A look back at our September research retreat. Away from the bench and clinic, we had time to hear what colleagues across MedB Lab are working on and discuss the questions that connect our work. Thanks to everyone who took part and helped organise it.

In a retrospective cohort of 142 neutropenic patients with Pseudomonas bloodstream infection, approximately one in five had skin involvement.

With contributions from MedB colleagues. Published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42648483/

Beyond COVID: baseline data from 1,257 participants across six German cities highlight persistent fatigue, concentration difficulties and breathlessness.

With Julia Fischer & Phil-Robin Tepasse. Findings describe this cohort.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42149360/

The mouth–gut connection in cirrhosis: an iMeta paper combines metagenomics and modelling to link oral–gut microbial overlap with altered metabolic profiles.

Predicted ammonia and acetate production offers a direction for further research.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42491347/

In a prospective cirrhosis cohort, cumulative antibiotic exposure was associated with newly detected multidrug-resistant organisms, which were also linked to higher mortality.

With Kai-Henrik Peiffer & @JonelTrebicka .

doi.org/10.1093/cid/ci…

A Münster study of 181 ulcerative colitis patients linked CMV-positive biopsies with higher disease activity and lower remission rates. No significant association with colectomy was found.

Retrospective findings; causality remains unclear.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42807320/

How does the liver adapt to long-term metabolic stress?
A Science Advances study highlights CPEB4-dependent regulation as part of the liver’s response to chronic stress in MASLD/MASH.
With @JonelTrebicka , @R_Schierwagen & Maximilian Brol among the authors.
#MASLD #Hepatology

Greetings from #Viszeralmedizin26 in Hamburg 🇩🇪
This year’s theme: Prevention, Translation and Perspectives.
A great opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss new research and strengthen collaboration across gastroenterology and hepatology.
#DGVS #Hepatology #Gastroenterology

Can portal hypertension be assessed less invasively?
A new study explores how liver + spleen stiffness can help assess CSPH risk.
With @JonelTrebicka & @UschnerFrank among the authors.
#Hepatology #PortalHypertension

New publication in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
An international Delphi consensus provides 15 recommendations for standardizing clinical microbiome studies, covering metadata, sample collection, and clinical end points.
Read here:
🔗 nature.com/articles/s4157…

Publication Highlight 📄
Endohepatology is expanding the role of endoscopy in liver disease.
Prof. @JonelTrebicka , Dr. @MPraktiknjo and colleagues review the latest advances in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
🔗 journals.lww.com/ajg/abstract/1…

Improving outcomes in HCC begins with earlier detection.
Current surveillance remains the standard of care, while novel biomarkers and AI-based risk stratification continue to evolve through clinical research.
Read the latest AGA Clinical Practice Update: gastro.org/clinical-guida…

Why do outcomes differ in advanced cirrhosis?

New research with contribution from our team and @JonelTrebicka used blood multiomics to identify a dysregulated lipid mediator–mitochondrial network associated with patient outcomes.
📄 Read the study: nature.com/articles/s4146…

Can AI support clinical decision-making in liver cancer?
Our latest study evaluates GPT models in hepatocellular carcinoma.
The findings show AI's potential as a clinical decision-support tool while reinforcing that expert oversight remains essential.
nature.com/articles/s4159…

Many liver diseases remain undetected for years.

This week, the European Liver Screening Tour brought free, non-invasive liver screening directly to Münster.

🧡 Early detection matters.

#LiverHealth #Prevention #Hepatology

🧡 Free liver screening in Münster!
A quick, painless and non-invasive check can help identify early signs of liver disease.
📍 Stubengasse | 9–10 June | 10:00–19:00
📍 UKM A9 | 11 June | 10:00–13:00
📍 Gievenbeck Market | 11 June | 14:00–18:00
No appointment needed.
#Münster

Strong presence from MedB at #EASLCongress2026 in Barcelona.

Great to see our clinicians and young investigators presenting and discussing current research in hepatology, cirrhosis and liver disease throughout this week’s congress.

#EASL #Hepatology #LiverDisease

MedB explains: Portal Hypertension

What it actually means:
Blood can’t flow properly through the liver, so pressure builds up in surrounding vessels.

Why it matters:
This silent pressure is what triggers many of the most dangerous liver complications.

One challenge that carries into every new year in Internal Medicine research:
negative results.
They shape better hypotheses, refine models, and prevent repetition,
yet they’re still underreported.
Progress depends on what we learn, not only on what we publish.

The holiday season changes hospital dynamics.
In Internal Medicine, we often see more decompensations, delayed presentations, and complex admissions, not fewer.
For research and care alike, this period is a reminder:
medicine doesn’t pause for the calendar.