Medicinal – Page 169

First report of Stemphylium lycopersici keratitis, a complex corneal infection case

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A 66-year-old man developed a severe corneal infection from a stone chip injury that didn’t improve with standard antibiotics. Doctors discovered the infection was caused by a rare plant fungus called Stemphylium lycopersici, combined with a herpes virus. Using advanced genetic testing (mNGS) to identify the exact pathogens, they prescribed targeted antifungal and antiviral medications along with a corneal transplant, successfully healing the infection and preserving his vision.

Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity and Antifungal Efficacy of Crocus sativus (saffron) Petals on Clinical Isolates of Candida albicans

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Researchers tested saffron petals to see if they could fight Candida albicans yeast infections. While saffron extract showed some antifungal activity, it was less powerful than the standard drug fluconazole. However, saffron was very safe and non-toxic to human cells, making it a promising natural alternative therapy worth exploring further.

Diagnostic performance of Aspergillus-specific immunoglobulin G immunochromatographic and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: comparative analysis across subtypes and influencing factors

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Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a serious fungal lung infection that primarily affects people with existing lung conditions. This study compared two methods to detect the disease: a fast, portable test (ICT) and a traditional laboratory test (ELISA). The faster ICT test was more accurate overall and can provide results quickly in areas without advanced laboratory facilities. However, patients already taking antifungal medications had lower test accuracy with both methods.

Neonatal Invasive Candidiasis: Current Concepts

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Serious fungal infections (candidiasis) in newborns have become increasingly difficult to treat, especially in developing countries. The types of fungi causing these infections have changed dramatically, with many now resisting the standard fluconazole treatment. Modern medical care, like proper handwashing, environmental cleaning, and careful line care, is actually more effective at preventing these infections than giving preventive antifungal drugs. Healthcare providers need better tools for quickly identifying which fungal species is causing infection and which drugs will work against it.

Antimicrobial and antiparasitic potential of lupeol: antifungal effect on the Candida parapsilosis species complex and nematicidal activity against Caenorhabditis elegans

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Researchers tested a natural compound called lupeol against disease-causing yeasts and parasitic worms. Lupeol successfully killed or inhibited the growth of Candida yeast species that are becoming resistant to current medications. The compound also showed strong activity against parasitic roundworms. This discovery suggests lupeol could be developed as a new treatment option for fungal and parasitic infections.

Incidence And Risk Factors for Invasive Fungal Infections in Pre-Transplant and Transplant-Ineligible Multiple Myeloma in the U.S.: A Claims Analysis (2017-2021)

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This study examined fungal infections in patients with multiple myeloma who were not eligible for or preparing for stem cell transplants. Researchers found that 6% of these patients developed invasive fungal infections, with yeast infections being the most common type. The risk of these infections was significantly higher in patients taking dexamethasone (a steroid) or those with low white blood cell counts and those receiving multiple cancer therapies.

Immunometabolic reprogramming in macrophages infected with active and dormant Cryptococcus neoformans: differential modulation of respiration, glycolysis, and fatty acid utilization

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Researchers discovered that when fungal yeast cells enter a dormant state inside immune cells, they trigger different metabolic changes compared to actively growing yeast. While active yeast pushes immune cells to work harder metabolically, dormant yeast causes minimal stress but increases fat uptake by immune cells. This difference may explain how some fungal infections can remain hidden in the body for long periods without causing symptoms.

Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Colon Cancer-Preventive Potential of a Polysaccharide Fraction from Macrolepiota procera

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Researchers isolated special sugar compounds called polysaccharides from parasol mushrooms and tested their health benefits. These compounds were found to fight free radicals that damage cells, reduce inflammation in the body, and specifically kill colon cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The study suggests that parasol mushrooms could be developed into health supplements or functional foods to help prevent cancer and improve overall health.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Due to COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Rare Extensive Tracheobronchial Pseudomembranous Involvement: A Case Report

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An elderly COVID-19 patient developed a rare and severe fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fungus in the airways, creating yellowish-white membrane-like deposits that blocked breathing. Despite identification of the fungus through examination and modern genetic testing, and treatment with antifungal medications, the patient’s condition worsened rapidly leading to organ failure and death. This case highlights how fungal infections can complicate COVID-19, especially in elderly patients on multiple medications, and stresses the importance of early recognition and immediate antifungal treatment.

Giant cell arteritis as a cause of extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm: a case report

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A 57-year-old woman was found to have a balloon-like bulge (pseudoaneurysm) in her carotid artery in the neck. Doctors performed surgery to remove the bulge and reconnect the artery. When they examined the removed tissue under a microscope, they discovered it was caused by giant cell arteritis, a rare inflammatory disease that affects blood vessels. After surgery, the patient recovered well with normal blood flow restored to the artery, and doctors recommend this open surgery approach as the best way to treat this condition.

Research Topic: Medicinal