Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Research Management System (CRIS)





Search PDB

Recent Additions
  • conference paper; ;
    Stein, Dan J.
    ;
    ;
    54th annual congress EABCT 2024 "New age of CBT - Challenges and perspectives" : Belgrade, Serbia, September 4-7, 2024 : Book of Abstracts / Editors: Sanda Stanković, Marija Mitković, Vončina Nikola Petrović, 2024-09-04, p. 381-382

    Abstract Background. Mindfulness-based interventions, such as the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR), are among the most effective evidence-based interventions for improving quality of life (Grensman et al., 2018), while mindfulness tools are often implemented in the treatment of personality disorders (Sng, 2016). Although the scientific literature includes studies on personality traits and their association with mindfulness related characteristics (Tang & Braver, 2020) to our knowledge, there is no published research on the newly developed ICD-11 personality domains (Gecaite-Stonciene et al., 2021) and their links with trait mindfulness. Therefore, in the current study we aimed to (1) assess changes in quality of life before and after the 8-week online MBSR, and (2) to investigate the relationship between trait mindfulness, ICD-11 personality domains and quality of life. Methods. The current study included 301 adult participants (94.6% women, 42±9 years), who attended a remote MBSR group during 2021-2024 in Lithuania. The certified mindfulness teachers invited group participants to complete the anonymous online survey before and after MBSR. The questionnaire included: (1) informed consent and socio-demographic questions (i.e., age, gender, education, marital status, professional activity, chosen formal practice and its duration, etc.); (2) the Five-Factor Personality Inventory for ICD-11 (PiCD) to assess personality domains such as anankastia, detachment, dissociality, negative affectivity, and disinhibition; (3) the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) to assess physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment; and (4) the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), measuring trait mindfulness characteristics including observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging, and non-reactivity. Correlational analyses and comparisons within groups (series of t-test analyses) were performed. Results. In the study participants that completed the questionnaire the second time (n=51), we found a positive change in all areas of quality of life after the MBSR group (p<0.02). Furthermore, after analyzing the responses completed before the MBSR (n=301), we found that trait mindfulness and almost all its characteristics were negatively associated with the ICD-11 personality domains negative affectivity (r = [-0.305 to -0.585], p<0.001), disinhibition (r = [-0.207 to -0.375], p<0.001), and detachment (r = [-0.225 to -0.469], p<0.001). Also, all quality of life areas were positively linked with trait mindfulness (r = [0.291 to 0.550], p<0.001). Conclusion. The findings indicate a significant positive change in quality of life after the MBSR program in Lithuania. However, the major limitation was limited sample size, thus further study with larger samples is warranted. Furthermore, trait mindfulness was negatively linked with ICD-11 personality domains, such as negative affectivity, disinhibition, and detachment, which are known to be problematic in many personality disorders. These results may underscore the importance of studying ICD-11 personality domains and their interplay with mindfulness related aspects.

  • conference paper; ; ;
    54th annual congress EABCT 2024 "New age of CBT - Challenges and perspectives" : Belgrade, Serbia, September 4-7, 2024 : Book of Abstracts / Editors: Sanda Stanković, Marija Mitković, Vončina Nikola Petrović, 2024-09-04, p. 382-383

    Abstract Background. Mental and behavioral disorders are increasing, with one of the world’s highest suicide rates linked mainly to depression in Lithuania (Gailienė, 2022). Improving the mental health situation in the country relies on robust health and social systems, ensuring timely, evidence-based support for those with psychological problems. However, scarce and expensive mental healthcare resources hinder the recruitment of specialists, especially in rural areas. To combat resource shortages and overmedication, some countries (Knapstad et al., 2020) train specialists in related fields to provide efficient, evidence-based consultations within a low-intensity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework for early-stage depression and anxiety. Lithuania sought to adapt the good practices (Knapstad et al., 2020) by expanding mental health providers to include nurses, social workers, and public health specialists, aligning with the Europe 2020 strategy to reduce disparities in healthcare across regions. As a result, we aimed to develop and implement the new well-being advisor model and test its preliminary efficacy. Therefore, for this study, the goal was to evaluate the change in subjective well-being as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms after short-term low-intensity CBT interventions by well-being advisors in Lithuania. Methods. The current study included data from 4221 clients (67.4% women, age 42.39±14.44) who were consulted by 28 well-being advisors from 14 municipalities in Lithuania. All well-being advisors were trained and worked within the project during the period from July 2022 to April 2024. In addition to sociodemographic information, we collected data on subjective well-being using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5) (Topp et al., 2015), while depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (Kroenke & Spitzer, 2002) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7 (GAD-7) (Spitzer et al., 2006). All data were collected before and after the consultations. Results. The average number of consultations was 4.53±2.32 for one client. We found a significant difference regarding subjective well-being before(WHO-5 scores: 48,68±17,55) and after (WHO-5 mean scores: 67,77±16,95) the sessions ( t = -59.81, p < 0.001). Further, there was also significant change in depressive (PHQ-9 mean scores 8,97±4,58 vs. 4,39±2,98) as well as anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 mean scores 8,96±4,51 vs. 4,30±2,93) after the low intensity CBT interventions provided by well-being advisors (t = 63.57, p < 0.001 and t = 65.87, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion. The current study suggests significant changes in subjective well-being, as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms, after an average of 4.5 low-intensity CBT interventions delivered by well-being advisors in Lithuania. These results highlight the applicability and utility of low-intensity CBT interventions delivered by specialists in related fields with a relatively short amount of training.

  • conference paper; ;
    Tamas, Rita
    ;
    Jasaitytė, Miglė
    ;
    ;
    38th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society (EHPS 2024) "Health Psychology for a Sustainable Future" : 3-6 September 2024, Cascais, Portugal : Book of Abstracts, 2024-09-03, p. 504-504

    Introduction: Migraine-type headaches (MTH) are often associated with increased sensitivity to various physical stimuli. In this study, we hypothesize that migraine may also be related to Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), an inheritable trait characterized by deep cognitive processing. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 300 Lithuanian employees (mean age 37.3, SD=12.7; 78% female) completed surveys, including the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), Migraine Screen Questionnaire (MS-Q), Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), PHQ-2, GAD-2 questionnaires, and other headache-related factors. Results: 13.3% of participants met MTH criteria (95% CI 9.5-17.3%). MTH participants scored higher on HSP scale (m=126.89 (21.11); 95% CI 119.85-133.93) vs. non-migraineurs ones (m=120.39 (19.21); 95% CI 118.03-122.75), suggesting HSP's significance as a migraine prognostic factor (OR=1.019; p=0.04). However, its predictive value diminishes when controlled by demographic factors (OR=1.08, p=0.083). Among MTH individuals, higher HSP scores correlated with earlier migraine onset (r=-0.644, p<0.001), more frequent pain episodes (r=0.424, p=0.007), increased pain triggers (r=0.525, p=0.001), elevated anxiety (r=0.371; p=0.018), and depression (r=0.317, p=0.047). Additionally, higher HSP levels predicted severe migraine disability (OR=1.04, p=0.014), likely due to heightened sensitivity to pain triggers, as their number was the only significant predictor of disability when included alongside HSPS in the regression model. Conclusions: SPS was significantly associated with migraine manifestation, suggesting that individuals with higher SPS may be predisposed to earlier migraine onset, increased sensitivity to triggers, and more frequent episodes, resulting in greater disability. These findings stem from the pilot study, with ongoing main research expected to expand upon them for presentation at the conference.

  • conference paper; ; ; ;
    38th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society (EHPS 2024) "Health Psychology for a Sustainable Future" : 3-6 September 2024, Cascais, Portugal : Book of Abstracts, 2024-09-03, p. 818-818

    Background: Internalising problems at an early age is a risk factor for later mental health problems. Emotional competences acquired during the first years has been linked with psychological well-being, social and academic adaptation. Identified associations between early emotional/social competencies and internalising problems can help to find ways for prevention of mental health problems. The aim of the study was to evaluate associations between the internalizing problems and emotional/social competencies in children aged 3-6 years. Methods: The study was performed in 2021 in Lithuania, the data of 169 children aged 3-6 years were collected. Internalizing problems were measured using CBCL filled in by parents (Achenbach, Rescorla, 2000) and SDQ filled in by parents and teachers (Goodman 2005). The emotional and social competences were measured using EMK 3-6 filled in by teachers and assessment performed by psychologists (Petermann, Gust 2016). Findings: According to CBCL data 5.4% children can be assigned to the risk group of internalizing problems. According to SDQ measures 10.3% of children can be assigned to the risk group of emotional problems. Higher emotional and social competencies, as emotional awareness, empathy, self-regulation, and social competence were related with lower internalizing problems scores. Better competencies of social behaviour of the child were related with lower internalizing problems scores. Discussion: Results suggest that training and improvement of emotional and social competences could be used in preventive programs and research of the effectiveness of such programs is needed.

  • research article; ; ; ;
    Medicina, 2025-01-13, vol. 61, no. 1, p. 1-11

    Background and Objectives: Early-onset MS (EOMS) and late-onset MS (LOMS) differ in terms of symptom presentation, disease progression, and disability outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with EOMS and LOMS in Lithuania. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients’ medical records was conducted at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas Clinics Department of Neurology. This study included 97 patients with multiple sclerosis, of which 34 were diagnosed with EOMS and 63 with LOMS. Results: The female/male ratio did not differ significantly in the EOMS group (1.26:1), while in the LOMS group, the female-to-male ratio was 2:1. All EOMS patients were diagnosed with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), while in the LOMS group, RRMS was observed in 55.6%, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) was observed in 27%, and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) was observed in 17.4% of patients (p < 0.001). The most common initial symptoms in the EOMS group were brainstem dysfunction (50%), and sensory (38.2%) and visual (26.5%) disorders, whereas LOMS patients predominantly experienced brainstem dysfunction (50.8%) and motor impairments (47.6%). The EOMS group experienced more clinical relapses in the first year after diagnosis, along with more frequent radiological signs of disease activity compared to LOMS (p < 0.001). Both groups demonstrated a significant increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score at the last follow-up visit compared to the baseline, while the LOMS group had higher EDSS scores both at the baseline and at the last follow-up compared to the EOMS group (p < 0.001). Only LOMS patients had an increase in Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) at the last follow-up compared to the baseline (p = 0.028), and MSSS was higher than in EOMS patients both at the baseline (p = 0.004) and the last follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusions: There was no significant gender difference in the EOMS group, whereas in the LOMS group, females were predominant. Both groups had RRMS as the most common disease course. At the onset of MS, brainstem dysfunction was the most common symptom in both patient groups. EOMS patients had a more active disease course, in contrast to LOMS patients, who exhibited higher levels of disability, suggesting a progressive disease.

Most viewed
  • conference paper
    7th Japan-Lithuania Joint Life Sciences Symposium: New approach to Life Sciences“ : 18 December, 2020 / Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Kaunas : Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 2020., 2020-12-18, p. 1-1

    Voice disorders (hoarseness) are a common condition manifesting in almost 10% of the population. The causes of hoarseness can be related to common respiratory diseases and/or to vocal fatigue caused by vocal overload, however it can also be related to functional, behavioral, neurologic factors and both benign and malignant laryngeal tumors. Hoarseness can also be an early symptom of laryngeal cancer. The VoiceScreen app requires the user to perform two simple tasks: 1). Sustain a vowel [a:] sound for 4 seconds, 2) Read the provided sentence. The users’ voice is recorded and then analyzed extracting six acoustic voice function parameters which are then weighted and merged together to provide the user with the Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) of his/her voice. The value of AVQI as a clinical marker of overall voice quality has already been proven across multiple studies revealing adequate diagnostic accuracy. The AVQI values do not depend on gender and age. The VoiceScreen app calculates and displays the value of AVQI and also provides the user with recommendations based on the test results. The provided recommendations should be taken as guidance on what to do next to help the user’s voice. [...].

      3947
  • journal article
    Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojas. Kaunas : Vitae Litera, 2008, t. 12, Nr. 10., p. 679-681.

    Lėtinis atrofinis gastritas – tai ilgalaikio lėtinio skrandžio uždegimo sąlygota skrandžio gleivinės atrofija. Atrofinio gastrito fone vystosi metaplazija žarninio tipo epiteliu, vėliau epitelio displazija ir skrandžio vėžys. Atrofija ir žarninė metaplazija apibūdinamos kaip ikivėžinės būklės. Skrandžio gleivinės atrofija ir žarninė metaplazija yra dažnesnės šalyse, kuriose yra didelis sergamumas skrandžio vėžiu. Atrofinis gastritas laikomas ikivėžine liga, tačiau nėra visiškai aišku, ar galimas atrofijos proceso sustabdymas, ar tai leidžia apsaugoti nuo skrandžio vėžio.

      3544
  • PublicationVidutinio trombocitų tūrio sąsajos su lėtiniu prieširdžių virpėjimu ir periferinių arterijų liga
    [Mean platelet volume: its relation to permanent atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease]
    research article; ;
    Medicinos mokslai. Medical sciences. Kėdainiai : VšĮ Lietuvos sveikatos mokslinių tyrimų centras, 2019, vol. 7, no. 12, Oct 31., 2019-11-06, p. 1-6.

    Vidutinis trombocitų tūris (MPV-mean platelet volume) yra bendrojo kraujo tyrimo metu nustatomas rodiklis, kuris apibūdina vidutinį trombocitų dydį ir gali būti susijęs su uždegimu bei tromboze. Didesnis MPV yra susijęs su didesne išeminio insulto, ūminio miokardo infarkto, giliųjų venų trombozės bei plaučių arterijų trombembolijos rizika. Tyrimo tikslas - nustatyti MPV sąsajas su lėtiniu prieširdžių virpėjimu (PV) ir periferinių arterijų liga (PAL). Į tyrimą įtraukta 180 pacientų, kurie suskirstyti į grupes: sergančių lėtiniu PV pacientų ir pacientų, kuriems registruotas sinusinis ritmas. Visiems tiriamiesiems apskaičiuotas kulkšnies-žasto indeksas (KŽI), sistolinio arterinio kraujo spaudimo kojose matavimui naudotas 5-MHz dopleris. PAL diagnozuota, kai KŽI gautas <0,9. MPV reikšmės buvo didesnės pacientams sergantiems lėtiniu PV (kontrolinėje grupėje 8,635±1,476 fl, tiriamojoje grupėje 9,131±1,202 fl) (p=0,015). Pacientai, kuriems nustatytas KŽI<0,9 ir MPV>8,55 fl, dažniau sirgo lėtiniu PV nei pacientai, kurių KŽI>0,9, o MPV<8,55 fl (p=0,001). Didesnis MPV buvo susijęs su didesne PAL tikimybe (ŠS 1,608, 95% PI 1,243 – 2,081) (p=0,001) nepriklausomai nuo lyties ir amžiaus (koreguotas ŠS 1,612, 95% PI 1,248 – 2,098) (p=0,001). PAL sergantiems pacientams buvo nustatytas didesnis MPV, kritinė MPV reikšmė - 8,55 fl. MPV reikšmei esant 8,55 fl, rodiklio jautrumas PAL nustatymui buvo 76%, o specifiškumas – 61%.

      2754
  • book; ;
    Tutkuvienė, Janina
    ;
    ; ; ; ; ;
    Schumacher, Gert Horst
    Kaunas : Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universiteto Leidybos namai, 2016., 2016-10-02

    Vadovėlyje "Žmogaus anatomija" aprašoma žmogaus išorinė ir vidinė sandara organų sistemų, vykdančių organizmo kraujo ir limfos apykaitą, imuninę apsaugą, nervinę ir endokrininę reguliaciją, pateikiama organų raidos schema, pabrėžiama anatominių savitumų medicininė reikšmė. Vadovėlis skiriamas biomedicinos krypties medicinos ir odontologijos studijoms, juo galės naudotis ir rezidentai, doktorantai ir kiti specialistai. Vilniaus ir Kauno medicinos anatomai, 2003 m. rekomendavus LR švietimo ir mokslo ministerijos Aukštųjų mokyklų bendrųjų vadovėlių leidybos komisijai, parengė dviejų dalių vadovėlį „Žmogaus anatomija". Antroji jo dalis, parengta Kauno anatomų, padedant Vilniaus anatomei prof. Janinai Tutkuvienei, buvo išleista 2007 m., o pataisyta 2-oji laida - 2008 m. Šioje dalyje pateiktos anatomijos žinios apie organų sistemas, vykdančias organizmo kraujo ir limfos apykaitą, imuninę apsaugą, nervinę ir endokrininę reguliaciją, apie jutimo organus ir odą. Į šio vadovėlio autorių sąrašą taip pat buvo įtrauktas vokiečių anatomas Gertas-Horstas Šumacheris, leidęs vartoti kai kurias jo anatomijos vadovėlio iliustracijas.Sudėvėti vadovėlio egzemplioriai skaityklose ir jų dingimas knygynų lentynose rodo, kad jis turėjo paklausą, buvo naudingas siekiantiems anatomijos žinių žmonėms. Autoriams malonu tai žinoti ir esame dėkingi LSMULeidybos namams, sumaniusiems išleisti dar vieną jo laidą. Tad atsirado gera proga šioje laidoje, iš esmės nekeičiant vadovėlio dalykinio turinio, atlikti kai kuriuos pataisymus, papildymus ir jo sandaros pakeitimus. Pirmiausia buvo ištaisytos pačių autorių ir skaitytojų pastebėtos techninės ir dalykinės klaidos, koreguoti kai kurie lietuviški anatomijos terminai, atnaujinta bei išplėsta lietuviškų ir lotyniškų terminų rodyklė. Kai kurie skyriai papildyti aprašomų organų ontogenezės,

      2711  225
  • journal article;
    Lietuvos bendrosios praktikos gydytojas. Kaunas : Vitae Litera, 2017, t. 21, Nr. 2., 2017-03-13, p. 122-125.

    Mezenterinis panikulitas (MP) – reta patologija, apibūdinama kaip lėtinis, nespecifinis žarnyno pasaito riebalinio audinio uždegimas. Ligos paplitimas – 0,16-2,5 proc. Vyrams ši patologija dažnesnė nei moterims, santykis – 2-3:1. Pagrindinis patogeninis mechanizmas yra nespecifinis uždegiminis atsakas į skirtingus etiologiniuis faktorius, tačiau tikslios priežastys iki šiol nepakankamai ištirtos. Histologiškai išskiriamos trys ligos progresavimo stadijos. Dažniausiai ši liga yra besimptomė ir nustatoma atsitiktinai, kitais atvejais simptomai būna nespecifiniai ir kintami. Kompiuterinė tomografija yra pagrindinis tyrimas MP diagnozei nustatyti. Tiksliai diagnozei patvirtinti reikalinga ekscizinė biopsija ir histologinis tyrimas. Nėra visuotinai priimto sutarimo, kokį gydymą skirti, rekomenduojama gydyti imunomoduliatoriais, priešuždegiminiais, antifibrotiniais vaistais. Chirurginis gydymas gali būti taikomas, jei konservatyvusis gydymas neveiksmingas arba yra gyvybei pavojingų komplikacijų.

      2657
Most downloaded
Most WOS cited
Most SCOPUS cited

Discover

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Has content
false 110571
true 2598