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Mūrniece G, Šteingolde Ž, Cvetkova S, Valciņa O, Zrelovs Ņ, Brīvība M, Kloviņš J, Birzniece L, Megnis K, Fridmanis D, Bērziņš A, Kovaļčuka L, Kovaļenko K. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats (Felis catus) during COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1338. [PMID: 38140758 PMCID: PMC10951624 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is of zoonotic origin and has shown reverse zoonotic transmissibility. OBJECTIVES The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the serological and molecular prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the domestic cat (Felis catus) population from Latvia in natural conditions and subsequently perform viral genome analysis. METHODS Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs and blood samples were collected from 273 domestic cats during the second wave of COVID-19 infection in Latvia. Molecular prevalence was determined by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum samples were analysed via double antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeting the antibody against the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2. Positive swab samples were analysed using whole viral genome sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome sequencing data of the samples was performed. RESULTS The overall SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity and seroprevalence was 1.1% (3/273) and 2.6% (7/273), respectively. The SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from three RT-PCR positive cats were assigned to the three common lineages (PANGOLIN lineage S.1.; B.1.177.60. and B.1.1.7.) circulating in Latvia during the particular period of time. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that feline infection with SARS-CoV-2 occurred during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia, yet the overall prevalence was low. In addition, it seems like no special 'cat' pre-adaptations were necessary for successful infection of cats by the common lineages of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gundega Mūrniece
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
| | - Žanete Šteingolde
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | - Svetlana Cvetkova
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | - Olga Valciņa
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | | | - Monta Brīvība
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study CentreRigaLatvia
| | - Jānis Kloviņš
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study CentreRigaLatvia
| | | | | | | | - Aivars Bērziņš
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | - Līga Kovaļčuka
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
| | - Kaspars Kovaļenko
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
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Balmaka B, Skribāne S, Ābele I, Balmaks R. Five-Year Survival Analysis and Causes of Late Deaths of Infants Admitted to the Tertiary Newborn Intensive Care in Latvia. Medicina (Kaunas) 2024; 60:202. [PMID: 38399490 PMCID: PMC10889999 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Studies on long-term survival following admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse the epidemiology, five-year survival, and causes of late death of infants admitted to the only tertiary NICU in Latvia. Materials and Methods: The study population included all newborns admitted to the Children's Clinical University Hospital (CCUH) NICU from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017. The unique national identity numbers from the infants or their mothers were used to link the CCUH electronic medical records to the Medical Birth Register and the Database of Causes of Death of Inhabitants of Latvia maintained by The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia. Results: During the study period, a total of 2022 patients were treated in the tertiary NICU. The average admission rate was 18.9 per 1000 live births per year. One hundred and four patients (5.1%) died in the tertiary NICU before hospital discharge. A total of 131 (6.5%) patients from the study cohort died before 12 months of age and 143 (7.1%) before 5 years of age. Patients with any degree of prematurity had a lower five-year mortality (0.9%, 9 out of 994 discharged alive) than term infants (3.2%, 30 out of 924 discharged alive; p < 0.001). Of the 39 patients who died after discharge from the NICU, the most common causes of death were congenital heart disease 35.9% (n = 14), multiple congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities 17.9% (n = 7), cerebral palsy 10.3% (n = 4), and viral infections 7.7% (n = 3). Conclusions: We observed increased mortality up to five years following NICU admission in both premature and term infants. These findings will help to guide the NICU follow-up programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiba Balmaka
- Faculty of Residency, Riga Stradinš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Clinical University Hospital, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Sandija Skribāne
- Faculty of Residency, Riga Stradinš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Clinical University Hospital, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ildze Ābele
- The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, LV-1005 Riga, Latvia
| | - Reinis Balmaks
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Children's Clinical University Hospital, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
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Rogoll L, Schulz K, Staubach C, Oļševskis E, Seržants M, Lamberga K, Conraths FJ, Sauter-Louis C. Identification of predilection sites for wild boar carcass search based on spatial analysis of Latvian ASF surveillance data. Sci Rep 2024; 14:382. [PMID: 38172492 PMCID: PMC10764341 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted search for wild boar carcasses is essential for successful control of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar populations. To examine whether landscape conditions influence the probability of finding ASF-positive carcasses, this study analyzed Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of Latvian wild boar carcasses and hunted wild boar, extracted from the CSF/ASF wild boar surveillance database of the European Union, and random coordinates in Latvia. Geographic information system (GIS) software was used to determine the landscape type and landscape composition of carcass detection sites and to measure distances from the carcasses to nearest waterbodies, forest edges, roads and settlements. The results of the automated measurements were validated by manually analyzing a smaller sample. Wild boar carcasses were found predominantly in forested areas and closer to waterbodies and forest edges than random GPS coordinates in Latvia. Carcasses of ASF-infected wild boar were found more frequently in transitional zones between forest and woodland shrub, and at greater distances from roads and settlements compared to ASF-negative carcasses and random points. This leads to the hypothesis, that ASF-infected animals seek shelter in quiet areas further away from human disturbance. A detailed collection of information on the environment surrounding carcass detection sites is needed to characterize predilection sites more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Rogoll
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Katja Schulz
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christoph Staubach
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Edvīns Oļševskis
- Food and Veterinary Service, Peldu 30, Riga, 1050, Latvia
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment-"BIOR", Lejupes 3, Riga, 1076, Latvia
| | | | | | - Franz Josef Conraths
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Mieze K, Kivite-Urtane A, Grinberga D, Velika B, Pudule I, Rancans E. Self-reported suicidal behaviours and associated factors in the general population of Latvia (2010-2018). Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:1749-1767. [PMID: 37222074 PMCID: PMC10657512 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231174365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Latvia has the second highest suicide rate in the European Union - with a total population age-standardized suicide rate of 16.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. AIMS We aimed to assess the prevalence of different types of self-reported suicidal behaviours in Latvia and determine the associated sociodemographic and health-related factors. METHODS This study was based on secondary data obtained from the Health Behaviour Among Latvian Adult Population survey. A representative sample of the general population was used, aged 15 to 64 years in 2010, 2012, 2014; and 15 to 74 years in 2016 and 2018 (n = 16,084). Respondents were asked to report the occurrence of life weariness, death wishes, suicidal ideation, suicidal plans and suicide attempts during the previous year. We assessed socio-demographics and health-related factors associated with suicidality. We performed univariate analysis and constructed stepwise multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS In 2010 to 2018, 15.6% of responders reported some type of suicidal behaviour (95% CI [15.1, 16.2]). Sociodemographic factors - including non-cohabitation status and Latvian nationality - were associated with mild (life-weariness and death wishes) and serious (suicidal ideation, plans to commit suicide, suicide attempts) types of behaviour. Older age was associated with mild suicidal behaviours, whereas lower educational levels were associated with serious suicidal behaviours. Diagnosed depression, self-reported depression, self-reported anxiety, stress, low mood, alcohol intake habits with heavy drinking episodes (less than monthly, monthly and weekly), perceived health as average or below average, disuse of primary health services were associated with mild and serious types of suicidal behaviour. Current smoking status and absenteeism were associated with mild suicidal behaviour types. Self-reported insomnia, having at least two somatic diagnoses, occasional smoking status, absenteeism with 11 or more days in the last year, receiving disability pension were associated with serious suicidal behaviour types. Musculoskeletal diseases exhibited preventive effects. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that certain groups of individuals might exhibit greater vulnerability to suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista Mieze
- Department of Doctoral Studies, Riga Stradins University, Latvia
| | - Anda Kivite-Urtane
- Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Daiga Grinberga
- Department of Research and Health Statistics, Non-Communicable Diseases Data Analysis and Research Division, Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Biruta Velika
- Department of Research and Health Statistics, Non-Communicable Diseases Data Analysis and Research Division, Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Iveta Pudule
- Department of Research and Health Statistics, Non-Communicable Diseases Data Analysis and Research Division, Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Elmars Rancans
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
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Zavadska D, Freimane Z, Karelis G, Ermina I, Harper LR, Bender C, Zhang P, Angulo FJ, Erber W, Bormane A, Griskevica A, Moïsi JC, Jodar L. Effectiveness of Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccines in Children, Latvia, 2018-2020. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2023; 42:927-931. [PMID: 37406220 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infection by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) with symptoms of central nervous system inflammation. TBE is endemic in Latvia and other parts of Europe. TBE vaccination is recommended for children in Latvia. TBE vaccine effectiveness (VE) was estimated in Latvia, a country with high TBE incidence, providing the first VE estimates against a range of TBEV infection outcomes in children 1-15 years-of-age. METHODS Rīga Stradinš University conducted nationwide surveillance for suspected TBE cases. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid were ELISA tested for TBEV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies. A fully vaccinated child was an individual who had received the 3-dose primary series and appropriately timed boosters. The proportion of laboratory-confirmed TBE cases fully vaccinated (PCV) was determined from interviews and medical records. The proportion of the general population fully vaccinated (PPV) was determined from national surveys conducted in 2019 and 2020. TBE VE in children 1-15 years-of-age was estimated using the screening method: VE = 1 - [PCV/(1 - PCV)/PPV/(1 - PPV)]. RESULTS From 2018 to 2020, surveillance identified 36 TBE cases in children 1-15 years-of-age; all were hospitalized, 5 (13.9%) for >12 days. Of the TBE cases, 94.4% (34/36) were unvaccinated compared with 43.8% of children in the general population. VE against TBE hospitalization in children 1-15 years-of-age was 94.9% (95% confidence interval 63.1-99.3). In 2018-2020, vaccination in children 1-15 years-of-age averted 39 hospitalized TBE cases. CONCLUSION Pediatric TBE vaccines were highly effective in preventing TBE in children. Increasing TBE vaccine uptake in children is essential to maximize the public health impact of TBE vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dace Zavadska
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Rīga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Zane Freimane
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Rīga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Guntis Karelis
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Riga East University Hospital, Rīga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ineta Ermina
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Rīga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Lisa R Harper
- Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Pfizer Vaccines, Collegeville, Pennslyvania
| | - Cody Bender
- Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Pfizer Vaccines, Collegeville, Pennslyvania
| | - Pingping Zhang
- Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Pfizer Vaccines, Collegeville, Pennslyvania
| | - Frederick J Angulo
- Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Pfizer Vaccines, Collegeville, Pennslyvania
| | - Wilhelm Erber
- Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antra Bormane
- Infectious Disease Surveillance and Immunization Unit, Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia
| | | | - Jennifer C Moïsi
- Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Paris, France
| | - Luis Jodar
- Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Pfizer Vaccines, Collegeville, Pennslyvania
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Savicka O, Dusacka D, Zeltmatis R, Nikisins S, Azina I, Ivancenko L, Tolmane I, Rozentale B. Hepatitis A virus subgenotypes in Latvia, 2008-2021. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1462-1470. [PMID: 37531706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Latvia outbreaks of the HAV were observed between 2008 and early 2010 and again in 2017-2018. However, the risks of introducing and spreading infection still exist, as the virus spreads easily when personal hygiene is not followed. METHODS To determine the spread of HAV subgenotypes in the territory of Latvia the VP1/P2A genomic region of HAV was amplified and sequenced for 259 case serum samples. The study carried out a molecular biological investigation and molecular epidemiological investigation. Demographic data (sex, age), disease data (hepatitis symptoms, hospitalization, vaccination) and epidemiology data (part of the outbreak, possible source of infection, recent travel) were collected. Based on the obtained sequences, the phylogenetic tree was built and analyzed for the homology and belonging to different isolated HAV clusters from other countries. RESULTS From the obtained data, it was concluded that HAV subgenotype IA had 13 clusters and 12 sporadic cases, HAV subgenotype IB had eight clusters and 11 sporadic cases, HAV subgenotype IIIA had one cluster and nine sporadic cases. It was found that the sources of infection among the investigated cases were different, they were mostly associated with contact with a patient with HAV, travel, as well as between persons who inject drugs and men who have sex with men, and the prevalence of HAV similar sequences was observed in different years. It was concluded that patients with HAV subgenotype IA had the longest hospitalization duration and averaged 9.3 days, while patients with subgenotype IB - 7.3 days, subgenotype IIIA - 7.7 days. Analyzing the data on vaccination, it was found that mostly all were not vaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. CONCLUSIONS All of this has led to the conclusion that the application of molecular biological methods of the HAV and a careful analysis of epidemiological data can help to better understand the ways of spreading the infection, investigate local outbreaks, detect cases of imported infection and track the recirculation of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Savicka
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Laboratory "Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases", National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Riga, Latvia; Riga Stradins University, Department of Infectology, Latvia.
| | - Diana Dusacka
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Laboratory "Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases", National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Riga, Latvia
| | - Reinis Zeltmatis
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Laboratory "Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases", National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Riga, Latvia
| | - Sergejs Nikisins
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Laboratory "Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases", National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Riga, Latvia
| | - Inga Azina
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, hospital "Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases", Riga, Latvia; Riga Stradins University, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Latvia
| | - Ludmila Ivancenko
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, hospital "Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases", Riga, Latvia
| | - Ieva Tolmane
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, hospital "Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases", Riga, Latvia; University of Latvia, Department of Medicine, Latvia
| | - Baiba Rozentale
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, hospital "Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases", Riga, Latvia; Riga Stradins University, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Latvia
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Jančorienė L, Rozentāle B, Tolmane I, Jēruma A, Salupere R, Buivydienė A, Valantinas J, Kupčinskas L, Šumskienė J, Čiupkevičienė E, Ambrozaitis A, Golubovska O, Moroz L, Flisiak R, Bondar B. Genotype Distribution and Characteristics of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine: The RESPOND-C Study. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:1577. [PMID: 37763696 PMCID: PMC10534763 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Since 2013, highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has become available, with cure rates exceeding 95%. For the choice of optimal CHC treatment, an assessment of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) and liver fibrosis stage is necessary. Information about the distribution of these parameters among CHC patients in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (the Baltic states) and especially in Ukraine is scarce. This study was performed to obtain epidemiologic data regarding CHC GT and fibrosis stage distribution for better planning of resources and prioritization of patients for DAA drug treatment according to disease severity in high-income (the Baltic states) and lower-middle-income (Ukraine) countries. Materials and methods: The retrospective RESPOND-C study included 1451 CHC patients. Demographic and disease information was collected from medical charts for each patient. Results: The most common suspected mode of viral transmission was blood transfusions (17.8%), followed by intravenous substance use (15.7%); however, in 50.9% of patients, the exact mode of transmission was not clarified. In Ukraine (18.4%) and Estonia (26%), transmission by intravenous substance use was higher than in Lithuania (5%) and Latvia (5.3%). Distribution of HCV GT among patients with CHC was as follows: GT1-66.4%; GT3-28.1; and GT2-4.1%. The prevalence of GT1 was the highest in Latvia (84%) and the lowest in Ukraine (63%, p < 0.001). Liver fibrosis stages were distributed as follows: F0-12.2%, F1-26.3%, F2-23.5%, F3-17.1%, and F4-20.9%. Cirrhosis (F4) was more prevalent in Lithuanian patients (30.1%) than in Estonians (8.1%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study contributes to the knowledge of epidemiologic characteristics of HCV infection in the Baltic states and Ukraine. The data regarding the patterns of HCV GT and fibrosis stage distribution will be helpful for the development of national strategies to control HCV infection in the era of DAA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligita Jančorienė
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Dermatovenerology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Vilnius University, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Baiba Rozentāle
- Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ieva Tolmane
- Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
| | - Agita Jēruma
- Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Riina Salupere
- Tartu University Hospital, University of Tartu, EE-50406 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Arida Buivydienė
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephrourology and Surgery, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Centre of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Dietetics, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jonas Valantinas
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephrourology and Surgery, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Centre of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Dietetics, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Limas Kupčinskas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jolanta Šumskienė
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Eglė Čiupkevičienė
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Arvydas Ambrozaitis
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Dermatovenerology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Vilnius University, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Olga Golubovska
- Infectious Disease Department, O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Larysa Moroz
- Department of Infectious Diseases with the Course of Epidemiology, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, 21018 Vinnytsya, Ukraine
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Borys Bondar
- AbbVie Biopharmaceuticals GmbH, 01032 Kyiv, Ukraine
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Kauliņš R, Rudzītis A, Lejnieks A, Kigitoviča D, Skride A. Baseline Clinical Characteristics and Incidence of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Patients in Latvia, 2019-2020. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:1426. [PMID: 37629717 PMCID: PMC10456735 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Background: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare and progressive condition; however, the true characteristics of CTEPH are still unknown, as notable regional variations exist in terms of patients' age, baseline hemodynamic data, and management choices. This report aims to investigate the baseline clinical characteristics, incidence, and risk factors associated with CTEPH patients in Latvia from 2019 to 2020. Methods: The data were analyzed from a prospective, nationwide, Latvian pulmonary hypertension registry for incident CTEPH cases. The patients' clinical characteristics were assessed at the time of diagnosis. Results: During the course of this study, a cohort of 13 patients with CTEPH were included for analysis. Among the enrolled CTEPH patients, most exhibited low exercise and functional capacity, with a median (±IQR) 6 min walk distance of 300.0 (±150.0) m. The median values (±IQR) for mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were 40.0 ± 13.0 mmHg and 7.35 ± 2.82 Wood units, respectively. The most common risk factors for CTEPH were a history of acute pulmonary embolism and a blood group other than O. Conclusions: The findings of this report revealed the characteristics of the Latvian CTEPH population, indicating that a significant proportion of patients are elderly individuals with multiple comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ričards Kauliņš
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1079 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ainārs Rudzītis
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1079 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Rare Diseases, Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Aivars Lejnieks
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1079 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, LV-1079 Riga, Latvia
| | - Dana Kigitoviča
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1079 Riga, Latvia
| | - Andris Skride
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1079 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Rare Diseases, Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
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Gobiņa I, Isajeva L, Spriņģe L, Vrobļevska E, Pelne A, Mārtiņsone U, Lange S. A narrative review of alcohol control policies in Latvia between 1990 and 2020. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:946-959. [PMID: 36974381 PMCID: PMC10897783 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
ISSUES Latvia has one of the highest alcohol per capita consumption in Europe. This study provides a narrative review of all evidence-based population-level alcohol control policies implemented in Latvia during the past 30 years. APPROACH A review of country-level alcohol control policies implemented in Latvia between 1990 and 2020 was conducted. The World Health Organization's "best buys" and other recommended interventions for alcohol control were used to guide the search. KEY FINDINGS Alcohol control policies in Latvia have evolved significantly over the last three decades. The most changes to alcohol control policy occurred in the transitional period between regaining independence in 1991 and joining the European Union in 2004. A number of significant alcohol control policies have been implemented to reduce alcohol availability and affordability, to restrict alcohol marketing and to counter drunk-driving. However, since 2010, when an increasing trend of alcohol consumption was observed, there has been a reluctance to pursue national public health policy actions to reduce alcohol consumption, and few adjustments to legislation to increase alcohol control have been made. IMPLICATIONS Despite the progress in alcohol control, Latvia still has considerable potential for strengthening alcohol control to reduce the high levels of alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION Although several alcohol control policies have been established in Latvia, many of the planned activities to limit alcohol intake and related harm have not been executed. Public health goals rather than political and economic incentives should be prioritised to reduce high levels of alcohol consumption in Latvia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inese Gobiņa
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Laura Isajeva
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Lauma Spriņģe
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Elīna Vrobļevska
- Department of Political Science, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Aija Pelne
- Addiction Monitoring Unit, Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Una Mārtiņsone
- Addiction Monitoring Unit, Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Shannon Lange
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Vaitkevičiūtė J, Gobiņa I, Janik-Koncewicz K, Lange S, Miščikienė L, Petkevičienė J, Radišauskas R, Reile R, Štelemėkas M, Stoppel R, Telksnys T, Tran A, Rehm J, Zatoński WA, Jiang H. Alcohol control policies reduce all-cause mortality in Baltic Countries and Poland between 2001 and 2020. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6326. [PMID: 37072446 PMCID: PMC10112307 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32926-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption in the Baltic countries and Poland is among the highest globally, causing high all-cause mortality rates. Contrary to Poland, the Baltic countries have adopted many alcohol control policies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) "best buys". The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of these policies, which were implemented between 2001 and 2020, on all-cause mortality. Monthly mortality data for men and women aged 20+ years of age in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland were analysed for 2001 to 2020. A total of 19 alcohol control policies, fulfilling an a-priori defined definition, were implemented between 2001 and 2020 in the countries of interest, and 18 of them could be tested. Interrupted time-series analyses were conducted by employing a generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) for men and women separately. The age-standardized all-cause mortality rate was lowest in Poland and highest in Latvia and had decreased in all countries over the time period. Taxation increases and availability restrictions had short-term effects in all countries, on average reducing the age-standardized all-cause mortality rate among men significantly (a reduction of 2.31% (95% CI 0.71%, 3.93%; p = 0.0045)). All-cause mortality rates among women were not significantly reduced (a reduction of 1.09% (95% CI - 0.02%, 2.20%; p = 0.0554)). In conclusion, the alcohol control policies implemented between 2001 and 2020 reduced all-cause mortality among men 20+ years of age in Baltic countries and Poland, and thus, the practice should be continued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justina Vaitkevičiūtė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Inese Gobiņa
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Riga Stradiņš University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, Riga, 1010, Latvia
- Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradiņš University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, Riga, 1010, Latvia
| | - Kinga Janik-Koncewicz
- European Observatory of Health Inequalities, Calisia University, Nowy Swiat 4, 62-800, Kalisz, Poland
- Health Promotion Foundation, Mszczonowska 51, 05-830, Nadarzyn, Poland
| | - Shannon Lange
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8th floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Laura Miščikienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Health Management, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Janina Petkevičienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ričardas Radišauskas
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 15, 50162, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rainer Reile
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Institute for Health Development, Hiiu 42, 11619, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Mindaugas Štelemėkas
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Relika Stoppel
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Economics, University of Potsdam, August-Bebel-Straße 89, 14482, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tadas Telksnys
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alexander Tran
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8th floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1P8, Canada
- World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization Collaborating Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Longitudinal Studies (CELOS), Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Room 2374, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Program on Substance Abuse, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Program on Substance Abuse & designated WHO CC, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, 81-95 Roc Boronat St., 08005, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Witold A Zatoński
- European Observatory of Health Inequalities, Calisia University, Nowy Swiat 4, 62-800, Kalisz, Poland
- Health Promotion Foundation, Mszczonowska 51, 05-830, Nadarzyn, Poland
| | - Huan Jiang
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1P8, Canada
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Sapronova K, Kaķe R, Pavāre J, Grāvele D, Šēla I, Ērgle E, Isarova D, Grīnberga Z, Zavadska D. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among children in Latvia: A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32795. [PMID: 36820593 PMCID: PMC9907906 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major global health concern. In contrast to adults, the course of the disease has been observed to be mild or even asymptomatic in children. It is therefore both clinically and epidemiologically important to measure the seroprevalence in children and adolescents to discern the overall morbidity of the disease and to compare these findings with similar data collected globally. We conducted a cross-sectional study between March and July of 2022 at the Children Clinical University Hospital in Riga, Latvia, to evaluate the seroprevalence of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Participants aged 0 to 18 years were enrolled during hospitalization for reasons other than COVID-19. The levels of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and nucleocapsid antibodies were measured in blood samples. The possibility of transplacental antibody transport was evaluated by directly interviewing the mothers of participants aged 18 months and younger. Various demographic and epidemiological risk factors and their association with seroprevalence were analyzed. Positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibodies were designated the main criterion for seropositivity. Of 200 enrolled children, 173 were found to be seropositive, resulting in an overall seroprevalence of 86.5%. The highest seroprevalence was detected in children and adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. With the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, the seroprevalence in children has increased significantly. We found that almost 1-third of seropositive children in our study population were unaware of being previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 due to an asymptomatic course of the disease. Our study findings pertaining to high seropositivity among children and adolescents might be beneficial for public authorities to adapt epidemiological strategies and prevention measures. The high seroprevalence rate reported here and in many other populations around the world suggests that COVID-19 will likely become one of the many seasonal viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista Sapronova
- Riga Stradins University and Children Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
- * Correspondence: Krista Sapronova, Riga Stradins University and Children Clinical University Hospital, Vienības gatve 45, Riga LV-1004, Latvia (e-mail: )
| | - Rūta Kaķe
- Children’s Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jana Pavāre
- Children Clinical University Hospital and Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Dagne Grāvele
- Children’s Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ivita Šēla
- Children Clinical University Hospital and Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Estere Ērgle
- Children’s Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Dana Isarova
- Children Clinical University Hospital and Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Dace Zavadska
- Children Clinical University Hospital and Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
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Kigitovica D, Rusa E, Rudzitis A, Skride A. Pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension incidence in Latvia in 2021 according to the new definition. Eur J Intern Med 2022; 106:152-153. [PMID: 36050259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Kigitovica
- Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Str., Riga, LV 007, Latvia; Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu Str., Riga, LV 1012, Latvia
| | - Elina Rusa
- Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Str., Riga, LV 007, Latvia
| | - Ainars Rudzitis
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu Str., Riga, LV 1012, Latvia
| | - Andris Skride
- Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Str., Riga, LV 007, Latvia; Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu Str., Riga, LV 1012, Latvia.
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13
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Šāberte L, Palkova K. Administrative Liability for Vaccination with an Age-Inappropriate SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: Latvian Experience. Eur J Health Law 2022; 30:449-468. [PMID: 37582526 DOI: 10.1163/15718093-bja10103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The duty of ensuring epidemiological safety, including the duty to ensure vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 to people, is included in the framework of the national constitutional rights. The healthcare institutions providing vaccination and medical practitioners performing vaccination are one of the key assets of the national health care system, to whom the duty in the field of public health and protection of lives that is a part of human rights have been delegated. Violation of the epidemiological safety requirements in the Republic of Latvia, if it may cause a risk to human health, is subject to a fine. In this study, the authors have analysed the administrative offence cases, in which administrative liability has been imposed on medical institutions for performing vaccination with age-inappropriate vaccine, explain separation of administrative liability from criminal liability in such cases, reveal compensation mechanisms in the event of consequences, when inappropriate vaccination has caused harm to persons' life or health. The results of the research show that no appropriate security measures have been introduced in the medical institutions to prevent or avoid administrative offences in particular cases, as the result medical institutions were subject to first-time application of administrative liability. Besides, there are lack sufficiently secure system for the examination and registration of patients in the medical institutions. The minor patients were unsecured and have been vaccinated with an inappropriate vaccine, because a specific (non appropriate) vaccine has been requested by the minors' parents or the minors themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Šāberte
- Faculty of Law, Riga Stradins University 87255 Rīga Latvia
| | - Karina Palkova
- Faculty of Law, Riga Stradins University 87255 Rīga Latvia
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14
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Lakiša S, Matisāne L, Gobiņa I, Orru H, Vanadziņš I. Sickness Presenteeism among Employees Having Workplace Conflicts-Results from Pooled Analyses in Latvia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:10525. [PMID: 36078240 PMCID: PMC9517808 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The study's objective was to investigate the associations between workplace conflicts and self-reported sickness presenteeism defined as going to work while being ill. Cross-sectional survey data pooled from four national surveys in years 2006, 2010, 2013 and 2018 with a study sample of 6368 employees (mean age 42.9 years and 52.9% females) were used. Respondents were randomly drawn from different regions and industries; therefore, the sample is representative of the working population of Latvia. The computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) method was used to collect data at respondents' places of residence. The associations between conflicts in the workplace and presenteeism were analyzed by using binomial logistic regression and calculated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted (aOR) for gender, age, education, and survey year. On average, 11% of respondents reported sickness presenteeism during the last year. The odds of presenteeism significantly increased for all types of workplace conflicts, but most for conflicts with managers (OR = 2.84). The odds of presenteeism doubled for those reporting conflicts with other employees (OR = 2.19) and conflicts with customers (OR = 1.85). The odds of sickness presenteeism were significantly higher if the workplace conflicts occurred often (seven times for conflicts between managers and employees, and four times for conflicts with customers) and with other employees. Presenteeism frequency increased more than three times if respondents had more than two types of conflict at work. The results of this study show that having any type of conflict in the workplace significantly increases the frequency of sickness presenteeism, especially when conflicts are frequent or an employee has more types of conflicts in the workplace. The study results justify the need to implement targeted and effective workplace conflict management measures at the organizational level to decrease sickness presenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Lakiša
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Linda Matisāne
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Inese Gobiņa
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Rīga Stradiņš University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, LV-1010 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Hans Orru
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ivars Vanadziņš
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia
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Tomsone LE, Perkons I, Sukajeva V, Neilands R, Kokina K, Bartkevics V, Pugajeva I. Consumption trends of pharmaceuticals and psychoactive drugs in Latvia determined by the analysis of wastewater. Water Res 2022; 221:118800. [PMID: 35810631 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) was applied to evaluate seasonal variations of the consumption of pharmaceuticals (i.e. antibiotics, NSAIDs, antiepileptics, antihypertensives and others), caffeine, alcohol and nicotine in Latvia throughout 2021. In addition, weekly variation of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol consumption was investigated. Pronounced seasonality was observed in the consumption of antibiotics and decongestants, as well as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Correlation with COVID-19 statistics was observed in the case of macrolide antibiotics and antiasthmatic salbutamol. Comparison of the estimated consumption values obtained using the WBE approach and the statistics revealed that the majority of compounds data are in good agreement except angiotensin II receptor blocker group antihypertensives where the most overestimated consumption values were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Elina Tomsone
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes Street 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia.
| | - Ingus Perkons
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes Street 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia
| | - Veronika Sukajeva
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes Street 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia
| | - Romans Neilands
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Water Engineering and Technology, Riga Technical University, Kipsalas Street 6B, Riga LV-1048, Latvia; Riga Water Ltd, Dzintara Street 60, Riga, Latvia LV-1016, Latvia
| | - Kristina Kokina
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes Street 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia; Faculty of Civil Engineering, Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Riga Technical University, Paula Valdena Street 1, Riga LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Vadims Bartkevics
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes Street 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia
| | - Iveta Pugajeva
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes Street 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia
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Meidrops K, Osipovs JD, Zuravlova A, Groma V, Kalejs M, Petrosina E, Leibuss R, Strike E, Dumpis U, Erglis A, Stradins P. Risk factors associated with mortality in the infective endocarditis patients requiring cardiac surgery: a study based on Latvian population. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2022; 63:507-513. [PMID: 35343659 DOI: 10.23736/s0021-9509.22.12092-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased life expectancy, developments in medicine and intracardiac devices, accessibility of cardiac surgery, decrease in the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease are changing infective endocarditis patient profile and thus risk factors for the adverse events. This single-center-based study covering the whole Latvian population aimed to assess the intrahospital and 3-year mortality of infective endocarditis patients who underwent cardiac surgery, as well as risk factors and laboratory indices predictive of adverse outcomes of the disease. METHODS Clinical profiles, data of laboratory and instrumental analyses, operation and intensive care unit records of cardiac surgery patients treated in Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia, between 2015 and 2019 were analyzed. RESULTS We analyzed data from 242 episodes of surgically treated infective endocarditis in 233 patients. The median age of patients was 57.00 (45.00-68.00) years. The rate of intrahospital mortality was 11.16%. Risk factors associated with mortality in the univariate analyses were S. aureus infection (HR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.36-3.80; P=0.002) and systemic embolization of vegetations (HR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.00-2.64; P=0.048). Perivalvular complications (HR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.19-3.29; P=0.009) were found to be independently associated with mortality in multivariate analysis (HR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.05-3.78; P=0.035). One-year survival was 78.3%, whereas three-year -71.3%. CONCLUSIONS Intrahospital mortality of surgically treated IE patients was 11.2%; however, one- and three-year mortality was 21.7 and 28.7%, respectively. Perivalvular complications were independently associated with mortality. Laboratory indices were not predictive of adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristians Meidrops
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia -
- Center of Cardiac Surgery, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia -
| | | | | | | | - Martins Kalejs
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Center of Cardiac Surgery, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Eva Petrosina
- Unit of Statistics, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- UL House of Science, Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Optometry, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Roberts Leibuss
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Cardiovascular Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Eva Strike
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Cardiovascular Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Uga Dumpis
- Department of Infection Control, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Andrejs Erglis
- Latvian Center of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
- UL House of Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Peteris Stradins
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Center of Cardiac Surgery, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
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17
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Rezgale R, Pudule I, Cauce V, Klaramunta Antila K, Bule V, Lazdane G, Rezeberga D, Meija L. Iron Status in Pregnant Women in Latvia: An Epidemiological, Cross-Sectional, Multicenter Study According to WHO and UK Criteria. Medicina (Kaunas) 2022; 58:medicina58070955. [PMID: 35888674 PMCID: PMC9321800 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: During pregnancy, iron deficiency anaemia is a common problem associated with health risks for both the mother and her foetus/infant. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia, and related dietary patterns in pregnant women in Latvia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, multicentre study included pregnancy data from 974 women. The sample selection was based on the stratification principle (population of women of childbearing age in regions of Latvia). Maternal demographic details, anthropometric measurements, iron status, dietary patterns, and supplementation information were obtained from maternal files and during interviews held in eight outpatient departments of medical institutions and maternity departments. The prevalence was assessed. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to identify associations between iron deficiency and sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and iron supplement intake during pregnancy. The criterion used for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia is a Hb level <110 g/L in the 1st and 3rd trimesters and <105 g/L during the 2nd trimester as recommended by the WHO. However, the UK guideline was used for borderline iron deficiency, which is an SF level <30 μg/L in all trimesters. Results: The observed prevalence of anaemia was 2.8% in the first trimester, 7.9% in the second trimester, and 27.0% in the third trimester. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 46.7% in the first trimester, 78.1% in the second trimester, and 91.7% in the third trimester. No associations with dietary patterns were found. Single women had 1.85 times the odds (95% CI 1.07 to 3.18) of being anaemic than married women. Conclusions: Iron deficiency affects a large proportion of pregnant women in Latvia in all trimesters, with iron deficiency anaemia affecting pregnant women in the third trimester. Monitoring and intervention should be performed in a timely and more targeted manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rezgale
- Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia; (R.R.); (V.C.); (K.K.A.); (V.B.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Iveta Pudule
- Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, 22 Duntes Street, LV-1005 Rīga, Latvia;
| | - Vinita Cauce
- Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia; (R.R.); (V.C.); (K.K.A.); (V.B.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Kristine Klaramunta Antila
- Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia; (R.R.); (V.C.); (K.K.A.); (V.B.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Violeta Bule
- Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia; (R.R.); (V.C.); (K.K.A.); (V.B.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, 2 Hipokrāta Street, LV-1038 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Gunta Lazdane
- Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia; (R.R.); (V.C.); (K.K.A.); (V.B.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Dace Rezeberga
- Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia; (R.R.); (V.C.); (K.K.A.); (V.B.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
- Riga Maternity Hospital, 45 Miera Street, LV-1013 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Laila Meija
- Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia; (R.R.); (V.C.); (K.K.A.); (V.B.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsoņu Street, LV-1002 Rīga, Latvia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +371-294-081-99
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Vrublevska J, Perepjolkina V, Martinsone K, Kolesnikova J, Krone I, Smirnova D, Fountoulakis KN, Rancans E. Determinants of Anxiety in the General Latvian Population During the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Front Public Health 2022; 10:854812. [PMID: 35769784 PMCID: PMC9236180 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.854812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictive public health measures have seriously affected mental health of society. Social, psychological, and health-related factors have been linked to anxiety in the general population.AimWe investigate the association of various sociopsychological and health-related determinants of anxiety and identify the predicting factors for anxiety in the general population during the COVID-19 state of emergency from in Latvia.MethodsWe conducted an online survey using a randomized stratified sample of the general adult population in July 2020 for 3 weeks. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S). Sociodemographic, health-related, sociopsychological characteristics and suicidality were identified using the structured questionnaire. The statistical analysis included Pearson's chi-square test, post hoc analysis, and binomial logistic regression.ResultsThe weighted study sample included 2,608 participants. The mean STAY-S score of the total sample was 22.88 ± 12.25. In the total sample, 15.2% (n = 398) of participants were classified as having anxiety. The odds ratio (OR) of having anxiety was higher in females (OR = 2.44; 95% CI 1.75–3.33) and people who had experienced mental health problems in the past (OR = 1.45; 95% CI 1.03–2.04), had suicide attempt in the past (OR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.08–2.59), were worried about their health status due to COVID-19 (OR = 1.64; 95% CI 1.36–1.16), were worried about stigmatization from others if infected with COVID-19 (OR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.03–1.35), were worried about information regarding COVID-19 from the Internet (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.08–1.43), persons who were lonely (OR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.54–2.34), and persons with negative problem orientation (OR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.06–1.51). Protective factors were identified as having good self-rated general health (OR = 0.68, 95 % CI 0.58–0.81), maintaining a daily routine (OR = 0.74, 95 % CI 0.61–0.90), having financial stability (OR = 0.66, 95 % CI 0.55–0.79), and having good psychological resilience (OR = 0.90, 95 % CI 0.87–0.94).ConclusionsThis is the first study to report a prevalence of anxiety in the general population of Latvia. Certain factors that predict anxiety, as well as protective factors were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Vrublevska
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- *Correspondence: Jelena Vrublevska
| | | | - Kristine Martinsone
- Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jelena Kolesnikova
- Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilona Krone
- Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Daria Smirnova
- International Centre for Education and Research in Neuropsychiatry (ICERN), Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
- Department of Psychiatry, Narcology, Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology, Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
| | | | - Elmars Rancans
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
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Gudra D, Dejus S, Bartkevics V, Roga A, Kalnina I, Strods M, Rayan A, Kokina K, Zajakina A, Dumpis U, Ikkere LE, Arhipova I, Berzins G, Erglis A, Binde J, Ansonska E, Berzins A, Juhna T, Fridmanis D. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater and importance of population size assessment in smaller cities: An exploratory case study from two municipalities in Latvia. Sci Total Environ 2022; 823:153775. [PMID: 35151738 PMCID: PMC8830921 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has regained global importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mobility of people and other factors, such as precipitation and irregular inflow of industrial wastewater, are complicating the estimation of the disease prevalence through WBE, which is crucial for proper crisis management. These estimations are particularly challenging in urban areas with moderate or low numbers of inhabitants in situations where movement restrictions are not adopted (as in the case of Latvia) because residents of smaller municipalities tend to be more mobile and less strict in following the rules and measures of disease containment. Thus, population movement can influence the outcome of WBE measurements significantly and may not reflect the actual epidemiological situation in the respective area. Here, we demonstrate that by combining the data of detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA copy number, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) analyses in wastewater and mobile call detail records it was possible to provide an accurate assessment of the COVID-19 epidemiological situation in towns that are small (COVID-19 28-day cumulative incidence r = 0.609 and 35-day cumulative incidence r = 0.89, p < 0.05) and medium-sized towns (COVID-19 21-day cumulative incidence r = 0.997, 28-day cumulative incidence r = 0.98 and 35-day cumulative incidence r = 0.997, p < 0.05). This is the first study demonstrating WBE for monitoring COVID-19 outbreaks in Latvia. We demonstrate that the application of population size estimation measurements such as total 5-HIAA and call detail record data improve the accuracy of the WBE approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dita Gudra
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Sandis Dejus
- Riga Technical University, Laboratory of Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology, Kipsalas iela 6a/6b, Riga LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Vadims Bartkevics
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Lejupes iela 3, Riga LV-1067, Latvia.
| | - Ance Roga
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Ineta Kalnina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Martins Strods
- Riga Technical University, Laboratory of Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology, Kipsalas iela 6a/6b, Riga LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Anton Rayan
- Riga Technical University, Laboratory of Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology, Kipsalas iela 6a/6b, Riga LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Kristina Kokina
- Riga Technical University, Laboratory of Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology, Kipsalas iela 6a/6b, Riga LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Anna Zajakina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Uga Dumpis
- University of Latvia, Aspazijas bulvaris 5, Riga LV-1050, Latvia
| | - Laura Elina Ikkere
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Lejupes iela 3, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Irina Arhipova
- Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Liela iela 2, Jelgava LV-3001, Latvia
| | - Gundars Berzins
- University of Latvia, Aspazijas bulvaris 5, Riga LV-1050, Latvia
| | - Aldis Erglis
- University of Latvia, Aspazijas bulvaris 5, Riga LV-1050, Latvia
| | - Juris Binde
- LLC "Latvian Mobile Telephone", Ropazu iela 6, Riga LV-1039, Latvia
| | - Evija Ansonska
- University of Latvia, Aspazijas bulvaris 5, Riga LV-1050, Latvia
| | - Aivars Berzins
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Lejupes iela 3, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Talis Juhna
- Riga Technical University, Laboratory of Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology, Kipsalas iela 6a/6b, Riga LV-1048, Latvia.
| | - Davids Fridmanis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia.
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Kaluznaja D, Reste J, Vanadzins I, Lakisa S, Eglite M. Pain Among Latvian Workers: General Prevalence vs. Registered Occupational Diseases. Front Public Health 2022; 10:844525. [PMID: 35570957 PMCID: PMC9099089 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.844525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The problem of painful and disabling work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is increasing in many employment sectors of Latvia. Official statistics may underestimate the proportion of affected employees, causing delays in preventive interventions, ineffective rehabilitation, and a reduction of the workforce. This study investigated the prevalence of painful health conditions among Latvian workers by analyzing survey data and comparing these to official statistics on registered occupational diseases (ODs). A total of 2,446 workers participated in the state-level “Work conditions and risks in Latvia, 2017–2018” survey that included questions about pain lasting longer than 3 days during the previous year. The frequency of subjective reports on the presence, severity, and location of pain and related behaviors was assessed in relation to sex, age, education, and job position. Descriptive statistics and cross tabulation with the chi-squared test as well as multinomial logistic regression were applied to the data. Overall, 27.7% of respondents (n = 678) reported experiencing pain, predominantly in the lower back (14.3%) and mostly moderate (47.1%) or severe (45.1%). Only one-fifth of respondents (20.5%) took sick leave from work and one-third (29.0%) did not take action to alleviate their pain. Participants aged 55–74 years had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) for pain in at least one body region—including hands and legs—than those aged 18–24 years. Women had significantly higher odds of headache (OR = 2.55) and neck pain (OR = 1.85) than men. Respondents with a primary or elementary education level had higher odds of pain in at least one body region (OR = 1.60) and in the lower back (OR = 1.86), while those with secondary education had higher odds of pain in hands (OR = 1.51) than employees with higher education. Unskilled workers had significantly higher odds of pain in hands (OR = 2.42) and legs (OR = 2.12) than directors. Official data revealed a dramatic increase in the proportion of MSDs and related disabilities in the last decade, reaching 75.5% of all first registered ODs in 2019. These results demonstrate a high prevalence of painful conditions among Latvian employees; urgent attention to diagnostics, treatment, and prevention is needed to ensure the musculoskeletal health and productivity of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darja Kaluznaja
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Riga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jelena Reste
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Riga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Riga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
- *Correspondence: Jelena Reste
| | - Ivars Vanadzins
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Riga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Svetlana Lakisa
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Riga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Maija Eglite
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Riga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
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Šteinbuka I, Austers A, Barānovs O, Malnačs N. COVID-19 Lessons and Post-pandemic Recovery: A Case of Latvia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:866639. [PMID: 35462839 PMCID: PMC9021441 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.866639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The decision of EU and the response of the national governments to COVID-19 crisis provide the basis for returning “back to normal”. A key challenge is the transition to economic recovery in the presence of the ongoing COVID-19 risk. Adequate policy mix and forward-looking actions of the public institutions are crucial to mitigate the devastating impact of the crisis and to preserve growth. Governments need to facilitate positive changes in the labor market, adjust the macroeconomic and fiscal regimes, and mitigate the post-crisis “fatigue” of societies. The turmoil of the EU economy is symmetrical, as the pandemic has affected all EU Member States, but the impact of the pandemic varies considerably from one country to another, as does their ability to absorb the economic crisis. Also, variation in the vaccination performance is partly due to different institutional characteristics across countries. Small countries are more vulnerable to external economic shocks; however, they can increase their resilience by efficient governance and social response. Extraordinary pandemic crisis can be seen as a stress test for the small and open Latvian economy, and it is worth analyzing the lessons that Latvia had learned and its future prospects. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the economic and social consequences of the ongoing crisis in Latvia, assess the effectiveness of the response of the government to the crisis, analyse people's perceptions, and to identify the future scenarios. The authors applied a special theoretical framework for the assessment of the effectiveness of institutions. Institutional analysis of crises response by the Latvian government reveals that the government managed to avoid serious functional disruptions; however, it failed to show convincing ability to learn by doing. The authors also provide a comprehensive analysis of the macroeconomic trends of the “COVID-sick” Latvian economy and conclude that future-oriented solutions relate to international competitiveness and that the key factor of competitiveness is a productivity renaissance. The pandemic crisis has fostered the state support for healthcare, which in Latvia for decades has been underfinanced. The right choice of fiscal instruments is crucial to accelerate the economic recovery and better healthcare. Research is based on the macroeconomic assessment and survey-based analysis. The comparison of statistically justified findings with the public perception helps formulate conclusions on the future scenarios and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Šteinbuka
- Productivity Research Institute, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- *Correspondence: Inna Šteinbuka
| | - Aldis Austers
- European Policy Research Institute, Latvian Academy of Sciences, Riga, Latvia
| | - Oļegs Barānovs
- European Policy Research Institute, Latvian Academy of Sciences, Riga, Latvia
| | - Normunds Malnačs
- European Policy Research Institute, Latvian Academy of Sciences, Riga, Latvia
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22
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Webb E, Winkelmann J, Scarpetti G, Behmane D, Habicht T, Kahur K, Kasekamp K, Köhler K, Miščikienė L, Misins J, Reinap M, Slapšinskaitė-Dackevičienė A, Võrk A, Karanikolos M. Lessons learned from the Baltic countries’ response to the first wave of COVID-19. Health Policy 2021; 126:438-445. [PMID: 35101287 PMCID: PMC8667424 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erin Webb
- Department of Healthcare Management, Berlin University of Technology, Germany; European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Department of Health Care Management, Berlin University of Technology, Germany.
| | - Juliane Winkelmann
- Department of Healthcare Management, Berlin University of Technology, Germany; European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Department of Health Care Management, Berlin University of Technology, Germany
| | - Giada Scarpetti
- Department of Healthcare Management, Berlin University of Technology, Germany; European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Department of Health Care Management, Berlin University of Technology, Germany
| | | | - Triin Habicht
- WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Strengthening, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Laura Miščikienė
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Health Research Institute, Lithuania
| | - Janis Misins
- Riga Stradins University, Latvia; University of Latvia, Latvia
| | | | | | - Andres Võrk
- University of Tartu, Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, Estonia
| | - Marina Karanikolos
- European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Matisāne L, Paegle L, Akūlova L, Vanadziņš I. Challenges for Workplace Risk Assessment in Home Offices-Results from a Qualitative Descriptive Study on Working Life during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Latvia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph182010876. [PMID: 34682621 PMCID: PMC8535765 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have raised legal and practical questions related to the provision of workplace risk assessment in home offices of teleworkers. The objective of this qualitative study was to analyze practical experience of employers and occupational safety and health experts performing workplace risk assessment in Latvia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings suggest that employers have not sufficiently implemented their legal obligations related to workplace risk assessment which can result in an increased number of physical and mental health problems of teleworkers in the short term and in the future. Work from home has shown how different working conditions can be for the same type of work (office work); therefore, the promotion of personalized workplace risk assessment should be encouraged. Even if virtual workplace visits using photos and videos are not the traditional way the workplace risk assessment should be done, it is effective; workers who report that their employers assessed their working conditions report fewer health effects. The experience of workers in participation in workplace risk assessment for telework might change the level and role of worker participation in the management of health and safety hazards at work in general.
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Renemane L, Kivite-Urtane A, Rancans E. Suicidality and Its Relation with Physical and Mental Conditions: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study of the Nationwide Primary Care Population Sample in Latvia. Medicina (Kaunas) 2021; 57:970. [PMID: 34577893 PMCID: PMC8472357 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57090970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Physical and mental conditions are important risk factors for suicidality. However, there is no clear understanding of these relationships and the effect of co-occurrence on suicidality. We aimed to investigate the associations between current suicidality and mental disorders, physical conditions, and health-related factors in the nationwide primary care population in Latvia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed within the framework of the National Research Program BIOMEDICINE 2014-2017 at 24 primary care settings across Latvia in 2015. Adult patients were evaluated over one week at each facility. Socio-demographic variables, physical condition, and health-related factors were assessed on-site by trained psychiatrists. Mental disorders and suicidality were determined using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and assessments were conducted over the telephone within two weeks after the visit to the general practitioner. Results: Of the 1485 cases, 18.6% reported suicidality. Only current depression, any anxiety disorder, any alcohol use disorder, and physical-mental multimorbidity were significantly associated with suicidality in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Gastrointestinal diseases were associated with current depression alone (odds ratio (OR) 10.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.34-45.76) and comorbid depression with any anxiety disorder (OR 7.55; 95% CI 2.15-26.49) among persons with current suicidality. Conclusions: Screening for depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders regularly among patients with physical illness may be important to help recognise suicidality in primary care that could improve the quality of life of patients and prevent suicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubova Renemane
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga Stradins University, Tvaika Street 2, LV-1005 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Anda Kivite-Urtane
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Elmars Rancans
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga Stradins University, Tvaika Street 2, LV-1005 Riga, Latvia;
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Kudre D, Vorobjov S, Ringmets I, Pärna K. Adolescent alcohol use in Estonia compared with Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Sweden: results from cross-sectional surveys, 2003-2015. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044889. [PMID: 34526330 PMCID: PMC8444245 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of the study were (1) to describe trends in the prevalence of monthly alcohol use from 2003 to 2015 and (2) to analyse the associations between alcohol use and family-related and school-related factors, risk behaviours and perceived alcohol availability in Estonia compared with Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Sweden. METHODS The study used nationally representative data of 15-16-year-old adolescents from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Data from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Sweden collected in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 were utilised (n=57 779). The prevalence of monthly alcohol use including light and strong alcohol use was calculated for each study year. A χ2 test for trend was used to evaluate statistically significant changes in alcohol use over the study period. A multilevel logistic regression analysis was used for assessing the association between alcohol use and explanatory factors. Marginal ORs with 95% CIs for each country were calculated. RESULTS Monthly alcohol use decreased significantly among boys and girls in all countries from 2003 to 2015. In 2015, the prevalence of monthly alcohol use among boys was 36.1% in Estonia, 44.3% in Latvia, 32.4% in Lithuania, 32.3% in Finland and 22.4% in Sweden. Among girls, it was 39.1%, 45.9%, 35.6%, 31.8% and 29.1%, respectively. In all countries, higher odds of monthly alcohol use were observed among adolescents who skipped school, smoked cigarettes, used cannabis, perceived alcohol to be easy to access and had parents who did not know always/often about their child's whereabouts on Saturday nights. Compared with Estonia, associations between alcohol use and explanatory factors were similar in Latvia and Lithuania but different in Finland and Sweden. CONCLUSION Results of cross-national comparison of alcohol use and explanatory factors could be effectively used to further decrease alcohol use among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Kudre
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sigrid Vorobjov
- The Department of Drug and Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Inge Ringmets
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kersti Pärna
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Hurley KJ, Mansfield C, VanHoutan IM, Lacorcia L, Allenspach K, Hebbard G, Marks SL, Poppenga R, Kaufman JH, Weimer BC, Woolard KD, Bielitzki J, Lulham D, Naar J. A comparative analysis of two unrelated outbreaks in Latvia and Australia of acquired idiopathic megaesophagus in dogs fed two brands of commercial dry dog foods: 398 cases (2014-2018). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 259:172-183. [PMID: 34227867 DOI: 10.2460/javma.259.2.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION In Latvia in 2014, acquired idiopathic megaesophagus (AIME) was observed in increased numbers of dogs that consumed varieties of 1 brand of dog food. Within 2 years, 253 dogs were affected. In Australia in November 2017, 6 working dogs that consumed 1 diet of another brand of dog food developed AIME. In total, 145 Australian dogs were affected. CLINICAL FINDINGS AIME was diagnosed predominantly in large-breed male dogs (> 25 kg [55 lb]). Regurgitation, weight loss, and occasionally signs consistent with aspiration pneumonia (coughing, dyspnea, or fever) were noted. Most Latvian dogs had mild to severe peripheral polyneuropathies as evidenced by laryngeal paralysis, dysphonia, weakness, and histopathologic findings consistent with distal axonopathy. In Australian dogs, peripheral polyneuropathies were not identified, and histopathologic findings suggested that the innervation of the esophagus and pharynx was disrupted locally, although limited samples were available. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Investigations in both countries included clinical, epidemiological, neuropathologic, and case-control studies. Strong associations between the dog foods and the presence of AIME were confirmed; however, toxicological analyses did not identify a root cause. In Latvia, the implicated dietary ingredients and formulations were unknown, whereas in Australia, extensive investigations were conducted into the food, its ingredients, the supply chain, and the manufacturing facilities, but a cause was not identified. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A panel of international multidisciplinary experts concluded that the cause of AIME in both outbreaks was likely multifactorial, with the possibility of individualized sensitivities. Without a sentinel group, the outbreak in Australia may not have been recognized for months to years, as happened in Latvia. A better surveillance system for early identification of pet illnesses, including those associated with pet foods, is needed.
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Mohanraj U, Jokinen M, Thapa RR, Paloniemi M, Vesikari T, Lappalainen M, Tarkka E, Nora-Krūkle Z, Vilmane A, Vettenranta K, Mangani C, Oikarinen S, Fan YM, Ashorn P, Väisänen E, Söderlund-Venermo M. Human Protoparvovirus DNA and IgG in Children and Adults with and without Respiratory or Gastrointestinal Infections. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030483. [PMID: 33804173 PMCID: PMC7999311 DOI: 10.3390/v13030483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Three human protoparvoviruses, bufavirus (BuV), tusavirus (TuV) and cutavirus (CuV), have recently been discovered in diarrheal stool. BuV has been associated with diarrhea and CuV with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, but there are hardly any data for TuV or CuV in stool or respiratory samples. Hence, using qPCR and IgG enzyme immunoassays, we analyzed 1072 stool, 316 respiratory and 445 serum or plasma samples from 1098 patients with and without gastroenteritis (GE) or respiratory-tract infections (RTI) from Finland, Latvia and Malawi. The overall CuV-DNA prevalences in stool samples ranged between 0-6.1% among our six patient cohorts. In Finland, CuV DNA was significantly more prevalent in GE patients above rather than below 60 years of age (5.1% vs 0.2%). CuV DNA was more prevalent in stools among Latvian and Malawian children compared with Finnish children. In 10/11 CuV DNA-positive adults and 4/6 CuV DNA-positive children with GE, no known causal pathogens were detected. Interestingly, for the first time, CuV DNA was observed in two nasopharyngeal aspirates from children with RTI and the rare TuV in diarrheal stools of two adults. Our results provide new insights on the occurrence of human protoparvoviruses in GE and RTI in different countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ushanandini Mohanraj
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (M.J.); (R.R.T.); (E.V.); (M.S.-V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-469505437
| | - Maija Jokinen
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (M.J.); (R.R.T.); (E.V.); (M.S.-V.)
| | - Rajita Rayamajhi Thapa
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (M.J.); (R.R.T.); (E.V.); (M.S.-V.)
| | - Minna Paloniemi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (M.P.); (S.O.); (Y.-M.F.); (P.A.)
| | | | - Maija Lappalainen
- Helsinki University Hospital Laboratory (HUSLAB), 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (M.L.); (E.T.)
| | - Eveliina Tarkka
- Helsinki University Hospital Laboratory (HUSLAB), 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (M.L.); (E.T.)
| | - Zaiga Nora-Krūkle
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Rīga Stradiņš University, 1067 Riga, Latvia; (Z.N.-K.); (A.V.)
| | - Anda Vilmane
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Rīga Stradiņš University, 1067 Riga, Latvia; (Z.N.-K.); (A.V.)
| | | | - Charles Mangani
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre 3, Malawi;
| | - Sami Oikarinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (M.P.); (S.O.); (Y.-M.F.); (P.A.)
| | - Yue-Mei Fan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (M.P.); (S.O.); (Y.-M.F.); (P.A.)
| | - Per Ashorn
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (M.P.); (S.O.); (Y.-M.F.); (P.A.)
| | - Elina Väisänen
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (M.J.); (R.R.T.); (E.V.); (M.S.-V.)
| | - Maria Söderlund-Venermo
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (M.J.); (R.R.T.); (E.V.); (M.S.-V.)
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Kazarina A, Petersone-Gordina E, Kimsis J, Kuzmicka J, Zayakin P, Griškjans Ž, Gerhards G, Ranka R. The Postmedieval Latvian Oral Microbiome in the Context of Modern Dental Calculus and Modern Dental Plaque Microbial Profiles. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020309. [PMID: 33671794 PMCID: PMC7927102 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advantages in paleomicrobiology have provided an opportunity to investigate the composition of ancient microbial ecologies. Here, using metagenome analysis, we investigated the microbial profiles of historic dental calculus retrieved from archaeological human remains from postmedieval Latvia dated 16–17th century AD and examined the associations of oral taxa and microbial diversity with specific characteristics. We evaluated the preservation of human oral microbiome patterns in historic samples and compared the microbial composition of historic dental calculus, modern human dental plaque, modern human dental calculus samples and burial soil microbiota. Overall, the results showed that the majority of microbial DNA in historic dental calculus originated from the oral microbiome with little impact of the burial environment. Good preservation of ancient DNA in historical dental calculus samples has provided reliable insight into the composition of the oral microbiome of postmedieval Latvian individuals. The relative stability of the classifiable oral microbiome composition was observed. Significant differences between the microbiome profiles of dental calculus and dental plaque samples were identified, suggesting microbial adaptation to a specific human body environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Kazarina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Elina Petersone-Gordina
- Institute of Latvian History, University of Latvia, Kalpaka Bulvaris 4, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
| | - Janis Kimsis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Jevgenija Kuzmicka
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Pawel Zayakin
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Žans Griškjans
- Institute of Stomatology, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Str. 20, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Guntis Gerhards
- Institute of Latvian History, University of Latvia, Kalpaka Bulvaris 4, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
| | - Renate Ranka
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str. 1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
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Bagrade G, Králová-Hromadová I, Bazsalovicsová E, Radačovská A, Kołodziej-Sobocińska M. The first records of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae), a causative agent of human sparganosis, in Latvian wildlife. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:365-371. [PMID: 33174072 PMCID: PMC7846523 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06957-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Diphyllobothriid tapeworms of the genus Spirometra are causative agents of sparganosis, food-borne zoonotic parasitic disease. They have been recorded in broad spectrum of hosts, including humans, in all continents except Antarctica. Spirometra tapeworms have been intensively studied in several Asian countries; however, they have been rather neglected in Europe. The aim of this study was to provide a pilot screening of Spirometra spp. in Latvia, where data on sparganosis are not available. Tapeworms morphologically identified as diphyllobothriid species were isolated from grey wolves Canis lupus and Eurasian lynxes Lynx lynx from Latvia during the hunting periods 2013-2019. The parasites were subjected to molecular genotyping using sequences of the partial large (LSU rDNA; 615 bp) and small (SSU rDNA; 720 bp) subunits of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene and complete (1566 bp) cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene of the mitochondrial DNA (cox1 mtDNA). Analyses of both ribosomal subunits of 13 tapeworms revealed no intraspecific variation within the respective rDNA subunits. On the other hand, sequence analysis of mitochondrial cox1 revealed intraspecific polymorphism displayed by 12 cox1 haplotypes. Comparison of the current data with sequences of the corresponding DNA regions deposited in the GenBank revealed 99.3-99.5% (LSU rDNA), 99.2% (SSU rDNA) and 99.6-100% (cox1 mtDNA) identity of studied tapeworms with Spirometra erinaceieuropaei, which provided the first confirmation of this diphyllobothriid tapeworm in Latvia. Since S. erinaceieuropaei is probably prevalent in Latvian wildlife and may also occur in other potential host species, further studies are needed in order to acquire complex data on its geographic distribution and transmission in the natural environment of Latvia, as well as on the spectrum of its intermediate, paratenic, and definitive hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guna Bagrade
- Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava", Rigas 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia
| | | | - Eva Bazsalovicsová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Alžbeta Radačovská
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Kosice, Slovakia
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Mezinska S, Kaleja J, Mileiko I. Becoming and being a biobank donor: The role of relationships and ethics. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242828. [PMID: 33227030 PMCID: PMC7682884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Relational aspects, such as involvement of donor's relatives or friends in the decision-making on participation in a research biobank, providing relatives' health data to researchers, or sharing research findings with relatives should be considered when reflecting on ethical aspects of research biobanks. The aim of this paper is to explore what the role of donor's relatives and friends is in the process of becoming and being a biobank donor and which ethical issues arise in this context. We performed qualitative analysis of 40 qualitative semi-structured interviews with biobank donors and researchers. The results show that relatedness to relatives or other types of close relationships played a significant role in the donors' motivation to be involved in a biobank, risk-benefit assessment, and decisions on sharing information on research and its results. Interviewees mentioned ethical issues in the context of sharing relatives' health-related data for research purposes and returning research findings that may affect their relatives. We conclude that the question of what information on family members may be shared with a biobank by research participants without informed consent of those relatives, and when family members become research subjects, lacks a clear answer and detailed guidelines, especially in the context of the introduction of the European Union's (EU) General Data Protection Regulation. Researchers in Latvia and EU face ethical questions and dilemmas about returning research results and incidental findings to donors' relatives, and donors need more information on sharing research results with relatives in the informed consent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Mezinska
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jekaterina Kaleja
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilze Mileiko
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
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Pakalniškienė V, Jusienė R, Sebre SB, Chun-Li Wu J, Laurinaitytė I. Children's Internet Use Profiles in Relation to Behavioral Problems in Lithuania, Latvia, and Taiwan. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17228490. [PMID: 33207775 PMCID: PMC7696062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This study explored the profiles of elementary-school-aged children’s Internet use in relation to their emotional and behavioral problems. Participating in this cross-sectional study were 877 child–parent dyads from Latvia, Lithuania, and Taiwan. Children (8–10 years old) provided information on three variables: the amount of time they spent online, frequency of online activities, and knowledge of how to do things online. Latent profile analysis including these three variables provided a four-class solution for child Internet use. A comparison between Latvia, Lithuania, and Taiwan on the percentage of the sample distribution in each class showed that there was no difference between sites for the high class (high ratings on all three variables). The largest differences were for the low and average classes (low and average ratings on all three variables, namely, time online, frequency, and knowledge): the Lithuanian and Taiwanese samples were similar in that a higher percentage of each sample was in the low class, whereas the Latvian sample had children equally distributed between the low class and the average class. Analysis of the data from the entire sample for differences in parent-reported child behavioral difficulties suggested that children in the high class had an elevated level of behavioral problems and compulsive Internet use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilmantė Pakalniškienė
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, LT-01513 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.J.); (I.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-610-70375
| | - Roma Jusienė
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, LT-01513 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.J.); (I.L.)
| | - Sandra B. Sebre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art, University of Latvia, LV-1083 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Jennifer Chun-Li Wu
- Department of Early Childhood and Family Education, College of Education, National Taipei University of Education, Taipei 10671, Taiwan;
| | - Ilona Laurinaitytė
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, LT-01513 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.J.); (I.L.)
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Siebert U, Pawliczka I, Benke H, von Vietinghoff V, Wolf P, Pilāts V, Kesselring T, Lehnert K, Prenger-Berninghoff E, Galatius A, Anker Kyhn L, Teilmann J, Hansen MS, Sonne C, Wohlsein P. Health assessment of harbour porpoises (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA) from Baltic area of Denmark, Germany, Poland and Latvia. Environ Int 2020; 143:105904. [PMID: 32615352 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), the only resident cetacean species of the Baltic Sea is formed of two subpopulations populations, occurring in the western Baltic, Belt Seas and Kattegat and the Baltic Proper, respectively. Harbour porpoises throughout these areas are exposed to a large number of human activities causing direct and indirect effects on individuals, that might also harm this species on a population level. From Latvia, Poland, Germany and Denmark 385 out of 1769 collected dead harbour porpoises were suitable for extensive necropsy. The animals were collected between 1990 and 2015 and were either by-caught or found dead on the coastline. Following necropsies, histopathological, microbiological, virological and parasitological investigations were conducted. Females and males were equally distributed among the 385 animals. Most animals from the different countries were juveniles between 3 months and 3 years old (varying between 46.5 and 100% of 385 animals per country). The respiratory tract had the highest number of morphological lesions, including lungworms in 25 to 58% and pneumonia in 21 to 58% of the investigated animals. Of those with pneumonia 8 to 33% were moderate or severe. The alimentary, hearing, and haematopoietic systems had inflammatory lesions and parasitic infections with limited health impact. 45.5 to 100% of the animals from the different countries were known by-caught individuals, of which 20 to 100% varying between countries had netmarks. Inflammatory lesions, especially in the respiratory tract were found in higher numbers when compared to control populations in areas with less human activities such as arctic waters. The high number of morphological changes in the respiratory tract and of bycatches especially among immature animals before reaching sexual maturity is of serious concern, as well as the low number of adult animals among the material. Data on health status and the causes of death are valuable for management. A next step in this regard will combine data from health and genetic investigations in order to detect differences between the two populations of the Baltic.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany; Marine Mammal Research, Institute of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - I Pawliczka
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine Station, Department of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Morska 2, 84-150 Hel, Poland
| | - H Benke
- German Oceanographic Museum, Katharinenberg 14/20, 18347 Stralsund, Germany
| | - V von Vietinghoff
- German Oceanographic Museum, Katharinenberg 14/20, 18347 Stralsund, Germany
| | - P Wolf
- Landesveterinär- und Lebensmitteluntersuchungsamt Rostock, Thierfelder Str. 18, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - V Pilāts
- Nature Conservation Agency, Baznīcas iela 7, Sigulda LV-2150, Latvia
| | - T Kesselring
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - K Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - E Prenger-Berninghoff
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 85-87, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - A Galatius
- Marine Mammal Research, Institute of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - L Anker Kyhn
- Marine Mammal Research, Institute of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - J Teilmann
- Marine Mammal Research, Institute of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - M S Hansen
- Section of Pathology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - C Sonne
- Marine Mammal Research, Institute of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - P Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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Razuka-Ebela D, Polaka I, Parshutin S, Santare D, Ebela I, Murillo R, Herrero R, Tzivian L, Young Park J, Leja M. Sociodemographic, Lifestyle and Medical Factors Associated with Helicobacter Pylori Infection. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2020; 29:319-327. [PMID: 32919416 DOI: 10.15403/jgld-870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is higher in developing countries and is often linked to lower socioeconomic status. Few studies have investigated the association between H. pylori and individual level characteristics in Europe, where several countries have a high prevalence of H. pylori infection. The study aimed to identify risk factors for H. pylori infection among adults in a large clinical trial in Latvia. METHODS 1,855 participants (40-64 years) of the "Multicenter randomized study of H. pylori eradication and pepsinogen testing for prevention of gastric cancer mortality" (GISTAR study) in Latvia tested for H. pylori IgG antibodies were included in a cross-sectional analysis. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and medical factors were compared for participants seropositive (H. pylori+) and seronegative. Mutually adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated for H. pylori+ and factors significant in univariate analysis (education, smoking, binge drinking, several dietary habits, history of H. pylori eradication and disease), adjusting for age, gender and income. RESULTS Of the participants 1,044 (55.4%) were H. pylori seropositive. The infection was associated with current (OR: 1.34, 95%CI: 1.01-1.78) and former (OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.03-1.85) smoking, binge drinking (OR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.03-1.78), having ≥200g dairy daily (OR: 1.37; 95%CI: 1.11-1.69), and very hot food/drinks (OR: 1.32; 95%CI: 1.03-1.69) and inversely with ≥400g vegetables/fruit daily (OR: 0.76; 95%CI: 0.60-0.96), history of H. pylori eradication (OR: 0.57; 95%CI: 0.39-0.84), peptic ulcer (OR: 0.55; 95%CI: 0.38-0.80) and cardiovascular disease (OR: 0.78; 95%CI: 0.61-0.99). CONCLUSIONS After mutual adjustment, H. pylori seropositivity was associated with lifestyle and in particular dietary factors rather than socioeconomic indicators in contrast to the majority of other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danute Razuka-Ebela
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga; Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
| | - Inese Polaka
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
| | - Sergei Parshutin
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
| | - Daiga Santare
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga; Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
| | - Inguna Ebela
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
| | - Raul Murillo
- Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogota, Columbia.
| | | | - Lilian Tzivian
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia; Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia; Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, Israel.
| | - Jin Young Park
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.
| | - Marcis Leja
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga; Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
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Rubika A, Luoto S, Krama T, Trakimas G, Rantala MJ, Moore FR, Skrinda I, Elferts D, Krams R, Contreras-Garduño J, Krams IA. Women's socioeconomic position in ontogeny is associated with improved immune function and lower stress, but not with height. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11517. [PMID: 32661326 PMCID: PMC7359344 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68217-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune function, height and resource accumulation comprise important life history traits in humans. Resource availability models arising from life history theory suggest that socioeconomic conditions influence immune function, growth and health status. In this study, we tested whether there are associations between family income during ontogeny, adult height, cortisol level and immune response in women. A hepatitis B vaccine was administered to 66 young Latvian women from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and blood samples were then collected to measure the level of antibodies that the women produced in response to the vaccination. Cortisol levels were measured from plasma samples pre- and post-vaccination. Women from wealthier families had lower cortisol levels, and women from the highest family income group had the highest levels of antibody titers against hepatitis B vaccine. No significant relationships were observed between cortisol level and immune function, nor between family income and height. The results show that income level during ontogeny is associated with the strength of immune response and with psychoneuroendocrine pathways underlying stress perception in early adulthood. The findings indicate that the quality of the developmental niche is associated with the condition-dependent expression of immune function and stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rubika
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, 5401, Latvia
| | - Severi Luoto
- English, Drama and Writing Studies, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Tatjana Krama
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Biotechnology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, 5401, Latvia
| | - Giedrius Trakimas
- Department of Biotechnology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, 5401, Latvia
- Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Markus J Rantala
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
- Turku Brain and Mind Centre, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Fhionna R Moore
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Ilona Skrinda
- Daugavpils Regional Hospital, Daugavpils, 5417, Latvia
| | - Didzis Elferts
- Department of Botany and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Rīga, 1004, Latvia
| | - Ronalds Krams
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Biotechnology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, 5401, Latvia
| | - Jorge Contreras-Garduño
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 58190, Morelia, Mexico
| | - Indrikis A Krams
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, 51010, Tartu, Estonia.
- Department of Biotechnology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, 5401, Latvia.
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Rīga, 1004, Latvia.
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Rīga, 1067, Latvia.
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Seleznova M, Kivrane A, Namina A, Krumins R, Aleinikova D, Lazovska M, Akopjana S, Capligina V, Ranka R. Babesiosis in Latvian domestic dogs, 2016-2019. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101459. [PMID: 32723644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is tick-borne infection that represents a major veterinary issue in Central and Eastern Europe with a tendency to expand northwards. The first published report in Latvia about autochthonous cases of babesiosis in domestic dogs with no travel history was in 2013, and to the best of our knowledge, no other studies on this issue have been published to date. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence and clinical manifestations of babesiosis in Latvian domestic dogs with a history of tick exposure to determine the extent to which Babesia sp. causes the disease and to map outbreaks in Latvia. From 2016 to 2019, blood samples from dogs were collected, and molecular testing was performed by nested PCR using Babesia sp.-specific primers. In total, 43 of 262 samples were Babesia canis-positive. A seasonal pattern was observed for the outbreaks, as the majority of B. canis-positive samples (98%) were submitted between April and June, and there was a single canine babesiosis case recorded in October. Nearly half of the cases (46.5%) were recorded in the capital, Riga, and other cases were recorded in southern and western parts of Latvia. Clinical signs were consistent with typical manifestations of acute canine babesiosis; most common hematological changes were thrombocytopenia (89%) and normocytic normochromic anemia (69%). Blood smear microscopy was positive for 79% of cases. Two B. canis genotypes were distinguished on the basis of two nucleotide (GA → AG) substitutions in the 18S rRNA gene at positions 610/611; however, no relationship between the genotypes and the severity of the disease was found. In conclusion, canine babesiosis has become an endemic disease in the southern and western regions of Latvia and is caused solely by the large babesia species B. canis. Awareness among veterinarians and pet owners regarding the disease should be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Seleznova
- Latvian Biomedical and Research Centre, Rātsupītes Iela 1, Rīga, LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Agnija Kivrane
- Latvian Biomedical and Research Centre, Rātsupītes Iela 1, Rīga, LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Agne Namina
- Latvian Biomedical and Research Centre, Rātsupītes Iela 1, Rīga, LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Rudolfs Krumins
- Latvian Biomedical and Research Centre, Rātsupītes Iela 1, Rīga, LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Darja Aleinikova
- Latvian Biomedical and Research Centre, Rātsupītes Iela 1, Rīga, LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Marija Lazovska
- Latvian Biomedical and Research Centre, Rātsupītes Iela 1, Rīga, LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Sarmite Akopjana
- Latvian Biomedical and Research Centre, Rātsupītes Iela 1, Rīga, LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Valentina Capligina
- Latvian Biomedical and Research Centre, Rātsupītes Iela 1, Rīga, LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Renate Ranka
- Latvian Biomedical and Research Centre, Rātsupītes Iela 1, Rīga, LV-1067, Latvia.
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Rüwald JM, Upenieks J, Ositis J, Pycha A, Avidan Y, Rüwald AL, Eymael RL, Schildberg FA. Pediatric Scoliosis Surgery-A Comprehensive Analysis of Treatment-Specific Variables and Trends in Latvia. Medicina (Kaunas) 2020; 56:E201. [PMID: 32344764 PMCID: PMC7230999 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56040201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: There are currently no data available regarding pediatric scoliosis surgery in Latvia. The aim of this article is to present treatment specific variables, investigate their interrelation, and identify predictors for the length of stay after surgical pediatric scoliosis correction. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included all surgical pediatric scoliosis corrections in Latvia for the years 2012 to 2016. Analyzed parameters were chosen to portray the patients' demographics, pathology, as well as treatment specific variables. Descriptive, inferential, and linear regression statistics were calculated. Results: A total of 69 cases, 74% female and 26% male, were identified. The diagnostic subgroups consisted of 62% idiopathic (IDI) and 38% non-idiopathic (non-IDI) scoliosis cases. Non-IDI cases had significantly increased operation time, hospital stay, Cobb angle before surgery, and instrumented levels, while IDI cases showed significantly higher Cobb angle percentage correction. For all operated cases, the operation time and the hospital stay decreased significantly over the investigated time period. Early post-operative complications (PCs) occurred in 15.9% of the cases and were associated with increased hospital stay, instrumented levels, and Cobb angle before surgery. The linear regression analysis revealed that operation time and the presence of PCs were significant predictors for the length of the hospital stay. Conclusions: This is the first study to provide comprehensive insight into pediatric scoliosis surgery since its establishment in Latvia. Our regression model offers clinically applicable predictors and further underlines the significance of the operation length on the hospital stay. These results build the foundation for international comparison and facilitate improvement in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian M. Rüwald
- Clinic for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Janis Upenieks
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital, 1004 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Riga Stradins University, 1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Janis Ositis
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital, 1004 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Spine Surgery, North Kurzeme Regional Hospital, 3601 Ventspils, Latvia
| | - Alexander Pycha
- Cantonal Psychiatric Hospital of Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Yuval Avidan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center, 3436212 Haifa, Israel
| | - Anna L. Rüwald
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin L. Eymael
- Medical Faculty, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Frank A. Schildberg
- Clinic for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Paramonova N, Trapina I, Dokane K, Kalnina J, Sjakste T, Sjakste N. An Intergenic rs9275596 Polymorphism on Chr. 6p21 Is Associated with Multiple Sclerosis in Latvians. Medicina (Kaunas) 2020; 56:medicina56040154. [PMID: 32244438 PMCID: PMC7230508 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56040154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, leading to demyelination of neurons and potentially debilitating physical and mental symptoms. The disease is more prevalent in women than in men. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region has been identified as a major genetic determinant for autoimmune diseases, and its role in some neurological disorders including MS was evaluated. An intergenic single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs9275596, located between the HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DQA2 genes, is in significant association with various autoimmune diseases according to genome-wide association studies (GWASs). A cumulative effect of this SNP with other polymorphisms from this region was revealed. The aim of the study was to verify the data on rs9275596 association in multiple sclerosis in a case/control study of the Latvian population and to evaluate eventual functional significance of allele substitutions. Materials and Methods: rs9275596 (chr6:32713854; GRCh38.p12) was genotyped in 273 MS patients and 208 controls on main and sex-specific associations. Eventual functional significance of allele substitutions was evaluated in silico using publicly available tools. Results: The rs9275596 rare alleles were identified as a disease susceptibility factor in association with the MS main group and in affected females (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Risk factor genotypes with rare alleles included were associated with the MS common cohort (p < 0.002) and female cohort (odds ratio, OR = 2.24) and were identified as disease susceptible in males (OR = 2.41). It was shown that structural changes of rs9275596 affect the secondary structure of DNA. Functional significance of allele substitutions was evaluated on the eventual sequence affinity to transcription factors (TFs) and splicing signals similarity. A possible impact of the particular polymorphisms on the transcription and splicing efficiency is discussed. Conclusions: Our results suggest susceptibility of rs9275596 to multiple sclerosis in Latvians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Paramonova
- Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (N.P.); (K.D.); (J.K.); (T.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Ilva Trapina
- Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (N.P.); (K.D.); (J.K.); (T.S.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +371-29354786
| | - Kristine Dokane
- Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (N.P.); (K.D.); (J.K.); (T.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Jolanta Kalnina
- Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (N.P.); (K.D.); (J.K.); (T.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Tatjana Sjakste
- Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (N.P.); (K.D.); (J.K.); (T.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Nikolajs Sjakste
- Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (N.P.); (K.D.); (J.K.); (T.S.); (N.S.)
- Department of Medical Biochemistry of the University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
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Alksere B, Grinfelde I, Kornejeva L, Dzalbs A, Vedmedovska N, Kovalova I, Conka U, Andersone S, Krasucka S, Blumberga A, Berzina D, Fodina V. The outcomes after transfers of embryos with chromosomal mosaicism: a single reproductive medicine center experience at iVF Riga clinic. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:53-57. [PMID: 33305664 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1816719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study is to summarize the outcomes of transfers of mosaic embryos, which were classified according to guidelines and in strong collaboration of reproductologists, clinical geneticists and patients approved as suitable for transfer. Material and Methods: Retrospective data were collected from 70 patients from a private IVF center to whom embryos with mosaic changes in chromosomal material were transferred from 2015 to 2019. Results and Conclusion: Implantation outcomes and continuing pregnancies showed slight differences, when compared to fully normal embryos. Artifacts have to be differentiated from undeniable aberrations, and correct interpretation of results must be done with following patient counselling and prenatal testing if necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ieva Grinfelde
- Clinic 'iVF-Riga', Riga, Latvia
- Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Aigars Dzalbs
- Clinic 'iVF-Riga', Riga, Latvia
- Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
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Pole I, Trofimova J, Norvaisa I, Supply P, Skenders G, Nodieva A, Ozere I, Riekstina V, Igumnova V, Storozenko J, Jansone I, Viksna L, Ranka R. Analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis genetic lineages circulating in Riga and Riga region, Latvia, isolated between 2008 and 2012. Infect Genet Evol 2019; 78:104126. [PMID: 31783188 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although the number of new tuberculosis (TB) cases registered per year has decreased by 3-fold between 2001 and 2017 in Latvia, the TB incidence and rates of multidrug resistant TB in this Baltic country remain substantially higher than in most other European countries. Molecular typing methods of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) play an important role both in clinical studies of the disease and the epidemiological investigations, allowing to describe and characterize the pathogen's population structure and spread of particular genotypes. Aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of MTB lineages in Riga and Riga region of Latvia within a five-year period (2008-2012), and to evaluate the discriminatory power (DP) of spoligotyping, standard 24-locus MIRU-VNTR and IS6110-RFLP methods in this setting. The results showed that the main MTB spoligotype families were Beijing (25.3%) and LAM (24.3%), followed by T (22.1%), Ural (11.2%), Haarlem (6.6%) and X superfamily (3.4%). This distribution remained stable over the five consecutive years. 67.6% of MTB isolates were pan-susceptible, and 32.4% were resistant to any drug; multi-drug resistance was found in 5.8% of MTB strains, and 7.6% of MTB isolates were extensively drug-resistant. Drug resistance was associated with SIT1, SIT283 and SIT42 genotypes, while SIT1 and SIT42 were overrepresented among multi drug-resistant MTB strains. Overall, DP of spoligotyping method alone was 0.8953, while DP of both 24-locus MIRU-VNTR analysis and IS6110 RFLP was higher (DP = 0.9846 and 0.9927, respectively), mainly due to the improvement of the resolution for the Beijing strains. In conclusion, this work represents the first comprehensive molecular epidemiological description of TB in Latvia, highlighting the high genetic diversity of MTB strains circulating in Riga and Riga region. In combination with detailed epidemiological data this approach was helpful for the in-depth understanding of epidemiological processes in settings where the Next-Gen sequencing is not available as a routine method.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antitubercular Agents/pharmacology
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics
- Female
- Genetic Variation
- Genotyping Techniques
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant, Newborn
- Latvia/epidemiology
- Male
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests
- Middle Aged
- Minisatellite Repeats
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis/drug effects
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis/isolation & purification
- Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
- Prevalence
- Tuberculosis/epidemiology
- Tuberculosis/microbiology
- Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant/epidemiology
- Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant/microbiology
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilva Pole
- Riga East University Hospital, Centre of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Latvia; Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Latvia
| | - Julija Trofimova
- Riga East University Hospital, Centre of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Latvia
| | - Inga Norvaisa
- Riga East University Hospital, Centre of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Latvia
| | - Philip Supply
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Girts Skenders
- Riga East University Hospital, Centre of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Latvia
| | | | - Iveta Ozere
- Riga East University Hospital, Centre of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Latvia; Riga Stradiņš University, Latvia
| | - Vija Riekstina
- Riga East University Hospital, Centre of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Latvia
| | - Viktorija Igumnova
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Latvia; Riga Stradiņš University, Latvia
| | - Jelena Storozenko
- Riga Stradiņš University, Latvia; Riga East University Hospital, Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases, Latvia
| | - Inta Jansone
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Latvia
| | - Ludmila Viksna
- Riga Stradiņš University, Latvia; Riga East University Hospital, Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases, Latvia
| | - Renate Ranka
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Latvia; Riga Stradiņš University, Latvia.
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Waksman R, Di Mario C, Torguson R, Ali ZA, Singh V, Skinner WH, Artis AK, Cate TT, Powers E, Kim C, Regar E, Wong SC, Lewis S, Wykrzykowska J, Dube S, Kazziha S, van der Ent M, Shah P, Craig PE, Zou Q, Kolm P, Brewer HB, Garcia-Garcia HM. Identification of patients and plaques vulnerable to future coronary events with near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound imaging: a prospective, cohort study. Lancet 2019; 394:1629-1637. [PMID: 31570255 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)31794-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) intravascular ultrasound imaging can detect lipid-rich plaques (LRPs). LRPs are associated with acute coronary syndromes or myocardial infarction, which can result in revascularisation or cardiac death. In this study, we aimed to establish the relationship between LRPs detected by NIRS-intravascular ultrasound imaging at unstented sites and subsequent coronary events from new culprit lesions. METHODS In this prospective, cohort study (LRP), patients from 44 medical centres were enrolled in Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovakia, UK, and the USA. Patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent cardiac catheterisation with possible ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention were eligible to be enrolled. Enrolled patients underwent scanning of non-culprit segments using NIRS-intravascular ultrasound imaging. The study had two hierarchal primary hypotheses, patient and plaque, each testing the association between maximum 4 mm Lipid Core Burden Index (maxLCBI4mm) and non-culprit major adverse cardiovascular events (NC-MACE). Enrolled patients with large LRPs (≥250 maxLCBI4mm) and a randomly selected half of patients with small LRPs (<250 maxLCBI4mm) were followed up for 24 months. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02033694. FINDINGS Between Feb 21, 2014, and March 30, 2016, 1563 patients were enrolled. NIRS-intravascular ultrasound device-related events were seen in six (0·4%) patients. 1271 patients (mean age 64 years, SD 10, 883 [69%] men, 388 [31%]women) with analysable maxLCBI4mm were allocated to follow-up. The 2-year cumulative incidence of NC-MACE was 9% (n=103). Both hierarchical primary hypotheses were met. On a patient level, the unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for NC-MACE was 1·21 (95% CI 1·09-1·35; p=0·0004) for each 100-unit increase maxLCBI4mm) and adjusted HR 1·18 (1·05-1·32; p=0·0043). In patients with a maxLCBI4mm more than 400, the unadjusted HR for NC-MACE was 2·18 (1·48-3·22; p<0·0001) and adjusted HR was 1·89 (1·26-2·83; p=0·0021). At the plaque level, the unadjusted HR was 1·45 (1·30-1·60; p<0·0001) for each 100-unit increase in maxLCBI4mm. For segments with a maxLCBI4mm more than 400, the unadjusted HR for NC-MACE was 4·22 (2·39-7·45; p<0·0001) and adjusted HR was 3·39 (1·85-6·20; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION NIRS imaging of non-obstructive territories in patients undergoing cardiac catheterisation and possible percutaneous coronary intervention was safe and can aid in identifying patients and segments at higher risk for subsequent NC-MACE. NIRS-intravascular ultrasound imaging adds to the armamentarium as the first diagnostic tool able to detect vulnerable patients and plaques in clinical practice. FUNDING Infraredx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Waksman
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA.
| | | | | | - Ziad A Ali
- New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY & Cardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Eric Powers
- Medical University of South Carolina Hospital, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | | | - S Chiu Wong
- NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Sandeep Dube
- Community Heart and Vascular, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Paige E Craig
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Quan Zou
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Paul Kolm
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
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41
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Gasenko E, Isajevs S, Camargo MC, Offerhaus GJA, Polaka I, Gulley ML, Skapars R, Sivins A, Kojalo I, Kirsners A, Santare D, Pavlova J, Sjomina O, Liepina E, Tzivian L, Rabkin CS, Leja M. Clinicopathological characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus-positive gastric cancer in Latvia. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:1328-1333. [PMID: 31569122 PMCID: PMC8560222 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer has been proposed to be a distinct gastric cancer molecular subtype. The prognostic significance of EBV infection in gastric cancer remains unclear and needs further investigation. Our study aimed to analyze EBV-positive and EBV-negative gastric cancer patients regarding their personal and tumor-related characteristics, and compare their overall survival. METHODS Gastric cancer patients consecutively treated at the Riga East University Hospital during 2009-2016 were identified retrospectively. Tumor EBV status was determined by in-situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER). Information about clinicopathological characteristics was obtained from patient questionnaires, hospital records. Overall survival was ascertained through 30 July 2017. Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for personal and tumor-related covariates compared survival between EBV-positive and EBV-negative patients. RESULTS There were a total of 302 gastric cancer patients (61% males) with mean and SD age 63.6 ± 11.5 years. EBER positivity was present in 8.6% of tumors. EBV-positive gastric cancer patients had better survival at 80 months [adjusted hazard ratio = 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.19-0.72] compared to EBV-negative patients. Worse survival was observed for patients with stage III (hazard ratio = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.67-4.56) and stage IV (hazard ratio = 10.02, 95% CI = 5.72-17.57) compared to stage I gastric cancer, and overlapping and unspecified subsite (hazard ratio = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.14; 3.00) compared to distal tumors. CONCLUSION Tumor EBV positivity is a favorable prognostic factor in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evita Gasenko
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Sergejs Isajevs
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
- Academic Histology Laboratory, Riga, Latvia
| | - M. Constanza Camargo
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Inese Polaka
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Information Technology, Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Margaret L. Gulley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Roberts Skapars
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Armands Sivins
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilona Kojalo
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Arnis Kirsners
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Information Technology, Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Daiga Santare
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jelizaveta Pavlova
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Olga Sjomina
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Elina Liepina
- Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
- The Centre of Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Liliana Tzivian
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Charles S. Rabkin
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marcis Leja
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
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Nesterovics N, Nesterovics G, Stradins P, Kalejs M, Ansabergs J, Blumbergs M, Maca A, Kamzola G, Lejnieks A, Kalejs O, Erglis A. Lead-Related Infective Endocarditis in Latvia: A Single Centre Experience. Medicina (Kaunas) 2019; 55:medicina55090566. [PMID: 31484433 PMCID: PMC6780120 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55090566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Over the last five decades cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) have become established as the mainstay for the treatment of permanent bradycardias, chronic heart failure and dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. These devices improve survival and quality of life in many patients. However, infections associated with CIED implantation, particularly lead-related infective endocarditis (LRIE), can offset all benefits and make more harm than good for the patient. To date, there are no other studies in Latvia, addressing patients with lead-related infective endocarditis. The objective of this study was to identify the most common pathogens associated with LRIE and their antimicrobial resistance and to identify possible risk factors of patients who present with LRIE. Materials and Methods: The study was performed retrospectively at Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital (PSCUH). The study included patients who were referred to PSCUH due to LRIE for lead extraction. Patients were identified from procedural journals. Information about isolated microorganisms, patient comorbidities and visual diagnostics data was taken from patient records. Results: Forty-nine patients with CIED related infective endocarditis were included in the study, 34 (69.4%) were male, median age of all patients was 65.0 (50.5-73.0) years, median hospital stay was 15.5 (22.0-30.5) days. Successful and complete lead extraction was achieved in all patients. Thirty-two (65.3%) had received antibiotics prior to blood sample. Only in 31 (63.3%) positive culture results were seen. The most common isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (23.5%) and coagulase negative staphylococci (23.5%). Other bacteria were isolated considerably less often. The atrial lead was most common location for lead vegetations, seen in 50.0% of cases. Five (10.2%) patients have died due to the disease. Conclusions: Lead-related infective endocarditis is a major complication of cardiac implantable electronic devices with considerable morbidity and mortality, which in our study was as high as 10.2%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolajs Nesterovics
- Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga LV-1002, Latvia.
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, Riga LV-1007, Latvia.
| | | | - Peteris Stradins
- Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga LV-1002, Latvia.
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, Riga LV-1007, Latvia.
| | - Martins Kalejs
- Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga LV-1002, Latvia.
| | - Janis Ansabergs
- Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga LV-1002, Latvia.
| | - Maris Blumbergs
- Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga LV-1002, Latvia.
| | - Aija Maca
- Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga LV-1002, Latvia.
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, Riga LV-1007, Latvia.
| | - Ginta Kamzola
- Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga LV-1002, Latvia.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga LV-1004, Latvia.
| | - Aivars Lejnieks
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, Riga LV-1007, Latvia.
- Department of Endocrinology, Riga East University Hospital, Riga LV-1038, Latvia.
| | - Oskars Kalejs
- Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga LV-1002, Latvia.
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, Riga LV-1007, Latvia.
| | - Andrejs Erglis
- Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga LV-1002, Latvia.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga LV-1004, Latvia.
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Meistere I, Ķibilds J, Eglīte L, Alksne L, Avsejenko J, Cibrovska A, Makarova S, Streikiša M, Grantiņa-Ieviņa L, Bērziņš A. Campylobacter species prevalence, characterisation of antimicrobial resistance and analysis of whole-genome sequence of isolates from livestock and humans, Latvia, 2008 to 2016. Euro Surveill 2019; 24:1800357. [PMID: 31387670 PMCID: PMC6685098 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.31.1800357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundCampylobacter is the main cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The main transmission route is through consumption of food contaminated with Campylobacter species or contact with infected animals. In Latvia, the prevalence of campylobacteriosis is reported to be low (4.6 cases per 100,000 population in 2016).AimTo determine prevalence, species spectrum and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Campylobacter spp. in Latvia, using data from various livestock and human clinical samples.MethodsWe analysed data of Campylobacter microbiological monitoring and AMR (2008 and 2014-16) in Latvia. Data from broilers, poultry, pigs, calves and humans were used to determine prevalence of Campylobacter. Additionally, 45 different origin isolates (22 human) were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform; for each isolate core genome multilocus sequence typing was used and relevant antimicrobial resistance mechanisms were identified.ResultsOverall, Campylobacter prevalence in was 83.3% in pigs, 50.2% in broilers, 16.1% in calves and 5.3% in humans; C. jejuni was the predominant species in all sources except pigs where C. coli was main species. High level of resistance in Campylobacter were observed against fluoroquinolones, tetracycline and streptomycin, in most of sequenced isolates genetic determinants of relevant AMR profiles were identified.ConclusionsIn Latvia, prevalence of Campylobacter in livestock is high, especially in pigs and broilers; prevalence in poultry and humans were lower than in other European countries. AMR analysis reveals increase of streptomycin and tetracycline resistant broiler origin C. jejuni strains. WGS demonstrates a high compliance between resistance phenotype and genotype for quinolones and tetracyclines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irēna Meistere
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Riga, Latvia
| | - Juris Ķibilds
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Riga, Latvia
| | - Lāsma Eglīte
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Riga, Latvia
| | - Laura Alksne
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jeļena Avsejenko
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Riga, Latvia
| | - Alla Cibrovska
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Riga, Latvia
| | - Svetlana Makarova
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Riga, Latvia
| | - Madara Streikiša
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Aivars Bērziņš
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Riga, Latvia
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Kigitovica D, Sablinskis M, Sablinskis K, Rudzitis A, Skride A. Pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension incidence in Latvia in 2018. Eur J Intern Med 2019; 65:e9-e10. [PMID: 31101467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Kigitovica
- Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema str., Riga LV-1007, Latvia; Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu str., Riga LV-1012, Latvia
| | | | - Kristaps Sablinskis
- Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema str., Riga LV-1007, Latvia; Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu str., Riga LV-1012, Latvia
| | - Ainars Rudzitis
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu str., Riga LV-1012, Latvia
| | - Andris Skride
- Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema str., Riga LV-1007, Latvia; Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu str., Riga LV-1012, Latvia.
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Schulz K, Oļševskis E, Staubach C, Lamberga K, Seržants M, Cvetkova S, Conraths FJ, Sauter-Louis C. Epidemiological evaluation of Latvian control measures for African swine fever in wild boar on the basis of surveillance data. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4189. [PMID: 30862947 PMCID: PMC6414528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40962-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A wild boar population infected with African Swine Fever (ASF) constitutes a constant threat to commercial pig farms and therefore to the economy of the affected country. Currently, ASF is still spreading in several countries and the implementation of intensive measures such as reducing wild boar population densities seems not to be able to stop the further spread of the disease. In addition, there are still substantial knowledge gaps regarding the epidemiology of the disease. To identify risk factors for a higher probability of a wild boar sample being virological or serological positive, comprehensive statistical analyses were performed based on Latvian surveillance data. Using a multivariable Bayesian regression model, the effects of implemented control measures on the proportion of hunted or found dead wild boar or on the estimated virus prevalence were evaluated. None of the control measures applied in Latvia showed a significant effect on the relevant target figure. Also, the estimated periodic prevalence of wild boar that had tested ASF positive by PCR appeared to remain unaffected over time. Therefore, there is an urgent need to reconsider the implemented control measures. The results of this study and the course of ASF in other affected countries, raise the question, whether an endemic situation of ASF in wild boar is reversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Schulz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Edvīns Oļševskis
- Food and Veterinary Service, Riga, Peldu 30, LV-1050, Latvia
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment - "BIOR", Riga, Lejupes 3, LV-1076, Latvia
| | - Christoph Staubach
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | | | - Svetlana Cvetkova
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment - "BIOR", Riga, Lejupes 3, LV-1076, Latvia
| | - Franz Josef Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Sablinskis K, Sablinskis M, Lejnieks A, Skride A. Growing number of incident pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients in Latvia: a shifting epidemiological landscape? Data from a national pulmonary hypertension registry. Eur J Intern Med 2019; 59:e16-e17. [PMID: 30279036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristaps Sablinskis
- Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema str., Riga LV-1007, Latvia; Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu str, Riga LV-1012, Latvia
| | | | - Aivars Lejnieks
- Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema str., Riga LV-1007, Latvia; Riga East University Hospital, 2 Hipokrata str., Riga LV-1038, Latvia
| | - Andris Skride
- Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema str., Riga LV-1007, Latvia; Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu str, Riga LV-1012, Latvia.
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Zavadska D, Odzelevica Z, Karelis G, Liepina L, Litauniece ZA, Bormane A, Lucenko I, Perevoscikovs J, Bridina L, Veide L, Krumina A, Storozenko J, Erber W, Htar MTT, Schmitt HJ. Tick-borne encephalitis: A 43-year summary of epidemiological and clinical data from Latvia (1973 to 2016). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204844. [PMID: 30422984 PMCID: PMC6233910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) varies significantly over time. To better understand the annual incidence of all TBE cases in Latvia we investigated the disease burden in the country from 1973–2016 using several available sources and case definitions. Methods We identified cases of TBE from an electronic database (maintained by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia [CDPC]) by the use of ICD-10 diagnosis codes for TBE (A84; A84.0; A84.1; A84.8; A84.9). In addition, previously unreported TBE cases were found by review of TBE diagnoses according to ICD-10 codes in four hospital databases. Results From 1973 to 2016 a total of 15,193 TBE cases were reported to the CDPC, 2,819 of which were reported from January 2007 through December 2016, additionally for this time period, 104 cases were identified via hospital survey. From all 2,923 reported cases (2007–2016), 1,973 met TBE case definition criteria and were included in the TBE study analysis. The highest average 10 year incidence was observed from 1990–1999 (27.9 cases per 100,000; range 4.6–53.0), however, the average 10-year incidence from 2007–2016 using officially adopted TBE case definition was 9.6 cases per 100,000 (range 5.8–14.6). For this 10-year time period most cases were adults (95.1%) and male (52.2%). The most common clinical form of TBE was meningitis (90.6%). A tick bite prior to TBE onset was reported in 60.6% of TBE cases and 98.2% of cases were not vaccinated against TBE. Conclusion The data demonstrate that the incidence of TBE varies by about one third based on the case definition used. TBE occurs almost entirely in the unvaccinated population. Regular TBE awareness campaigns could encourage the population in Latvia to use protective measures to further control TBE in the country, either via vaccination or tick avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dace Zavadska
- Department of Paediatrics, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
- * E-mail:
| | - Zane Odzelevica
- Department of Paediatrics, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Continuing Education, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Guntis Karelis
- Department of Infectology and Dermatology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Neurology, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Lelde Liepina
- Department of Paediatrics, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Continuing Education, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Zane Anna Litauniece
- Faculty of Continuing Education, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Neurology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Antra Bormane
- Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Irina Lucenko
- Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Linda Bridina
- Faculty of Continuing Education, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Laura Veide
- Faculty of Continuing Education, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Angelika Krumina
- Department of Infectology and Dermatology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jelena Storozenko
- Department of Infectology and Dermatology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- National Reference Laboratory, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Wilhelm Erber
- Pfizer Vaccines, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Paris, France and Vienna, Austria
| | - Myint Tin Tin Htar
- Pfizer Vaccines, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Paris, France and Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz-Josef Schmitt
- Pfizer Vaccines, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Paris, France and Vienna, Austria
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Zile I, Ebela I, Folkmanis V, Rumba Rozenfelde I. Maternal and Neonatal Characteristics for Late Foetal Death in Latvia between 2001 and 2014: Population-Based Study. J Pregnancy 2018; 2018:2630797. [PMID: 30112211 PMCID: PMC6077522 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2630797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stillbirth is one of the most common adverse pregnancy outcomes worldwide. Late foetal death (LFD) rates are mostly used for international comparisons because of the large variations in stillbirth rates between countries. OBJECTIVE To examine trends in LFD (including antepartum and intrapartum) by multiple births, birth weight, and maternal age in two time periods. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was used to analyse data from the Medical Birth Register (2001-2014), divided into 2 periods of 7 years each. In total, data on 1,340 singletons were analysed. This study calculated LFD rates and rate ratios (RR). RESULTS The overall LFD rate showed a slight statistically significant reduction (p < 0.001) of 18% between 2001-2007 and 2008-2014. There was a slight increase in the mortality rate from multiple pregnancies (RR 1.1/1000; 95% CI 0.6-1.9). There were no major differences in the LFD rate by maternal age during the time periods. CONCLUSIONS LFD decreased (RR 0.8/1000 births), as well as intrapartum LFD (RR 0.6/1000 births). Older maternal age influenced pregnancy outcomes, and higher LFD rates were observed in the age group ≥35 years. Substantial intrapartum stillbirths rates indicate problems with quality of intrapartum care and emergency obstetric care. Further research is needed to evaluate the strategies necessary to substantially reduce the number of stillbirths in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irisa Zile
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Latvia, Raina bulv. 19, Riga LV-1586, Latvia
- Department of Research, Statistics and Health Promotion, Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Duntes 22, k-5, Riga LV-1005, Latvia
| | - Inguna Ebela
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Latvia, Raina bulv. 19, Riga LV-1586, Latvia
| | - Valdis Folkmanis
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Latvia, Raina bulv. 19, Riga LV-1586, Latvia
| | - Ingrida Rumba Rozenfelde
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Latvia, Raina bulv. 19, Riga LV-1586, Latvia
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Logviss K, Krievins D, Purvina S. Characteristics of clinical trials in rare vs. common diseases: A register-based Latvian study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194494. [PMID: 29614103 PMCID: PMC5882124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Conducting clinical studies in small populations may be very challenging; therefore quality of clinical evidence may differ between rare and non-rare disease therapies. Objective This register-based study aims to evaluate the characteristics of clinical trials in rare diseases conducted in Latvia and compare them with clinical trials in more common conditions. Methods The EU Clinical Trials Register (clinicaltrialsregister.eu) was used to identify interventional clinical trials related to rare diseases (n = 51) and to compose a control group of clinical trials in non-rare diseases (n = 102) for further comparison of the trial characteristics. Results We found no significant difference in the use of overall survival as a primary endpoint in clinical trials between rare and non-rare diseases (9.8% vs. 13.7%, respectively). However, clinical trials in rare diseases were less likely to be randomized controlled trials (62.7% vs. 83.3%). Rare and non-rare disease clinical trials varied in masking, with rare disease trials less likely to be double blind (45.1% vs. 63.7%). Active comparators were less frequently used in rare disease trials (36.4% vs. 58.8% of controlled trials). Clinical trials in rare diseases enrolled fewer participants than those in non-rare diseases: in Latvia (mean 18.3 vs. 40.2 subjects, respectively), in the European Economic Area (mean 181.0 vs. 626.9 subjects), and in the whole clinical trial (mean 335.8 vs. 1406.3 subjects). Although, we found no significant difference in trial duration between the groups (mean 38.3 vs. 36.4 months). Conclusions The current study confirms that clinical trials in rare diseases vary from those in non-rare conditions, with notable differences in enrollment, randomization, masking, and the use of active comparators. However, we found no significant difference in trial duration and the use of overall survival as a primary endpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dainis Krievins
- Department of Education and Science, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
- University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Santa Purvina
- Department of Pharmacology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
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Petersone-Gordina E, Roberts C, Millard AR, Montgomery J, Gerhards G. Dental disease and dietary isotopes of individuals from St Gertrude Church cemetery, Riga, Latvia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191757. [PMID: 29364968 PMCID: PMC5783410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This research explores oral health indicators and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data to explore diet, and differences in diet, between people buried in the four different contexts of the St Gertrude Church cemetery (15th– 17th centuries AD): the general cemetery, two mass graves, and a collective mass burial pit within the general cemetery. The main aim is to assess whether people buried in the mass graves were rural immigrants, or if they were more likely to be the victims of plague (or another epidemic) who lived in Riga and its suburbs. The data produced (from dental disease assessments and isotope analyses) were compared within, as well as between, the contexts. Most differences emerged when comparing the prevalence rates of dental diseases and other oral health indicators in males and females between the contexts, while isotope analysis revealed more individual, rather than context-specific, differences. The data suggested that the populations buried in the mass graves were different from those buried in the general cemetery, and support the theory that rural immigrants were buried in both mass graves. Significant differences were observed in some aspects of the data between the mass graves, however, possibly indicating that the people buried in them do not represent the same community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Roberts
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R. Millard
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Montgomery
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Guntis Gerhards
- Institute of Latvian History, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
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