bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Determining Competitiveness in Healthcare Institutions in Latvia – Results of the EKOSOC-LV National Research Programme
Authors: Villeruša Anita , Behmane Daiga , Berķis Uldis , Kokarēviča Anita , Cauce Vinita 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Competitiveness as a factor of a company selling its services in the market is becoming more relevant in the healthcare sector. The number of institutions that offer their services to international patients is growing. Research shows that the development of medical tourism is country-specific. The main objective of this publication is to discover positive and negative factors for engagement in the provision of services to non-residents. The data was obtained from a cross-sectional study in which 86 managers of health care institutions in Latvia completed a questionnaire. A total of 80.2% of health care institutions had provided services to non-resident patients in the previous year while 19.8% did so regularly. Institutions mainly used websites to advertise their services. Only a small number of institutions employed a marketing specialist or had a strategy to attract non-resident patients. Heads of institutions pointed to a number of internal and external barriers in this connection, including lack of staff, low motivation, limited language skills, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient state-level support to promote the export of services, the social environment, and problems in the health system itself. The study revealed areas that need to be improved regarding future policies to attract non-resident patients and to increase global competitiveness.
Serodiagnosis of Human Bocavirus 1 Infection among Hospitalised Children with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Latvia
Authors: Ziemele Inga , Xu Man , Vilmane Anda , Rasa-Dzelzkalēja Santa , Hedman Klaus , Söderlund-Venermo Maria , Gardovska Dace , Nora-Krūkle Zaiga , Murovska Modra 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Since its discovery in 2005, human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) has globally been one of the most common respiratory viruses. It is currently accepted that HBoV1 is a pathogen, causing upper and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children. However, due to the prolonged HBoV1 DNA shedding from the upper airways and the subsequent high rate of co-detections with other respiratory viruses, the interpretation of positive polymerase chain reaction results is challenging. The aim of this study was to identify acute HBoV1 infections by the presence of HBoV1-specific IgM and IgG measured by competition enzyme immunoassay, to elucidate the induction of Th1/Th2 cytokines, and to describe the clinical characteristics associated with acute HBoV1 infection in hospitalised children less than five years of age with LRTI. HBoV1 IgM was detected in 19/102 (18.6%) and IgG in 66/102 (64.7%) patients. HBoV1 IgM was most frequently found in patients aged 13 to 24 months. Pneumonia and acute wheezing were the most common clinical diagnoses among HBoV1 IgM positive patients. The seroprevalence of HBoV1-specific IgG increased with age, reaching 85% by the age of five years. INF-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 were observed to be higher in patients with acute HBoV1 infection.
Adhesion and Colonisation of Microorganisms on Porous TiO2 and TiO2-Silver Biomaterials
Authors: Skadiņš Ingus , Micko Lana , Zvaigzne Liene , Narkevica Inga , Kroiča Juta 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Bone graft transplantation is one of the most common transplants in the world and there has been a significant increase in the use of biomaterials in this sector. Bone substitutes are widely used in traumatology, orthopaedics, maxillofacial surgery and dentistry. The culturing method was used to determine microorganism ability to attach and form biofilms on originally synthesised porous TiO2 and TiO2Ag ceramics. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the intensity of adhesion and colonisation of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans on TiO2 and TiO2Ag ceramics. The lowest adhesion and colonisation were on TiO2Ag samples for S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa.No C. albicans adhesion and colonisation differences were found on TiO2 and TiO2Ag ceramic samples.
Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics in First-Episode Psychosis Patients in a Rural Region of Latvia
Authors: Bērze Liene , Bezina Karīna , Pavlovs Konstantīns , Ķikuste Sarmīte , Šapele Inna , Rancāns Elmārs 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The first psychosis is a crucial point for further development of mental disorders. Previous evidence has demonstrated that psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, are associated with a large number of years living with the disability. It is a global aim to improve prognosis of psychotic disorders, especially in rural regions, where mental health care possibly is not so easily accessible for patients. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and sociodemographic determinants in association with patient and illness related factors to improve knowledge and understanding of first time psychosis patients in a rural region. This is a descriptive, cohort-based study of all consecutive first episode psychosis (F20, F23, ICD 10) patients admitted in the Daugavpils Psychoneurological Hospital (DPNH) between January 2016 and December 2017. Of the 94 first-time patients hospitalised in DPNH with symptoms of psychosis, 69 met the inclusion criteria. Our results showed that median age of patients was 33 years (IQR 27.5–42.0), median duration of untreated illness (DUI) was 30 months (IQR 11.0–60.0), and median duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) was 8 weeks (IQR 4.0–48.0). The results showed that 55.1% of first psychosis patients had not seen any health care specialist before being admitted to the psychiatric hospital. We found statistically significant differences between some sociodemographic aspects in DUI/DUP. Patients who lived with relatives had the longest DUI — 36 months, compared with 12 months for those who had established their own family. Unemployed patients had longer DUI — 36 months, compared with 12 months for employed patients. Similar findings were shown for associations with DUP. To our knowledge this study adds several important findings that help to better understand first psychosis patients.
Evaluation of the Patients’ Satisfaction with Psychiatric Health Care Services with an Adapted PIPEQ-OS Tool
Authors: Bērziņa-Novikova Natālija , Taube Māris 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Until now, the assessment of health care services provided by psychiatric institutions in Latvia has not been carried out and questionnaires to provide assessment from the patient’s perspective have not been adapted. For this study, a questionnaire that has been validated and successfully employed for several years in Norway was chosen to assess patients’ experience and in a psychiatric inpatient setting. The aim of the study was to determine patients’ satisfaction with the quality of mental health care services in Latvia in the subacute inpatient psychiatric ward in Rīga, adapting during this process the PIPEQ-OS (Psychiatric Inpatient Patient Experience Questionnaire) tool in Latvia. The pilot quantitative study was conducted from June 2016 till February 2017. In the study, an anonymous patient self-assessment questionnaire PIPEQ-OS containing 21 questions was used. During the adaptation process, the questionnaire was translated from English into Latvian and Russian and backwards. The quality and compliance of the translation was subsequently tested in cognitive interviews. During the study, 297 patients were discharged from the unit, and 231 of them completed the questionnaire. 12% of the completed questionnaires were not included in data processing due to being incorrectly filled in. Cognitive interviews with 20 patients were carried out; the average length of an interview was 15 minutes. Overall, the translation of the questionnaire proved to be relevant to the research theme. The subsequent factor analysis revealed three significant factors that reached the Cronbach’s alpha index of 0.7. Further studies using socio-demographic data and based on various inpatient units as well as the comparison of satisfaction indicators across different diagnostic groups are needed.
Incidence of Permanent Pacemaker Implantation after Cardiac Surgery: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Kalējs Mārtiņš , Prozorovskis Edgars , Kupics Kaspars , Brečs Ivars , Strazdiņš Uldis , Stradiņš Pēteris 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after open heart surgery is required in 0.4–8.5% of patients. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of PPI after cardiac surgery at Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital and to assess its influence on intrahospital outcomes. This was a single-centre retrospective study. We reviewed all patients who underwent either open heart surgery or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) between the years 2015 and 2017. Included were all patients with PPI postoperatively before discharge. We compared the patient demographics, and perioperative state, incidence of PPI and intrahospital stay among groups. After cardiac surgery a total of 135 (4.2%) patients received a PPI. The PPI incidence was highest in the tricuspid valve intervention group — 8.8% followed by aortic valve replacement (AVR) patients with 3.3%. After TAVI incidence of PPI was 4.0% after Sapien valve and 8% after CoreValve implantations, respectively. Incidence of PPI after TAVI with the Sapien valve was not significantly higher when compared to conventional AVR, but it was significantly higher after TAVI with CoreValve. Regardless of the initial procedure a need for PPI significantly increased the total length of hospital stay.
Role of Percutaneous Needle Biopsy of Axillary Lymph Nodes to Evaluate Node Positive Breast Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Līcīte Baiba , Irmejs Arvīds , Maksimenko Jeļena , Loža Pēteris , Trofimovičs Genādijs , Miklaševičs Edvīns , Nazarovs Jurijs , Romanovska Māra , Deičmane Justīne , Purkalne Gunta , Gardovskis Jānis 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the restaging of node positive breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). From January 2016 – October 2018, 90 node positive stage IIA-IIIC breast cancer cases undergoing NAC were included in the study. The largest, most superficial and the most caudal axillary node metastasis confirmed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was marked with clip. After NAC, restaging of axilla was performed with ultrasound and FNAC of the marked and/or the most suspicious axillary node. Of the 90 cases, 58 with available ultrasound guided percutaneous needle biopsy data were further evaluated. Axilla conserving surgery was performed in 37 of 58 cases and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in 21 of 58 cases. False Positive Rate (FPR) of FNAC after NAC was 12%, False Negative Rate (FNR) — 58%, sensitivity — 54%, specificity — 82%, accuracy 62%. FNAC after NAC had low FPR and was found to be useful in predicting residual axillary disease and to streamline surgical decision making regarding ALND. However, FNR was unacceptably high and FNAC alone was not able to predict ypCR and omission of further axillary surgery.
Laboratory Tests in Addition to the Alvarado Score in the Management of Acute Appendicitis in School-Age Children
Authors: Zviedre Astra , Eņģelis Arnis , Tretjakovs Pēteris , Zīle Irisa , Pētersons Aigars 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine whether the Alvarado score (AS) together with laboratory tests could be used to distinguish patients with acute appendicitis (AA) from acute mesenteric lymphadenitis (AML). Fifty-seven patients (7–18 years) with suspected AA were included in the prospective study (October 2010 – October 2013). Thirty-one patients underwent surgery for AA and 26 were not treated surgically and were diagnosed AML on ultrasonography. AS, white blood cell count (WBC), C – reactive protein (CRP) and serum cytokines (EGF, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, MCP-1, TNF-α) were obtained on admission and were compared between groups. Mean age of the 57 patients was 12.9 (SD 3.2). Accuracy (AR) for AS ≥ 7 alone was 73.7% for AA. Modified AS with certain serum cytokines seemed to be a reliable tool for initial differential diagnosis between AA and AML in school-age children. Based on these results, AS ≥ 7, WBC ≥ 10.7 × 103/µL and serum IL-6 ≥ 4.3 pg/mL assessed altogether will yield more sensitivity for AA. Also for further advanced diagnostics, we propose to take into account the serum IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, CRP cut-off levels in the differential diagnosis between complicated and uncomplicated AA to decide whether the treatment should be conservative or surgical.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Maxillary Sinus Before and After Sinus Floor Elevation
Authors: Neimane Laura , Zamure Liene , Klimecs Vadims , Grišuļonoks Aleksandrs , Skaģers Andrejs , Ivanovs Andrejs 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Sinus lift surgery elevation is a procedure that requires radiological maxillary sinus evaluation and procedure planning. The condition of the maxillary sinus before and after sinus lift surgery was assessed. Sixty-five sinuses of 49 patients were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed. The sinuses were analysed radiologically for pathological changes: mucosal thickening, ostia obstruction and accessory opening. The presence of concha bullosa in nasal cavity and septa in the maxillary sinus were recorded. The sinus volume also was measured before and after surgery. Thickened mucosa was found more often in postoperative scans than in preoperative scans (63.1% and 67.7%, respectively). Concha bullosa was found in 30 preoperative scans and in 33 postoperative scans. A correlation between mucosal thickening and ostia obstruction was found. The mean sinus volume decreased after surgery and the changes were statistically significant. In conclusion, changes of the maxillarysinus and nasal cavity can be detected with CBCT. Sinus lift surgery does not excacerebate the existing conditions of the maxillary sinus; however, there is a tendency for pathological features to increase after surgery. Sinus lift surgery is a safe surgery with regard to the maxillary sinus if performed with care.
Choice of the Acetabular Component Placement in Dysplastic Hip Patients
Authors: Zēbolds Silvestris , Pētersons Aigars , Jumtiņš Andris 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with hip dysplasia is a challenging surgical operation. Many orthopedic surgeons concur that the anatomical placement of the acetabular components of endoprostheses (AC-EPs) during THA yields the best result. However, there are advocates of the high rotation center of the hip joint after replacement surgery. In our study, we compared the outcomes of THA based on the placement of acetabular cups to identify the most favorable site for AC-EPs in patients with varying grades of dysplastic osteoarthritis. Our study included 88 patients with dysplastic hip osteoarthritis who underwent 106 THAs during a three-year period using cementless fixation endoprostheses. Functional results were assessed by Merle d’Aubigne and Postel’s method and by instrumental gait analysis (IGA). Gait deviation index was calculated based on IGA to compare results in different acetabular component placement groups. Functional assessment of patients by Merle d’Aubigne and Postel’s grading method and IGA showed no significant difference in results due to the placement of the acetabular component. Most complications were found in the severe dysplasia patients group with the anatomical placement of the AC-EP. The appropriate location of cementless acetabular cups during THA in dysplastic hips depends on the grade of dysplasia, expected elongation of the leg, and the potential for adequate bone coverage for the AC-EP. In cases of severe dysplasia, the placement of the AC-EP in the secondary socket can provide a good functional outcome and reduce the risk of complications.
Vaccination Against Influenza: Attitude of Health Care Personnel in a Multidisciplinary Hospital in Latvia
Authors: Vīksna Ludmila , Vilcāns Mārtiņš , Zeltiņa Indra , Leidere-Reine Aija , Krūmiņa Angelika , Koļesova Oksana , Ļeviņa Jeļena , Koļesovs Aleksandrs 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Health care personnel (HCP) are at high risk of acquiring influenza due to exposure to patients. However, vaccination in HCP is lower than 40% for most European countries. The aim of this study was to determine the attitude towards influenza vaccination and possible reasons for this attitude in HCP. A cross-sectional study was performed in a multidisciplinary hospital of Latvia. The sample (n = 1099) included doctors (239), nurses (418), care services (236), administrative staff (108), and technical support staff (98). Five questions addressed vaccination of planned patients and HCP, knowledge of etiological anti-influenza drugs, and their storage at the hospital for immediate use. The results revealed that the level of regular vaccination against influenza in HCP was relatively low (14%). This contrasted with a more positive attitude towards vaccination of patients (53%) and personnel (60%). This contrast provided evidence for a low level of proactive action. High expectations regarding medications covered by the hospital (82%) indicated transferring of part of personal responsibility to the organisation. Doctors demonstrated a better understanding of the problem and a higher level of vaccination. However, some of doctors’ attitudes showed underestimation of influenza-associated risk.
Consumption of Thyroid Medications as an Indicator of Increase of Thyroid Morbidity in Latvia from 2011 to 2014
Authors: Kalere Ieva , Strēle Ieva , Miglinieks Mārtiņš , Repša Ilze , Pildava Santa , Romanovs Mihails , Pīrāgs Valdis , Konrāde Ilze 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The most common autoimmune disorders with clinically opposite manifestations are hypothyroidism in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hyperthyroidism in Graves’ disease. The healthcare burden of thyroid disease is substantial, resulting in substantial health care costs. The aim of the present analysis is to assess the use of thyroid medications in Latvia from 2011 to 2014 by age and gender. Our study used reimbursed medication prescriptions data, collected by the National Health Service of Latvia. The main indicator was the number of prevalent users of thyroid medications each year from 2011 to 2014, stratified by age and gender. From 2011 to 2014, the number of thyroxine users per 100 000 revealed a statistically significant increase in all age and gender groups, except in 0- to 9-year-old girls. The number of Thiamazole users among men increased in the age group from 40 to 89 years and in women age groups above 49 years. Increasing sales of both thyroid hormones and antithyroid medications are also observed in Estonia and Lithuania, indicating that growing thyroid morbidity is an issue in the whole region. The substantial increase in number of patients highlights the necessity for national guidelines on the use of thyroid function tests and standards of medical care.
“Absorption” or “Carrying Capacity” of Areas – Assessment Methods on the Example of Detached Housing Real Estate
Authors: Foryś Iwona , Kazak Jan 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The concept of market absorption and carrying capacity in economic terms are adequate to the real estate market, even though the legislator uses only the concept of the absorptive capacity of the area in the planning process. The aim of the study is to discuss the concept of carrying capacity and absorption of the real estate market in economic and planning terms as well as the application of conclusions from literature studies and determination of capacity and absorption on a specific selected local market.
In the empirical part, a model of demand for space for detached housing development (market absorption) was built as a function of price, income and expenses for complementary goods.
At the same time, as a complementary good for the purchase of land for the construction of a house, the purchase of a flat and purchase of a real estate built-up with a detached house were accepted. On the other hand, reference was made to absorption understood adequately to planning documents. It was discussed whether the concept, interpreted in two ways, leads to the absorption of the same area on the local market. The analysis uses data from the Register of Prices and Values of Starosty County Price and Value Register, planning documents as well as data resources on statistics, and public information and own research.
U.S. REITs: A Financial Economics Review as of 2018
Authors: Coletta Cuono Massimo , Busato Francesco 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The U.S. Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector, since its inception in the 1960s, has been witness to continuous evolution. The numerous events that have characterized its growth and its actual structure over time have made this sector an object of interest many researchers and authors, who tried to give answers to several financial questions that are still open to debate. We contend that a global review of financial literature on this specific industry could give good suggestions for further research themes for all those who are interested in studying the U.S. REIT market and its characteristics and for investors at large.
Principles and Criteria for using Statistical Parametric Models and Conditional Models for Valuation of Multi-Component Real Estate
Authors: Adamczyk Tomasz , Bieda Agnieszka , Parzych Piotr 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The complexity of multi-component real properties results from the possibility of identifying various components in legal, physical or functional terms. The possibility of distinguishing various functional elements of real properties, combined with the specificity resulting from their market properties, is problematic when applying the comparative approach to real estate valuation. In this case, the valuation procedure can be implemented using statistical models: the parametric model or the conditional one.
This research paper demonstrates the construction of the parametric and conditional models taking into account the geometric and pricing attributes of multi-component real estate. The authors paid attention to adjusting the models to the available market data. They also specified the conditions for the use of statistical models in the real estate valuation process. Based on the analytical and accounting considerations, the estimation criteria for the parametric model and the conditional model were defined, which allow the correct application of these models at the stages of the real estate market analysis and the real estate valuation process.
The Impact of the Training Set Size on the Classification of Real Estate with an Increased Fiscal Burden
Authors: Gnat Sebastian 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The introduction of an ad valorem tax can lead to an increase in the tax burden on real estate. There are concerns that this increase will be large and widespread. Before undertaking any actual actions related to the real estate tax reform, pilot studies and statistical analyses need to be conducted in order to verify the validity of those concerns and other aspects regarding the replacement of a real estate tax, agricultural tax and forest tax with an ad valorem tax. The article presents results of research on the effectiveness of the classification of real estate into a group at risk of an increase of tax burden with the use of the k-nearest neighbors method. The main focus was to determine the size of a real estate set (training data set) on the basis of which classification is conducted, as well as on the efficiency of that classification, depending on the size of such data set.