131 results on '"Pautienius A"'
Search Results
2. The Prevalence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Wild Rodents Captured in Tick-Borne Encephalitis Foci in Highly Endemic Lithuania
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Evelina Simkute, Arnoldas Pautienius, Juozas Grigas, Marina Sidorenko, Jana Radzijevskaja, Algimantas Paulauskas, and Arunas Stankevicius
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tick-borne encephalitis ,TBEV RNA prevalence ,wild rodents ,cell culture ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Wild rodents are considered to be one of the most important TBEV-amplifying reservoir hosts; therefore, they may be suitable for foci detection studies. To investigate the effectiveness of viral RNA detection in wild rodents for suspected TBEV foci confirmation, we trapped small rodents (n = 139) in various locations in Lithuania where TBEV was previously detected in questing ticks. Murine neuroblastoma Neuro-2a cells were inoculated with each rodent sample to maximize the chances of detecting viral RNA in rodent samples. TBEV RNA was detected in 74.8% (CI 95% 66.7–81.1) of the brain and/or internal organ mix suspensions, and the prevalence rate increased significantly following sample cultivation in Neuro-2a cells. Moreover, a strong correlation (r = 0.88; p < 0.05) was found between the average monthly air temperature of rodent trapping and the TBEV RNA prevalence rate in cell culture isolates of rodent suspensions, which were PCR-negative before cultivation in cell culture. This study shows that wild rodents are suitable sentinel animals to confirm TBEV foci. In addition, the study results demonstrate that sample cultivation in cell culture is a highly efficient method for increasing TBEV viral load to detectable quantities.
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- 2024
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3. Peripheral mononuclear cells composition in platelet-rich fibrin in canines with chronic conditions
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Indre Jasineviciute, Juozas Grigas, Gintare Ziukaite, Arnoldas Pautienius, Dainius Razukevicius, Judita Zymantiene, and Arunas Stankevicius
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a hot research topic because of its regenerative effect in humans. However, data reporting about its application in companion animals is lacking. The study aimed to supplement currently available data on PRF cell composition in canine patients by isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), namely T cells, matured B cells, monocytes and macrophages, and adapting current protocols of cell flow cytometry for PRF analysis. The canine patient population was divided into three subgroups: animals with periodontitis only, animals with neoplasia and periodontitis, and healthy controls. Individual clinical parameters of the patients and evaluation of the wound healing quality were included in the research. In the present study, canine PRF cell composition was analyzed for the first-time using cell flow cytometry protocol. A higher proportion of PBMC cells related to wound healing (CD3+, CD3+ CD4+ CD8−, CD14+) were found in the PRF of control, periodontitis and neoplasia groups compared to the respective blood samples, which implies a positive outcome associated with clinical PRF usage in canine patients. Proportions of monocytes and macrophages were higher in PRF samples compared to the blood of healthy patients and periodontitis-affected patients. However, inflammatory and neoplastic processes do not affect the distribution of PBMC.
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- 2022
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4. The Prevalence, Seroprevalence, and Risk Factors of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Dogs in Lithuania, a Highly Endemic State
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Evelina Simkute, Arnoldas Pautienius, Juozas Grigas, Paulina Urbute, and Arunas Stankevicius
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tick-borne encephalitis ,TBEV prevalence ,TBEV seroprevalence ,TBEV in dogs ,RT-nPCR ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
The rising awareness and increasing number of case reports of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in dogs indicate that the virus might be an important tick-borne pathogen in dogs, especially in endemic areas. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence rate of TBEV RNA and TBEV-specific antibodies in clinical samples of dogs living in a highly endemic region of Lithuania and to evaluate the main risk factors for severe disease course and death. The blood samples (n = 473) of dogs were collected in two veterinary clinics in central Lithuania. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) RNA was detected in 18.6% (88/473; CI 95% 15.2–22.4) and TBEV-specific antibodies were found in 21.6% (102/473; CI 95% 17.9–25.6) of dog blood serum samples after confirmation with a virus neutralization test. The death/euthanasia rate was 18.2% (16/88; CI 95% 10.8–27.8) in PCR-positive dogs. Male dogs were more likely to develop neurological symptoms (p = 0.008). Older dogs (p = 0.003), dogs with the presence of neurological symptoms (p = 0.003), and dogs with the presence of TBEV-specific antibodies (p = 0.024) were more likely to experience worse outcomes of the disease. The results of the present study demonstrate that TBEV is a common and clinically important pathogen in dogs in such endemic countries as Lithuania.
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- 2023
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5. Acute and Sub-Chronic Intraperitoneal Toxicity Studies of the Elsholtzia ciliata Herbal Extract in Balb/c Mice
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Regina Mačianskienė, Vilma Zigmantaitė, Inga Andriulė, Dalia Pangonytė, Ilona Sadauskienė, Odeta Arandarčikaitė, Arūnas Stankevičius, Juozas Grigas, Arnoldas Pautienius, Rimantas Treinys, Antanas Navalinskas, Ramunė Grigalevičiūtė, Audrius Kučinskas, Lauryna Pudžiuvelytė, Jurga Bernatonienė, and Jonas Jurevičius
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Elsholtzia ciliata essential oil ,herbal remedy ,acute and sub-chronic toxicity ,safety ,hematological, biochemical, cytological, and histological evaluation ,Pharmacy and materia medica ,RS1-441 - Abstract
Elsholtzia ciliata essential oil (E. ciliata) has been reported to have an impact on the cardiovascular system. However, its toxicity remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to evaluate the toxicological aspects of the E. ciliata extract. Male Balb/c mice were subjected to either acute (a single dose administered for 24 h) or sub-chronic (daily dose for 60 days) intraperitoneal injections of the E. ciliata extract. The mice were assessed for blood hematological/biochemical profiles, mitochondrial functions, and histopathological changes. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxicity assessments of the E. ciliata extract were performed on immobilized primate kidney cells (MARC-145, Vero) and rat liver cells (WBF344) to evaluate cell viability. The control groups received an equivalent volume of olive oil or saline. Our results demonstrated no significant detrimental effects on hematological and biochemical parameters, mitochondrial functions, cellular cytotoxicity, or pathological alterations in vital organs following the intraperitoneal administration of the E. ciliata extract over the 60-day sub-chronic toxicity study. In general, E. ciliata displayed no indications of toxicity, suggesting that the E. ciliata extract is a safe natural product with a well-defined therapeutic and protective index (found to be 90 and 54, respectively) in Balb/c mice.
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- 2023
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6. Peripheral mononuclear cells composition in platelet-rich fibrin in canines with chronic conditions
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Jasineviciute, Indre, Grigas, Juozas, Ziukaite, Gintare, Pautienius, Arnoldas, Razukevicius, Dainius, Zymantiene, Judita, and Stankevicius, Arunas
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- 2022
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7. Emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.620 with variant of concern-like mutations and deletions
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Gytis Dudas, Samuel L. Hong, Barney I. Potter, Sébastien Calvignac-Spencer, Frédéric S. Niatou-Singa, Thais B. Tombolomako, Terence Fuh-Neba, Ulrich Vickos, Markus Ulrich, Fabian H. Leendertz, Kamran Khan, Carmen Huber, Alexander Watts, Ingrida Olendraitė, Joost Snijder, Kim N. Wijnant, Alexandre M.J.J. Bonvin, Pascale Martres, Sylvie Behillil, Ahidjo Ayouba, Martin Foudi Maidadi, Dowbiss Meta Djomsi, Celestin Godwe, Christelle Butel, Aistis Šimaitis, Miglė Gabrielaitė, Monika Katėnaitė, Rimvydas Norvilas, Ligita Raugaitė, Giscard Wilfried Koyaweda, Jephté Kaleb Kandou, Rimvydas Jonikas, Inga Nasvytienė, Živilė Žemeckienė, Dovydas Gečys, Kamilė Tamušauskaitė, Milda Norkienė, Emilija Vasiliūnaitė, Danguolė Žiogienė, Albertas Timinskas, Marius Šukys, Mantas Šarauskas, Gediminas Alzbutas, Adrienne Amuri Aziza, Eddy Kinganda Lusamaki, Jean-Claude Makangara Cigolo, Francisca Muyembe Mawete, Emmanuel Lokilo Lofiko, Placide Mbala Kingebeni, Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum, Marie Roseline Darnycka Belizaire, René Ghislain Essomba, Marie Claire Okomo Assoumou, Akenji Blaise Mboringong, Alle Baba Dieng, Dovilė Juozapaitė, Salome Hosch, Justino Obama, Mitoha Ondo’o Ayekaba, Daniel Naumovas, Arnoldas Pautienius, Clotaire Donatien Rafaï, Astra Vitkauskienė, Rasa Ugenskienė, Alma Gedvilaitė, Darius Čereškevičius, Vaiva Lesauskaitė, Lukas Žemaitis, Laimonas Griškevičius, and Guy Baele
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Science - Abstract
Here, the authors describe the emergence and spread of a new potential SARS-CoV-2 variant of interest, B.1.620. They show that this lineage, first identified in Lithuania, has established local transmission in Europe on multiple occasions and likely emerged in Central Africa.
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- 2021
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8. The Prevalence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Wild Rodents Captured in Tick-Borne Encephalitis Foci in Highly Endemic Lithuania
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Simkute, Evelina, primary, Pautienius, Arnoldas, additional, Grigas, Juozas, additional, Sidorenko, Marina, additional, Radzijevskaja, Jana, additional, Paulauskas, Algimantas, additional, and Stankevicius, Arunas, additional
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- 2024
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9. Analysis of seroprevalence in target wildlife during the oral rabies vaccination programme in Lithuania
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Dainius Zienius, Janina Mickutė, Arnoldas Pautienius, Juozas Grigas, Arunas Stankevičius, Gediminas Pridotkas, Eugenijus Jacevičius, Jolita Kemeraitė, and Ingrida Jacevičienė
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Rabies ,Lithuania ,Raccoon dog ,Red fox ,ELISA ,Seroconversion ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Abstract Background Rabies vaccination of wildlife carnivores is a powerful tool to prevent, control and eliminate rabies. The presence of neutralizing rabies antibodies in blood is considered a reliable indicator of adequate vaccination. The main purpose of the present study was to analyze the seroprevalence of specific antibodies in target populations of Lithuanian red fox (RF) and raccoon dog (RD) during the oral rabies vaccination (ORV) campaigns during the 2010–2019 period. Results Over the ten-year period, 7,261 RF and 2,146 RD sera samples were collected post-mortem in field conditions and tested using a commercial standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit in Lithuania. In the ORV spring and autumn vaccination periods, 31.8% (20.3–43.4 95% CI – 95% confidence interval) and 31.7% (21.2–42.1 95% CI) of RF, and 34.1% (22.5–45.7 95% CI) and 34.7% (22.7–46.7 95% CI) of RD sera samples, respectively, were identified as ELISA-positive (seroconversion ≥ 0.5 EU/mL—Equivalent Units per Millilitre). The seroprevalence analysis in adult/ juvenile animal subpopulations indicated that 34.9% (27.2–42.5 95% CI) and 29.2% (20.3–37.9 95% CI) of RF, and 35.6% (25.2–46.0 95% CI) and 30.6% (20.2–40.9 95% CI) of RD sera samples, respectively, were identified as ELISA-positive (seroconversion ≥ 0.5 EU/mL). Statistically strong determinate correlations (r) between the serological results (pos.%) in RF adult/juvenile animal subpopulations (r = 0.937) and between RF and RD positive seroconvert (pos.%) sera samples during the spring vaccinations (r = 0.864) were demonstrated. In different ORV periods, 14–29% of RF and 7–25% of RD sera samples were identified as ELISA-negative (seroconversion
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- 2021
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10. microRNAs Are Abundant and Stable in Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Other Autologous Blood Products of Canines
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Indre Jasineviciute, Md Nazmul Hasan, Juozas Grigas, Arnoldas Pautienius, Arunas Stankevicius, Judita Zymantiene, and Naoki Miura
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platelet-rich fibrin ,microRNAs ,canine ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Various microRNAs (miRNAs) present in autologous blood products of canines have not been studied recently. We aimed to elucidate the existence of miRNAs in platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and the stability of canine autologous blood products under various storage conditions. Total RNAs were isolated from PRF and other autologous blood products following newly adapted protocols used in commercial kits for plasma and tissue samples. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis (qPCR) was used to detect miRNAs in autologous blood products. The miR-16, miR-21, miR-155, and miR-146a were abundant in PRF and other autologous blood products of canines. Furthermore, we found they could maintain stability under protracted freezing temperatures of −30 °C for at least one month. Our findings revealed that PRF might be a stable resource for various canine miRNAs.
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- 2023
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11. African swine fever in the Lithuanian wild boar population in 2018: a snapshot
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Arnoldas Pautienius, Katja Schulz, Christoph Staubach, Juozas Grigas, Ruta Zagrabskaite, Jurate Buitkuviene, Rolandas Stankevicius, Zaneta Streimikyte, Vaidas Oberauskas, Dainius Zienius, Algirdas Salomskas, Carola Sauter-Louis, and Arunas Stankevicius
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Prevalence ,African swine fever virus ,Wild boar ,Surveillance ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract The first cases of African swine fever (ASF) were detected in the Lithuanian wild boar population in 2014. Since then, the disease spread slowly through the whole country, affecting both, wild boar and domestic pigs. In the other Baltic states, which both are also affected by ASF since 2014, the recent course of ASF prevalence suggests that the countries might be well under way of disease elimination. In contrast, in Lithuania the epidemic seems to be still in full progress. In the present study, we aimed to extend a previous prevalence study in Lithuania. Looking at ASF virus (ASFV) and seroprevalence estimates of wild boar in all months of 2018 and in all affected municipalities in Lithuania, the course of ASF was evaluated on a temporal and spatial scale. A non-spatial beta-binomial model was used to correct for under- or overestimation of the average prevalence estimates. Within 2018 no big differences between the prevalence estimates were seen over time. Despite of the lower sample size, highest ASFV prevalence estimates were found in dead wild boar, suggesting higher detection rates through passive surveillance than through active surveillance. Accordingly, with the maximum prevalence of 87.5% in May 2018, the ASFV prevalence estimates were very high in wild boar found dead. The number of samples originating from hunted animals (active surveillance) predominated clearly. However, the ASFV prevalence in those animals was lower with a maximum value of 2.1%, emphasizing the high value of passive surveillance. A slight increase of the seroprevalence in hunted wild boar could be seen over time. In the center of Lithuania, a cluster of municipalities with high ASFV and seroprevalence estimates was found. The results of the study indicate that ASFV is still circulating within the Lithuanian wild boar population, constituting a permanent risk of disease transmission into domestic pig holdings. However, additional, more recent data analyses are necessary to re-evaluate the course of ASF in Lithuania and thus, to be able to make a statement about the stage of the ASF epidemic in the country. This is of huge importance for Lithuania for evaluating control measures and their efficacy, but also for neighbouring countries to assess the risk of disease spread from Lithuania.
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- 2020
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12. The Prevalence, Seroprevalence, and Risk Factors of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Dogs in Lithuania, a Highly Endemic State
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Simkute, Evelina, primary, Pautienius, Arnoldas, additional, Grigas, Juozas, additional, Urbute, Paulina, additional, and Stankevicius, Arunas, additional
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- 2023
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13. Acute and Sub-Chronic Intraperitoneal Toxicity Studies of the Elsholtzia ciliata Herbal Extract in Balb/c Mice
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Mačianskienė, Regina, primary, Zigmantaitė, Vilma, additional, Andriulė, Inga, additional, Pangonytė, Dalia, additional, Sadauskienė, Ilona, additional, Arandarčikaitė, Odeta, additional, Stankevičius, Arūnas, additional, Grigas, Juozas, additional, Pautienius, Arnoldas, additional, Treinys, Rimantas, additional, Navalinskas, Antanas, additional, Grigalevičiūtė, Ramunė, additional, Kučinskas, Audrius, additional, Pudžiuvelytė, Lauryna, additional, Bernatonienė, Jurga, additional, and Jurevičius, Jonas, additional
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- 2023
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14. Hepatitis E genotype 3 virus isolate from wild boar is capable of replication in non-human primate and swine kidney cells and mouse neuroblastoma cells
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Juozas Grigas, Evelina Simkute, Martynas Simanavicius, Arnoldas Pautienius, Zaneta Streimikyte-Mockeliune, Dainius Razukevicius, and Arunas Stankevicius
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Hepatitis E virus ,Wild boar ,Kidney cells ,Neuroblastoma cells ,Animal cell lines ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Abstract Background Wild boar-derived hepatitis E (HEV) genotype 3 virus has been successfully isolated in cell lines of human origin only. Considering the zoonotic potential and possible extrahepatic localisation of genotype 3 strain, it is important to investigate the viability of cell lines of different animal and tissue origins. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the permissiveness of non-human primate (MARC-145 and Vero) and swine (PK-15) cell lines of kidney origin, and a mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) cell line for isolation of wild boar-derived HEV genotype 3. Results This study showed that MARC-145, PK-15, Neuro-2a and Vero cell lines were permissive to wild boar-derived HEV genotype 3 subtype 3i harbouring viral genome equivalents of 1.12 × 107 copies/ml, 2.38 × 105 copies/ml, 2.97 × 107 copies/ml and 4.01 × 107 copies/ml after five serial passages respectively. In all permissive cell lines, HEV was continuously recovered from growth medium between five and at least 28 days post-infection. Peak loads of HEV genome equivalents were observed on days 7, 12, 19 and 30 in MARC-145 (2.88 × 107 copies/ml), Vero (4.23 × 106 copies/ml), Neuro-2a (3.15 × 106 copies/ml) and PK-15 (2.24 × 107 copies/ml) cell lines respectively. In addition, successful virus isolation was confirmed by immunofluorescence assay targeting HEV capsid protein and sequencing of HEV isolate retrieved from cell cultures. Conclusions This study showed that wild boar-derived HEV genotype 3 subtype 3i strain was capable of infecting cell lines of animal origin, including primate and porcine kidney cells (MARC-145, PK-15 and Vero), and mouse neuroblastoma cells (Neuro-2a), supporting the notion of the capacity of HEV genotype 3 to cross the species barrier and extra-hepatic localisation of the virus. These findings warrant further studies of tested cell lines to investigate their capacity as an efficient system for HEV propagation. HEV isolates from other wild animal hosts should be isolated on tested cell lines in order to generate more data on HEV transmission between wild animal populations and their role as sources of human infections.
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- 2020
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15. Emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.620 with variant of concern-like mutations and deletions
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Dudas, Gytis, Hong, Samuel L., Potter, Barney I., Calvignac-Spencer, Sébastien, Niatou-Singa, Frédéric S., Tombolomako, Thais B., Fuh-Neba, Terence, Vickos, Ulrich, Ulrich, Markus, Leendertz, Fabian H., Khan, Kamran, Huber, Carmen, Watts, Alexander, Olendraitė, Ingrida, Snijder, Joost, Wijnant, Kim N., Bonvin, Alexandre M.J.J., Martres, Pascale, Behillil, Sylvie, Ayouba, Ahidjo, Maidadi, Martin Foudi, Djomsi, Dowbiss Meta, Godwe, Celestin, Butel, Christelle, Šimaitis, Aistis, Gabrielaitė, Miglė, Katėnaitė, Monika, Norvilas, Rimvydas, Raugaitė, Ligita, Koyaweda, Giscard Wilfried, Kandou, Jephté Kaleb, Jonikas, Rimvydas, Nasvytienė, Inga, Žemeckienė, Živilė, Gečys, Dovydas, Tamušauskaitė, Kamilė, Norkienė, Milda, Vasiliūnaitė, Emilija, Žiogienė, Danguolė, Timinskas, Albertas, Šukys, Marius, Šarauskas, Mantas, Alzbutas, Gediminas, Aziza, Adrienne Amuri, Lusamaki, Eddy Kinganda, Cigolo, Jean-Claude Makangara, Mawete, Francisca Muyembe, Lofiko, Emmanuel Lokilo, Kingebeni, Placide Mbala, Tamfum, Jean-Jacques Muyembe, Belizaire, Marie Roseline Darnycka, Essomba, René Ghislain, Assoumou, Marie Claire Okomo, Mboringong, Akenji Blaise, Dieng, Alle Baba, Juozapaitė, Dovilė, Hosch, Salome, Obama, Justino, Ayekaba, Mitoha Ondo’o, Naumovas, Daniel, Pautienius, Arnoldas, Rafaï, Clotaire Donatien, Vitkauskienė, Astra, Ugenskienė, Rasa, Gedvilaitė, Alma, Čereškevičius, Darius, Lesauskaitė, Vaiva, Žemaitis, Lukas, Griškevičius, Laimonas, and Baele, Guy
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- 2021
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16. Analysis of seroprevalence in target wildlife during the oral rabies vaccination programme in Lithuania
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Zienius, Dainius, Mickutė, Janina, Pautienius, Arnoldas, Grigas, Juozas, Stankevičius, Arunas, Pridotkas, Gediminas, Jacevičius, Eugenijus, Kemeraitė, Jolita, and Jacevičienė, Ingrida
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- 2021
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17. Determining the International Spread of B.1.1.523 SARS-CoV-2 Lineage with a Set of Mutations Highly Associated with Reduced Immune Neutralization
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Lukas Zemaitis, Gediminas Alzbutas, Dovydas Gecys, Arnoldas Pautienius, Rasa Ugenskiene, Marius Sukys, and Vaiva Lesauskaite
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SARS-CoV-2 ,B.1.1.523 ,variant of concern (VOC) ,phylogeny ,GISAID ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Here, we report the emergence of the variant lineage B.1.1.523 that contains a set of mutations including 156_158del, E484K and S494P in the spike protein. E484K and S494P are known to significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2 neutralization by convalescent and vaccinated sera and are considered as mutations of concern. Lineage B.1.1.523 presumably originated in the Russian Federation and spread across European countries with the peak of transmission in April–May 2021. The B.1.1.523 lineage has now been reported from 31 countries. In this article, we analyze the possible origin of this mutation subset and its immune response using in silico methods.
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- 2022
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18. Prevalence and spatiotemporal distribution of African swine fever in Lithuania, 2014–2017
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Arnoldas Pautienius, Juozas Grigas, Simona Pileviciene, Ruta Zagrabskaite, Jurate Buitkuviene, Gediminas Pridotkas, Rolandas Stankevicius, Zaneta Streimikyte, Algirdas Salomskas, Dainius Zienius, and Arunas Stankevicius
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Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background The emergence in 2014 and persistence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Lithuania has been linked to infected wild boar movement and close contact with the carcasses of other infected wild boars. Over time the number of reported cases of ASF in wild boars gradually increased, but no detailed epidemiological data has been available. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine ASF virus prevalence in wild boars and domestic pigs during the 2014–2017 period and further explore the current geographical distribution of the virus. Results Our study results show that ASF virus prevalence in hunted wild boars using PCR analysis increased from 0.83% (95% CI 0.69–0.98) to 2.27% (95% CI 2.05–2.48) from 2014 to 2016 respectively. However, there was a dramatic jump in the number of ASF positive wild boars cases in 2017 resulting in prevalence of 12.39% (95% CI 11.91–12.86) (p
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- 2018
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19. African swine fever in the Lithuanian wild boar population in 2018: a snapshot
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Pautienius, Arnoldas, Schulz, Katja, Staubach, Christoph, Grigas, Juozas, Zagrabskaite, Ruta, Buitkuviene, Jurate, Stankevicius, Rolandas, Streimikyte, Zaneta, Oberauskas, Vaidas, Zienius, Dainius, Salomskas, Algirdas, Sauter-Louis, Carola, and Stankevicius, Arunas
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- 2020
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20. Hepatitis E genotype 3 virus isolate from wild boar is capable of replication in non-human primate and swine kidney cells and mouse neuroblastoma cells
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Grigas, Juozas, Simkute, Evelina, Simanavicius, Martynas, Pautienius, Arnoldas, Streimikyte-Mockeliune, Zaneta, Razukevicius, Dainius, and Stankevicius, Arunas
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- 2020
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21. Bulk Milk Tank Samples Are Suitable to Assess Circulation of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in High Endemic Areas
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Arnoldas Pautienius, Gytis Dudas, Evelina Simkute, Juozas Grigas, Indre Zakiene, Algimantas Paulauskas, Austeja Armonaite, Dainius Zienius, Evaldas Slyzius, and Arunas Stankevicius
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TBEV ,TBEV in milk ,alimentary TBE ,TBEV prevalence ,tick-borne encephalitis ,flavivirus ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
A reliable surveillance strategy of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is necessary to ensure adequate disease control measures. However, current approaches assessing geographical TBEV circulation are ineffective or have significant limitations. In this study we investigated a total of 1363 goat and 312 sheep bulk tank milk samples for the presence of TBEV. Samples were collected from systematically selected farms in Lithuania every 4–5 days from April to November in 2018 and 2019. To validate results, we additionally tested 2685 questing ticks collected in the vicinity of milk collection sites. We found 4.25% (95% CI 3.25–5.47) and 4.48% (95% CI 2.47–7.41) goat and sheep milk samples to be positive for TBEV, respectively. Furthermore, geographical distribution of TBEV in milk samples coincided with the known TBE endemic zone and was correlated with incidence of TBE in humans in 2019. When sampling time coincides, TBEV detection in milk samples is as good a method as via flagged ticks, however bulk milk samples can be easier to obtain more frequently and regularly than tick samples. The minimal infectious rate (MIR) in ticks was 0.34% (CI 95% 0.15–0.64). Therefore, our results confirm that testing milk serves as a valuable tool to investigate the spatial distribution of TBEV at higher resolution and lower cost.
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- 2021
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22. Investigation of Immunomodulatory and Gut Microbiota-Altering Properties of Multicomponent Nutraceutical Prepared from Lactic Acid Bacteria, Bovine Colostrum, Apple Production By-Products and Essential Oils
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Juozas Grigas, Modestas Ruzauskas, Arnoldas Pautienius, Elena Bartkiene, Vita Lele, Vytaute Starkute, Paulina Zavistanaviciute, Egle Zokaityte, Jurga Bernatoniene, Liudas Ivanauskas, Valdas Jakstas, and Arunas Stankevicius
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nutraceutical ,lactic acid bacteria ,prebiotic ,bovine colostrum ,apple ,essential oil ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 - Abstract
Dietary components, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB), bovine colostrum, apple production by-products, and essential oils, can favorably alter the host immune system and gut microbiota, however, their cumulative effect as multicomponent nutraceutical supplement has not been investigated. Therefore, the present study is the first one to evaluate a combination of LAB, bovine colostrum, dehydrated apple pomace, and essential oils for their immunomodulatory and prebiotic properties in the swine model. This study shows that supplementary feeding of pigs using multicomponent nutraceutical resulted in a statistically significant decrease in proportions of T cytotoxic and double-positive (CD4+CD8+low) cells within the CD3+ cell population at 28 DPI, compared to the beginning of the experiment (0DPI). Conversely, a statistically significant increase in proportions of B cells (accompanied by an increase in IgG concentration) and macrophage/monocyte cells within viable cell population at 28 DPI, compared to the beginning of the experiments, was observed. Furthermore, changes in the bacterial composition of gut microbiota in pigs fed with multicomponent nutraceutical changed significantly, with a 1.78 times higher number of probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Faecilbacterium) at the end of the experiment, compared to control group animals. This study shows a positive effect of the nutraceutical formula used on the changes of gut microbiota by facilitating an increase in probiotic bacteria strains and possible anti-inflammatory properties.
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- 2021
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23. Molecular Characterization and Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients and Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
- Author
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Juozas Grigas, Maria Montoya, Evelina Simkute, Marius Buitkus, Ruta Zagrabskaite, Arnoldas Pautienius, Dainius Razukevicius, Laimas Virginijus Jonaitis, Gediminas Kiudelis, Jurgita Skieceviciene, Ruta Vaiciuniene, Asta Stankuviene, Inga Arune Bumblyte, Juozas Kupcinskas, and Arunas Stankevicius
- Subjects
hepatitis E ,inflammatory bowel disease ,biological therapy ,solid organ transplant ,immunosuppression ,MARC-145 ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Seroprevalence rates and molecular characterization of hepatitis E virus (HEV) prevalent in the Lithuanian human population has not yet been evaluated. Immunosuppressed individuals have been recognized as a risk group for chronic hepatitis due to HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) infections. The objectives of the present study were to determine prevalence rates of anti-HEV antibodies among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, to isolate and characterize HEV strain present in the Lithuanian human population, and to investigate its capacity to infect non-human primate (MARC-145 and Vero), swine (PK-15) and murine (Neuro-2a) cells in vitro. In the present study, the significant difference of anti-HEV IgG prevalence between healthy (3.0% (95% CI 0–6.3)) and immunosuppressed individuals (12.0% [95% CI 8.1–15.9]) was described. Moreover, our findings showed that anti-HEV IgG seropositivity can be significantly predicted by increasing age (OR = 1.032, p < 0.01), diagnosis of IBD (OR = 4.541, p < 0.01) and reception of SOT (OR = 4.042,
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- 2021
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24. microRNAs Are Abundant and Stable in Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Other Autologous Blood Products of Canines
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Jasineviciute, Indre, primary, Hasan, Md Nazmul, additional, Grigas, Juozas, additional, Pautienius, Arnoldas, additional, Stankevicius, Arunas, additional, Zymantiene, Judita, additional, and Miura, Naoki, additional
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- 2023
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25. Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence and Factors Influencing Occurrence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Horses in Lithuania
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Arnoldas Pautienius, Austeja Armonaite, Evelina Simkute, Ruta Zagrabskaite, Jurate Buitkuviene, Russell Alpizar-Jara, Juozas Grigas, Indre Zakiene, Dainius Zienius, Algirdas Salomskas, and Arunas Stankevicius
- Subjects
TBE ,TBEV ,tick-borne encephalitis ,TBE seroprevalence ,Medicine - Abstract
Various animal species have been evaluated in depth for their potential as Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) sentinel species, although evidence for equine capacity is incomplete. Therefore, a comprehensive cross-sectional stratified serosurvey and PCR analysis of selected horses (n = 301) were performed in TBEV endemic localities in Lithuania. Attached and moving ticks (n = 241) have been collected from aforementioned hosts to evaluate natural infectivity of TBEV vectors (Ixodes spp.) in the recreational environments surrounding equestrian centers. All samples were screened for TBEV IgG and positive samples were confirmed by virus neutralization test (VNT). 113 (37.5%) horses from all counties of Lithuania tested positive for TBEV IgG, revealing age and sex indifferent results of equine seroprevalence that were significantly dependent on pedigree: horses of mixed breed were more susceptible to infection possibly due to their management practices. TBEV prevalence in equine species corresponded to TBEV-confirmed human cases in the precedent year. As much as 3.9% of horses were viraemic with TBEV-RNA with subsequent confirmation of TBEV European subtype. 4/38 of tested tick pools were positive for TBEV-RNA (Minimal infectious rate 1.2%). Several unknown microfoci were revealed during the study indicating areas of extreme risk close to popular human entertainment sites. The study provides important evidence in favor of horses’ usage as sentinel species, as equines could provide more detailed epidemiological mapping of TBEV, as well as more efficient collection of ticks for surveillance studies.
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- 2021
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26. Femtosecond laser-made 3D micro-chainmail scaffolds towards regenerative medicine
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Linas Jonušauskas, Arnoldas Pautienius, Eglė Ežerskytė, Juozas Grigas, Deividas Andriukaitis, Henrikas Gricius, Tomas Baravykas, Dovilė Andrijec, Rokas Vargalis, Greta Bandzevi̇či̇ūtė, and Arūnas Stankevi̇či̇us
- Subjects
Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials - Published
- 2023
27. Prevalence and spatiotemporal distribution of African swine fever in Lithuania, 2014–2017
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Pautienius, Arnoldas, Grigas, Juozas, Pileviciene, Simona, Zagrabskaite, Ruta, Buitkuviene, Jurate, Pridotkas, Gediminas, Stankevicius, Rolandas, Streimikyte, Zaneta, Salomskas, Algirdas, Zienius, Dainius, and Stankevicius, Arunas
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- 2018
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28. microRNAs Are Abundant and Stable in Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Other Autologous Blood Products of Canines
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Indre Jasineviciute, Md Nazmul Hasan, Juozas Grigas, Arnoldas Pautienius, Arunas Stankevicius, Judita Zymantiene, and Naoki Miura
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Inorganic Chemistry ,Organic Chemistry ,General Medicine ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Molecular Biology ,platelet-rich fibrin ,microRNAs ,canine ,Spectroscopy ,Catalysis ,Computer Science Applications - Abstract
Various microRNAs (miRNAs) present in autologous blood products of canines have not been studied recently. We aimed to elucidate the existence of miRNAs in platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and the stability of canine autologous blood products under various storage conditions. Total RNAs were isolated from PRF and other autologous blood products following newly adapted protocols used in commercial kits for plasma and tissue samples. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis (qPCR) was used to detect miRNAs in autologous blood products. The miR-16, miR-21, miR-155, and miR-146a were abundant in PRF and other autologous blood products of canines. Furthermore, we found they could maintain stability under protracted freezing temperatures of −30 °C for at least one month. Our findings revealed that PRF might be a stable resource for various canine miRNAs.
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- 2022
29. The Influence of Essential Oils on Gut Microbial Profiles in Pigs
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Modestas Ruzauskas, Elena Bartkiene, Arunas Stankevicius, Jurga Bernatoniene, Daiva Zadeike, Vita Lele, Vytaute Starkute, Paulina Zavistanaviciute, Juozas Grigas, Egle Zokaityte, Arnoldas Pautienius, Grazina Juodeikiene, and Valdas Jakstas
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Origanum vulgare ,Mentha piperita ,Thymus vulgaris ,pigs ,probiotic bacteria ,microbiota ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
In recent years, the intake of ultra-processed foods has increased dramatically worldwide. Missing natural foods in the diet raise the need of biologically active food components that could compensate for this deficiency and help maintain proper immune status. This study used pigs as an animal model for the assessment of the impact of consumption of Origanum vulgare plant extract combined with Mentha piperita and Thymus vulgaris essential oils on microbial profile in intestines. A single group of weaned pigs received basal diet, while the other group basal diet supplemented with plant extract and two essential oils in the form of bilayer tablets prepared using “liquid/solid” phase technology. Metagenomic sequencing was performed with the aim to investigate changes of microbial communities in ileum, caecum, and colon. The results demonstrated that the combination of essential oils was non cytotoxic, and had a positive effect on the microbial composition in the large intestine of pigs due to significant increase in the number of probiotic bacteria. The amount of Lactobacillus was 2.5 times and Bifidobacterium 1.9 times higher in the animal group fed with supplement. The combination, however, had some negative impact on the variety of minor species in the distal part of the ileum. Additional studies need to be performed to obtain knowledge on how combinations of essential oils can change bacterial variety in the proximal part of the gastrointestinal tract.
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- 2020
- Full Text
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30. Determining the International Spread of B.1.1.523 SARS-CoV-2 Lineage with a Set of Mutations Highly Associated with Reduced Immune Neutralization
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Zemaitis, Lukas, primary, Alzbutas, Gediminas, additional, Gecys, Dovydas, additional, Pautienius, Arnoldas, additional, Ugenskiene, Rasa, additional, Sukys, Marius, additional, and Lesauskaite, Vaiva, additional
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- 2022
- Full Text
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31. Molecular characterization and seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in inflammatory Bowel disease patients and solid organ transplant recipients
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Inga Arune Bumblyte, Juozas Grigas, Jurgita Skieceviciene, Evelina Simkute, Ruta Zagrabskaite, Ruta Vaiciuniene, Dainius Razukevičius, Arnoldas Pautienius, Maria Montoya, Asta Stankuviene, Marius Buitkus, Juozas Kupcinskas, Laimas Virginijus Jonaitis, Arunas Stankevicius, Gediminas Kiudelis, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Science Foundation, European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Grigas, Juozas, Montoya, María, Simkute, Evelina, Pautienius, Arnoldas, Razukevicius, Dainius, Jonaitis, Laimas Virginijus, Kiudelis, Gediminas, Skieceviciene, Jurgita, Vaiciuniene, Ruta, Stankuviene, Asta, Bumblyte, Inga Arune, Kupcinskas, Juozas, Grigas, Juozas [0000-0003-2450-5700], Montoya, María [0000-0002-5703-7360], Simkute, Evelina [0000-0002-7714-8834], Pautienius, Arnoldas [0000-0002-4494-2724], Razukevicius, Dainius [0000-0001-8025-9626], Jonaitis, Laimas Virginijus [0000-0001-9086-3675], Kiudelis, Gediminas [0000-0001-5945-8284], Skieceviciene, Jurgita [0000-0002-4893-6612], Vaiciuniene, Ruta [0000-0002-1595-8612], Stankuviene, Asta [0000-0002-1832-2089], Bumblyte, Inga Arune [0000-0001-9806-750X], and Kupcinskas, Juozas [0000-0002-8760-7416]
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Male ,Crohn’s disease ,Swine ,viruses ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Prevalence ,lcsh:QR1-502 ,medicine.disease_cause ,lcsh:Microbiology ,Inflammatory bowel disease ,Mice ,Zoonosis ,0302 clinical medicine ,Hepatitis E virus ,Risk Factors ,Seroepidemiologic Studies ,Genotype ,Biological therapy ,Aged, 80 and over ,education.field_of_study ,Crohn's disease ,virus diseases ,Immunosuppression ,Haplorhini ,Middle Aged ,Genotype 3 ,Hepatitis E ,Infectious Diseases ,030211 gastroenterology & hepatology ,Female ,MARC-145 ,biological therapy ,genotype 3 ,hepatitis E ,immunosuppression ,inflammatory bowel disease ,solid organ transplant ,ulcerative colitis ,zoonosis ,Adult ,Adolescent ,Population ,Article ,Cell Line ,03 medical and health sciences ,Immunocompromised Host ,Young Adult ,Virology ,medicine ,Seroprevalence ,Animals ,Humans ,education ,Aged ,business.industry ,Lithuania ,Organ Transplantation ,medicine.disease ,Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ,Transplant Recipients ,digestive system diseases ,Solid organ transplant ,030104 developmental biology ,Ulcerative colitis ,Immunology ,business - Abstract
16 p.-3 fig.-5 tab., Seroprevalence rates and molecular characterization of hepatitis E virus (HEV) prevalent in the Lithuanian human population has not yet been evaluated. Immunosuppressed individuals have been recognized as a risk group for chronic hepatitis due to HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) infections. The objectives of the present study were to determine prevalence rates of anti-HEV antibodies among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, to isolate and characterize HEV strain present in the Lithuanian human population, and to investigate its capacity to infect non-human primate (MARC-145 and Vero), swine (PK-15) and murine (Neuro-2a) cells in vitro. In the present study, the significant difference of anti-HEV IgG prevalence between healthy (3.0% (95% CI 0–6.3)) and immunosuppressed individuals (12.0% [95% CI 8.1–15.9]) was described. Moreover, our findings showed that anti-HEV IgG seropositivity can be significantly predicted by increasing age (OR = 1.032, p < 0.01), diagnosis of IBD (OR = 4.541, p < 0.01) and reception of SOT (OR = 4.042, This research was partly funded by the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Science Foundation (LSMUSF), grant number 119-05 and COST Action CA15116 ASF-STOP, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).
- Published
- 2021
32. Peripheral mononuclear cells composition in platelet-rich fibrin in canines with chronic conditions
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Jasineviciute, Indre, primary, Grigas, Juozas, additional, Ziukaite, Gintare, additional, Pautienius, Arnoldas, additional, Razukevicius, Dainius, additional, Zymantiene, Judita, additional, and Stankevicius, Arunas, additional
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
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33. Fermented, ultrasonicated, and dehydrated bovine colostrum: Changes in antimicrobial properties and immunoglobulin content
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Modestas Ruzauskas, Vytaute Sakiene, Arnoldas Pautienius, Paulina Zavistanaviciute, Arunas Stankevicius, Juozas Grigas, Daiva Zadeike, Jurga Bernatoniene, Valdas Jakštas, Pranas Viškelis, Vita Lele, Grazina Juodeikiene, Elena Bartkiene, and „Elsevier Science' grupė
- Subjects
Lactobacillus paracasei ,Bacillus cereus ,Immunoglobulins ,ultrasonication ,Enterococcus faecalis ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,bovine colostrum ,drying ,fermentation ,immunoglobulin ,Pregnancy ,Genetics ,Animals ,Ultrasonics ,Food science ,Desiccation ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,Bacteria ,biology ,Chemistry ,Colostrum ,0402 animal and dairy science ,food and beverages ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Antimicrobial ,biology.organism_classification ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Lactic acid ,Fermentation ,Cattle ,Female ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Lactobacillus plantarum ,Food Science ,Enterococcus faecium - Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum LUHS135 and Lactobacillus paracasei LUHS244, ultrasonication, and different methods of dehydration on the content of IgG, IgA, and IgM in bovine colostrum (BC), as well as the antimicrobial activity of the treated and fresh BC samples [fresh = BC; freeze dried = BClyoph; vacuum dried (+45°C) = BCvacdried; BC fermented with LUHS135 = BCLUHS135; BC fermented with LUHS244 = BCLUHS244; BC fermented with LUHS135 and freeze dried = BCLUHS135lyoph; BC fermented with LUHS244 and freeze dried = BCLUHS244 lyoph; BC fermented with LUHS135 and vacuum dried = BCLUHS135 vacdried; BC fermented with LUHS244 and vacuum dried = BCLUHS244 vacdried; BC ultrasonicated and freeze dried = BCultr lyoph; BC ultrasonicated and vacuum dried = BCultr vacdried]. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanni, Proteus mirabilis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Pasteurella multocida using the agar well diffusion method, as well as in liquid medium. In liquid medium analysis showed that the fermented BC samples had the broadest antimicrobial spectrum (of 15 tested pathogenic strains, BCLUHS135 vacdried and BCLUHS135lyoph inhibited 13; BCLUHS244 vacdried inhibited 12; and BCLUHS135, BCLUHS244, and BCLUHS244 lyoph inhibited 11). Based on the inhibition zones, BCLUHS135lyoph samples exhibited the broadest inhibition spectrum, inhibiting the growth of 12 of the 15 tested pathogenic strains). According to the lactic acid bacteria strain selected for BC fermentation, different properties of the BC will be obtained. To ensure a broad antimicrobial spectrum and high IgG content, fermentation with LUHS135 can be recommended (IgG concentration in BCLUHS135 was retained), whereas fermentation with LUHS244 will provide a high IgM concentration (IgM concentration increased by 48.8 and 21.6% in BCLUHS244 and BCLUHS244lyoph samples, respectively). However, IgA is very sensitive for fermentation, and further studies are needed to increase IgA stability in BC. Finally, fermented BC can be recommended as a food/beverage ingredient, providing safety, as well as improved functionality through displaying a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities.
- Published
- 2020
34. Determining international spread of novel B.1.1.523 SARS-CoV-2 lineage
- Author
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Vaiva Lesauskaite, Gediminas Alzbutas, Rasa Ugenskiene, Marius Šukys, Arnoldas Pautienius, Dovydas Gečys, Andrey Komissarov, and Lukas Zemaitis
- Subjects
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,Lineage (genetic) ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Transmission (medicine) ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,Spike Protein ,Russian federation ,Biology ,Virology ,Neutralization - Abstract
Here we report the emergence of variant lineage B.1.1.523 that contains a set of mutations including 156_158del, E484K and S494P in Spike protein. E484K and S494P are known to significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2 neutralization by convalescent and vaccinee sera and are considered as mutations of concern. Lineage B.1.1.523 has presumably originated in Russian Federation and spread across European countries with the peak of transmission in April – May 2021. The B.1.1.523 lineage has now been reported from 27 countries.
- Published
- 2021
35. Determining international spread of novel B.1.1.523 SARS-CoV-2 lineage
- Author
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Zemaitis, Lukas, primary, Alzbutas, Gediminas, additional, Gecys, Dovydas, additional, Komissarov, Andrey, additional, Pautienius, Arnoldas, additional, Ugenskiene, Rasa, additional, Sukys, Marius, additional, and Lesauskaite, Vaiva, additional
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Investigation of Immunomodulatory and Gut Microbiota-Altering Properties of Multicomponent Nutraceutical Prepared from Lactic Acid Bacteria, Bovine Colostrum, Apple Production By-Products and Essential Oils
- Author
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Modestas Ruzauskas, Vytaute Starkute, Elena Bartkiene, Jurga Bernatoniene, Paulina Zavistanaviciute, Arnoldas Pautienius, Liudas Ivanauskas, Arunas Stankevicius, Vita Lele, Valdas Jakštas, Juozas Grigas, and Egle Zokaityte
- Subjects
Health (social science) ,030309 nutrition & dietetics ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Population ,apple ,TP1-1185 ,Plant Science ,Gut flora ,immunomodulation ,Health Professions (miscellaneous) ,Microbiology ,Article ,essential oil ,law.invention ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Probiotic ,Nutraceutical ,law ,medicine ,microbiota ,Food science ,education ,030304 developmental biology ,Bifidobacterium ,0303 health sciences ,education.field_of_study ,biology ,Chemistry ,Chemical technology ,Prebiotic ,biology.organism_classification ,Lactic acid ,bovine colostrum ,lactic acid bacteria ,prebiotic ,Colostrum ,nutraceutical ,Food Science - Abstract
Dietary components, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB), bovine colostrum, apple production by-products, and essential oils, can favorably alter the host immune system and gut microbiota, however, their cumulative effect as multicomponent nutraceutical supplement has not been investigated. Therefore, the present study is the first one to evaluate a combination of LAB, bovine colostrum, dehydrated apple pomace, and essential oils for their immunomodulatory and prebiotic properties in the swine model. This study shows that supplementary feeding of pigs using multicomponent nutraceutical resulted in a statistically significant decrease in proportions of T cytotoxic and double-positive (CD4+CD8+low) cells within the CD3+ cell population at 28 DPI, compared to the beginning of the experiment (0DPI). Conversely, a statistically significant increase in proportions of B cells (accompanied by an increase in IgG concentration) and macrophage/monocyte cells within viable cell population at 28 DPI, compared to the beginning of the experiments, was observed. Furthermore, changes in the bacterial composition of gut microbiota in pigs fed with multicomponent nutraceutical changed significantly, with a 1.78 times higher number of probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Faecilbacterium) at the end of the experiment, compared to control group animals. This study shows a positive effect of the nutraceutical formula used on the changes of gut microbiota by facilitating an increase in probiotic bacteria strains and possible anti-inflammatory properties.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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37. Travel-driven emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.620 with multiple VOC-like mutations and deletions in Europe
- Author
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Kim N. Wijnant, Albertas Timinskas, Frédéric S. Niatou-Singa, Dovilė Juozapaitė, Barney Potter, Gediminas Alzbutas, Dowbiss Meta Djomsi, Mantas Šarauskas, Daniel Naumovas, Thais B. Tombolomako, Kamran Khan, Darius Čereškevičius, Ahidjo Ayouba, Ligita Raugaitė, Samuel L. Hong, Monika Katėnaitė, Martin Foudi Maidadi, Emilija Vasiliūnaitė, Alma Gedvilaitė, Christelle Butel, Alexander Watts, Joost Snijder, Terence Fuh-Neba, Arnoldas Pautienius, Fabian H. Leendertz, Danguolė Žiogienė, Vaiva Lesauskaitė, Inga Nasvytienė, Lukas Žemaitis, Rimvydas Norvilas, Laimonas Griskevicius, Dovydas Gečys, Guy Baele, Marius Šukys, Kamilė Tamušauskaitė, Rasa Ugenskienė, Aistis Šimaitis, Alexandre M. J. J. Bonvin, Milda Norkienė, Sylvie Behillil, Ulrich Vickos, Miglė Gabrielaitė, Rimvydas Jonikas, Živilė Žemeckienė, Celestin Godwe, Sébastien Calvignac-Spencer, Markus Ulrich, Gytis Dudas, Pascale Martres, Ingrida Olendraitė, and Astra Vitkauskienė
- Subjects
Phylogeography ,Geography ,Lineage (genetic) ,Transmission (mechanics) ,Phylogenetic tree ,Evolutionary biology ,law ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,Pandemic ,Central africa ,DNA sequencing ,law.invention - Abstract
Many high-income countries have met the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with overwhelming sequencing resources and have identified numerous distinct lineages, including some with notably altered biology. Over a year into the pandemic following unprecedented reductions in worldwide human mobility, distinct introduced lineages of SARS-CoV-2 without sequenced antecedents are increasingly discovered in high-income countries as a result of ongoing SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance initiatives. We here describe one such SARS-CoV-2 lineage, carrying many mutations and deletions in the spike protein shared with widespread variants of concern (VOCs), including E484K, S477N and deletions HV69Δ, Y144Δ, and LLA241/243Δ. This lineage – designated B.1.620 – is known to circulate in Lithuania and has now been found in several European states, but also in increasing numbers in central Africa owing to important recent increases in genome sequencing efforts on the continent. We provide evidence of likely ongoing local transmission of B.1.620 in Lithuania, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium and the Central African Republic. We describe the suite of mutations this lineage carries, its potential to be resistant to neutralising antibodies, travel histories for a subset of the European cases, and evidence of local B.1.620 transmission in Europe. We make a case for the likely Central African origin of this lineage by providing travel records as well as the outcomes of carefully crafted phylogenetic and phylogeographic inference methodologies, the latter of which is able to exploit individual travel histories recorded for infected travellers having entered different European countries.
- Published
- 2021
38. Bulk Milk Tank Samples Are Suitable to Assess Circulation of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in High Endemic Areas
- Author
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Pautienius, Arnoldas, primary, Dudas, Gytis, additional, Simkute, Evelina, additional, Grigas, Juozas, additional, Zakiene, Indre, additional, Paulauskas, Algimantas, additional, Armonaite, Austeja, additional, Zienius, Dainius, additional, Slyzius, Evaldas, additional, and Stankevicius, Arunas, additional
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Analysis of seroprevalence in target wildlife during the oral rabies vaccination programme in Lithuania
- Author
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Eugenijus Jacevičius, Dainius Zienius, Jolita Kemeraitė, Arunas Stankevicius, Arnoldas Pautienius, Juozas Grigas, Gediminas Pridotkas, Janina Mickutė, and Ingrida Jacevičienė
- Subjects
Raccoon dog ,Veterinary medicine ,Lithuanian Red ,Rabies ,040301 veterinary sciences ,030231 tropical medicine ,Administration, Oral ,Foxes ,Animals, Wild ,Antibodies, Viral ,Red fox ,Serology ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Seroepidemiologic Studies ,medicine ,Animals ,Seroprevalence ,Juvenile animal ,Seroconversion ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,biology ,Immunization Programs ,business.industry ,Research ,Vaccination ,Lithuania ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,Raccoon Dogs ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Confidence interval ,Rabies Vaccines ,Rabies virus ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,ELISA ,Seasons ,business - Abstract
Background Rabies vaccination of wildlife carnivores is a powerful tool to prevent, control and eliminate rabies. The presence of neutralizing rabies antibodies in blood is considered a reliable indicator of adequate vaccination. The main purpose of the present study was to analyze the seroprevalence of specific antibodies in target populations of Lithuanian red fox (RF) and raccoon dog (RD) during the oral rabies vaccination (ORV) campaigns during the 2010–2019 period. Results Over the ten-year period, 7,261 RF and 2,146 RD sera samples were collected post-mortem in field conditions and tested using a commercial standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit in Lithuania. In the ORV spring and autumn vaccination periods, 31.8% (20.3–43.4 95% CI – 95% confidence interval) and 31.7% (21.2–42.1 95% CI) of RF, and 34.1% (22.5–45.7 95% CI) and 34.7% (22.7–46.7 95% CI) of RD sera samples, respectively, were identified as ELISA-positive (seroconversion ≥ 0.5 EU/mL—Equivalent Units per Millilitre). The seroprevalence analysis in adult/ juvenile animal subpopulations indicated that 34.9% (27.2–42.5 95% CI) and 29.2% (20.3–37.9 95% CI) of RF, and 35.6% (25.2–46.0 95% CI) and 30.6% (20.2–40.9 95% CI) of RD sera samples, respectively, were identified as ELISA-positive (seroconversion ≥ 0.5 EU/mL). Statistically strong determinate correlations (r) between the serological results (pos.%) in RF adult/juvenile animal subpopulations (r = 0.937) and between RF and RD positive seroconvert (pos.%) sera samples during the spring vaccinations (r = 0.864) were demonstrated. In different ORV periods, 14–29% of RF and 7–25% of RD sera samples were identified as ELISA-negative (seroconversion Conclusions The 2010–2019 ORV programme has been an effective tool in both RF and RD populations in Lithuania. The rabies-free status of Lithuania was self-declared in 2015 with only three rabies cases identified in buffer zones since then. The percentage of ELISA-positive serum samples (seroconversion ≥ 0.5 EU/mL) during the different periods of vaccination was similar in RF and RD populations—32% and 34% respectively. The identified seroconversion average of 21.5% in RF and 16% in RD sera samples were officially identified as ELISA-negative (seronversion
- Published
- 2021
40. Expansion of direct laser writing capabilities for usage in biomedical applications
- Author
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Evelina Šimkutė, Arūnas Stankevičius, Juozas Grigas, Greta Merkininkaite, Linas Jonušauskas, Henrikas Gricius, Agne Butkute, Dovile Andrijec, Egle Ežerskyte, Deividas Andriukaitis, Rokas Vargalis, Arnoldas Pautienius, Simas Sakirzanovas, and Tomas Baravykas
- Subjects
Application areas ,law ,Computer science ,Process (engineering) ,Microfluidics ,Femtosecond ,Electronic engineering ,Research article ,Laser ,Throughput (business) ,law.invention - Abstract
Direct laser writing (DLW) based on the femtosecond (fs) pulse-induced light-matter interaction expanded considerably during the last decades. The key advantage of using fs lasers for DLW is the possibility to exploit various nonlinear light-matter interaction regimes as well as control the thermal aspect of the process. This work is dedicated to exploring the capabilities of expanding DLW in several possible biomedical application areas where fs lasers could yield a very attractive, high throughput solution. Namely, we will be discussing how hybrid additive-subtractive DLW can be exploited for the high-throughput fabrication of integrated microfluidic systems. Furthermore, a mechanical flexible scaffold will be presented. Finally, a possibility to produce very high precision metalized 3D structures by using pre-existing high-throughput multi-photon polymerization capabilities will be shown. In all cases, attention will be placed on the unique capabilities of fs-lasers in DLW as well as practical considerations of the processes and their up-scaling.
- Published
- 2021
41. Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence and Factors Influencing Occurrence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Horses in Lithuania
- Author
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Dainius Zienius, Arnoldas Pautienius, Indre Zakiene, Arunas Stankevicius, Austeja Armonaite, Evelina Simkute, Jurate Buitkuviene, Juozas Grigas, Algirdas Šalomskas, Ruta Zagrabskaite, and Russell Alpizar-Jara
- Subjects
Microbiology (medical) ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Veterinary medicine ,lcsh:Medicine ,TBE ,Tick ,Article ,TBEV ,Epidemiology ,medicine ,Immunology and Allergy ,Seroprevalence ,TBE seroprevalence ,Molecular Biology ,Infectivity ,General Immunology and Microbiology ,biology ,tick-borne encephalitis ,lcsh:R ,Tick-borne encephalitis ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Breed ,Infectious Diseases ,Ixodes ,Encephalitis - Abstract
Various animal species have been evaluated in depth for their potential as Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) sentinel species, although evidence for equine capacity is incomplete. Therefore, a comprehensive cross-sectional stratified serosurvey and PCR analysis of selected horses (n = 301) were performed in TBEV endemic localities in Lithuania. Attached and moving ticks (n = 241) have been collected from aforementioned hosts to evaluate natural infectivity of TBEV vectors (Ixodes spp.) in the recreational environments surrounding equestrian centers. All samples were screened for TBEV IgG and positive samples were confirmed by virus neutralization test (VNT). 113 (37.5%) horses from all counties of Lithuania tested positive for TBEV IgG, revealing age and sex indifferent results of equine seroprevalence that were significantly dependent on pedigree: horses of mixed breed were more susceptible to infection possibly due to their management practices. TBEV prevalence in equine species corresponded to TBEV-confirmed human cases in the precedent year. As much as 3.9% of horses were viraemic with TBEV-RNA with subsequent confirmation of TBEV European subtype. 4/38 of tested tick pools were positive for TBEV-RNA (Minimal infectious rate 1.2%). Several unknown microfoci were revealed during the study indicating areas of extreme risk close to popular human entertainment sites. The study provides important evidence in favor of horses&rsquo, usage as sentinel species, as equines could provide more detailed epidemiological mapping of TBEV, as well as more efficient collection of ticks for surveillance studies.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Book of Abstracts of the 22th International scientific conference 'EcoBalt 2021'
- Author
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Arūnas Stankevičius, Eglė Zokaitytė, Jurga Bernatonienė, Juozas Grigas, Daiva Žadeikė, Elena Bartkienė, Vita Lėlė, Paulina Zavistanavičiūtė, Valdas Jakštas, Vytautė Starkutė, Gražina Juodeikienė, Arnoldas Pautienius, and Modestas Ružauskas
- Subjects
education.field_of_study ,Geography ,Environmental health ,Biomonitoring ,Population ,Pesticide ,education - Published
- 2021
43. Additional file 4 of Analysis of seroprevalence in target wildlife during the oral rabies vaccination programme in Lithuania
- Author
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Zienius, Dainius, Mickutė, Janina, Pautienius, Arnoldas, Grigas, Juozas, Arunas Stankevičius, Pridotkas, Gediminas, Jacevičius, Eugenijus, Kemeraitė, Jolita, and Jacevičienė, Ingrida
- Subjects
parasitic diseases - Abstract
Additional file 4. Seroconversion (ELISA Abs titres EU/mL; %) in Lithuanian red foxes (RF) during the 2010–2019 ORV spring (S) and autumn (A) vaccination periods.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Additional file 6 of Analysis of seroprevalence in target wildlife during the oral rabies vaccination programme in Lithuania
- Author
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Zienius, Dainius, Mickutė, Janina, Pautienius, Arnoldas, Grigas, Juozas, Arunas Stankevičius, Pridotkas, Gediminas, Jacevičius, Eugenijus, Kemeraitė, Jolita, and Jacevičienė, Ingrida
- Abstract
Additional file 6. Comparative analysis of seroconversion (pos.% at ≥ 0.5 EU/mL) of red foxes (RF) and raccoon dogs (RD) in the 2010–2019 ORV spring and autumn campaigns.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Additional file 1 of Analysis of seroprevalence in target wildlife during the oral rabies vaccination programme in Lithuania
- Author
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Zienius, Dainius, Mickutė, Janina, Pautienius, Arnoldas, Grigas, Juozas, Arunas Stankevičius, Pridotkas, Gediminas, Jacevičius, Eugenijus, Kemeraitė, Jolita, and Jacevičienė, Ingrida
- Abstract
Additional file 1. Seroconversion (ELISA Abs titres EU/mL; %) in adult (A) and juvenile (J) red fox (RF) subpopulations during the 2010–2019 ORV programme in Lithuania.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. WOUND TREATMENT IN THE DOG USING PLATELET-RICH-FIBRIN (PRF) MEMBRANE
- Author
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Indre Jasineviciute, Gintare Ziukaite, Zymantiene, Judita, and Pautienius, Arnoldas
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Additional file 5 of Analysis of seroprevalence in target wildlife during the oral rabies vaccination programme in Lithuania
- Author
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Zienius, Dainius, Mickutė, Janina, Pautienius, Arnoldas, Grigas, Juozas, Arunas Stankevičius, Pridotkas, Gediminas, Jacevičius, Eugenijus, Kemeraitė, Jolita, and Jacevičienė, Ingrida
- Subjects
parasitic diseases - Abstract
Additional file 5. Seroconversion (ELISA Abs titres EU/mL; %) in Lithuanian raccoon dogs (RD) during the 2010–2019 ORV spring (S) and autumn (A) vaccination period.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Additional file 2 of Analysis of seroprevalence in target wildlife during the oral rabies vaccination programme in Lithuania
- Author
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Zienius, Dainius, Mickutė, Janina, Pautienius, Arnoldas, Grigas, Juozas, Arunas Stankevičius, Pridotkas, Gediminas, Jacevičius, Eugenijus, Kemeraitė, Jolita, and Jacevičienė, Ingrida
- Subjects
parasitic diseases - Abstract
Additional file 2. Seroconversion (ELISA Abs titres EU/mL; %) in adult (A) / juvenile (J) raccoon dog (RD) subpopulations during the 2010–2019 ORV programme in Lithuania.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Additional file 3 of Analysis of seroprevalence in target wildlife during the oral rabies vaccination programme in Lithuania
- Author
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Zienius, Dainius, Mickutė, Janina, Pautienius, Arnoldas, Grigas, Juozas, Arunas Stankevičius, Pridotkas, Gediminas, Jacevičius, Eugenijus, Kemeraitė, Jolita, and Jacevičienė, Ingrida
- Abstract
Additional file 3. Comparative analysis of 2010–2019 ORV seroconversion (pos.% at ≥ 0.5 EU/mL) in different age groups of red foxes (RF) and raccoon dogs (RD).
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Investigation of Immunomodulatory and Gut Microbiota-Altering Properties of Multicomponent Nutraceutical Prepared from Lactic Acid Bacteria, Bovine Colostrum, Apple Production By-Products and Essential Oils
- Author
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Grigas, Juozas, primary, Ruzauskas, Modestas, additional, Pautienius, Arnoldas, additional, Bartkiene, Elena, additional, Lele, Vita, additional, Starkute, Vytaute, additional, Zavistanaviciute, Paulina, additional, Zokaityte, Egle, additional, Bernatoniene, Jurga, additional, Ivanauskas, Liudas, additional, Jakstas, Valdas, additional, and Stankevicius, Arunas, additional
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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