Disease: cancer

Trichosporon Urinary Tract Infections: A Hidden Menace Revealed

Trichosporon is a fungus that causes urinary tract infections primarily in hospitalized patients and those with weakened immune systems. This review found that Trichosporon asahii is the most common species responsible for these infections, especially in patients with prolonged hospital stays or using immunosuppressive medications. The drug voriconazole works best against this fungus, while some common antifungal medications like amphotericin B are less effective. Accurate identification using modern laboratory techniques is crucial for proper treatment.

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Proteins from Edible Mushrooms: Nutritional Role and Contribution to Well-Being

Mushrooms are highly nutritious foods containing proteins as complete and high-quality as meat, with unique compounds that boost immunity, fight infections, and may help prevent diseases like cancer and diabetes. Different types of mushroom proteins have specific health benefits, from strengthening immune systems to lowering blood pressure and fighting viruses. Scientists are finding new ways to grow mushrooms and extract their proteins for use in sports nutrition, medicines, and fortified foods, making them increasingly valuable for human health and sustainability.

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Molecular Identification, Mycelial Growth Kinetics, and Antimicrobial Potential of Newly Isolated Medicinal Mushroom Fomitopsis pinicola from Bulgaria

Scientists isolated and studied a medicinal mushroom called Fomitopsis pinicola from Bulgaria. They confirmed its identity using DNA analysis and tested how well it grows on different nutrient media. The mushroom showed strong antimicrobial effects against disease-causing bacteria, especially when extracted with water, making it a promising candidate for developing new antibiotics to fight antibiotic-resistant infections.

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A Chromosome-Scale Genome of Trametes versicolor and Transcriptome-Based Screening for Light-Induced Genes That Promote Triterpene Biosynthesis

Scientists created a detailed map of the Trametes versicolor mushroom’s genetic code using advanced sequencing technologies. This medicinal mushroom is known for cancer-fighting and immune-boosting properties. The research discovered that light exposure increases the production of beneficial compounds called triterpenes, which may explain how this mushroom’s medicinal qualities work and could help scientists grow it more effectively.

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Adaptive laboratory evolution of Blakeslea trispora under acetoacetanilide stress leads to enhanced β-carotene biosynthesis

Scientists used a technique called adaptive laboratory evolution to make a fungus called Blakeslea trispora produce much more beta-carotene, a natural compound that converts to vitamin A in the body and has health benefits. By gradually exposing the fungus to increasing levels of a chemical stressor over 16 months, they helped it evolve to produce 45% more beta-carotene. The adapted fungus showed changes in its genes, physical structure, and fat composition that helped it thrive under stress while making more of this valuable compound.

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Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Psilocybe Mushrooms: Gaps and Perspectives

This review examined research on Psilocybe mushrooms and their chemical compounds, particularly psilocybin and psilocin, which show promise for treating depression and anxiety. The authors found that while these psychoactive compounds have been extensively studied, many other chemical substances in these mushrooms remain unexplored. Additionally, preliminary studies suggest these mushrooms may have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, though more research is needed. The review highlights significant gaps in understanding the full potential of Psilocybe mushrooms for medical applications.

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Chlorophyllum molybdites-synthesized manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO-NPs): morphology, biocompatibility, and anticancer properties against liver cancer (HepG2) cell line

Researchers successfully created tiny manganese oxide particles using a wild mushroom called Chlorophyllum molybdites through an environmentally friendly process. These nanoparticles showed strong cancer-fighting ability against liver cancer cells and were effective against a parasite that causes leishmaniasis. The particles were safe for human use with minimal damage to healthy blood cells, making them promising candidates for developing new cancer and parasitic disease treatments.

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Mycoremediation of Petroleum-Contaminated Soil Using Native Ganoderma and Trametes Strains from the Ecuadorian Amazon

Researchers from Ecuador tested native fungi from the Amazon rainforest for their ability to clean up oil-contaminated soil. Five fungal species were found to remove over 96% of petroleum hydrocarbons in just 60 days through their natural enzymatic systems. These results show that fungi from biodiverse regions could offer an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional soil cleanup methods, particularly important for communities affected by oil extraction pollution.

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Divergent Immunomodulatory Roles of Fungal DNA in Shaping Treg and Inflammatory Responses

Different types of fungal DNA trigger different immune responses in the body. DNA from the common yeast Candida albicans promotes immune tolerance and protects T cells, similar to beneficial bacterial DNA. In contrast, DNA from the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans triggers strong inflammatory immune responses. This discovery reveals that fungal DNA itself, not just fungal cell wall components, plays an important role in determining whether fungi are treated as friendly commensals or dangerous pathogens by the immune system.

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The Benefits and Applications of Lactobacillus plantarum in Food and Health: A Narrative Review

Lactobacillus plantarum is a beneficial bacterium commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt and cheese that acts as a natural probiotic. It can help preserve food, improve flavor, and boost health by supporting digestion, strengthening immunity, and reducing inflammation. Research shows it may help with weight management, blood sugar control, and mental health, making it valuable for both the food industry and medical applications.

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