Asthma – Page 5 – mycolab.ai

Clinical benefits of β-glucan supplementation in children: a review

mycolabadmin

This review examines how β-glucan, a natural fiber found in mushrooms, yeast, and grains, can help strengthen children’s immune systems and improve their health. Studies show that β-glucan supplementation may reduce the frequency and severity of colds and respiratory infections, improve digestive health, help control blood sugar levels, and support overall development. The evidence suggests that β-glucan could be a valuable dietary supplement for malnourished or immunocompromised children worldwide.

Pneumocystis jirovecii is a potential pivotal ecological driver contributing to shifts in microbial equilibrium during the early-life lower airway microbiome assembly

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied how bacteria and fungi colonize infant lungs during the first year of life by examining lung tissue from autopsied infants. They found that the lung microbiome undergoes major changes between 2-4 months of age, and that a common fungal infection called Pneumocystis plays a key role in reshaping this microbial community. These early-life changes could have lasting impacts on children’s respiratory health later in life.

Armillaria mellea Mycelia Alleviate PM2.5-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation in Murine Models

mycolabadmin

This study found that Armillaria mellea mushroom mycelia can help protect lungs from damage caused by PM2.5 air pollution. When tested in both laboratory cells and mice, the mushroom extract reduced inflammatory responses and restored healthy lung function. The protective effects work by reducing harmful inflammatory molecules and blocking inflammatory signaling pathways. These findings suggest A. mellea could be developed into a natural supplement to help protect respiratory health in areas with poor air quality.

Human Gut Microbiome: A Connecting Organ Between Nutrition, Metabolism, and Health

mycolabadmin

Your gut bacteria function like an extra organ, helping digest food and producing important compounds that affect your whole body. The type of bacteria in your gut depends on diet, delivery method at birth, and antibiotics you’ve taken. Eating more fiber and taking certain probiotics can improve your bacterial balance and help prevent diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart problems. This suggests that managing your gut microbiome through diet might be just as important as taking traditional medicines for staying healthy.

Distribution of fungal agents in the respiratory system of patients with underlying lung diseases; molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility profiles

mycolabadmin

This research examined fungal infections in hospitalized patients with lung diseases in Iran, identifying which fungi were most common and which antifungal medications worked best against them. Researchers found that Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus were the most prevalent fungi, particularly in COPD patients. Notably, some Candida isolates showed resistance to certain antifungal drugs, particularly voriconazole. The study emphasizes the importance of proper fungal identification and susceptibility testing for effective treatment.

A mass spectrometry-based strategy for investigating volatile molecular interactions in microbial consortia: unveiling a Fusarium-specific induction of an antifungal compound

mycolabadmin

Scientists developed a new method to study how different fungi communicate and compete with each other through invisible chemical signals called volatile organic compounds. By growing three types of fungi together in a controlled setup, they discovered that Fusarium culmorum specifically produces a compound called γ-terpinene when in contact with other fungi. This compound acts as a natural antifungal agent, helping Fusarium fight off competing fungi. This research provides a blueprint for understanding complex fungal interactions in environments like human lungs and could eventually help diagnose or prevent fungal-related diseases.

The influence of car traffic on airborne fungal diversity in Tianjin, China

mycolabadmin

This study examined how car traffic affects fungal spores in the air in Tianjin, China. Researchers found that during rush hours when traffic was heaviest, there were more fungal spores in the air, particularly species that cause allergies and respiratory problems like asthma. The findings suggest that reducing car traffic could help improve air quality and reduce health risks from airborne fungal exposure in cities.

A Case of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Mycosis Caused by Cordyceps farinosa, a Species of Caterpillar Fungi

mycolabadmin

A woman developed a serious respiratory condition called allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis caused by Cordyceps farinosa, a fungus that normally infects insect larvae. She worked in a laboratory breeding mice in a mountainous area and developed persistent cough and congestion. Doctors identified the fungus using DNA testing and treated her by removing the fungal material from her airways and removing her from the workplace, which led to complete recovery.

Chronic Urticaria Suspected to be Caused by a 13.5 mg Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device (Skyla®)

mycolabadmin

A woman developed a chronic hive-like rash that lasted for two years after having a hormone-releasing intrauterine device (Skyla®) implanted. Extensive medical testing ruled out common causes like vitamin D deficiency and allergies. When the device was removed, the rash gradually disappeared completely over two years. This case suggests that the progesterone released from the device may have triggered an allergic reaction in this particular patient.

A Rare Case of Methyldopa-Induced Hepatitis

mycolabadmin

A 31-year-old woman developed severe liver inflammation (hepatitis) six weeks after starting methyldopa, a common blood pressure medication. After stopping the drug, her liver function returned to normal without needing steroids or other intensive treatments. This case reminds doctors that even commonly used, safe medications can rarely cause serious liver problems and should be considered when patients develop unexplained liver inflammation.

Disease: Asthma