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NDTV
4 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Cannabis Compounds Show Potential Against Deadly Fungal Pathogen In Lab Studies
Recent laboratory research indicates that compounds derived from the cannabis plant, specifically cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidivarin (CBDV), exhibit antifungal properties against Cryptococcus neoformans, a WHO-listed priority fungal pathogen responsible for severe infections like cryptococcal meningitis. In vitro studies have shown that these cannabinoids can inhibit the growth of this pathogen, suggesting potential avenues for developing new antifungal treatments. According to a media release by Macquarie University, the compounds also killed dermatophytes that cause common skin infections, and much faster than existing treatments. The study's findings pave the way for potential new treatments for fungal infections. Published in The Journal of Neglected Tropical Diseases (PLOS NTDs), the research offers promising prospects for addressing these infections. Fungal infections affect more than one billion people around the world each year, according to data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Whether it's athlete's foot, a yeast infection, or the potentially deadly lung infection pneumocystis pneumonia, fungal pathogens are a serious health threat with relatively few effective treatments. Macquarie University's Dr Hue Dinh, a postdoctoral research fellow in the School of Natural Science, and Associate Professor Amy Cain resolved to tackle the growing threat of fungal infections with help from Professor Mark Connor and Dr Marina Junqueira Santiago from the Macquarie School of Medicine and collaborators at the Universities of Sydney and NSW. Having worked in the field of antimicrobial resistance, Dr Hue Dinh knew that developing an entirely new drug and getting it to market could take decades. It made more sense to work with pharmacological compounds already approved for use in humans for other conditions because their safety and mechanism of action are already well known. Cannabis connection Dr Dinh says one of the challenges in the research project was deciding which cannabinoids to test and against what. "Hundreds of natural compounds can be extracted from the cannabis plant, and we don't know which ones work," says Dr Dinh. Macquarie Medical School pharmacologist Professor Mark Connor, who has a strong background in researching cannabinoids, joined the team in their quest to target the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, which causes deadly lung or brain infections. "When Cryptococcus neoformans gets to your central nervous system, it causes life-threatening meningitis. The mortality rate is very high, and it's really hard to treat," says Dr Dinh. The researchers found two cannabinoids - cannabidiol and cannabidivarin - that both quickly killed Cryptococcus neoformans in the laboratory, working even faster than current antifungal therapy. They tested the compounds against 33 other fungal pathogens from clinical, veterinary and environmental settings. This revealed the cannabinoids were effective in killing a range of Cryptococcus species as well as the fungal skin pathogens that cause athlete's foot.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Cannabis Compound Could Protect Us From Deadly Fungal Disease
A dangerous fungal pathogen has proven no match for what may be one of the most useful plants in nature. Scientists studying the chemical properties of cannabis have found it kills one of the most dangerous fungal pathogens in the world – in a laboratory setting, at least. Cryptococcus neoformans, a species of fungus behind cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis, appears to be vulnerable to topical treatment with cannabidiol and cannabidivarin, compounds found in the plant Cannabis sativa. "When Cryptococcus neoformans gets to your central nervous system, it causes life-threatening meningitis," explains biologist Hue Dinh of Macquarie University in Australia. "The mortality rate is very high, and it's really hard to treat." Fungal pathogens pose a pretty significant threat to human health, with around 300 species known to cause diseases in humans, with varying levels of severity. Because pathogens such as fungi and bacteria continually develop resistances to drugs, new treatment options are continually needed to keep them at bay. One strategy is to look at medications that have already been approved for human use for other ailments. Dinh and her colleagues turned their research to cannabis, isolating five compounds to test on C. neoformans and a range of other pathogens. They isolated the fungal species in a lab, and applied the compounds. Cannabidiol (CBD), which is non-psychoactive, and cannabidivarin (CBDV), which is psychoactive, both killed C. neoformans adroitly, acting even faster than current antifungal treatments. They were also effective at eradicating the fungal pathogens responsible for such conditions as jock itch and athlete's foot. "Proteomics analysis revealed that the antifungal activity of CBD and CBDV was linked to destabilization of the membrane, alterations in ergosterol biosynthesis, disruption of metabolic pathways, as well as selective involvement of mitochondrial-associated proteins," the researchers wrote in their paper. It's one thing to kill a fungus in a petri dish, but quite another to observe the treatment working in a living system. To test their findings further, the researchers turned to Galleria mellonella, the greater wax moth. The larvae of this moth possess an innate immune response that is similar to that of mammals. They are also inexpensive to obtain, have short lifespans, and require no special equipment to keep, making them an excellent model for large-scale studies of infectious pathogens and the treatments thereof. Moth larvae were given small burn wounds, and then divided into groups. One group was left alone with just the burn wounds as a control; the remainder were infected with C. neoformans, and treated with different medicaments. One group was treated with CBD dissolved in dimethyl sulfide. Another group was treated with dimethyl sulfide without the CBD. Finally, the last group was treated using Amphotericin B, a medication used to treat serious fungal infections in humans. The results were striking. The survival rate of the larvae treated with CBD was significantly higher than the survival rate of the larvae treated with the dimethyl sulfide alone, and also higher than the survival rate of the Amphotericin B group. In fact, it was nearly as high as the survival rate of the control group – the larvae that had not been infected with the fungus at all. Although the treatment of infections that reach the lungs and brain is a bit more complicated, the result suggests that, at the very least, the topical application of cannabidiol might be effective at treating a range of fungal skin infections. "If we can demonstrate that these ones work well for common infections," Dinh says, "you could actually just get some CBD oil and then rub it on your skin to treat it." The research has been published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Pooping Is a High-Stakes Event That Could Be Fatal For One Group Misophonia Has Genetic Links to Depression And Anxiety, Study Finds Experimental Drug Helped Cancer Patients Live 40% Longer in Clinical Trial
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Newsweek
Texas Man Killed Mother After 'Vivid Dream' About World War, Police Say
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A man stabbed his mother to death and bludgeoned his father with a dumbbell on Mother's Day after having a "vivid dream" about a world war, says Houston police. Bao Hoang Dinh, 36, was arrested on May 11 after allegedly attacking both of his parents with a "large knife." His mother was pronounced dead in the hospital, and his father is in stable condition. Newsweek reached out to the Harris County Public Defender's Office via email for comment. The Context Dinh is facing charges of murder and aggravated assault of a family member. If found guilty of murder, he could face the death penalty. According to court records, Dinh has been granted a mental health evaluation. His mental state will likely play a large role in the case. Bao Hoang Dinh's booking photo. Bao Hoang Dinh's booking photo. Houston Police Department What To Know Dinh was arrested after police responded to an early morning call about a man with a knife in the front yard of Dinh's family home. When law enforcement arrived, they found the victims with multiple stab wounds, according to the police report. Dinh was arrested at 6:45 am on May 11. According to the affidavit, Dinh attacked his parents after having a dream that he had to kill them to prevent a global war. The affidavit said that Dinh confessed to several crimes committed that morning. It states: "The defendant says he went to his father's room and struck him repeatedly with a dumbbell." He also said he used a knife to attack his father and mother, according to police. According to police, Dinh confessed to trying to stab his father in the neck in the hopes of cutting his artery. When his father called out to his mother, Dinh found her on the stairs and admitted to stabbing her as well. The names of his parents have not been released. His bail is currently set at $1,00,000, as the police have determined that Dinh is a "high risk to others." Dinh is being represented by Yusuf Ghanem Bavi, a public defender. He did not appear in court for his first hearing on the evening of May 11. Dinh's mother is not the only person to die on May 11 in the Houston area. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office (HSCO) also announced the death of Eduardo Alfaro Jr., who was shot multiple times while meeting up with his mother. His step-brother, Charles Storey, has been charged with his murder. What People Are Saying The police affidavit on Bao Hoang Dinh's arrest: "Defendant said he had a vivid dream that explained to him that he had to kill his parents to prevent a global world war." What Happens Next Dinh's next hearing is set for May 13. His mental evaluation was held on May 12.
Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Miami Herald
‘Vivid dream' led son to kill mom, cut dad's throat on Mother's Day, TX cops say
A man fatally stabbed his mother and brutally attacked his father on Mother's Day, Texas authorities say. After being detained following the May 11 incident in Houston, 36-year-old Bao Dinh told police he committed the acts because of a 'vivid dream' he had, according to court records. The dream convinced Dinh that he 'had to kill his parents to prevent a global world war,' police said. Dinh is accused of going to his father's room and repeatedly striking him with a dumbbell. He then slit his dad's throat with hopes that his artery would be cut, according to police. The father yelled to his wife — Dinh's mother — who was at the bottom of the stairs. Dinh then stabbed his mom, killing her, police said. Dinh is charged with murder and aggravated assault of a family member, jail records show. He was jailed on a $1 million bond. The names of the victims have not been announced as of May 12. Police did not disclose the injuries to Dinh's father.
The Star
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
EXPLAINER: Why Vietnam has to amend its Constitution now and how this process works
HANOI: Vietnam has begun the process of constitutional amendments to carry out sweeping administrative reforms, including reducing the number of provinces, eliminating district-level governments, as well as reorganising the structure and redefining the role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF), a key political umbrella organisation. Here's how the process works and why it matters. What are the proposed changes? Vietnam's current administrative system is organised into three levels: provincial, district and communal. The constitutional amendments are set to centre on three major changes, affecting eight of the Constitution's 120 articles: • Provincial mergers: The number of provinces and centrally governed cities, currently at 63, will be reduced to 34 through mergers. This aims to reduce duplicated administrative functions, consolidate resources, and improve economic scale. • Abolition of district-level governments: Vietnam plans to eliminate the entire district level, meaning no more districts, towns or provincial cities. Provinces would directly manage communes (villages, wards and townships), creating a two-tier administrative system. "The three-tier government model has become increasingly cumbersome and duplicative, generating excessive administrative procedures and failing to leverage digital technologies to improve public service delivery," NA vice chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh said on Monday (May 5) when he initiated the process on behalf of the NA Standing Committee. • Restructuring the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF): The VFF, a political umbrella organisation enshrined in the Constitution, will undergo structural reforms. While it is not slated for abolition, its functions, organisation and constitutional definition will be adjusted to align with the new administrative structure. "VFF's functions often overlap with those of its member organisations, and in certain localities, the Front has struggled to maintain close ties with grassroots communities and promptly reflect public sentiment," Dinh added. The Government estimated that approximately 19,000 legal documents at the central and local levels could be amended. Key laws requiring urgent revision include the Law on the Organisation of Local Governments and the Law on the Vietnam Fatherland Front. Why does the Constitution need to be changed? Vietnam's current Constitution, passed in 2013, stipulates the country's three-tier administrative structure in Article 110, listing provinces, districts and communes as official administrative units. Therefore, removing the district level would directly conflict with the Constitution, necessitating a formal amendment. Similarly, Article 9 explicitly recognises the VFF as the "political base of the people's power", with mandates including national solidarity, supervision, and social feedback. Any redefinition of its status, functions or structure requires constitutional revision. In contrast, provincial mergers do not require constitutional changes, as the Constitution does not specify the number or names of provinces. These can be adjusted through ordinary legislative procedures — specifically, resolutions of the National Assembly (NA). What is the official process to amend the Constitution? Vietnam's constitutional amendment procedure is set out in Article 120 of the 2013 Constitution and detailed in the Law on Organisation of the National Assembly. The key stages are: • Proposal initiation: Amendments can be proposed by the President, the NA Standing Committee, the Government, or at least one-third of the NA deputies. • NA approval to proceed: The NA must approve the proposal with a two-thirds majority to proceed with the drafting of amendments. Without this supermajority, the process cannot advance. • Formation of a Constitutional Drafting Committee: If the proposal is approved, the National Assembly establishes a special committee to draft proposed changes. The NA Standing Committee nominates the committee members. • Public consultation: The draft amendments are released for public feedback, allowing citizens, experts and institutions to contribute comments. • Revisions and finalisation: The committee incorporates public feedback, revises the draft, and prepares a final version to be submitted to the NA. • Final vote: The NA votes on the final draft. It must be approved by two-thirds of all deputies to pass. The Constitution allows for a referendum, but this is optional. Has Vietnam amended its Constitution before? Vietnam has had five constitutional revisions: in 1946, 1959, 1980, 1992, and most recently, in 2013. These changes have led to major political or economic shifts, such as the socialist transformation in 1980 or market-oriented reforms in 1992. In 2001, the NA passed a partial amendment to the 1992 Constitution, adjusting the government structure and enhancing the role of mass organisations. The amendment in 2025 would restructure the country's administrative hierarchy, marking a significant departure from the three-level governance that has existed for decades. What is the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and why does it matter? The Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) is a unique political institution. Formed as a coalition of political and social organisations, it is mandated by the Constitution to represent citizens and social groups, promote national unity, supervise government activity and provide feedback on laws and policies. The upcoming constitutional revision may redefine the VFF's functions or reorganise its structure to align with the proposed two-tier administration. Official proposals suggest that Article 9 will be revised to clarify and strengthen the Front's role within the political system. Changes might also affect Article 84, potentially abolishing the right of the VFF's member organisations, such as the Trade Union or Farmers' Union, to propose draft legislation. The aim is to concentrate this authority in the VFF's Central Committee. The timeline The NA has begun to discuss the amendment proposal at the start of its 9th session on May 5. The NA Standing Committee has appointed a 15-member Constitutional Drafting Committee led by NA Chairman Tran Than Man, comprising representatives from various central agencies and organisations. Public consultation is planned for one month, from May 6 to June 5. The amendments are mandated to be finalised no later than June 30 and take effect on July 1, 2025. The constitutional amendments will reshape the country's political-administrative landscape, which has existed for decades, aiming to create a more streamlined and direct system of government and to strengthen the roles of VFF and its constituent organisations. - Vietnam News/ANN
