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Infection and Drug Resistance 2024Tinea capitis, primarily caused by dermatophytes such as and species, is a superficial fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair, commonly observed in prepubertal...
Tinea capitis, primarily caused by dermatophytes such as and species, is a superficial fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair, commonly observed in prepubertal children but rare in adults. Here we report a unique case of an adult female with tinea capitis presenting as diffused alopecia and erythema inflammation on the scalp's apex, mimicking seborrheic dermatitis. Examination of the hair and scalp using fluorescence microscopy and fungal culture identified the presence of hyphae from and . The patient underwent with oral antifungal treatment for 3 months, resulting in the resolution of the rash and subsequent hair regrowth, with no recurrence during 6-month follow-up. In vitro co-culture experiments of and (both and ) revealed that appears to facilitate growth, while the reverse was not observed. This data suggests that 's use of long-chain fatty acids by might reduce its antibacterial effect, potentially aiding adult tinea capitis development caused by .
PubMed: 38912215
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S455485 -
Viability and Diversity of the Microbial Cultures Available in Retail Kombucha Beverages in the USA.Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Kombucha is a two-stage fermented sweetened tea beverage that uses yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to convert sugars into ethanol and lactate and acetic acid...
Kombucha is a two-stage fermented sweetened tea beverage that uses yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to convert sugars into ethanol and lactate and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) to oxidize ethanol to acetate. Its popularity as a beverage grew from claims of health benefits derived from this vibrant microbial bioconversion. While recent studies have shed light on the diversity of cultures in Kombucha fermentation, there is limited information on the diversity, and especially viability, of cultures in retail beverages that advertise the presence of Kombucha and probiotic cultures. In this study, 12 Kombucha beverages produced by different manufacturers throughout the US were purchased and microbially characterized. Eight of the beverages contained viable Kombucha cultures, while 3 of the remaining 4 had viable cultures as added probiotics. Amplicon profiling revealed that all contained Kombucha yeast and bacteria cells. The dominant yeasts detected were (10/12), (9/12), (6/12), and (5/12). Dominant LAB included and , and AAB were , , and . One beverage had a significant amount of , an ethanol-producing bacterium from Agave cactus. While Kombucha beverages differ in the types and viability of cultures, all except one beverage contained detectable viable cells.
PubMed: 38890935
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111707 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Elevating the flavor profile of strong flavors has always been a focal point in the industry, and pit mud (PM) serves as a crucial flavor contributor in the...
Elevating the flavor profile of strong flavors has always been a focal point in the industry, and pit mud (PM) serves as a crucial flavor contributor in the fermentation process of the fermented grains (FG). This study investigated the influence of wheat flour and bran (MC and FC) as PM culture enrichment media on the microbiota and metabolites of FG, aiming to inform strategies for improving strong-flavor flavor. Results showed that adding PM cultures to FG significantly altered its properties: FC enhanced starch degradation to 51.46% and elevated reducing sugar content to 1.60%, while MC increased acidity to 2.11 mmol/10 g. PM cultures also elevated FG's ester content, with increases of 0.36 times for MC-FG and 1.48 times for FC-FG compared to controls, and ethyl hexanoate rising by 0.91 times and 1.39 times, respectively. Microbial analysis revealed that constituted over 95% of the community, with or being predominant among . included , , and , while consisted of and . Metagenomic analysis revealed bacterial dominance, primarily consisting of and (98.80-99.40%), with metabolic function predictions highlighting genes related to metabolism, especially in MC-FG. Predictions from PICRUSt2 suggested control over starch, cellulose degradation, and the TCA cycle by fungal subgroups, while and bacteria regulated ethanol and lactic acid production. This study highlights the importance of PM cultures in the fermentation process of FG, which is significant for brewing high-quality, strong-flavor .
PubMed: 38890826
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111597 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Apr 2024Wood apple () has been reported to possess various pharmacological activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the 11 selected constituents of Wood apple () as...
BACKGROUND
Wood apple () has been reported to possess various pharmacological activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the 11 selected constituents of Wood apple () as potent anti-dandruff and anti-acne agents using a molecular docking approach.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The 11 selected constituents of Wood apple were studied on the molecular docking behavior of Lipase-1 and beta-keto acyl synthase-III enzymes by using the patchdock method. Furthermore, STITCH analysis was carried out to determine the ligand-protein interactions. STITCH analysis reveals that two ligands, namely, psoralen and umbelliferone, have exhibited interactions with both the and KPA 171202 proteins.
RESULTS
The docking studies revealed that isopimpinellin and saponarin exhibited the highest (ACE) atomic contact energy (-162.32 and - 318.63 kcal/mol) with that of Lipase-1 and beta-ketoacyl synthase-III, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Thus, the present finding provides new knowledge for understanding the 11 selected ligands of Wood apple () as potent anti-dandruff and anti-acne agents.
PubMed: 38882809
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_508_23 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024
PubMed: 38868748
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1431191 -
Indian Dermatology Online Journal 2024Pediatric dermatitis seborrhoica (DS) is a common inflammatory disorder of infancy and adolescence distinct from atopic dermatitis. We performed a narrative review on... (Review)
Review
Pediatric dermatitis seborrhoica (DS) is a common inflammatory disorder of infancy and adolescence distinct from atopic dermatitis. We performed a narrative review on clinical and therapeutic aspects of the disease. The prevalence varies geographically and can reach up to 10%. There is a slight male predominance. Although etiopathology is not well known, both endogenous and exogenous factors contribute. Skin microbiome and its interaction with sebaceous gland function is crucial. The inflammatory pathways include innate immune function and skin barrier disturbances. spp. and certain bacteria are increased in lesional skin. DS develops in different clinical subtypes, from localized cephalic to disseminated disease with a risk of erythroderma and eczema herpeticatum. Treatment consists of skin care and topical and rarely systemic medical therapy. Cornerstones of treatment are antifungals and mild corticosteroids. Targeted treatment is on the horizon. Pediatric DS is a common disorder important in the differential diagnosis of skin problems in infants and and children. Due to better understanding of its pathogenesis, new treatment options are developed.
PubMed: 38845676
DOI: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_593_23 -
PloS One 2024Multiple inflammatory mechanisms dynamically interact in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Disruption of the relationship between...
OBJECTIVE
Multiple inflammatory mechanisms dynamically interact in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Disruption of the relationship between host and environmental factors on the mucosal surface leads to the development of inflammation. Microorganisms constitute the most important part of environmental factors.
METHODS
28 volunteers (18 CRSwNP patients and 10 healthy individuals) were included in the study. Eight patients were recurrent nasal polyposis cases, and the remaining were primary cases. Swab samples were taken from the middle meatus under endoscopic examination from all participants. After DNA extraction, a library was created with the Swift Amplicon 16S + ITS kit and sequenced with Illumina Miseq. Sequence analysis was performed using QIIME, UNITE v8.2 database for ITS and Silva v138 for 16S rRNA.
RESULTS
The predominant bacteria in all groups were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria as phyla and Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Sphingomonas as genera. Comparison of bacterial communities of CRSwNP patients and control group highlighted Corynebacterium, as the differentiating taxa for control group and Streptococcus, Moraxella, Rothia, Micrococcus, Gemella, and Prevotella for CRSwNP patients. The predominant fungal genus in all groups was Malassezia. Staphylococcus; showed a statistically significant negative correlation with Dolosigranulum. Corynebacterium had a positive correlation with Anaerococcus, and a negative correlation with Neisseria, Prevotella, Fusobacterium and Peptostreptococcus.
CONCLUSION
Nasal microbiome of CRSwNP patients shows greater inter-individual variation than the control group. Corynebacterium is less abundant in patients with CRSwNP compared to the control group. Malassezia is the predominant fungus in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and correlates positively with the abundance of Corynebacterium.
Topics: Humans; Sinusitis; Nasal Polyps; Female; Male; Adult; Chronic Disease; Middle Aged; Bacteria; Rhinitis; Fungi; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Microbiota; Case-Control Studies; Rhinosinusitis
PubMed: 38820284
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304634 -
The World Allergy Organization Journal May 2024Fungi are known for their ability to cause allergies, but data on individual sensitization to them are insufficient. The purpose of the study was to carry out a...
BACKGROUND
Fungi are known for their ability to cause allergies, but data on individual sensitization to them are insufficient. The purpose of the study was to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the fungal allergens' sensitization profile in the Ukrainian population and to determine both population and individual sensitivity to these allergens.
METHODS
We utilized a set of ALEX allergy test data from 20,033 inhabitants of 17 regions of Ukraine from 1 to 89 years conducted in 2020-2022. A complex of programs in the Python language was developed and Bayesian network analysis was applied to determine the sensitivity combinations in individual patients to various fungal components.
RESULTS
Sensitivity to Alt a 1 dominated and was observed in 79.39% of patients, and 62.17% of them were sensitive solely to Alt a 1. Exclusive sensitivity to Mala s 6 was second in individual patient profiles with a frequency of 4.06%. Combined sensitivity to Alt a 1 - Asp f 3 was third with a share of 3.28%. Pen ch and Cla h extracts stimulated the production of the lowest median sIgE levels. The highest median sIgE levels were for Alt a 1, Mala s 11 and Asp f 6, respectively. Median sIgE levels increased in adults compared to children for all components of , as well as for Mala s 5 and Mala s 11. In the rest of the cases, they decreased in adults compared to children. The sensitization rates to fungi in general and specifically to were lower in the western parts of Ukraine, especially in the Carpathian region, situated within the Broad-leaved Forest zone. The results of Bayesian modeling revealed that in the case of Alt a 1, the simultaneous absence of sensitivity to Cla h 8, Mala s 11, Mala s 5 and Mala s 6 molecules could condition the presence of sensitization to the major allergen with a probability of 92.42%. In all other cases, there was a high probability of absence of sensitivity to particular allergen against the background of absence of sensitivity to other ones, which may indicate the independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens.
CONCLUSIONS
Sensitivity to Alt a 1 dominated in the studied population with a lower rate in the western regions. The highest median sIgE levels were induced by Alt a 1, Mala s 11 and Asp f 6. Bayesian Analysis suggest a high probability of the independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens. The idea that sensitization to one allergen may be protective against sensitization to another one(s) requires further clinical study.
PubMed: 38800499
DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100908 -
Microorganisms May 2024Because data on the fungal gut community structure of African children are scarce, we aimed to describe it by reanalysing rRNA ITS1 and ITS2 metabarcoding data from a...
Because data on the fungal gut community structure of African children are scarce, we aimed to describe it by reanalysing rRNA ITS1 and ITS2 metabarcoding data from a study designed to assess the influence of microbiota in malaria susceptibility in Malian children from the Dogon country. More specifically, we aimed to establish the core gut mycobiome and compare the gut fungal community structure of breastfed children, aged 0-2 years, with other age groups. Briefly, DNA was extracted from 296 children's stool samples. Both rRNA ITS1 and ITS2 genomic barcodes were amplified and subjected to Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The ITS2 barcode generated 1,975,320 reads and 532 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), while the ITS1 barcode generated 647,816 reads and 532 OTUs. The alpha diversity was significantly higher by using the ITS1 compared to the ITS2 barcode ( < 0.05); but, regardless of the ITS barcode, we found no significant difference between breastfed children, aged 0-2 years, compared to the other age groups. The core gut mycobiome of the Malian children included , , , , and section , which were present in at least 50% of the 296 children. Further studies in other African countries are warranted to reach a global view of African children's core gut mycobiome.
PubMed: 38792756
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050926 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Gut bacterial alterations have been previously linked to several non-communicable diseases in adults, while the association of mycobiome is not well understood in these...
Gut bacterial alterations have been previously linked to several non-communicable diseases in adults, while the association of mycobiome is not well understood in these diseases, especially in infants and children. Few studies have been conducted on the association between gut mycobiome and non-communicable diseases in children. We investigated gut mycobiome composition using 194 faecal samples collected at birth, 6 months after birth, and 18 months after birth in relation to atopic dermatitis (AD) and overweight diagnoses at the age of 18 or 36 months. The mycobiome exhibited distinct patterns, with prevalent in the meconium samples of both overweight and non-overweight groups. took precedence in overweight cases at 6 and 18 months, while dominated non-overweight samples at 6 months. emerged as a consistent high-abundance taxon across groups that had dermatitis and were overweight. We found a weak association between gut mycobiome and AD at birth and overweight at 18 months when using machine learning (ML) analyses. In ML, unidentified fungi, , and , were important for classifying AD, while , and were important for classifying overweight. Gut mycobiome might be associated with the development of AD and overweight in children.
PubMed: 38786688
DOI: 10.3390/jof10050333