COVID-19 – Page 4 – mycolab.ai

Clinical profiling, antifungal drug susceptibility, and biofilm formation ability in pulmonary mucormycosis

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This study examined 26 patients with a serious lung fungal infection called mucormycosis in a Beijing hospital. Most patients were older with health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure, and sadly about 4 in 10 died. Interestingly, most patients had other infections (viral or fungal) before developing mucormycosis. The researchers tested which antifungal drugs worked best against the fungus, finding that amphotericin B was most effective, though it can damage kidneys. They also discovered that most of the fungal strains could form protective biofilm structures, making treatment more difficult.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Integration Reveals the Impact of Fungal Elicitors on Triterpene Accumulation in Sanghuangporus sanghuang

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Researchers studied how special fungal compounds called elicitors can boost the production of healing substances in a medicinal mushroom called Sanghuangporus sanghuang. By analyzing genes and metabolites, they found that adding elicitors increased beneficial compounds like betulinic acid and 2-hydroxyoleanolic acid by up to 114-fold. These findings suggest a practical way to produce more medicinal compounds from this mushroom for health applications.

Invasive nasal and paranasal mucormycosis in a patient with severe dengue fever and multiple risk factors: A case report and literature review

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A 50-year-old woman in Vietnam developed a rare and deadly fungal infection called mucormycosis while recovering from dengue fever. She had weakened immunity from taking steroids for other conditions and from the dengue virus itself. The infection caused black, dead tissue to rapidly spread in her nose and around her eye. Despite treatment with antifungal medications, the infection progressed, and she died within days. The case shows how important it is to watch for dangerous opportunistic infections in dengue patients, especially those already dealing with weakened immune systems.

Molecular epidemiology, diversity, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical and environmental mucorales: a five-year multicenter study in Iran (2018–2023)

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This research examined dangerous mold infections (Mucormycosis) that became more common after COVID-19. Scientists identified the types of molds causing these infections in Iran by testing 116 patient samples and 65 soil samples from across the country. They tested these molds against 13 different antifungal medications to find which drugs work best. The results showed that amphotericin B and posaconazole were the most effective medications, and patient samples were more susceptible to these drugs than environmental soil samples.

The Genus Cordyceps Sensu Lato: Their Chemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and Therapeutic Effects on Air Pollutants Related to Lung and Vascular Diseases

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Cordyceps mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are now being studied scientifically for their potential health benefits. These mushrooms contain powerful compounds that may help protect our lungs from air pollution effects and support heart health. Recent clinical studies show promising results for treating conditions like COPD, asthma, and even improving athletic performance in healthy people.

Sarocladium implicatum: an unusual agent of opportunistic infection in a COVID-19 patient

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A 64-year-old man hospitalized with COVID-19 developed a serious fungal infection from Sarocladium implicatum, an unusual fungus rarely found in humans. The infection appeared in his bloodstream and lungs while his immune system was severely weakened by the virus and medications. Doctors identified the fungus using genetic testing and successfully treated him with voriconazole antifungal medication. This case highlights how COVID-19 patients in intensive care are vulnerable to rare opportunistic infections that require specialized laboratory testing to identify and treat.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Integration Reveals the Impact of Fungal Elicitors on Triterpene Accumulation in Sanghuangporus sanghuang

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Scientists studied how a special fungal treatment can boost the production of beneficial compounds in sanghuang mushrooms. Using advanced molecular analysis techniques, they found that the fungal elicitor significantly increased levels of healing compounds called triterpenes. The treated mushrooms produced 114 times more of one specific compound compared to untreated mushrooms. This research shows how we can grow medicinal mushrooms with higher levels of beneficial substances, which could help develop better treatments for various diseases.

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

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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.

Trichosporon species bloodstream infections in a tertiary care hospital in the western region of Saudi Arabia: A 7-year retrospective chart review from 2016 to 2022

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This study examined a rare but dangerous fungal infection called Trichosporonosis that affects the bloodstream in hospitalized patients. Researchers found that this infection kills about 60% of patients despite treatment with antifungal medications. The infection is often caused by a fungus called Trichosporon asahii and typically occurs in patients with weakened immune systems who are already hospitalized and using catheters.

Changes in friluftsliv (outdoor recreation) activities among Norwegian adolescents during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Norwegian teenagers spent less time in outdoor recreation activities overall compared to before the pandemic. However, when they did engage in outdoor activities, they found them much more important for spending time with friends and family. Outdoor recreation became a critical way for teenagers to maintain social connections when schools, gyms, and other gathering places were closed. This shows how nature and outdoor activities can be valuable for young people’s wellbeing during difficult times.

Disease: COVID-19