Topic Review
Yeast-Based Screening of Anti-Viral Molecules
Viruses are microscopic, subcellular biological entities that mainly consist of proteins and nucleic acid [ssDNA or dsDNA or (+) ssRNA or (−) ssRNA or both DNA and RNA (for example, Leukovirus)]. Yeast emerged as a model of choice for in vivo assays. Several features that compel the use of a yeast-based platform for screening purposes are briefly highlighted here.
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  • 22 Mar 2024
Topic Review
The Microbiota in Long COVID
Long COVID has emerged as a huge threat to human health and economy globally. The human microbiota plays an important role in health and disease, participating in the modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus, multiple studies have found that the nasopharyngeal microbiota is altered in COVID-19 patients, with these changes associated with the onset and/or severity of the disease. However, little is known about the involvement of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of long COVID.
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  • 21 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Biocidal Action of Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour and Mechanism
Disinfection is described as a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects, with the exception of bacterial endospores. Disinfection is usually carried out by chemical or physical means. Among other settings, disinfection is of utmost importance in hospital environments due to pathogens living on hospital surfaces being the direct cause for hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). However, the presence of a wide range of pathogens and biofilms, combined with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, presents infection control teams in healthcare facilities with ongoing challenges in the selection of biocides and application methods. This necessitates the development of biocides and innovative disinfection methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional methods. The use of hydrogen peroxide vapour to be a superior alternative to conventional methods. Hydrogen peroxide vapour to be very close to an ideal disinfectant due to its proven efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms, safety to use, lack of toxicity concerns and good material compatibility.
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  • 14 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Hidden World of Gut Microbiota
Metabolites generated from the gut microbiota play an essential role in the host’s health by regulating metabolic homeostasis. A disruption in this equilibrium can lead to the emergence of numerous illnesses and their etiology. Pesticides have been shown in a few recent studies to harm the host’s gut microbiome.
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  • 12 Mar 2024
Topic Review
miR-Based Treatments for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by lung inflammation and increased membrane permeability, which represents the leading cause of mortality in ICUs. Mechanical ventilation strategies are at the forefront of supportive approaches for ARDS. Recently, an increasing understanding of RNA biology, function, and regulation, as well as the success of RNA vaccines, has spurred enthusiasm for the emergence of novel RNA-based therapeutics. The most common types of RNA seen in development are silencing (si)RNAs, antisense oligonucleotide therapy (ASO), and messenger (m)RNAs that collectively account for 80% of the RNA therapeutics pipeline. These three RNA platforms are the most mature, with approved products and demonstrated commercial success. 
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  • 05 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Functional Categories of Streptococcus pyogenes Immunomodulating Enzymes
Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus, is an exclusively human pathogen that causes a wide variety of diseases ranging from mild throat and skin infections to severe invasive disease. The pathogenesis of S. pyogenes infection has been extensively studied, but the pathophysiology, especially of the more severe infections, is still somewhat elusive. One key feature of S. pyogenes is the expression of secreted, surface-associated, and intracellular enzymes that directly or indirectly affect both the innate and adaptive host immune systems. Undoubtedly, S. pyogenes is one of the major bacterial sources for immunomodulating enzymes. Major targets for these enzymes are immunoglobulins that are destroyed or modified through proteolysis or glycan hydrolysis.
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  • 01 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Cell Envelope Synthesis Enzymes
Life-threatening systemic fungal infections occur in immunocompromised patients at an alarming rate. Current antifungal therapies face challenges like drug resistance and patient toxicity, emphasizing the need for new treatments. Membrane-bound enzymes account for a large proportion of antifungal targets, especially ones that contribute to cell wall and cell membrane biosynthesis. Moreover, structural biology has led to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which these enzymes synthesize their products, as well as the mechanism of action for some antifungals. 
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  • 27 Feb 2024
Biography
Debasis Mitra
Dr. Debasis Mitra is an Indian Researcher, known for his numerous contributions to the application and formulation of beneficial plant growth-promoting microorganisms at the laboratory and field level for sustainable crop production, protection and development. Dr. Debasis Mitra is currently working as an Assistant Professor (Research) in the Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Non-Candida Yeasts and Dimorphic Fungi in Cetaceans
This encyclopedia entry addresses the overlooked presence of non-Candida yeasts in cetaceans, key to marine ecosystems yet threatened by human activity, climate change, and pollution. Highlighting the importance of cetaceans as indicators of ocean and human health, it examines the distribution, pathogenicity, and ecological impact of specific yeast species, including Cryptococcus spp. and Paracoccidioides spp. The entry explores the balance between yeast commensalism and pathogenicity, influenced by environmental stressors like pollution and climate alterations, and its effects on marine host health and ecosystem dynamics. The unique physiological and ecological aspects of cetaceans are considered, with a focus on potential effects on their behavior, reproduction, and survival. The entry identifies key research gaps and advocates for advanced molecular studies on the cetacean mycobiome, emphasizing the need for a One Health approach. It underscores the urgency of further research into non-Candida yeasts in cetaceans for marine conservation and public health.
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  • 22 Feb 2024
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Modulation of the Host Defence System by Nematophagous Fungi and Chitosan
Nematophagous fungi (NFs), which are responsible for soil suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes, are multitrophic biocontrol agents. This raises the question of the transition between lifestyles (e.g., endophytism vs. egg parasitism). The NF Pochonia chlamydosporia colonises food crops and promotes their growth and yield. When colonising the plant, P. chlamydosporia induces the plant immunity (PI). However, it also evades the PI. To do this, both endophytic NF and pathogenic fungi (PF) secrete LysM effectors (LysM-effs). LysM effectors have been shown to have diverse functions in different organisms, including the protection of fungal chitin from plant chitinases. P. chlamydosporia is resistant to chitosan, which modulates gene expression in fungi and plants and has antimicrobial properties. P. chlamydosporia chitin deacetylases (CDA) and chitosanases (CSN) also help P. chlamydosporia evade plant immunity, resist exogenous chitosan, and are induced during fungal infection of nematode eggs. NF-chitosan formulations are new biomanagement tools against plant parasitic nematodes, fungal wilt pathogens and insect pests that currently threaten food security crops. Furthermore, omics techniques are useful tools to elucidate the role of CDAs, CSNs, LysM-effs, adhesion proteins and carbohydrate-active enzymes in pathogen–BCA–plant interactions, adhesion and infection to nematode eggs and their modulation by chitosan.
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  • 21 Feb 2024
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