A research team at MedUni Vienna has discovered key mechanisms of mugwort allergy, laying the foundation for a potential vaccine. The study found that fragments of the major mugwort pollen allergen can be used for effective therapy, providing a promising first step towards causal therapy and prevention.
A MedUni Vienna study team has identified a specific subtype of macrophages as a protective function against fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. TREM2-positive macrophages have been shown to prevent fat accumulation, inflammatory processes and progression to liver fibrosis.
A study found that COVID-19 leads to progressive cholestasis, cholestatic liver failure, and secondary sclerosing cholangitis in 15% of patients with pre-existing liver disease. These patients often require intensive care and may experience irreversible bile duct damage.
Researchers at the Messerli Research Institute developed a lozenge that compensates for micronutrient deficiencies in immune cells, reducing inflammation and allergic reactions. The study showed a 45% reduction in symptom burden during peak pollen season, presenting a new approach to allergy care.
A new risk assessment method combines functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with splenic diameter to predict complications in patients with chronic liver disease. The study found that patients with low FLIS scores and large spleens had a higher risk of liver-associated complications.
A study in a mouse model found that viral infections during pregnancy can affect the mother's brain and disrupt maternal care behavior after birth. The research team identified structural, molecular, and functional changes in the brains of mothers with viral-like immune activation.
Researchers at MedUni Vienna identified five distinct subtypes of small cell lung cancer, each responding differently to therapies. High ASCL1 expression is linked to poor survival, while high POU2F3 expression correlates with better outcomes and sensitivity to standard chemotherapeutics.
Research reveals distinct cellular receptor mutations influence COVID-19 disease severity, with high-affinity variants associated with increased risk. The study found that these genetic variants lead to an exaggerated immune response and enhanced antibody-dependent activation of killer cells.
A study has identified a new protein, Creb-binding protein (CBP), as a prognostic marker for above-average patient survival in HPV-positive head and neck carcinoma. CBP inhibitors are being developed as targeted therapies that can improve quality of life by reducing side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
A recent study found that the Omicron variant is associated with a significant increase in breakthrough infections among cancer patients, especially those undergoing treatment. Protective measures and vaccine adaptations are crucial to mitigate this risk.
Researchers identified clofarabine as a promising compound with inhibitory effects on bladder cancer cells, including urothelial carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma. The study suggests potential for clinical trials to treat metastatic bladder cancer patients who cannot receive traditional cisplatin-based therapy.
The newly developed COVID vaccine, PreS-RBD, targets the receptor binding domains of SARS-CoV-2 and induces a robust immune response. The vaccine has shown effectiveness in protecting against all known SARS-CoV-2 variants, including omicron, even in individuals who have not previously built up immunity.
A study by MedUni Vienna reveals that mutations in the KMT2C protein lead to increased cell division, driving metastatic prostate cancer. This discovery may enable early diagnosis through a blood test and treatment with MYC inhibitors.
A new multimodal eye scanner combining optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Raman spectroscopy enables the detection of molecular information in the internal structure of the eye. This technology aims to detect neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, at an early stage, improving treatment options.
A review article by MedUni Vienna researchers reveals that micro- and nanoplastics can alter the gut microbiome, leading to metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and chronic liver disease. The study also highlights the potential carcinogenic effects of nanoparticles in the human body.
A recent study found that sleep bruxism can lead to temporomandibular joint disorders due to increased mechanical loading. The research discovered that specific combinations of tooth shape and location during grinding significantly impact the risk of TMJ problems.
A team of researchers at MedUni Vienna's Center for Physiology and Pharmacology has discovered a key building block in immune cells that promotes immunotolerance and prevents T-cell attacks on the body's own tissues. The study suggests a potential new cell-based therapeutic approach to slow down autoimmune disease progression.
A study by MedUni Vienna found that dual-vaccinated and recovered individuals have virtually no protection against infection with the current Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. However, a third Corona vaccination provides partial blockade of Omicron.
A study by MedUni Vienna found that many cancer patients can build up sufficient immunity against SARS-CoV-2 after the third vaccination. However, patients with blood cancers may not develop protection due to immunosuppressive treatments.
Researchers at Medical University of Vienna discovered that certain microbiome profiles following lung transplantation can provide prognostic information for future changes in lung function. Machine Learning analyzed multiomics data, including the microbiome, lipidome, and metabolome, to predict lung function deterioration.
Researchers at MedUni Vienna have developed a new Covid-19 mouse model that can be used to study the disease mechanisms and develop effective treatments. The model uses viral mutations that enable efficient virus infection and replication in mice, allowing for the study of symptoms and potential therapies.
A new algorithm can determine patients' liver cancer risk in a single examination, providing an efficient screening method for those at high risk. The tool uses blood values and liver stiffness to identify individuals with a higher likelihood of developing hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis C treatment.
Patients under immunosuppressive therapy have increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease courses if they don't respond to primary vaccination. A recent study found that a third booster vaccination is safe and effective in these patients, who were initially unable to produce antibodies after vaccination.
A new MRI technique has been developed to detect changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) at an earlier stage. This technique, proton MR spectroscopy with a 7-tesla magnet, can visualize brain changes that appear normal on conventional MRI scans.
Researchers have identified NDUFS1 and ATP5O as novel markers of aggressive prostate cancer, associated with poorer survival rates. The study's findings provide new insights into the disease's molecular mechanisms and potential targets for therapy.
Despite receiving three vaccinations, kidney transplant patients have inadequate cellular and humoral protection against SARS-CoV-2, with around 90% showing little to no protection. Researchers are now investigating the efficacy and safety of a human antibody cocktail in these patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that fetal MRI can detect at least one other abnormality in almost 57% of fetuses with heart defects. Additionally, approximately a quarter of all fetuses had structural brain abnormalities, regardless of the severity of the heart defect.
Early antiretroviral therapy reduces skin and mucosal cancers in HIV patients by preserving tissue-resident memory T cells. Prompt treatment also improves the immune response, reducing the risk of HPV-associated cancers.
A study led by Oliver Königsbrügge and Cihan Ay found that current anticoagulants used to prevent strokes in dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation do not provide adequate protection. The VIVALDI study highlights the need for improved stroke prevention methods in this group.
A study published in Cardiovascular Research found that an anticoagulant medication can improve the survival of COVID-19 patients and shorten the duration of active SARS-CoV-2 infection. The medication, low-molecular-weight heparin, also curtails viral persistence by inhibiting the virus's ability to bind to cells.
A study has identified a specific protein, PHF3, that plays an important role in transcription and modulates the reading process of DNA. The absence of PHF3 or its binding site SPOC may lead to neuronal production defects, which could be linked to autism and glioblastoma.
A study published in the EMBO Journal identified DNA methyltransferase 1 as a crucial enzyme in preventing autoinflammation. Reduced DNA methylation leads to cGAS-induced autoinflammation, causing genomic instability and activating the immune system.
Researchers at Medical University of Vienna discovered that lithium chloride can reduce peritoneal thickening, fibrosis markers, and αB-crystalline expression in mesothelial cells. This innovative solution aims to preserve the peritoneum for longer, allowing patients to live a normal life or wait for a transplant.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that the type of cancer treatment affects the vaccine response, with chemotherapy resulting in lower antibody levels. Vaccination is still recommended for cancer patients, but optimal protection requires ongoing measures.
Researchers have found that synthetic bile acid Nor-UDCA directly affects the immune system and reduces inflammation in chronic-inflammatory liver disease. The therapy also guides misdirected CD8-T cells back onto their correct path, allowing them to resume their normal function.
A new imaging technique using PET/MR and a PET tracer directed against CXCR4 shows high accuracy in detecting MALT lymphomas of the stomach, potentially reducing the need for repeated gastroscopies. The study found that [68Ga]Pentixafor PET/MR achieved 97% accuracy in detecting tumours compared to gastroscopy.
A study by MedUni Wien researchers has discovered that the transcription factor BATF3 and its target genes play a crucial role in the growth of tumour cells in anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The findings suggest that targeting the IL-2R system could be an effective therapeutic approach, with promising results in animal models.
Researchers identified four immune markers that are elevated in SARS-CoV-2 patients in the early phase of infection but not in other viral infections. These findings could provide starting points for future therapeutic approaches and serve as comparative parameters for further studies on chronic COVID-19 forms.
A recent Austrian study found that approximately 7.8% of Austrians between the ages of 18 and 67 suffer from chronic insomnia, with symptoms affecting around 50% of respondents. The low rate of help-seeking behavior highlights a need for better public health initiatives and patient education to address this widespread issue.
A study found that people who form antibodies against the folded receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are protected from infection. However, 20% of those who recovered from Covid-19 fail to develop these antibodies.
Researchers discovered that cytokine APRIL protects against atherosclerosis by binding to proteoglycans in arteries, reducing plaque formation. High levels of non-canonical APRIL (nc-APRIL) in human blood predict risk of cardiovascular death.
Researchers identified a potential biomarker, A20 protein, that can predict the success of immunotherapy in treating lung cancer. Patients with low A20 expression are less likely to respond to treatment and have poorer survival rates.
The study found that APOBEC4 is highly expressed in cells and tissues attacked by SARS-CoV-2, such as epithelial cells in the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. This knowledge could lead to characterizing antiviral cell status attributed to AID/APOBECs specific to patients and correlating it with organ damage and COVID-19 severity.
A naturally occurring peptide in sunflower seeds has been identified as a potential drug for treating abdominal pain or inflammation. The peptide selectively activates pain transmission pathways without causing opioid side effects, reducing the risk of dependency and overdose.
Researchers found that most IBS patients have visible bacterial biofilms in their gut under endoscopic examination, which can impair gut function. Biofilms can also occur in ulcerative colitis patients, and irrigation therapy shows promise in alleviating symptoms.
Scientists at MedUni Vienna have successfully developed a bionic foot for a bearded vulture named Mia using osseointegration, a technique that directly attaches the prosthetic to the bone. The procedure has enabled Mia to regain her ability to land and walk with both feet, making her the first 'bionic bird'.
Researchers discovered a two-stage process leading to aggressive pancreatic cancer, where protein loss allows for tumor transformation and immune evasion. The study suggests reinstating the classical subtype could reduce metastasis.
Researchers have successfully treated a patient with vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) using intravenous immunoglobulin concentrates, cortisone, and specific anticoagulants. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent life-threatening thrombosis.
Point-of-care ultrasonography significantly improves diagnostic accuracy in patients with acute dyspnea, allowing for quicker diagnosis and treatment initiation. The technology involves mobile ultrasound devices that enable rapid scanning of multiple organs, including lungs, hearts, and leg veins.
A joint research group found a previously unknown cell type in the adrenal glands that might be the origin of neuroblastoma tumour cells. This discovery could provide a basis for effective treatments.