real-time PCR – mycolab.ai

Antimicrobial and prebiotic properties of Weissella confusa B4-2 exopolysaccharide and its effects on matrix metalloproteinase genes expression

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Researchers discovered that a bacterium called Weissella confusa produces a sticky substance (exopolysaccharide) that has multiple health benefits. This substance fights harmful bacteria, acts as an antioxidant, helps heal wounds, and may slow down skin aging by reducing proteins that break down collagen. Because this bacterium produces much more of this substance than other commonly studied bacteria, it could be used in food preservation, health supplements, and anti-aging skincare products.

Mitigating nickel-induced toxicity: the protective role of native probiotic strains on oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways in mice lung tissues

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This study examined how probiotic bacteria can protect lung tissue from damage caused by nickel exposure. Researchers gave mice nickel to cause oxidative stress and inflammation, then treated them with beneficial bacteria from four probiotic strains. The probiotics successfully reduced oxidative stress markers and inflammatory responses in the lung tissue by activating protective genes and deactivating inflammatory genes. This research suggests that probiotics could be a natural way to prevent lung damage from heavy metal exposure.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Solanum tuberosum L. Polysaccharide and Its Limited Gene Expression Profile

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Researchers studied a natural compound from potatoes called STP that reduces inflammation in the body. Using laboratory cells and animal models, they found that STP works similarly to the common pain reliever ibuprofen by reducing inflammatory chemicals and activating the body’s protective defense systems. This discovery suggests that potato-based polysaccharides could be developed into new treatments for inflammatory diseases and conditions related to oxidative stress.

Overexpression of efflux pump and biofilm associated genes in itraconazole resistant Candida albicans isolates causing onychomycosis

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This research examines why some fungal infections of the nails resist treatment with the antifungal drug itraconazole. Scientists found that resistant fungi produce more proteins that pump the drug out of their cells (efflux pumps) and form protective biofilm structures. Understanding these resistance mechanisms could help develop better combination treatments that work alongside antifungal drugs to overcome resistance.

Overexpression of efflux pump and biofilm associated genes in itraconazole resistant Candida albicans isolates causing onychomycosis

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Nail fungal infections caused by Candida albicans can be difficult to treat when the fungus becomes resistant to common antifungal medications like itraconazole. Researchers found that resistant strains have overactive genes that pump the drug out of fungal cells and genes that help the fungus form protective biofilm structures. Understanding these resistance mechanisms could lead to better combination treatments that block these protective strategies.

Essential role of sugar transporters BbStp13 in fungal virulence, conidiation, and cell wall integrity in entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana

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Scientists studied a fungal protein called BbStp13 that helps a beneficial fungus called Beauveria bassiana attack insect pests. When this protein was removed, the fungus produced fewer spores and couldn’t infect insects as effectively, especially when sugar was scarce. The protein also helps the fungus protect itself from the insect’s immune system. Understanding this protein could help make the fungus better at pest control.

Primary cutaneous mixed infection with Cryptococcus uniguttulatus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis

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A 43-year-old man had persistent facial skin lesions for seven years that initially appeared to be fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus uniguttulatus. Standard antifungal treatments failed to completely cure the condition. Advanced genetic testing revealed the lesions were actually caused by two simultaneous infections: the fungus and tuberculosis bacteria. Once both infections were properly identified and treated with appropriate medications, the skin lesions finally healed.

PCR enables rapid detection of dermatophytes in practice

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This study shows that a new rapid DNA-based test (PCR) is much faster and more effective than traditional methods for diagnosing fungal skin, hair, and nail infections. While traditional culture methods took about 19 days to get results, the new PCR test gives results in just 16 hours. The PCR test detected more infections and is now the preferred diagnostic method in Northern Finland, helping doctors treat patients more quickly and avoid unnecessary antifungal medications.

Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii and Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum infections on tissue sections: Diagnostic pitfalls and relevance of an integrated histomolecular diagnosis

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This research addresses the challenge of identifying two common fungal infections (cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis) when examining tissue samples under a microscope. The study found that these infections often look similar and can be confusing for pathologists. The researchers discovered that looking for specific fungal features, particularly ‘dented-looking’ yeasts, can help differentiate cryptococcosis from histoplasmosis. When standard laboratory tests on fresh tissue aren’t available, using molecular testing (genetic analysis) on preserved tissue samples can successfully identify the fungus in about 75% of cases.

Epidermophyton floccosum, an etiological agent of tinea pedis and tinea unguium: about two cases

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Two elderly patients were diagnosed with fungal nail and foot infections caused by Epidermophyton floccosum, a fungus that has become less common in recent years. Both cases were confirmed using advanced molecular testing (real-time PCR) alongside traditional laboratory methods. The infections were successfully treated with terbinafine, an antifungal medication. This case report highlights the importance of using modern diagnostic techniques to accurately identify and treat fungal infections.

Research Keyword: real-time PCR