December 17, 2019. On December 16 this year a meeting of the University of Latvia Faculty of Medicine took place. During the meeting, the Rector's gratitudes were also presented.
Acknowledgments of significant contributions were received by staff involved in the GISTAR study:
Aiga Rudule, Senior Expert, Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, on successful administrative management of the GISTAR study;
Arnis Kirshners, Senior Researcher, Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, Dr.sc.ing., For his significant contribution to the development of the KPMI Biobank IT Platform;
Inese Poļaka, Senior Researcher, Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, ERDF Postdoctoral Fellow, for her significant support in the design of student research work and data analysis, for her outstanding performance as a leading statistician in the GISTAR study.
In the picture: Aiga Rudule, Administrative Manager of the GISTAR study, with a letter of gratitude
December 3, 2019. We are proud to announce that the total number of respondents included in the GISTAR 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
November 28, 2019. 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".
Results were obtained by analyzing samples from respondents included in the GISTAR study.
D.Pūpola received an award for her report as the best stand presentation at the conference.
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
November 19, 2019. At the traditional 21st European Bridging Meeting in Gastroenterology '2019 the results of GISTAR study were presented.
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.
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
November 1, 2019. 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.
October 21, 2019. 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.
October 3, 2019. 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.
September 27, 2019. The GISTAR study regional centre was officially opened today at Jekabpils Regional Clinic, Stadiona Street 1.
In cooperation with Jekabpils Regional Hospital, the GISTAR Research Center of the University of Latvia started its 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 were included in the study already.
Members of the board of Jekabpils Regional Hospital - Margarita Melnikova, Renars Putnins, GISTAR research leader Marcis Leja, GISTAR research staff, and Jekabpils City Council deputy chairwoman Kristine Ozola participated in the opening.
September 11, 2019. 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 project 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 were demonstrated during the presentation.
Conference is organized by The International Cancer Prevention Society (ICAPS) and the UK Therapeutic Cancer Prevention Network (UKTCPN).
September 9, 2019. 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.
The results of the largest study of LU KPMI - GISTAR and other researches carried out by the institute were reported in the form of stand and oral reports.
Oral presentation on the topic "Decreased pepsinogen level in relation to the presence of menopause in the GISTAR study population in Latvia" was given by J. Aleksejeva. The results of the GISTAR study were also used in the stand report by J. Aleksejeva's "Association between reduced levels of pepsinogen and different dietary factors and Helicobacter pylori seropositivity".
Olga Sjomina presented the GISTAR data in an oral report entitled "The comparison of effectiveness of standard triple therapy and high-dose amoxicillin / bismuth therapy in eradication of H. pylori".
In total our team of researchers presented 5 poster and 2 oral presentations.
September 2, 2019. In cooperation with Jekabpils Regional Hospital, the GISTAR 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.
August 22, 2019. Training for the future staff of the regional GISTAR centre in Jekabpils is ongoing. 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.
August 19, 2019. 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 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.
June 28, 2019. Study on the prevention of digestive diseases GISTAR will be launched at the Jekabpils Regional Hospital in September this year.
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"
May 27, 2019. Jekabpils Regional Hospital was visited by the GISTAR study coordinator Aiga Rūdule and project manager Līga Grantiņa in order to visit the study center facilities and meet with the hospital management. Recruitment of potential research center staff was started.
May 24, 2019. In GISTAR study involved students of the University of Latvia - Anna Krigere and Linda Mezmale, who worked on the basis of the results of the GISTAR study, and together with the scientific team of the LU KPMI, 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!
May 17, 2019. At the University of Latvia Academic Center, 3 Jelgavas Street, at the Science House, the New Technology and Innovation Day takes place.
Within the framework of this day LU KPMI introduces visitors to its largest project - GISTAR, its progress and results. Equipment is being shown, anyone interested can make breaths tests.
May 13, 2019. An international conference "Wearable Devices for Medical Diagnosis" has been launched by the Israeli leading technology university, TECHNION, which has regular cooperation with Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine 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 GISTAR research scientific leader M.Leja.
April 18, 2019.
HAPPY EASTER!!!
April 9, 2019. In the GISTAR study involved employees of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia (LU KPMI) and Academic Histology Laboratory (AHL) - Sergey Isaev, 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.
The Latvian delegation was hosted by a member of the GISTAR study Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB), Head of the Department of Pathology at the Clinical University of Porto, the leading expert in gastrointestinal pathology in the world, professor Fatima Carneiro.
Together with prof. Karneiro was discussed the most complicated histotopatological cases of projects implemented by LU KPMI - GISTAR and SNIFFPHONE, current and future co-operation in scientific research.
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 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.
March 29, 2019. Today, the regional GISTAR research center of Rezekne has completed its activities. In total, 2 409 respondents were included in this center between 3 April 2017 and 29 March 2019 (women - 1 480, men - 929, respectively). The research leader Marcis Leja thanked the employees of Rezekne Research Center for their work, as well as the chairman of Rezekne City Council Aleksandrs Bartaševičs and Gunārs Arbidāns, head of the “Social Service” of the City Council, for their support in the implementation of the research.
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 - 1018, Saldus - 1077.
We are also proud to note that since the launch of the study in 2013, by the end of March this year, all together 8 316 respondents have been included in the GISTAR study.
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.
March 25, 2019. The XXXIInd International Workshop on Helicobacter and Microbiota in Inflammation and Cancer be will be held in Innsbruck, Austria on September 5 - 7, 2019.
It is expected that, as every year, this year, Group of the researchers of the GISTAR study will also attend the Congress. Let us remind you that at the XXXI International EHMSG Workshop (Lithuania, 2018) Latvia was the third country with the highest number of participants.
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.
March 18th, 2019. 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.
March 11th, 2019. On March 8-9, 2019 the 27th Annual Meeting of the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal research & the 16th Japan-Korea Joint Symposium on Helicobacter Research was taking place in Busan, Korea. Altogether 380 participants from 21 countries were present, mainly from the Asian region. Leader of the GISTAr study Mārcis Leja was invited to report on the course and primary results of the GISTAR study during the International symposium “Primary prevention strategy for gastric cancer in high-risk regions” that was held during this meeting. The symposium was chaired by the other principal investigator of GISTAR Rolando Herrero (IARC).
February 28th, 2019. In Moscow at the European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition (EAGEN) postgraduate training course "Clinical decisions in gastroenterology - tailored from guidelines to the individual need" takes place.
At the course the patient's experience of treatment at the Oncology Centre of Latvia of Riga East University Hospital is demonstrated, where the patient's life has been significantly prolonged as a result of successful treatment by the team (the patient continues to receive treatment now).
The case study for presentation in the course has been prepared by a hospital chemotherapist and PhD student of the University of Latvia involoved in GISTAR study - Dr.Evita Gashenko.
The scientific director of the GISTAR study Marcis Leja takes part at the course.
February 24th, 2019. In the frame of 77th International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia on February 22nd was held International Scientific Medical Conference.
We are proud to announce that GISTAR Kazakhstan pilot study data were also presented at the conference. Study data in the form of stand report "Accuracy of the serum biomarkers in the detection of atrophic gastritis in Kazakhstan population" were presented by Linda Mezmale, a student of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Latvia involved in the GISTAR study.
January 20th, 2019. 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 for participation in the course supported by BIOCODEX on research paper manuscript preparation - in GISTAR study involved young researchers - Olga Sjomina, Zane Dzērve and Anna Krīgere.
January 19th, 2019. 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 a GISTAR study going on in Latvia as well as on the possibilities of stomach cancer prevention was delivered by the GISTAR study leader M.Leja.
On January 18th the progress and results of the GISTAR study 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.
January 2nd, 2019. We are proud to announce that by the end of 2018, 8 150 respondents have already been included in the GISTAR study. 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.
