Porphyrin nanoemulsion for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: effective delivery to inactivate biofilm-related infections.

The management of biofilm-related infections is a challenge in healthcare, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a powerful tool that has demonstrated a broad-spectrum activity. Nanotechnology has been used to increase the aPDT effectiveness by improving the photosensitizer's delivery properties. NewPS is a simple, versatile, and safe surfactant-free nanoemulsion with a porphyrin salt shell encapsulating a food-grade oil core with promising photodynamic action. This study evaluated the use of NewPS for aPDT against microorganisms in planktonic, biofilm, and in vivo models of infected wounds. First, the potential of NewPS-mediated aPDT to inactivate Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus suspensions was evaluated. Then, a series of protocols were assessed against S. aureus biofilms by means of cell viability and confocal microscopy. Finally, the best biofilm protocol was used for the treatment of S. aureus in a murine-infected wound model. A high NewPS-bacteria cell interaction was achieved since 0.5 nM and 30 J/cm2 was able to kill S. pneumoniae suspension. In the S. aureus biofilm, enhanced efficacy of NewPS-aPDT was achieved when 100 µM of NewPS was applied with longer periods of incubation at the light dose of 60 J/cm2. The best single and double-session protocol reduced 5.56 logs and 6.03 logs, respectively, homogeneous NewPS distribution, resulting in a high number of dead cells after aPDT. The in vivo model showed that one aPDT session enabled a reduction of 6 logs and faster tissue healing than the other groups. In conclusion, NewPS-aPDT may be considered a safe and effective anti-biofilm antimicrobial photosensitizer.

Exposure to Pesticides and Breast Cancer in an Agricultural Region in Brazil.

Rural workers are disproportionally exposed to pesticides and might be at an increased risk of developing chronic diseases. Here, we investigated the impact of pesticide exposure on breast cancer (BC) risk and disease profile in rural female workers. This is a case-control study that prospectively included 758 individuals. The study was conducted in the Southwest region of Paraná state in Brazil, a region characterized by family-based agriculture and intensive use of pesticides. We found that this region has a 41% higher BC diagnosis rate and 14% higher BC mortality rate than the mean rates in Brazil, as well as a pesticide trade volume about 6 times higher than the national average. We showed substantial exposure in this population and found that even women who did not work in the fields but performed equipment decontamination and clothes washing of male partners who worked in the fields had urine samples positive for glyphosate, atrazine, and/or 2,4-D. The crude association showed a significantly higher risk of BC among women exposed to pesticides (OR: 1.58, 95% CI 1.18-2.13). Adjusted analyses showed a lower and nonstatistically significant association (OR: 1.30, 95% CI 41 0.87-1.95). Stratification on disease profile showed a significantly higher risk of lymph node metastasis (adjusted OR: 2.19, 95% CI 1.31-3.72) in women exposed to pesticides. Our findings suggest that female populations exposed to pesticides are at a higher risk of developing BC with a more aggressive profile and draw attention to the need to monitor rural populations potentially exposed to pesticides in the field or at home.

Maternal and long-term offspring outcomes of obesity during pregnancy.

PURPOSE: Obesity`s prevalence is rising in women of reproductive age worldwide and has become the most common medical condition at this age group. Besides, its occurrence is also rising during pregnancy. This condition not only increases the risk of noncommunicable diseases on the mother, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but also transfers this risk to the offspring. METHODS: This is a narrative review based on scientific and review articles on the matter. RESULTS: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, venous thromboembolism, infection, and mental health problems. Furthermore, it has an impact on the progress of labor and induction matters. Regarding offspring outcomes, it is related to higher incidence of congenital anomalies, perinatal mortality, and the occurrence of large for gestational age newborns. Still, it has implications on cardiometabolic risk and neurodevelopment in offspring. CONCLUSION: It is, therefore, imperative to encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles, especially in the peri-conception and interpregnancy periods. Likewise, there must be support in the multidisciplinary monitoring of these pregnant women to minimize associated complication rates.

Using conservation genetics to prioritise management options for an endangered songbird.

Genetic data can be highly informative for answering questions relevant to practical conservation efforts, but remain one of the most neglected aspects of species recovery plans. Framing genetic questions with reference to practical and tractable conservation objectives can help bypass this limitation of the application of genetics in conservation. Using a single-nucleotide polymorphism dataset from reduced-representation sequencing (DArTSeq), we conducted a genetic assessment of remnant populations of the endangered forty-spotted pardalote (Pardalotus quadragintus), a songbird endemic to Tasmania, Australia. Our objectives were to inform strategies for the conservation of genetic diversity in the species and estimate effective population sizes and patterns of inter-population movement to identify management units relevant to population conservation and habitat restoration. We show population genetic structure and identify two small populations on mainland Tasmania as 'satellites' of larger Bruny Island populations connected by migration. Our data identify management units for conservation objectives relating to genetic diversity and habitat restoration. Although our results do not indicate the immediate need to genetically manage populations, the small effective population sizes we estimated for some populations indicate that they are vulnerable to genetic drift, highlighting the urgent need to implement habitat restoration to increase population size and to conduct genetic monitoring. We discuss how our genetic assessment can be used to inform management interventions for the forty-spotted pardalote and show that by assessing contemporary genetic aspects, valuable information for conservation planning and decision-making can be produced to guide actions that account for genetic diversity and increase chances of recovery in species of conservation concern.

Larval morphology of the avian parasitic genus Passeromyia: playing hide and seek with a parastomal bar.

The enigmatic larvae of the Old World genus Passeromyia Rodhain & Villeneuve, 1915 (Diptera: Muscidae) inhabit the nests of birds as saprophages or as haematophagous agents of myiasis among nestlings. Using light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, we provide the first morphological descriptions of the first, second and third instar of P. longicornis (Macquart, 1851) (Diptera: Muscidae), the first and third instar of P. indecora (Walker, 1858) (Diptera: Muscidae), and we revise the larval morphology of P. heterochaeta (Villenueve, 1915) (Diptera: Muscidae) and P. steini Pont, 1970 (Diptera: Muscidae). We provide a key to the third instar of examined species (excluding P. steini and P. veitchi Bezzi, 1928 (Diptera: Muscidae)). Examination of the cephaloskeleton revealed paired rod-like sclerites, named 'rami', between the lateral arms of the intermediate sclerite in the second and third instar larva. We reveal parastomal bars fused apically with the intermediate sclerite, the absence of which has so far been considered as apomorphic for second and third instar muscid larvae. Examination of additional material suggests that modified parastomal bars are not exclusive features of Passeromyia but occur widespread in the Muscidae, and rami may occur widespread in the Cyclorrhapha.

Sonophotodynamic inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm mediated by curcumin.

The inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm is a major challenge, as biofilms are less responsive to conventional treatments and responsible for persistent infections. This has led to the investigation of alternative approaches for biofilm control such as photodynamic (PDI) and sonodynamic (SDI) inactivation. The combination of them, known as Sonophotodynamic Inactivation (SPDI), has improved the effectiveness of the process. Curcumin, a well-established photosensitizer, has been identified as a potential sonosensitizer. This study evaluated the most effective combination for SPDI against P. aeruginosa biofilms in vitro, varying curcumin concentrations and ultrasound intensities. The results indicated that the inactivation was directly proportional to the curcumin concentration. Using curcumin 120 µM and 3.0 W.cm-2 of ultrasound intensity, SPDI demonstrated the highest and the best synergistic results, equivalent to 6.9 ± 2.1 logs of reduction. PDI reduced 0.7 ± 0.9 log and SDI had no effect. In conclusion, SPDI with curcumin is a promising approach for biofilm inactivation.

Serotonin and Interleukin 10 Can Influence the Blood and Urine Viscosity in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy-Specific Urinary Incontinence.

Serotonin and interleukin 10 (IL-10) may play a role in gestational diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemic environment, the detrusor musculature of the bladder and pelvic floor muscles may become damaged, leading to urination problems and urine viscosity in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence. Urine and blood samples were collected from pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. The serotonin concentration and cytokine IL-10 levels were evaluated in plasma and urine. In the total blood and urine, the viscosity was evaluated in the presence and absence of exogenous serotonin and IL-10. The plasma serotonin levels decreased, while the urine serotonin levels increased in the normoglycemic incontinent (NG-I), hyperglycemic continent (GDM-C), and hyperglycemic incontinent (GDM-I) groups. The IL-10 in the plasma decreased in the GDM-I group and was higher in the urine in the NG-I and GDM-I groups. The blood viscosity was higher, independently of urinary incontinence, in the GDM groups. The serotonin increased the blood viscosity from women with GDM-C and urine in the NG-I, GDM-C, and GDM-I groups. Blood and urine in the presence of IL-10 showed a similar viscosity in all groups studied. Also, no difference was observed in the viscosity in either the blood or urine when in the presence of serotonin and IL-10. These findings suggest that serotonin and IL-10 have the potential to reduce blood viscosity in pregnant women with gestational diabetes and specific urinary incontinence, maintaining values similar to those in normoglycemic women's blood.

Clinical implications of lipid peroxides levels in plasma and tumor tissue in breast cancer patients.

Oxidative stress can promote the oxidation of lipoproteins and polyunsaturated fatty acids present in cell membranes; an event known as lipid peroxidation (LPO). LPO has been associated with carcinogenesis and cancer progression, however, its meaning concerning the clinicopathological aspects of human breast cancer is not clear. This study investigated LPO profiles in tumor and plasma samples from breast cancer patients (n = 140) considering their clinicopathological features (age at diagnosis, menopausal status, body mass index, tumor histological grade, tumor size, ki-67 proliferation index, presence of metastasis, chemotherapy response, the molecular subtype of cancer and overall survival status). LPO levels were estimated by tert-butyl hydroperoxide-initiated chemiluminescence. High LPO levels were found regarding poor prognosis parameters as young age at diagnosis (p = 0.006 in tissue), premenopausal patients (p = 0.012 in tissue), high-grade tumors (p = 0.010 in tissue and p = 0.002 in plasma), metastatic disease (p = 0.046 in tissue), chemoresistant tumors (p = 0.041 in tissue), disease relapse (p = 0.018 in tissue and p = 0.009 in plasma) and overall survival status (p = 0.001 in plasma). Our findings point out the clinical meaning of LPO and highlight it as an oxidative stress event linked to poor prognosis and disease aggressiveness in breast cancer patients.

Viability of ex-vivo myography as a diagnostic tool for rectus abdominis muscle electrical activity collected at Cesarean section within a diamater cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Ex-vivo myography enables the assessment of muscle electrical activity response. This study explored the viability of determining the physiological responses in muscles without tendon, as rectus abdominis muscle (RAM), through ex-vivo myography to assess its potential as a diagnostic tool. RESULTS: All tested RAM samples (five different samples) show patterns of electrical activity. A positive response was observed in 100% of the programmed stimulation. RAM 3 showed greater weight (0.47 g), length (1.66 cm), and width (0.77 cm) compared to RAM 1, RAM 2, RAM 4 and RAM 5 with more sustained electrical activity over time, a higher percentage of fatigue was analyzed at half the time of the electrical activity. The order of electrical activity (Mn) was RAM 3 > RAM 5 > RAM 1 > RAM 4 > RAM 2. No electrical activity was recorded in the Sham group. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that it is feasible to assess the physiological responses of striated muscle without tendon as RAM, obtained at C-section, under ex vivo myography. These results could be recorded, properly analyzed, and demonstrated its potential as a diagnostic tool for rectus abdominis muscle electrical activity.

Relationship between rs9939609 FTO polymorphism with waist circumference and body fat is moderated by ponderal index at birth in youth.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to analyze whether the relationship between the rs9939609 polymorphism of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) with nutritional status is moderated by the ponderal index (PI) at birth in children and adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study evaluated 382 schoolchildren aged 6-17 years. Anthropometric variables such as waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) were used to assess nutritional status. Weight and height at birth were used for the PI calculation, which was divided into tertiles (lower, middle and upper). To compare the continuous variables between genotypes of the rs9939609 polymorphism, a recessive model (TT/AT vs. AA) and covariance analysis (ANCOVA) were used. RESULTS: The AA genotype of the rs9939609 polymorphism was associated with higher WC in schoolchildren born with lower PI (ß = 4.40; p = .048). However, for BF%, the genotype association was found in the upper PI tertile (ß = 7.35; p = .040). CONCLUSION: The relationship between WC and BF% with rs9939609 polymorphism (FTO) seems to be moderated by PI at birth. This is an important insight, since the data for intrauterine growth, genetic factors and the presence of obesity in children and adolescents are still contradictory.

Transcriptomic Profiling of Rectus Abdominis Muscle in Women with Gestational Diabetes-Induced Myopathy: Characterization of Pathophysiology and Potential Muscle Biomarkers of Pregnancy-Specific Urinary Incontinence.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is recognized as a "window of opportunity" for the future prediction of such complications as type 2 diabetes mellitus and pelvic floor muscle disorders, including urinary incontinence and genitourinary dysfunction. Translational studies have reported that pelvic floor muscle disorders are due to a GDM-induced-myopathy (GDiM) of the pelvic floor muscle and rectus abdominis muscle (RAM). We now describe the transcriptome profiling of the RAM obtained by Cesarean section from GDM and non-GDM women with and without pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence (PSUI). We identified 650 genes in total, and the differentially expressed genes were defined by comparing three control groups to the GDM with PSUI group (GDiM). Enrichment analysis showed that GDM with PSUI was associated with decreased gene expression related to muscle structure and muscle protein synthesis, the reduced ability of muscle fibers to ameliorate muscle damage, and the altered the maintenance and generation of energy through glycogenesis. Potential genetic muscle biomarkers were validated by RT-PCR, and their relationship to the pathophysiology of the disease was verified. These findings help elucidate the molecular mechanisms of GDiM and will promote the development of innovative interventions to prevent and treat complications such as post-GDM urinary incontinence.

Effects of 12†weeks of resistance training on rat gut microbiota composition.

In addition to its health benefits, exercise training has been noted as a modulator of the gut microbiota. However, the effects of resistance training (RT) on gut microbiota composition remain unknown. Wistar rats underwent 12 weeks of RT. Body mass, glucose tolerance, visceral body fat, triglyceride concentration and food consumption were evaluated. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Rats that underwent RT showed lower body mass (P=0.0005), lower fat content (P=0.02) and better glucose kinetics (P=0.047) when compared with the control. Improvements in the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota were identified in the RT group. The relative abundance of Pseudomonas, Serratia and Comamonas decreased significantly after 12 weeks of RT (P<0.001). These results suggest that RT has the potential to enhance the diversity of the gut microbiota and improve its biological functions.

Strategies to Improve the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Photodynamic, Sonodynamic, and Sonophotodynamic Therapies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This work evaluated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and the association of both therapies (sonophotodynamic therapy [SPDT]), mediated by curcumin (Cur) against Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. Next, additional strategies for these treatments were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: S. aureus biofilms received PDT, SDT, and SPDT, mediated by Cur (80 µM), LED light (450 nm), and 1 MHz ultrasound. The same treatments were also performed adding a strategy: Cur with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Cur with potassium iodide (KI) or a pre-treatment with ultrasound. Cell viability was determined and biofilm architecture was evaluated under confocal microscopy. RESULTS: SPDT was more effective to inactivate the bacteria than PDT and SDT. SDS achieved the greatest viability reductions, followed by KI and ultrasound pre-treatment. Confocal images revealed biofilm disruption and a reduced number of cells in all treatments. However, SPDT exhibited a pronounced effect and it was greater using SDS. CONCLUSION: SPDT was more effective and additional strategies potentiated its effectiveness. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

The effect of combined curcumin-mediated photodynamic therapy and artificial skin on Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds in rats.

Healing wounds represent a major public health problem, mainly when it is infected. Besides that, the antibiotics misuse and overuse favor the development of bacterial resistance. This study evaluated the effects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) combined with artificial skin on disinfection of infected skin wound in rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups (n = 6): (i) control-untreated; (ii) aPDT-treated with curcumin-mediated aPDT (blue light); (iii) artificial skin-treated with artificial skin alcohol-based; and (iv) aPDT plus artificial skin-treated with aPDT associated with artificial skin alcohol-based. For the in vivo model, a full-thickness biopsy with 0.80 cm was performed in order to inoculate the microorganism Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). The aPDT was performed with a curcumin gel and a blue LED light (450 nm, 80 mW/cm2) at the dose of 60 J/cm2 and the treatment with alcohol-based artificial skin was done with the topical application of 250 µL. Additional animals were submitted to aPDT combined with the artificial skin. After treatments, the number of colony-forming units (CFU) and the damage area were determined. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey tests. The highest reduction of the bacterial viability was observed in the PDT plus artificial skin group (4.14 log10), followed by artificial skin (2.38 log10) and PDT (2.22 log10) groups. In addition, all treated groups showed higher relative area of wound contraction (36.21% for the PDT, 38.41% for artificial skin, and 35.02% for PDT plus artificial) in comparison with the control group. These findings provide evidence for the positive benefits of aPDT with blue light and curcumin associated with artificial skin to decontaminate and accelerate the wound contraction.

Influence of apitoxin and melittin from Apis mellifera bee on Staphylococcus aureus strains.

The antibacterial activities of apitoxin, a venom produced by Apis mellifera bee, and melittin, an antimicrobial peptide from apitoxin, were tested against planktonic and biofilm states of Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-resistant (MRSA), including clinical, and enterotoxin-producing isolates. Also, the synergism of apitoxin and melittin in combination with oxacillin were evaluated as well. The induced morphological changes on S. aureus cells of both products were detected by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 7.2 µg/mL, and 6.7 µg/mL, for apitoxin and melittin, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 28.7 µg/mL, and 26 µg/mL for apitoxin and melittin, respectively. The time-kill curve assays of apitoxin or melittin with oxacillin exhibited bactericidal synergism against MRSA isolates. TEM images showed cell distortion, cell disintegration with leakage of cytoplasmic content and loss of cytoplasm content. However, apitoxin and melittin did not interfere with staphylococcal enterotoxin production or release. Thus, apitoxin and melittin are potential agents against MRSA that can serve as possible models for new antibacterial drugs.

Characterization of the apo-form of extracellular hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus (HbGp) and its stability in the presence of urea.

The structural study of small heme-containing proteins, such as myoglobin, in the apo-form lacking heme has been extensively described, but the characterization and stability of the giant Glossoscolex paulistus hemoglobin (HbGp), in the absence of heme groups, has not been studied. Spectroscopic data show efficient extraction of the heme groups from the hemoglobin, with relatively small secondary and tertiary structural changes in apo-HbGp noticed compared to oxy-HbGp. Electrophoresis shows a partial precipitation of the trimer abc (significantly lower intensity of the corresponding band in the gel), due to extraction of heme groups, and the predominance of the intense monomeric d band, as well as of two linker bands. AUC and DLS data agree with SDS-PAGE in showing that the apo-HbGp undergoes dissociation into the d and abc subunits. Subunits d and abc are characterized by sedimentation coefficients and percentage contributions of 2.0 and 3.0 S and 76 and 24%, respectively. DLS data suggest that the apo-HbGp is unstable, and two populations are present in solution: one with a diameter around 6.0 nm, identified with the dissociated species, and a second one with diameter 100-180 nm, due to aggregated protein. Finally, the presence of urea promotes the exposure of the fluorescent probes, extrinsic ANS and intrinsic protein tryptophans to the aqueous solvent due to the unfolding process. An understanding of the effect of heme extraction on the stability of hemoproteins is important for biotechnological approaches such as the introduction of non-native prosthetic groups and development of artificial enzymes with designed properties.

Effects of grape juice consumption on muscle fatigue and oxidative stress in judo athletes: a randomized clinical trial.

Physiological levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important for intracellular and extracellular redox regulation in signaling and defense processes. Strenuous exercise can also contribute to this imbalance, and the muscle fatigue, evidenced by impaired strength or power generation, can be caused by various reasons, including oxidative stress. Antioxidants can prevent the formation of ROS by intercepting free radicals. Twenty judo athletes were included in this randomized, double-blind clinical trial into grape juice and placebo groups, and they consumed grape juice or placebo daily for 14 days in a crossover model. The outcomes were analyzed before and after combat simulations. The upper limb strength was higher in the grape juice group than in the placebo (p [group] = 0.003). The lipid damage levels were 10% higher in the placebo group (p [interaction] = 0.048). During the pre-exercise, the placebo group showed 19% more DNA damage than the grape juice group. The superoxide dismutase activity was 80% lower in the grape juice group (p [interaction] < 0.001). The consumption of grape juice can improve parameters of oxidative stress by reducing the lipid and DNA damage.

[Comparative analysis of policies regulating clinical trialsAnálisis comparativo de las políticas de reglamentación de los ensayos clínicos]. / Análise comparativa de políticas de regulamentação de ensaios clínicos.

The present article compares clinical trial regulations in Brazil, India, Canada, and the European Union with the aim of providing evidence for an evaluation of the Brazilian regulatory policy. For that, a document analysis approach was used, in four steps: preliminary exploratory analysis; descriptive study; categorization of information; contrasting contents. Noteworthy differences between the Brazilian regulatory framework as compared to the other regions studied include the existence of several laws and regulations in Brazil vs. a single rule in the other countries; the absence of requirements regarding drug traceability and collection and disposal of unused drugs if a study is interrupted or cancelled; and a higher time of 180 days for approval of clinical trials (vs. 30 days in the European Union or Canada, for example). This suggests opportunities for improvement and update of the Brazilian regulations vis-à-vis the international scenario.

En el presente trabajo se compararon los reglamentos sobre la realización de ensayos clínicos en Brasil, India, Canadá y la Unión Europea, con el objetivo de ofrecer subsidios para una evaluación de la política de reglamentación de Brasil. Para ello, se realizó un análisis documental en cuatro etapas, a saber, estudio preliminar exploratorio, estudio descriptivo, clasificación de la información y comparación de los contenidos. En cuanto a las diferencias entre la reglamentación brasileña y la de los demás casos, cabe destacar que en Brasil existen varias resoluciones sobre el tema, a diferencia de los demás países donde la información se concentró en una sola reglamentación nacional; no se exige que se rastreen los medicamentos ni que se recojan o se eliminen los no utilizados cuando se suspende o se cancela un estudio; y se requiere un tiempo de aprobación de 180 días para iniciar el ensayo (en comparación con 30 días en la Unión Europea y Canadá, por ejemplo). Eso indica que hay oportunidades para mejorar y actualizar la reglamentación brasileña tal como ocurre en el escenario internacional.

ATLANTIC EPIPHYTES: a data set of vascular and non-vascular epiphyte plants and lichens from the Atlantic Forest.

Epiphytes are hyper-diverse and one of the frequently undervalued life forms in plant surveys and biodiversity inventories. Epiphytes of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, have high endemism and radiated recently in the Pliocene. We aimed to (1) compile an extensive Atlantic Forest data set on vascular, non-vascular plants (including hemiepiphytes), and lichen epiphyte species occurrence and abundance; (2) describe the epiphyte distribution in the Atlantic Forest, in order to indicate future sampling efforts. Our work presents the first epiphyte data set with information on abundance and occurrence of epiphyte phorophyte species. All data compiled here come from three main sources provided by the authors: published sources (comprising peer-reviewed articles, books, and theses), unpublished data, and herbarium data. We compiled a data set composed of 2,095 species, from 89,270 holo/hemiepiphyte records, in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, recorded from 1824 to early 2018. Most of the records were from qualitative data (occurrence only, 88%), well distributed throughout the Atlantic Forest. For quantitative records, the most common sampling method was individual trees (71%), followed by plot sampling (19%), and transect sampling (10%). Angiosperms (81%) were the most frequently registered group, and Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae were the families with the greatest number of records (27,272 and 21,945, respectively). Ferns and Lycophytes presented fewer records than Angiosperms, and Polypodiaceae were the most recorded family, and more concentrated in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Data on non-vascular plants and lichens were scarce, with a few disjunct records concentrated in the Northeastern region of the Atlantic Forest. For all non-vascular plant records, Lejeuneaceae, a family of liverworts, was the most recorded family. We hope that our effort to organize scattered epiphyte data help advance the knowledge of epiphyte ecology, as well as our understanding of macroecological and biogeographical patterns in the Atlantic Forest. No copyright restrictions are associated with the data set. Please cite this Ecology Data Paper if the data are used in publication and teaching events.

Antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of cinnamaldehyde against S. epidermidis.

The search for new antimicrobial drugs has been necessary due to the increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics currently in use, and natural products play an important role in this field. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of cinnamaldehyde on S. epidermidis strains, biofilm set-up prevention, as well as its effect on pre-established biofilms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 300 to 500 µg/mL, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) from 400 to 600 µg/mL. The biofilm inhibitory concentration and biofilm eradication concentration values were four-fold (clinical isolate) and eight-fold (ATCC strain) greater than the concentration required to inhibit planktonic growth. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of cinnamaldehyde attenuated biofilm formation of S. epidermidis strains on polystyrene microtiter plates. The combination of cinnamaldehyde and linezolid was able to inhibit S. epidermidis with a bactericidal effect. Further investigation of the mechanism of action of cinnamaldehyde revealed its effect on the cell membrane permeability, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images illustrated the impact of cinnamaldehyde in the detachment and killing of existing biofilms. Thereby, our data confirmed the ability of cinnamaldehyde to reduce bacterial planktonic growth of S. epidermidis, inhibiting biofilm formation and eradicating pre-formed biofilm.