level of statistical significance. For adolescent girls who attempted a suicide, more prominent internal difficulties were identified. They were more depressive/anxious, presented more somatic complains, and were more closed/anxious. Those girls felt more anxiety and presented more affective problems. The difference in the average scores of scales of the both groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Externalizing problems of adolescent suicide attempters did not significantly differ from ones of the girls with delinquent behavior. The average scores of scales on braking of rules and aggression were not significantly different. Girls with delinquent behavior had a higher social competency, and the girls who attempted a suicide more often presented significant social difficulties, though there was no statistically significant difference in the scores on the activity competence scale. Conclusions. The adolescent girls who attempted a suicide have more evident internal difficulties than delinquent girls do, though externalizing behavior difficulties of the suicide attempters are similar to those of girls with delinquent behavior. The girls who attempted a suicide experience more social difficulties, and their social competency is lower when comparing to delinquent girls of the same age.
Vasopressin for treatment of hemodynamic disorders
Authors: Adukauskienë Dalia , Ðirvinskas Edmundas , Këvelaitis Egidijus
Published: June 2018

Vasopressin is a 9-amino acid peptide synthesized by magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamus and released from posterior pituitary gland. The primary physiological role of vasopressin is the maintenance of fluid homeostasis. In this review, the classification of vasopressin receptors, namely V1 vascular, V2 renal, V3 pituitary, oxytocin receptors, and purinergic receptors, and the effects of vasopressin on vascular smooth muscles, the heart, and the kidneys are discussed. Mortality rates of vasodilatory (or distributive), for example septic shock, are high. The use of vasopressin is an alternative therapy for vasodilatory shock with better outcome. Vasopressin is effective in resuscitation of adults after ventricular fibrillation or pulseless tachycardia, when epinephrine is not effective.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome components in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Žaliūnas Remigijus , Šlapikas Rimvydas , Lukšienė Dalia , Šlapikienė Birutė , Statkevičienė Audronė , Milvidaitė Irena , Gustienė Olivija
Published: June 2018

Objective. Many studies report that the components of the metabolic syndrome – arterial hypertension, abdominal obesity, diabetes mellitus, and atherogenic dyslipidemia – are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the prevalence of different components of the metabolic syndrome and frequency of their combinations and acute hyperglycemia among patients with acute coronary syndromes. Methods and results. The study population consisted of 2756 patients (1670 men and 1086 women with a mean age of 63.3±11.3 years) with acute coronary syndromes: Q-wave myocardial infarction was present in 41.8% of patients; non-Q-wave MI, in 30.7%; and unstable angina pectoris, in 27.5%. The metabolic syndrome was found in 59.6% of the patients according to modified NCEP III guidelines. One component of the metabolic syndrome was found in 13.5% of patients; two, in 23.0%; and none, in 3.9%. Less than one-third (29.2%) of the patients had three components of the metabolic syndrome, and 30.4% of the patients had four or five components. Arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity were the most common components of the metabolic syndrome (82.2% and 65.8%, respectively). Nearly half of the patients had hypertriglyceridemia and decreased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (55.0% and 51.1%, respectively), and 23.9% of patients had diabetes mellitus. Acute hyperglycemia (≥6.1 mmol/L) without known diabetes mellitus was found in 38.1% of cases. The combination of arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity was reported in 57.8% of patients in the case of combinations of two-five metabolic syndrome components. Conclusion. More than half of patients with acute coronary syndromes had three or more components of the metabolic syndrome, and arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity were the most prevalent components of the metabolic syndrome.
Effect of smoking on neutrophil oxidative metabolism
Authors: Zasimauskas Darius , Žekonis Gediminas
Published: June 2018

Alterations in neutrophil function by tobacco products may play a central role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and several smoking-related systemic diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of smoking on neutrophil oxidative metabolism. Materials and methods. The study included 17 smoking men free of systemic diseases who were referred for treatment of various odontological diseases to outpatient department of Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital. The age of subjects varied from 22 to 43 years. All subjects answered the questions about smoking habits. Clinical examination included assessment of oral hygiene status according to the OHI-s index and periodontal status according to Russell and Ramfjord indices. To evaluate the oxidative metabolism of neutrophils, luminol- and liucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence and nitroblue tetrazolium test were used. Results. After smoking, extracellular liucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence response was higher as compared to the response before smoking, but total (intra- and extracellular) luminol-dependent chemiluminescence response was the same both before and after smoking. Exposure of neutrophils to smoking caused a significant increase in nitroblue tetrazolium reduction. Conclusion. The release of reactive oxygen species in neutrophils exposed to smoking may alter the pathogenic processes in periodontal diseases.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease after Helicobacter pylori eradication in gastric ulcer patients: A one-year follow-up study
Authors: Jonaitis Laimas , Kiudelis Gediminas , Kupčinskas Limas
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of gastroesophageal reflux disease in gastric ulcer patients after successful Helicobacter pylori eradication (group A), in patients with persistent infection after attempt to eradicate Helicobacter pylori (group B), and in control group without Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment (group C). Materials and methods. Gastric ulcer patients (n=88) were assigned either to the group receiving Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment (54 patients) or to the control group (34 patients; omeprazole treatment for 4 weeks) and were followed up for 1-year or until gastric ulcer relapsed. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was diagnosed in patients who had erosive esophagitis and/or without esophagitis if they experienced heartburn and/or regurgitation at least 2 times a week and it was associated with impairment of daily activities (Genval consensus). Results. The study was completed by 69 patients: 25 in group A, 19 in group B, and 25 in group C. At the beginning and at the end of the follow-up, gastroesophageal reflux disease was diagnosed in 10 (40%) and 9 (36%) group A patients, respectively (P>0.05); in 12 (63%) and 8 (42%) group B patients, respectively (P>0.05); and in 9 (36%) and 5 (20%) group C patients, respectively (P>0.05). At the beginning and at the end of the follow-up, reflux esophagitis was found in 3 (12%) and 5 (20%) group A patients, respectively (P>0.05); in 5 (26%) and 5 (26%) group B patients (P>0.05); in 4 (16%) and 3 (12%) group C patients (P>0.05). Conclusion. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease in gastric ulcer patients after Helicobacter pylori eradication, in the patients with persistent infection after attempt to eradicate, and in the control group without Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment.
School bullying and its association with health and lifestyle among schoolchildren
Authors: Zaborskis Apolinaras , Vareikienė Inga
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the study was to assess the association of bullying and being bullied with indicators of subjective health and problem behaviors among schoolchildren aged 11–15 years. Material and methods. The data of the anonymous survey of 5645 filth-, seventh-, and ninth-grade students (aged 11, 13, and 15 years, respectively), conducted in the spring of 2002, were analyzed. The students completed the World Health Organization’s Health Behavior in School-aged Children questionnaire that included selfreport of involvement in bullying and being bullied by others as well as subjective health and well-being estimates, health complains (headache, stomachache, back pain, anxiety, etc.), and problem behaviors (smoking, alcohol and drug use, suicidal ideation). The response rate was 95%. Results. More than half (52.3%) of students were involved in bullying process at least two times per month: 17.9% were involved as bullies (“victims”), 18.3% were bullied (“aggressors”), and 16.1% bullied others and were bullied themselves. A significant association between experiencing bullying and adverse health outcomes was found. Perpetrating bullying increased the odds of smoking, alcohol and drug use. Perpetrating and/or experiencing bullying increased the risk of high suicidal ideation that had cumulative effect. The established associations varied between genders and groups of students defined as “victims,” “aggressors,” and “victims/aggressors.” Conclusions. In Lithuania, school bullying is extremely prevalent and is associated with health disorders, poorer well-being, and problem behavior of schoolchildren. Urgent antibullying efforts, including both research and preventive measures, are needed in order to deal with this social phenomenon.
Aortic dissection
Authors: Buivydaitė Kristina , Semėnaitė Vaida , Braždžionytė Julija , Macas Andrius
Published: June 2018

Aortic dissection is an acute lesion of the aortic wall accompanied by separation of the media due to rupture or intramural hematoma. The incidence rate of aortic dissection is 5 to 30 cases per million people a year. Acute aortic dissection is a highly lethal cardiovascular emergency with an incidence of 2000 new cases per year in the United States and 3000 in Europe. The mortality rate of aortic dissection is 3.2/100 000 per year. In case of sudden death of nonhospitalized patients, aortic dissection was proved in 1.5% of necropsy cases. Most of patients die within 48 hours after admission or 1.4% per each hour. The main clinical manifestations of aortic dissection are acute myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, acute heart failure, acute pancreatitis, mesenteries thrombosis, which mislead the physician. The main measure, which might reduce the mortality, is early diagnosis of aortic dissection. The standard diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and verification by instrumental (imaging) methods. An alternative mean for diagnosis of aortic dissection might be the determination of concentration of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain protein in blood serum, the peak of which is found after 3 hours after the onset of pain. Normal value of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain protein concentration is 2.5 mg/L, while in case of aortic dissection it exceeds 22.4 mg/L. This diagnostic method has not been introduced in Lithuania yet.
Search for clinical and neurophysiological prognostic patterns of brain coma outcomes in children
Authors: Liesienė Rūta , Kėvalas Rimantas , Ulozienė Ingrida , Gradauskienė Eglė
Published: June 2018

Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible predictive values of clinical examinations combined with the recordings of electroencephalography and brainstem auditory-evoked potentials in traumatic coma of pediatric patients. Material and methods. A total of 43 children in coma with severe acute head trauma were included in the study. They were investigated and treated in pediatric intensive care unit using standard evaluation and treatment protocol. Evaluation of coma was performed using Glasgow Coma Scale. Electroencephalography for 35 patients and brainstem auditory-evoked potentials for 24 patients were recorded. Results. Glasgow coma scale statistic pool median was equal to 4 points as measured in presence of brain edema, meanwhile it was 6 as measured in absence of edema. In case of supratentorial damage, median duration of consciousness recovery was 10 days. In absence of above-mentioned supratentorial damage, recovery of the consciousness was earlier – median was 5 days. Determined duration of artificial lung ventilation was statistically significantly shorter for those who had edema (P=0.048). In 20 patients (57% of all cases), constant or alternating slow wave activity was observed during the first electroencephalographic recording. In other cases, “alpha coma” or low amplitude of arrhythmic activity and local slowing activity corresponding to brain damage seen on computerized tomography were recorded. For 24 patients, brainstem auditory-evoked potentials were recorded. In 9 cases, they were abnormal; in these cases, the consciousness of the patients recovered after 44 days or did not recover. Conclusions. Glasgow coma scale results alone may have limited prognostic value in absence of other objective neurophysiologic investigation data concerning the coma outcome in children. Prognosis may be worse if pathological brainstem auditory-evoked potentials correlate with pathological dynamic changes in electroencephalography and brain lesions, diagnosed during computerized tomography scan.
Three-part Oppel-Kundt illusory figure
Authors: Bertulis Algis , Surkys Tadas , Bulatov Aleksandr , Gutauskas Algirdas
Published: June 2018

The Oppel-Kundt illusion was examined in the psychophysical experiments with the classical two-part stimuli and modified three-part figures. The modified versions comprised either one filled medial interval and two empty flanking intervals or one empty space situated in between two fillings. The illusion was measured as a function of the number of filling elements in the referential parts of the figures. The curves obtained by two modified figures and by the original two-part stimulus were quite similar in shape, but the magnitudes of the illusions differed significantly. The figure with two filled intervals yielded about twice-stronger illusory effect than the contrasting figure with a single filled and two empty intervals. The two-part stimulus showed the illusion magnitudes in the midst. Our assumption suggests the illusory effect being related particularly to overestimations of the filled interval when compared with the empty interval displayed side-to-side. The unfilled interval might not contribute to the illusion.
Laser Doppler vibrometry of the middle ear in humans: derivation dependence, variability, and bilateral differences
Authors: Arechvo Irina , Lasurashvili Nikoloz , Bornitz Matthias , Kevanishvili Zurab , Zahnert Thomas
Published: June 2018

Objective. Derivation dependence, inter- and intrasubject/intertest variability, bilateral differences of the eardrum vibration characteristics have been investigated using laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV). Material and methods. A total of 31 normally hearing adults were examined. In each subject, both ears were consecutively stimulated by the chirp acoustic stimulus that covered 500–3700-Hz frequencies. The laser beam was directed to and the reflection was consecutively picked up from the tympanic membrane surface. Results. LDV curves derived from different eardrum loci possessed dissimilar characteristics. The derivation area dependence was particularly apparent for the stimulus frequency constituents above 1500 Hz. The intersubject variability of LDV parameters exceeded the intrasubject/ intertest one. The intersubject divergences looked selectively distinct for the frequencies over 2000 Hz. Under repeated recordings, LDV parameters remained stable. The intertest differences, if appeared, concerned predominantly the magnitudes of separate frequency bands. LDV waveforms registered by experienced and beginner investigators were alike. Bilaterally derived LDV curves regularly differed from each other. In individual cases, the bilateral divergences approximated the intersubject deviation. Conclusions. The derivation area on the eardrum should be taken into account when estimating the actual LDV recording. Over repeated recordings in separate individuals, LDV waveforms are stable while the experience of investigator has slight if any influence on the principal LDV characteristics. Due to bilateral differences in the middle ear transfer function, in LDV testing of the ear suspected to the pathology, LDV recording from the opposite healthy ear could hardly be taken as an appropriate reference sample.
Analysis of dental caries prevention program in 7–12-year-old Lithuanian schoolchildren
Authors: Saldūnaitė Kristina , Pūrienė Alina , Milčiuvienė Simona , Brukienė Vilma , Kutkauskienė Jelena
Published: June 2018

Objective. The present study aimed to assess dental status in 7–12-year-old Lithuanian children and to evaluate the extent and the efficiency of the Pit and Fissure Sealing in Permanent Molars program. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study was performed between September 2007 and May 2008. Children, aged 7–12 years, from secondary schools in five biggest cities of Lithuania were invited for the examination using a cluster random sampling method. The data for the present study were collected following the general principles for basic oral health surveys of the World Health Organization. Results. The prevalence of dental caries was 85.5%, 88.9%, and 70.6% in 7–8-, 9–10-, and 12-year olds, respectively. The prevalence of dental caries in permanent molars increased with age and became as high as 57.7% in 12-year-old children. The data showed that the mean number of sealed teeth depends on the county and ranged from 0.83 (1.31) to 1.45 (1.85) in 7–8-year olds, from 0.95 (1.29) to 2.54 (1.15) in 9–10-year olds, and from 0.26 to 2.13 (1.15) in 12-year olds. Conclusions. The prevalence and incidence of dental caries in 7–12-year-old Lithuanian children are high. Only half of all examined children have at least one sealed molar. The financial resources allocated for the Pit and Fissure Sealing in Permanent Molars program were used insufficiently; therefore, there is a need for systematic measures in order to improve the efficacy of the aforementioned program.
Physical and mental health of stroke survivors and their daily activities
Authors: Krančiukaitė-Butylkinienė Daina , Rastenytė Daiva , Jurėnienė Kristina , Jančaitytė Lina
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to compare the quality of life between stroke survivors and controls with respect to their health, daily activities, and emotional status. Contingent and methods of the study. The studied group consisted of 508 25–84-year-old inhabitants of Kaunas city who have survived first-onset stroke. The control group consisted of 508 age- and sex-matched randomly selected inhabitants of Kaunas city who had not experienced stroke. The SF-12 Quality of Life Questionnaire was used for the study. Logistic regression was used to compare quality of life with respect to health, daily activities, and emotional status. Results. Only 1.0% of stroke survivors evaluated their health as excellent or very good, compared to 24.4% of the controls (P=0.0005); the respective percentages of those who evaluated their health as poor or fair were 78.9% and 26.4% (P=0.0005). Health significantly limited moderate activities in 35.2% of stroke survivors and 3.5% of controls (P=0.0005). During the last 4 weeks, health status or emotional problems most of the time or a little of the time impeded social activities in 19.3% of stroke survivors and 1.6% of controls (P<0.05). When comparing with respect to age, sex, and diseases (arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, transient ischemic attack), stroke had the greatest negative effect on social activities (odds ratio, 36.7), caused sadness (odds ratio, 16.0), and significantly limited home activities (odds ratio, 15.5). Conclusions. Less that one-third (28.2%) of stroke survivors evaluated their health as poor, and 50.7% as fair as compared to 1.8% and 24.6% of controls, respectively. Stroke significantly impaired the subjects’ emotional status and limited their daily activities.
Biomedical physics in continuing medical education: an analysis of learning needs
Authors: Rotomskis Ričardas , Karenauskaitė Violeta , Balžekienė Aistė
Published: June 2018

Objective. To examine the learning and practice needs of medical professionals in the field of continuing education of biomedical physics in Lithuania. Material and methods. The study was based on a questionnaire survey of 309 medical professionals throughout Lithuania, 3 focus group discussions, and 18 interviews with medical and physics experts. Results. The study showed that medical professionals lack knowledge of physics: only 15.1% of the respondents admitted that they had enough knowledge in biomedical physics to understand the functioning of the medical devices that they used, and 7.5% of respondents indicated that they had enough knowledge to understand and adopt medical devices of the new generation. Physics knowledge was valued more highly by medical professionals with scientific degrees. As regards continuing medical education, it was revealed that personal motivation (88.7%) and responsibility for patients (44.3%) were the most important motives for upgrading competencies, whereas workload (65.4%) and financial limits (45.3%) were the main obstacles. The most popular teaching methods were those based on practical work (78.9%), and the least popular was project work (27.8%). Conclusions. The study revealed that biomedical physics knowledge was needed in both specializations and practical work, and the most important factor for determining its need was professional aspirations. Medical professionals’ understanding of medical devices, especially those of the new generation, is essentially functional in nature. Professional upgrading courses contain only fragmented biomedical physics content, and new courses should be developed jointly by experts in physics and medicine to meet the specialized needs of medical professionals.
Fluorescence diagnostics of skin tumors using 5-aminolevulinic acid and its methyl ester
Authors: Navickienė Jurgita , Mordas Aleksandras , Šimkutė Saulė , Bloznelytė-Plnienė Laima
Published: June 2018

Objective. The incidence of malignant skin tumors is rapidly increasing. Early diagnosis, determining the margins of the tumor, is extremely important to achieve good treatment results. We investigated fluorescence of protoporphyrin IX in skin carcinomas. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of topical 5-aminolevulinic acid and methyl-aminolevulinate in determining the exact margins of skin tumors. Materials and methods. Fluorescence measurements were performed in 126 patients with malignant, premalignant, and benign skin lesions for detection of the margins of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. 5-Aminolevulinic acid or its methyl ester was applied to the skin lesion for 2–4 h, and the data of evaluated protoporphyrin IX fluorescence were correlated with the data of morphological tissue examination. Results. Malignant tissue shows a specific red fluorescence when illuminated with blue-violet light, whereas no fluorescence was observed in normal skin. In 30% of cases, the delineation of neoplastic lesions excited by 5-aminolevulinic acid was slightly weaker than using methyl-aminolevulinate. A sensitivity of 95.4% and a specificity of 88.6% as well as positive and negative predictive values of 86.1% and 96.3%, respectively, were obtained. Conclusions. Fluorescence diagnostics can be used for complete visualization of malignant skin lesions after topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid or methyl aminolevulinate. It has been shown to be highly effective in the diagnostics of malignant superficial skin lesion. This method is applicable for detecting early superficial tumors, margins of tumors, and follow-up after therapy. Topical application of methyl aminolevulinate is slightly superior to 5-aminolevulinic acid in detection of lesion margins.
Effectiveness of radiologic examination methods in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Rimkevičiūtė Ernesta , Basevičius Algidas , Dobrovolskienė Laima , Rimkevičienė Meida
Published: June 2018

Objective of the study. To determine an optimal noninvasive radiologic examination method (computed tomography or roentgenography) in early diagnostics of pulmonary tuberculosis. Materials and methods. We have selected 43 patients with diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis, who were examined using roentgenography and computed tomography during 2002–2006. Data were confirmed by biopsy or bacteriological test. Evaluation criteria were anamnesis, prolonged cough productive of sputum, prolonged fever, roentgenologic and laboratory findings (lymphocytosis, monocytosis), antibiotic therapy without response. Results. Diagnostic signs of pulmonary tuberculosis were infiltration (89%), lymphadenopathy (63%), calcification in lymph nodes (49%), pneumofibrosis (56%), focus of tuberculosis (54%), foci in lung segments (67%). Other features were as follows: adhesions, pleural effusion, coated pleura, calcified tuberculoma. Biopsy was performed to 25% of patients: in 6 patients during fibrobronchoscopy, in 3 during operation, and in 2 during pleural puncture. Fibrobronchoscopy was done in 70% of patients, and findings were as follows: mucus (31%), blood (2%), bronchial deformations (22%), edema of bronchial wall (18%), and no pathology (31%). Only 8% had acid-resistant cocci. Conclusions. Computed tomography is 2 times more efficient than roentgenography in detection of lung alterations, dissemination with focal infiltration in the bronchioles, coated pleura, pleuritis, adhesions and 8 times more efficient in diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy. In evaluation of pulmonary consolidation, there was no significance difference between diagnostic methods.
Soluble interleukin-2 receptor and tumor necrosis factor levels in depressed patients in Estonia
Authors: Eller Triin , Aluoja Anu , Maron Eduard , Vasar Veiko
Published: June 2018

Several studies have reported immune system alterations in depressed patients. Furthermore, correlations between some interleukins and specific depressive symptoms have been found, but results are ambiguous. It might be caused by heterogeneous patient population and concomitant administration of antidepressants. The aim of our study was to look at differences in the levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) between currently depressed patients with first or recurrent episode of depression, patients in full remission and healthy controls. Secondly, we looked for correlations between sIL-2R and TNFα and different depressive symptoms. A total of 75 medication-free currently depressed patients (76% of females), 17 patients in the full remission phase of major depression (58.8% of females), and 55 healthy controls (58.2% of females) participated in this study. The results showed that the level of sIL-2R was significantly lower in depressed patients in remission phase compared to the healthy controls and subjects with recurrent depression. Drug-naï ve patients with major depressive disorder with recurrent episode had higher levels of sIL-2R than previously treated or patients with the first episode. TNFα levels were higher in drug-naï ve patients with major depressive disorder with recurrent episode compared with previously treated patients. Further analysis of patients revealed that sIL-2R was positively correlated with decreased activity and agitation. TNFα was associated with decreased activity and suicidality.
Relationship of renal cell carcinoma and hypertension
Authors: Mašanauskienė Edita , Naudžiūnas Albinas , Jankauskienė Laima , Unikauskas Alvydas
Published: June 2018

The morbidity and mortality due to renal cell carcinoma has increased worldwide over the last 30 years. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for about 90–95% of all renal tumors. The mean age of patients with this type of tumor ranges between 50 and 70 years. It is important to note that primary arterial hypertension as well as obesity and smoking are considered as independent risk factors for renal cell carcinoma. The increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as the severity of arterial hypertension may have an impact on development of renal cell carcinoma. We describe the case of a 45-year-old male patient with hypertensive crisis. Computed tomography scan revealed renal cell carcinoma, which was confirmed histologically after surgical treatment.
Mind-Body Approaches to Prevention and Intervention for Alcohol and Other Drug Use/Abuse in Young Adults
Authors: Park Crystal L. , Russell Beth S. , Fendrich Michael
Published: June 2018

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) misuse is highly prevalent among young adults and creates myriad long-term problematic social, economic, and health consequences. Current treatments aimed at preventing or alleviating AOD misuse have demonstrated fairly inconsistent and weak effectiveness and, thus, are far from a complete solution. In this review, we describe the current state of AOD interventions for young adults and present an alternative emotion regulation framework for understanding AOD use/misuse. We then describe implications of this framework for interventions to promote healthier emotion regulation to successfully reduce AOD use/misuse. In particular, we assert that mind–body approaches, such as meditation, distress tolerance, and yoga, may promote emotion regulation skills that allow young adults to manage their stressful experiences and distressing emotions without AOD use. We review the available literature on mind–body interventions targeting AOD use/misuse in young adults and offer suggestions for future intervention development and research.