Candida die-off: Adverse effect and neutralization with phytotherapy approaches

Multi-computational screening identifies homovanillic acid as a potential SAP5 inhibitor against Candida albicans biofilms

This work aims to find inhibitors of SAP5, a virulence factor in Candida albicans polymicrobial biofilms. The methodology included docking simulations, MMGBSA calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations. Of the 107 phenolic acids retrieved from PubChem, 20 passed ADMET screening. The research finds homovanillic acid to be a possible SAP5 inhibitor, with a binding energy of -19.92 kcal/mol as shown by molecular docking and MMGBSA analysis. The compound showed favorable ADMET properties, indicating low toxicity and high drug-likeness. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 nanoseconds confirmed stable protein-ligand interactions. These findings suggest homovanillic acid's potential in treating AMR-associated biofilms and establish a foundation for experimental validation. The study demonstrates how computational methods can accelerate the discovery of novel antifungal medicines targeting polymicrobial infections.

Case series of dogs with blastomycosis managed with high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (2019-2023): 19 cases

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation, progression, treatment, and outcome of dogs with blastomycosis treated with high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNOT).

Design

Retrospective case review.

Setting

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Nineteen client-owned dogs with strongly suspected or confirmed blastomycosis treated with HFNOT.

Measurements and main results

The medical records of dogs with strongly suspected or confirmed blastomycosis between October 2019 and May 2023 that received HFNOT were evaluated. Nineteen dogs were included. Nine dogs were started directly on high-flow nasal oxygen therapy. The remaining 10 dogs first received traditional oxygen therapy and were then transitioned to HFNOT 3-142 h later. Of the 19 dogs, 1 survived to discharge from hospital, 12 were euthanized due to progression of disease, and 6 died during the hospitalization period.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The prognosis for survival of dogs with severe blastomycosis requiring therapy beyond traditional oxygen methods was poor to grave in this population. This is the first known documented report of HFNOT use in dogs with confirmed or suspected blastomycosis.

New azole derivatives linked to indole/indoline moieties combined with FLC against drug-resistant Candida albicans

Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen associated with human opportunistic infections. Invasive infections caused by C. albicans are becoming increasingly serious. However, with the rising incidence of fungal infection, many fungi are resistant to commonly used drugs. Therefore, there is an urgent need for exploring new anti-fungal drugs that fungi are not resistant to. A series of novel azole derivatives linked to indole/indoline moieties were prepared, and in vitro antifungal activity evaluated. All compounds combined with FLC showed excellent activity against drug-resistant C. albicans with low toxicity. A preliminary mechanistic study indicated that S1 combined with FLC could inhibit the formation of C. albicans biofilms as well as destroy the integrity of cell-membrane structure and mitochondrial function. S1 could be considered a new fungal agent for further study.