Medicinal – Page 144

The expression of fungal CotH, human glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and predicted miRNAs in macrophages and diabetic mice infected with Rhizopus oryzae

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Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection caused by Rhizopus oryzae that is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes. This study shows that a fungal protein called CotH3 attaches to a human cell receptor called GRP78, allowing the fungus to invade cells more easily in diabetic patients. The research found that diabetes increases GRP78 production, making fungal invasion more likely, while antifungal treatment (liposomal amphotericin B) can reduce the expression of both CotH3 and GRP78.

ESCMID-EFISG Survey on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Capacity for Invasive Fungal Infections in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg: A Focus on High Azole Resistance

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This survey examined how well hospitals in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections, especially in patients whose immune systems are weakened. The researchers found that while most hospitals have good access to testing and antifungal medications, some important tests are still missing, and many hospitals send samples to other facilities for testing, which can delay treatment. Since this region has unusually high rates of fungal infections that resist common antifungal drugs, improving access to advanced diagnostic tests is crucial for patient survival.

Insights into microbiome-triterpenoid correlation in Poria cocos via comparative analysis of sclerotial and soil microenvironments

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This study explores how the medicinal mushroom Poria cocos creates its own special microbial environment inside its sclerotium (the part used in medicine). Researchers found that the mushroom selectively enriches certain bacteria and fungi while maintaining lower overall microbial diversity compared to surrounding soil. The study reveals that specific microbes like Burkholderia and Scytalidium are positively associated with the production of pachymic acid, the mushroom’s key medicinal compound with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Trichoderma Species Associated with Green Mold Disease on Mushrooms and Two New Pathogens on Ganoderma sichuanense

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Researchers identified a new species of Trichoderma fungus that causes green mold disease in cultivated medicinal mushrooms, particularly Ganoderma sichuanense. Using DNA analysis and genetic comparison, they showed that this new species belongs to a group of Trichoderma fungi that are close relatives of species used for controlling plant diseases. The study suggests this fungus might have potential as a biocontrol agent while currently being problematic for mushroom farmers in China.

Conversion of Soluble Compounds in Distillery Wastewater into Fungal Biomass and Metabolites Using Australian Ganoderma Isolates

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Researchers discovered that Ganoderma mushroom mycelium can clean up rum distillery wastewater while producing edible, protein-rich fungal biomass. The mycelium successfully removed harmful compounds from the wastewater and accumulated bioactive compounds with health benefits. This dual-benefit approach transforms an environmental waste problem into a valuable food ingredient, offering a sustainable and economical solution for the distillery industry.

Microbe Profile: Streptomyces formicae KY5: an ANT-ibiotic factory

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Scientists have discovered a special bacterium called Streptomyces formicae that lives with ants in African acacia trees and produces powerful antibiotics. This bacterium naturally makes compounds called formicamycins that can kill dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, as well as antifungal compounds. Researchers are using advanced gene-editing techniques to unlock more hidden antimicrobial compounds from this bacterium’s genome, which could lead to discovering new medicines to treat infections.

Caspofungin therapy in prosthetic valve endocarditis and candidemia due to itraconazole-resistant Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabratus): A case report

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A 13-year-old boy developed a serious fungal infection of his heart valve after surgery. The infection was caused by a resistant yeast that didn’t respond to initial antifungal treatment. Doctors used molecular testing to identify the exact fungal species and tested how it responded to different medications. After switching to a different antifungal drug called caspofungin, the patient recovered completely and remained healthy.

Acute effects of psilocybin on attention and executive functioning in healthy volunteers: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis

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This comprehensive review examined how psilocybin affects thinking and attention. Researchers analyzed 13 studies and found that psilocybin slows down reaction times during tasks requiring focus and decision-making, though accuracy remains relatively stable. The effects increase with higher doses. Understanding these cognitive changes is important for both therapeutic applications and ensuring safe use of psilocybin in research and clinical settings.

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

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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.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Metabolomics and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lingzhi) During the Developmental Stages

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Scientists studied how the medicinal mushroom Lingzhi changes chemically as it grows from mycelium through various stages to mature fruiting bodies. They found that the mushroom contains many beneficial compounds, including special molecules called triterpenoids, that help block α-glucosidase, an enzyme involved in blood sugar control. Interestingly, the immature mushroom stage showed the strongest anti-diabetic activity, suggesting farmers should harvest at specific times depending on desired health benefits rather than always waiting for full maturity.

Research Topic: Medicinal