Research outputs from Pure / Zinātniskās darbības rezultāti no ZDIS Pure

Permanent URI for this community

http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/3592

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 3268

1,1′-{[3,5-Bis((dodecyloxycarbonyl)-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-2,6-diyl]bis(methylene)}bis[4-(anthracen-9-yl)pyridin-1-ium] Dibromide
(2022-09) Ozolins, Reinis; Plotniece, Mara; Pajuste, Karlis; Putralis, Reinis; Pikun, Nadiia; Sobolev, Arkadij; Plotniece, Aiva; Rucins, Martins; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
A synthesis of a cationic moiety and fluorescent moieties containing amphiphilic 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) derivatives was performed starting with the Hantzsch-type cyclization of dodecyl acetoacetate, phenylaldehyde and ammonium acetate. Bromination of the 2,6-dimethyl groups of a parent 1,4-DHP compound, followed by nucleophilic substitution of bromine with 4-(anthracen-9-yl)pyridine, produced the desired 1,1′-{[3,5-bis((dodecyloxycarbonyl)-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-2,6-diyl]bis(methylene)}bis[4-(anthracen-9-yl)pyridin-1-ium] dibromide. The obtained target compound was fully characterized by the IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS data. Studies of the self-assembling properties and characterization of the nanoparticles obtained by the ethanol injection method were performed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. DLS measurement data showed that 1,1′-{[3,5-bis((dodecyloxycarbonyl)-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-2,6-diyl]bis(methylene)}bis[4-(anthracen-9-yl)pyridin-1-ium] dibromide produced liposomes that had average diameters of 200 nm when the samples were freshly prepared, and 140 nm after 7 days or 1 month storage. The PDI values of the samples were approximately 0.50 and their zeta-potential values were approximately 41 mV when the samples were freshly prepared, and 33 mV after storage. The obtained nanoparticles were stored at room temperature for one month and remained stable during that period. The mean molecular area of the cationic 1,4-DHP-anthracene hybrid 4 was 118 Å2, while the mean molecular area of the cationic 1,4-DHP 5 without anthracene substituents was only 83 Å2. The photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) value for the EtOH solution of the 1,4-DHP derivative 4 was 10.8%, but for the 1,4-DHP derivative 5 it was only 1.8%. These types of compounds could be used as synthetic lipids in the further development of prospective theranostic delivery systems.
1,1′-{[3,5-Bis(dodecyloxycarbonyl)-4-(naphthalen-2-yl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-2,6-diyl]bis(methylene)}bis{4-[(E)-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)vinyl]pyridin-1-ium}dibromide
(2022-09) Rucins, Martins; Kaukulis, Martins; Plotniece, Aiva; Pajuste, Karlis; Pikun, Nadiia; Sobolev, Arkadij
Synthesis of a double-charged cationic amphiphilic 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative with dodecyl ester groups at positions 3 and 5 of the 1,4-DHP ring was performed starting from Hantzsch type cyclization of dodecyl acetoacetate, 2-naphthaldehyde and ammonium acetate. Bromination of this compound followed by nucleophilic substitution of bromine with (E)-4-(2-(naphthalen-2-yl)vinyl)pyridine gave the desired cationic amphiphilic 1,1′-{[3,5-bis(dodecyloxycarbonyl)-4-(naph-thalen-2-yl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-2,6-diyl]bis(methylene)}bis{4-[(E)-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)vinyl]pyridin-1-ium}dibromide. The obtained target compound was fully characterized by IR, UV,1 H-NMR,13 C-NMR, HRMS and microanalysis. The characterization of the cationic 1,4-DHP nanoparticles in an aqueous solution was performed by DLS measurements. The obtained results showed that the compound formed nanoparticles with an average diameter of around 300 nm, a PDI value of around 490 and a zeta-potential of around 20 mV for freshly prepared samples. However, after one week of storage at room temperature, an aggregation of nanoparticles was detected.
2014 ESC Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism
(2014-07-31) ESC/ERS Collaboration; Konstantinides, Stavros V.; Maca, A.
2016 Classification Criteria for Macrophage Activation Syndrome Complicating Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis : A European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation Collaborative Initiative
(2016-03-01) Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation, the Childhood Arthritis andRheumatology Research Alliance, the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group,and the Histiocyte Societ; Dāvidsone, Zane
Objective To develop criteria for the classification of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods A multistep process, based on a combination of expert consensus and analysis of real patient data, was conducted. A panel of 28 experts was first asked to classify 428 patient profiles as having or not having MAS, based on clinical and laboratory features at the time of disease onset. The 428 profiles comprised 161 patients with systemic JIA-associated MAS and 267 patients with a condition that could potentially be confused with MAS (active systemic JIA without evidence of MAS, or systemic infection). Next, the ability of candidate criteria to classify individual patients as having MAS or not having MAS was assessed by evaluating the agreement between the classification yielded using the criteria and the consensus classification of the experts. The final criteria were selected in a consensus conference. Results Experts achieved consensus on the classification of 391 of the 428 patient profiles (91.4%). A total of 982 candidate criteria were tested statistically. The 37 best-performing criteria and 8 criteria obtained from the literature were evaluated at the consensus conference. During the conference, 82% consensus among experts was reached on the final MAS classification criteria. In validation analyses, these criteria had a sensitivity of 0.73 and a specificity of 0.99. Agreement between the classification (MAS or not MAS) obtained using the criteria and the original diagnosis made by the treating physician was high (κ = 0.76). Conclusion We have developed a set of classification criteria for MAS complicating systemic JIA and provided preliminary evidence of its validity. Use of these criteria will potentially improve understanding of MAS in systemic JIA and enhance efforts to discover effective therapies, by ensuring appropriate patient enrollment in studies.
2020 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation
(2021-04-07) Collet, Jean-Philippe; Thiele, Holger; ESC Scientific Document Group; Maca, Aija
21. gadsimta mācīšanās iezīmes Latvijas vispārējās izglītības praksē
(Rēzeknes Tehnoloģiju akadēmija, 2016) Ozola, Aija; Lubkina, Velta
The goal of the research is to identify the characteristics of 21st century learning in the practice of general education of Latvia. The analysis of theoretical literature and qualitative analysis of documentation has been used. A case study of the practice of general education of Latvia based on the theoretical knowledge was implemented using content analysis of the selfassessment reports of educational institutions. Main characteristics of the 21st century learning in the institutions of general education were identified by structuring the chosen content units. Self-assessment reports of the institutions of general education of Latvia demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the core and content of the 21st century learning. Educational institutions focus on the development of the main categories of the 21st century learning, such as collaboration and communication, creativity and critical thinking.
2L of Polyethylene Glycol as the Main Small Bowel Cleansing Regimen Component Prior to Video Capsule Endoscopy : Interim Analysis
(2020-05-26) Derovs, Aleksejs; Derova, Jeļena; Kleina, Regīna; Pokrotnieks, Juris; Rīga Stradiņš University
Capsule Enteroscopy (CE) is a fundamentally new method in diagnostic endoscopy. However, there are several factors influencing the quality of this procedure, including impermeable fluids, food remains etc. The aim of the study was to assess one of the most popular currently used bowel preparation methods and evaluate possible effects of various factors. 136 CE examinations were analysed. Each patient was prepared using 2 litres of polyethylene glycol (PEG) one day prior to examination. There was a special form filled in for each patient, which included relevant parameters (anamnesis, CE data etc.). Of 136 CE cases, 84 (61.8%) were female patients and 52 (38.2%) were male. The small bowel (SB) transit time in 112 patients varied from 39 to 502 minutes, but in 24 cases the capsule did not reach caecum. The degree of bowel cleanliness was as follows: very good - 30 (22.1%) patients, satisfactory - 97 (71.3%), and poor - 9 (6.6%). A positive correlation was observed between the degree of SB cleanliness and the SB transit time (p = 0.015). A longer SB transits time was associated with poor SB cleanliness. The results obtained in this study showed that the quality of SB cleanliness is affected by SB transit time. A relatively large percentage of cases rated as satisfactory bowel cleanliness and comparatively small percentage of bowel cleanliness cases rated as "very good" were observed when 2 litres of PEG were used prior to CE, indicating an important issues in preparation of the bowel prior to CE.
A 38-year study on Trichinella spp. in wild boar (Sus scrofa) of Latvia shows a stable incidence with an increased parasite biomass in the last decade
(2015-03-01) Kirjušina, Muza; Deksne, Gunita; Marucci, Gianluca; Bakasejevs, Eduards; Jahundoviča, Inese; Daukšte, Anžela; Zdankovska, Aleksandra; Běrziņa, Zanda; Esite, Zanda; Bella, Antonino; Galati, Fabio; Krumiņa, Angelika; Pozio, Edoardo; Department of Infectology
Background: Trichinella spp. are zoonotic parasites transmitted to humans by the consumption of raw or insufficiently cooked meat of different animal species. The most common source of infection for humans is meat from pigs and wild boar (Sus scrofa). The aim of the present work was to evaluate the incidence of Trichinella spp. infections in wild boar hunted in Latvia over a 38 year interval (1976 to 2013). Methods: A total 120,609 wild boars were individually tested for Trichinella spp. by trichinoscopy and, in case of negativity, by artificial digestion of 25 g muscles, in the 1976-2005 period, and by artificial digestion of 25-50 g muscles in the 2006-2013 period. Trichinella spp. larvae were identified at the species level by multiplex PCR. Results: In the study period, the overall prevalence of infected wild boar was 2.5%. Trichinella britovi was the predominant (90%) species. The incidence of Trichinella spp. infection in wild boar exhibited two different trends. From 1976 to 1987, the incidence of infected/hunted wild boar increased from 0.23% to 2.56%, then it decreased to 0.19 in 1994. Thereafter, the incidence fluctuated between 0.05% and 0.37%. A statistically significant (P∈<∈0.05) correlation (r∈=∈0.54; p∈=∈0.0199) was found between the trend of Trichinella spp. incidence in hunted wild boar and the number of snow cover days from 1976 to 1993. From 1997 to 2013, the estimated wild boar population of Latvia increased by 4.9 times and the hunting bag by 9.7 times, with a stable incidence of Trichinella spp. in the population. It follows that the biomass of Trichinella spp. larvae and of T. britovi, in particular, increased. Conclusions: The incidence trends of Trichinella spp. in wild boar could be related to the role played by the snow in reducing the thermal shock and muscle putrefaction which increases the survival of the larvae in muscle tissues of carrion in the 1976-1993 period; and, in the 1997-2013 period, to the increased biomass of Trichinella spp. due to the increased carnivore populations, which are the main reservoirs of these parasites.
3D desekcijas galda loma anatomijas mācību procesā mūsdienās
(Rīgas Pedagoģijas un izglītības vadības akadēmija, 2017) Pilmane, Māra; Kažoka, Dzintra; Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology
Studiju kursa “Anatomija” apgūšana studentiem vienmēr ir bijusi saistīta ar īpašu specifiskumu, materiāla sarežģītību un nepieciešamību izprast dažādu struktūru telpiskās un topogrāfiskās attiecības. Interaktīvo mācību formu ieviešana ir viens no nozīmīgākajiem virzieniem mūsdienu augstskolas studentu sagatavošanas pilnveidošanā un ir papildu instruments mācību procesa optimizēšanā. Darba mērķis – noskaidrot 3D virtuālā desekcijas galda “Anatomage” iespējas un priekšrocības studiju kursa “Anatomija” īstenošanā un studentu zināšanu, prasmju līmeņa paaugstināšanā. Materiāli un metodes. Darbā tika analizēta studiju kursa “Anatomija” praktisko nodarbību norise Rīgas Stradiņa universitātes Morfoloģijas katedrā, izmantojot darbā ar studentiem 3D virtuālo desekcijas galdu “Anatomage”. Rezultāti. Desekcijas galds ļauj virtuāli atveidot cilvēka ķermeni dabīgā izmērā. To uz galda ekrāna var pārvietot, pagriezt ar pirkstiem un veikt griezumus jebkurā projekcijā. Izmantojot segmentācijas funkcijas, katras sistēmas tēma un anatomiskā struktūra var tikt apgūta atsevišķi. Struktūras tiek komentētas uz ekrāna ar nosaukumiem latīņu vai angļu valodā. Programmatūras nodrošinājums ļauj lejupielādēt cilvēka ķermeņu desekcijas bildes un griezumus, ļaujot vizualizēt audu un orgānu attiecības pa slāņiem, veikt dažādas virtuālas manipulācijas, izmantot dažādus bilžu formātus, dinamiskos un CT, MRI attēlus, pielietot un analizēt iekšējās bibliotēkas patoloģiskos gadījumus. Secinājumi: Desekcijas galda piedāvātās iespējas ir būtisks papildinājums praktiskajām nodarbībām, kas palīdz dziļāk apgūt studiju kursu, attīsta studentu iztēli, radošās spējas, veido plašu mācību materiālu klāstu, paaugstinot motivāciju mācīties un attīstot katra individuālās spējas un iemaņas. Balstoties uz iegūtajām zināšanām, studenti var pieņemt pārdomātus lēmumus, mācīties patstāvīgi un nepārtraukti papildināt savas zināšanas.
3D dissection tools in Anatomage supported interactive human anatomy teaching and learning
(EDP Sciences, 2019) Pilmane, Māra; Kažoka, Dzintra; Berķis, U.; Vilka, L.; Department of Morphology
The main aim of this study is to present the usage and importance of 3D dissection tools in the teaching and learning of Anatomy and to describe and explain our experience with Anatomage Table in Human Anatomy studies at Rīga Stradiņš University. In 2017–2018 two 3D dissection tools (scalpels) were used every week in work with Anatomage Table during the practical classes. As methods for collecting data were used discussions between students and teachers. Together 200 students of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry were involved in this study. It was possible to create incisions and cuts in order to remove and uncover different layers of organic tissues, to move deep inside step by step and find out which structures it was necessary to look for. Afterwards students showed that they were able to place the organs back and reattach the bones, muscles, blood vessels in the body and put the skin back on. Students enjoyed virtual tools in the practical classes and learned the material better. Virtual tools helped students and tutors to easily understand and memorize different anatomy structures. 3D scalpels were useful for different education activities, but the learning experience may be suitable further for the study of real materials.
3D printing technology in human anatomy modern teaching and learning
(Rēzeknes Tehnoloģiju akadēmija, 2019) Kažoka, Dzintra; Pilmane, Māra; Lubkina, Velta; Indriksons, Alens; Usca, Svetlana; Rīga Stradiņš University
There are various combinations of 3D printing technology and medical study process. The aim of this study was to summarize our first experience on 3D printing and outline how 3D printed models can be successfully used in Human Anatomy modern teaching and learning. In 2018 autumn semester, together with traditional methods, a three-dimensional (3D) printing has been introduced into Human Anatomy curriculum at Department of Morphology. In practical classes 39 groups of students from Faculty of Medicine 1st year together with 3 tutors used 3 different open source softwares to create anatomical models and prepared them for printing process. All anatomical models were produced using an FDM 3D printer, a Prusa i3 MK2 (Prusa Research). As methods for data collection were used our observational notes during teaching and learning, analysis of discussions between tutors and students, comments on the preparing and usability of the created and printed models. 3D printing technology offered students a powerful tool for their teaching, learning and creativity, provided possibility to show human body structures or variations. Presented data offered valuable information about current situation and these results were suitable for the further development of the Human Anatomy study course.
5-aminolevulinic acid based photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma : a 10-years follow-up study
(2013) Griškjans, Žans; Derjabo, Aleksands; Cema, Ingrida; Rīga Stradiņš University
This article presents long-term follow-up after use of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) for basal cell carcinoma. PDT is treatment option for different tumors, involving use of specific agent which is activated by visible light and results in tissue destruction. Overall 20 patients with 29 tumors were treated at the Latvian Oncology Center. Two illumination techniques were used: superficial for smaller lesions and multifiber contact for nodular tumors. Clinical outcome was evaluated at 1, 7, 44 months and 10 years after procedure. By 10 year follow up, there were 2 tumor recurrences and in one case there was tumor residual tissue after first PDT treatment. Overall after ten years follow-up complete response was 80% of cases. Data in this study supports hypothesis that PDT could be used for the treatment of non-invasive (superficial and nodular) basal cell carcinoma. Results in this study correspond with similar long-term follow-up studies.
5-Item sino-nasal outcome test and 22-item sino-nasal outcome test relationship with endoscopic and radiologic scores in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
(2024-03) Misirovs, Rašads; Chan, Rory; Lipworth, Brian; Rīga Stradiņš University
Background: The 22-item sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) is a frequently used patient-recorded outcome measure in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs). Objective findings of nasal polyps and paranasal sinus inflammation are frequently graded using nasal polyp score (NPS) and Lund-Mackay Score (LMS), respectively. Objective: To evaluate a novel, abbreviated, rhinology-focused, five-domain SNOT-5 questionnaire because we had anecdotally noticed a relative disconnect between SNOT-22 and endoscopy and imaging scores. Methods: We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center review of patients with CRSwNPs who had filled out a SNOT-22, along with post hoc–derived SNOT-5 scores, which were then assessed in relation to NPS and LMS. Results: A total of 129 patients were included in the analysis. SNOT-5 but not SNOT-22 scores significantly correlated vs either NPS (P < .005) and LMS (P < .001), whereas only SNOT-5 differed significantly when comparing the cohort's lowest and highest tertiles for mean LMS: 11.8 vs 16.8 (95% CI, 1.5-8.4; P < .01) and for mean NPS 12.4 vs 15.6 (95% CI, 0.5-5.9; P < .05). Conclusion: In a retrospective, real-life cohort study of CRSwNP, there was a relative disconnect between the significant association of SNOT-5 but not SNOT-22 in relation to objective endoscopy and imaging measures. We, therefore, propose that further prospective intervention studies are indicated in CRSwNP to evaluate the SNOT-5 score including establishing the minimal clinically important difference.
A 5-transcript signature for discriminating viral and bacterial etiology in pediatric pneumonia
(2025-02-21) Viz-Lasheras, Sandra; Gómez-Carballa, Alberto; Pardo-Seco, Jacobo; Zavadska, Dace; DIAMONDS; GENDRES; PERFORM consortia; Rīga Stradiņš University
Pneumonia stands as the primary cause of death among children under five, yet current diagnosis methods often result in inadequate or unnecessary treatments. Our research seeks to address this gap by identifying host transcriptomic biomarkers in the blood of children with definitive viral and bacterial pneumonia. We performed RNA sequencing on 192 prospectively collected whole blood samples, including 38 controls and 154 pneumonia cases, uncovering a 5-transcript signature (genes FAM20A, BAG3, TDRD9, MXRA7, and KLF14) that effectively distinguishes bacterial from viral pneumonia (area under the curve (AUC): 0.95 [0.88–1.00]). Initial validation using combined definitive and probable cases yielded an AUC of 0.87 [0.77–0.97], while full validation in a new prospective cohort of 32 patients achieved an AUC of 0.92 [0.83–1.00]. This robust signature holds significant potential to enhance diagnostics accuracy for pediatric pneumonia, reducing diagnostic delays and unnecessary treatments and potentially transforming clinical practice.
980nm laser for difficult-to-treat basal cell carcinoma
(Optical Society of America, 2013) Derjabo, Aleksandrs; Čēma, Ingrīda; Lihacova, I.; Derjabo, L.; Rīga Stradiņš University
Begin basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is most common skin cancer over the world. There are around 20 modalities for BCC treatment. Laser surgery is uncommon option. We demonstrate our long term follow up results. Aim: To evaluate long term efficacy of a 980nm diode laser for the difficult-to-treat basal cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: 167 patients with 173 basal cell carcinoma on the nose were treated with a 980 nm diode laser from May 1999 till May 2005 at Latvian Oncology center. All tumors were morphologically confirmed. 156 patients were followed for more than 5 years. Results: The lowest recurrence rate was observed in cases of superficial BCC, diameter<6mm; bet the highest recurrence rate was in cases of infiltrative BCC and nodular recurrent BCC. Conclusions: 980 nm diode laser is useful tool in dermatology with high long term efficacy, good acceptance by the patients and good cosmetics results.
Abdominal negative-pressure therapy : A new method in countering abdominal compartment and peritonitis - prospective study and critical review of literature
(2012) Plaudis, Haralds; Rudzats, Agris; Melberga, Liene; Kazaka, Ita; Suba, Olegs; Pupelis, Guntars
Background: Application of abdominal negative-pressure therapy (NPT) is lifesaving when conservative measures fail to reduce sustained increase of the intra-abdominal pressure and it is impossible to achieve source control in a single operation due to severe peritonitis. The aim of this study is to share the initial experience with abdominal NPT in Latvia and provide a review of the relevant literature. Methods: In total, 22 patients were included. All patients were treated with KCI® ABThera™ NPT systems. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score on admission, daily sequential organ failure assessment score and Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) were calculated for severity definition. The frequency of NPT system changes, daily amount of aspirated fluid effluent and the time of abdominal closure were assessed. The overall hospital and ICU stay, as well as the outcomes and the complication rate, were analysed. Results: A complicated intra-abdominal infection was treated in 18 patients. Abdominal compartment syndrome due to severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), secondary ileus and damage control in polytrauma were indications for NPT in four patients. The median age of the patients was 59 years (range, 28 to 81), median APACHE II score was 15 points (range, 9 to 32) and median MPI was 28 points (range, 21 to 40), indicating a prognostic mortality risk of 60%. Sepsis developed in all patients, and in 20 of them, it was severe. NPT systems were changed on a median of every 4 days, and abdominal closure was feasible on the seventh postoperative day without needing a repeated laparotomy. Two NPT systems were removed due to bleeding from the retroperitoneal space in patients with SAP. Intestinal fistulae developed in three patients that were successfully treated conservatively. Incisional hernia occurred in three patients. The overall ICU and hospital stay were 14 (range, 5 to 56) and 25 days (range, 10 to 87), respectively. Only one patient died, contributing to the overall mortality of 4.5%. Conclusions: Application of abdominal NPT could be a very promising technique for the control of sustained intra-abdominal hypertension and management of severe sepsis due to purulent peritonitis. Further trials are justified for a detailed evaluation of abdominal NPT indications.
Abundance and prevalence of ESBL coding genes in patients undergoing first line eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori
(2023-08) Gudra, Dita; Silamikelis, Ivars; Pjalkovskis, Janis; Danenberga, Ilva; Pupola, Darta; Skenders, Girts; Ustinova, Maija; Megnis, Kaspars; Leja, Marcis; Vangravs, Reinis; Fridmanis, Davids
The spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in nosocomial and community-acquired enterobacteria is an important challenge for clinicians due to the limited therapeutic options for infections that are caused by these organisms. Here, we developed a panel of ESBL coding genes, evaluated the abundance and prevalence of ESBL encoding genes in patients undergoing H. pylori eradication therapy, and summarized the effects of eradication therapy on functional profiles of the gut microbiome. To assess the repertoire of known beta lactamase (BL) genes, they were divided into clusters according to their evolutionary relation. Primers were designed for amplification of cluster marker regions, and the efficiency of this amplification panel was assessed in 120 fecal samples acquired from 60 patients undergoing H. pylori eradication therapy. In addition, fecal samples from an additional 30 patients were used to validate the detection efficiency of the developed ESBL panel. The presence for majority of targeted clusters was confirmed by NGS of amplification products. Metagenomic sequencing revealed that the abundance of ESBL genes within the pool of microorganisms was very low. The global relative abundances of the ESBL-coding gene clusters did not differ significantly among treatment states. However, at the level of each cluster, classical ESBL producers such as Klebsiella sp. for blaOXY (p = 0.0076), Acinetobacter sp. for blaADC (p = 0.02297) and others, differed significantly with a tendency to decrease compared to the pre- and post-eradication states. Only 13 clusters were common across all three datasets, suggesting a patient-specific distribution profile of ESBL-coding genes. The number of AMR genes detected in the post-eradication state was higher than that in the pre-eradication state, which could be attributed, at least in part, to the therapy. This study demonstrated that the ESBL screening panel was effective in targeting ESBL-coding gene clusters from bacterial DNA and that minor differences exist in the abundance and prevalence of ESBL-coding gene levels before and after eradication therapy.
Academic integrity in education in the context of sustainable development of society
(2022-06-01) Kudeikina, Inga; Mihailovs, Ivans Jānis; Zīvarts, Juris; Rīga Stradiņš University
t is beyond argument that education is a cornerstone of the sustainable development of any society and state. The more educated society and its individual members are, the more capable the state and its economy and security and technology systems are of giving a targeted response to challenges of today’s world. However, education should not be seen as an end in itself. Certain quality requirements and standards should be respected in the educational process, one of them being academic integrity. Academic misconduct is firmly condemned both at educational institutions and in society, and occasionally the lawfulness of acquired education may be questioned. This kind of misconduct represents a phenomenon leading to several threats, and it can be interpreted as an intellectual property theft, which compromises the quality of education, thereby reducing a state’s capacity for development, and undermines confidence in educational institutions and persons who have committed misconduct, adversely affecting society in general. It should be emphasised that, if ignored, academicmisconduct facilitates legal nihilism in the long term. Therefore, one of priorities in education should be associated with solidifying academic integrity as a component of sustainable development. In the light of the above, this article analyses the understanding of academic integrity and how students can be punished for academic misconduct in the context of sustainable development, for which purpose internal regulations of major higher education institutions of the Republic of Latvia have been examined
ACADEMIC SOCIALIZING IN THE DIGITAL STUDY ENVIRONMENT – A NEW REALITY
(2023-10-19) Karulis, Miervaldis; Valodu centrs
The recent pandemic has boosted the adoption of the digital study environment (DSE) in universities around the world to reduce physical contact. Theories and models have tried to find the factors on which e-learning would depend. Perceived usefulness – a multidimensional higher-order construct – is the determinant of continuance intentions to use DSE. An independent factor is social presence, which ensures the academic socialization. DSE requires a new function of habitus that facilitates socialization. The objective of the study was to find out hindering conditions for socialization in the university where DSE continues to develop. The study was carried out in the spring of 2022. It involved 117 first year psychology students. Five groups were formed and a discussion in each group was held on socialization in DSE conditions. The author took notes on relevant points, the data were subjected to a thematic analysis using NVivo 12. A prerequisite for the socializing function of habitus is the continuity of the social space that facilitates the dispositions to appropriately communicate in the academic setting. The analysis of the obtained data revealed the following problematic areas of socialization in relation to DSE: diminishing the socializing role of the teaching staff, lack of personal contacts and spontaneous interactions, weakening of the social bond, parasocial relationships, feelings of loneliness and exclusion, decreasing social flexibility. The mentioned distractions can lead to a decrease in satisfaction with studies in general and, in particular, to a reluctance of continuance intentions to use DSE. Despite advanced technological and pedagogical affordances, the academic socialization is slightly behind in this context. Although disparity in previous socializing experience plays a crucial role for each student, discontinuity in social space can be overcome if a new function of habitus is promoted. The internalization of social behavior can be influenced mediated by DSE.
ACBM : An Integrated Agent and Constraint Based Modeling Framework for Simulation of Microbial Communities
(2020-12-01) Karimian, Emadoddin; Motamedian, Ehsan
The development of new methods capable of more realistic modeling of microbial communities necessitates that their results be quantitatively comparable with experimental findings. In this research, a new integrated agent and constraint based modeling framework abbreviated ACBM has been proposed that integrates agent-based and constraint-based modeling approaches. ACBM models the cell population in three-dimensional space to predict spatial and temporal dynamics and metabolic interactions. When used to simulate the batch growth of C. beijerinckii and two-species communities of F. prausnitzii and B. adolescent., ACBM improved on predictions made by two previous models. Furthermore, when transcriptomic data were integrated with a metabolic model of E. coli to consider intracellular constraints in the metabolism, ACBM accurately predicted growth rate, half-rate constant, and concentration of biomass, glucose, and acidic products over time. The results also show that the framework was able to predict the metabolism changes in the early stationary compared to the log phase. Finally, ACBM was implemented to estimate starved cells under heterogeneous feeding and it was concluded that a percentage of cells are always subject to starvation in a bioreactor with high volume.

Browse

Browsing Research outputs from Pure / Zinātniskās darbības rezultāti no ZDIS Pure by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options