35th ESPMH Conference "Methods in Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine" - August 23 - 26, 2023, Riga, Latvia

German-Baltic summer school on "Contemporary issues and challenges in public health: strengthening academic exchange and internationalization in public health education" - August 28 - September 1, 2023, Tartu, Estonia

Conference “Towards gastric cancer screening implementation in the European Union” - September 7, 2023, Antwerp, Belgium

EHMSG workshop 2023 - September 7-9, 2023, Antwerp, Belgium

 

German-Baltic summer school on contemporary issues and challenges in public health to be held in Tartu

From August 28th to September 2023, an international public health summer school will be held at the Universtiy of Tartu, Estonia – German-Baltic summer school on "Contemporary issues and challenges in public health: strengthening academic exchange and internationalization in public health education".

The summer school is organized by the Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Tartu, together with Witten/Herdecke University from Germany, University of Latvia and Vilnius University from Lithuania. The primary target group consists of current public health master’s students and recent graduates.

The summer school takes place in Tartu – in the Alexander Schmidt Center, the university’s Biomeedikum building (Ravila 19). The summer school starts on Monday 28.08.2023 at 13:00 and ends on Friday 01.09.2023 by 14:00, so those coming from outside Tartu can fit  the trip into five working days.

In addition to the presentations of international experts, an important part of the summer school are joint discussions about the challenges that public health experts in the world are currently facing, and thus also the training needs of public health experts. During the summer school, also joint activities for getting to know each other and exchanging experiences, are planned.

Information about the summer school on the website https://tervis.ut.ee/et/sisu/german-baltic-public-health-summer-school will be continuously updated.

Registration is open until July 31.

The number of participants is limited. In order to give an opportunity to interested parties from all the countries, participants are selected based on the information (incl motivation) provided in the registration form.

The summer school is funded by

The 2022 European “Council Recommendation on strengthening prevention through early detection: a new EU approach on cancer screening” is recommending implementation of three new cancer screening programs, including for gastric cancer, in the European Union (EU).

The TOGAS project* (“Towards gastric cancer screening implementation in the European Union”) brings together 20 partners from 14 European countries to address effective implementation of gastric cancer screening across the EU.

The purpose of this conference is to inform participants on the current evidence related to gastric cancer prevention as well as to gather feedback from EU Member States on the needs and potential barriers for streamlining gastric cancer screening. We encourage policymakers, screening experts, epidemiologists, medical specialists, as well as patient representatives, to participate in person and share their insights, experiences, and expertise. We look forward to fruitful discussions and collaborations that will undoubtedly arise from this gathering. Together, let us work towards improving gastric cancer prevention and screening practices across Europe, with the ultimate aim of reducing the burden of this devastating disease.

We invite representatives from the Member States, national screening experts and patient advocates to participate in the Conference “Towards gastric cancer screening implementation in the European Union” to be held on September 7, 2023 in the Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp, Belgium. The conference will also feature live video streaming.

Date and place:

September 7, 2023

Flanders Meeting & Convention Center, Antwerp, Belgium and on‐line

Participants:

‐ EU country representatives (ministries, national cancer institutes)

‐ European Council & JRC representatives

‐ Cancer screening specialists

‐ Project consortia members (TOGAS, EUROHELICAN, AIDA, PRAISE‐U, SOLACE)

‐ Researchers and opinion leaders involved in gastric cancer prevention

‐ Patient advocates

To confirm your attendance, complete the registration form.

For more information please visit Project TOGAS website.

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This project has received funding from the European Union programme EU4Health under Grant Agreement No 101101252

Disclaimer:

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

UL ICPM represents Latvia in the International Cancer Screening Network

From June 21 to 23, the director of UL ICPM, Professor Mārcis Leja, represented Latvia at the meeting of the International Cancer Screening Network (ICSN) in Turin, Italy. This network involves representatives and experts from various countries and organizations to promote the development of contextually appropriate multidisciplinary, evidence-based, and population-based screening strategies. The goal of ICSN is to assess cancer screening practices and discuss methods to improve the quality and effectiveness of screening programs.

Participation in the International Cancer Screening Network is open to every country and region that either has implemented or plans to implement population-based cancer screening programs. Meetings of the network's representatives, organizations, and other experts are organized every four years, and Latvia has rarely been represented in them until now.

The network's representatives have established thematic working groups that work with research, data sets, and screening strategy evaluations. In 2023, the working groups focused on evaluating breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening.

More about the event can be found at: https://icsn.global/icsn-2023/

 

UL ICPM researcher Danute Ražuka – Ebela receives recognition for the best theses at the conference

Photo: from personal archive

In the second half of May, the 2nd European Conference of Young Gastroenterologists "Challenges in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology" took place in Srebreno, Croatia. Among the five young Latvian gastroenterologists, UL ICPM researcher Danute Ražuka-Ebela also participated in the conference. She received an award for the best theses for her poster paper "Erosive esophagitis and Helicobacter pylori infection associated with the accuracy of the pepsinogen test in detecting precancerous gastric lesions".

Congratulations!

Poster presentation development support:

European Social Fund project " Strengthening the doctoral capacity of the University of Latvia within the framework of the new doctoral model" no. 8.2.2.0/20/I/006;

“Optimisation of H.pylori eradication therapy for population-based gastric cancer prevention” funded by the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) 1.1.1.1. project "Practical Studies", 2nd phase (project ID No. 1.1.1.1/18/A/184).

Submission deadline for EHMSG workshop 2023 is approaching on May 7

Find out more on www.ehmsg.org

The workshop will be held on September 7-9, 2023, in Antwerp, Belgium.

An invitation to submit abstracts for the V World Congress of Latvian Scientists

 

Latvian and Latvian scientists studying or working abroad, PhD students and students are invited to submit their poster papers for presentation at the congress.

Applications can be submitted in Latvian and English or only in English until March 31, 2023 on the "Research Latvia" congress website www.zinatneskongress.lv

Application form https://www.zinatneskongress.lv/stenda-referati

 

The International Scientific Conference on Medicine accepts the abstracts until 22nd January

Following a request of participants, the 81st International Scientific Conference on Medicine will accept the abstarst up until 22nd January 2023.

The International Scientific Conference on Medicine is the largest section of the UL conference and will be held online on 24-25 March 2023. The event will cover a variety of disciplines in clinical and research medicine, pharmacy, nursing and public health.

Abstracts are welcome from both seasoned and young researchers (also students). In the spirit to foster international collaboration, participation is free of charge.

Find out more and submit the abstracts on: conferences.lu.lv/e/medicine2023

PERSIST webinar on the technical solutions

Project PERSIST is announcing a public final technical webinar online on the 1st of December at 15.00 – 16:00 CET. The PERSIST H2020 consortium will represent its approach and solution to support cancer survivors and how AI and digital decision support system can contribute to more personalized and patient-centered care.

During the webinar the participants will be able to observe:

•          Demonstration of the mHelath app of PERSIST, including questionnaire, CTCs, diary recording functionality and extraction of signs of depression and symptoms from diaries;

•          Demonstration of the disease centric discourse functionality and alert system;

•          Value of the collected data and trajectories for the care plans;

•          Clinical Decision Support System, mClinician app.

The webinar will take place on MS Teams: https://bit.ly/3Xn7q23

In order to participate, we kindly ask you to register: https://forms.gle/HdJ8UHyhMPwgcpfR7

Read more on: https://projectpersist.com 

This project has received funding from the European Union’s “Horizon 2020” research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 875406

Project PERSIST - a special event has been held and partners meet to discuss the progress of the final phase of the clinical trial

From October 19 to 23, the partners of the project PERSIST ("Patients-centered SurvivorShip care plan after Cancer treatments based on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence technologies") met in Maribor, Slovenia. The UL ICPM was represented by researcher Dina Bēma and assistant scientific manager of the project Linda Tupiņa. During the meeting, the partners shared their experience and knowledge and discussed the progress of the final phase of the clinical trial and the tasks to be performed.

On October 13, as part of Cancer Awareness Month, a special event took place in the European Parliament building in person and online - "PERSISTent to fight cancer, whatever I.T. takes”.

The event’s participants got to know more on the the impact of PERSIST for patients, medical specialists and caregivers, what specific types of data PERSIST collects with the help of mHealth and mClinician apps used in the project and how these can increase the Quality-of-Life of Cancer Survivors, and the Cancer Survivorship – AI for Well-being (CS_AIW) Cluster was also presented. After that, a panel on Reflections on the digitalization in Europe, in light of the Cancer awareness month took place.

The recording of the event is available online.

The project PERSIST aims to show the potential of big data technology for making fundamental changes in care delivery for cancer survivors through security of health data, Artificial intelligence and Big Data, improved health care and new scientific research. The study is international and its clinical part with the inclusion of patients in Latvia, Belgium, Slovenia and Spain.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s “Horizon 2020” research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 875406

Results of the HYCOR project were presented at the UEGWEEK 2022

From October 8 to 11, the senior laboratory technician of the HYCOR project and resident doctor Linda Anarkulova took part in the United European Gastroenterology Week 2022 – UEGWEEK 2022 in Vienna, Austria. For taking part in the event, she had received the UEG National Scholar Award. This award is given to the promising investigators at a junior level by awarding the highest scoring abstracts pre country.

At the congress, L. Anarkulova presented the poster presentation "Application of modular multi-sensor VOC analyzer for non-invasive detection of colorectal cancer" that is based in the project HYCOR results. The poster presentation was on the screening of colorectal cancer with a breath analysis, based on the detection of volatile organic compounds in the breath using a sensor breath analyzer. The aim of the study was to differentiate between colorectal cancer patients and individuals without cancer. Participants in these two groups – colorectal cancer patients and a control group - performed a breath test in a sensor breath analyzer. The obtained results showed that the sensor breath analyzer is able to distinguish between colorectal cancer patients and control group study participants. The study will be continued to build and evaluate more specific detection models in larger patient groups.

Photo: Linda Anarkulova. From personal archive.

The project is funded by the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) 1.1.1.1. project ‘Practical Studies’, 4th phase, project ID Nr. 1.1.1.1/20/A/035 ‘Hybrid-sensor breath analysis for colorectal cancer screening’.

On October 13, UL ICPM and PERSIST partners are inviting to a hybrid event

On October 13, 2022, UL ICPM and partners implementing the international innovation project PERSIST are inviting to a hybrid (online and in person) event ‘PERSISTent to fight cancer, whatever I.T. takes’.

The project PERSIST aims to show the potential of big data technology for making fundamental changes in care delivery for cancer survivors through security of health data, Artificial intelligence and Big Data, improved health care and new scientific research.

During the event, the project implementers will aim to assess the development of innovation in the health and care sector, in terms of research and technological advancement in the future, as well as exploitation of the new and innovative technologies and how they will be used in practice. The event will also raise awareness and improve the understanding among stakeholders on the key benefits from project PERSIST and other projects alike. Those present will get to know how the PERSIST mHealth app is applied and addresses people in need and tries to address the unmet medical needs, in context of digitalization. PERSIST implementors will encourage long-term commitment and engagement of policymakers and stakeholders on supporting and further developing projects as PERSIST and will highlight what are the concrete patient benefits and how PERSIST is making fundamental changes in care delivery for cancer survivors.

Working language of the event – English.

More information about the event ‘PERSISTent to fight cancer, whatever I.T. takes’ is available on the project page.

To register for participation in the hybrid event please fill out the registration form.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s “Horizon 2020” research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 875406

A poster presentation on the results of the HYCOR project, implemented by UL ICPM, is to be given at the UEGWEEK 2022

The poster presentation "Application of modular multi-sensor VOC analyzer for non-invasive detection of colorectal cancer", prepared by the resident doctor Linda Anarkulova - the senior laboratory technician of the HYCOR project -, has been approved for presentation at the congress at the United European Gastroenterology Week 2022, taking place from 2022 from October 8 to October 11, 2022 in Austria, Vienna. It can be visited both in person and remotely online. Please find out more information on the event’s website. 

L. Anarkulova's report is on the screening of colorectal cancer - one of the most common and deadliest tumors. In order to reduce the mortality caused by colorectal cancer, it is necessary to implement an effective screening method. Such a method could be breath analysis, which is based on the detection of volatile organic compounds in the breath using a sensor breath analyzer. The aim of the study was to differentiate between colorectal cancer patients and individuals without cancer, and included two study groups: colorectal cancer patients and a control group. Participants in these two groups performed a breath test in a sensor breath analyzer. The obtained results showed that the sensor breath analyzer is able to distinguish between colorectal cancer patients and control group study participants. 

The project is funded by the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) 1.1.1.1. project "Practical Studies", 4th phase, project ID Nr. 1.1.1.1/20/A/035 "Hybrid-sensor breath analysis for colorectal cancer screening" 

UL ICPM is widely represented at the XXXV EHMSG Workshop

On September 8 - 10, the XXXVth Workshop of the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group - EHMSG 2022 is taking place in Glasgow, Scotland.

Several representatives of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine are present to represent reports on their researches, and the abstaracts are published on the official journal of the EHMSG, "Micribiota in Health and Disease" (https://www.microbiotajournal.com/):

• D. Razuka – Ebela, I. Polaka, I. Ebela, I. Daugule, R. Herrero, M. Leja:

„Reflux Espohagitis associated with false negative cases in pepsinogen testing for precancerous gastric lesions”

 

• D. Slefarska-Wolak, R. Vangravs, M. Leja, L. Mezmale, G. Shani, C. Mayhew, H. Haick, P. Mochalski:

„The volatomic signature of Helicobacter pylori”

 

• J.M. Huguet, L. Ferrer-Barcelo, P. Suarez, B. Tepes, D. Bordin, M. Leja, G. Babayeva, F. Lerang, A. Tonkic, H. Simsek, L. Kunovsky, A. Gasbarrini, G. M. Buzas, P. Phull, M. Venerito, I. Puig, O.P. Nyssen, F. Megraud, C. O’Morain, J.P. Gisbert, on behalf of the HP-Eureg investigators:

„Role of complience in Helicobacter Pylori treatments: results from the European registry on H.pylori management (HP-Eureg)”

 

• L. Bujanda, O. Perez-Nyssen, J. Ramos, D.S. Bordyn, B. Tepes, A. Perez-Aisa, D. Vaira, M. Caldas, M. Castro-Fernandez, F. Leran, M. Leja, L. Rodrigo, T. Rokkas, L. Kupcinskas, J. Perez-Lasala, I. Puig, F. Megraud, C. O’Morain, J. Perez-Gisbert, on behalf of the HP-Eureg investigators:

„Effectiveness of treatments against Helicobacter Pylori according to clarithromycin: Data from the European registry on helicobacter pylori management (HP-Ereg)"

 

• L. Fernandez-Salazar, A. Perez-Aisa, D. Vaira, L. Jonaitis, B. Tepes, D. Bordin, A. Keco-Huerga, A. Lucendo, L. Vologzhanina, L. Bujanda, N. Brglez Jurecic, A. Lanas, M. Leja, G. Babayeva, T. Rokkas, I. Puig, O.P. Nyssen, F. Megraud, C. O’Morain, J.P. Gisbert, on behalf of the HP-Eureg investigators:

„Effectiveness and safety of high-dose dual therapy: Results of the European registry on the management of Helicobacter Pylori infection (HP-Eureg)”

 

• M. Zaharova, E. Zelca, D. Gudra, D. Fridmanis, I. Daugule:

„Changes in gut microbiota after antibacterial therapy among childre: Prelimenary data”

 

• O. Sjomina, R. Vangravs, A. Rudule, I. Polaka, S. Parsutins, D. Pupola, I. Stonans, M. Leja:

„The comparison of standard triple therapy effectiveness after addition of Saccharomyces boulardii”

 

• O.P. Nyssen, A. Perez-Aisa, D. Vaira, L. Jonaitis, B. Tepes, D. Bordin, A. Keco-Huerga, A. Lucendo, L. Vologzhanina, L. Bujanda, N. Brglez Jurecic, A. Lanas, M. Leja, G. Babayeva, F. Larang, L. Moreira, I. Puig, F. Megraud, C. O’Morain, J.P. Gisbert, on behalf of the HP-Eureg investigators:

„Epmirical first-line treatment use and effectiveness trends in Europe in the period 2013 – 2021: Results from the European registry on H.pylori management (HP-Eureg)”

 

• P. Jonaitis, J. Kupcinskas, A. Perez-Aisa, D, Vaira, B. Tepes, D. Bordin, L. Bujanda, M. Denkovski, A. Lanas, M. Leja, G. Babayeva, F. Lerang, A. Tonkic, O.P. Nyssen, L. Moreira, I. Puig, F. Megraud, C. O’Morain, J.P. Gisbert, L. Jonaitis, on behalf of the HP-Eureg investigators:

„Differences of Helicobacter Pylori diagnostics and treatment in the elderly and non-elderly populations: data from European registry on H.pylori management (HP-Eureg)”

 

• P. Jonaitis, J. Kupcinskas, A. Perez-Aisa, D. Vaira, B. Tepes, D. Bordin, L. Bujanda, M. Denkovski, A. Lanas, M. Leja, G. Babayeva, F. Lerang, A. Tonkic, O.P. Nyssen, L. Moreira, I. Puig, F. Megraud, C. O’Morain, J.P. Gisbert, L. Jonaitis, on behalf of the HP-Eureg investigators:

„Comparison of the effectiveness of Helicobacter Pylori eradication regiments between the eldrely and non-eldrely populations: data from the European registy of H.Pylori management (HP-Eureg)”

 

• S. Martinez – Domingues, E. Alfaro, P. Sarrera – Lasfuentes, A. Lanas, A. Perez – Ainsa, D. Vaira, L. Jonaitis, B. Tepes, D. Bordin, M. Castro – Fernandez, A. Lucendo, M. Leja, G. Babayeva, F. Lerang, L. Moreira, I. Puig, O.P. Nyssen, F. Megraud, C. O’Morain, J.P. Gisbert, on behalf of the HP-Eureg inverstigator:

„Mistakes in empirical eradication therapies for helicobacter pylori in 45,778 patients: Data from the European registry on H.Pylori management (HP-Eureg)”

 

Read more about the event on https://www.ehmsg.org/

© Photos: From personal archive. The president of the EHMSG 2022 is opening the event

Prof. M. Leja gives a lecture on the use of breath volatile organic markers in symposium in Guatemala

"IX International Symposium on Helicobacter pylori Infection and Gastric Cancer" is taking place from July 20 to 22 at the Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala.

The conference is traditionally organized by the National Cancer Institute (USA) experts in collaboration to the representatives from Centralamerican and South American countries.

The meeting is bringing together specialists in the field from American countries as well as from Europe and other countries.

This year the establishment of Latin American H.pylori study group is discussed; collaboration to the European group is anticipated.

The Director of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, Prof. Marcis Leja is presenting an overview on the use of breath volatile organic markers for gastric cancer detection.

© Photo: From personal archive. UL ICPM cooperation partner, prof. Alejandro Corvalan from Chile is opening the second day of the conference

© Photos: From personal archive

The annual EHMSG conference is being planned

On June 24 and 25, in Bordeaux, France, a meeting of the management board of the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group (EHMSG), including the UL ICPM director Mārcis Leja, was held. During the meeting, the annual EHMSG conference in Glasgow, Scotland, which is expected to take place in September this year, was planned. The report on microbial changes in children in connection with H.pylori eradication therapy by Prof. Ilva Daugule was chosen as one of the best presentations to be included in the conference. Congratulations!

© Photo: Publicity photo; Meeting of the management board of the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group (EHMSG)

 

 

For the first time, Latvia has been at the OECI 2022 Oncology Days

On 15 – 17 June in Valencia, Spain, the OECI 2022 Oncology Days, organized by the Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), took place. In the framework of the event, a plenary meeting of all 110 participating organizations and accompanying scientific conferences were held under the slogan "Drive the future in comprehensive cancer care”.

Representing Latvia for the first time, the director of the LU ICPM, the head of the Science Department of the Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital, member of the European Commission's Cancer Mission, Prof. Mārcis Leja took part in the events. In a roundtable discussion, Mārcis Leja together with OECI board member Mef Nilbert and OECI Vice President and member of the Scientific Council Giovanni Apolone outlined the perspectives of the European Commission's Cancer Mission Board and Sub-group on Cancer, looking at opportunities and challenges, striving for excellence in comprehensive cancer care, research and education.

OECI is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that promotes cooperation between European cancer centers and institutes.

The unifying goal of its member organizations is to reduce the fragmentation of mutual cooperation, thus giving every European citizen the opportunity to receive the best possible cancer treatment and care.

LU KPMI’s specialists have participated in a seminar on Development of Biobanks for the Needs and Discoveries of the Next Generation of Science

On 22nd April, the seminar “Development of Biobanks for the Needs and Discoveries of the Next Generation of Science” took place at the Academic Center of the University of Latvia.

Biobanking in the world is moving into a direction of personalized medicine enhancement and clinical and omics data driven AI projects potentially enabling next-generation medical discoveries. The aim of this seminar was to show-case these tendencies and forward the situation in Latvian biobanking network to develop resources and competences for the contemporary research needs. This seminar ensured knowledge transfer within Latvian Biobanking network to increase biobanking resource sustainability in Latvia and collaboration with major international players.

The event hosted presentations from:

The Head of the scientific council of the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center Prof. Jānis Kloviņš,

Chairman of the Board of the Children's Clinical University Hospital Valts Ābols,

The Head of Genome Database of Latvian population Dr.biol. Vita Rovīte,

As well as Director Prof. Mārcis Leja, and Assoc. Prof., Leading researcher, Bioethics Specialist Signe Mežinska of LU KPMI.

© Photo: Lecture hall photo created by jannoon028 - www.freepik.com

Closing the project dedicated to prevention of gastric cancer, its results have been presented at an international conference

With a participation in the International Scientific Conference on Medicine 2022, the LU KPMI ERDF project No. 1.1.1.1/18/A/184 “Optimization of H. pylori eradication scheme for mass gastric cancer prevention measures” has been closed. At the conference, the results of the project were presented by research assistants Olga Sjomina and Reinis Vangravs:

• Sjomina Olga, Suhorukova Jekaterina, Rūdule Aiga, Vangravs Reinis, Paršutins Sergejs, Poļaka Inese, Daugule Ilva, Stonāns Ilmārs, Park Jin Young, Leja Mārcis – "Addition of Saccharomyces Boulardii to Standard Triple Therapy in Eradication of H. pylori: Comparison of Adverse Events and Effectiveness”.
• Vangravs Reinis, Čivkulis Kristaps, Ļeonova Elīna, Dauss Edgars, Poļaka Inese, Sjomina Olga, Leja Mārcis – "The Use of Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing for Detection of H. Pylori Pre- and Post-Eradication: Bioinformatics Feasibility Assessment”.

During the project, the team has succeeded in achieving the intended and have obtained the necessary data that have been analysed to prepare a total of five scientific articles. Three of them have been already published and two have been submitted and awaiting for publication:

1. "Early detection of gastric cancer beyond endoscopy - new methods"  Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology,Volumes 50–51, March–April 2021, 101731, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpg.2021.101731
2. Sjomina et al., "Randomised clinical trial: comparison of efficacy and adverse effects of a standard triple clarithromycin-containing regimen with high-dose amoxicillin and bismuth therapy in Helicobacter pylori eradication", 'European Journal of Cancer Prevention', https://journals.lww.com/eurjcancerprev/toc/publishahead
3. Sabine Skrebinska et.al., “Who Could Be Blamed in the Case of Discrepant Histology and Serology Results for Helicobacter pylori Detection?”, https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/12/1/133/htm
4. Razuka-Ebela Danute et.al., “Factors associated with false negative results in serum pepsinogen testing for precancerous gastric lesions in a European population in the GISTAR study”, submitted to journal „Diagnostincs” on 31.03.2022.
5. Vangravs Reinis et.al., “Clarithromycin-containing triple therapy for H. pylori eradication is inducing increased long-term gut resistome”, submitted to journal “Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics” on 31.03.2022.

© Photo: Vintage microphone photo created by jannoon028 - www.freepik.com

The Project is implemented by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund ) within the framework of 2nd part of measure 1.1.1.1. "Practical Studies", project ID Nr. 1.1.1.1/18/A/184 "Optimisation of H.pylori eradication therapy for population-based gastric cancer prevention"

The International Scientific Conference on Medicine is over

From March 25 to 26, 2022, the International Scientific Conference on Medicine took place within the framework of the 80th Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia. The conference covered various disciplines of clinical and research medicine, pharmacy, public health. For epidemiological security reasons, all sessions took place online on the Zoom platform.

Researchers of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia and students involved in the research work participated in the conference with several reports and e-stand reports:

• Birka Ilze "The gut microbiota and diet”.
• Girgensone Ginta, Birka Ilze, Anspuka Līva, Šantare Daiga – "The Impact of the Nordic Diet on Fatigue in Mild and Moderate Ulcerative Colitis Patients”.
• Jurkevica Ineta, Daugule Ilva, Kojalo Ilona, Poļaka Inese, Paršutins Sergejs, Leja Mārcis, Šantare Daiga – "Evaluation of Dietary Habits of Jekabpils Inhabitants: Adherence to Nordic Diet and Association With Helicobacter Pylori Infection”.
• Mežmale Linda, Poļaka Inese, Anarkulova Linda, Leščinska Anna Marija, Pčolkins Andrejs, Mizaikoff Boris, Mitrovics Jan, Shani Gidi, Haick Hossam, Leja Mārcis – "Initial Results of Electronic Nose for Colorectal Cancer Specific Breath Detection”.
• Ražuka-Ebela Danute, Poļaka Inese, Parshutin Sergei, Ebela Inguna, Daugule Ilva, Šantare Daiga, Sjomina Olga, Herrero Rolando, Park Jin Young, Leja Mārcis – "Current Smoking Associated with Precancerous Gastric Lesions “Missed” by Serologic Pepsinogen Testing”.
• Sjomina Olga, Suhorukova Jekaterina, Rūdule Aiga, Vangravs Reinis, Paršutins Sergejs, Poļaka Inese, Daugule Ilva, Stonāns Ilmārs, Park Jin Young, Leja Mārcis – "Addition of Saccharomyces Boulardii to Standard Triple Therapy in Eradication of H. pylori: Comparison of Adverse Events and Effectiveness”.
• Vangravs Reinis, Čivkulis Kristaps, Ļeonova Elīna, Dauss Edgars, Poļaka Inese, Sjomina Olga, Leja Mārcis – "The Use of Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing for Detection of H. Pylori Pre- and Post-Eradication: Bioinformatics Feasibility Assessment”.

The theses prepared by the participants are summarized and published in Appendix 1 of the 58th issue of the internationally cited journal “Medicina”.

Researchers and students of LMI KPMI participate in the international scientific conference of medicine

This year, the International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia celebrates its 80th anniversary and its meetings in medicine and pharmacy will take place on 25-26. in March. This year's event takes place remotely on the Zoom platform. Researchers of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine and students involved in research work have been participating in the conference for several years already, and this year is no exception.

Those interested can follow the conference work virtually. The program of the event and Zoom access links, as well as e-stand reports are published on the conference website. The theses prepared by the participants are compiled in a revised thesis stock and issued in Annex 1 to number 58 of the internationally quoted journal “Medicina”.

© Photo: Toms Grīnbergs, LU Communication Department.

In the congress in Riga, European oncology patients will request to end the humiliating cancer treatment inequality

On 18 and 19 March a unique event in the field of oncology in the Baltics will take place in Riga, Latvia – the European Congress of Oncology Patient Organizations “On Equality in Beating Cancer”. It aims to prevent inequalities in cancer diagnosis, treatment, access to innovative medicines, and other areas.

The event is organized by the Latvian Association of Oncology Patient Organizations "Oncoaliance" in cooperation with the Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA) of the European Parliament. The event is co-organized by influential patient organizations of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries – Romania, Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Poland, etc.

Congress participants together with more than 30 internationally recognized experts – patient advocacy leaders, teachers, doctors, politicians, representatives of national governments and the European Parliament (EP) – will identify the causes of inequality in cancer care and request the CEE region health policy officials and decision-makers to address them so that cancer patients who are living in this part of the European Union (EU) would receive the same modern, innovative cancer care as in the EU's welfare states. Mārcis Leja Professor at the University of Latvia, Director of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia, former member of the Board of the EU Cancer Mission will speak in Congress as one of the speakers.

Read more about the event - HERE

The online Meeting Of Minds 4 from 23. till 24. february gathered over 100 patients, researchers, clinicians and caregivers around the question ,,How can new technologies better support patients?“

The event aimed at engaging patients and gathering important feedback from end-users. They were given the opportunity to share their insight and contribute to design better tools based on their needs as cancer patients and survivors. The Cluster members presented their projects with an overview of their work, the scope of their research and how they apply new technology in their solution designs.

Ten EU funded projects were presented during the event: MENHIR, LIFECHAMPS, ONCORELIEF, FAITH, PERSIST, QUALITOP, CLARIFY, ASCAPE, REBECCA, CAPABLE.

Project PERSIST was presented by its coordinator Victoria Cal. Gazihan Alankus from Gradiant and one of the app developers Gazihan Alankus from EMODA. They made a demonstration of the patients’ mHealth app of PERSIST.

One of the most exciting parts of the event was the roundtable discussion with cancer patients, who were invited to provide their insights on series of questions, related to trust in new technologies, patients’ participation in studies, data sharing and patients’ motivation to participate in the design of research of innovative digital health solutions.

Learn more: Meeting of Minds 4.

  

© Photos from PERSIST Blog - http://bit.ly/3C0nKvH

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 875406

Chance to apply for free conference - Transforming Healthcare with AI

Deloitte Baltics, in partnership with digital marketing agency Adore, is inviting data practitioners, pharmaceutical companies, and public and private health organizations to join a free artificial intelligence(AI) and machine learning technology healthcare conference to discuss the various operational challenges faced by AI in the Baltics.

Transforming Healthcare with AI conference will take place online on 22 of February 2022, 9:30 – 15:00 EET.

Inese Polaka, leading researcher at the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, will also participate in the conference with a presentation “Experience and potential in clinical research: application of ML in process improvement and gaining new insights”. Un which she will speak about institute previous experience with AI and machine learning in medical data analysis, process improvement and introduction of new technologies, as well as planned applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Find out more about the conference.

Registration application form for the conference.

PERSIST is organizing a mini-symposia session on "Digital Health Interventions and Big Data for Personalized Cancer Survivorship" within ICCMSE 2022. The event will take place on October 26-29, 2022 in Crete, Greece. The session is dedicated to discussing the use of real-world data, big data, information technologies, and artificial intelligence to support cancer survivors and patients. Although primarily focused on solutions for cancer survivors and patients, any contribution towards improving (HR)QoL, using real-world data is welcome.

Deadline for submission: Extended Abstracts (3-4 pages) should be submitted by 06 August 2022. (Requirements can be seen here).

Information about the fees, registration and logistics can be found at the ICCMSE 2022 official website: www.iccmse.org.

  

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 875406

Project participants have submitted theses to the International Conference on Scientific Medicine

The International Scientific Medicine Conference of the University of Latvia will take place on March 25-26, 2022. Five participants of the project “Optimisation of H.pylori eradication therapy for population-based gastric cancer prevention” on the following topics have submitted theses to the conference, section of medicine and health science:

- “The Use of Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing for Detection of H. Pylori Pre- and Post-Eradication: Bioinformatics Feasibility Assessment”, autori Vangravs Reinis, Čivkulis Kristaps, Ļeonova Elīna, Dauss Edgars, Poļaka Inese, Sjomina Olga, Leja Mārcis;

- “Evaluation of Dietary Habits of Jekabpils Inhabitants: Adherence to Nordic Diet and Association With Helicobacter Pylori Infection”, autori Jurkevica Ineta, Daugule Ilva, Kojalo Ilona, Poļaka Inese, Paršutins Sergejs, Leja Mārcis, Šantare Daiga;

- “Addition of Saccharomyces Boulardii to Standard Triple Therapy in Eradication of H. pylori: Comparison of Adverse Events and Effectiveness”, autori Sjomina Olga, Suhorukova Jekaterina, Rūdule Aiga, Vangravs Reinis, Paršutins Sergejs, Poļaka Inese, Daugule Ilva, Stonāns Ilmārs, Park Jin Young, Leja Mārcis.

We invite you to follow the conference and find out what was found in the study!

 

The study is financed by the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) 1.1.1.1. project "Practical Studies", 2nd phase, project ID Nr. 1.1.1.1/18/A/184 "Optimisation of H.pylori eradication therapy for population-based gastric cancer prevention"

Abstract submission deadline for the 80th International Scientific Conference of the UL extended

The International Scientific Conference on Medicine is traditionally held at the Faculty of Medicine as part of the annual international scientific conference staged by the University of Latvia (UL), bringing in industry experts both from Latvia and from abroad. The UL Conference celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. The event begins every time with an academic plenary session. Afterwards, the conference work is organised in section meetings, including the field of medicine and health sciences.

The International Scientific Conference on Medicine activities will be held online on March 25-26, 2022. In efforts to foster the spirit of international collaboration, participation is free of charge. Certificates of attendance with credit points for further education will be awarded to participants of the event.

The abstracts should be submitted via the UL Conference platform, the deadline has been extended to Sunday, January 23. Every UL employee has their own profile on the website. Please find below the illustrative images of how to access the platform. For additional enquiries, please contact the organiser or send your question to the Department of Science.

Invitation to a seminar of the Doctoral school in translational medicine at the University of Latvia

The Doctoral school in translational medicine at the University of Latvia invites to participate in a seminar on the topic "The Nordic diet and the characteristics of intestinal microbiota" which will take place at 3:30 p.m., December 15. The event will be conducted by M.D. Daiga Šantare, a leading researcher at the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia.

During the seminar, Ilze Birka, a gastroenterologist and doctoral student at the University of Latvia, will tell about the intestinal microbiota and factors influencing it. Participants will have an opportunity to learn how the Nordic diet can affect the intestinal microbiota of both healthy people and patients in cases of certain diseases. Also, participants of the seminar will be told which foods from the Baltic Sea diet pyramid have the greatest influence.

To register as Doctoral school or only seminar participant, please follow this link.

Illustration of the Baltic Sea Diet Pyramid

LU KPMI project data have been presented at GASTRO 2021 Prague

On December 9-11, 2021, at the O2 Universum, Prague's most modern multifunctional cultural and congress center, is being held GASTRO 2021 Prague, arranged by the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) in partnership with the Czech Society of Gastroenterology (ČGS) in hybrid format, featuring in-person sessions with a virtual component.

Today, Olga Sjomina, a doctoral student at the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia (LU KPMI), presented data obtained from the GISTAR study “Optimisation of H.pylori eradication therapy for population-based gastric cancer prevention” funded by the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) 1.1.1.1. project "Practical Studies", 2^nd phase (project ID No. 1.1.1.1/18/A/184).

The project aims to reduce gastric cancer mortality by eradicating Helicobacter pylori and determining pepsinogen levels. This would allow to detect an increased risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in a timely manner.

In the picture - Olga Sjomina

The GISTAR study is co-financed by the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) 1.1.1.1. project "Practical Studies", 2nd phase, project ID Nr. 1.1.1.1/18/A/184 "Optimisation of H.pylori eradication therapy for population-based gastric cancer prevention"

Marcis Leja in Belgium took part in a scientific conference “40 years of Science for the Future. Prevention of cancer is effective and affordable”

On October 16, 2021 in Belgium (Elzart), near Brussels, a scientific conference on the topic was organized to celebate the 40th anniversary of the European Cancer Prevention organization (ECP) and the 30th anniversary of its journal - European Journal of Cancer Prevention.

ECP was established in 1981 to unite the forces of European researchers in the field of cancer prevention as well as to assure the leading positions of the European researchers in this topic globally.

The Director of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive medicine Mārcis Leja was inivited to present the progress of the GISTAR study; in the presentation he covered also the ongoing studies of volatile organic testing for gastric cancer, including the gastric cancer prevention initiative that has been suggested for the Health platform of the GAIA-X project being supported by the European Commission. Prof. Carlo La Vecchia (Milan, Italy) was reporting on the international gastric cancer data pooling initiative – StoP project; Latvian researchers are involved also in this.

Photo (from the left): Prof. Carlo La Vecchia and the President of  ECP Prof. Jaak Janssens

 

The XXXIV Inernational Workshop of the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Research Group has been held

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the XXXIV International Workshop of the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Research Group was held online.

Among other participating researchers from all over Europe, LU KMPI’s researchers presented several reports:

D. Ražuka-Ebela: ‘Current smoking and H. pylori status is associated with precancerous lesions, missed” by serologic pepsinogen testing’

O. Sjomina: ‘Addition of Saccharomyces boulardii to standard triple therapy in eradication of h. Pylori: adverse events and compliance’

L. R. Rotberga: ‘Reasons for refusing further endoscopic surveillance in patients with diagnosed precancerous gastric lesions’ and ‘Findings from the surveillance upper endoscopies in patients with gastric mucosal dysplasia at the baseline’.

The results of VOGAS project were reported by researchers from the University of Innsbruck, Daria Slefarka and Pawel Mochalski. The two researchers who are actively involved in project’s clinical activities, presented a report titled ‘Ex-vivo profiling of volatile organic compounds released from gastric cancer and non-cancerous tissue’.

Abstracts from the event are available here: https://www.microbiotajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/09/Book-Abstracts-NEW.pdf

Project VOGAS has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 824986

Scientific-practical conference "Multidisciplinary approach in gastroenterology" was held in St. Petersburg

On September 10 and 11, St. Petersburg hosted the next, fifth, scientific and practical conference with international participation "Multidisciplinary approach in gastroenterology". Since the conference was organized in a virtual format, a wide range of participants could take part in it, including those outside the second largest Russian metropolis. Questions related to autoimmune gastritis were selected for discussion within the framework of the round table. M.Leja was also invited to participate as an international expert.
During the discussion, M.Leja presented an initiative of international collaboration on data exchange to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer and precancerous lesions (‘Data collaborative in gastric cancer and precancerous lesions’). M.Leja expressed the opinion that such a model of cooperation could make a significant contribution to the detection and control of autoimmune gastritis.

Open application for the Symposium "Mutation Signatures and Cancer" organized by the National Cancer Institute

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Symposium on Mutation Signatures and Cancer will be held on December 2-3, 2021 in a virtual format.The symposium will be chaired by Dr. Ludmil Alexandrov (University of California, San Diego) and Dr. Maria Teresa Landi (NCI). Registration is free and required to receive a meeting link. Registration closes on November 24, 2021. More about Symposium: https://events.cancer.gov/nci/mutationsignatures

Registration here

Review of the PERSIST conference on June 30

The PERSIST consortium held an online event on June 30th, 2021, to discuss and inform a wide range of stakeholders, regarding technical and medical aspects of the project, along with how it fits with the expectations expressed, both by Europe’s Cancer Beating Plan and the future development of projects under the Horizon 2020 framework. Under the skilled moderation of Nicola Bedlington – a special advisor to the European Patients’ Forum – members of the consortium presented general information about the project, its technical characteristics and operability, developed from challenge to innovation and the clinical study, which reveals the added value of the project to clinicians and the patient centered aspect of the project.

In the consortium took part Annika Nowak, Rafael Perez, Victoria Cal, Tomislav Sokol, and the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia was represented by Dina Bema.

Dina Bema explained how the clinical part of PERSIST addresses the unmet needs of cancer patients after their respective treatment. While presenting the current standing of PERSIST multicentre clinical trial and functionalities of the mHeath application, she emphasized that the project could empower patients as the technology could also be used to help find the trustful and useful information for each patient. “We are also bringing generations closer together as the participants in our clinical trial sometimes involve their children or grandchildren in order to help them with the technology”, Dina said.

 

  

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No.875406    

Conference abut PERSIST project on 30.06.2021.

Access for patients to high quality, affordable, timely and innovative cancer care is a key element in the fight against cancer. Good healthcare services improve patient outcomes, reduce the suffering and side effects of treatments as much as possible and enhance the quality of life for survivors. Good healthcare outcomes also contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of the health care systems. Therefore, the main goal of PERSIST is to develop an open and interoperable ecosystem to improve the care of cancer survivors.

The key results to be achieved by consortium partners are: (1) increased self-efficacy and satisfaction with care as well as reduced psychological stress for a better management of the consequences of the cancer treatment and the disease, resulting in an improvement in health and wellbeing and a faster integration into the labor market, where applicable, compared to usual care; (2) increased effectiveness in cancer treatment and follow-up by providing prediction models from Big Data that will support decision-making and contribute to optimal treatment decisions with positive consequences in the QoL and the health status of survivors; and (3) improved information and evidence to advance the efficacy of management, intervention and prevention policies/strategies in order to timely treat side effects and, if possible, avoid secondary diseases and fatal events, while the long-term result will be to reduce the socio-economic burden related to cancer survivors’ care.

https://projectpersist.com/

Registration form: JotForm link

    

* This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No.875406

Healthy Stomach Initiative meeting

2-hour event on May 26th at 2:00pm – 4:00pm PM Central European Time.
Registration free of charge. 
Everybody is welcome to join and participate! Please register through the following link:
https://hsi2021.navus.io/delegate-registration

Europe Biobank Week 2021

Europe Biobank Week will take place on 8-10 November 2021. Save the date for the most important biobanking event of the year.

#EBW21 will again go fully digital to give you the chance to engage and share knowledge with the global biobanking community without having to travel. EBW is jointly organised by BBMRI-ERIC and ESBB with this year’s theme ‘Biobanking for our Future - Opportunities Unlocked’.

Registrations and website soon open: europebiobankweek.eu

23rd International Medical Slavic-Baltic Scientific Forum "St. Petersburg - Gastro-2021"

Registration is open on the website https://online.gastroforum.ru for everyone who wants to take part in the 23rd International Medical Slavic-Baltic Scientific Forum "St. Petersburg - Gastro-2021" and the XXIV Congress of the Scientific Society of Gastroenterologists of Russia (NOGR), which will be held on May 21-22, 2021.
Using the above link, it is possible to fill out the registration form in accordance with the requirements specified on the site.
The event is submitted to the Commission for the evaluation of educational activities and materials for CME and provides an opportunity to receive 12 points, subject to the criteria for obtaining educational points.
You can read the rules on the registration page for the event.

19th International Celiac Disease Symposium postponed

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in light of the ongoing uncertain situation, the ICDS 2021 Chairpersons, together with the ISSCD Board and the Local Committee have decided to postpone the Congress.
The new dates of ICDS Sorrento will be 19th -22nd October 2022.
The decision was taken with regards to the protection of the health and well-being of all the participants, the faculty, the referees, the exhibitors, and the staff. The ICDS website will be continuously updated in the next months.
If you are a registered participant, a faculty member, an abstract submitter, a referee, or a sponsor/exhibitor, you will be contacted in the next few days.

ICDS Congress will be, as usual, an occasion to meet and to create new synergies and demonstrate how the scientific community and its spirit and culture can cope with the challenges we are currently facing.
More information on congress: https://icds2022sorrento.com/

Some super useful tutorials from Mike Morrison

Interested in creating a research poster specifically formatted and structured for viewing on mobile devices. Why not visit some super useful tutorials from Mike Morrison:
Mike Morrison “How to create a better research poster in less time”  (Generation 1) and (Generation 2). 
Mike Morrison has also provided some really helpful poster templates, Why not try them out?  

Deadline for abstract submission extended for 34th Workshop of the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group

Deadline for abstract submission extended until May 16, 2021 at 23.59 CEST

The workshop will take place on September 18, 2021. 

European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group is looking forward to receiving scientific contributions for poster presentation at the 2nd EHMSG virtual conference!

The EHSMG is dedicated to knowledge and experience exchange and in 2020, despite the pandemic and this year will organize yet another online workshop.

For the second online EHMSG Workshop there will be an exciting agenda and world-class presenters that will share the latest findings in the dynamic field of gut microbiota and Helicobacter pylori research. While travel restrictions are hampering organisation of a traditional meeting, the online format of the workshop facilitates a platform in which top experts from different continents can join and discuss the latest findings in this exciting scientific area.

More information on workhop HERE. 

 

The 12th International Congress on Autoimmunity will be transformed into an entirely online innovative experience

The Virtual Congress on Autoimmunity will take place as planned, between 28 May – 1 June 2021 with live online interaction, sessions available on-demand for 3 months following the Congress and even reduced registration rates.

At the Congress will be presented the same cutting-edge scientific program as planned for Athens – full of lectures, e-posters, symposia, virtual exhibition, networking opportunities and more. Moreover, the virtual experience will allow to unlock new opportunities by making the congress accessible to a wider audience worldwide.

Participation in the virtual congress is now more important than ever – it is possibility to share the latest scientific and technological advances in the autoimmunity field and discuss the most burning issues in autoimmunity diseases.

More information about the Congress: https://autoimmunity.kenes.com/going-virtual/

ISOCS society (International Society on Olfaction and Chemical Sensing)  is organizing a focused Online Short Course: Smelling COVID-19: Biomarkers, Olfaction and a Pandemic Agent

The course will cover COVID-19  impacts on Olfaction, COVID-19 Detection by Mammals and Artificial Olfaction systems as well as Environmental Drivers of the pandemic. Lectures will be held by outstanding researchers and industry innovators from  artificial olfaction, veterinary and health science fields. 
The course will be held from 26 to 28 of May.
Networking sessions will include 8-minutes voluntary presentations by participants. They should submit a half-page abstract containing the title, authors, and summary of the research to saverio.devito@enea.it by May 18, 2021 using [ISOCS2021] in the email object. 
A certificate of successful participation in the event will be made available.
Registration fee (40 Euros, 20 Euros for Students) will cover ISOCS membership for this year towards next ISOEN 2022 conference. 
The final  program, along with registration details, is now available HERE. 
Registration link HERE. 

ESMO 23rd World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer to be held virtually from June 30 – July 3, 2021

All accepted abstracts will be published in a supplement to the Annals of Oncology.

Electronic Poster Presentation Details
The Congress is allowing electronic poster presentations of all abstracts, including those selected for oral presentation, to be displayed in the Virtual Poster Hall.
You will receive a link to upload your poster in the near future.

The system will automatically embargo your abstract until it is presented as part of the virtual agenda.

Registration
If you have not already done so, please use the following link to register by 6 May to receive the discounted rate for abstract presenters:  REGISTER HERE.

Abstract submission for UEG Week Virtual 2021 will be open on February 22!

Mark your calendar! Abstract submission for UEG Week Virtual 2021 will be open February 22 – April 9, 2021. With congress in a virtual format, this year is truly your opportunity to share your voice, your research and your science with the entire world.

UEG Virtual Week 2021 will take place October 2 - 6 and will continue to maintain the quality standard through innovative technological, design and software improvements.

UEG Week is the main platform for researchers around the world to present their latest discoveries.

More information about the conference and submission of abstracts HERE. 

Invites to HUG 2021

Invites to participate in the 29th Annual Meeting of the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research and the 17th Korea-Japan Joint Symposium on Helicobacter Research (HUG 2021) to be held from March 19th to 20th, 2021, at the Swiss Grand Hotel, Seoul, Korea.

Considering the current situation, the organizing committee decided to hold the HUG 2021 as a Hybrid meeting (it will be partially conducted as a virtual meeting).

As it always has been, this meeting is a major academic gathering for Helicobacter research and related health issues. The agenda of the HUG 2021 encompasses broader range of issues from the Helicobacter to the gastric cancer. World leading scholars are invited to present state-of-the-art lectures and to share their perspectives in this field. In addition to the Japan and Korean collaboration, extinguished Asian scholars will also participate to make this meeting outstanding and remarkable. Two-day program consists of discussions regarding various Helicobacter-related diseases in Asia. Especially, obesity and gut microbiome studies are the core topics of this meeting. Besides, basic research includes gastric epithelial stem cell biology and carcinogenesis.

More information HERE. 

Invites to 31st European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID)

Everyone interested is invited to the 31st European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID), which will take place in Vienna, Austria from 9 – 12 July 2021. The congress will take place in the beautiful city of Vienna at the Reed Messe Conference Centre, as well as online, allowing us to create a unique experience to all delegates, regardless of their mode of participation.

Regular abstracts can be submitted from 11 January to 24 February 2021.
Late-breaker abstracts will be accepted from 26 April to 7 May 2021.

Win a free registration for ECCMID 2021!
In December 2020, the ESCMID Parity Commission will launch a survey that will aim to investigate the correlation between submitting members’ English language proficiency levels and outcomes of abstracts and grant proposal submissions to ESCMID. If you would like to be part of this initiative, please leave your name and email address by clicking HERE by 15 December 2020. From the registered participants, a free registration for ECCMID 2021 will be drawn!

In case of any questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact at e-mail eccmid@escmid.org.

The term for submission of theses has been extended until January 24, 2021

As a number of authors have requested an extension, theses for the International Scientific Conference on Medicine are welcome until January 24.
The conference will take place this year, April 23 - 24, Zoom platform.

Thesis submission form and design requirements are available on the LU MF website.

Invites to the 5th Liquid Biopsy for Precision Oncology Summit

Registration for the 5th Liquid Biopsy for Precision Oncology Summit is Open.

Drug Developers / Researchers Are Entitled to a Free Pass.

The event will take place on February 10-12, 2021 | Digital Event.

Please register for the Summit HERE.

Reminder: abstracts for the LU International Scientific Conference on Medicine are welcome until 10.01.2021.

Invites to the 2nd TCGA Conference in India

Interested parties are invited to join the 2nd TCGA Conference in India - "Towards Team Science for Multi-omics Cancer Research in South Asia". 

The conference is open to all but prior registration is mandatory.
Registration is Free of Cost.
The dates of the conference are from December 3-5, 2020.
Registering to the conference will provide access to the pre-conference workshop and the conference events.
Participants may choose to attend either the pre-conference workshop or the conference or both events.
E-certificates will be issued to participants who complete all trainings of the Workshop on December 3rd, 2020. 
A separate e-certificate will be issued to attendees who complete all the sessions of the 2 Day Conference on December 4th & 5th, 2020.
Attendance of the full event will be monitored by the video watching/participating in the day’s activities which would be live streamed daily.
The participant has the freedom to rewind the day’s live stream in case of absenteeism.
After registration, please check your registered email address for a confirmation email. This step is important.

More information on conference HERE.
Please register for conference HERE. 

*The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is a collaboration between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) that has generated comprehensive, multi-dimensional maps of the key genomic changes in 33 types of cancer. The TCGA dataset, comprising more than two petabytes of multi-omics data such as whole genome sequencing, copy number variation, transcriptome and methylome, has been made publicly available. This data goldmine has helped the global cancer research community to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Many major cancer-related discoveries in the past decade have been referenced to the TCGA datasets.

Invites to the Online-Workshop "Principles of successful patient engagement in cancer research"

Workshop will be held on December 10, 2020 | 9:30 am-1:00 pm.

Within the framework of the German EU Council Presidency, the research ministers from Germany, Portugal and Slovenia adopted the Declaration "Europe: Together Against Cancer" on 13 October 2020. The ministers met at the research policy conference "Europe: Unite against Cancer", organized by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), to discuss common ways to strengthen European cancer research.
The active engagement of patients in cancer research is a major concern of the Trio Council Presidency Germany/Portugal/Slovenia 2020-21 and has been highlighted in the declaration. It is of great importance that patients are more closely involved in cancer research and that they can help shape research projects from the very beginning. In order to support this important process, the BMBF has launched an initiative to make patient involvement in cancer research the standard in Europe.
Following an initial brainstorming process, the BMBF started a first exchange with international patient representatives, cancer researchers and scientists engaged in participatory research on 14 October 2020. This meeting resulted in a first draft of a statement on the "Principles of Successful Patient Engagement in Cancer Research". 
These principles are now to be discussed and sharpened in an online workshop with a broader range of stakeholders.

The final statement will be published by mid-2021 and will be the basis for a roadmap process aimed at strengthening the implementation of active patient engagement in cancer research throughout Europe.

Please register by 29 November 2020 at workshop@dlr.de using the PDF form attached.
 
Please find the agenda of the seminar HERE.
More information on seminar - HERE. 

The information is also available at https://www.dekade-gegen-krebs.de/de/staerkung-der-patientenbeteiligung-in-der-krebsforschung-2336.html. 

Invites to submit thesis to the International Scientific Conference on Medicine

We kindly invite to submit abstracts for the International Scientific Conference on Medicine, which is part of the annual 79th Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia and will be held on April  23-24, 2021. The conference will cover a variety of disciplines in clinical and research medicine, pharmacy and public health.  

The events of the conference are planned in a hybrid form, both online and on-site in Riga.  

Abstract submission will be possible until 10 January 2021. Abstracts from both seasoned and upcoming researchers are welcome.

The abstract requirements can be found online. In the spirit of fostering international collaboration, participation is free of charge. Certificates of attendance with credit points for further education will be awarded to those attending the conference.

For inquiries regarding the conference, please contact the Organizing Committee via medconference@lu.lv. 

You can also follow the news related to the conference on Facebook.

Conference "The World of Microbiome" takes place

From 4 to 6 November, a virtual conference "The World of Microbiome: Digestive & Metabolic Health Conference (WoMDMH 2020)" took place. 

M.Leja presented a report on the impact of massive H. pylori eradication on the frequency of antibiotic use.

For more information about the conference, visit:

https://microbiome.kenes.com/

#WorldofMicrobiome #DMH20

Invites to a webinar on translational medicine

Those interested are invited to participate in the international free webinar “Translational medicine - from the molecule to the patient” on November 24, 12.00 - 15.00!
In the webinar, you will hear about translational medicine in its broadest sense, autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases, as well as how a cycle of translational medicine research is based on the Parkinson's disease model.
World-class experts will share their experience in broadcast medicine: Professor Yehuda Shoenfeld from the Tel Aviv Sheba Medical Center, Professor Rejko Krüger from the University of Luxembourg, Professor Pawel Zalewski from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, and Anton Ussi, Director of EATRIS Process and Finance.

Language of the seminar - English.

You can get acquainted with the seminar program HERE.

You can register for participation in the webinar HERE. 

Up-to-date information on future EHMSG congresses

XXXIVth Workshop of the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group
September 16 - 18, 2021 | Belgrade, Serbia

XXXVth Workshop of the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group
September 8 - 10, 2022 | Glasgow, United Kingdom

XXXVIth Workshop of the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group
September 2023 | Antwerp, Belgium

In case of any questions please do not hesitate to contact by emailing: workshop@ehmsg.org.

More information about EHMSG 2020: https://www.workshop.ehmsg.org/.

GASTRO 2020 is going virtual in Spring 2021

Because of the restrictive measures, all of the medical congresses have been transformed from an in-person to virtual version; the CSG (Czech Society of Gastroenterology) and WGO (World Gastroenterology Organisation) have recently made the decision to hold GASTRO 2020 as a virtual meeting in Spring 2021.

The CSG/WGO Joint Steering Committee, CSG/WGO Joint Scientific Program Committee and Local Organizing Committee are now focusing to deliver the best virtual experience for all of you for the 2021 virtual meeting and present the in-person meeting in Prague in the future.

You can follow the news, registration rules and other news related to the congress HERE.

The 1st Webinar of Cancers—Current Status and Future Perspectives of ctDNA-Based Liquid Biopsy in Cancers

Free Webinar Series of Cancers: Current Status and Future Perspectives of ctDNA-Based Liquid Biopsy in Cancers will be hosted on 14 October 2020 (time:3:00 pm (CEST)丨9:00 am (EDT)丨9:00 pm (CST ASIA) and Chaired by Dr. Giulia Siravegna from Harvard Medical School (USA).

More information HERE.

The 1st International Electronic Conference on Cancers (IECC) — Open for Submissions

The 1st International Electronic Conference on Cancers “Exploiting Cancer Vulnerability by Targeting the DNA Damage Response” will be hosted online from 1–14 February 2021 and chaired by Prof. Dr. Nicola Curtin and Dr. Helen E. Bryant.

More information HERE.

Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) invites to ECL’s 40th Annual Conference 

We warmly invite you to register and attend ECL’s 40th Annual Conference on 9 November 2020.

The final agenda of the conference HERE.
An editorial on Cancer World HERE. 
Register for the Conference HERE. 

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to President Sakari Karjalainen (president@europeancancerleagues.org) or  CEO Wendy Yared (wendy@europeancancerleagues.org).

Invites to apply for the international conference WoMDMH 2020

Join international colleagues at the 1st edition of the World of Microbiome: Digestive & Metabolic Health Conference (WoMDMH 2020), taking place 4-6 November as a Virtual Conference. 

Have your work discussed by peers and experts and don’t miss the opportunity to form new collaborations, reach wide online audience, and advance your career in the field. 

The abstract submission deadline is 19 August. 

For more information visit: https://microbiome-dmh.kenes.com/

#WorldofMicrobiome #DMH20

EHMSG 2020 goes virtual

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, it has been decided that the 33rd Workshop of the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group (originally scheduled to take place from September 10 – 12, 2020 in Glasgow, United Kingdom) will take place as a virtual conference in a compact version, on one day only - Saturday, September 12, 2020.

Both live and on demand talks as well as a platform for -Posters will be provided.

Abstract Submission has been extended until June 21, 2020 at 24.00hrs CET.
You can submit your e-Poster for presentation at the conference HERE.

Proper tools that allow similar elements of connectivity and involvement for all participants will be provided.

To guarantee the health and safety of our attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and staff, the EHMSG Board has come to the conclusion that the conference cannot take place in its scheduled format this year.

In case of any questions please do not hesitate to contact by emailing: workshop@ehmsg.org.

More information about EHMSG 2020: https://www.workshop.ehmsg.org/.

Deadline for submission of abstracts to the UEG Week Amsterdam 2020 - extended to May 15!

The United European Gastroenterology Week will take place on October 10 - 14  in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

In response to the current unprecedented circumstances, the deadline for abstract submissions has been extended to 15 May!
New abstract topic: COVID-19 and GI!

UEG Week is the main platform for researchers around the world to present their latest discoveries.

UEG Week combines world class scientific research, invited lectures by leading minds in gastroenterology and an excellent Postgraduate Teaching Programme. Multidisciplinarity is a key focus of UEG Week, which covers topics of interest for the entire GI community.

More information about the conference: HERE.

Gastro Update Europe will take place on September 4-5

The 7th European Update Congress in Gastroenterology 2020 is postponed until September 4 - 5 this year, and will take place in Bratislava, Slovakia.
 
This event will be livestreamed, abstracts are being submitted, and videos will be available on-demand at no cost to delegates.
 
More information about the event at  www.gastro-update-europe.eu
 
The program of the event is available HERE. 

We invite you to actively submit your thesis to the Workshop of the Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group!

It is not yet known in what format this year's XXXIIInd International Workshop of the Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group will take place, scheduled for September in Glasgow, Scotland (was scheduled for September 10-12) .

However, the abstracts of the reports are accepted regardless of the form of the conference.

Deadline for submission of theses - May 10.

More information HERE.

International Scientific Medical Conference of the University of Latvia postponed to autumn

In view of the current epidemiological situation in the world, the management of the University of Latvia and the Conference Organizing Committee, in consultation with the SPKC (Center for Disease Prevention and Control), have decided to postpone the International Scientific Medical Conference to October of this year.

The conference organizers will keep informed potential participants and interested parties about the news and current events.

Workshop on "Ethically and socially responsible governance of research biobanks in the Baltic states" is canceled

In view of the rapid spread of COVID-19 infection, and in order to reduce the risk of infection with it workshop organizers, participants and guests, a decision was made to cancel the March 19 workshop "Ethically and socially responsible governance of research biobanks in the Baltic states" (was organized within the framework of the 78th International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia).

The workshop may be postponed to the end of the summer, but the date is still to be determined. Organizers of the workshop will keep informed potential articipants.

The decision is made because the government of Latvia has declared a state of emergency to limit the spread of COVID-19 virus.

Information on upcoming gastroenterology conferences in 2020

1. The International Liver Congress 
Time and place: 15-19.04.2020. London
Submitting abstracts is no longer possible, but you may still be able to apply to attend the conference!
More information at: https://ilc-congress.eu/

2. 2nd European Conference Of Young gastroenterologists
Time and place: 8-10.05.2020. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Deadline for submission of abstracts: 1.04.2020.
More information at: https://ecyg.eu/

3. 5th Athens International Symposium on Digestive diseases
Time and place: 3-4.07.2020. Athens, Greece
Deadline for submission of abstracts: 20.04.2020.
The program of the event includes:
*Lectures
* E-thesis presentations
* Live-video demos
* Hands-on course
More information at: https://aisdd.com/

Invites to a conference dedicated to the next European Union research and innovation program - Horizon Europe

On November 7 - 8, invites to participate in the conference "Towards Horizon Europe Implementation in Latvia", dedicated to the next European Union (EU) research and innovation program Horizon Europe.
The conference will bring together high-level professionals, policy makers, leaders of scientific institutions, scientists and other interested parties.
The event will be opened by the President of Latvia Egils Levits and the leadership of the Ministry of Education and Science.
The concept of Horizon for Europe will be presented by Jean-Eric Paquet, Director-General of the European Commission for Research and Innovation.
On the first day of the conference, Latvia's achievements in the EU research and innovation program Horizon 2020 will be discussed.
On the second day of the conference, it will be possible to find out about the current Horizon Europe program, as well as the conditions for developing and implementing projects from the European Commission.
The event is organized by the Ministry of Education and Science and the National Agency for Education Development.

Participation in the event is free, with pre-registration online until November 1st.

The English version of the program to be updated is available HERE.
Working language: English and Latvian // Place: University of Latvia, House of Science, Alfa, Jelgavas street 3, Riga.

Invites to submit abstract to the 30th ECCMID congress

30th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, which will take place in Paris, France, 18 - 21 April 2020. ECCMID, as the world’s premier Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases event, brings together experts from many fields to present their latest findings, guidelines and experiences to an audience of over 13,000 colleagues. This year, the Programme Committee has developed a multi-faceted program incorporating keynote lectures and oral sessions, as well as interactive workshops, meet-the-expert sessions, open forums, and a wide range of symposia.

In order to submit your abstract(s) for ECCMID 2020 please follow this link.

Invites to oncoming International conference GASTRO 2020 

International conference GASTRO 2020 which is Co-Organized by World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) and Czech Society of Gastroenterology is going to be held on December 3 - 5, 2020 in Prague.

This conference will be an exceptional challenge to help to accomplish the mission of WGO and take opportunity to exchange the thoughts, experience, comments and information on all current major issues of gastroenterology and hepatology with respect to region-specific socioeconomic background as well as cultural and historical aspects.

More information on conference HERE. 

Invite to attend "PRECISION MEDICINE CONFERENCE"

We invite to take a unique opportunity and participate in the conference "PRECISION MEDICINE CONFERENCE" on May 22 this year at the University of Latvia Science House (Jelgavas Street 3, Riga).

At the conference, high-level international and local experts will talk about the importance of large data and ICT technologies for the development of precision medicine, will outline the trends of the field and future perspectives for the development of an innovative health system. At the end of the conference, experts will discuss the ethical dimension of successful medical development in Latvia and Europe.
Medical and IT industry experts, policy makers, scientists, businessmen and others are invited to the conference.

Full conference program HERE.
We invite to register HERE.
Follow the news of the conference on the Facebook page of the event.

The conference is free of charge.

 Registration opened for EPMA World Congress 2019

EPMA World Congress 2019 will take place on September 19-22 in Pilsen, Czech Republic.              
The main objective of the EPMA Congress is to provide insights into innovation by Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine in Biomedical Sciences and Healthcare. 

Any PPPM relevant topic is welcome to be presented at the EPMA Congress, such as the topic which has been presented by the EPMA Working Group at the EU Parliament  in April and which is included in the congress programme now - see here:

http://www.epmanet.eu/latest/events/2019/epma-position-on-medical-use-of-cannabis-presented-at-the-eu-parliament.

All the instructions regarding participation in the EPMA Congress 2019 please see under the "active partipation": http://www.epma2019.eu/active-participation/.

Participants are welcomed to register possibly soon making sure that presentations can be considered for an active participation. 

Call for Abstracts for the EHMSG XXXIInd International Workshop

The XXXIInd International Workshop on Helicobacter and Microbiota in Inflammation and Cancer be will be held in Innsbruck, Austria on September 5 - 7, 2019.

Please also view the programme of the EHMSG Postgraduate Course on “Microbiota: from metabolism to immunity and fecal microbial transplantation-pearls for the clinician”.

Deadline for abstract submission: May 12, 2019
Deadline for registration at reduced fee: July 12, 2019
Deadline for pre-registration: August 25, 2019

For further information on the program, registration, venue and social program - www.helicobacter.org.

 

Calls to apply for Microbiome & Probiotics Series 

Microbiome & Probiotics Series: Europe will take place 20-22 May 2019, Rotterdam, Netherland - the 2019 edition has been extended to a third day and will bring together three meetings under one roof: the 6th Microbiome R&D and Business Collaboration Forum, 3rd Probiotics Congress and our inaugural Skin Microbiome & Cosmeceuticals Congress.

During this 3-day event, attendees can participate in all sessions across the 3 conferences, including expert presentations, company showcases, roundtable discussions, panels and extended networking sessions in which our company exclusively organises both day and night opportunities spread across 12+ hours. These sessions are designed to facilitate collaboration amongst the 400+ senior-level attendees from both industry and academic backgrounds. 

Poster competition: there is an opportunity to submit a poster for free with the Academic registration and 3 winners will be selected on the day to each host a 15 minute presentation.

The latest Agenda pdf file - HERE.
More information - HERE. 

Invites to submit abstracts to the World Congress of Gastroenterology

The World Gastroenterology Organisation and The Turkish Society of Gastroenterology INVITE ALL MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS, including physicians and non-physicians, gastroenterologists, internists, surgeons, hepatologists, radiologists, pediatricians, and GI fellows to submit abstracts to the World Congress of Gastroenterology, 21-24 September 2019, in Istanbul, Turkey.

WCOG 2019 Abstract categories are:

      * Biliary/Pancreas                                               * Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports
      * Colon                                                                 * Colorectal Cancer Prevention
      * General Endoscopy                                         * GI Bleeding
      * Gut Microbiota                                                 * Interventional Endoscopy
      * Esophagus                                                        * Functional Bowel Disease
      * IBD                                                                     * Liver
      * Obesity                                                              * Pediatric GI
      * Small Intestine                                                 * Stomach
      * Video Endoscopy

All abstracts submitted, regardless of whether or not they are selected for oral or poster presentation, will appear in a special supplement to the 2019 issue of _The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology_ exactly as submitted.

The deadline for submission of abstracts is FRIDAY, 31 MAY, 2019.

Browse the Call for Abstracts information HERE.

Go directly to the submission form HERE.            Learn more about WCOG 2019 HERE.

The ESDO newsletter also mentions the International Scientific Conference on Medicine

The European Society of Digestive Oncolgy (ESDO) newsletter also mentions the International Scientific Conference on Medicine, to be held on 22 February at the 77th International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia.

More information is available at:

http://www.esdo.eu/education/educational-meetings/

The University of Latvia invites to submit abstracts for the International Scientific Conference on Medicine

The University of Latvia invites to submit abstracts for the International Scientific Conference on Medicine, which will be held on February 22nd, 2019, at the University of Latvia Campus in Riga.
Abstract submission and registration will open on November 26, 2018 and will close on January 14, 2019.

For more information on the conference, its course, program, registration for participation and abstract submission, see the conference website:  https://www.mf.lu.lv/lu-konferences/.

In the spirit of fostering international collaboration participation is free of charge.

The abstract requirements can be found HERE. 

For any questions regarding abstract submission and registration, please e-mail: medconf2019@lu.lv.

For other inquiries regarding the conference, please contact Dr. Danute Ražuka-Ebela d.razuka.ebela@gmail.com.