Potential risk factors of food allergy in children: EuroPrevall project results in Vilnius, Lithuania

Objectives: In recent decades, the prevalence of allergic diseases, including food allergy, has been increasing. This is becoming an important health problem. Many risk factors of food allergy were identified recently, and many of them still are controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential risk factors of food allergy in child population following the methodology of the EuroPrevall project. Methods: Vilnius University was a partner in the EuroPrevall integrated project “The prevalence cost and basis of food allergy in Europe”, which is an EU-funded multi-disciplinary research study. A case-control study design was used to address the study question. All subjects were assessed by means of questionnaire and blood sample test for specific immunoglobulin E. Possible risk factors like mother’s addictions (smoking, alcohol drinking during pregnancy), infant low birth weight and nursing duration, gender, treatment with antibiotics during first two years of life were analysed. Multiple logistic regression was used for risk factor analysis. Results: No statistically significant associations were found between risk factors and food allergy. Only gender (male) (ORa = 3.36, 95% CI 1.17-9.63) and mother’s food allergy (ORa = 5.44, 95% CI 1.19-24.97) were directly associated with child’s food allergy. Because of the presence of those both two factors (gender (male) + mother’s allergy), the risk for food allergy increased particularly—OR was 18.31 (95% CI 2.01-166.07). Conclusion: Gender (male) and mother’s food allergy are the most important risk factors directly associated with children’s food allergy.

The patients’ opinion on the use of information technologies at the Seskine Outpatient Clinic and “Centro poliklinika” Outpatient Clinic of the city of Vilnius according to the age of patients

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess patients’ opinion of the information technologies (IT) electronic registration systems at the “Centro poliklinika” and Seskine outpatient clinics in Vilnius City. Material and Methods: The survey was conducted in May-June, 2012. In the course of the primary survey, one questionnaire was handed out to one in tenth of the newly arrived patients. Total number of 650 questionnaires was distributed. 563 respondents participated in the survey (feedback rate—86.6%). Statistical analysis of data was performed by means of personal computer using SPSS software package. Results: 54.7% of respondents state that they make use of the possibility of online registration with the family doctor. 85.05% of respondents indicate that a doctor, when making the next appointment or referring to the medical specialist, registers a patient on site by means of computer. Upon arrival of a respondent to the reception desk of the medical establishment, 90.3% of respondents are registered by means of computer. 72.4% of respondents say that they have a choice to telephone and inquire about the time of visit if they have forgotten the visit time or lost the appointment sheet. Majority of respondents using the online registration option belong to the age group between 21 and 40 years—35.3%. Conclusions: Answers by the respondents and the breakdown between “Centro poliklinika” and Seskine outpatient clinics are very similar and no essential differences have been determined.

Epinephrine also acts on beta cells and insulin secretion

In a recent review examining neurotransmitter modulation of insulin secretion,the significant impact of epinephrine was not addressed.Its primary action involves inhibiting insulin release via alpha-adrenergic receptors,thereby reducing the response to insulin secretion stimulators,through the activation of K+channels and resulting in membrane hyperpolarization in beta cells.

Artificial night light and thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND The occurrence of thyroid cancer(TC)has increased in recent decades.Exposure to outdoor artificial light at night(ALN)is associated with an increased risk of cancer.AIM To investigated the impact of ALN,as a significant environmental pollutant,on TC incidence worldwide.METHODS The assessment involved analyzing satellite ALN data in conjunction with TC incidence data[adjusted standardized rate(ASR)],while considering the quality of cancer registries(QCR),gross domestic product(GDP)per person,and health expenditure per person(HEP)for each country.RESULTS Results indicated a correlation between higher ASR and ALN exposure percentages,particularly in countries with higher GDP or HEP quartiles(all P<0.05).Significant differences in ASR were observed across QCR levels,both high and low quality(all P<0.05),but not in countries without registry activity.However,when evaluating ASR against ALN exposure percentages while considering GDP/HEP quartiles or QCR levels,no significant associations were found(all P>0.10).CONCLUSION The findings suggest a potential link between higher GDP and adverse health conditions,serving as possible risk factors for TC,rather than a direct association with ALN.Limitations include the use of cross-sectional data,temporal misalign ment,and reliance on ALN as a socioeconomic proxy.It is proposed that light pollution might be connected to a lifestyle conducive to carcinogenesis.Additionally,the presence of higher GDP/HEP could enhance access to diagnostic resources,potentially facilitating TC diagnosis and inclusion in cancer registries.

How severe is moderately severe acute pancreatitis? Clinical validation of revised 2012 Atlanta Classification

AIM To explore the outcomes and the appropriate treatment for patients with moderately severe acute pancreatitis(AP).METHODS Statistical analysis was performed on data from the prospectively collected database of 103 AP patients admitted to the Department of Surgery,Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in 2008-2013. All patients were confirmed to have the diagnosis of AP during the first 24 h following admission. The severity of pancreatitis was assessed by MODS and APACHE Ⅱ scale. Clinical course was re-evaluated after 24,48 and 72 h. All patients were categorized into 3 groups based on Atlanta 2012 classification: Mild,moderately severe,and severe.Outcomes and management in moderately severe group were also compared to mild and severe cases according to Atlanta 1992 and 2012 classification.RESULTS Fifty-three-point four percent of patients had edematous while 46.6 % were diagnosed with necrotic AP. The most common cause of AP was alcohol(42.7%) followed by alimentary(26.2%),biliary(26.2%) and idiopathic(4.9%). Under Atlanta 1992 classification 56(54.4%) cases were classified as "mild" and 47(45.6%) as "severe". Using the revised classification(Atlanta 2012),the patient stratification was different: 49(47.6%) mild,27(26.2%) moderately severe and 27(26.2%) severe AP cases. The two severe groups(Atlanta 1992 and Revised Atlanta 2012) did not show statistically significant differences in clinical parameters,including ICU stay,need for interventional treatment,infected pancreatic necrosis or mortality rates. The moderately severe group of 27 patients(according to Atlanta 2012) had significantly better outcomes when compared to those 47 patients classified as severe form of AP(according to Atlanta 1992) with lower incidence of necrosis and sepsis,lower APACHE Ⅱ(P = 0.002) and MODS(P = 0.001) scores,shorter ICU stay,decreased need for interventional and surgical treatment.CONCLUSION Study shows that Atlanta 2012 criteria are more accurate,reduce unnecessary treatments for patients with mild and moderate severe pancreatitis,potentially resulting in health costs savings.

Value of adipokines in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis:Comprehensive review

AIM:To analyze the prognostic value of adipokines in predicting the course,complications and fatal outcome of acute pancreatitis(AP).METHODS:We performed the search of PubMed database and the systemic analysis of the literature for both experimental and human studies on prognostic value of adipokines in AP for period 2002-2012.Only the papers that described the use of adipokines for prediction of severity and/or complications of AP were selected for further analysis.Each article had to contain information about the levels of measured adipokines,diagnosis and verification of AP,to specify presence of pancreatic necrosis,organ dysfunction and/or mortality rates.From the very beginning,study was carried out adhering to the PRISMA checklist and flowchart for systemic reviews.To assess quality of all included human studies,the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool was used.Because of the high heterogeneity between the studies,it was decided to refrain from the statistical processing or meta-analysis of the available data.RESULTS:Nine human and three experimental studies were included into review.In experimental studies significant differences between leptin concentrations at 24 and 48 h in control,acute edematous and acute necrotizing pancreatitis groups were found(P = 0.027 and P < 0.001).In human studies significant differences between leptin and resitin concentrations in control and acute pancreatitis groups were found.1-3 d serum adiponectin threshold of 4.5 μg/mL correctly classified the severity of 81% of patients with AP.This threshold yielded a sensitivity of 70%,specificity 85%,positive predictive value 64%,negative predictive value88%(area under curve 0.75).Resistin and visfatin concentrations differ significantly between mild and severe acute pancreatitis groups,they correlate with severity of disease,need for interventions and outcome.Both adipokines are good markers for parapancreatic necrosis and the cut-off values of 11.9 ng/mL and 1.8 ng/mL respectively predict the high ranges of radiological scores.However,the review revealed that all nine human studies with adipokines are very different in terms of methodology and objectives,so it is difficult to generalize their results.It seems that concentrations of the leptin and resistin increases significantly in patients with acute pancreatitis compared with controls.Serum levels of adiponectin,visfatin and especially resitin(positive correlation with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ,Ranson and C-reactive protein) are significantly different in mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis patients,so,they can serve as a markers for the disease severity prediction.Resistin and visfatin can also be used for pancreatic and parapancreatic necrosis prediction,interventions needs and possible,outcome.CONCLUSION:High levels of adipokines could allow for prediction of a severe disease course and outcome even in small pancreatic lesions on computed tomography scans.

Liver cirrhosis and left ventricle diastolic dysfunction: Systematic review

BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis is a chronic hepatic disease which is associated with cardiovascular abnormalities.Hyperdynamic circulation in liver cirrhosis causes functional and structural cardiac alterations.The prevalence of left ventricle diastolic dysfunction(LVDD)in cirrhotic patients ranges from 25.7%to as high as 81.4%as reported in different studies.In several studies the severity of diastolic dysfunction(DD)correlated with a degree of liver failure and the rate of dysfunction was higher in patients with decompensated cirrhosis compared with compensated.Future directions of comprehensive assessment of cardiac function in cirrhotic patients might provide a better prognosis for these patients.AIM To clarify the correlation between the severity of liver cirrhosis and left ventricle diastolic dysfunction in the existing literature.METHODS Through January and February of 2019 at Vilnius University we conducted a systematic review of the global existing literature on the prevalence of left ventricle diastolic dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis.We searched for articles in PubMed,Medline and Web of science databases.Articles were selected by using adequate inclusion and exclusion criteria.Our interest was the outcome of likely correlation between the severity of cirrhosis[evaluated by Child-Pugh classes,Model For End-Stage Liver Disease(MELD)scores]and left ventricle diastolic dysfunction[classified according to American Society of Echocardiography(ASE)guidelines(2009,2016)],as well as relative risk of dysfunction in cirrhotic patients.Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the ratio and grades of left ventricle diastolic dysfunction with respect to cirrhosis severity.RESULTS A total of 1149 articles and abstracts met the initial search criteria.Sixteen articles which met the predefined eligibility criteria were included in the final analysis.Overall,1067 patients(out of them 723 men)with liver cirrhosis were evaluated for left ventricle diastolic dysfunction.In our systemic analysis we have found that 51.2%of cirrhotic patients had left ventricle diastolic dysfunction diagnosed and the grade 1 was the most prevalent(59.2%,P<0.001)among them,the grade 3 had been rarely diagnosed-only 5.1%.The data about the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in cirrhotic patients depending on Child-Pugh Classes was available from 5 studies(365 patients overall)and only in 1 research diastolic dysfunction was found being associated with severity of liver cirrhosis(P<0.005).We established that diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed in 44.6%of Child-Pugh A class patients,in 62%of Child B class and in 63.3%of Child C patients(P=0.028).The proportion of patients with higher diastolic dysfunction grades increases in more severe cirrhosis presentation(P<0.001).There was no difference between mean MELD scores in patients with and without diastolic dysfunction and in different diastolic dysfunction groups.In all studies diastolic dysfunction was more frequent in patients with ascites.CONCLUSION This systemic analysis suggests that left ventricle diastolic dysfunction is an attribute of liver cirrhosis which has not received sufficient attention from clinicians so far.Future suggestions of a comprehensive assessment of cardiac function in cirrhotic patients might provide a better prognosis for these patients and give hint for better understanding of the left ventricle diastolic dysfunction pathogenesis in liver cirrhosis.

Postpartum pubic symphysis diastasis-conservative and surgical treatment methods, incidence of complications: Two case reports and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND Widening of the pubic joint of more than 10 mm is diagnostic and defined as pubic symphysis diastasis and is considered a complication of vaginal childbirth or pregnancy.As it is a rare pathology(ranging from 1 in 300 to 1 in 30000 pregnancies),no gold standard treatment has been defined.CASE SUMMARY This study examines two cases,a 27-year-old woman(gravida 1,para 1)and a 32-year-old woman(gravida 2,para 2),who presented to the clinic after uneventful vaginal deliveries.A normal pregnancy with no complications was observed in both patients.Severe pain in the pubic region occurred after labour and was accompanied by complicated locomotion.Pubic symphysis diastasis was confirmed radiologically and bed rest with lateral decubitus positioning was recommended.Oral non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs were administered to relieve pain exacerbations.The symptoms decreased after treatment.Posttreatment magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in the first case showed a reduction in symphyseal separation with no signs of osteitis.Three years later the symptoms recurred;MRI examination showed no further symphyseal widening or signs of osteitis.A relapse of symphyseal separation was diagnosed and conservative treatment was re-administered resulting in successful recovery.In the second case,pain recurred when the patient conceived for the second time.This time no benefit following conservative treatment was observed.Persistent pain and complicated locomotion led to scoliotic deformation of the lumbar part of the spine and leg length discrepancy,thus surgical treatment was chosen and internal pubic synthesis was performed.CONCLUSION Overall,surgical treatment resulting from insufficient conservative treatment showed a high risk of postoperative complications following the treatment of postpartum pubic symphysis diastasis.

Laser additive manufacturing of Si/ZrO_(2)tunable crystalline phase 3D nanostructures

The current study is directed to the rapidly developing field of inorganic material 3D object production at nano-/micro scale.The fabrication method includes laser lithography of hybrid organic-inorganic materials with subsequent heat treatment leading to a variety of crystalline phases in 3D structures.In this work,it was examined a series of organometallic polymer precursors with different silicon(Si)and zirconium(Zr)molar ratios,ranging from 9:1 to 5:5,prepared via sol-gel method.All mixtures were examined for perspective to be used in 3D laser manufacturing by fabricating nano-and micro-feature sized structures.Their spatial downscaling and surface morphology were evaluated depending on chemical composition and crystallographic phase.The appearance of a crystalline phase was proven using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis,which revealed a lower crystallization temperature for microstructures compared to bulk materials.Fabricated 3D objects retained a complex geometry without any distortion after heat treatment up to 1400℃.Under the proper conditions,a wide variety of crystalline phases as well as zircon(ZrSiO_(4)-a highly stable material)can be observed.In addition,the highest new record of achieved resolution below 60 nm has been reached.The proposed preparation protocol can be used to manufacture micro/nano-devices with high precision and resistance to high temperature and aggressive environment.

Femtosecond-laser direct writing 3D micro/nano-lithography using VIS-light oscillator

Here we report a femtosecond laser direct writing(a precise 3D printing also known as two-photon polymerization lithography) of hybrid organic-inorganic SZ2080^(TM)pre-polymer without using any photo-initiator and applying ~100 fs oscillator operating at 517 nm wavelength and 76 MHz repetition rate. The proof of concept was experimentally demonstrated and benchmarking 3D woodpile nanostructures, micro-scaffolds, free-form micro-object “Benchy” and bulk micro-cubes are successfully produced. The essential novelty underlies the fact that non-amplified laser systems delivering just 40-500 p J individual pulses are sufficient for inducing localized cross-linking reactions within hundreds of nanometers in cross sections. And it is opposed to the prejudice that higher pulse energies and lower repetition rates of amplified lasers are necessary for structuring non-photosensitized polymers. The experimental work is of high importance for fundamental understanding of laser enabled nanoscale 3D additive manufacturing and widens technology’ s field of applications where the avoidance of photo-initiator is preferable or is even a necessity, such as micro-optics, nano-photonics, and biomedicine.

Multidisciplinary diagnostic dilemma in differentiating Madelung’s disease—the value of superb microvascular imaging technique:A case report

BACKGROUND Madelung’s disease,also known as multiple symmetrical lipomatosis,is a rare,underrecognized disorder of fat metabolism that results in unusual accumulation of subcutaneous fat deposits around the neck,shoulders,upper arms,trunk,hips,and upper thighs.Our case demonstrates the importance of differential diagnosis and the value of a superb microvascular imaging technique for suspecting and confirming Madelung’s disease.Timely diagnosis and alcohol abstinence could prevent the progression of growing fatty masses and prevent surgery.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male was admitted to the Rheumatology center complaining of symmetric subcutaneous tumors in the area of the parotid and submandibular salivary glands,small soft masses in the occiput and upper third of the forearm,rashes on calves.A high titer of rheumatoid factor and low concentrations of serum complements were detected.The high-end ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging examinations of all affected areas of the soft tissues showed predominantly adipose tissue(lipomas)without suspicion of liposarcoma.The biopsy from the small salivary gland revealed no pathology.After evaluating the patient’s clinical presentation(symmetrical lipomatosis,cirrhosis,gynecomastia,anemia,hyperuricemia),Madelung’s disease,type I,along with the psoriatic rash and psoriatic arthritis and secondary liver cirrhosis were established.CONCLUSION Madelung’s disease consists of many co-occurring disorders imitating and overlapping with other conditions.Ultrasonography is the first choice for suspecting and confirming symmetrical lipomatosis.

Modified graphene‐based materials as effective catalysts for transesterification of rapeseed oil to biodiesel fuel

Production of biodiesel by the transesterification process using different modified graphene‐based materials as catalysts was studied.Solid acid graphene‐based samples were prepared by grafting sulfonic or phosphate groups on the surface of thermally reduced graphene oxide.The obtained materials were thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy,X‐ray diffraction,thermogravimetric analysis,X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy,N2 adsorption‐desorption measurements,potentiometric titration,elemental analysis,and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.The prepared catalysts were tested in the transesterification of rapeseed oil with methanol at 130°C under pressure,and their activities were compared to the performance of a commercially available heterogeneous acidic catalyst,Amberlyst‐15.All modified samples were active in the transesterification process;however,significant differences were observed in the yield of biodiesel,depending on the method of catalyst preparation and strength of the acidic sites.The highest yield of fatty acid methyl esters of 70%was obtained for thermally reduced graphene oxide functionalized with 4‐benzenediazonium sulfonate after 6 h of processing,and this result was much higher than that obtained for the commercial catalyst Amberlyst‐15.The results of the reusability test were also promising.

Comparison of intraocular pressure measurements with different contact tonometers in young healthy persons

AIM：To analyze the correlation of Goldmann applanation tonometer（GAT）,I-Care tonometer and Tono-Pen tonometer results in young healthy persons,and to investigate the influence of central corneal thickness（CCT）on intraocular pressure（IOP）measurements recorded with these tonometers.·M ETHODS：We conducted a pilot clinical study in 78eyes of 78 subjects aged 22-28 years old（44 women and34 men;mean age 23.8±1.19y）.IOP was measured using GAT,I-Care and Tono-Pen tonometers,followed by measurements of CCT.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0.·RESULTS：The mean IOPs and standard deviation（±SD）for GAT,I-Care and Tono-Pen were 15.62±2.281 mm Hg,16.29±2.726 mm Hg and 16.32±2.393 mm Hg,respectively.The mean CCT was 555.15±29.648μm.Clear positive correlations between GAT and I-Care,GAT and TonoPen,and I-Care and Tono-Pen tonometers were found（=0.867,〈0.001;=0.861,〈0.001;=0.915,〈0.001,respectively）.In comparison between devices,BlandAltman analysis showed a significant mean difference（MD）in the measurements by GAT and I-Care of-0.679 mm Hg and by GAT and Tono-Pen of-0.705 mm Hg（〈0.001）,but there was no significant difference between I-Care and Tono-Pe（〉0.05）.Both non-gold standard tonometers were affected by CCT;that is,both I-Care and Tono-Pen tonometer values were significantly higher with higher CCT means（〉555μm;MD=-1.282,〈0.001;MD=-0.949,〈0.001,respectively）compared with GAT.·CONCLUSION：Both I-Care and Tono-Pen tonometers overestimated IOP compared with the GAT values.Either the I-Care or Tono-Pen tonometer could be used instead of GAT because there was no significant difference between their results.Higher CCT values（〉555μm）were associated with overestimated IOP values.

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis： phenotypic and genetic characterization

Juvenile X-linked retinoschisis（XLRS, MIM#312700） belongs to a group of the vitreoretinal dystrophies. We aimed to describe the phenotype-genotype correlation of three XLRS cases in juveniles with different novel mutations from the Lithuanian population. The patients demonstrated macular retinoschisis and typical cyst-like cavities on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography（SD-OCT） images. The mean central foveal thickness was 569.7 μm. Two patients presented with peripheral retinoschisis. Flash electroretinogram demonstrated a reduced b/a ratio（〈1.0） in all patients. RS1（NM_000330.3） gene coding exons Sanger sequencing was performed. RS1 c.599 G〉T（p.R200 L） mutation was detected in one case, showing to be pathogenic in silico analysis. c.（92_97） ins C（p.W33 fs） mutation was identified for another patient, indicating the variant is possibly damaging in silico analysis. The third case was identified with a pathogenic mutation c.422 C〉G（p.R141 H）, HGMD CM981753. These are the first cases of XLRS in the Lithuanian population confirmed by molecular genotyping. Presented patients had a different genotype but similar phenotypic traits.

Treatment of hemorrhagic radiation-induced proctopathy with a 4% formalin application under perianal anesthetic infiltration

AIM:To evaluate the results of hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy treatment with a 4% formalin application.METHODS:A prospective study was performed.Over a three-year period,38 patients underwent 4% formalin application under perianal anesthetic infiltration for hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy.All patients included in the study were irradiated for prostate cancer.The patients ranged in age from 56-77 years(average 70 ± 5 years).All of the patients were referred for formalin therapy after noninvasive management had failed.Twenty-four(63.2%)patients underwent a single application,10(26.3%)patients underwent 2 applications,and 4(10.5%)patients underwent 3 applications.RESULTS:Two to 36 mo(average 12 ± 3 mo)following treatment,34 patients were interviewed(four were lost to follow-up).Twenty(58.8%)subjects reported complete cure,8(23.5%)subjects reported significant improvement,and 6(17.7%)subjects reported no change.One patient(who underwent a colostomy at a regional hospital with no specialized services available for previous bleeding episodes from radiation proctopathy)was cured,and the colostomy was closed.One patient(2.6%)developed rectal mucosal damage after the second application.CONCLUSION:A 4-min application of 4% formalin for hemorrhagic radiation-induced proctopathy under perianal anesthetic infiltration in patients who have received external radial radiation therapy for prostate cancer is simple,reasonably safe,inexpensive,generally well tolerated,and effective.

Gut microbiota contribution to hepatocellular carcinoma manifestation in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Recently,the gut microbiota has been recognized as an obvious active player in addition to liver steatosis/steatohepatitis in the pathophysiological mechanisms of the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),even in the absence of cirrhosis.Evidence from clinical and experimental studies shows the association of specific changes in the gut microbiome and the direct contribution to maintaining liver inflammation and/or cancerogenesis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-induced HCC.The composition of the gut microbiota differs significantly in obese and lean individuals,especially in the abundance of pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide-producing phyla,and,after establishing steatohepatitis,it undergoes minor changes during the progression of the disease toward advanced fibrosis.Experimental studies proved that the microbiota of obese subjects can induce steatohepatitis in normally fed mice.On the contrary,the transplantation of healthy microbiota to obese mice relieves steatosis.However,further studies are needed to confirm these findings and the mechanisms involved.In this review,we have evaluated well-documented clinical and experimental research on the role of the gut microbiota in the manifestation and promotion of HCC in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH).Furthermore,a literature review of microbiota alterations and consequences of dysbiosis for the promotion of NASH-induced HCC was performed,and the advantages and limitations of the microbiota as an early marker of the diagnosis of HCC were discussed.

Endothelial parameters in central and peripheral cornea in patients wearing contact lenses

AIM： To measure the parameters of endothelium in the central and peripheral parts of the cornea and evaluate the influence of wearing the hard and soft contact lenses on the mentioned parameters.METHODS： A specular microscope was used to measure the corneal endothelium parameters in both eyes of 139 Caucasians（a total of 278）. All participants were divided into three groups： soft lens wearers, hard lens wearers and a control group. Factors, such as age, smoking, types of lens material, duration of lens wear and lens air permeability were assessed to determine their impact on the morphometric parameters of the endothelium.RESULTS： A lower percentage of hexagon-like cells and higher cell variation than in other groups were determined in hard contact lens wearers. The difference in density of endotheliocytes between the groups was not observed. The measurements of the morphometric parameters in soft contact lens wearers did not depend neither on the duration of lens wear, nor on air permeability. The relation between the patients＇ age and the variation of endothelium parameters was determined in the group of hard contact lens wearers.CONCLUSION： Wearing hard contact lenses provokes pleomorphism and polymegethism of the corneal endothelium, while soft contact lenses do not impact any parameters of the endothelium, most likely due to higher air permeability.

Attention-Based and Time Series Models for Short-Term Forecasting of COVID-19 Spread

The growing number of COVID-19 cases puts pressure on healthcare services and public institutions worldwide.The pandemic has brought much uncertainty to the global economy and the situation in general.Forecasting methods and modeling techniques are important tools for governments to manage critical situations caused by pandemics,which have negative impact on public health.The main purpose of this study is to obtain short-term forecasts of disease epidemiology that could be useful for policymakers and public institutions to make necessary short-term decisions.To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed attention-based method combining certain data mining algorithms and the classical ARIMA model for short-term forecasts,data on the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Lithuania is used,the forecasts of epidemic dynamics were examined,and the results were presented in the study.Nevertheless,the approach presented might be applied to any country and other pandemic situations.The COVID-19 outbreak started at different times in different countries,hence some countries have a longer history of the disease with more historical data than others.The paper proposes a novel approach to data registration and machine learning-based analysis using data from attention-based countries for forecast validation to predict trends of the spread of COVID-19 and assess risks.

Drift Mobility, Diffusion Coefficient of Randomly Moving Charge Carriers in Metals and Other Materials with Degenerated Electron Gas

In this short review some aspects of applications of free electron theory on the ground of the Fermi statistics will be analyzed. There it is an intention to attempt somebody’s attention to problems in widespread literature of interpretation of conductivity of metals, superconductor in the normal state and semiconductors with degenerated electron gas. In literature there are many cases when to these materials the classical statistics is applied. It is well known that the electron heat capacity and thermal noise (and as a consequence the electrical conductivity) are determined by randomly moving electrons, which energy is close to the Fermi energy level, and the other part of electrons, which energy is well below the Fermi level can not be scattered and change its energy. Therefore there was tried as simple as possible on the ground of Fermi distribution, and on random motion of charge carriers, and on the well known experimental results to take general expressions for various kinetic parameters which are applicable for materials both without and with degenerated electron gas. It is shown, that drift mobility of randomly moving charge carriers, depending on the degree degeneracy, can considerably exceed the Hall mobility. Also it is shown that the Einstein relation between the diffusion coefficient and the drift mobility of charge carriers is valid even in the case of degeneracy. There also will be presented the main kinetic parameter values for different metals.

Effects of COVID-19 on the liver:The experience of a single center

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)was perhaps the most severe global health crisis in living memory.Alongside respiratory symptoms,elevated liver enzymes,abnormal liver function,and even acute liver failure were reported in patients suffering from severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 pneumonia.However,the precise triggers of these forms of liver damage and how they affect the course and outcomes of COVID-19 itself remain unclear.AIM To analyze the impact of liver enzyme abnormalities on the severity and outcomes of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.METHODS In this study,684 depersonalized medical records from patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the 2020-2021 period were analyzed.COVID-19 was diagnosed according to the guidelines of the National Institutes of Health(2021).Patients were assigned to two groups:those with elevated liver enzymes(Group 1:603 patients),where at least one out of four liver enzymes were elevated(following the norm of hospital laboratory tests:alanine aminotransferase(ALT)≥40,aspartate aminotransferase(AST)≥40,gamma-glutamyl transferase≥36,or alkaline phosphatase≥150)at any point of hospitalization,from admission to discharge;and the control group(Group 2:81 patients),with normal liver enzymes during hospitalization.COVID-19 severity was assessed according to the interim World Health Organization guidance(2022).Data on viral pneumonia complications,laboratory tests,and underlying diseases were also collected and analyzed.RESULTS In total,603(88.2%)patients produced abnormal liver test results.ALT and AST levels were elevated by a factor of less than 3 in 54.9%and 74.8%of cases with increased enzyme levels,respectively.Patients in Group 1 had almost double the chance of bacterial viral pneumonia complications[odds ratio(OR)=1.73,P=0.0217],required oxygen supply more often,and displayed higher biochemical inflammation indices than those in Group 2.No differences in other COVID-19 complications or underlying diseases were observed between groups.Preexisting hepatitis of a different etiology was rarely documented(in only 3.5%of patients),and had no impact on the severity of COVID-19.Only 5(0.73%)patients experienced acute liver failure,4 of whom died.Overall,the majority of the deceased patients(17 out of 20)had elevated liver enzymes,and most were male.All deceased patients had at least one underlying disease or combination thereof,and the deceased suffered significantly more often from heart diseases,hypertension,and urinary tract infections than those who made recoveries.Alongside male gender(OR=1.72,P=0.0161)and older age(OR=1.02,P=0.0234),diabetes(OR=3.22,P=0.0016)and hyperlipidemia(OR=2.67,P=0.0238),but not obesity,were confirmed as independent factors associated with more a severe COVID-19 infection in our cohort.CONCLUSION In our study,the presence of liver impairment allows us to predict a more severe inflammation with a higher risk of bacterial complication and worse outcomes of COVID-19.Therefore,patients with severe disease forms should have their liver tests monitored regularly and their results should be considered when selecting treatment to avoid further liver damage or even insufficiency.