Enterococcus species are Gram-positive cocci normally found in the gut but have emerged as opportunistic pathogens in healthcare settings, with rising multidrug resistance, particularly vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) posing major therapeutic challenges. This study evaluated the antibacterial and synergistic effects of plant-derived stilbenes from Reynoutria japonica against clinical VRE isolates. Ten clinical Enterococcus faecalis isolates were identified using standard morphological, biochemical, and Gram-staining methods, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. The antibacterial activity of polydatin, resveratroloside, and trans-resveratrol was assessed by agar well diffusion, and evaluation of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and evaluation of bactericidal activity concentrations (MBCs), with synergistic effects tested in combination with vancomycin.Molecular docking was performed with DapF, vanA, and gelE proteins. All isolates were resistant to vancomycin, ampicillin, imipenem, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin but sensitive to linezolid. All three stilbenes displayed antibacterial activity. Notably, trans-resveratrol was the most active compound, with a MIC value of 0.156 mM and bactericidal activity (an MBC value equal to the MIC). Furthermore, all compounds exhibited synergistic effects when combined with vancomycin. Phytochemical analysis confirmed these stilbenes as major constituents in the root extract of R. japonica. Molecular docking studies revealed strong binding affinities of the compounds to key virulence and resistance-associated proteins (DapF, VanA, and GelE). These results indicate that transresveratrol and related stilbenes are promising candidates for development as alternative or adjunct therapeutic agents against VRE infections. Additionally, this study substantiates the traditional use of R. japonica as a source of bioactive antimicrobial compounds.

Background: The optimal surgical approach for managing multiple renal arteries in living donor kidney transplantation remains unclear. This study compared outcomes between separate anastomoses (SA) and pantaloon anastomosis (PA). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from November 2018 to August 2024. In total, 117 patients were included (SA, 67; PA, 50). The primary outcome was arterial complications. Secondary outcomes included renal function, graft and patient survival at 1 year, and intraoperative variables. Statistical analyses utilized the t-test, the Mann-Whitney U-test, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results: The mean warm ischemia time was similar between groups (105.48±35.64 vs.103.92±33.51 min; P=0.811). Cold ischemia time was also comparable (75.90±14.36 vs.80.68±17.85 min; P=0.111). However, anastomosis time was significantly longer in the SA group (39.00 [35.00–43.00] min) compared with the PA group (34.00 [28.50–39.50] min; P<0.001). The immediate postoperative creatinine reduction was slightly greater in the SA group (46.83%±20.68% vs. 39.78%±19.04%; P=0.090). Vascular complications requiring re-exploration were infrequent in both groups (1.5% vs. 2.0%). At 1 year posttransplant, creatinine levels were comparable between the SA (1.20 [0.95–1.45] mg/dL) and PA (1.20 [1.05–1.35] mg/dL) groups (P=0.337). Regression analysis confirmed that postoperative creatinine levels were independently associated with SA (P=0.006). Graft survival was similarly high (97% vs. 98%), as was patient survival (100% vs. 96%). Conclusions Both anastomosis techniques are safe and effective for transplanting kidneys with anatomical anomalies. SA offers surgical efficiency and provides superior early renal recovery.

In recent times, the emergence of Clostridium perfringens has posed a significant challenge to public health due to its antibiotic resistance and the formation of biofilms. It is the neuraminidase enzyme that supplies toxin secretion from C. perfringens. Since the sialic acid bond is a target recognition point for bacteria, new molecules are needed to treat infections caused by dangerous pathogens such as C. perfringens.The present work focused on an alternative strategy using compounds from Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. Nine bioactive compounds derived from this plant emodin, physcion, emodin-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyl juglone, torachrysone-8-O-β-D-glucoside, polydatin and resveratrol were used as ligands and coupled. The neuraminidase enzyme from C. perfringens was chosen as the target protein. The optimal ligand insertion score and ADMET parameters were determined by employing the Lipinski rules as selection criteria. Emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside exhibited drug-like characteristics in their ability to inhibit neuraminidase, as evidenced by a chelation score of −11.9. A comparison was conducted between emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and the positive control quercetin.A comprehensive analysis of the drug-like properties of emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside revealed that exhibited superiority over quercetin across multiple aspects. Quercetin showed a binding affinity of −9.9, while emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside showed a binding affinity of −11.9. The results showed acceptable differential kinetic properties of emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside compared to quercetin. It has been shown to inhibit the neuraminidase enzyme from C. perfringens.

Aims: This study was aimed to screen indigenous medicinal plants for their antibacterial potential against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methodology and results: Three indigenous plants (Nigella sativa, Zingiber officinale and Calotropis procera) and thymoquinone were screened for antibacterial activity against MRSA, isolated from septic wounds of patients admitted to Mayo Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Isolated bacteria were screened for methicillin and cefoxitin resistance by the Kirby-Bauer method, followed by mecA gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Confirmed MRSA was processed for antibacterial activity of plant extracts and thymoquinone followed by cytotoxicity assay of plant extract having least minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value. Out of total samples (n=100), S. aureus (29%), MRSA (26%) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) (21.7%) isolates were recovered based on morphology, biochemical profile and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Nigella sativa showed the highest antibacterial activity (10.06 ± 6.53 mm) against MRSA followed by Z. officinale (4.06 ± 3.72 mm) and C. procera (3.65 ± 3.33 mm) in comparison to standard thymoquinone (17.93 ± 10.14 mm). The least MIC value recorded was for Z. officinale at 36.89 ± 3.75 μg/mL. Zingiber officinale was the most effective antibacterial agent, followed by N. sativa and C. procera and non-toxic for eukaryotic cells at all tested concentrations (1500 μg/mL to 2.92 μg/mL). Conclusion, significance and impact of study It was concluded that Z. officinale may be used as an effective alternative for treating septic wound infection in local or topical preparations. As pathogenic S. aureus is becoming life-threatening among antibiotic-resistant bacteria and traditional plants are in used for centuries to treat septic wound infections.
Plants, Medicinal ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus--isolation & ; purification ;