Medicinal – Page 175

Identification and functional analysis of the SET domain-containing gene family in Cordyceps militaris

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Researchers identified 22 genes in the medicinal fungus Cordyceps militaris that control how genetic information is accessed through histone modifications. By studying how these genes respond to salt and amino acid treatments, they found that two specific genes (CmSET14 and CmSET16) are linked to cordycepin production, a compound with potential anti-cancer properties. When these genes were enhanced in the fungus, cordycepin production increased significantly, offering a new strategy to boost production of this valuable medicinal compound.

Engineered biosynthesis and characterization of disaccharide-pimaricin

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Scientists successfully created a genetically engineered bacterium that produces a safer version of an antifungal drug called pimaricin. The new version, called disaccharide-pimaricin, dissolves much better in water and causes significantly less damage to human blood cells, making it a much safer option for treating fungal infections. Although it’s slightly less effective at killing fungi, the improvement in safety and solubility makes it a promising candidate for treating eye infections and other fungal diseases.

The Brief Case: Cutaneous ulceration associated with acalabrutinib treatment

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A 72-year-old patient being treated with acalabrutinib for blood cancer developed a slowly growing skin ulcer on the thigh. Testing identified a fungal infection caused by Alternaria alternata, a mold found in soil and air. The patient was successfully treated with an antifungal medication called posaconazole, with the ulcer healing over one month. This case highlights that doctors should check for fungal infections in chronic skin wounds of patients taking BTK inhibitor medications.

Epidemiology of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients in northwest Iran: Rhizopus arrhizus as the predominant species

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This study found that COVID-19 patients in northwestern Iran who received high-dose steroid treatment developed serious fungal infections called mucormycosis. The infection was caused primarily by a fungus called Rhizopus arrhizus and affected mainly the sinuses and brain. The steroids used to treat COVID-19 weakened patients’ immune systems and triggered diabetes, both of which made them vulnerable to this dangerous fungal infection.

Purification, Structural Characteristics, Bioactive Properties, and Applications of Naematelia aurantialba Polysaccharides: A Comprehensive Review

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Golden ear (Naematelia aurantialba) is a traditional Chinese fungus that is becoming increasingly popular for its health benefits. This comprehensive review explains how scientists extract and purify the beneficial polysaccharides from golden ear, and what makes them effective against diseases like diabetes and inflammation. The research shows these mushroom polysaccharides could be used in medicines, functional foods, and even cosmetics to improve human health.

The tell-tale hearts: Donor-derived invasive fungal infections among orthotopic heart transplant recipients

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This case report describes two rare instances where fungal infections were transmitted from organ donors to heart transplant recipients. One involved a Candida infection and the other involved Aspergillus fungus, both causing serious bloodstream and heart infections. The patients required extensive antifungal medications and multiple surgeries to survive their infections, though they experienced significant complications. These cases highlight the importance of careful screening of organ donors for undetected infections.

Comparative Multi-Omics Analysis and Antitumor Activity of Phylloporia crataegi and Phylloporia fontanesiae

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Two species of medicinal fungi were studied to understand why one was better at fighting cancer cells. Researchers analyzed the chemicals, genes, and proteins in both fungi and found that Phylloporia crataegi had much higher levels of cancer-fighting compounds and activated special cellular defense pathways that harm cancer cells. This research shows that medicinal fungi could be promising sources for developing new cancer treatments.

Efficacy and safety of isavuconazole for invasive fungal infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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Isavuconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections that can occur in people with weakened immune systems. This research review looked at three clinical trials comparing isavuconazole to other antifungal drugs and found it works just as well while being easier on the liver. Notably, isavuconazole caused fewer drug-related side effects and liver problems compared to voriconazole, another common antifungal drug.

Comparison of galactomannan lateral flow assay and enzyme immunoassay to identify Aspergillus spp. in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid

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Researchers compared two rapid tests for detecting a fungal infection called aspergillosis in lung fluid samples. One test uses a simple lateral flow format (like a COVID test), while the other is a more traditional enzyme immunoassay. Both tests had good agreement, with the lateral flow assay showing high accuracy and the advantage of being faster and requiring fewer laboratory resources, making it especially useful for hospitals with limited equipment.

The First Whole Genome Sequence and Methylation Profile of Gerronema lapidescens QL01

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of Lei Wan (Gerronema lapidescens), a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating parasitic infections and digestive problems. The research revealed how this mushroom produces beneficial compounds and how its genes are regulated through a process called methylation. This information could help develop better ways to cultivate this increasingly rare mushroom sustainably rather than harvesting it from the wild, making it available for future medical research and treatment.

Research Topic: Medicinal