Medicinal – Page 165

Prospective Preference Assessment for the Psilocybin for Enhanced Analgesia in Chronic nEuropathic PAIN (PEACE-PAIN) Trial

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Researchers surveyed chronic pain patients about their willingness to participate in a trial testing psilocybin (a compound from magic mushrooms) as a pain treatment. About 77% of patients were interested in participating. Interestingly, patients who had previously used psychedelics were much more willing to join the trial. Common reasons for wanting to participate included needing new pain treatments, while concerns about side effects and practical difficulties like attending multiple appointments discouraged others.

Computational analysis of missense mutations in squalene epoxidase associated with terbinafine resistance in clinically reported dermatophytes

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Certain fungal skin infections are becoming resistant to terbinafine, a common antifungal medication, due to genetic mutations in an enzyme called squalene epoxidase. Using computer models and analysis tools, researchers identified which mutations most strongly reduce the drug’s effectiveness and where the protein changes occur. Four specific mutations were found to prevent terbinafine from binding to its target, offering insights that could help develop better antifungal treatments.

Fungal β-Glucans: Biological Properties, Immunomodulatory Effects, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

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β-glucans are natural substances found in yeast and fungi that help boost the immune system and fight cancer. They can be measured in blood to diagnose serious fungal infections and may help prevent common illnesses like colds and respiratory infections. Recent research suggests they could be useful additions to vaccines and may help patients recovering from COVID-19.

Successful management of Lomentospora prolificans septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent child: A case report

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A 3-year-old healthy child developed a serious fungal bone and joint infection in the elbow after surgery to repair a broken arm bone. The fungus, called Lomentospora prolificans, is extremely resistant to most medications and can lead to limb amputation. Doctors saved the child’s arm by combining multiple approaches: repeated surgeries to clean out infected tissue, three different antifungal medications taken together, special antibiotic-loaded bone cement placed in the elbow, and antiseptic wound washing. After six months of treatment, the infection was cured and the child could use their arm again.

Persistent Candidemia: Predictors and Outcomes in a Multicenter Matched Analysis

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This study examined cases where fungal infections caused by Candida persisted in the bloodstream even after starting antifungal treatment. Researchers compared 46 patients with persistent infections to 92 control patients without persistent infections across three major medical centers. Patients with persistent candidemia were younger, more likely to be female, had more health complications, and sadly had much higher death rates (54% vs 31%) within 90 days. The findings suggest that certain patient characteristics and fungal species types may help identify those at higher risk of persistent infections.

Genomic characterization and fermentation study of the endophyte Stemphylium sp. (Aa22), a producer of bioactive alkyl-resorcinols

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Scientists sequenced the complete genome of a fungus called Stemphylium sp. (strain Aa22) that lives inside wormwood plants without harming them. This fungus produces natural compounds called alkyl-resorcinols that can repel aphids and kill plant-damaging nematodes, making them potentially useful as organic pesticides. The researchers found the genetic instructions for making these compounds and determined that growing the fungus in liquid culture produces more of the useful compounds than growing it on rice, offering a promising path toward developing these natural biopesticides on a larger scale.

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in diabetic ketoacidosis: A classic clinical presentation still unknown in Senegal

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A young woman in Senegal with uncontrolled diabetes developed a serious fungal infection affecting her eye and brain caused by Rhizopus oryzae. Despite showing classic warning signs like swelling and tissue death, the infection was not diagnosed quickly enough, and the necessary antifungal medication (amphotericin B) was not available, resulting in her death within three days. This case highlights how invasive fungal infections are underrecognized and undertreated in Africa due to limited laboratory capacity and drug availability.

Effects of Rhizopus oligosporus-Mediated Solid-State Fermentation on the Protein Profile and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Selenium-Biofortified Soybean Tempeh

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Researchers developed a special tempeh (traditional soybean food) enriched with selenium using a fungus called Rhizopus oligosporus. The selenium-enriched tempeh had improved protein quality with more amino acids and demonstrated strong ability to slow down sugar absorption in the digestive system, similar to diabetes medications. This makes selenium-biofortified tempeh a promising natural functional food for managing blood sugar levels while providing essential selenium nutrients that many people lack.

Phytochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Activities of Edible Mushroom Termitomyces striatus

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Researchers studied an edible mushroom called Termitomyces striatus traditionally consumed in Africa and Asia to understand its disease-fighting properties. They found that extracts from this mushroom contain beneficial compounds that can kill harmful bacteria and fungi in laboratory tests. The dichloromethane extract was the most effective, showing strong activity against multiple disease-causing bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans. This suggests the mushroom could potentially be developed into new natural antimicrobial treatments.

Cgm1 is a β-galactoside α-(1 → 4)-mannosyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of capsular glucuronoxylomannogalactan in Cryptococcus neoformans

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Researchers identified a new fungal enzyme called Cgm1 that helps the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans build its protective capsule, which allows it to evade the immune system. When this enzyme is disabled, the fungus becomes weak at body temperature and triggers a stronger immune response in infected mice. Since humans and plants don’t have this enzyme, it could be a promising target for developing new antifungal medications.

Research Topic: Medicinal