Knowledge in motion: temporal dynamics of wild food plant use in the Polish-Lithuanian-Belarusian border region.

BACKGROUND: Understanding how Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) evolves over time is crucial for fostering social and environmental responsibility. This study aims to develop a conceptual model of plant knowledge circulation, providing insights into the temporal dynamics of LEK in the Polish-Lithuanian-Belarusian border region. It explores the key patterns and driving forces behind changes in the use of wild plants for food. METHODS: Field research was conducted in 60 rural settlements across Podlasie Voivodeship (Poland), Vilnius Region (Lithuania), and Hrodna Region (Belarus). This included 200 semi-structured interviews and participant observation among two local communities, Lithuanians and Poles. To assess the temporal dynamics of wild food use, we performed a cross-ethnic, cross-border analysis over time, dividing the data into three major temporal dimensions: past, continuous, and recently acquired uses. RESULTS: Of the 72 wild plant taxa reported by Poles or Lithuanians in the Polish-Lithuanian-Belarusian borderland, 47 were continuously used for food, 58 were utilised in the past, and 41 were recently acquired. Cross-country trends were similar, with Poland showing more past uses. Diachronic comparisons between Poles and Lithuanians in each studied country revealed no significant differences. Recently acquired taxa overlapped considerably with those used continuously and in the past. The most diversely utilised taxa showed the greatest overlaps. By observing the movement of specific plant taxa within various time dimensions, we distinguished overlapping flow variations: retention (3 taxa), decay (11), invention (8), stagnation (17), revitalisation (6), re-invention (3), and knowledge in motion (24). Shifts in the use of wild food plants were influenced by changes in environmental conditions, governmental policies, cultural practices, and economic factors. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study have important implications for improving methods of tracking changes in LEK and enhancing our understanding of the relationship between people and nature. Our results underscore the importance of considering knowledge circulation over time in different directions. Recognising the various stages of knowledge circulation might help in pursuing sustainable solutions that balance the needs of human communities with environmental protection.

Opinion of teenagers on smoking-free policy in public places and its determinants - evidence from a global youth tobacco survey in five European countries.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Smoking-free policies protect non-smokers from the negative effects of smoking, but many young adults still use products containing nicotine. The aim of this article is to analyze the factors that influence young people's attitudes towards the ban on smoking in public places. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were obtained from a representative sample of young adults aged 13-15 from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted in the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: At least a quarter of the adolescents were exposed to cigarette smoking, about 40% have parents who smoke and over 50% declared that they have peers who smoke. A higher proportion of adolescents have knowledge about the harmful effects of second-hand smoking (62.6-71.9%), but at least one-fifth of young people are still exposed to the marketing of tobacco products. Compared with current smoking, those with never smoked were significantly associated with positive attitude toward to restricting smoking in all five analyzed countries, with an AOR= 4.74 (95% CI: 3.61-6.23), AOR=4.33 (95% CI: 2.32-8.07), AOR=2.85 (95% CI: 2.19-3.70) and AOR=2.45 (95% CI: 1.65-3.64), respectively. Gender, age, smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, knowledge about the harmful effects of smoking, anti-smoking education, seeing people using tobacco and exposure to tobacco marketing, were significantly associated with the attitudes of young people towards restricting smoking in public places. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides useful information on factors that should be taken into account when planning anti-smoking strategies so that young people are able to resist the pressure to use tobacco products.

Trends in statin utilization and ischemic heart disease mortality in Lithuania and Sweden, 2000-2020.

Aims: To compare statin utilization and ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality trends in Lithuania and Sweden and to assess correlations between the total utilization of statins and IHD mortality. Methods: An ecological study assessing time trends in statin utilization (DDDs per 1000 inhabitants per day; DDD/TID) and IHD mortality in Lithuania and Sweden between 2000 and 2020. Statin utilization data in Lithuania were wholesale trade data, and Swedish data were drugs dispensed at pharmacies. IHD mortality data were extracted from national databases as rates per 100 000 inhabitants. Associations between statin utilization and IHD mortality in Lithuania and Sweden were examined using Spearman's rank and Pearson's correlation coefficients, respectively. Results: Statin utilization increased from 16.8 to 135.8 DDD/TID in Sweden and from 0.2 to 61.8 DDD/TID in Lithuania between 2000 and 2020. Medium intensity was the most common statin dosage in Lithuania, while Sweden used more high intensity than moderate-intensity statins from 2017. IHD mortality in Lithuania remained high between 2000 and 2020 (from 359.1 to 508.8 deaths per 100 000 population), while it decreased markedly in Sweden (from 226.87 to 88.7 deaths per 100 000 population). IHD mortality and statin utilization were inversely correlated in Sweden (r = -0.993, P < 0.001), while a positive correlation was found in Lithuania (rs = 0.871, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Despite the growing statin utilization in both countries, Lithuania recorded a slight increase in IHD mortality rates unlike the situation in Sweden. This indicates room for improvement in the management of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in Lithuania including how statins are prescribed and used in clinical practice.

Impact of health spending on hospitalization rates in Baltic countries: a comparative analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study examines the association between healthcare indicators and hospitalization rates in three high-income European countries, namely Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, from 2015 to 2020. METHOD: We used a sex-stratified generalized additive model (GAM) to investigate the impact of select healthcare indicators on hospitalization rates, adjusted by general economic status-i.e., gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. RESULTS: Our findings indicate a consistent decline in hospitalization rates over time for all three countries. The proportion of health expenditure spent on hospitals, the number of physicians and nurses, and hospital beds were not statistically significantly associated with hospitalization rates. However, changes in the number of employed medical doctors per 10,000 population were statistically significantly associated with changes of hospitalization rates in the same direction, with the effect being stronger for males. Additionally, higher GDP per capita was associated with increased hospitalization rates for both males and females in all three countries and in all models. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between healthcare spending and declining hospitalization rates was not statistically significant, suggesting that the healthcare systems may be shifting towards primary care, outpatient care, and on prevention efforts.

Biliary Ascariasis in a Pediatric Patient in Lithuania: Case Report and Literature Review.

Hepatobiliary ascariasis is caused by the entry of the nematode A. lumbricoides from the duodenum into the biliary duct. We report a case of an Ascaris-induced extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction in a pediatric patient admitted to the hospital due to a wide spectrum of symptoms of biliary disease, which included abdominal pain in the upper abdominal quadrants, vomiting, and jaundice. Imaging tests-including ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-were performed to confirm the diagnosis of biliary ascariasis. The tests did, in fact, demonstrate signs of this disease. Nevertheless, during the ERCP, only the remains of Ascaris parasites in the form of tissue fragments were extracted. We also aim to discuss the prevalence of ascariasis in children, the causes of migration of Ascaris parasites into the bile ducts, together with its clinical manifestations, as well as the diagnostic and treatment methods of this disease.

The Characteristics and Outcomes of Contralateral Non-Concurrent Hip Fractures: A Retrospective Study in Geriatric Patients.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between non-simultaneous contralateral hip fractures, urban and rural differences, fracture localization, time between fractures, physiotherapy applications, comorbidity, and the second fracture outcomes. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 107 patients aged 65 and older with proximal femur fractures (PFFs) who underwent surgery at Düzce University Medical Faculty between January 2010 and December 2022. High-energy fractures, pathological fractures, and patients with a history of old fractures were excluded. Results: The study included 66 females (61.7%) and 41 males (38.3%), with a mean age of 83.76 years. The mean interval between two fractures was 28.3 months. There was no statistical difference between the localization of the first and second fractures (p = 0.107). However, there was a significant difference in the first PFF localizations of patients living in rural areas (p = 0.023). Patients with heart failure, respiratory failure, osteoporosis, and cognitive impairment had shorter intervals between fractures (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study shows that age, female gender, place of residence, comorbid diseases, and whether physical therapy is received after the first fracture are significant risk factors for a second hip fracture in patients over 65 years of age.

Intensive Intervention on Smoking Cessation in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery: The Role of Family Physicians.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the role of physicians in the intensive intervention and education regarding the smoking cessation of patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Materials and Methods: A randomised prospective study was conducted in family physicians' clinics in which smokers of both sexes, aged 21-65 years, without cognitive impairments, and who were not addicted to psychoactive substances voluntarily participated. Four weeks preoperatively, 120 smokers were randomised into two equal groups; the intervention group (IG) underwent an intervention for the purpose of smoking cessation and the control group (CG) underwent no intervention. Biochemical tests were performed in order to determine the smoking status of the participants in the phase of randomisation, one week preoperatively, as well as 40, 120, and 180 days and 12 months postoperatively. The examinees of the IG talked to the physician five times and received 140 telephone messages, leaflets, and motivational letters along with the pharmacotherapy, while the participants in the CG received little or no advice on smoking cessation. Results: The results of this study confirmed a significant influence of the intervention and education on the smoking abstinence in the IG compared to the CG (p < 0.001). The smokers in the IG had 7.31 (95% CI: 2.32-23.04) times greater odds of abstinence upon the 12-month follow-up than the smokers in the CG. The smokers in the IG who did not stop smoking had a lower degree of dependence and smoked fewer cigarettes (p < 0.0001) compared to those in the CG, as well as a multiple times higher prevalence of short- and long-term abstinence. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the intensive intervention and education can motivate patients preparing for elective surgery to stop smoking in the short- and long term.

What Lithuanian First-Graders Eat: Results of a 15-Year Semi-Longitudinal, Cross-Sectional Surveillance Study.

This article presents the dietary habits of Lithuanian first-grade (7-8-year-old) students over a 15-year surveillance period to understand the trends and changes in their nutrition patterns. The presented data were collected from three study rounds of the Lithuanian Growth Surveillance Study conducted between 2008 and 2023, with a total sample of 11,594 first-grade students from all 10 counties of Lithuania. The main findings reveal significant shifts in breakfast consumption, with an increase in daily breakfast intake observed over the surveillance period. Conversely, the consumption of cereal porridge showed a notable decrease, particularly in the frequency of consumption. Positive changes were noted in the consumption of vegetables and fresh fruits, indicating an improvement in dietary quality. Also, a concerning trend of declining consumption of certain nutritious food groups like fish and dairy products is identified, whereas the consumption of sugary beverages is low. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to promote healthier eating habits among school-age children in Lithuania. Addressing these trends requires a multifaceted approach involving education, policy changes, and community-based interventions to ensure the long-term health and well-being of children.

Experience of pre-suicidal suffering: insights from suicide attempt survivors.

PURPOSE: Psychache significantly contributes to the suicidal process. However, the transition from pre-suicidal suffering to a suicide crisis remains one of the least explored stages in suicidology. METHODS: We retrospectively explored experience of pre-suicidal suffering through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 12 individuals recruited from the Vilnius City Mental Health Center, Lithuania. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns. RESULTS: Nine primary group experiential themes emerged: Certain adverse life events occurring during the suicidal process were not immediately perceived as connected; Complex traumatic events laid the groundwork for a profound sense of lack; A compensatory mechanism balanced the experience of profound lack; Exhaustion ensued from efforts to sustain the compensatory mechanism; The main trigger directly challenged the compensatory mechanism; The affective state followed the experience of the main triggering event; Dissociation served to isolate psychache; Thoughts of suicide experienced as automatic; Suicide was perceived as a means to end suffering. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the suicidal process unfolds over an extended period of suffering, culminating in a crisis to alleviate unbearable psychological pain. In clinical practice, identifying the main triggering event discussed in this study can be pivotal in understanding the essence of suffering characterized by profound lacking and developed compensatory mechanisms.

Avian haemosporidian parasites from wild-caught mosquitoes with new evidence on vectors of Plasmodium matutinum.

Avian haemosporidian parasites are spread worldwide and pose a threat to their hosts occasionally. A complete life cycle of these parasites requires two hosts: vertebrate and invertebrate (a blood-sucking insect that acts as a vector). In this study, we tested wild-caught mosquitoes for haemosporidian infections. Mosquitoes were collected (2021-2023) in several localities in Lithuania using a sweeping net and a CDC trap baited with CO2, morphologically identified, and preparations of salivary glands were prepared (from females collected in 2022-2023). 2093 DNA samples from either individual after dissection (1675) or pools (418 pools/1145 individuals) of female mosquito's abdomens were screened using PCR for the detection of haemosporidian parasite DNA. Salivary gland preparations were analyzed microscopically from each PCR-positive mosquito caught in 2022 and 2023. The average prevalence of haemosporidian parasites for all analyzed samples was 2.0 % and varied between 0.6 % (2021) and 3.5 % (2022). DNA of Plasmodium ashfordi (cytochrome b genetic lineage pGRW02), P. circumflexum (pTURDUS1), P. homonucleophilum (pSW2), P. matutinum (pLINN1), P. vaughani (pSYAT05), Haemoproteus brachiatus (hLK03), H. majoris (hWW2), and H. minutus (hTUPHI01) were detected in mosquitoes. Coquilletidia richiardii (3.5 %) and Culex pipiens (2.9 %) were mosquito species with the highest prevalence of haemosporidian parasite DNA detected. Mixed infections were detected in 16 mosquitoes. In one of the samples, sporozoites of P. matutinum (pLINN1) were found in the salivary gland preparation of Culex pipiens, confirming this mosquito species as a competent vector of Plasmodium matutinum and adding it to the list of the natural vectors of this avian parasite.

The Association of Epileptic Seizures after Acute Ischemic Stroke with Cerebral Cortical Involvement and Electroencephalographic Changes.

Background and objectives: while acute ischemic stroke is the leading cause of epilepsy in the elderly population, data about its risk factors have been conflicting. Therefore, the aim of our study is to determine the association of early and late epileptic seizures after acute ischemic stroke with cerebral cortical involvement and electroencephalographic changes. Materials and methods: a prospective cohort study in the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics Department of Neurology was conducted and enrolled 376 acute ischemic stroke patients. Data about the demographical, clinical, radiological, and encephalographic changes was gathered. Patients were followed for 1 year after stroke and assessed for late ES. Results: the incidence of ES was 4.5%, the incidence of early ES was 2.7% and the incidence of late ES was 2.4%. The occurrence of early ES increased the probability of developing late ES. There was no association between acute cerebral cortical damage and the occurrence of ES, including both early and late ES. However, interictal epileptiform discharges were associated with the occurrence of ES, including both early and late ES.

Dominant Somatotype Development in Relation to Body Composition and Dietary Macronutrient Intake among High-Performance Athletes in Water, Cycling and Combat Sports.

Relevant properties of the somatotype as important indicators can be associated with the body composition characteristics as well as both metabolic and bio-mechanical efficiency of athletes in the sport concerned. The primary aim of this single cross-sectional study was to determine the somatotype profiles in association with body composition and nutritional profiles among Lithuanian elite athletes (n = 189) involved in water, cycling and combat sports. The body composition along with the somatotype profiles and the nutritional status of athletes were evaluated using a battery of multiple frequency (5, 50, 250, 550, and 1000 kHz) bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and a 3-day food record analysis. In terms of the prediction for athletes to be classified as endomorphs, mesomorphs or ectomorphs, the linear discriminant analysis was conducted to assess the grouping of samples. Both the multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression statistical analyses were performed to explore the associations between the independent and dependent variables. The central tendency values for the somatotype components of endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy in athletes playing water, cycling and combat sports were 4.3-4.9-3.4, 4.3-4.8-3.4 and 4.5-5.5-2.9, respectively. The central mesomorph somatotype with a trend towards endomorphy was dominant and varied according to a high muscle-to-fat ratio in elite athletes. Significant (p ≤ 0.001) positive associations between both endomorphy and mesomorphy values and higher body fat percentage as well as lower and upper limb muscle mass were identified. The lower levels of trunk muscle mass were related to athletes' endomorphy and mesomorphy, too. Furthermore, in the athletes' sample under analysis, high-level mesomorphs were prone to consume low-carbohydrate (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) 0.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2; 0.9) and high-protein diets (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1; 5.5). Contrastingly, the elite athletes with a higher expression of endomorphy were on high-carbohydrate (AOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.1; 8.3) and high-fat diets (AOR 4.6, 95% CI 1.5; 7.1) along with insufficient protein diet (AOR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1; 0.9). Finally, whilst nutrition goals as a mediator can play a significant role in undergoing the maintenance of balance between the optimal body composition for athletic performance and the development of an ecto-mesomorphic somatotype, the elite athletes with higher levels of endomorphy value should be aware of lowering the body fat percentage coupled with dietary fat reduction and higher protein intakes. The findings obtained from the study may serve as an antecedent for a more targeted management of the elite athletes' training process. Somatotyping as an additional assessment method can be successfully deployed in choosing correct coaching techniques, contributing to talent recognition processes or identifying reference morphometric parameters in elite athletes competing in water, cycling and combat sports.

Algorithm for detection and screening of familial hypercholesterolemia in Lithuanian population.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is one of the most common autosomal dominant diseases. FH causes a lifelong increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, which in turn leads to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The incidence of FH is widely underestimated and undertreated, despite the availability and effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy. Patients with FH have an increased cardiovascular risk; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are vital. To address the burden of FH, several countries have implemented national FH screening programmes. The currently used method for FH detection in Lithuania is mainly based on opportunistic testing with subsequent cascade screening of index cases' first-degree relatives. METHODS: A total of 428 patients were included in this study. Patients with suspected FH are referred to a lipidology center for thorough evaluation. Patients who met the criteria for probable or definite FH according to the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) scoring system and/or had LDL-C > = 6.5 mmol/l were subjected to genetic testing. Laboratory and instrumental tests, vascular marker data of early atherosclerosis, and consultations by other specialists, such as radiologists and ophthalmologists, were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 127/428 (30%) patients were genetically tested. FH-related mutations were found in 38.6% (n = 49/127) of the patients. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was diagnosed in 13% (n = 57/428) of the included patients, whereas premature CAD was found in 47/428 (11%) patients. CAD was diagnosed in 19% (n = 9/49) of patients with FH-related mutations, and this diagnosis was premature for all of them. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients in this study were classified as probable or possible FH without difference of age and sex. The median age of FH diagnosis was 47 years with significantly older females than males, which refers to the strong interface of this study with the LitHir programme. CAD and premature CAD were more common among patients with probable and definite FH, as well as those with an FH-causing mutation. The algorithm described in this study is the first attempt in Lithuania to implement a specific tool which allows to maximise FH detection rates, establish an accurate diagnosis of FH, excluding secondary causes of dyslipidaemia, and to select patients for cascade screening initiation more precisely.

Does the level of burnout differ between occupational groups in Lithuania?

Background: The strain on workers of the healthcare system and education sector increased psychological distress and burnout. This study aimed to distinguish the occupational group that is the most affected by occupational burnout and to reveal the scope of psychosocial risk factors among each occupational group. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that analyzed burnout syndrome among 1,046 participants of different occupational groups in association with psychosocial work environment factors in Lithuania. The anonymous questionnaire was composed of the standardized Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). To find out associations between psychosocial work environment factors and burnout dimensions, a multiple logistic regression model using the stepwise method was applied. Results: The burnout levels in all three dimensions (personal, work-related, and client-related burnout) were significantly higher in physicians' and nurses' groups compared with public health professionals, teachers, and managers (p < 0.05). The job demands were associated with the personal burnout subscale for all occupations, except public health specialists - each one-unit increase of this variable significantly increased the probability of personal burnout from 10 to 16%, respectively by the occupation. Co-worker support was found to have a buffering effect for all occupational groups, except managers - and significantly reduced personal burnout for physicians (OR = 0.80), nurses (OR = 0.75), public health specialists (OR = 0.75), and teachers (OR = 0.79). Conclusion: The burnout levels in all three dimensions differed between occupational groups: there were significantly higher in physicians' and nurses' groups compared with public health professionals, teachers, and managers. Considering the occupational preventive measures in the healthcare sector attention should be paid to the reduction of workload and ensuring good relations between co-workers.

"We want our freedom back, that's our only need": a qualitative study of health and social needs among asylum seekers and undocumented migrants crossing the borders from Belarus to Lithuania.

Background: The influx of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers into Lithuania, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, presents unique public health challenges. This study employs the Social Determinants of Health framework to explore the healthcare and social needs of this vulnerable population. Methods: In May 2022, we carried out a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews with asylum seekers across four centers in Lithuania. Employing both purposive and snowball sampling techniques, we selected participants for our investigation. The study comprised 21 interviews-19 conducted in Arabic and 2 in English-with durations ranging between 20 and 40 min each. We audio-recorded all interviews, transcribed them verbatim, and subsequently performed a thematic analysis using Atlas.ti software. This process of design and analysis strictly followed the principles of thematic analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke, guaranteeing methodological precision and rigor. Findings: 21 interviews revealed critical insights into the healthcare access challenges, mental health issues, and social integration barriers faced by the participants. Key themes included 'Healthcare Needs and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic 'and 'Social needs and Aspirations Amidst Pandemic-Induced Uncertainty '. The findings highlight the multifaceted healthcare and social needs of asylum seekers, juxtaposed against significant barriers they face. Access to medical services is hindered by long waiting times and financial constraints, especially for specialized care such as dental services. Communication issues during medical appointments due to language barriers and the lack of gender-specific healthcare, such as access to gynecological services, further exacerbate the challenges. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic introduces hurdles such as limited testing, isolation measures, language-specific information barriers, and insufficient social distancing practices. Mental health has emerged as a critical concern, with asylum seekers reporting significant stress and emotional exhaustion due to uncertainty and restrictive living conditions. Social needs extend to delayed asylum application processes, inconsistent language education opportunities, inadequate clothing, and nutrition that lacks cultural sensitivity, and living conditions characterized by overcrowding and insufficient facilities. The restricted freedom of movement within asylum seeking centres severely impacts their psychological well-being, underscoring a deep longing for autonomy and a better life despite the myriad of challenges faced. Discussion: The study illustrates the complex interplay between migration, health, and social factors in the context of a global pandemic. It highlights the need for culturally sensitive healthcare services, mental health support, and structured language education programs. Offering educational avenues alongside language courses for children and adults is essential for fostering social inclusion and securing economic prosperity. Addressing the challenge of language barriers is of utmost importance, as these barriers significantly impede undocumented migrants' and asylum seekers employment opportunities and their access to crucial services. The findings emphasized immigration as a health determinant and underscored the importance of inclusive health policies and advocacy for undocumented migrants and asylum seekers' rights and needs. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for comprehensive policies and practices that are grounded in the principles of equity, compassion, and human rights. Additionally, advocating for practice adaptations that are culturally sensitive, linguistically inclusive, and responsive to the unique challenges faced by undocumented migrants and asylum seekers. As global migration continues to rise, these findings are crucial for informing public health strategies and social services that cater to the diverse needs of this vulnerable population.

Diversity of Sarcocystis parasites in southeastern Baltic Sea catchment ecosystems.

Currently, research on apicomplexan Sarcocystis parasites is mainly carried out by analyzing animal carcasses. However, environmental studies would not only allow faster detection of possible sources of infection but also avoid the use of animals for investigations. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to identify tested Sarcocystis species in sediment collected from water bodies located in the southeastern Baltic countries. A total of 99 sediment samples were collected during the summer from different types of water bodies in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Species-specific nested PCR targeting cox1 gene was used for the detection of selected Sarcocystis species (S. cruzi, S. bovifelis, S. hirsuta, S. arieticanis, S. tenella, S. capracanis, S. miescheriana, and S. bertrami) infecting livestock. The results showed a statistically lower (p < 0.05) occurrence of Sarcocystis parasites in Estonia (50%) compared to three countries, where the detection rate of Sarcocystis spp. DNA was remarkably higher, ranging from 88 to 100%. Among Sarcocystis species tested, S. cruzi (83.8%) and S. arieticanis (55.6%) using cattle and sheep as their intermediate hosts were most commonly identified. The detection rates of some of the analyzed Sarcocystis species were significantly different in southeastern Baltic countries. It is discussed that the detection rates of certain Sarcocystis species depend not only on the number of animals per 1 km2 but also on various ecological factors and farming practices that differ in the amount of contact domestic animals have with predators and the potential for animals to become infected through natural water or food sources.

First case of Hajdu-Cheney syndrome in Lithuania caused by novel NOTCH2 gene likely pathogenic variant.

Hajdu-Cheney syndrome (HCS) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant skeletal disorder. The prevalence rate of less than 1 case per 1,000,000 newborns and only 50 cases were reported in the medical literature. HCS is characterized by progressive bone resorption in the distal phalanges (acro-osteolysis), progressive osteoporosis, distinct craniofacial changes, dental anomalies, and occasional association with renal abnormalities. HCS is caused by pathogenic variants in the NOTCH2 gene, 34th exon. We report first familial case of HCS caused by likely pathogenic variant of NOTCH2 gene c.6449delC, p.(Pro2150LeufsTer5).

Persistence to statin treatment: A cohort study in Lithuania.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of death, and statins can reduce the risk of major vascular events. Lithuania is among the European countries with the highest cardiovascular mortality despite a rapidly increasing use of statins. Previous reviews have shown the problem of poor patient adherence, but there are limited studies from Eastern European countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment persistence in new users of statins in Lithuania and to investigate factors associated with persistence. Dispensed prescriptions from patients aged >18 years old initiated on statins in 2018-2019 were included, and data were obtained from a national health insurance fund. Persistence was assessed by the proportion of patients who still had statins dispensed 1 year after the first dispensing. Factors associated with persistence were assessed using logistic regression. A total of 104 726 patients (41.3% men) were initiated on statin treatment. Only 41% of them continued statin use 1 year after initiation. Factors associated with higher persistence rate were older age, higher dose of statin, use of other medicines and use of statins as secondary prevention. Low persistence to statin therapy needs to be recognized by healthcare workers, pharmacists and policy makers to address this problem.

Exploring the Spectrum of Visual Illusions and Other Minor Hallucinations in Patients with Parkinson's Disease in Lithuania.

Background and Objectives: Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with various non-motor symptoms, including minor hallucinations, comprising visual illusions and presence and passage hallucinations. Despite their occurrence, even in newly diagnosed PD patients, data regarding the prevalence and characteristics of minor hallucinations, visual illusions in particular, remain limited. The aim of this study was to address this knowledge gap by assessing the prevalence of minor hallucinations in PD patients, with a focus on visual illusions. Materials and Methods: In this prospective pilot study, we enrolled 35 PD patients without dementia and 35 age- and gender-matched PD-unaffected individuals. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, clinical data were collected, and all subjects were assessed via questionnaires regarding 20 types of visual illusions and other minor hallucinations. Results: The prevalence of minor hallucinations was significantly higher among PD patients compared to controls (45.7% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.003). PD patients reported visual illusions and presence hallucinations more frequently than the controls (37.1% vs. 8.6% and 22.9% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.009 and p = 0.028, respectively), with no significant difference in passage hallucinations (20% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.306). In the PD group, the most frequently observed visual illusions were complex visual illusions, kinetopsia, and pelopsia; the latter was also the most common visual illusion in the control group. PD patients experiencing visual illusions were more likely to report presence hallucinations compared to patients without visual illusions (53.8% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.002); no significant differences in other clinical characteristics were found. Conclusions: Minor hallucinations are a common phenomenon among PD patients without dementia, with a higher prevalence than among healthy controls. Visual illusions are the most prevalent type of minor hallucinations, affecting more than a third of PD patients, with complex visual illusions, kinetopsia, and pelopsia being the most frequently reported types.

Consumption of Dietary Supplements among Working-Age Residents of Lithuania in the Period from 2021 to 2023.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) among working-age residents of Lithuania from 2021 to 2023 with respect to social and demographic factors and an assessment of personal health. Materials and Methods: Using stratified sampling techniques, this study included three samples of working-age residents (1600 each year, 4800 total). Three surveys were conducted, the distribution of the respondents between groups was compared using the χ2 test. Results: The consumption of DS significantly differed each year and accounted for 78.1%, 71.6%, and 72.7% of the respondents, respectively (p < 0.05). In 2022, the prevalence of the consumption of DS was lower in the majority of social and demographic groups (p < 0.05). In 2023, it was higher among females, younger residents, and those from larger families, who suffered from COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Despite similar changes found in the consumption of DS among those who negatively assessed their health, this group showed more prevalent consumption of DS among residents with non-university education, unemployed respondents, and those with lower income (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite a significantly lower prevalence in the consumption of DS in 2022, it was higher again in 2023. The assessment of personal health shows different habits in the consumption of DS.