Medicinal – Page 157

Determination of Tryptamine Alkaloids and Their Stability in Psychotropic Mushrooms

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Researchers analyzed the active compounds found in psychotropic mushrooms used for therapy and microdosing. They found that the amounts of these compounds vary greatly between mushroom samples and can degrade during storage. Fresh mushrooms stored in freezers degraded faster than dried mushrooms kept at room temperature in the dark, suggesting proper storage is important for maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Increasing incidence of mycotoxicosis in South-Eastern Germany: a comprehensive analysis of mushroom poisonings at a University Medical Center

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This study examined mushroom poisoning cases in a German hospital from 2005 to 2022 and found that poisonings have nearly doubled in recent years, likely due to more people foraging for wild mushrooms and changes in climate affecting mushroom distribution. The death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) caused the majority of serious cases, leading to liver and kidney failure. Researchers found that a blood-cleansing treatment called plasmapheresis could help stabilize patients with life-threatening bleeding complications while they recovered or waited for a liver transplant.

Mitigation of radiation-induced esophageal fibrosis by macrophage-targeted phosphatidylserine-containing liposomes with partial PEGylation

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Radiation therapy used to treat esophageal cancer often causes scarring and tissue damage that makes swallowing difficult. Researchers developed special fatty particles called PEGylated phosphatidylserine-containing liposomes that can reduce this scarring by calming down immune cells called macrophages. In studies using animal models and laboratory tests, these particles successfully reduced fibrosis, preserved normal tissue structure, and promoted muscle healing, offering hope for better management of radiation therapy side effects.

Things you wanted to know about fungal extracellular vesicles (but were afraid to ask)

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Fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny packages released by fungal cells that play important roles in fungal infections and how our immune system responds to them. Scientists have confirmed these EVs are real biological structures, not laboratory artifacts, and discovered they are produced by many different fungal species. Interestingly, these EVs can have opposite effects on the immune system depending on the fungus involved—sometimes helping our bodies fight infection and sometimes making infections worse, making them both potential vaccines and virulence factors.

Identification and virulence factors prediction of Didymella segeticola causing leaf spot disease in Asarum heterotropoides in China

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This research identifies a fungal disease causing serious damage to Chinese wild ginger crops in northeastern China. Scientists found that the fungus Didymella segeticola causes leaf spot disease and identified 87 proteins that help the fungus harm the plants. The study provides important information for developing strategies to prevent this disease and protect this valuable medicinal herb crop.

Consecutive non-Aspergillus Fungal Invasive Infections in Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Data from the French National Reference Center for Primary ImmunoDeficiencies and literature review

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This study examines rare but serious fungal infections in patients with chronic granulomatous disease, a genetic immune disorder. Researchers analyzed 122 cases of non-Aspergillus fungal infections from French hospitals and published literature, finding that these infections often occur despite preventive antifungal medications and are challenging to diagnose. The infections were found in the lungs most commonly but could spread to bones, brain, and other organs, with treatments including antifungal drugs, surgery, and in some cases bone marrow transplants.

Immunomodulatory activity of Pleurotus pulmonarius crude extract to human monocyte against Cryptococcus neoformans

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This research shows that an extract from the Phoenix oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) can boost the body’s immune cells to fight dangerous fungal infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. When immune cells are pre-exposed to this mushroom extract and then encounter the fungus, they become more effective at killing it through increased production of immune-signaling molecules and reactive oxygen species. This natural supplement approach offers a promising alternative to traditional antifungal drugs, which often have significant side effects and can lead to drug resistance.

The Gcn5 lysine acetyltransferase mediates cell wall remodeling, antifungal drug resistance, and virulence of Candida auris

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Candida auris is a dangerous fungal infection that resists many standard antifungal drugs. Researchers discovered that a protein called Gcn5 helps this fungus survive both drugs and the body’s immune system. By targeting Gcn5 with a new compound called CPTH2, scientists showed they could make the fungus more vulnerable to standard treatments like caspofungin, suggesting a promising new approach to fighting these infections.

Immunomodulatory natural polysaccharide-based nanoparticles for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

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Scientists are developing tiny particles made from natural sugar-based compounds that can deliver medicine to the brain while reducing inflammation caused by neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These nanoparticles are special because they can cross the protective barrier surrounding the brain and carry therapeutic compounds directly to where they’re needed. The natural polysaccharides used to make these particles have built-in anti-inflammatory properties, making them safer and more effective than traditional approaches. This innovative technology shows promise for treating currently difficult-to-manage brain diseases.

Candida krusei Empyema: A Lung Transplant Case and Systematic Review of the Literature

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Candida krusei is a dangerous yeast that causes a serious lung infection called empyema, where pus collects around the lungs. This infection is particularly difficult to treat because the yeast is resistant to common antifungal drugs like fluconazole and can form protective biofilms. This systematic review identified only ten cases of this rare infection in the medical literature, showing how uncommon but serious it is, and found that patients need aggressive treatment with multiple antifungal medications combined with surgical drainage to survive.

Research Topic: Medicinal