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The purpose of this study was to establish a porcine model of urinary tract infection (UTI) with gram‐positive uropathogens. Ten female domestic pigs were experimentally inoculated with human UTI isolates of Enterococcus faecalis (n = 3), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (n = 3), or Staphylococcus aureus (n = 4) and followed with regular urine samples. Bladders and kidneys were aseptically removed at termination (5–7 days post infection) and assessed by gross pathology and bacterial enumeration. Enterococcus faecalis (n = 3 of 3) and S. aureus (n = 2 of 4) successfully colonized the pig bladders. Inoculation with S. saprophyticus never resulted in detectable bacteriuria. All infected pigs had cleared the infection spontaneously before termination. Surprisingly, three (of four) pigs inoculated with S. aureus led to spontaneous infection with opportunistic pathogens. Also, one pig colonized with E. faecalis resulted in spontaneous infection with E. coli. In conlusion, the pig supports experimental UTI with E. faecalis for up to 24 h but not prolonged infection. S. aureus and S. saprophyticus fails to cause UTI in pigs and other animals should be considered for studying these pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF) against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028). Infections can hinder wound healing posing challenges. L‐PRF's potential for regeneration and antimicrobial action has been studied. Considering the increasing concern about antibiotic resistance, assessing the antimicrobial properties of L‐PRF provides valuable insights into its potential as a therapeutic agent in postoperative infections. Twenty volunteers were enrolled in the study, following ethical guidelines, and obtaining informed consent. Blood samples were collected and L‐PRF was prepared. Microbial suspensions were prepared, and susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby‐Bauer agar diffusion method. The study revealed significant heterogeneity in the susceptibility to L‐PRF. All L‐PRF membrane samples exhibited antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa, with inhibition zones of 13 mm ± 3.85 SD. Enterococcus faecalis displayed inhibition diameter of 7.25 mm ± 5.15 SD. Candida albicans susceptibility to L‐PRF varied among samples, with both inhibitory and non‐inhibitory results. Results showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity, particularly against P. aeruginosa, and highlight the complexity of the L‐PRF‐microorganism interaction. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the clinical implications and optimize the use of L‐PRF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococci are Gram-positive coccus bacteria that are normally present in the gastrointestinal tract and ordinarily function commensally with humans. Very few studies have investigated the characteristics of enterococcal infections. We aimed to characterize patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to Enterococci and their outcomes. This was a retrospective cohort study between June 2012–November 2022. Patients who had clinically and microbiologically confirmed Enterococcal UTI based on a urine culture positive for E. faecalis or E. faecium with a count of ≥105 CFU/mL and having urinary tract symptoms were included. A total of 396 patients were eligible and included. The patients had a median age of 61 years and were mostly females (56.8 %). The most common characteristics were hospitalization in a non-ICU ward, having a urinary catheter, and recent use of antibiotics within the last 3 months (66.4 %, 59.3 %, and 51.8 %, respectively). Infection with E. faecalis was more common than E. faecium (77.3 % vs. 22.7 %). However, the latter exhibited higher rates of antibiotic resistance (P < 0.001 to several antibiotics) and was associated with significantly higher median C-reactive protein level (26.7 vs. 13 mg/dL; P = 0.025), mortality (23 % vs. 10.1 %; P = 0.002), and median length of stay (25 vs. 11.5 days; P < 0.001). We found that most patients with enterococcal UTIs had a history of having a urinary catheter and recent antibiotic use and were mostly females and hospitalized in non-ICU wards. E. faecium -infected patients experienced more severe episodes and poorer outcomes compared to patients infected with E. faecalis ; thus, would need more aggressive therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In pursuit of innovative wastewater treatment solutions, this study investigates the use of thermally treated palygorskite (TP) as an adsorbent to remove Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis from synthetic wastewater. The goal is to explore a natural alternative to chlorine‐based disinfectants by utilizing TP's antimicrobial properties. Columns were packed with two granulometries (G1: 0.25–0.6 mm; G2: 1.40–2.36 mm) of TP and arranged in three different configurations (CA1, CA2 and CA3) to assess their bacterial removal efficiency, kinetic behavior and potential for reuse after dry heat sterilization. RESULTS: The CA3 column configuration, with its multilayer arrangement of TP, achieved the highest bacterial removal efficiency, reaching 99.1% for E. coli and 98.1% for E. faecalis. Kinetic experiments revealed that most bacterial adsorption occurred within the first 3 min, with E. coli requiring up to 10 min to reach maximum removal. TP's antibacterial effectiveness remained above 90% after two reuses. Additionally, dry heat sterilization allowed for repeated use of TP, showing stable removal efficiencies for E. faecalis and a slight decline for E. coli with each successive reuse. CONCLUSIONS: TP demonstrates significant potential as an adsorbent for wastewater disinfection, particularly in the CA3 multilayer configuration. Its rapid adsorption kinetics and resilience to heat sterilization underscore its reusability, making it a viable natural alternative to chemical disinfectants. Further research should focus on scaling this method to real wastewater treatment applications to validate its functionality in real‐world conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent one of the most prevalent bacterial infections, with Enterococcus species now recognized as the second leading cause of these infections. This study focused on symptomatic UTI cases to investigate the risk factors associated with Enterococcus faecalis clinical isolates in patients from Tehran, Iran. Methods: Urine samples were collected from patients presenting with symptomatic UTIs. The identification of E. faecalis isolates was performed using standard microbiological techniques, with confirmation via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby--Bauer disc diffusion method. The presence of virulence genes was determined through PCR, and biofilm formation was assessed using the microtiter plate method. Additionally, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was utilized to genotype linezolid-resistant isolates. Results: Out of 300 UTI cases, E. faecalis was identified as the causative agent in 160 instances. Notably, a high proportion of these isolates exhibited resistance to tetracycline (83.8%) and minocycline (82.5%). Linezolid resistance was observed in 1.3% (n = 2) of the isolates. Conversely, the highest susceptibility rates were observed for vancomycin, penicillin G, ampicillin, and nitrofurantoin, each demonstrating a 98.8% susceptibility rate. Biofilm formation was detected in 25% of the E. faecalis isolates. A significant majority (93.8%) of the isolates harbored the efbA and ace genes, with varying frequencies of esp (72.5%), asa1 (61.2%), cylA (52.5%), and gelE (88.8%) genes. MLST analysis demonstrated that both linezolid-resistant isolates, characterized by strong biofilm formation and the presence of virulence genes, were assigned to the ST150 lineage, which has not been previously documented in clinical settings. Conclusion: The emergence of the ST150 clonal lineage, underscores its clinical significance, particularly in relation to linezolid resistance in E. faecalis. This study adds to the growing body of evidence linking specific clonal lineages with antibiotic resistance, highlighting the critical need for ongoing surveillance and molecular characterization of resistant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridioides difficile is a bacterial pathogen that has been implicated in severe gastrointestinal infections. C. difficile has intrinsic green autofluorescence and the level of this autofluorescence is known to be increased by growth time and oxygen. Currently, it is unclear if dietary compounds or metabolites from the gut microbiota are able to enhance C. difficile autofluorescence. Here, we aimed to determine potential factors that affect C. difficile autofluorescence. After screening a large repertoire of compounds, we identified several substances, like L-lysine and pantothenate, that led to an increased C. difficile autofluorescence. We also found that several members of the gut microbiota, such as Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella aerogenes and K. pneumoniae, can increase C. difficile autofluorescence through their secreted compounds. We further focused on the effect of K. pneumoniae on C. difficile autofluorescence and found that multiple enteric strains of K. pneumoniae could enhance C. difficile's autofluorescence. We used this enhanced autofluorescence to identify C. difficile in K. pneumoniae cocultures by flow cytometry. Our findings shed light on the relationship between C. difficile and other members of the gut microbiota, as well as different factors that can affect C. difficile autofluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burn wounds are associated with infections, drug resistance, allergic reactions, odour, bleeding, excess exudates, and scars, requiring prolonged hospital stay. It is crucial to develop wound dressings that can effectively combat allergic reactions and drug resistance, inhibit infections, and absorb excess exudates to accelerate wound healing. To overcome the above-mentioned problems associated with burn wounds, SA/PVA/PLGA/Capparis sepiaria and SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofibers incorporated with Capparis sepiaria plant extract were prepared using an electrospinning technique. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of the extract into the nanofibers without any interaction between the extract and the polymers. The nanofibers displayed porous morphology and a rough surface suitable for cellular adhesion and proliferation. SA/PVA/PLGA/Capparis sepiaria and SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofibers demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against wound infection-associated bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobaterium smegmatis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus vulgaris, and Staphylococcus aureus. Cytocompatibility studies using HaCaT cells revealed the non-toxicity of the nanofibers. SA/PVA/PLGA/Capparis sepiaria and SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofibers exhibited hemostatic properties, resulting from the synergistic effect of the plant extract and polymers. The in vitro scratch wound healing assay showed that the SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofiber wound-healing capability is more than the plant extract and a commercially available wound dressing. The wound-healing potential of SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofiber is attributed to the synergistic effect of the phytochemicals present in the extract, their porosity, and the ECM-mimicking structure of the nanofibers. The findings suggest that the electrospun nanofibers loaded with Capparis sepiaria extract are promising wound dressings that should be explored for burn wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new 2,5-DKP derivative O-dihydroxycyclopenol (1) and seven known congeners 2–8 were isolated from the marine fungus Penicillium sp. ZJUT-34 cultured on rice medium. The planar structure of 1 was established by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS, while the relative configuration of 1 was determined by quantum chemical calculation. In the QS inhibitory assay, 1 significantly inhibited the production of violacein in Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC12472 (20.65%) at a concentration of 6.25 μg/mL without affecting the growth of the strain, as compared with norharmane (22.14%), a quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI) identified in our previous study. It represented the first report on the QS inhibitory activity of the seven-membered 2,5-DKPs. In addition, compounds 1–8 were subjected to antibacterial assay against six pathogenic bacteria Compound 8 exhibited comparable antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis FA2-2 (MIC = 96 μg/mL) with the positive control gentamicin (MIC = 80 μg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel drug like chloroquinoline‐benzylamine hybrids were synthesized and subjected to comprehensive antibacterial evaluation in the present investigation. The pharmacological evaluation comprises determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), disk diffusion assay, hemolysis and combination assays against both Gram‐negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram‐positive (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial strains. Among all, 7‐chloroquinoline‐benzylamine hybrid bearing p‐bromophenyl substituent (SA11) demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy (MIC=128μg/mL) against the tested panel of Gram‐positive strains with no sign of toxicity towards human red blood cells (hRBCs). Furthermore, another hybrid with o‐hydroxyphenyl substitution (SA12) exhibited notable activity against the tested isolates with MIC values ranging from 64 to 256μg/mL. Molecular docking studies suggested compound SA11 binds within the active site of the biofilm causing protein (PDB: 7C7U) further supported by the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies at 100 ns. Compound SA11 exhibited significant efficacy in inhibiting S. aureus growth in the disk diffusion assay. Moreover, it displayed a synergistic effect when combined with ciprofloxacin (CIP), implying its potential utility in addressing antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains through combination therapy. The pkCSM‐Pharmacokinetics assessment indicated favourable ADME profiles for SA11, supporting its potential as a viable drug candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this in vitro study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of a novel erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser modality, shock wave enhanced emission of photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS), ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI), and single needle irrigation (SNI) against old bacterial biofilm. A two-week-old Enterococcus faecalis biofilm was cultivated on transversal dentinal discs made from the middle third of the roots of single-rooted, single-canal premolars. Biofilm growth was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The dentine samples were randomly distributed into three experimental groups and one control group based on the irrigation protocol used: Group 1, SWEEPS; Group 2, UAI; and Group 3, SNI. The root canals were irrigated with a 3% sodium hypochlorite solution. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated quantitatively through bacterial culture and qualitatively through CLSM and SEM. Both SWEEPS and UAI demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in Enterococcus faecalis colony-forming units (CFUs) (p < 0.001), while SNI did not show a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.553). No significant difference was observed between the efficacy of SWEEPS and UAI (p > 0.05). The SWEEPS and UAI techniques were equally effective in eliminating mature E. faecalis biofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The World Health Organization has selected enterococci as one of the priority multidrug-resistant microorganisms for the development of new antibacterial drugs. Bacteriophages are promising antibacterial agents, but the biology of bacteriophages requires deeper understanding. Methods: The vB_EfS_SE phage which is capable of infecting four species of the genus Enterococci was isolated from sewage plant. The complete genome of the vB_EfS_SE phage was sequenced using illumina technology. The endolysin gene was cloned into pBAD18 expression vector. Two chimeric endolysins were engineered using the vB_EfS_SE carbohydrate-binding domain (CBD) and replacing its enzymatically active domain (EAD). Results: The bacteriophage exhibits promising lytic properties and persists at temperatures of 40 °C and below, and under pH conditions ranging from 5 to 11. The genome sequence is 57,904 bp in length. The vB_EfS_SE endolysin PlySE and chimeric endolysins PlyIME-SE and PlySheep-SE were found to have the same range of specificity, but different thermostability properties and a different pH range for enzyme activity. Conclusions: Taking together the results obtained in this work and other published studies, we can highly appreciate the potential of Saphexavirus phages and their endolysins as novel antibacterial compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rapidly evolving in pathogens, quick and accurate identification of genetic determinants of phenotypic resistance is essential for improving surveillance, stewardship, and clinical mitigation. Machine learning (ML) models show promise for AMR prediction in diagnostics but require a deep understanding of internal processes to use effectively. Our study utilised AMR gene, pangenomic, and predicted plasmid features from 647 Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis genomes across the One Health continuum, along with corresponding resistance phenotypes, to develop interpretive ML classifiers. Vancomycin resistance could be predicted with 99% accuracy with AMR gene features, 98% with pangenome features, and 96% with plasmid clusters. Top pangenome features overlapped with the resistance genes of the vanA operon, which are often laterally transmitted via plasmids. Doxycycline resistance prediction achieved approximately 92% accuracy with pangenome features, with the top feature being elements of Tn916 conjugative transposon, a tet(M) carrier. Erythromycin resistance prediction models achieved about 90% accuracy, but top features were negatively correlated with resistance due to the confounding effect of population structure. This work demonstrates the importance of reviewing ML models' features to discern biological relevance even when achieving high-performance metrics. Our workflow offers the potential to propose hypotheses for experimental testing, enhancing the understanding of AMR mechanisms, which are crucial for combating the AMR crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) due to antibiotic overuse poses a significant threat to long-term care patients and those with impaired immune systems. Therefore, it is imperative to seek alternatives to overcome multidrug resistance. This study aimed to evaluate totarol, a natural compound derived from Podocarpus totara, for its antibacterial activity against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VREF). Totarol exhibited potent antibacterial activity at a very low concentration of 0.25 µg/mL and demonstrated antibiofilm effects through biofilm inhibitory concentration and biofilm eradication concentration assays. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that totarol inhibited not only biofilm mass but also bacterial cell viability. The combinatorial use of sublethal concentrations of totarol and vancomycin showed antibacterial activity, as observed in the time-kill assay. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays revealed a concentration-dependent downregulation of key virulence genes (vanA, ace, asa, efaA, and esp) in VREF when exposed to totarol. In summary, totarol emerges as a promising adjuvant with vancomycin for inhibiting VREF, addressing vancomycin resistance and biofilm formation—critical challenges associated with VRE infection. Since this was an in vitro study, the role of totarol in the clinical implications of VREF treatment remains to be demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the empirical findings of an in-depth genomic analysis of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus lactis isolates from South Africa. It offers valuable insights into their genetic characteristics and their significant implications for public health. The study uncovers nuanced variations in the gene content of these isolates, despite their similar GC contents, providing a comprehensive view of the evolutionary diversity within the species. Genomic islands are identified, particularly in E. faecalis, emphasizing its propensity for horizontal gene transfer and genetic diversity, especially in terms of antibiotic resistance genes. Pangenome analysis reveals the existence of a core genome, accounting for a modest proportion of the total genes, with 2157 core genes, 1164 shell genes, and 4638 cloud genes out of 7959 genes in 52 South African E. faecalis genomes (2 from this study, 49 south Africa genomes downloaded from NCBI, and E. faecalis reference genome). Detecting large-scale genomic rearrangements, including chromosomal inversions, underscores the dynamic nature of bacterial genomes and their role in generating genetic diversity. The study uncovers an array of antibiotic resistance genes, with trimethoprim, tetracycline, glycopeptide, and multidrug resistance genes prevalent, raising concerns about the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. Virulence gene profiling unveils a diverse repertoire of factors contributing to pathogenicity, encompassing adhesion, biofilm formation, stress resistance, and tissue damage. These empirical findings provide indispensable insights into these bacteria's genomic dynamics, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and virulence potential, underlining the pressing need to address antibiotic resistance and implement robust control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: Enterococcal BSI is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, with fatality rates of approximately 20–30%. There are microbiological and clinical differences between E. faecalis and E. faecium infections. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in predisposing factors for E. faecalis and E. faecium BSI and to explore prognostic factors. Methods: This study was a post-hoc analysis of PROBAC, a Spanish prospective, multicenter, cohort in 2016–2017. Patients with E. faecalis or E. faecium BSI were eligible. Independent predictors for BSI development in polymicrobial and monomicrobial BSI and in-hospital mortality in the monomicrobial group were identified by logistic regression. Results: A total of 431 patients were included. Independent factors associated with E. faecium BSI were previous use of penicillins (aOR 1.99 (95% CI 1.20–3.32)) or carbapenems (2.35 (1.12–4.93)), hospital-acquired BSI (2.58 (1.61–4.12)), and biliary tract source (3.36 (1.84–6.13)), while congestive heart failure (0.51 (0.27–0.97)), cerebrovascular disease (0.45 (0.21–0.98)), and urinary tract source (0.49 (0.26–0.92)) were associated with E. faecalis BSI. Independent prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality in E. faecalis BSI were Charlson Comorbidity Index (1.27 (1.08–1.51)), SOFA score (1.47 (1.24–1.73)), age (1.06 (1.02–1.10)), and urinary/biliary source (0.29 (0.09–0.90)). For E. faecium BSI, only SOFA score (1.34 (1.14–1.58) was associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: The factors associated with E. faecium and E. faecalis BSI are different. These variables may be helpful in the suspicion of one or other species for empiric therapeutic decisions and provide valuable information on prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the correlation between survival microenvironment of E. faecalis and acidic pH value, this study aimed to investigate the potential of utilizing pH-responsive DMAEM monomers and their copolymers with resin-based root canal sealers to inhibit E. faecalis. Broth microdilution assay, crystal violet staining and qPCR were performed to evaluate antibacterial effects of DMAEM monomers against E. faecalis at different pH. Methacrylate-resin based root canal sealers were prepared and copolymerized with DMAEM. The flow, solubility, water sorption, apical sealing ability and cytotoxicity of sealers were investigated to optimize formulation. The anti -E. faecalis effects of DMAEM copolymers with sealers were evaluated by direct contact test, colony-forming unit counting and live/dead staining. DMAEM monomers inhibited the growth, biofilm formation and virulence factors expression of E. faecalis in a concentration- and pH-dependent manner. Incorporation of 1.25 % and 2.5 % DMAEM into experimental sealers would not affect the flowability, solubility and periapical sealing ability (P > 0.05), but increased the water sorption of sealers (P < 0.01). Cells viability was higher than 90 % in both 1.25 % and 2.5 % DMAEM groups at pH 7.0. DMAEM copolymers with sealers reduced E. faecalis counts, inhibited biofilm formation and decreased live cells within the biofilm in response to pH values. DMAEM monomers and their copolymers with resin-based sealers possessed antibacterial and antibiofilm effects on E. faecalis in response to pH values. DMAEM is promising to inhibit intraradicular E. faecalis in response to its acidic survival environment and maintain low cytotoxicity under neutral conditions, ensuring their biosafety in case of inadvertent entry into periapical tissues. [Display omitted] • DMAEM monomers inhibit E. faecalis in response to acidic pH values. • DMAEM incorporated resin-based root canal sealers achieve good physical properties. • DMAEM incorporated sealers maintain good biocompatibilities at neutral pH. • DMAEM incorporated sealers inhibit E. faecalis in response to acidic pH values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The mannose phosphotransferase system (Man-PTS) plays crucial roles in the adaptive metabolic activity of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in adverse environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Man-PTS in the alkaline resistance of E. faecalis against calcium hydroxide (CH) and the effect of metformin (Met) on the alkaline resistance of E. faecalis to CH. Materials and methods: The regulatory role of Man-PTS EII in the alkaline resistance of E. faecalis was firstly investigated using a wild-type highly alkaline-resistant E. faecalis XS 003, standard ATCC 29212 and Man-PTS EIID gene deficient (△mptD) and overexpressing (+mptD) strains of E. faecalis. RNA sequencing of Met-treated E. faecalis was performed to further validate the effect of Met on Man-PTS. The effect of Met on CH resistance of E. faecalis was verified by evaluating the survival, membrane potential and permeability, intracellular pH and ATP, and the expression of Man-PTS EII and membrane transporter-related genes of E. faecalis. The effect of Met on the ability of CH to remove E. faecalis biofilm on the dentin surface was also tested. The in vivo therapeutic effect of Met plus CH (CHM) was further investigated in a rat apical periodontitis model induced by E. faecalis XS 003. Results: Man-PTS EII significantly promoted the survival ability of E. faecalis in CH and enhanced its resistance to CH. The inhibition of Man-PTS EII by Met resulted in reduced alkaline resistance of E. faecalis in the presence of CH, while also enhancing the antimicrobial properties of CH against E. faecalis biofilm on dentin. Additionally, Met plus CH showed the synergistically promoted intra-canal E. faecalis infection control and healing of periapical lesion in rats. Conclusions: Met could significantly reduce the alkaline resistance of E. faecalis against CH through the modulation of Man-PTS EII, and improved the antibacterial effect of CH against E. faecalis infection both in vitro and in vivo. Clinical relevance: Met could significantly enhance the ability of CH to control E. faecalis infection through reducing the alkaline resistance of E. faecalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, an effective, ecofriendly and novel photocatalytic composite of Ni-ZnO/g-C3N4 (NZG) has been successfully prepared via a hydrothermal method. The crystalline structure and phase purity of the produced g-C3N4, Ni-ZnO, and Ni-ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite were ascertained using XRD analysis. Both the g-C3N4, and Ni-ZnO retained peaks showed minor changes that suggested component interaction. Determine the functional groups and validate the composite's development using FTIR analysis of the combined g-C3N4, and Ni-ZnO characteristics, along with the addition of new Zn-O and C-N stretching bands. The optical properties and bandgap energy were observed for g-C3N4, Ni-ZnO, and Ni-ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite were 360, 380, and 470 nm−1 with 2.74, 2.94 and 2.86 eV. The homogeneous distribution of Ni-ZnO nanoparticles on g-C3N4, sheets, with strong contact at the interface and consistent elemental composition, was shown by using TEM analysis to investigate the morphological and elemental composition. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency was investigated against RB5 dyes. The Ni-ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite showed excellent than pure Ni-ZnO and g-C3N4 catalyst reached 89.7% degradation for RB5 after 120 min under UV light. Due to this enhanced stability, in addition to the improved electron hole separations and synergistic photocatalytic mechanism between Ni-ZnO and g-C3N4 is an excellent photocatalytic activity against waste water management. The positive control chloramphenicol was showed the inhibition zone was against Sterptococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis for 16 nm and 18 nm, for negative control there was no zone of inhibition, and the Ni-ZnO/g-C3N4 NCs showed the maximum zone of inhibition was observed in Enterococcus faecalis for 21 nm at and 100 µg/mL respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a combination of D-amino acids (DAAs) and trans -cinnamaldehyde (TC) demonstrates superior antibiofilm activity to calcium hydroxide (CH) and untreated controls. In this 3-part in vitro study, the concentration of DAAs (D-methionine, D-leucine, D-tyrosine, and D-tryptophan) that would significantly decrease Enterococcus faecalis and Actinomyces naeslundii biofilm biomass was first determined. Then, the effect of TC + selected DAAs on polymicrobial biofilms was characterized by quantifying the biomass and biofilm viability. Finally, the antibiofilm effects of TC + DAA was compared with CH and untreated controls by (i) determining bacterial viability and (ii) quantifying biofilm matrix composition using selective fluorescence-binding analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and appropriate multiple comparisons test, with P <.05 considered as statistically significant. TC (0.06%) + D-tyrosine (1 mM) + D-tryptophan (25 mM) significantly reduced the biomass and biofilm viability compared to the control (P <.05). While no significant difference was observed between TC + DAA and CH in the cultivable bacterial counts (P >.05), confocal microscopy demonstrated a significantly greater percentage of dead bacteria in TC + DAA-treated biofilms compared to CH and the control (P <.05). TC + DAA significantly decreased the biovolume and all the examined components of the biofilm matrix quantity compared to the control, while CH significantly reduced only the exopolysaccharide quantity (P <.05). The combination of TC + D-tyrosine + D-tryptophan demonstrated superior antibiofilm activity (biofilm bacterial killing and reduction of matrix quantity) to CH and has potential to be developed as an intracanal medicament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the photothermal effect of a 970 nm diode laser on Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. Methods: 72 extracted human single-rooted teeth were prepared, sterilized, and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis to establish a two-week-old biofilm. The specimens were divided into six groups (n = 12): Group 1 (G1)—negative control (PBS—no laser), Group 2 (G2)—positive control (1% NaOCl rinse—no laser), Group 3 (G3)—a 970 nm laser in 1.5 W pulse mode, Group 4 (G4)—a 970 nm laser in 2 W pulse mode, Group 5 (G5)—a 970 nm laser in 1.5 W continuous mode, Group 6 (G6)—a 970 nm laser in 2 W continuous mode. Bacterial viability was evaluated using the LIVE/DEAD BacLight kit and analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Temperature changes on the root surface during irradiation were analyzed using a K-type thermocouple. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test (α = 0.05). Results: Bacterial viability was significantly reduced after laser irradiation in continuous mode using 1.5 W (21% of live bacteria) and 2 W (14% of live bacteria). When the pulsed mode was applied, the reduction in bacterial viability was less, with a mean survival of 53% (1.5 PF, whereas 29% of bacteria survived after 2 W irradiation). Conclusions: The 970 nm diode laser at 2 W continuous mode effectively reduced the viability of E. faecalis biofilms in root canals without causing unacceptable temperature rises at the root surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelargonium plants are very popular and well-known for their essential oils (EOs), which are used for medicinal purposes and in food. This study focused on the EO of Pelargonium odoratissimum. First, its composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were evaluated, and finally, its efficacy as a natural preservative in ground beef was tested. The main EO constituents were citronellol (40.0%), nerol (15.3%), and citronellyl formate (12.6%). The antibacterial activity of POEO showed that Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was the most susceptible strain compared to the other eight strains tested. The antioxidant activity, as measured by the DPPH assay, showed a dose-dependent effect with an IC50 comparable to the standard used, gallic acid. Aerobic plate count, psychotropic bacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae, including Salmonella, were reduced by the addition of Pelargonium odoratissimum essential oils. The oxidative stability was significantly improved compared to the untreated sample. Additionally, the results for metmyoglobin demonstrated a notable preservative effect on sensory properties, including appearance, odor, color, and overall acceptability. The ability to discriminate between all samples and correlate protein and lipid oxidation processes, microbiological characteristics, and sensory measurements was made possible by principal component analysis and heat maps. This research shows the potential benefits of using POEO in the preservation of ground beef by effectively extending shelf life and improving product safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study is to isolate and identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from various Egyptian dairy products, examine their antibacterial and hemolysis potential, and ensure their safety when used as starter cultures in different dairy industries. Egyptian dairy products are often made without the use of commercial starter cultures, using raw milk and artisanal methods. The most popular traditional dairy products are Laban Rayeb and Zabady, as well as the cheese varieties of Ras, Domiati, and Karish. The microbial communities used for fermentation and the diversity of lactic acid bacteria are the most important factors that can affect the quality of these products. In order to investigate the diversity of cocci lactic acid bacteria in Egyptian dairy products, 70 samples of raw or fermented milk and cheeses were collected from traditional cheese-making factories, local markets, and farmhouses located in the Delta area of Egypt. Following this, the LAB were isolated from the samples. One hundred fifty-seven isolates of Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and cocci bacterial species were identified via rep-PCR, and some isolates were confirmed using pheS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, as follows: Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius (three isolates), Enterococcus hirae (three isolates), Enterococcus faecium (ninety-six isolates), Enterococcus faecalis (forty isolates), Enterococcus durans (six isolates), Lactococcus garvieae (one isolate), Pediococcus acidilactici (seven isolates), and Lactococcus lactis subsp. Lactis (one isolate). These findings validate that five strains have strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes, and one hundred thirty-four strains were safe for hemolysis. The five strains were selected as protective cultures, including Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, E. faecalis, and E. faecium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to both humans and livestock. Despite this, there is limited global consensus on data-informed, priority areas for intervention in both sectors. We compare current livestock AMR data collection efforts with other variables pertinent to human and livestock AMR to identify critical data gaps and mutual priorities. Methods: We globally synthesized livestock AMR data from open-source surveillance reports and point prevalence surveys stratified for six pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, non-typhoidal Salmonella, Campylobacter spp., Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium) and eleven antimicrobial classes important in human and veterinary use, published between 2000 and 2020. We also included all livestock species represented in the data: cattle, chickens, pigs, sheep, turkeys, ducks, horses, buffaloes, and goats. We compared this data with intended priorities calculated from: disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), livestock antimicrobial usage (AMU), livestock biomass, and a global correlation exercise between livestock and human proportion of resistant isolates. Results: Resistance to fluoroquinolones and macrolides in Staphylococcus aureus were identified as priorities in many countries but, less than 10% of these reported livestock AMR data. Resistance data for Escherichia coli specific to cattle, chickens, and pigs, which we prioritized, were also well collected. AMR data collection on non-typhoidal Salmonella and other livestock species were often not prioritized. Of 232 categories prioritized by at least one country, data were only collected for 48% (n = 112). Conclusions: The lack of livestock AMR data globally for broad resistance in Staphylococcus aureus could underplay their zoonotic threat. Countries can bolster livestock AMR data collection, reporting, and intervention setting for Staphylococcus aureus as done for Escherichia coli. This framework can provide guidance on areas to strengthen AMR surveillance and decision-making for humans and livestock, and if done routinely, can adapt to resistance trends and priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infective endocarditis is an uncommon but well-known post-transplant complication with significant morbidity and mortality. It has been observed to be about 171 times more common in solid organ transplant patients than in the general population. With the increasing rate of end-stage kidney disease, the higher demand for kidney transplantation with better graft survival, and life expectancy rates, more transplant recipients may develop infective endocarditis as a late post-transplant complication. Prompt diagnosis of infective endocarditis is therefore necessary to avert graft loss and other life-threatening outcomes. Case presentation: We present a case of a 52-year-old African patient who had a live donor kidney transplant 18 months prior to presentation and had been on oral tacrolimus 5 mg every morning/4.5 mg every evening, mycophenolic acid (MPA) 720 mg twice daily, and oral prednisolone 10 mg daily as maintenance immunosuppressive medications. Regarding the above immunosuppressive medications, he had been in good health and had a functioning transplant graft. He presented with a resolving right thigh swelling, recurrence of fever, new onset left hemiplegia, and seizures. Enterococcus faecalis infective endocarditis was diagnosed with metastatic brain abscesses, which was treated with intravenous vancomycin and gentamycin for 5 weeks. There are very few reported cases of infective endocarditis due to Enterococcus faecalis, and this case is unique because the initial presentation was pyomyositis. Conclusion: Infective endocarditis with septic embolization to the brain should be considered in kidney transplant recipients with pyomyositis and multiple rim-enhancing lesions, especially in the late post-transplant period with Enterococcal spp. as an emerging cause of infective endocarditis in kidney transplant recipients. Clinicians will need to have a high index of suspicion to aid early diagnosis with appropriate treatment to prevent adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate identification of infectious diseases using molecular techniques, such as PCR and NGS, is well-established. This study aims to assess the utility of Bactfast and Fungifast in diagnosing bloodstream infections in ICU settings, comparing them against traditional culture methods. The objectives include evaluating sensitivity and specificity and identifying a wide range of pathogens, including non-culturable species. Methods: We collected 500 non-duplicate blood samples from ICU patients between January 2023 and December 2023. Specimens underwent traditional culture, MALDI-TOF, VITEK®2 compact system, and NGS-based Bactfast and Fungifast analyses. Results: Out of the 500 samples, 26.8% (n=134) showed bacterial growth via traditional culture methods, while 4.8% (n=24) were positive for fungal growth. MALDI-TOF and VITEK®2 compact system yielded comparable results, identifying 26.4% (n=132) of specimens with bacterial growth. NGS-based Bactfast detected bacterial presence in 38.2% (n=191) of samples, including non-culturable bacteria missed by traditional methods. However, NGS-based Fungifast showed concordant fungal detection rates with culture methods. Among identified pathogens by culture method included Klebsiella pneumoniae 20.89% (n=28), Enterococcus faecalis 18.65% (n=25), Escherichia coli 15.67% (n=21), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 12.68% (n=17), Acinetobacter baumannii 10.44% (n=14), various Streptococcus species 7.46% (n=10), Mycobacterium tuberculosis 6.71% (n=9), Mycobacterium abscessus 4.47% (n=6), and Salmonella spp 2.98% (n=4). Non-culture-based NGS identified additional (n=33) pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae 27.27% (n=9), Bacteroides fragilis 21.21% (n=7), Aerococcus viridans 15.15% (n=5), Elizabethkingia anopheles 12.12% (n=4), Aeromonas salmonicida 9% (n=3), Clostridium 9% (n=3), and Bacteroides vulgatus 6% (n=2). Candida albicans was reported in 5% (n=24) of samples by both methods. Conclusion: NGS-based Bactfast and Fungifast demonstrate high sensitivity in identifying a wide array of bacterial and fungal pathogens in ICU patients, outperforming traditional culture methods in detecting non-culturable organisms. These molecular assays offer rapid and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, potentially improving clinical outcomes through timely and accurate pathogen identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial infections, particularly those associated with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE), threaten public health and economies, with rising antibiotic resistance resulting in more deaths yearly. In this study, we investigated the bacterial inhibitory activity of some new 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles prepared, in good yields, using a two‐step tandem protocol. Therefore, the appropriate N‐benzoylhydrazones were prepared first, then, without isolation, underwent oxidative‐cyclization in the presence of chloramine trihydrate. More 4‐acyloxyphenyl‐linked 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles were prepared by the pyridine‐mediated acylation of 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles with the appropriate acyl chlorides. Some new products demonstrated good activity, particularly against S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis strains. The 4‐(5‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)phenyl acetate showed comparable antibacterial activity to ciprofloxacin, with MIC/MBC values up to 3.6/7.2 µM against the previous strains. Moreover, it demonstrated good inhibitory activity against different MRSA and VRE strains when compared to linezolid. It had MIC/MBC values of 7.2/14.4 and 14.4/57.8 µM against MRSA and VRE strains, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising antimicrobial resistance crisis has diminished the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria. This study addresses this urgent challenge by exploring the antibacterial potential of novel quinolone derivatives (1–33). Using computational in silico modeling to simulate biological interactions, we aimed to identify candidates with potent antibacterial activity. A total of 33 quinolone derivatives were assessed for their physicochemical properties and effectiveness against a range of clinically relevant pathogens, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis. Molecular docking studies identified compounds 28, 29, 32, and 33 as having notable binding affinities, particularly against MRSA. Further molecular dynamics simulations of compound 29 confirmed its favorable stability and potential for disrupting MRSA, reinforcing the docking results and showing strong alignment with in vitro findings. These findings position compound 29 as a promising lead for developing alternative MRSA therapies and underscore the need for further in vivo studies to evaluate its therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This ex vivo study devised an analytical ex vivo method for infection/disinfection of simulated lateral canals located in the middle and apical segments of the root. The antibacterial effects of supplementary approaches were tested in this model. Extracted mandibular premolars had their main root canals enlarged and then two lateral canals (100 μm in diameter) were created in the root, one in the apical and the other in the middle portion. Micro-computed tomography was used for specimen selection and to confirm the quality of the simulated ramifications. The specimens were contaminated with a mixed bacterial culture from subgingival bacterial biofilm added to pure Enterococcus faecalis strain ATCC 29212 grown overnight, using special strategies to facilitate culture medium penetration within the lateral canals. The following procedures were tested for disinfection: NaOCl/passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), NaOCl/XP-endo Finisher, ozonated water/continuous ultrasonic irrigation (CUI), and NaOCl/conventional irrigation with 30-G needles (control). Bacteriological samples were taken from the main canal before (S1) and after (S2) each supplementary protocol, and also from each lateral canal after treatment (S3). DNA extracted from the samples was subjected to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. All S1 main canal samples were positive for bacterial presence. Bacterial counts in the main root canal substantially decreased by 99.2% after PUI, 99.1% after ozone/CUI, 99% after XP-endo Finisher, and 96% in the control group (P < 0.01 for all groups). There were no significant differences between groups (P > 0.05). The same was observed when comparing the effects of the supplementary approaches in the apical and middle lateral canals (P > 0.05). Only a few lateral canals showed no detectable bacteria. The method proposed here proved effective for ex vivo infection/disinfection studies. All supplementary approaches induced a substantial bacterial reduction in the main canal, with no significant differences between them. However, in terms of lateral canal disinfection, none of the tested approaches showed significant effects when compared to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococci, common hospital-acquired infections in immunocompromised patients, have garnered attention in clinical microbiology. To determine the clinical relevance of enterococci as food-borne pathogens, 116 fish, 90 vegetables, and 120 human diarrheal samples were tested for E. faecalis and E. faecium pathogenicity. Conventionally, 69 of 326 (21.17%) samples were positive for Enterococcus species, 52 (15.95%) of which were molecularly classified as E. faecalis and 13 (3.99%) as E. faecium. The E. faecalis contamination percentage of fresh fish (19.70%) was higher than frozen fish (4%). Cauliflower had the highest E. faecalis percentage (16.67%) when fish and vegetable samples didn't harbor the E. faecium atpA gene. 23.33% and 10.83% of participants' samples were molecularly confirmed as E. faecalis and E. faecium positive, respectively. E. faecalis isolates had all virulence genes, with gels being the most common (65.38%), while cylA and asa1 genes couldn't be detected in E. faecium isolates. E. faecalis showed the highest resistance against vancomycin and tetracycline (69.23%), whereas E. faecium extremely resisted tetracycline (76.92%) and erythromycin (69.23%) with the recognition of MDR among 44.2% of E. faecalis and 38.5% of E. faecium isolates. The great similarity of our isolates showed the clinical importance of food-borne antibiotic-resistant enterococci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococcus faecalis is a versatile lactic acid bacterium with a large variety of implications for humans. While some strains of this species are pathobionts being resistant against most of the common antibiotics, other strains are regarded as biological protectants or even probiotics. Accordingly, E. faecalis strains largely differ in the size and content of their accessory genome. In this study, we describe the genome-scale metabolic network reconstruction of E. faecalis ATCC 19433, a non-resistant human-associated strain. A comparison of the genome-scale metabolic model (GSM) of E. faecalis ATCC 19433 with a previously published GSM of the multi-resistant pathobiontic E. faecalis V583 reveals high similarities in the central metabolic abilities of these two human associated strains. This is reflected, e.g., in the identical amino acid auxotrophies. The ATCC 19433 strain, however, has a 14.1 % smaller genome than V583 and lacks the multiple antibiotic resistance genes and genes involved in capsule formation. Based on the measured metabolic fluxes at different growth rates, the energy demand at zero growth was calculated to be about 40 % lower for the ATCC 19433 strain compared to V583. Furthermore, the ATCC 19433 strain seems less prone to the depletion of amino acids utilizable for energy metabolism. This might hint at a lower overall energy demand of the ATCC 19433 strain as compared to V583. ● A genome-scale metabolic model of E. faecalis ATCC 19433 has been developed. ● The model reproduces experimental flux distributions and amino acid auxotrophies. ● A comparison to a model of E. faecalis strain V583 indicates a lower energy demand of ATCC 19433. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neovaginas are surgically constructed to correct uterovaginal agenesis in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome or as part of gender-affirming surgery for transfeminine individuals. Understanding the assembly of the neovaginal microbiota is crucial for guiding its management. To address this, we conducted a longitudinal study on MRKH patients following laparoscopic peritoneal vaginoplasty. Our findings reveal that the early microbial assemblage exhibited stochastic characteristics, accompanied with a notable bloom of Enterococcus faecalis and genital Mycoplasmas. While both the pre-surgery dimple microbiota and the fecal microbiota constituted the primary species pool, the neovaginal microbiota developed into a microbiota that resembled that of a normal vagina at 6–12 months post-surgery, albeit with a bacterial vaginosis (BV)-like structure. By 2–4 years post-surgery, the neovaginal microbiota had further evolved into a structure closely resembling with the homeostatic pre-surgery dimple microbiota. This concords with the development of the squamous epithelium in the neovagina and highlights the pivotal roles of progressive selective forces imposed by the evolving neovaginal environment and the colonization tropism of vaginal species. Notably, we observed that strains of Lactobacillus crispatus colonizing the neovagina primarily originated from the dimple. Since L. crispatus is generally associated with vaginal health, this finding suggests potential avenues for future research to promote its colonization. Neovaginas are surgically constructed to correct uterovaginal agenesis in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Here, in a longitudinal study, the authors characterize the dynamics of neovaginal microbiota assembly, showing resemblance to normal vaginal flora at 6-12 months post-surgery, albeit with a bacterial vaginosis-like structure, and further developed into a structure resembling that of the homeostatic pre-surgery dimple microbiota by 2-4 years post-surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-derived compounds are renowned for their remarkable pharmacological properties, holding immense promise for therapeutic interventions in human health. In this study, we aimed to assess the antimicrobial, anti-hemolytic, antioxidant, and wound healing attributes of watercress oil incorporated into Vaseline gel (OLG) compared to watercress oil alone. OLG was formulated through a meticulous process involving the addition of Vaseline gel to the oil under agitation conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of watercress oil unveiled a rich array of phenolic compounds, including gallic acid (10.18 µg/mL), daidzein (3.46 µg/mL), and hesperetin (3.28 µg/mL). The inhibitory zones caused by watercress oil alone against a spectrum of pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans, were measured at 25 ± 0.3, 26 ± 0.1, 22 ± 0.2, 25 ± 0.2, and 24 ± 0.1 mm, respectively. Notably, OLG exhibited slightly larger zones of inhibition (27 ± 0.2, 30 ± 0.2, 24 ± 0.1, 28 ± 0.1, and 25 ± 0.3 mm) against the same microbial strains. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of OLG against E. coli and E. faecalis was lower compared to watercress oil alone, indicating enhanced efficacy. Similarly, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of OLG was notably lower across all tested bacteria compared to watercress oil alone. Inhibition of bacterial hemolysis, particularly K. pneumoniae, was significantly enhanced with OLG treatment, showcasing reductions of 19.4%, 11.6%, and 6.8% at 25%, 50%, and 75% MIC concentrations, respectively, compared to watercress oil alone. The antioxidant activity of both oil and OLG was quantified with IC50 values of 2.56 and 3.02 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, OLG demonstrated remarkable efficacy in wound healing assays, with notable enhancements in migration rate, wound closure, and area difference compared to control cells. In light of the observed antibacterial, antifungal, anti-hemolytic, and wound healing properties of OLG, this formulation holds therapeutic potential in treating microbial infections and promoting wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glycopeptides for ampicillin-susceptible Enterococcus faecalis/faecium bacteremia are readily prescribed depending on the severity of the condition. However, there is limited data on the outcomes of glycopeptide use compared to ampicillin-containing regimens for ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium bacteremia. From an antibiotic stewardship perspective, it is important to determine whether the use of glycopeptides is associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium bacteremia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital between January 2010 and September 2019. We collected data from patients with positive blood cultures for Enterococcus species isolates. The clinical data of patients who received ampicillin-containing regimens or glycopeptides as definitive therapy for ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium bacteremia were reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for 28-day mortality. Results: Ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium accounted for 41.2% (557/1,353) of enterococcal bacteremia cases during the study period. A total of 127 patients who received ampicillin-containing regimens (N = 56) or glycopeptides (N = 71) as definitive therapy were included in the analysis. The 28-day mortality rate was higher in patients treated with glycopeptides (19.7%) than in those treated with ampicillin-containing regimens (3.6%) (p = 0.006). However, in the multivariate model, antibiotic choice was not an independent predictor of 28-day mortality (adjusted OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 0.6–23.6). Conclusions: Glycopeptide use was not associated with improved mortality in patients with ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium bacteremia. This study provides insights to reduce the inappropriate use of glycopeptides in ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium bacteremia treatment and promote antimicrobial stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent cancers. One distinctive feature of colorectal cancer is its close relationship to the gut microbiota, which is a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment. Over the last ten years, research has demonstrated that colorectal cancer is accompanied with dysbiosis of gut bacteria, fungi, viruses, and Archaea, and that these alterations may be causal. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the disruption of the microorganism composition in the intestine, especially bacteria and to determine their relationship with colorectal cancer. Methods: An evaluation system for determining colorectal cancer (CRC) risk and prognosis can be established more easily with the help of accurate gut microbiota profiling. Stool samples from 14 CRC patients and 13 controls were collected and the flora relative abundance was measured using targeted quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays to evaluate diagnostic potential of selected biomarkers: Streptococcus gallolyticus and Enterococcus faecalis. Culture and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry were coupled to identify the gut microbiota in both colorectal cancer and control groups. Results: Compared with controls, the gut microbiota of CRC patients showed an increase in the abundance of Enterococcus, Fusobacterium and Streptococcus. At the species level, the CRC enriched bacterium including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus gallolyticus, Flavoni fractorplautii and Eggerthella lenta acted as promising biomarkers for early detection of CRC. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of gut microbiota biomarkers as a promising non-invasive tool for the accurate detection and distinction of individuals with CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative complications after colorectal cancer surgery have been linked to the gut microbiome. However, the impact of mechanical bowel preparation using oral preparation agents or rectal enema on postoperative infections remains poorly understood. This study aimed to compare the impact of oral preparation and rectal enema on the gut microbiome and postoperative complications. Methods: This open-label pilot RCT was conducted at the National Cancer Institute, Vilnius, Lithuania. Patients with left-side colorectal cancer scheduled for elective resection with primary anastomosis were randomized 1 : 1 to preoperative mechanical bowel preparation with either oral preparation or rectal enema. Stool samples were collected before surgery, and on postoperative day 6 and 30 for 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The primary outcome was difference in β-diversity between groups on postoperative day 6. Results: Forty participants were randomized to oral preparation (20) or rectal enema (20). The two groups had similar changes in microbiome composition, and there was no difference in β-diversity on postoperative day 6. Postoperative infections occurred in 12 patients (32%), without differences between the study groups. Patients with infections had an increased abundance of bacteria from the Actinomycetaceae family, Actinomyces genus, Sutterella uncultured species, and Enterococcus faecalis species. Conclusion: Mechanical bowel preparation with oral preparation or rectal enema resulted in similar dysbiosis. Patients who experienced postoperative infections exhibited distinct gut microbiome compositions on postoperative day 6, characterized by an increased abundance of bacteria from the Actinomycetaceae family, Actinomyces genus, Sutterella uncultured species, and Enterococcus faecalis species. Registration number: NCT04013841 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov). Postoperative complications after colorectal cancer surgery have been linked to the gut microbiome, but the impact of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) using oral preparation agents (OP) or rectal enema (RE), on postoperative infections remains poorly understood. This study aimed to compare the impact of OP and RE on the gut microbiome and postoperative complications. MBP with OP and RE resulted in similar dysbiosis. Patients who experienced postoperative infections exhibited distinct gut microbiome compositions on postoperative day 6, characterized by an increased abundance of bacteria from the Actinomycetaceae family, Actinomyces genus, Sutterella uncultured species, and Enterococcus faecalis species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antioxidant properties, in addition to the chemical constituents of Satureja graeca L. ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions using HPLC-DAD analysis, phenolic compound detection was established. Six in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS, β-carotene, O2•-, CUPRAC, and Reducing power) were employed to assess the antioxidant capacities. In order to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of both extracts against six bacterial strains and two fungi, the serial micro-dilution method was used. According to analysis, the extracts' main phenolic components were chlorogenic acid, rutin, ellagic acid, vanillin, and caffeic acid. Both fractions revealed high antioxidant capacities at different levels in all assays and they showed a strong antimicrobial activity against all tested strains as MIC came out to be 0.3-10 mg/ml. However, ethyl acetate fraction exerted important effect compared to that of n-butanol fraction on Enterococcus faecalis ATCC19433 (1.2 and 2.5 mg/mL), Candida albicans ATCC10239 (2.5 and 10 mg/mL) and Candida tropicalis RSKK 665 (2.5 and 5 mg/mL). Furthermore, ethyl acetate fraction showed a significant antibiofilm activity against C. tropicalis RSKK 665 (41.9%) and C. albicans ATCC 10239 (38.6%) at 2.5 mg/mL. These findings suggest that Satureja graeca L. can be used in food and may be a promising therapeutic agent for treating a wide range of disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal water quality is facing increasing threats due to human activities. Their contamination by sewage discharges poses significant risks to the environment and public health. We aimed to investigate the presence of antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus in beach waters. Over a 10-month period, samples were collected from four beaches in the State of São Paulo (Brazil). Enterococcus isolates underwent matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) and molecular analysis for accurate genus and species identification. The antimicrobial susceptibility for 14 antibiotics was evaluated using the disc diffusion method followed by a multidrug-resistance (MDR) classification. PCR amplification method was used to detect antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Our findings revealed the prevalence of Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium and E. hirae. Out of 130 isolates, 118 were resistant to multiple antibiotics. The detection of resistance genes provided evidence of the potential transfer of antibiotic resistance within the environment. Our findings underscore the necessity for continuous research and surveillance to enhance understanding of the pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of Enterococcus, which is crucial to implement effective measures to preserve the integrity of coastal ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis infection has become a global concern. There is a demand for alternative antibacterial agents, such as herbal alternatives, such as Cannabidiol, that are cost-effective, non-toxic and efficient. This study investigates the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for planktonic cells and the Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) for biofilm formation in multidrug- resistance isolates of E. faecalis isolates, particularly focusing cannabidiol activity. E. faecalis isolates with strong biofilm presence, vancomycin, levofloxacin, and daptomycin displayed high MIC and MBEC values. Cannabidiol exhibited a significantly lower MIC (1 µg/mL) for planktonic cells and a low MBEC (2 µg/mL). Moreover, at low concentrations (2 µg/mL), cannabidiol demonstrated notable reductions in biofilm biovolume, bacterial cell viability and colonyforming unit compared to vancomycin, levofloxacin, and daptomycin. The mice treated with cannabidiol (100 mg/kg) exhibited a significant reduction in E. faecalis bacterial load in internal organs and increased the survival. In conclusion, the findings underscore the promising antibiofilm properties of cannabidiol against E. faecalis, indicating its potential as a novel therapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, La2O3 and CeO2 nanopowders were prepared using a simple and cost-effective precipitation method. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), UV-Visible reflectance diffuses (UV-Vis DRS), Raman spectroscopy, and specific surface area were used to characterize the photocatalysts, evidencing that the used preparation method was effective in the generation of crystalline CeO2 and La2O3. In particular, WAXD results showed that the average crystallite size of the achieved La2O3 and CeO2 samples were about 22 nm and 28 nm, respectively. The photocatalytic performances of the prepared catalysts were investigated in the degradation of levofloxacin (LEV) and the inactivation of a waterborne pathogen levofloxacin resistant (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212) by using a photoreactor equipped with a solar simulator (SS). After 120 min, the CeO2 and La2O3 photocatalytic treatments allowed us to achieve between 75% and 83% of levofloxacin removal, respectively. A complete removal of 106 CFU/mL Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was achieved after 5 and 60 min of La2O3 and CeO2 photocatalytic processes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococcus spp. are isolated from infections of domestic animals and can present resistance to different antimicrobials. This study aimed to identify the main species of Enterococcus and determine the phenotypic resistance to antimicrobials of isolates of this bacterial genus obtained from dogs and cats admitted to a veterinary hospital in southern Brazil. A total of 57 Enterococcus spp. were isolated from different clinical samples (urine, feces, ears and skin) in domestic animals admitted to the hospital over a period of three years (2016 to 2019). MALDI-TOF results demonstrated the occurrence of Enterococcus faecium (39; 68.4%), Enterococcus faecalis (17; 29.8%) and Enterococcus avium (1; 1.8%). In an overall analysis, resistance was observed to the antimicrobials rifampicin (46; 80.7%), tetracycline and streptomycin (42; 73.7%), ampicillin and imipenem (41; 71.9%), erythromycin (39; 68.4%), gentamicin (38; 66.7%), ciprofloxacin (36; 63.2%), norfloxacin (32; 56.1%), nitrofurantoin (10; 17.5%) and chloramphenicol (9; 15.7%). None of the Enterococcus spp. showed resistance to vancomycin and linezolid. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 45 (78.9%) isolates. In conclusion, E. faecium and E. faecalis with MDR are frequent in infections of hospitalized dogs and cats from southern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial pathogenesis contributes a significant proportion to the global human mortality rate. Further, the outbreak of antimicrobial-resistant strains represents an alarming threat to human and animal healthcare, which drives scientific research on searching for novel antimicrobials. The present study is one such initiative to isolate new classes of antibiotics from the marine actinomycetes to combat the perpetual increase of multidrug-resistant strains. The soil samples from Tamil Nadu, India's coastal regions, were collected, and eight isolates of the actinomycete species (S1, S1b, S2, S3, S4b, S4W, S4R, S5) were recovered. From their 16S rRNA sequencing, the isolates belonged to Streptomyces sp.; the phylogenetic tree was constructed through the neighbour-joining method. Further, the secondary metabolites of all the isolates were screened against ATCC strains, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25927) and Acinetobacter baumanni (ATCC 19606) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE), carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia (OXA) and colistin-cephalosporin resistant Escherichia coli (MCR). Of the eight isolates, S1b and S3 showed good inhibition for all the strains tested and their genomic sequences were sequenced and submitted to Genbank, MK641472 (S1b) & MK641473 (S3). Conclusively, their metabolites were purified using LC-MS and no resemblances were found with standard classes of antimicrobials such as nitrofurans, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, chloramphenicols or ivermectins, which suggests that these metabolites are novel and could be exploited for the prospective antimicrobial research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: This report presents a rare case of invasive infection caused by Enterococcus cecorum. There are no specific guidelines regarding antibiotic therapy for this infection. Based on this case, it can be concluded that linezolid demonstrates in vivo activity against Enterococcus cecorum and can be successfully used in therapy. Enterococcus cecorum is an extremely rare pathogen in humans. Since 1984, when the microorganism was first described, only a dozen cases of invasive infections in humans have been reported in the literature. The diagnostic pathway may involve difficulties in correctly identifying this microorganism. Based on the case described, it can be thought that Enterococcus cecorum is a more challenging bacterium than the much more common Enterococcus faecium or Enterococcus faecalis. The described case underscores the importance of medical vigilance in clinical practice. It seems that due to increasingly advanced techniques in molecular biology, we will more frequently detect pathogens that were previously encountered only sporadically. Since not every center has access to modern and advanced microbiological diagnostic methods, publications that practically combine classical microbiological diagnostic methods with those less accessible but more modern are exceptionally valuable. In the case described, it is also worth noting that classical methods still play a significant and crucial role in conducting microbiological diagnostics. In the era of rapid diagnostic tool development, it is important to emphasize the necessity of combining different methods rather than replacing one with another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of fructophilic lactic acid bacteria isolated from fructose-rich niches (bee digestive tract, yam fruit, hazelnut leaf, grape, tomato, white mulberry, pear, kiwi) for their use as probiotics. Among a large number of isolates from these sources, 10 catalase-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains were initially selected. Cell morphology and genotypic characteristics (RAPD-PZR, 16S rRNA sequencing) of the selected strains were determined in the first stage. The fructophilic isolates included in the study were identified as Enterococcus faecalis. Phylogenetic analyses of the related isolates were performed and isolates isolated from the bee gastrointestinal tract and isolates isolated from different plant sources were grouped into separate clades. Isolates whose phenotypic and genotypic characteristics were defined were then tested for their potential probiotic properties. In this context, acid, pepsin and pancreatin resistance profiles of the isolates were determined. In addition, isolates coded A6, 7, 9 and 10 were proven to be potential bacteriocin producers. In this study, it was shown that fructophilic lactic acid bacteria can be isolated from different plant sources and may have probiotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, hydrogels were synthesized using Prunus persica ev. Bayramiç Beyazı extract as a crosslinker. N-3-(Dimethylamino)propyl methacrylamide (DMAPMA) and 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomers were used in hydrogels synthesized by redox polymerization. Hydrogel@Ag composites were created by synthesizing Ag0 nanoparticles within hydrogel network structures cross-linked with plant extract using an in-situ green synthesis method. These hydrogels and composites were characterized by swelling, FTIR, TEM, XRD, TGA methods. The synthesized hydrogels and hydrogel@Ag composites were loaded with Naproxen and Cefazolin drugs. The in-vitro drug release profiles of the hydrogels were examined in a pH = 5.5 and PBS environment, and it was determined that approximately 75% of the drugs were released within 5 h. The release kinetics model for the hydrogels was the Higuchi model, followed by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Ag0 nanoparticle encapsulation significantly affected the degree of swelling. The hydrogel cross-linked with MBA showed a swelling capacity of 370.16% by mass, while the hydrogel cross-linked with fruit extract exhibited a swelling capacity of 1000.78% by mass. The silver-encapsulated hydrogel demonstrated an even higher swelling capacity of 2313% by mass. Additionally, antibacterial tests against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis microorganisms, showed that Ag-free hydrogels did not exhibit antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most prevalent infectious diseases identified in both communities and hospitalized patients is urinary tract infection (UTI). Enterococcus is evolved into a clinically pertinent uropathogen due to its evolving resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents.This study, detects antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Enterococcus species and molecular detection of Enterococcus faecalis from patients with urinary tract infections. In this cross-sectional observational study, 165 urine samples were obtained from clinically diagnosed patients with UTIs of different ages and gender. Enterococcus species were identified by standard microbiological procedure and PCR (by using species-specific primers for Enterococcus faecalis). A modified Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion method was used to identify the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Out of 165 urine samples, 134 samples yielded positive cultures. Enterococcus species were isolated from 23 (17.1%) urine samples. Among all Enterococcus, 16 (69.6%) isolates were E. faecalis, detected by PCR assay. A higher (30.4%) proportion of Enterococcus-positive patients were from the age group 48–57 years and female patients (78.2%) had a higher prevalence. Enterococcal infection was found in 56.5% of non-catheterized patients and 43.5% of catheterized patients. Vancomycin and linezolid (78.3%) and meropenem (73.9%) sensitivity was prevalent among all Enterococcus species. They showed 100% resistance towards ceftriaxone, cefixime 95.7%, cefuroxime 91.3%, azithromycin 82.6%. This research indicated the occurrence of Enterococcus species and the advent of multidrug-resistant E. faecalis in patients with UTIs. Routine speciation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Enterococcus in various clinical samples is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have become an increasing public health concern in the past few decades, being associated with serious multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. This study was conducted to investigate the role of diarrheic pet animals as potential reservoirs for virulent extensively drug-resistant (XDR) VRE and their threat on human health. Materials and Methods: Rectal swabs were collected from 153 diarrheic pet animals (80 dogs and 73 cats). The collected swabs were cultured on CHROMagarTMVRE for the isolation of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, and then suspected colonies were identified as enterococci after Gram staining, conventional biochemical tests, and molecular techniques. VRE were basically identified using the disk diffusion method; however, molecular identification of vanA and vanB genes was carried out among confirmed VRE isolates. Moreover, three virulence genes (cytolysin A, cylA; enterococcal surface protein, esp; and hyaluronidase, hyl) were investigated in VRE isolates. Thereafter, VRE strains that harbored virulence genes were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Results: Eighteen out of 153 animals (11.8%) were positive for VRE, which were obtained from 15% and 8.2% of the examined dogs and cats, respectively. None of the obtained isolates carried the vanA gene, whereas the vanB gene was detected in E. faecalis (4/10) with a prevalence rate (40%). Of the obtained VRE isolates, five possessed esp and/or cylA, while all strains were negative for the hyl gene. Furthermore, four virulent VRE isolates exhibited an XDR pattern, and one isolate was MDR. Conclusion: Diarrheic pet animals could represent a potential zoonotic reservoir for virulent XDR vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis, which may have serious public health implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for wound care is increasing globally and the traditional wound dressings offer limited support to the healing process, failing to meet the requirements of current healthcare system. Drug-controlled release nanotechnology has garnered interest recently in the field of biomedicine. Electrospun nanofibers are considered as an advanced wound dressing due to their unique structure and a biological function similar to the extracellular matrix. In this study, a polycaprolactone (PCL)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) loaded with nisin was developed by electrospinning technique. The fabricated nanofiber was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The degradation index, in vitro release studies, antioxidant activity, and cell cytotoxicity analyses of the nanofibers were also performed. The antibacterial activity of the nanofiber was evaluated against wound causing skin pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The FTIR data demonstrate the interactions between PCL, PEG, and nisin. The presence of nisin in the fiber was confirmed by the characteristic bands of nisin at 3398.63, 1643.23, and 1242.17 cm−1. The nanofibers exhibited maximum controlled nisin release of 94.3% at 24 h. The nisin-loaded nanofibers exhibited antibacterial activity against all the indicator organisms used in the study. About 78% viability was observed on nisin-loaded nanofibers during the MTT assay. The results indicated that the fabricated antibacterial nanofiber has the potential for wound healing application and the treatment of bacterial infections in wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accelerated spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has caused a serious health problem and rendered antimicrobial treatments ineffective. Innovative approaches are crucial to overcome the health threat posed by resistant pathogens and prevent the emergence of untreatable infections. Triggering stress responses in bacteria can diminish susceptibility to various antimicrobials by inducing resistance mechanisms. Therefore, a thorough understanding of stress response control, especially in relation to antimicrobial resistance, offers valuable perspectives for innovative and efficient therapeutic approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress responses of 8 different bacteria by analyzing reporter metabolites, around which significant alterations were observed, using a pathway-driven computational approach. For this purpose, the transcriptomic data that the bacterial pathogens were grown under 11 different stress conditions mimicking the human host environments were integrated with the genome-scale metabolic models of 8 pathogenic species (Enterococcus faecalis OG1R, Escherichia coli EPEC O127:H6 E2348/69, Escherichia coli ETEC H10407, Escherichia coli UPEC 536, Klebsiella pneumoniae MGH 78578, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Staphylococcus aureus MRSA252, and Staphylococcus aureus MSSA476). The resulting reporter metabolites were enriched in multiple metabolic pathways, with cofactor biosynthesis being the most important. The results of this study will serve as a guide for the development of antimicrobial agents as they provide a first insight into potential drug targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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