Article
Microbiology
Edyta B. Hendiger, Marcin Padzik, Ines Sifaoui, Maria Reyes-Batlle, Atteneri Lopez-Arencibia, Diana Zyskowska, Marta Grodzik, Anna Pietruczuk-Padzik, Jacek Hendiger, Gabriela Oledzka, Lidia Chomicz, Jose E. Pinero, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
Summary: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a severe corneal infection that can be effectively reduced by incorporating silver nanoparticles into contact lens solutions without increasing cytotoxicity.
Article
Microbiology
Anna C. Randag, Lieke de Kroon, Henny Otten, Cindy Arias Claro-Handgraaf, Barbara Schimmer, Titia Kortbeek, Jeroen van Rooij, Foekje F. Stelma
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of contact lens solutions available on the Dutch market against Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba polyphaga. The results show that only a few solutions provide sufficient effectiveness against trophozoites, but none against cysts. These findings underline the importance of proper hygiene when handling contact lenses.
Article
Microbiology
Marcin Padzik, Lidia Chomicz, Julita Bluszcz, Karolina Maleszewska, Jaroslaw Grobelny, David Bruce Conn, Edyta B. Hendiger
Summary: Acanthamoeba spp. can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, particularly in contact lens wearers. It has been found that silver nanoparticles combined with tannic acid-modified contact lens solutions can enhance their anti-adhesion activity with low cytotoxicity.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alvaro de Obeso Fernandez del Valle, Luis Javier Melgoza-Ramirez, Maria Fernanda Esqueda Hernandez, Alfonso David Rios-Perez, Sutherland K. Maciver
Summary: A protease with antimicrobial activity produced by Acanthamoeba has been discovered and identified using zymogram and chromatography. This study contributes to finding new antimicrobial proteins and potential therapies against Acanthamoeba infection.
Article
Biology
Rosnani Hanim Mohd Hussain, Wan Nur Afiqah, Mohamed Kamel Abdul Ghani, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Tengku Shahrul Anuar
Summary: The incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis is increasing, largely due to ineffective contact lens disinfecting solutions. This study found that multi-purpose disinfecting solutions did not show significant effects against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts within the recommended disinfectant time. Improvement or new development of solutions is necessary to reduce the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis among contact lens users.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Rhonda Walters, Allison Campolo, Elise Miller, Cindy McAnally, Manal Gabriel, Paul Shannon, Monica Crary
Summary: The efficacy of preservative-free disinfection systems against bacteria, fungi, and Acanthamoeba was evaluated. Clear Care and Clear Care Plus showed significantly greater disinfection efficacy against Acanthamoeba compared to the povidone-iodine-based Cleadew system. The antimicrobial efficacy was maintained regardless of the presence of contact lenses.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yu-Jen Wang, Sung-Chou Li, Wei-Chen Lin, Fu-Chin Huang
Summary: This study reveals the abundant anaerobic Gram-positive rods present in severe keratitis isolate and characterizes the association between Acanthamoeba and ocular flora in AK progression. Further analysis shows that Blautia producta is positively correlated with the disease course, while Bacteroides ovatus is abundant in early-stage keratitis isolates.
Article
Microbiology
Allison Campolo, Reed Pifer, Rhonda Walters, Megan Thomas, Elise Miller, Valerie Harris, Jamie King, Christopher A. Rice, Paul Shannon, Brian Patterson, Monica Crary
Summary: This study found that certain contact lens materials can promote the aggregation and encystment of Acanthamoeba, and that Acanthamoeba spheroids obstruct the disinfection action of multi-purpose solutions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Allison Campolo, Brian Patterson, Esther Lara, Paul Shannon, Monica Crary
Summary: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a challenging infection of the cornea, and understanding the behavior of Acanthamoebae during contact lens use and disinfection can provide insights into their colonization and the efficacy of contact lens care solutions. In this study, Acanthamoeba behavior during and after disinfection with different contact lens care solutions was examined. The results showed that all contact lens care solutions significantly impacted Acanthamoeba motility, with the solution containing PHMB showing the most effectiveness. Post-disinfection, Acanthamoebae were observed to regain motility and travel considerable distances, posing a potential risk to ocular health.
Article
Ophthalmology
Nicole Carnt, Darwin C. Minassian, John K. G. Dart
Summary: This study aims to identify the risk factors for Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in daily disposable (DD) contact lens users compared to daily wear (DW) reusable lens users and specific risks for DD users. It is important because CL use is the main cause of microbial keratitis in many major economies, with AK accounting for approximately 50% of sight loss cases. Determining these AK risks informs practitioner advice and consumer behavior.
Article
Spectroscopy
S. O. Liubimovskii, V. S. Novikov, L. Yu. Ustynyuk, P. V. Ivchenko, K. A. Prokhorov, V. V. Kuzmin, E. A. Sagitova, M. M. Godyaeva, S. V. Gudkov, M. E. Darvin, G. Yu. Nikolaeva
Summary: The Raman spectra of ethylene glycol (EG) and 1,3-propylene glycol (1,3-PG) aqueous solutions were measured and the diol content was found to have a weak influence on the spectra. The conformational compositions of both diols remain largely unchanged when dissolved in water. The intensity of the OH stretching band can be used to evaluate the chemical composition of the solutions, and the spectral region 2800-3800 cm(-1) is particularly useful for this purpose. DFT modeling confirms the prevalence of gauche-conformation of EG in water solutions.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Allison Campolo, Paul Shannon, Monica Crary
Summary: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious ocular infection caused by a ubiquitous amoeba, often resulting in corneal damage and blindness. Testing the antimicrobial efficacy of contact lens care products is crucial in treating this infection, with propidium iodide staining shown to be an effective and rapid tool for evaluating the effectiveness of these products against Acanthamoeba trophozoites.
Article
Parasitology
Alvaro de Obeso Fernandez del Valle, Jesus Gomez-Montalvo, Sutherland K. Maciver
Summary: This study analyzed RNA sequencing data to investigate intron retention (IR) in Acanthamoeba castellanii during cyst formation. The results showed increased IR during cyst formation, suggesting a potential regulation mechanism for downregulating metabolism. Several genes with differentially retained introns were identified, providing insights into the patterns of intron retention during cyst formation.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julalak Chuprom, Suthinee Sangkanu, Watcharapong Mitsuwan, Rachasak Boonhok, Wilawan Mahabusarakam, L. Ravithej Singh, Ekachai Dumkliang, Kritamorn Jitrangsri, Alok K. Paul, Sirirat Surinkaew, Polrat Wilairatana, Maria de Lourdes Pereira, Mohammed Rahmatullah, Christophe Wiart, Sonia Marlene Rodrigues Oliveira, Veeranoot Nissapatorn
Summary: This study identified C1 as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of Acanthamoeba infections. C1 exhibited anti-Acanthamoeba activity by causing morphological changes and membrane damage in Acanthamoeba cells. It also showed comparable capacity to remove adhesive Acanthamoeba from contact lens surfaces to commercial products.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adrian Chun Minh Loy, Wei Lin Ng, Shanthi Priya Samudrala, Sankar Bhattacharya
Summary: The dilemma of fossil fuel use, political versatility, and global climate change have led to a growing interest in renewable energy and green chemical technologies. Glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production, has gained attention for its low cost and potential as a renewable green chemical building block. This study proposes a conceptual design of integrated glycerol hydrogenolysis with on-site hydrogen produced from glycerol reforming, which shows promising economic potential and environmental benefits in producing high-value chemicals derived from glycerol.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wayne Heaselgrave, Gilbert Shama, Peter W. Andrew, Michael G. Kong
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2016)
Article
Microbiology
Wayne Heaselgrave, Simon Kilvington
JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY
(2016)
Article
Parasitology
Wayne Heaselgrave, Simon Kilvington
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wayne Heaselgrave, Simon Kilvington
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2010)
Article
Ophthalmology
Wayne Heaselgrave, James Lonnen, Simon Kilvington, Jacinto Santodomingo-Rubido, Osamu Mori
EYE & CONTACT LENS-SCIENCE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2010)
Article
Ophthalmology
James Lonnen, Wayne Heaselgrave, Miya Nomachi, Osamu Mori, Jacinto Santodomingo-Rubido
EYE & CONTACT LENS-SCIENCE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2010)
Article
Microbiology
Arine F. Ahmad, Wayne Heaselgrave, Peter W. Andrew, Simon Kilvington
JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY
(2013)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wayne Heaselgrave, Simon Kilvington
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2012)
Article
Ophthalmology
Wayne Heaselgrave, Anas Hamad, Steven Coles, Scott Hau
TRANSLATIONAL VISION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Arun Arjunan, John Robinson, Enas Al Ani, Wayne Heaselgrave, Ahmad Baroutaji, Chang Wang
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2020)
Review
Polymer Science
Sam Swingler, Abhishek Gupta, Hazel Gibson, Marek Kowalczuk, Wayne Heaselgrave, Iza Radecka
Summary: Bacterial cellulose produced by Komagateibacter xylinus has unique properties such as high chemical purity, nano-fibrillar matrix, and crystallinity, making it a promising candidate for various applications including biomedical, potable treatment, nano-filters, and functional applications. Its superior performance compared to other natural or synthetic analogues is attributed to these distinct characteristics, making it an ideal subject for further scientific research in biopolymer development.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sam Swingler, Abhishek Gupta, Hazel Gibson, Wayne Heaselgrave, Marek Kowalczuk, Grazyna Adamus, Iza Radecka
Summary: The rise in antifungal resistance has led to an increase in fungal wound infections in immunocompromised patients, necessitating the development of novel treatments. Bacterial cellulose shows promise as a next-generation biopolymer for wound dressings, while Thymoquinone has exhibited comparable antifungal activity to Amphotericin B.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Enas Al-Ani, Wayne Heaselgrave
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of thymol to inhibit Candida biofilm formation and improve its biocompatibility with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and poloxamer 407 (P407) as drug carriers. Thymol showed concentration-dependent biofilm inhibition, and its inhibitory effect was enhanced when combined with HPMC. The Thymol-P407 combination completely inhibited biofilm formation, but its antibiofilm effect decreased as the Candida biofilms matured. Thymol had a significant negative effect on the viability of HEK 293 cells, but when P407 was present, the cell viability increased significantly. The thymol-P407 combination showed a superior inhibitory effect on biofilm formation and better biocompatibility with human cell lines, suggesting its potential for medical use in preventing Candida biofilm formation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
James Hillier, Gemma J. Allcott, Laura A. Guest, Wayne Heaselgrave, Alex Tonks, Myra E. Conway, Amy L. Cherry, Steven J. Coles
Summary: This study provides evidence suggesting that the CXXC motif of cytosolic branched-chain aminotransferase (BCAT1) may contribute to buffering reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels inside acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, impacting on ROS-mediated processes in the development of AML.
Article
Ophthalmology
Noor Alantary, Wayne Heaselgrave, Scott Hau
Summary: This study correlated the different forms of Acanthamoeba on ex vivo confocal microscopy (EVCM) with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and cultured positive cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis. EVCM and IVCM showed good correlation, and cyst morphology changed with imaging depth.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)