Genome-wide studies have identified new genes involved in melanoma susceptibility, including Caspase 8 and ATM gene. The study validates regions and genes already identified as significant for melanoma, reinforcing the role of cell cycle genes like CDKN2A and CDK4.
Researchers analyzed SEC23B gene mutations in CDA II patients and found that two variants, R14W and E109K, are more common in Italian population. The R14W variant is believed to have originated 3,000 years ago in Southern Italy, while E109K may have originated in the Middle East around 2,400 years ago.
Hospital Clínic of Barcelona applies the first minimally invasive technique in living donors, reducing scarring and improving donor quality of life. The technique uses natural orifices to extract a kidney without major scars.
Patients with REM sleep behavior disorder experience nightmares and increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. A new study using brain SPECT technology found that dopamine levels in the brain drop quickly in these patients, making it a potential early indicator of disease progression.
The ALICE RAP project aims to redefine the concept of addiction in Europe, considering economic, health, and social consequences. It will analyze the potential of new approaches to govern and manage addiction using foresight methodologies.
Researchers from IDIBAPS have conducted a study on HIV-infected patients with undetectable viral load, finding that they can induce a broad and strong humoral immune response. The percentage of treated and untreated patients generating broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies was very similar, suggesting a potential preventive vaccine ba...
The ENERCA network has published a series of recommendations for disease management and prevention of complications in children with sickle cell disease. The guidelines recommend universal neonatal screening, prophylaxis with penicillin, and transcranial Doppler scanning to prevent infections and strokes.
A telemedicine program called Hospital VIHrtual has been shown to provide comprehensive control over HIV-infected patients in medical, pharmaceutical, psychological, and quality of life aspects. The virtual hospital allows for efficient management of stable HIV patients, reducing costs and time spent on travel and waiting for visits.
A new therapeutic vaccine has shown a significant response in the majority of AIDS patients, with a decrease in viral load. The vaccine, developed by the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, uses patient's own dendritic cells and has achieved an improvement over previous initiatives.
The European Network for Rare and Congenital Anaemia (ENERCA) aims to disseminate latest developments in rare anemias through a network of close contacts. The project has been funded with €1.2 million Euros by the European Commission, and Spain is working on developing a Strategic plan for rare diseases.
Recent studies have identified 20 genes associated with multiple sclerosis susceptibility, paving the way for more accurate understanding of the disease. New therapies targeting neuroinflammation and regenerative stem cells hold promise for controlling the disease, mirroring progress made in AIDS treatment.
Researchers have identified neuroimaging techniques that can predict Parkinson's disease in patients with REM sleep disturbances, enabling early neuroprotective treatment strategies. A study found that 19% of patients developed a neurodegenerative disorder within two and a half years, with 5 cases of Parkinson's disease among those sho...
Dendritic cells produce higher levels of α-defensins 1-3, associated with slower HIV disease progression and potential therapeutic implications. The findings open a new line of investigation for treating HIV/AIDS.
The Tuberculosis Trials Consortium (TBTC) brings together researchers from Barcelona, the US CDC and international partners to develop new treatments and diagnostic tests for TB. With over 12,000 patients enrolled, the consortium aims to improve TB control and prevention globally.
A new region of the genome associated with an increased risk of melanoma has been identified by researchers at Leeds University and IDIBAPS, funded by the European Commission. The study found a link between this region and skin pigmentation, as well as two previously identified regions linked to melanoma risk.
Researchers at IDIBAPS and University of Barcelona discover a new breakdown pathway for the KRas protein, which is actively transported from cell membrane to lysosomes. This finding could lead to new therapeutic strategies against cancer and diseases involving abnormal lysosome formation.
A study published in The Lancet found that early antiretroviral treatment can significantly improve survival rates among HIV-positive patients. By initiating treatment when CD4 cell counts fall between 351 and 450 cells/µL, the risk of AIDS development and death was reduced by 28%.
A study by IDIBAPS reveals that prefrontal cortex activation improves working memory by reinforcing parietal cortex activity, enhancing short-term visual information retention. This innovative view opens up new research avenues, particularly for understanding and treating diseases affecting working memory.
A pioneering operation performed by Professor Paolo Macchiarini and his team successfully transplanted a trachea without immunosuppression. The hybrid tissue was created by repopulating donor cells with stem and epithelial cells from the recipient, eliminating the need for immunosuppression.
The study reveals that Plasmodium vivax has a distinct genome with only 150 genes, raising new questions about its biology and infection mechanisms. Alternative routes of infection have been identified, highlighting the need for further research to combat this parasite.
Researchers have discovered a new immune disease that affects the innate immune system of children with a deficiency in the MyD88 gene. The study found that these children can see off other infections but still die from widespread infection by common bacteria like pneumococci and staphylococci.
The Hospital Clínic de Barcelona is part of the ICREL project, which aims to analyze the impact of European legislation on clinical trials. The project involves multiple stakeholders and will gather information from surveys to adapt current legislation and identify areas for improvement.
Researchers found that mitochondrial cholesterol increases resistance to chemotherapy in liver cancer. Statins could potentially sensitise cancer cells against chemotherapy by reducing mitochondrial cholesterol levels.
The Hospital Clinic de Barcelona has been recognized for its expertise in detecting brain damage in fetuses, thanks to a multidisciplinary research group led by Dr. Eduard Gratacós. The award includes €1.2 million for further research on premature brain damage.
The Human Proteinpedia portal integrates and shares human protein sequence data, facilitating comparisons and interpretations. It offers a standardized view of the proteome, allowing registered users to deposit, retrieve, and share validated data.
Researchers from IIBB-CSIC-IDIBAPS have discovered a method to stop and revert idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in animal models using pneumocytes transplantation. A clinical study will soon be conducted in humans to test the treatment.
Researchers have identified two gene variants associated with immune system capacity against HIV, and a third variant linked to immune damage. These findings may lead to more targeted vaccines and tailored treatments.
The CRESIB has launched a research programme on malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, aiming to better understand the disease and develop new control tools. The international consortium will bring together leading researchers from around the world to promote global efforts in P.vivax research.
A study of 829 patients with refractory multiple myeloma found that autologous bone marrow transplantation did not improve survival rates. However, a subgroup of patients who showed a response to chemotherapy treatment experienced a slight increase in life expectancy, raising questions about the role of transplantation in this group.
Researchers found a new treatment combination that induced complete remission in 33% of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. The therapy, using Bortezomid and Dexamethasone, showed high efficacy and tolerability, setting the stage for further clinical trials to reduce previous medication cycles.
A new treatment, Sorafenib, has been shown to increase overall survival by over 40% in patients with advanced liver cancer. The study, SHARP, involved 602 patients and found that Sorafenib delays tumor progression and improves survival.
The MOSAR project aims to control and study antimicrobial resistance in hospitals, with a focus on four types of microorganisms. IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic participates in the network, led by INSERM, and has expertise in bacteriology and public health.
A new test, Hypomanic symptom check list (HCL-32), has been validated to identify type II bipolar disorder patients. The test, which consists of 32 questions, is more precise than the Mood disorder questionnaire in identifying this underdiagnosed disease.
The IDIBAPS project has validated the first prognostic DNA chip, called the IBDchip, which predicts inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prognosis and treatment response. The chip is a simple device requiring only a small blood sample and can detect 61 genetic mutations.
The Hospital Clínic's at-home bone marrow transplant program has shown promising results in reducing febrile episodes and hospital readmissions. By treating patients in their homes, the program improves quality of life and reduces hospitalization expenses by half. The program is now a routine service for one out of three cancer patients.
Researchers from IDIBAPS and Queensland University discovered that caveolin-1 and lipid droplets are essential for liver regeneration. The protein allows hepatocytes to accumulate energetic reserves and start the genetic machinery for division. Without it, mice are unable to regenerate their liver tissue.
Researchers from Hospital Clínic de Barcelona found that a 8-year Ivermectin treatment reduced onchocerciasis prevalence by 38.4%, while incidence of disease decreased by 2.6 times in children aged 0-4. The study, financed by the Spanish Agency and WHO, marks a significant step forward in combating river blindness.
Research conducted by Fundación BBVA and IDIBAPS found that intermittent treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine significantly reduces the incidence of clinical malaria in children under one year old, with a 22.2% decrease in cases reported. The study also assessed the safety and efficacy of this treatment in pregnant volunteers.
A study by Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and Leuven University Hospital found that coordinated primary and hospital care can significantly reduce readmissions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The integrated approach includes home care services, which resulted in a 50% lower rate of readmissions compared to...
A study found that 45% of patients with REM sleep behaviour disorder developed neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its potential as an early detection tool. Patients who had suffered from the disorder for longer time were more likely to develop a neurodegenerative disease.
A study published in Chest Journal found that alcohol abuse increases the risk of pneumonia, with decreased immune system activity being a key factor. The consequences of this study could have a significant impact on a high number of people, particularly in Spain where alcohol is a major cause of death.
Five Spanish hospitals are participating in a phase III trial for an H5N1 influenza pandemic vaccine, alongside countries such as Germany, Holland, and France. The vaccine uses fractionated viral proteins and an adjuvant to stimulate the immune system, with the goal of improving vaccine production strategies.
Primary care physicians can improve their ability to detect malignant skin lesions using simplified dermoscopy techniques, resulting in a 25% increase in sensitivity. The use of dermoscopy reduces the number of false negatives and improves patient outcomes.