Study In Latvia Research Articles

Correlation of Body Mass Index and Lung Volume in 3–7 Year-Old Children in Rīga Pre-School Educational Institutions

Abstract The number of people with excess weight increases every year. Overweight and obesity in childhood can cause several chronic diseases in adulthood. Children with excess body mass develop more morphological and functional changes, including pulmonary functions. One of the common methods to assess lung function is spirometry. This method is a challenge in assessing lung function for pre-school age children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between lung vital capacity and body mass index for the pre-school children aged 3–7 years in Rīga. In total 995 pre-school children were included in the study. An informative consent and questionnaire about the development of each individual child was filled in by parents. Several measurements were performed, including height, body mass, and lung vital capacity. This is the first study in Latvia where several morphologic and somatometric measurements were determined in children of pre-school age. There was a positive and statistically significant correlation between lung vital capacity and body height, mass, and chest circumference. The correlation between lung vital capacity and body mass index was not statistically significant. The main results do not differ from the results of similar studies in other countries. The obtained results will help to create a standard of morphological and somatometric parameters in pre-school aged children in Rīga region.

Cultural and Social Anthropology Studies in Latvia and Eastern Europe: Discussing Practices and Methods

Cultural and Social Anthropology Studies in Latvia and Eastern Europe: Discussing Practices and Methods

Characterization of Refuse Derived Fuel Production from Municipal Solid Waste: The Case Studies in Latvia and Lithuania

Abstract The authors determined the morphological composition of refuse derived fuel (RDF) produced in Latvia and Lithuania by manually sorting. The parameters of RDF (moisture, net calorific value, ash content, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulphur, chlorine, metals) was determined using the EN standards. Comparing obtained results with data from literature, authors have found that the content of plastic is higher but paper and cardboard is lower than typical values. Results also show that the mean parameters for RDF can be classified with the class codes: Net heating value (3); chlorine (3); mercury (1), and responds to limits stated for 3rd class of solid recovered fuel. It is recommended to separate biological waste at source to lower moisture and ash content and increase heating value for potential fuel production from waste.

Insufficient sleep duration in association with self-reported pain and corresponding medicine use among adolescents: a cross-sectional population-based study in Latvia

Pain among adolescents is prevalent that may negatively affect adolescents' general well-being of which sleep is an important domain. This study aims to explore the associations between weekly pain and medicine use for relevant pain and insufficient sleep duration among 11-, 13- and 15-year-old adolescents in Latvia by assessing the moderation effect of gender and age. Data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study on 2017/2018 of Latvia (n = 4412; 49.6% boys) were used. Logistic regression was applied to analyse the odds of insufficient sleep (< 7h) on schooldays and weekends in association with weekly headache, stomach ache or backache and corresponding medicine use when testing the interaction effect of adolescents' gender and age. The experience of weekly pain with or without medicine use significantly increased the odds of insufficient sleep compared to adolescents with pain less than weekly, whilecontrolling for gender and age. The interaction effect of gender and age on the studied associations was not significant. Weekly pain among adolescents is a significant risk factor for insufficient sleep duration, regardless of adolescents' gender and age.

Naturalistic follow-up study of rehospitalization rates and assigned disability status of patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum psychosis in South East Latvia: preliminary results

Background Patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum psychosis (FEP) are at risk of not visiting an out-patient psychiatrist and are assigned disability status within a short period after diagnosis. Objective The aim of this study was to conduct a naturalistic follow-up of FEP patients to explore their use of mental healthcare services and the rate of assigned disability status after FEP. Methods This was the first study in Latvia to include all consecutive patients with FEP admitted to the largest regional hospital in South East Latvia, Daugavpils Psychoneurological Hospital (DPNH). Patients received standard treatment in a real-world environment. The mean follow-up time was 33 months (Min = 20 months, Max = 40 months). Results From the 94 consecutive FEP patients admitted to DPNH (1 January 2016 to 31 December 2017), 68 participated and provided informed consent to be followed up. During the first 12 months after discharge from the acute psychiatric ward, 23% (n = 14) never visited a psychiatrist, and 6.5% (n = 4) had a single visit to get prescription for medication. Furthermore, 36.1% (n = 22) had a rehospitalization during the first 12 months. At the end of follow-up period, 34.4% (n = 21) of patients were assigned disability status within a median time of 8 months (IQR 4.5‒20.0). Conclusion Approximately, one-third of patients did not continue treatment as out-patients after FEP. One-third of FEP patients were assigned disability status. We suggest that Latvia needs improved treatment options for FEP patients, such as early intervention.

Burnout Clinical Subtypes Questionnaire (BCSQ-36): reliability and validity study in Latvia

ABSTRACT The study aimed to test the validity of the burnout subtypes hierarchic model operationalized by the ‘Burnout Clinical Subtypes Questionnaire’ (BCSQ-36) and its applicability in other cultures. To that aim psychometric properties, factorial and convergent validity regarding the Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey (MBI-GS), and correlation with demographic factors were reviewed. A voluntary internet-based approach was used on a multi-occupational sample of adult Latvians (n = 394). The results of the internal consistency of the Latvian version of the BCSQ-36 exceeded .89 for all three subtypes. The CFA was used to test a hierarchical factorial model, and the analysis revealed an acceptable fit of the model to the data. Correlation analysis showed results as expected, similarly to the original sample – Underchallenged and Worn-out subtypes correlated with all MBI-GS scales, while Frenetic subtype did not correlate with the MBI-GS Cynicism scale. Besides, demographic data showed some correlation only on the subscale level. Overall research results provide support of the validity of the burnout subtypes hierarchical model and applicability in another culture.

Digital Transformation Outcomes in Higher Education: Pilot Study in Latvia

Considering that the higher education sector has a great potential for digital transformation, it is necessary to investigate driving factors and barriers for transformation processes. The goal of the paper is to evaluate DT outcomes in higher education institutions (HEI), perceived by academic and administrative staff members. The authors conducted a pilot survey among the staff members of Latvian HEIs. Most respondents consider a 'development of new educational products/improvement of existing products' as a result DT in HEI. Besides, DT is perceived as a tool to increase HEI competitiveness globally, to improve work efficiency and internal business processes, and to make education more available. At the same time, less than half of the respondents agree that the result of DT is 'student retention'. The results of the research will be used for further investigation of DT issues, specifically for study on staff resistance to DT implementation.

Lead-Related Infective Endocarditis in Latvia: A Single Centre Experience.

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%.

Clinical Characterisation of Rota Virus Infection Associated with Most Commonly Circulating Genotypes in Children Hospitalised in Children’s University Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study in Latvia

Abstract In developed and developing countries, most cases of acute gastroenteritis in children are caused by viruses, and rotaviruses are known as the leading cause. The aim of our study was to estimate the main circulating serotypes of rotavirus before the introduction of routine immunisation in Latvia, and to search for their possible correlation with clinical symptoms and circulating genotypes. A cross-sectional study was carried out among children who had been hospitalised in the Children’s Clinical University Hospital from April 2013 to December 2015. Genotyping was done for 462 stool samples. Among G/P combinations, the most predominant genotypes were G4P[8] (61.3%), G9P[8] (12.4%) and G2P[4] (10.0%) in children of age &lt; 5 years, G4P[8] (45.5%), G2P[4] (18.2%), G9P[8], G3P[8], and G1P[8] (9.1%) in children of age &gt; 5 years. There was a statistically significant correlation (p &lt; 0.05) between clinical signs (vomiting, dehydration, chronic diseases) and G1P[8] and G8P[8] genotypes. Infants infected with genotype G4P[4] had a statistically significant negative correlation with severity of acute gastroenteritis episodes (p &lt; 0.05). We detected nine different rotavirus G genotypes, and two different P genotypes. G4P[8], G9P[8], and G2P[8] were predominant. We observed correlation between the dominant genotypes and clinical manifestations of rotavirus infection.

THE INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT OF NORWAY SPRUCE: A COMPROMISE BETWEEN FINANCIAL GAIN AND GENETIC DIVERSITY?

INTRODUCTION&#x0D; Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) is a high-yielding commercial tree species grown in the Baltic sea region. It not only ensures timber production, but also provides a notable amount of crown branch biomass and a substantial amount of technically accessible stump biomass for energy. Thus, it has a high potential as a source of renewable materials and energy in the bioeconomy. Recent studies in Latvia have shown no long-term negative consequences to forest ecosystems from whole-tree harvesting. Hence, this management method can be considered sustainable for Norway spruce stands in fertile mineral soils. Not only yield, but also risks need to be considered to ensure financial sustainability, mainly the impact of wind-storms, drought, and pests. A combination of silviculture and genetics (tree breeding) can be used to reduce the probability of damage to Norway spruce stands. The aim of our study was to assess the potential of simultaneously ensuring both genetic gain and diversity in Norway spruce plantations.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS&#x0D; Data characterizing/showing tree growth – current height, diameter at breast height, survival, as well as radial increment (increment cores) – were obtained from a 50-year-old Norway spruce plantation. Data characterizing genetic diversity were collected from a gene reserve stand (48 trees), Norway spruce seed orchard progenies consisting of 20 clones, as well as 12 pure Norway spruce stands. DNA was extracted and analysed with 6 to 14 nuclear SSR markers.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; No significant differences were observed between the seed orchard progenies, the trees from the gene reserve stand and other Norway spruce stands using the assessed parameters – allelic richness, observed heterozygosity, genetic diversity and relatedness. This indicates that the use of a seed orchard containing a relatively low number of clones as a seed source for plant production and forest regeneration would not have a negative impact on genetic diversity. However, notable gains in productivity can be achieved using selected plant material. At the age of 50 years, phenotypically selected clones in the low-density (5×5m) plantation had a mean yield of 327±42 m3ha-1, significantly exceeding the mean yield (277±56 m3ha-1) observed in Norway spruce stands of the same age and the same site conditions (forest type), while no significant differences were observed compared to the average stand yield at the age of 80 years (347±47 m3ha-1). The target diameter of 31 cm was reached at the age of 42±0.9 years on average, but this varied significantly among clones.&#x0D; CONCLUSION&#x0D; The results demonstrate a notable potential to reduce the rotation period, thereby: a) increasing the availability of raw material for further processing and energy production, and b) reducing financial risks due to lowering the probability that the stand will sustain substantial damage (i.e. wind storm). This gain can be achieved without significantly compromising genetic diversity. Further studies shall address potential changes in genetic diversity at the landscape level over a longer period when using a very limited set of clones. Stands in nature reserves could serve as a basis for comparison in such studies.

Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Producing Bacteria in Two Surgical Wards of a General Hospital

Abstract Colonisation of gastrointestinal tract by extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria is a source for infections. The present work is a prospective study in Latvia aimed to determine the role of two surgical profile wards in transmission of ESBL-producing bacteria. Differences between hospital wards were not analysed due to low number of patients. We have also determined a correlation between the duration of hospitalisation and risk of ESBL colonisation. Tests for ESBL-producing bacteria were made twice for 136 patients — upon admission and upon discharge from the hospital. Of them, 21 (15.4%) patients already were ESBL-positive at the time of admission and 115 (84.6%) patients were ESBL-negative. Upon discharge from hospital, 45 (33.1%) patients were ESBL-positive, one patient was ESBL-negative, and 25 (18.4%) of ESBL-positive cases had emerged during hospitalisation. In total, 46 (33.8%) from 136 patients were ESBL-positive and ESBL was positive in 51 bacterial isolates. On discharge from hospital, the newly acquired ESBL-positive bacterial isolates were K. pneumoniae (n = 18), E. coli (n = 7) and P. mirabilis (n = 3). The prevalence of ESBL-positive E. coli from all detected E. coli was 7.0% and from all Klebsiella spp. — 88.9% in gut flora. Analysis of patientassociated wound infections did not show correlation between the ESBL-producing gut microbiota and the bacterial species involved in wound infection.

Cleaner production nodes in fish processing. Case study in Latvia

Cleaner production is a continuous and preventive approach to the environmental and energy management and allows to provide services and manufacture products with a minimum negative impact on the environment and human health using currently available technological and economic opportunities. The aim of the current research is to analyze a specific fish processing company (case study) from the viewpoint of energy and environmental management to evaluate possibility to implement cleaner production measures and therefore improve company’s performance. This study outlines preliminary results of the analysis, which can be used as a baseline for further research and optimization. Case study focuses on the analysis of electricity consumption in fish processing, which depends on technologies, products, raw materials, climatic conditions, processes etc. developed methodology algorithm presents data processing and analysis of production data to find tendencies of flexibility of power use. Testing of methodology for fish processing case study consists of the analysis of results and creation of empirical model. Results of multiple regression analysis show that obtained equation describes 75 % of the analyzed data (R2 = 0.754).

Ground vegetation composition and diversity in drained Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands 50 years after whole-tree harvesting management: case study in Latvia

Abstract The long-term (50 years) effect of whole-tree harvesting (stump harvesting) on ground vegetation in experimental drained Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands was studied. We used a chronosequence approach to assess the long-term impact of whole-tree harvesting (WTH) on stands’ ground vegetation. WTH stands were compared with four control stands with different age and with the same forest type: young stand (15 years), middle-aged stand (45 years), mature stand (110 years) and over-mature stand (140 years). Species richness was similar between the WTH stand and middle-aged stand (61 and 60 species, respectively). Shannon-Wiener diversity indices in the WTH and middle-aged stand (3.40 and 3.19, respectively) indicated that the stands were similar to each other. A community similarity analysis showed that the composition of vegetation was similar between the WTH and middle-aged stand, although some species like Lycopodium clavatum and Diphasiastrum complanatum occurred only in the WTH stand. The study showed that a period of 50 years is sufficient for ground vegetation of a typical drained spruce forest to recover after WTH management.

Origins and Developments of Translation Theory in Lithuania from 1918 to 1990

Abstract This article presents an analysis of the reasons and the specificities of the development of translation theory in one of the three post-Soviet Baltic countries, Lithuania, since the first half of the 20th century until 1990. The analysis considers the historical and political circumstances characterising the period of Lithuania’s Independence (1918-1940) as well as the Soviet period (1940-1941 and 1944-1990). The discussion of the development of translation theory in Lithuania helps to reveal general features relevant to the context of translation studies in Latvia and Estonia as well, because the historical and political experiences of these Baltic countries have been similar to those of Lithuania.

The impact of forest infrastructure reconstruction on expansion of potentially invasive plant species: First results from a study in Latvia

Today, when anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems promotes degradation of natural habitats and facilitates distribution of alien species, local disturbances such as forest management become more significant in relation to alien plant species expansion. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of forest road and drainage network reconstruction on the vegetation composition focusing on the expansion of invasive alien plant species. The occurrence and coverage of vascular plant and bryophyte species were recorded within 160 sample plots along four forest roads and four drainage ditches. This paper summarises the first results of this study. The main results indicate that small-scale linear corridors like forest roads and drainage networks can promote the expansion of invasive alien plant species.

DNA extraction from amoebal isolates and genotype determination of Acanthamoeba from tap water in Latvia.

Acanthamoeba are free-living amoebae found in various ecological environments, and they are major microbial predators. Some Acanthamoeba species can cause keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and infections of the organs. This is the first study in Latvia describing Acanthamoeba detection by molecular techniques and genotyping using tap water from different sources. An 18S rRNA gene investigation of the 20 Acanthamoeba isolates suggested that 19 belonged to the hazardous T4 genotype and one sample was T12. The results indicate that tap water in Latvia may be a source of Acanthamoeba that is potentially pathogenic to humans. All obtained sequences were submitted to the GenBank database under the following accession numbers: MG386295-MG386314.

Health-related quality of life of the parents of children hospitalized due to acute rotavirus infection: a cross-sectional study in Latvia

BackgroundRotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in young children and infants worldwide, representing a heavy public health burden. Limited information is available regarding the impact of rotavirus gastroenteritis on the quality of life of affected children and their families.The objectives of study were to estimate the impact of rotavirus infection on health-related quality of life (HRQL), to assess the social and emotional effects on the families of affected children.MethodsThis study enrolled all (n = 527) RotaStrip®-positive (with further PCR detection) cases (0–18 years of age) hospitalized from April 2013 to December 2015 and their caregivers. A questionnaire comprising clinical (filled-in by the medical staff) and social (filled by the caregivers) sections was completed per child.ResultsMain indicators of emotional burden reported by caregivers were compassion (reported as severe/very severe by 91.1% of parents), worry (85.2%), stress/anxiety (68.0%). Regarding social burden, 79.3% of caregivers reported the need to introduce changes into their daily routine due to rotavirus infection of their child. Regarding economic burden, 55.1% of parents needed to take days off work because of their child’s sickness, and 76.1% of parents reported additional expenditures in the family’s budget.Objective measures of their child’s health status were not associated with HRQL of the family, as were the parent’s subjective evaluation of their child’s health and some sociodemographic factors. Parents were significantly more worried if their child was tearful (p = 0.006) or irritable (p < 0.001). Parents were more stressful/anxious if their child had a fever (p = 0.003), was tearful (p < 0.001), or was irritable (p < 0.001). Changes in parents’ daily routines were more often reported if the child had a fever (p = 0.02) or insufficient fluid intake (p = 0.04).ConclusionObjective health status of the child did not influence the emotional, social or economic burden, whereas the parents’ subjective perception of the child’s health status and sociodemographic characteristics, were influential.A better understanding of how acute episodes affect the child and family, will help to ease parental fears and advise parents on the characteristics of rotavirus infection and the optimal care of an infected child.

Environmental controls of raised-bog vegetation in the Baltic boreo-nemoral zone

Raised peat bogs harbor unique vegetation types in specific hydrological conditions. Environmental controls of peat bog vegetation are relatively well known for the boreal zone, while in the European boreo-nemoral zone healthy raised bogs are nowadays very rare. By contrast, Latvia, located in the transition zone between the nemoral and the boreal biomes, still has a large number of active raised bogs. The aim of the present study was to characterize the environmental controls on raised bog vegetation structure, species composition and ecology in Latvia. The study includes 17 raised bogs, where vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens were recorded in 480 sample plots and related to environmental variables (microtopography, litter cover, electric conductivity, pH, and macroelements Na, K, Ca, Mg and P in bog surface waters). The factor best explaining total species richness and composition was microtopography, which also affected most other explanatory factors. Thereby total species richness and cover were highest on hummocks. However, the importance and direction of the effects of microtopography and the other factors differed between vegetation groups. When disregarding microtopography, species composition was most strongly correlated with alkaline ions and litter cover and for bryophytes also with vascular plant cover. The present study is the first wide-scale study in Latvia relating raised bog vegetation to environmental conditions.

Pre-existing diabetes mellitus and all-cause mortality in cancer patients: a register-based study in Latvia

Background: Most studies from high income countries consistently report that preexisting diabetes reduces overall survival of cancer patients. We examined this association in a retrospective cohort study using two nation-wide population-based data sets in Latvia.Material and methods: The Cancer Register, linked with the Diabetes Register and Causes of Death Database, was the first data source used to select 22,936 men and 25,338 women with cancer diagnosed from 2009 to 2013. The follow-up period ended on 28 February 2015. The National Health Service data served as a second data source, which was used to select 10,130 men and 13,236 women with cancer as the main diagnosis, who were discharged from oncology hospitals from 2009 to 2012. Prescriptions of reimbursed antidiabetic medications indicated prior diabetes status. The follow-up period started at the date of discharge and ended on 31 December 2013. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess association between preexisting diabetes and all-cause mortality, adjusted for age.Results: Men with preexisting diabetes had better overall short-term survival: the age-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) were 0.86 (0.79–0.93) for the first year and 0.89 (0.80–0.98) for the first two years after cancer diagnosis according to the disease register and health service data, respectively. After three full follow-up years, their relative mortality increased, with an age-adjusted hazard ratio of 1.60 (1.28–1.99). Among women, preexisting diabetes was associated with slightly higher all-cause mortality during the entire follow-up period, with age-adjusted hazard ratios of 1.17 (1.10–1.24) for the disease register data and 1.11 (1.02–1.21) for the health service data.Conclusion: Interestingly, we found better overall survival of diabetic men during the first years after cancer diagnosis. We hypothesize that access to health services may be advantageous to diabetic patients who are in close contact with the healthcare system.

Knowledge of the Importance of Iodine in Nutrition among Adults in Latvia

AbstractThe Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) states that it is essential for people to understand what constitutes a healthy diet and to know how to use their resources in the most effective way. Iodine is an essential nutrient for mammals, required as a mandatory structural and functional element of thyroid hormones. Previous studies in Latvia highlighted a tendency of reduced level of iodine for newborns, school-age children and pregnant women. No studies in the general adult population had been conducted yet. The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of knowledge regarding the role of iodine in nutrition in the adult population of Latvia. In total 199 adults participated in the survey. Data on the knowledge about the occurrence of iodine in nature and foodstuffs, the role of iodine in nutrition, and its deficiency were obtained. Results of the survey showed that only 4.5% of respondents used iodised salt daily in the diet. One-fourth knew that iodine is widely found in the environment and more than one-third knew all of the main functions of iodine in the human body. Salt and sea food were mentioned as the most common iodine sources. While iodised salt is used rarely, public awareness about the role of iodine is good and potential iodine deficiency in Latvia is likely due to unbalanced diet rather than lack of knowledge.