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Staphylococcus aureus is the etiologic agent of many nosocomial infections, and its biofilm is frequently isolated from medical devices. Moreover, the dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains from this pathogen, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, is a worldwide public health issue. The inhibition of biofilm formation can be used as a strategy to weaken bacterial resistance. Taking that into account, we analysed the ability of marine sponge-associated bacteria to produce antibiofilm molecules, and we found that marine Priestia sp., isolated from marine sponge Scopalina sp. collected on the Brazilian coast, secretes proteins that impair biofilm development from S. aureus. Partially purified proteins (PPP) secreted after 24 hours of bacterial growth promoted a 92% biofilm mass reduction and 4.0 µg/dL was the minimum concentration to significantly inhibit biofilm formation. This reduction was visually confirmed by light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, biochemical assays showed that the antibiofilm activity of PPP was reduced by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 1,10 phenanthroline (PHEN), while it was stimulated by zinc ions, suggesting an active metallopeptidase in PPP. This result agrees with mass spectrometry (MS) identification, which indicated the presence of a metallopeptidase from the M28 family. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing analysis of Priestia sp. shows that gene ywad, a metallopeptidase-encoding gene, was present. Therefore, the results presented herein indicate that PPP secreted by the marine Priestia sp. can be explored as a potential antibiofilm agent and help to treat chronic infections., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Thermophilic and alkaliphilic microorganisms are unique organisms that possess remarkable survival strategies, enabling them to thrive on a diverse range of substrates. Anoxybacillus, a genus of thermophilic and alkaliphilic bacteria, encompasses 24 species and 2 subspecies. In recent years, extensive research has unveiled the diverse array of thermostable enzymes within this relatively new genus, holding significant potential for industrial and environmental applications. The biomass of Anoxybacillus has demonstrated promising results in bioremediation techniques, while the recently discovered metabolites have exhibited potential in medicinal experiments. This review aims to provide an overview of the key experimental findings related to the biotechnological applications utilizing bacteria from the Anoxybacillus genus., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Japan KK, part of Springer Nature.)

This article provides a comprehensive review of several subclasses of metallo-type peptidases expressed by the main clinically relevant protozoa, including Plasmodium spp., Toxoplasma gondii , Cryptosporidium spp., Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis , and Trichomonas vaginalis . These species comprise a diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms responsible for widespread and severe human infections. Metallopeptidases, defined as hydrolases with activity mediated by divalent metal cation, play important roles in the induction and maintenance of parasitic infections. In this context, metallopeptidases can be considered veritable virulence factors in protozoa with direct/indirect participation in several key pathophysiological processes, including adherence, invasion, evasion, excystation, central metabolism, nutrition, growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Indeed, metallopeptidases have become an important and valid target to search for new compounds with chemotherapeutic purposes. The present review aims to gather updates regarding metallopeptidase subclasses, exploring their participation in protozoa virulence as well as investigating the similarity of peptidase sequences through bioinformatic techniques in order to discover clusters of great relevance for the development of new broad antiparasitic molecules., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Abstract: The Sturge-Weber syndrome (SSW) is a congenital neurocutaneous malformation, with angiomas involving the leptomeningea and facial skin. This syndrome is characterized by corticocerebral angiomatosis, cerebral calcifications, ocular affections, mental retardation, increased risk of stroke, counterlateral hemiplegia, and seizures. Another important feature of SSW is the flameus nevus on the face. In the oral cavity, SSW appears as hemangiomatous lesions affecting the mucous membranes and occasionally the dental pulp. Gingival hyperplasia may be present due to the use of anticonvulsant drugs. The present article reports the management of 2 female patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome who required oral surgery in regions affected by hemangiomatous lesions. In the first case, no hemostatic agents were necessary. On the other hand, the second case required the use of several hemostatic agents to control hemorrhage during surgery. Both patients recovered uneventfully without episodes of bleeding or infection., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)