Iron is essential for the formation, maturation and dispersal of bacterial biofilms, playing a crucial role in the physiological and metabolic functions of bacteria as well as in the regulation of virulence. Limited availability of iron can impair the formation of robust biofilms by altering cellular motility, hydrophobicity and protein composition of the bacterial surface. In this study, the antibiofilm activity of two natural iron chelating agents, kojic acid (5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4H-pyran-4-one) and maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone), were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBacterial coaggregation is a critical process in multispecies biofilm formation, driven by specific molecular interactions that facilitate the adhesion and aggregation of bacterial cells. These interactions are essential for the development and persistence of complex microbial communities. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the roles of the proteosurfaceome and exoproteome in bacterial coaggregation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFConsidering the high consumption of coffee in Brazil, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and the intake of added sugar, non-caloric sweeteners, sugary beverages, and foods. A modified case-crossover study was conducted using data from the national "Household Budget Survey (POF)" which 38,854 participants. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h recalls on two non-consecutive days.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Baturité massif, situated in Ceará state's central hinterland, is one of the largest humid mountain ranges in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Flora and vertebrate surveys have been conducted in the region, revealing endemic species, as well as a combination of fauna and flora from neighboring biomes, the Atlantic and Amazon rainforests. However, invertebrate inventories have been scarce, leaving a significant portion of the region's biodiversity unexplored.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPseudopregnancy (PPG) is a common reproductive disorder in dairy goats, characterized by the accumulation of sterile fluid in the uterus and persistence of a corpus luteum, leading to temporary infertility and reduced farm efficiency. This study aimed to determine the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) profile in dairy goats and to evaluate the PAG/P4 ratio as a potential novel biomarker for PPG diagnosis. A total of 605 Saanen and crossbreed mated goats were evaluated via transabdominal ultrasonography between 31 and 52 days after the removal of bucks in four intensive dairy farms, presenting an overall PPG incidence of 7.
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