Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) (Latvian: Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, Latin: Universitas Rigensis Stradina) is a public university located in the city of Riga, Latvia. The Stradiņš (pronounced [ˈstradiɲʃ]) name in the university's title is owed to members of the Stradiņš family who have had a significant influence on the course of community and academic life in Latvia for over a century.
Reaction speed represents a fundamental cognitive-motor capacity in sport, yet empirical findings regarding its psychological predictors remain inconsistent, particularly across stages of athletic expertise. This study aimed to investigate the associations of performance level and stress tolerance with latent reaction speed in athletes and to determine whether these associations differ across competitive levels. A cross-sectional sample of 304 competitive athletes (amateur, pre-elite, and elite) completed standardized computerized psychophysiological assessments. Latent reaction speed was modeled as a unified cognitive-motor construct indicated by simple and choice reaction speed and motor execution measures. Performance level and stress tolerance were assessed as task-based indices of performance efficiency and cognitive load tolerance under standardized conditions. Structural equation modeling was used to examine predictors of latent reaction speed, followed by multi-group analyses across athlete competitive levels. Both performance level (β = 0.19, p = 0.004) and stress tolerance (β = 0.17, p = 0.010) showed small but statistically significant positive associations with latent reaction speed, together explaining 14.2
INTRODUCTION:Although epidemiological studies often group the Baltic states together, they differ significantly in national stroke care legislation and infrastructure. Our study aimed to explore and compare the current state of stroke care in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. PATIENTS AND METHODS:We analysed the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E) Stroke Service Tracker data from 2022, including data from the respective National Health Insurance Funds and direct centre-level queries. Geographic Information System-based modelling assessed population access to stroke-ready hospitals within 1 h. Key metrics, including hospitalised stroke incidence, stroke unit admission, recanalisation therapy and in-hospital as well as 30-day mortality, were compared using Z-tests for proportions. RESULTS:The hospitalised stroke incidence per 100,000 inhabitants was similar in Lithuania (353) and Latvia (354), but lower in Estonia (246), despite similar population structures. Lithuania had the highest proportion of its population (94.0%) with access to a stroke-ready hospital within 1 h, followed by Latvia (87.1%) and Estonia (84.7%, P < .001). Estonia had the highest proportion of stroke unit admission rates and the lowest mortality rates-9.6% (in-hospital) and 15.0% (30-day) for ischaemic stroke. Endovascular treatment was most frequent in Lithuania (8.6% of all strokes, P < .001), while Estonia had the highest rate of intravenous thrombolysis (29.0%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS:Despite broadly comparable populations and formal SAP-E alignment, the Baltic states exhibit marked differences in stroke access, treatment and outcomes. High stroke unit admissions and high recanalisation rates in Estonia may be associated with lower ischaemic stroke mortality, underscoring the importance of system design beyond geographic coverage alone.
Pediatric cholecystitis and cholelithiasis management is heterogeneous. We surveyed European centers to map current practices, training exposure, and outcomes of pediatric biliary cholecystectomy. A 24-item cross-sectional international survey was developed by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) Section of Paediatric Surgery and distributed to centers in 31 UEMS member states. Items covered institutional resources, indications and timing, surgical approach and adjuncts (ERCP, ICG), training exposure, and center-level outcomes; results are reported as n (
Home-based motor rehabilitation after stroke has a great potential to promote task-specific and context-specific training in a familiar, functionally rich context, supporting more personalised, engaging, and adaptable rehabilitation experiences. This review aims to map existing practices in home-based motor rehabilitation after stroke and critically examine whether this potential is fully utilized and identify strengths and limitations. It further explores how healthcare professionals can optimise their planning and delivery of interventions. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were conducted in 5 databases: PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently screened the studies for eligibility and extracted characteristics of each study into a data charting table. Sixty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. The results highlighted a consistent implementation of task-specific exercises but limited implementation of context-specific stimuli, inadequate training dosage, and limited contextual adaptation to the home environment. Further, instructional methods tended to be overly prescriptive, co-design strategies applied inconsistently, and caregiver engagement often underutilised. Existing practices do not fully utilize the potential of home-based rehabilitation. We argue clinical work should prioritise early-phase interventions with adequate intensity and develop pedagogical frameworks to guide home modifications and instructional methods. The framework should support progressive and engaging practice, and fully adopt co-designed, person-centred approaches that meaningfully involve family caregivers.
BackgroundHereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, potentially life-threatening disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of localised oedema caused by bradykinin overproduction. Accurate epidemiological data are essential for optimising diagnosis and treatment, particularly in underrepresented regions such as the Baltic states. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, genetic variants, and treatment accessibility for patients with HAE in the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.MethodsThis retrospective study included HAE patients diagnosed according to the WAO/EAACI 2021 criteria between 2004 and 2024. Demographic, clinical, and genetic data were collected and evaluated. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi (version 2.3).ResultsA total of 78 patients were identified in Estonia (n=30), Latvia (n=12) and Lithuania (n=36) from 2004 till 2024. In Lithuania, 7 patients had died and 3 were lost to follow-up, resulting in 26 patients remaining under active observation. While the total number of HAE cases identified across the three countries was reported, detailed clinical data and analyses were limited to the 68 patients who were alive and actively followed at the time of data collection. Estonia exhibited the highest point prevalence (2.19 per 100, 000), while Latvia had the lowest (0.65). The median diagnostic delay was longest in Latvia (24 years) and shortest in Estonia (9.5 years). SERPING1 gene pathogenic variants predominated. Estonia had the broadest availability of treatments, whereas Latvia had restricted access to modern therapies.ConclusionConsiderable variation exists in HAE prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment across the Baltic states. Estonia exemplifies best practices, while Latvia remains underserved. Regional collaboration and standardised care protocols are urgently needed.
