Season's greetings and a Happy New Year!

Congratulations to the staff of our institute on the gratitudes of the Rector!

Yesterday a meeting was held at the University of Latvia Faculty of Medicine.
During the meeting, the Rector's gratitudes were also presented.
Acknowledgments of significant achievements, contributions and the 100th anniversary of the University of Latvia were presented to the following employees of the Institute:

Mg.env.sc. Līga Grantiņa, Senior Expert of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, ., for her enthusiasm, initiative and tremendous contribution to the establishment of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine at the University of Latvia during her term as Executive Director.

Dr.sc.ing. Arnis Kiršners, Leading Researcher, Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine,, For his significant contribution to the development of the KPMI Biobank IT Platform.

Dr.sc.soc. Signe Mežinska, Senior Researcher, Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, on the development of ethics research at the University of Latvia, on professional ethics advice for other researchers.

Dr.sc.ing. Inese Poļaka, a senior researcher at the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, an ERDF postdoctoral fellow, for her significant support in student research design and data analysis, for her outstanding performance as a GISTAR research statistician.

Aiga Rudūle, Senior Expert, Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, for successful administrative management of the GISTAR study.

Dr.med. Daiga Šantare, associate professor at Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine. 

Congratulations!

In the picture: Aiga Rūdule, Administrative Manager of the GISTAR study, with a letter of gratitude

Representatives of Latvia are not applied for the activities of the European Cancer Mission

The second meeting of the Cancer Mission set up by the European Commission with representatives of EU Member States takes place in Brussels. Two representatives from each Member State are invited to familiarize themselves with the work of the Cancer Mission, to organize it in the interest of the Member States, and to make recommendations for joint European action on the development of national cancer programs.
Almost all EU Member States are represented at the meeting (with rare exceptions - Latvia).
The representatives of Latvia are not applied for this strategic meeting, neither for the aforementioned joint European activity.

More than 500 participants have already applied for the GISTAR study in Jekabpils

We are proud to announce that the total number of respondents included in the GISTAR (largest study of LU KPMI) Jekabpils Regional Research Center has reached 500 respondents. The total number of respondents included in the survey has reached already 8 880!

Correspondent of the newspaper "Brīvā Daugava" Inese Zone invited Olga Kirejeva, the 500th respondent, to talk about the opportunities provided by the survey.

The GISTAR study in Latvia has been going on for six years. Jekabpils Regional Research Center, in its turn, has been operating since September 2019. The realization of the study in Jekabpils is currently planned until the end of 2020. In parallel, the feasibility of the study in other Latvian cities is being discussed.

Read the article and interview HERE. 

In the picture: Doctor's assistant Sendija Vītola (from left) and 500th respondent Olga Kirejeva

Picture: Inese Zone, Brīvā Daugava

The GISTAR study is partly funded 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" and FLPP (Fundamental and Applied Research Projects) within the framework of the Latvian Program, project no. lzp-2018 / 1-0135 "Study on the implementation of a set of measures to prevent gastric cancer mortality by eradicating H.pylori infection and timely detection of gastric pre-cancer conditions".

Receives an award for the best stand report at the International Genetics Conference

On November 25 - 26, "International Conference on Genomics & Pharmacogenomics" and "International Conference on Human Genetics and Genetic Disorders" took place in Madrid, Spain. Dārta Pūpola, scientific assistant at the LU KPMI presented the main results of the ERDF project "Long term effects of H.pylori eradication on Gastro intestinal tract microbiome and development of screening system for detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase coding genes within feces samples".

D.Pūpola received an award for her report as the best stand presentation at the conference.

Results were obtained by analyzing samples from respondents included in the largest study of KPMI - GISTAR.

The project “Long term effects of H.pylori eradication on Gastro intestinal tract microbiome and development of screening system for detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase coding genes within feces samples” has received funding from ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) program under the grant agreement no. 1.1.1.1./16/A/272

Receives the award for Best Presentation at the European Bridging Meeting in Gastroenterology

European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition (EAGEN) on November 15-16 in Warsaw, Poland held The European Bridging Meeting in Gastroenterology 2019 to enable young researchers to present their work in the presence of their scientific supervisors. Each participant was accompanied by a mentor who, after the presentation, led a discussion on different aspects of the work. During the scientific meeting 42 young researchers presented their work. After the conference, the Scientific Commission awarded 5 top-rated presentations.

From Latvia conference was attended by Danute Ražuka-Ebela (resident in gastroenterology, PhD candidate of the University of Latvia) with her supervisor prof. Mārcis Leja. Danute received the award for Best Presentation for her report "Analysis of factors associated with decreased pepsinogen in the GISTAR study population in Latvia".

The initiative started in 1998 by Prof. Dr. Peter Malfertheiner in Magdeburg, Germany. His vision and aim when he designed the Bridging Meeting concept was to create a forum for young clinical investigators from Eastern and Western European countries, where results of their ongoing and completed research is presented. To allow for young Fellows, academic teachers & mentors and industry partners to meet, network, build bridges and build a path into the Future of Gastroenterology.

More information about meeting HERE.

In the picture from left: Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Conference Prof. Jaroslaw Regula and Prof. Peter Malfertheiner, Danute Ražuka-Ebela, Prof. Mārcis Leja

The GISTAR study is partly funded 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" and FLPP (Fundamental and Applied Research Projects) within the framework of the Latvian Program, project no. lzp-2018 / 1-0135 "Study on the implementation of a set of measures to prevent gastric cancer mortality by eradicating H.pylori infection and timely detection of gastric pre-cancer conditions".

Gratitude to M.Leja for his contribution to the "EU - Together we protect" campaign

In 2019, the European Commission ran an EU-wide information campaign "#EU - Together we protect". The campaign aimed to raise public awareness of the various aspects of security and show what different professions do on a daily basis to make our lives in Latvia and Europe safer.

Thanks to the responsiveness and participation of the campaign's envoys, the Latvian population has become familiar with the work of many professionals in the fields of creating a safer environment for the Internet, food and household safety controls, nature protection, safe travel and combating human trafficking. The campaign has made the name of Latvia more widely known, giving people of other EU countries the opportunity to learn about what has been done in Latvia.

Director of our institute Marcis Leja has received GRATITUDE for his contribution to this campaign.

CONGRATULATIONS!

More information on the campaign website.

Call for Applications round 2020 for NORDPLUS projects

Applications for the NORDPLUS sub-programs Youth Education, Higher Education, Adult Education, Horizontal Program, Nordic Languages may be submitted through the Espresso electronic system by February 3, 2020.

More information on the competition is available on the website of the National Agency for Education Development.

On November 20, from 10 am to 3:30 pm in the hotel "Avalon" (13. Janvāra Street 19, Riga) an information seminar "Terms and conditions of Nordplus program competition 2020" will take place.
More information about the seminar- HERE. 

Apply for the seminar online by November 14th.

  

Takes place Conference on implementation of Horizon Europe program in Latvia

On November 7-8 this year, the Ministry of Education and Science, together with the European Commission's Directorate-General for Science and Innovation, is organizing a conference "Towards Horizon Europe Implementation in Latvia".

The conference was opened by President of Latvia Egils Levits.

The responsible bodies of the European Commission are also represented at the highest level, with the Brussels delegation headed by Jean-Eric Paquet, Director-General of DG Reaserch & Innovation.

The conference discussed the expected changes in the organization of various research-related programs. Particular attention is paid to expansion programs, i.e. special support programs for countries with less successful track record (including Latvia). Success stories presented. Suggestions for project preparation are provided. Last year was the first time Latvia received more from the EU in the form of successfully funded projects than the state paid into the program.

Even in smaller working groups, Jean-Eric Paquet got acquainted with the views of the responsible institutions on Latvia's future needs.

Marcis Leja presented the work of the Cancer Mission of Europe Union. 

  

Data from the GISTAR study in Kazakhstan are presented at a conference in Astana

The 14th International Scientific-Practical Conference “Astana-Gastro-2019” is taking place in Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan).
A presentation “Gastric Cancer Screening. GISTAR study ”at the conference was presented by M. Leja.
The presentation also showcased the results of the work done by the researchers of the LU KPMI, which was obtained by analyzing the material obtained in Kazakhstan.

The GISTAR study is partly funded 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" and FLPP (Fundamental and Applied Research Projects) within the framework of the Latvian Program, project no. lzp-2018 / 1-0135 "Study on the implementation of a set of measures to prevent gastric cancer mortality by eradicating H.pylori infection and timely detection of gastric pre-cancer conditions".

Invites to the seminar “Biobanks – sustainable resource for improvement of public health”

Latvian Biomedical Research and study centre invites to participate in seminar that is organized by Latvian national biobank network – BBMRILV.
In this seminar leading researchers from largest research organizations in Latvia will share their experience how to ensure sustainable research of human biological materials. The general situation in Latvia, creation of large national level research projects, how to research maximal quality in most cost effective manner, as well as ethical and social implications will be discussed.
Time: November 11th, 2019, 9.00 - 11.30

Place: Riga, University of Latvia, Faculty of Natural Sciences, auditorium 702 (7th floor), Jelgavas Str. 1.

Program (in Latvian) HERE 

Registration for the seminar here HERE

   

The organization of the seminar is supported by ERDF project No. 1.1.1.5/18/I/006 “Support for the integration of the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre into the European Research Area and Infrastructure objects”

The article looks at the contradiction between the recommendations of gastroenterologists and the strategy for limiting antibiotic use

The USA magazine Digestive Diseases and Sciences today published an article in its online version by M. Leja (doctor - gastroenterologist, professor) and U. Dumpis (doctor infectologist, professor) "What Would the Screen-and-Treat Strategy for Helicobacter pylori Mean in Terms of Antibiotic Consumption?". The article talks about the controversy surrounding the recommendations of gastroenterologists and the strategy to limit the use of antibiotics. The analysis was performed using antibiotic consumption data in Latvia.

 A summary of an article is available HERE.

 

In Brussels welcomes the work done on the H2020 project A-PATCH 

On 24 October a reporting event for the European Commission for the 1st period of the Horizon 2020 project A-PATCH (Autonomous Patch for Real-Time Detection of Infectious Disease) was held in Brussels.
Scientific officer at European Commission Henri Rajbenbach and external evaluator Stephan Kirchmeyer took note of the project partners' report and welcomed the work done so far. LU KPMI at the event was represented by researcher Ģirts Šķenders.

On 25 October in Leuven, A-PATCH project partners met IMEC (www.imec-int.com), a design specialist for wearable electronic devices, to discuss technical issues and possible solutions for the new diagnostic approach. This project brings together researchers from various fields of technology from BioRad Laboratories (Israel), TNO HOLST Center (Netherlands), IMEC (Belgium), LU KPMI, CEVA RivieraWaves (France, Ireland, Israel), VTT (Finnish Center for Technical Research) and FIND (Switzerland).

   

 Project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 824270

A working meeting for the VOGAS project takes place in Germany

On October 24 - 25 a working meeting of the H2020 project VOGAS is held at Ulm University in Germany.
During the meeting both technological development issues and planned clinical trials in European and Latin American countries are discussed.

These clinical trials are coordinated by LU KPMI.

LU KPMI at the meeting is represented  by VOGAS project expert Linda Mežmale.

   

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

Results of the GISTAR study presented at the UEGW Congress in Barcelona

At the United European Gastroenterology Week in Barcelona, LU KPMI Director M. Leja presented an overview of the world population-based studies for the prevention of gastric cancer. One of the most important researches of such type in the world and the only one in Europe is the GISTAR study carried out in Latvia by the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia.

At the congress M. Leja also presented  oral and poster presentations of the young researchers of the LU KPMI - "H. pylori and older age are more related to reduced pepsinogen levels" (first author J. Aleksejeva), and "H. pylori positivity assessed by molecular - biology methods in gastric biopsy samples in serology and histology discrepant cases "(first author S. Skrebinska).

     

The GISTAR study is partly funded 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" and FLPP (Fundamental and Applied Research Projects) within the framework of the Latvian Program, project no. lzp-2018 / 1-0135 "Study on the implementation of a set of measures to prevent gastric cancer mortality by eradicating H.pylori infection and timely detection of gastric pre-cancer conditions".

 At courses young researchers acquire medical articles writing skills 

European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition (EAGEN) in cooperation with French pharmaceutical company Biocodex, organized a course for young researchers on "Medical writing and publishing" on 20 October in Barcelona, ​​Spain. Course were attended by LU KMPI representatives Linda Mežmale, Olga Sjomina, Zane Dzērve and Anna Krīgere. The course was moderated by Amy Whereat (Australia), who specializes as a communications consultant in medical research.

The courses covered topics such as - writing articles - choosing the right journal and giving advice to authors; writing an article - correct sentence formation and thesis structure; formation of introduction, methods, results and discussion - the most important aspects; article submission - effective proofreading and pre-submission conditions. During the courses, participants not only learned the basics of theory but also actively participated in discussions and participated in group work.

  

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.

At the WEO annual meeting discusses the quality of screening for colorectal cancer worldwide

Not only political demonstrations but also World Endoscopy Organization Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Committee (SC) meeting are held in Barcelona. Latvia is represented at the meeting by M.Leja and I.Tolmanis.

The purpose of the meeting is to improve the quality of screening for colorectal cancer worldwide. Special attention is paid to the quality of colonoscopy and standardization of screening tests.

At the meeting M.Leja reported data obtained by Anna Krigere, a researcher at the LU KPMI, on the current status of colorectal cancer screening programs in European countries outside the European Economic Area, as well as programs and pilot studies in Russia. Former Latvian gastroenterologist Aldis Kaufmanis, in his capacity as Director of the French Regional Screening Program, reported on the results of the screening program in the region under his supervision.

  

Published Mission - oriented policy for Horizon Europe

The Mission-oriented policy for Commission's forthcoming science program Horizon Europe is published on the European Commission's website.

This is an approach to policy-making which means setting defined goals, with specific targets and working to achieve them in a set time

More information see HERE.

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.

The congress is organized by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. The mission of ESCMID to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. 

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

At European Biobank Week Congress presents survey results on Latvian population's attitude towards biobanks

From October 8 to 12, Signe Mežinska and Daiga Šantare, researchers at the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia, will participate in the European Biobank Week Congress in Lübeck. Researchers will present the results of a representative survey of Latvian residents on their attitude towards biobanks within the framework of the project “Ethically and socially responsible governance of research biobanks in Latvia: analysis of opinions of public, donors and researchers”.

Research biobanks are collections of human biological samples (eg, blood, tissue, urine, respiratory samples). In biobanks, with the consent of the donors, both biological samples and information (eg, age, disease, test results) on the people who donated these samples are stored. With the permission of the Ethics Committee, scientists can analyze samples and related information in specific studies. Biobank scientists are needed to conduct research relevant to public health, diagnosis and treatment of disease. However, the operation of biobanks also raises many ethical questions about how to obtain the informed consent of each biological donor, for what studies to give samples from biobank, how to inform the public about the results of research, etc.

The results of the survey show that the population of Latvia is still poorly informed about research biobanks - only 26% have so far heard about biobanks. 37% of respondents said they would like to provide information about themselves for inclusion in a biobank, which is slightly more than in 2010, when the same questions were asked in the Eurobarometer survey. When asked whether personal data and biological samples should be facilitated between biobanks in the Member States of the European Union, 60% of respondents answered in the affirmative.

The importance of biobanks in carrying out research relevant to public health is growing rapidly, so it is important for citizens to be aware of biobanks, how they work and how to become biobanks donors. Currently, the Law on Biobanks is being developed in Latvia, which requires dialogue between scientists, the public, donors and policy makers. The experience of other countries suggests that the management of biobanks should be based on public opinion research, which significantly contributes to public confidence in biobanks. The research carried out within the framework of the project will provide the currently missing data on public, donor and scientific opinion in the field of biobanks to substantiate the public interest model of biobanks in Latvia, as well as to develop the necessary regulatory enactments.

 

In picture: researchers of the LU KPMI Signe Mežinska, Daiga Šantare and researcher of Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre Vita Rovīte at the stand report

The project “Ethically and socially responsible governance of research biobanks in Latvia: analysis of opinions of public, donors and researchers” is funded by the Latvian Council of Science, project number lzp-2018 / 2-0171.

UNESCO Week 2019 will take place in Riga. Bright Minds: Women in Scienc

From October 14 to 20, UNESCO Week 2019 will take place in Riga, inviting everyone to raise public awareness of the important womens in science and scientist dynasties of Latvia and the contribution of their research to the history of their region, school, institution, museum over a hundred years.
 
The main thematic event "With the inspiration for science" of UNESCO Week 2019 "Bright Minds: Women in Science" will be held on October 16 at 11.00 am, at the University of Latvia Library, 4 Kalpaka Boulevard, Riga and live on the University of Latvia portal: http://www.lu.lv/tiesraide/.

Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia  will be represented at the event by Signe Mežinska, Associate Professor of the University of Latvia and Latvian representative to the UNESCO International Bioethics Commission. Asoc.Prof. S.Mežinska at the event will report on project "Ethically and socially responsible governance of research biobanks in Latvia: analysis of opinions of public, donors and researchers". 

(The project is carried out within the framework of FLPP (Fundamental and Applied Research Projects) Programm in Latvia, project nr. lzp-2018/2-0171 "Ethically and socially responsible governance of research biobanks in Latvia: analysis of opinions of public, donors and researchers").

More information HERE.

See also on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2324009961149641/permalink/2329058700644767/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2324009961149641/

European experts gathered in Riga to look at the results of the GISTAR study

Today one of the most important events of the GISTAR study this year tooks place at the Academic centre of the University of Latvia - European experts (gastroenterologists, pathologists, epidemiologists, basic science representatives) who agreed to participate in the GISTAR Study Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB) gathered in Riga to critically look at the results of the study, their compliance with the requirements of a wide range of world-class epidemiological studies.

Researchers of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia working together with many international organizations, incl. Healthy Stomach Initiative and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has made it possible to carry out a study on the prevention of digestive diseases GISTAR, with support of the Latvian Ministry of Health. So far the study has been carried out in Cesis, Aluksne, Ludza, Dobele, Saldus, Tukums, Madona and Rezekne, from September this year the project is launched in Jekabpils.

The GISTAR study is partly funded 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" and FLPP (Fundamental and Applied Research Projects) within the framework of the Latvian Program, project no. lzp-2018 / 1-0135 "Study on the implementation of a set of measures to prevent gastric cancer mortality by eradicating H.pylori infection and timely detection of gastric pre-cancer conditions".

GISTAR Jekabpils Regional Center is officialy opened

The GISTAR Regional Center for Digestive Disease Prevention Study GISTAR was officially opened today at Jekabpils Regional Hospital, Stadiona Street 1.
In cooperation with Jekabpils Regional Hospital, GISTAR Regional Center for Digestive Disease Prevention Research carried out by LU KPMI started work in Jekabpils on 2 September this year.

The regional center has successfully completed its first month of work, with over 130 respondents. In total, more than 8,450 respondents have already been included in the survey.

Opening attended Members of the board of Jekabpils Regional Hospital - Margarita Melnikova, Renārs Putniņš, professor of the University of Latvia, director of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia, gastroenterologist Marcis Leja, GISTAR research staff, and Kristine Ozola, deputy chairman of Jekabpils City Council.

Currently in Jekabpils the study is planned till the end of 2020, however, in case of higher activity of the population, the possibility to continue its implementation will be evaluated.

 

The GISTAR study is partly funded 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" and FLPP (Fundamental and Applied Research Projects) within the framework of the Latvian Program, project no. lzp-2018 / 1-0135 "Study on the implementation of a set of measures to prevent gastric cancer mortality by eradicating H.pylori infection and timely detection of gastric pre-cancer conditions".

Mission-based science is debated in Brussels

On September 24-26 the Science and Innovation (R&I) Day is takeing place in Brussels, although Latvia is not well represented. During these days, the European Commission (EC) also officially launched a new form of action - mission-based science, already known in other parts of the world, but first introduced at European Union level.

According to Jean Eric Paquet, Director General of R&I, missions are not just science, but their mission is to bring science into a way that is understandable, usable and recognizable to the public. Leading experts from the EC also understand that missions for Europe are not only a completely new form of operation, but also a difficult and potential form of risk.
A total of five missions have been set up to address the EC's identified hot topics - Clean Cities, Clean Oceans, Clean Environment and Nutrition, Adaptation to Climate Change and the Cancer Mission. The latter is represented by Professor Marcis Leja, Director of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia.
On September 25, on Mission and Science Day representatives met with organizations and practitioners interested in the field. The cooperation of missions with representatives of both the EC and EU Member States will be essential. Recommendations for mission strategy papers can still be submitted electronically by October 4th.

 
In the first picture (from left): Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Science and Innovation, Marianna Mazzucato, Mission Theory Expert, and Jean Eric Paquet, Director General of R&I
In the second picture: Jean Eric Paquet gives a start to the mission

Responsible research in clinical research is discussed at the seminars

On September 24 - 27 seminars on responsible research in clinical trials are organized by partners of the Horizon 2020 project A-PATCH - Autonomous Patch for Real-Time Detection of Infectious Disease and VOGAS - Screening of Gastric Cancer via Breath volatile organic compunds by Hybrid Sensing Approach. The partners discussed various aspects of the applicability of the new diagnostic approach, interviewed physicians and nurses to find out how healthcare professionals experience similar systems, and analyzed best practices for obtaining information from potential users worldwide. The seminar are organized by project partners - LU KPMI in collaboration with VTT (Technical Research Center of Finland), with participation of Technion (Israel Institute of Technology), BioRad Laboratories (France) and TNO, HOLST Center (Netherlands), National cancer Institute (Ukraine).

 

The A-PATCH project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 824270

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

Call for applications for Horizon Europe Advisory Expert thematic working groups by September 30

The Ministry of Education and Science, in order to prepare and ensure the representation of Latvian research interests in the development of the EU Horizon Europe 2021-2027 research and innovation program, invites to apply for 5 thematic national consultative expert working groups, as well September 30th by completing the electronic survey form.
Those who have already completed the survey are invited to indicate the partnerships that are in their best interest.
At the same time, in the context of the ongoing strategic planning of the new EU Horizon Europe 2021-2027 research and innovation program, the European Commission invites all interested parties to participate in this process and to complete a survey on research priorities by 6 November.
In addition, please be informed that current information on Horizon Europe is also available in the Science / News / Horizon Europe 2021-2027 section of the Education and Science homepage.
 and on the official website of the European Commission.

Discuss current and future cooperation between LU KPMI and Kazakhstan's scientific institutions

On September 19th at the capital of Kazakhstan Nursultan, doctoral student of LU KPMI Linda Mežmale had a meeting with Professor Nurbek Igissinov, MD, PhD (Doctor of Oncology, Public Health Specialist; Professor of the Department of Surgical Diseases of Internship Department of Astana Medical University; Chairman of the Central Asian Cancer Institute) and discussed current and future cooperation between LU KPMI and Kazakhstan scientific institutions.

The poster emphasizes the importance of subtyping gastric intestinal metaplasia

The 31st Congress of European Pathologists was held September 7 - 11 in Nice, France.

A young scientist Selga Savčenko at the congress presented a report entitled "The value of intestinal metaplasia for the risk stratification of gastric cancer".

The poster emphasized the importance of subtyping of the gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM), which is not currently routine. This is supported by research evidence that up to 30% of high-risk patients may not be identified if IM subtyping is not performed. Because a large proportion of patients with OLGIM I have incomplete IM, which is already a high-risk patient. In contrast, OLGIM I and II are considered low-risk patients and should not be monitored as high-risk.
In addition to the conventional staining method (H&E), AB-PAS and HID are used to identify subtypes of intestinal metaplasia.

Almost 3,900 participants from 92 countries attended the congress.

The results of the GISTAR and VOGAS projects  are demonstrated at the international conference

The 11th International ICAPS conference: Cancer Prevention by Targeting Infection, Inflammation and the Immune System was was taking place in London, UK, on September 9-10.
Scientific leader of GISTAR and VOGAS projects M.Leja was participating with an inivited lecture entitled “H. pylori Eradication for Gastric Cancer Prevention”.
The design of the GISTAR project and preliminary results, as well as results of the Sniffphone/VOGAS survey of specialists were demonstrated during the presentation.
Conference is organized by The International Cancer Prevention Society (ICAPS) and the UK Therapeutic Cancer Prevention Network (UKTCPN).

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

The results of the VOGAS project are presented at the Breath Summit 2019

The Breath Summit 2019 tooks place in UK, Loughborough, September 8-11, 2019. The VOGAS project is represented by a poster presentation (the first author Inese Poļaka) on the reproducibility of breath testing results and the impact of bfood consumption.

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

EHMSG XXXI International Congress is attended by representatives from LU KPMI

At the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group XXXIIst International Workshop, which took place in Innsbruck, Austria, from 5 to 7 September, scientists from the LU KPMI participated both with poster and oral presentations.

Our team of researchers presented 5 poster and 2 oral presentations.

The conference was attended by JeLizaveta Aleksejeva, Olga Sjomina, Sabine Skrebinska and Reinis Vangravs, residents and graduates of the University of Latvia involved in the scientific work of LU KPMI.

The results of the GISTAR study, VOGAS study and other researches carried out by the institute were reported in the form of stand and oral reports.

Read more.

   

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

Among the most downloaded articles from HELICOBACTER in 2019 - articles of our researchers

Annual Report 2018 of HELICOBACTER Magazine is published (WILLEY Publishing Company) . The magazine is one of the world's leading publications (IF = 3.52).

The University of Latvia ranks third in the list of institutions whose authors have had the highest impact in 2018, following the Seoul National University in Korea and Ghent University in Belgium.

In 2019 (up to date), among the most downloaded articles -  article by Olga Sjomina ranked second place, a researcher at the Institute of Clinical and Prophylactic Medicine at the University of Latvia, while Sabīne's Skrebinska's - ranked 5th (both first authors).

Congratulations to the researchers for this high score!

At the European Mission Board for Cancer Latvia will be represented by Director of KPMI Marcis Leja

Today, the European Mission Board for Cancer gathered for its first meeting in Brussels. A total of five mission boards (other EU priorities: Clean Cities, Clean Oceans, Clean Environment and Nutrition, Adaptation to Climate Change) have been set up under the new EU Horizon Europe program to translate scientific excellence into practice and translate it into a language understandable to the public. So in the field of medicine and health, Mission Board for Cancer is the only one that has received such EC support.
The Board is chaired by Harald zur Hausen, a 2008 Nobel laureate in physiology and medicine, whose family roots are in Riga. The Board has a total of 15 members, selected from more than 350 applications. Latvia will be represented in the Council by Marcis Leja, Estonia by Andres Metspalu, the head of the biobank and the creator of the genome center; The Council also includes several representatives of Scandinavian countries, incl. representatives of patient organizations and the new director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Elisabeth Weiderpass.

 

In the pictures: Director of LU KPMI M.Leja                                                     In the front view: Director of DG R&I  Kurt Vandenberghe

The GISTAR Jekabpils Regional Center is launched

In cooperation with Jekabpils Regional Hospital, the GISTAR (largest study of LU KPMI) Regional center in Jekabpils has started its work. On its first working day the center was visited by the first three respondents. In total, 8 319 respondents have already been included in the study.

The project has received funding from 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"

LU KPMI scientists obtain doctoral positions in speciality of medicine 

The University of Latvia held a competition for budget doctoral positions in medicine.
The competition was successfully attended by KPMI scientists - Linda Mežmale (topic related to the use of volatile marker diagnostics for gastric cancer screening) and Inga Bogdanova (topic related to specialized morphological examination methods for detection of gastric pre-cancerous conditions).

Congratulations and good luck!

Training for employees of Jekabpils Regional Center of GISTAR study

Today at the Academic Centre of the University of Latvia the future employees of the regional GISTAR centre in Jekabpils are undergoing tuition. Scientific leader of the GISTAR study professor Mārcis Leja introduces new employees with the relevance of gastrointestinal cancer in Latvia and globally, as well as reports the significance and essential details of the GISTAR study. During the training, the new team is introduced to the research protocol, questionnaire, specifics of interviewing, as well as the GISTAR data management system.

During the training courses, the new employees are learning the practical skills necessary for the study, as well as how the participants are included in the study. The work is carried out in pairs, the future employees are undergoing tuition, such as questioning, the input of data into the DVS system, standards of taking blood tests and blood sampling, as well as the carrying out, preparation and storage of saliva tests, and the procedures for performing breath tests. Specific diet questions are also studied.

The launch of GISTAR study at Jekabpils regional hospital is scheduled for September this year.

  

The project has received funding from 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 Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine is moving to new premises

From August 19, the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine will be located in the new premises at 1 Gaiļezera Street.

Welcome!

Experience has been exchanged within the framework of the VOGAS project 

A senior post-doctoral researcher of the University of Innsbruck Dr. Pawel Mochalski, Head of the Endoscopy department of National Cancer institute of Ukraine MD Irina Razumeiko  and Clinical Oncologist of the Department of minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery, interventional radiology MD Veronika Patsko, came on an experience exchange within the framework of the VOGAS project.
The purpose of the visit of foreign colleagues was shareing of experience and approbation of methods in the process of obtaining volatile organic markers and stomach biomaterials, equipment assembly and use issues, as well as discussion of current issues of the VOGAS project.

LU KPMI staff - researcher Dr. Viktor Velik and senior laboratory technician Marina Alentieva, as well as Ukrainian colleagues MD Veronika Patsko and MD Irina Razumeiko, were trained in the installation and use of volatile organic marker equipment by Dr. Pawel Mochalski.
Also, the laboratory assistant Marina Alenteva together with Ukrainian colleagues conducted a questionnaire of the patient before the operation.
Dr. Pawel Mochalski and Reinis Vangravs, a research assistant at the LU KPMI, discussed the issues of culturing Helicobacter pylori.
LU KPMI Leading Researcher Dr.med. Sergey Isayev showed Ukrainian colleagues how to take biomaterial for research, as well as told about the pre-cancerous state of the stomach and the histopathology of the tumor.

During the visit gastroenterologist, gastrointestinal endoscopy specialist Dr.med. Ilze Kikuste demonstrated the gastric juice collection and gastric tissue biopsy procedures used in the study to foreign guests, as well as questions about entering patient and examination data into the Biobank electronic system.

At the end of the visit, a tour of the Academic Center of the University of Latvia was organized for the guests, and the LU KPMI laboratories and Biobank premises in the Nature House were shown.

More pictures: Picture_1, Picture_2, Picture_3, Picture_4

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

Pawel Mochalski delivers a presentation on breath analysis

Leading researcher Pawel Mochalski (University of Innsbruck), a leading researcher of the LZP project "Volatile organic compounds for potential application in gastric cancer screening", visits the University of Latvia and gives a presentation at the Digestive Diseases Centre GASTRO (which is a strategic partner of exhalation analysis). GASTRO is the leading endoscopy and gastroenterology center in Latvia, and it is planned that patients sent to this center for endoscopy will be included in two projects implemented by the University of Latvia - VOGAS and "Volatile organic compounds for potential application in gastric cancer screening". In addition, GASTRO plans to share its experience in endoscopy research.

  
More pictures: Picture_1

* Project "Volatile organic compounds for potential application in gastric cancer screening" is funded by FLPP (Fundamental and Applied Research Projects) Program. Program is implemented by Latvian Council of Science, project No. lzp-2018/2-0228 
* VOGAS project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 824986 

Latest news from the European Society of  Digestive Oncology

Welcome to the latest news from European Society of Digestive Oncology:

 ESDO Members Letter June 2019

 ESDO Members Letter July 2019

Released "Healthy Stomach Initiative" Newsletter 01/2019 

Read the latest news from the Healthy Stomach Initiative" Newsletter 01/2019 HERE.

Working, planning and reporting meetings of the H2020 PITBUL project partners

LU KPMI researcher Ģirts Šķenders from 29.06. until 03.07 participated in the partner working and planning meeting of the Horizon H2020 project PITBUL (“Point-of-care Implementation of TB testing with Ultra-Fast Local heating PCR”) and at the European Society of Mycobacteriology (Valencia, Spain).
At the meeting G. Šķenders gave a presentation "Insights into the clinical workflow. Clinical samples".
From 03.07. until 05.07 Mr. Šķenders participated in the PITBUL Project Partner Reporting Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, at the European Commission, DG Research & Innovation.

    

The project leading to this application has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 768889.

KPMI representatives visit the Horizon 2020 Open Info Day

The Horizon 2020 'Health, demographic change and wellbeing' Open Info Day is going on in Brussels, linked to the opening of the last H2020 project competition. KPMI is also represented at the event, when planning future project applications.

At the United European Gastroenterology Federation is discussing the future of gastroenterology in Europe

In Amsterdam, an annual meeting of the United European Gastroenterology Federation (UEG) was held with the presidents of the 17 European associations that make up the federation. At the meeting The European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group(EHMSG) was represented by M.Leja.

The meeting focused on the future of European gastroenterology - strategic development issues, raising awareness at European Parliament level, support for education and science, as well as membership status issues.

Latvia in this European organization is represented by the Latvian Association of Gastroenterologists through the National Societies Committee, and our country is represented by EHMSG, ESDO (European Society of Digestive Oncology) and a group of young talents. Vitas Skuja's active participation in the group of young talents at European level, which is a very good example for other countries, was very much welcomed. A group of surgeons is being created in the group of young talents, where also Latvian surgeons can participate.

GISTAR study in new Jekabpils regional center already in September

The Institute's largest project - GISTAR Study on Digestive Diseases - will start its operation in September this year at Jekabpils Regional Hospital.

Researchers of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia working together with many international organizations, incl. Healthy Stomach Initiative and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has made it possible to carry out a study on the prevention of digestive diseases GISTAR, with support of the Latvian Ministry of Health. So far the study has been carried out in Cesis, Aluksne, Ludza, Dobele, Saldus, Tukums, Madona and Rezekne, and 8,316 respondents are already included in the study. But from September this year, the project will be launched in Jekabpils.

Currently, the study in Jekabpils is planned to be completed by the end of 2020, but in case of higher activity of the population, the possibility of continuing its implementation for longer will be evaluated.
   

The work was supported 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"

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. 

TEAM OF KPMI WISHES JOYFUL LĪGO DAY AND ST.JOHN'S DAY!  

Midsummer night, and bonfires on the hill

Burn for the man who makes way for the Light:

He must increase and I diminish still,

Until his sun illuminates my night.

Our colleagues graduate from the University of Latvia

Our colleagues Linda Mežmale and Anna Krigere graduated from University of Latvia, Faculty of Medicine, obtaining a doctor's degree.
At the graduation ceremony, the young doctors received acknowledgment of their outstanding diploma work from the Rector of the University of Latvia, Indriķis Muižnieks. Theme of Linda Mežmale diploma work “Analysis of Helicobacter pylori infection and atrophic gastritis spread in the Kazakh population”, Anna Krigere diploma work theme - “Analysis of Status of Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs in European Countries”.

Professor Mārcis Leja, director of our institute, is the scientific director of both works.

KPMI Leading Researcher dr.sc.ing. Inese Poļaka acquires the latest approaches to metagenomy sequencing data analysis

From June 10 to 14 KPMI leading researcher dr.sc.ing. Inese Poļaka under the postdoctoral project (research application No. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/2/18/270) attended the Metagenomics Bioinformatics Course at European Molecular Biology Laboratory of the European Bioinformatics Institute. In this course, Europe's leading bioinformatics experts teach young scientists the latest and well-proven approaches of analyzing metagenoma sequencing data.
Metagenoma analysis is particularly important for understanding the composition, interaction and impact of bacteria and other micro-organism populations on human health. By obtaining a sample from a human microbioma, it is analyzed by obtaining the rows of basic pairs of genetic information. Bioinformatics techniques allow them to obtain information about organisms (such as identifying which bacteria live in our digestive tract) and their functions.
After completing this course dr. Polaka will be able to apply knowledge for the analysis of gastric and intestinal microbial metagenoma data obtained in KPMI projects, and will share his knowledge in seminars in the near future. Keep up with the news!

6th World Conference on Research Integrity is held in Hong Kong

From June 2 to 5, leading researcher of KPMI Signe Mežinska participated in the 6th World Conference on Research Integrity in Hong Kong (http://www.wcri2019.org/), representing the H2020 project VIRT2UE. The aim of the project is to promote research ethics and integrity in European research. The Embassy of Good Science website (https://www.embassy.science/) was opened during the conference. The purpose of the site is to help scientists implement the principles of good research practice by providing answers to questions such as: what are the principles and standards of good scientific practice? how to solve the ethical dilemmas that scientists face in their practice? What to do if you suspect a colleague violates the principles of good research practice?
The site is unique because it is built using Semantic MediaWiki software that allows the scientific community to collaborate to create site content. Scientists can participate in creating content on the site by asking questions, providing answers to them, and supplementing and correcting the content of the platform.
Over the next two years, the H2020 project VIRT2UE and ENERI consortia will continue to build The Embassy of Good Science by compiling research ethics and integrity guidelines, educational resources and case studies. In both consortia participates 19 European universities and organizations, incl. the University of Latvia and the total budget of projects is nearly 7 million euros. In Riga in 2020, a regional training program for teachers of research ethics and integrity will be organized as part of the VIRT2UE project.

LU KPMI employees participate in the Sports Games of the University of Latvia

In order to promote sport and healthy lifestyle, on June 7 this year the LATVIAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS GAMES 2019 took place in the  recreation and conference complex “RATNIEKI”, where our institute team participated for the second time.

In a total of 19 teams, 18th place was won. However, our team heroically fought and from all 17 disciplines we got the best results in croquet - 2nd place.

Thanks for team members!

Picture: Toms Grīnbergs, LU

At the radio programme speaks of the importance, operation and promotion of biobanks

The Latvian Radio broadcasted a program called "The Known in the Unknown", which was attended by Signe Mežinska and Daiga Šantare, the leading researcher of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia. The theme of the broadcast was the role of biobanks in modern medical research and public awareness and attitude towards them. These issues are currently being studied by the Institute within the framework of the project “Management of Ethical and Socially Responsible Research Biobanks in Latvia: Analysis of Opinions of Society, Donors and Scientists” funded by LZP. The researchers of the project conducted a survey of Latvian residents, in which repeatedly asked questions about biobanks from the Eurobarometer survey conducted in 2010, currently obtained data is being analyzed.
Research biobanks are collections of human biological samples (blood, tissues, urine, breath, etc.). Biobanks accumulate both biological samples and related information, such as the age of the donors, the disease, the results of the analyzes. In order for biobanks to develop and accumulate samples and information that can be used in publicly relevant medical research, it is necessary that citizens are aware of biobanks, trust them and that a large part of the public is ready to donate their biological samples for scientific research. Survey data show that currently only 25% of the population have heard of biobanks. These data suggest that the public needs to be better informed about the functioning of biobanks, their role and the ability of citizens to donate biological samples to biobanks.

The broadcast can be heard HERE. 

Visits a nanosensor manufacturing laboratory as part of the ERASMUS + program

Within the framework of ERASMUS + program from 12.05.2019 to 22.05.2013 KPMI researcher Viktors Veliks stayed in Israel -  at the Professor of Technology Institute TECHNION Hossam Haick Laboratory. The laboratory is engaged in the research of nanosensor manufacturing and its practical application.
Priority research directions are related to the use of sensors in medicine, the detection of dissolved substances in water, and the use of a new generation of self-renewing polymers for nanosensors.
During the visit, the lecture "Biological aspects of exposure to electromagnetic field" was read.
During laboratory visits, sensor manufacturing and calibration equipment were handed over. In practice, calibration measurements of gold nanoparticle sensors were performed, as part of a newly manufactured sensor test and for volatile markers in the breath sample using gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

Honors diplomas with excellence!

23.05.2019 Anna Krigere and Linda Mezmale, who worked on the basis of the KPMI and together with the scientific team of the Institute, defended their diploma papers at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Latvia. Anna Krigere's theme - “Analysis of the Status of Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs in European Countries”. The theme of Linda Mezmales' work "Analysis of Helicobacter pylori infection and atrophic gastritis spread in the Kazakh population".
Congratulations to colleagues and best wishes to continue the work!

Reports on VOGAS project activities

In San Diego (USA) on 19.05.2019. The International Healthy Stomach Initiative Meeting was held, in which M. Leja reported on the H2020 VOGAS project activities.

LU KPMI participates in New Technology and Innovation Day

Today at the University of Latvia (LU) Academic Center, 3 Jelgavas Street, at the Science House, the New Technology and Innovation Day takes place.

Within the framework of this event LU KPMI will introduce the work of Institute, as well as will tell about Volatile Marker Projects, Helicobacter, Microbiology, Biobank, Ethical Projects. Equipment will be shown, and anyone interested will be able to perform breath tests.

We invite everyone to attend the event!

More information on the event and the program HERE.

KPMI video created within the framework of the New Technology and Innovation Day - HERE. 

Plans to develope a patch for diagnosing active tuberculosis 

EU-H2020 project A-PATCH meeting is takeing place in Haifa, Israel, wich is also attended by LU KPMI.
The project aims to develop a patch (sticker) for skin that incorporates sensors and is designed to detect active tuberculosis.
Inclusion of patients in the project is planned in close cooperation with Riga East Clinical University Hospital.

In the picture: Deputy Director of KPMI Ģirts Šķenders reports on activities planned by Latvian research team

KPMI team participates in international conference

An international conference "Wearable Devices for Medical Diagnosis" has been launched by the Israeli leading technology university, TECHNION, which has regular cooperation with the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine (KPMI) of the University of Latvia . Such a conference, which is also supported by the Israeli Ministry of Science, is expected to be organized annually.

The report on "Single-use electronics for gastrointestinal disease: the current applications and a view toward the perspective" was presented by Director of KPMI M.Leja. 

 

VOGAS Consortium Meeting

In Haifa, Israel, a consortium meeting of the EU Horizon 2020 project VOGAS is held with the aim of analyzing the work done in the previous period and planning future activities.

   

In the foreground: Victor Velik, the leading researcher at the LU KPMI, during the meeting

Happy Easter!

Wishing you a vey Happy Easter with hope, 

That you will have many blessings in the year to come. 

Creates an innovative training program on research ethics for scientists

Leading Researcher of KPMI Signe Mežinska participated in the H2020 project VIRT2UE working meeting in Athens on April 3-4. As a member of this project consortium, KPMI participates in the development of an innovative training program for scientists on research ethics. The aim of the project is to put into practice the European Code of Conduct for Research on Integrity of the European Academies of Sciences. Within this project, regional courses (for scientists from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and Finland) will be organized at the University of Latvia in 2020, during which teachers of the new research ethics training program will be prepared. The content of the training program was developed and discussed during the meeting in Athens.

Group of employees from LU KPMI and AHL visits the leading pathology laboratory in Europe 

Staff from Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia (LU KPMI) and Academic Histology Laboratory (AHL) - Sergey Isayev, Inga Bogdanova, Anda Averate, Indra Klišča and Inga Locāne on  April 1-3 visited the leading pathology laboratory in Europe, the Department of Pathology of the Porto Clinical University Hospital in Porto, Portugal.
During the visit, the Latvian delegation become acquainted with the work of the laboratory organization and the methods used in clinical work and scientific research, including laboratory quality system and supervision, laboratory workflow, modern equipment, new molecular pathology methods, and more complex cases of clinical pathology, participated in meetings and daily work of the department.
The Latvian delegation hosted professor Fatima Carneiro - Head of the Department of Pathology at the Clinical University of Porto, the leading expert in gastrointestinal pathology in the world.
Together with prof. Karneiro was discussed current and future co-operation in scientific research, as well as the most complicated histotopatological cases of projects implemented by LU KPMI - GISTAR and SNIFFPHONE.
The experience gained during the visit will significantly increase the competence of Latvian pathologists and biomedical laborants in local and international projects implemented by LU KPMI in the future.

The regional center of the GISTAR study concludes its activities in Rezekne

Today Regional Center of the largest study of Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of University of Latvia (LU KPMI) - GISTAR has concluded its activities.

The aim of the study is to look for new strategies to reduce stomach cancer mortality.
 
In total, 2 409 respondents were included in this center between 3 April 2017 and 29 March 2019 (women - 1 480, men - 929, respectively).
 
Research scientific leader, professor of the University of Latvia Mārcis Leja thanked the Chairman of Rezekne City Council Aleksandrs Bartaševičs and Gunārs Arbidāns, Head of the “Social Service” of the City Council, for their responsiveness and support for the implementation of the research in Rezekne City, as well as employees of Rezekne Research Center for the work done.

In Latvia, the GISTAR study was launched in October 2013 in Cesis, and so far it has also taken place in Latvian cities such as Aluksne, Ludza, Saldus, Tukums, Dobele and Madona. There is a positive trend: the number of respondents in each of the next research centers is increasing. For comparison 761 respondents were included in the Cēsis Regional Center, Ludza - 1 018, Saldus - 1 077.

The GISTAR team is planning to expand the research to other municipalities in Latvia and is already actively communicating with Jēkabpils local government representatives about the launch of the study this autumn.

In total,  8 316 respondents have already been included in the GISTAR study in Latvia.

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 post-doctorial positions

Competition for post-doctorial positions will bee soon announced in Latvia. Institute of Clinical and Preventive medicine of the University of Latvia is willing to suggest few topics to the potential candidates.

Those are:
-   Microbiota alterations with H.pylori eradication therapy (for a PhD holder in biology)
- Volatile organic compounds in cancer detection (for a PhD holder in data management, biology or medicine)
-   GISTAR study data analysis (for a PhD holder in medicine)

We invite potential candidates having defended their PhD degree in the last 10 years to send their CV to the following e-mail address:

inese.veckagane@lu.lv

DSMB Committee meeting of the GISTAR study will be 3 October

For several years now, in Latvia, together with researchers from the University of Latvia Clinical and Preventive Medicine Institute and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the GISTAR study -  only such study in Europe has been conducted. The results of the study are expected by many specialists in Europe and beyond.
European experts (gastroenterologists, pathologists, epidemiologists, basic science representatives) who have agreed to participate in the GISTAR study Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB) this year will gather in Riga for the 3rd DSMB meeting - on Thursday, 03 October 2019, with the aim to critically look at the results of the study and their compliance with the requirements of a wide range of world-class epidemiological studies. 

A group of students from Kazakhstan arrives at the International Medical Conference of the University of Latvia

To participate in the International Scientific Conference on Medicine of the University of Latvia (held at the 77th International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia), which takes place at the University of Latvia's newly discovered Science House, on February 19th a group of 16 students from Kazakhstan, Astana Medical University and Semipalatinsk State Medical University arrived in Riga.
The leader of the group is MD, PhD, Professor Nurbek Igissinov (doctor - oncologist, public health specialist; professor of the Department of Surgical Diseases at Astana Medical University; Chairman of the Central Asian Cancer Institute).

The student group consists mainly of general medical specialization students, interns and residents with specialization in surgery.

At the the International Scientific Conference on Medicine of the University of Latvia group from Kazakhstan participates with 3 oral and 13 stand reports.

More information.  

More pictures: Picture_1, Picture_2, Picture_3, Picture_4, Picture_5, Picture_6

Discussion about the health of the digestive system

In order to attract the attention of people who have not yet experienced digestive diseases and to tell the general public  stories how to test it, on February 4th, "Expert Discussion - Digestive System Health Prevention" was broadcast live in the Knowledge Space "Zikrurat".

The discussion was attended by the director of the KPMI, gastroenterologist Marcis Leja, who told about colorectal tumors, stressing that slightly more rectal tumors are for men, H.pylori problems, renewed EU Maastricht criteria and other issues.

Discussion topics - general information about intestine diseases and their severity, consequences. The reasons we get sick with intestinal diseases. Risks. How to recognize symptoms, what to do. Preventive action to avoid getting sick. Every responsibility for their own health, regular health check, state-funded intestinal cancer testing. Conclusions, practical suggestions.

Discussion experts - Dr.Mārcis Leja, Dr.Kaspars Snipe, Dr.Atis Tupiņš.
The discussion was led by Uldis Dauģis (Knowledge Space Zikrurat/ Alliance for Men's Health).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgL8Ujn_pYY&t=1s

Picture: Screenshot from the discussion

VOGAS H2020 project launch meeting

At the VOGAS H2020 Project Opening Meeting (31.01-02.02.2019, Kuhtai, Austria) KPMI researchers participated in discussions on the development of a clinical trial protocol together with the medical staff involved in the project from Latvia, Ukraine, Chile, Colombia and Brazil.

In turn, with researchers from Germany, Sweden and Israel researchers discussed the improvements in the prototype of the stationary breath analyzer for both sensor and software applications.

The aim of the VOGAS H2020 project is to clarify the sources of volatile markers, to perform the clinical approbation of the latest generation stationary breath analyzer for early diagnosis of cancer. Using the latest generation of stationary breath analyzers to detect volatile markers, take part in an international stomach cancer screening program to improve this non-invasive method of for diagnosis of cancer.

            

The Director of the Institute M.Leja was awarded the Annual Award of the University of Latvia

On February 1st, at the University of Latvia's Great Hall, during the annual general meeting, the annual awards of the University of Latvia: “Achievement in Science”, “School Award”, “Employee of the Year” and “Rector's Gratitudes” were presented.

We are proud to announce that director of our institute, Professor of the University of Latvia, Mārcis Leja, was awarded the nomination “Achievement in Science” for the results of the original study.

Employees of the University of Latvia who had outstanding academic results were awarded the nomination "Achievement in Science". The awards were presented by Rector Indriķis Muižnieks together with Vice-Rectors Ina Druviete and Valdis Segliņš.

Picture:Toms Grīnbergs, LU

At the Sniffphone project meeting discusses the results of the work

From 28 to 30 January 2019, LU KPMI researchers participated in the Sniffphone meeting of the EU research program Horizon 2020 in Kuhtai (Austria), where they met with project partners from Austria, Germany, Israel and Finland. At the meeting the results of 3 years of work before the project was completed this year were discussed.
Within the Sniffphone project was developed a prototype of a small breath analyzer. The operation of this device was tested in a clinical study to determine the difference in respiratory response between gastric cancer patients and healthy subjects. LU KPMI researchers are responsible for this clinical study and conducted it in collaboration with Riga East University Hospital.
The device is able to distinguish between the breathing of cancer patients and healthy people with more than 70% sensitivity and specificity, which is a promising project achievement. This device will be further developed and has potential for application for risk assessment and monitoring of other diseases.

At the EHMSG meeting informs about the progress of KPMI research projects

The Board meeting of European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group (EHMSG) was taking place in France. The Board members were updated on the progress of the GISTAR study as well as microbiome studies conducted by the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia. The Board members decided to launch a new international research journal “Microbiome in Health and Disease” and supported the candidates proposed by our institute Olga Sjomina, Zane Dzērve and Anna Krīgere for participation to the course supported by BIOCODEX on research paper manuscript preparation.

In Lion discusses the progress and results of the GISTAR study

On January 18th the progress and results of the largest research study of KPMI - GISTAR was discussed at The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Lyon (France), as well as planned out analysis and publication of the obtained data, the Data Safety and Monitoring Board(DSMB) meeting in 2019, and further study progress.

At the Workshop reports on the possibilities of stomach cancer prevention

From 16 till 18 of January Workshop on Implementation of Cancer Screening Programmes organized by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) / The World Health Organization (WHO)- EURO  took place in Lyon (France).
At the Workshop a lecture on the possibilities of stomach cancer prevention as well as on a GISTAR  study going on in Latvia was delivered by the director of KPMI M.Leja.

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The GISTAR study already includes 8,150 respondent

We are proud to announce that by the end of 2018, 8 150 respondents have already been included in the largest study by the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia - GISTAR. The study was launched in October 2013 in Cesis, and so far it has taken place in such cities of Latvia as Aluksne, Ludza, Saldus, Tukums, Dobele and Madona. Currently the research center in Rezekne continues its activity. There is a positive trend: the number of respondents in each of the next research centers is increasing. For comparison, 761 respondents were included in the Cēsis Regional Center, Ludzas - 1018, and 1077 in Saldus. There are already 2200 respondents included in the research center of Rezekne.