Research Keyword: COVID-19

Prognostic model for gastric cancer patients with COVID-19 and network pharmacology study on treatment by lentinan

This study investigated how lentinan, a compound from shiitake mushrooms, might help treat patients who have both gastric cancer and COVID-19. Researchers identified five genes that predict patient outcomes and found that lentinan may work by controlling immune cell activity and reducing inflammation. The study suggests lentinan could be a useful additional treatment for this challenging combination of diseases, though more research is needed.

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Indole-Based Compounds as Potential Drug Candidates for SARS-CoV-2

Scientists are searching for new treatments for COVID-19 by studying indole-containing compounds, which are found in many plants and can be made in laboratories. Some approved drugs with indole structures, like the antiviral drug Arbidol, have been repurposed to fight COVID-19. Researchers are also designing new indole compounds and using computer simulations to predict which ones might work best against the virus’s key proteins.

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Screening and identifying natural products with SARS-CoV-2 infection inhibitory activity from medicinal fungi

Researchers screened 167 extracts from 36 medicinal fungi to find natural compounds that could fight COVID-19. They discovered that certain fungi, particularly Inonotus obliquus and Pholiota adiposa, contain polysaccharides that effectively block the virus from infecting cells. These natural compounds showed promise as potential safe alternatives for developing new COVID-19 treatments and may have applications against other viral diseases.

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

A patient hospitalized with severe COVID-19 developed an unusual infection caused by a mold called Sarocladium implicatum, which typically affects plants. Due to weakened immune system from his illness and medications, the fungus spread to his bloodstream and lungs, causing persistent fever and a cavity in his lung. After molecular testing identified the fungus, he was treated with an antifungal medication called voriconazole, which successfully cured the infection.

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Fungal β-Glucans: Biological Properties, Immunomodulatory Effects, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

β-glucans are beneficial compounds found in fungi and some plants that help your body in multiple ways. They boost your immune system, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, protect against oxidative stress, and may help fight cancer and infections. Recent research shows they could be useful as diagnostic markers for fungal infections and as vaccine boosters, especially for diseases like COVID-19.

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The In vitro Effect of Nanoliposomal Amphotericin B Against Rhizopus arrhizus Isolated From COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis Patients

Scientists tested a new nano-formulation of the antifungal drug amphotericin B against a dangerous fungus (Rhizopus arrhizus) that infected COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis. The nanoliposomal version of the drug worked much better than regular amphotericin B and other antifungal medications currently used, showing much lower concentrations needed to kill the fungus. This research suggests the new nano-formulation could be a more effective treatment option for patients with this serious COVID-19 related fungal infection.

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

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.

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Clinical Challenges and Predictive Risk Factors for Outcomes in COVID-19–Associated Mucormycosis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a dangerous fungal infection called mucormycosis has become a serious complication, especially for patients with uncontrolled diabetes or those taking certain medications. Researchers studied 180 patients with this condition and found that the infection can spread from the sinuses to the eyes and brain, leading to severe outcomes. The most important factors in surviving this infection are early detection, keeping blood sugar controlled, careful use of steroids, and aggressive treatment with antifungal medications and sometimes surgery.

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Epidemiology of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients in northwest Iran: Rhizopus arrhizus as the predominant species

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients developed a severe fungal infection called mucormycosis alongside their coronavirus infection. This study found that 63 COVID-19 patients in Iran developed mucormycosis, which primarily affected the sinuses and brain. The researchers identified that a fungus called Rhizopus arrhizus caused most infections, and patients who received corticosteroids (used to treat severe COVID-19) had a higher risk, especially those who developed diabetes from the steroids.

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