Medicinal – Page 145

Superhydrophobic Fatty Acid-Based Spray Coatings with Dual-Mode Antifungal Activity

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Scientists developed easy-to-apply spray coatings made from natural fatty acids that repel water and kill fungal infections like gray mold. By combining long-chain fatty acids with shorter fatty acids like those found in food preservatives, the coatings can either passively prevent fungus from sticking to surfaces or actively kill it. These coatings are environmentally friendly, sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides that fungi are becoming resistant to, and could be used to protect everything from building surfaces to stored crops.

Case Commentary: Successful use of olorofim for the treatment of multi-drug-resistant Lomentospora prolificans infection in a child

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A young girl contracted a dangerous drug-resistant fungal infection in her knee after an injury, which failed to respond to standard antifungal treatments. Doctors obtained special access to an experimental antifungal drug called olorofim through a compassionate use program. The child showed improvement within two weeks and was completely cured after six months of treatment with no signs of the infection returning two years later, making this the first successful case of this new drug being used in a child.

Persister cells in human fungal pathogens

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Some fungal infections fail to respond to antifungal drugs even when the fungus should be susceptible to treatment. This happens because certain fungal cells can enter a dormant ‘sleep-like’ state that helps them survive drug exposure. These dormant cells, called persisters, are able to hide from medications by reducing their metabolism and enhancing their protective defenses. Understanding how these persister cells form and survive could lead to better treatments for serious fungal infections.

In Vitro Activity of Nitroxoline (5-Nitro-8-Hydroxyquinoline) Against Aspergillus Species

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Researchers tested an old antibiotic called nitroxoline against dangerous fungal infections caused by Aspergillus species. The drug works by removing essential zinc that the fungus needs to survive. The study found that nitroxoline was highly effective against all tested fungal strains, including those resistant to modern antifungal drugs, suggesting it could be a promising alternative treatment for serious fungal infections.

A Rare Case of Alternaria citri Keratitis Successfully Treated with Voriconazole

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A 71-year-old woodworker developed a serious eye infection caused by a rare fungus called Alternaria citri that damaged his cornea. Doctors identified the fungus using genetic testing and treated it with the antifungal drug voriconazole combined with surgery. After one year, his vision improved and the infection did not return, marking the first documented case of this particular fungal infection in humans.

Anti-Melanogenic Activity of Calocedrus formosana Wood Essential Oil and Its Chemical Composition Analysis

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Researchers tested an essential oil from Taiwan’s precious Calocedrus formosana wood to see if it could lighten skin by blocking melanin production. The oil worked very well at stopping melanin synthesis in laboratory cells, with a compound called thymol being responsible for most of the lightening effect. This natural product could potentially be used in skin whitening cosmetics and offers a safer alternative to synthetic ingredients.

Characterization of ORF19.7608 (PPP1), a biofilm-induced gene of Candida albicans

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Researchers studied a gene called PPP1 in Candida albicans, a common fungal infection in hospitals. They found that this gene is highly active when the fungus forms protective biofilms on medical devices like catheters. Although the protein appears in a distinctive spotted pattern only during biofilm formation, removing this gene did not prevent biofilm formation or affect how the fungus responds to stress or antifungal drugs.

Nano Emulsion of Essential Oils Loaded in Chitosan Coating for Controlling Anthracnose in Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) During Storage

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Researchers developed a natural coating made from chitosan (a biopolymer) and thyme essential oil nano particles to protect tomatoes from a fungal disease called anthracnose during storage. When applied to tomatoes, this coating reduced disease occurrence by 50%, outperforming the commercial fungicide currently used. This eco-friendly solution offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical treatments while maintaining tomato quality for longer periods.

Revealing structure and shaping priorities in plant and fungal cell wall architecture via solid-state NMR

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This review explains how scientists use a special type of microscopy called solid-state NMR to study the protective outer layers of fungi and plants. The research shows that fungal pathogens can cleverly rearrange their cell walls to resist antifungal medicines, and that plants carefully organize their cell walls during growth by forming specific connections between different molecules. Understanding these structures at the molecular level could help develop better antifungal treatments and improve how we use plant biomass for biofuels and materials.

Screening of Basidiomycete Strains Capable of Synthesizing Antibacterial and Antifungal Metabolites

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Researchers tested 18 types of medicinal mushrooms to see if they could produce natural antibiotics. Most of them (16 out of 18) showed antimicrobial properties, with some being particularly effective against dangerous bacteria and fungi. The most promising mushroom strain (Hericium corraloides 4) showed strong activity against multiple disease-causing organisms. This research suggests that mushrooms could be valuable sources for developing new antibiotics to fight drug-resistant infections.

Research Topic: Medicinal