Medicinal – Page 158

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.

Histoplasma capsulatum as a cause for prolonged pulmonary illness in an immunocompetent returning traveller from Bangladesh

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A 57-year-old man returning from Bangladesh developed a severe lung infection that lasted several weeks and required hospitalization with breathing support. Doctors initially thought he had tuberculosis or bacterial pneumonia, but standard tests came back negative. Advanced fungal testing eventually identified the cause as histoplasmosis, a fungal infection he likely caught while supervising construction work. After treatment with antifungal medications, the patient recovered and was discharged to continue medication at home for a year.

Synergistic Effects of Cold Atmospheric Multiple Plasma Jet and Amphotericin B on Leishmania major: An In-Vitro Study

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Researchers tested a new cold plasma technology combined with an existing anti-parasite drug (amphotericin B) against Leishmania parasites that cause skin infections. The cold plasma, which contains reactive chemicals, killed the parasites by triggering their programmed cell death (apoptosis) while causing minimal harm to human immune cells. When combined with the medication, the treatment was even more effective, potentially allowing lower drug doses with fewer side effects.

Integrating Machine Learning and Molecular Methods for Trichophyton indotineae Identification and Resistance Profiling Using MALDI-TOF Spectra

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A new type of fungus called Trichophyton indotineae is causing stubborn skin infections that don’t respond well to standard antifungal treatments. Researchers used advanced laboratory techniques combined with computer analysis to better identify this fungus from MALDI-TOF spectra, which is a quick fingerprinting method for microorganisms. The study showed that machine learning could accurately distinguish this problematic fungus from similar species and found specific markers that could help clinics detect it faster, potentially improving patient treatment outcomes.

Breaking down the wall: Solid-state NMR illuminates how fungi build and remodel diverse cell walls

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Scientists have developed a new technique called solid-state NMR that can examine fungal cell walls without damaging them, revealing how these structures are built and reorganized. This research shows that different fungi have different wall architectures made of sugar-like molecules including chitin and various glucans, and that fungi can quickly adapt their walls when exposed to antifungal drugs. These findings could help develop better antifungal treatments by targeting the specific structural features that different fungi rely on for survival.

Multicenter performance evaluation of the “quanty TOXO (RH region)” kit (Clonit) for molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis

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Researchers from seven French hospitals tested a commercial DNA test kit called “quanty TOXO” that detects Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite causing serious infections in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. The kit performed well overall, correctly identifying infection in nearly 95% of positive cases and showing no false positives. However, the test sometimes missed infections when parasite levels were very low, suggesting doctors should run tests twice to increase detection chances.

Superficial Fungal Infections in Children—What Do We Know?

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Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails are increasingly common in children worldwide, especially in warm, humid climates and in crowded living conditions. These infections are caused by germs that live on the skin and can spread through contact with infected people or animals. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing immune systems, but most infections are treatable with topical creams or oral medications, with terbinafine being the most effective option currently available.

Reprogramming astrocytic NDRG2/NF-κB/C3 signaling restores the diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction

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This study found that regular exercise helps protect the brain of diabetic people from cognitive decline by boosting a protein called NDRG2 in astrocytes (brain support cells). The research shows that NDRG2 works by blocking harmful immune responses that damage synapses (connections between brain cells). In diabetic mice, exercise improved memory and learning ability while increasing NDRG2 levels, while blocking this protein reversed these benefits.

Epidemiological Profile of Otomycosis at the Peace Hospital of Ziguinchor (Senegal)

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This study examined fungal ear infections (otomycosis) in a hospital in Senegal, finding that 85% of suspected cases were confirmed as fungal infections. The most common culprits were Aspergillus mold and Candida yeast species. The research emphasizes that proper fungal identification is crucial for effective treatment, as doctors might otherwise prescribe unnecessary antibiotics that don’t work against fungi.

Research Topic: Medicinal