Thymoquinone: Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin Loaded Bacterial Cellulose for the Management of Wounds.

The need for more advantageous and pharmaceutically active wound dressings is a pressing matter in the area of wound management. In this study, we explore the possibility of incorporating thymoquinone within bacterial cellulose, utilising cyclodextrins as a novel method of solubilising hydrophobic compounds. The thymoquinone was not soluble in water, so was incorporated within hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin before use.

The Activity of PHMB and Other Guanidino Containing Compounds against and Other Ocular Pathogens.

In recent years, a rise in the number of contact lens users in the UK and worldwide coincided with an increased incidence of microbial keratitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activities of polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG), polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB), and guazatine in comparison to the common contact lens disinfectant constituent, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). The study investigated these compounds against a broad range of organisms, including Acanthamoeba castellanii, Acanthamoeba polyphaga, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans.

Correlation of ex vivo and in vivo confocal microscopy imaging of .

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to correlate the various forms of on ex vivo confocal microscopy (EVCM) with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and findings from cultured positive cases of .

Methods: live, dead and empty cysts, and live trophozoites were prepared in vitro and inoculated into porcine cornea using a sterile 26-gauge needle and examined ex vivo using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II/Rostock Corneal Module. IVCM images from 12 cultured positive cases, obtained using the same instrument, were compared with EVCM findings.

The BCAT1 CXXC Motif Provides Protection against ROS in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Cells.

The cytosolic branched-chain aminotransferase (BCAT1) has received attention for its role in myeloid leukaemia development, where studies indicate metabolic adaptations due to BCAT1 up-regulation. BCAT1, like the mitochondria isoform (BCAT2), shares a conserved CXXC motif ~10 Å from the active site. This CXXC motif has been shown to act as a 'redox-switch' in the enzymatic regulation of the BCAT proteins, however the response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) differs between BCAT isoforms.

The Investigation of Thymol Formulations Containing Poloxamer 407 and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose to Inhibit Biofilm Formation and Demonstrate Improved Bio-Compatibility.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of thymol to inhibit biofilm formation and improve thymol biocompatibility in the presence of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and poloxamer 407 (P407), as possible drug carriers. Thymol with and without polymers were tested for its ability to inhibit biofilm formation, its effect on the viability of biofilm and biocompatibility studies were performed on HEK 293 (human embryonic kidney) cells. Thymol showed a concentration dependent biofilm inhibition; this effect was slightly improved when it was combined with HPMC.

The Mould War: Developing an Armamentarium against Fungal Pathogens Utilising Thymoquinone, Ocimene, and Miramistin within Bacterial Cellulose Matrices.

An increase in antifungal resistance has seen a surge in fungal wound infections in patients who are immunocompromised resulting from chemotherapy, disease, and burns. Human pathogenic fungi are increasingly becoming resistant to a sparse repertoire of existing antifungal drugs, which has given rise to the need to develop novel treatments for potentially lethal infections. Bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by has been shown to possess many properties that make it innately useful as a next-generation biopolymer to be utilised as a wound dressing.

Recent Advances and Applications of Bacterial Cellulose in Biomedicine.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an extracellular polymer produced by which has been shown to possess a multitude of properties, which makes it innately useful as a next-generation biopolymer. The structure of BC is comprised of glucose monomer units polymerised by cellulose synthase in β-1-4 glucan chains which form uniaxially orientated BC fibril bundles which measure 3-8 nm in diameter. BC is chemically identical to vegetal cellulose.

Mechanical performance of additively manufactured pure silver antibacterial bone scaffolds.

Implant infection is a serious complication resulting in pain, mortality, prolonged recovery, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Reducing the risk-of-infection associated with tissue implants require imminent attention, where pure silver (Ag) offers enormous potential. However, the printability, mechanical performance nor microbial resistance of additively manufactured (AM) pure Ag is unavailable in literature.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effect of Topical Ophthalmic Agents on Viability.

Purpose: To compare the antimicrobial effect of topical anesthetics, antivirals, antibiotics, and biocides on the viability of cysts and trophozoites in vitro.

Methods: Amoebicidal and cysticidal assays were performed against both trophozoites and cysts of (ATCC 50370) and (ATCC 30461). Test agents included topical ophthalmic preparations of common anesthetics, antivirals, antibiotics, and biocides.

Inactivation of Acanthamoeba spp. and Other Ocular Pathogens by Application of Cold Atmospheric Gas Plasma.

Currently there are estimated to be approximately 3.7 million contact lens wearers in the United Kingdom and 39.2 million in North America.

The Characterization of an Adrenergic Signalling System Involved in the Encystment of the Ocular Pathogen Acanthamoeba spp.

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the receptor system involved in controlling encystment in Acanthamoeba using specific agonists and antagonists and to examine whether endogenous stores of catecholamines are produced by the organism. Acanthamoeba trophozoites suspended in axenic growth medium were exposed to adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists to determine which compounds promoted or prevented encystment. Second, trophozoites were cultured in medium containing a catecholamine synthesis inhibitor to investigate the effect this had on natural encystment.

The in vitro efficacy of antimicrobial agents against the pathogenic free-living amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris.

The free-living amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris causes usually fatal encephalitis in humans and animals. Only limited studies have investigated the efficacy of antimicrobial agents against the organism. Assay methods were developed to assess antimicrobial efficacy against both the trophozoite and cyst stage of B.

The efficacy of simulated solar disinfection (SODIS) against coxsackievirus, poliovirus and hepatitis A virus.

The antimicrobial activity of simulated solar disinfection (SODIS) against enteric waterborne viruses including coxsackievirus-B5, poliovirus-2 and hepatitis A virus was investigated in this study. Assays were conducted in transparent 12-well polystyrene microtitre plates containing the appropriate viral test suspension. Plates were exposed to simulated sunlight at an optical irradiance of 550 Wm(-2) (watts per square metre) delivered from a SUNTEST™ CPS+ solar simulator for 6 hours.

The efficacy of simulated solar disinfection (SODIS) against Ascaris, Giardia, Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Entamoeba and Cryptosporidium.

The antimicrobial activity of simulated solar disinfection (SODIS) in the presence and absence of riboflavin against various protozoa and helminth organisms was investigated in this study. Assays were conducted in transparent 12 well microtitre plates containing a suspension of test organisms in the presence or absence of 250 μM riboflavin. Plates were exposed to simulated sunlight at an optical irradiance of 550 Wm(-2) (watts per square metre) delivered from a SUNTEST™ CPS+ solar simulator.

Antimicrobial activity of simulated solar disinfection against bacterial, fungal, and protozoan pathogens and its enhancement by riboflavin.

Riboflavin significantly enhanced the efficacy of simulated solar disinfection (SODIS) at 150 watts per square meter (W m(-2)) against a variety of microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Fusarium solani, Candida albicans, and Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites (>3 to 4 log(10) after 2 to 6 h; P < 0.001). With A.

Acidified nitrite enhances hydrogen peroxide disinfection of Acanthamoeba, bacteria and fungi.

Objectives: In the human innate immune system, stimulated phagocytes release reactive nitrogen intermediates that can react with superoxide to form the powerful oxidant peroxynitrite and other less abundant species. In this study, the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and acidified nitrite (NaNO2) alone and in combination was compared against a variety of bacteria, fungi and protozoa.

Methods: Challenge test assays based on the international standard (ISO 14729) were used to determine the antimicrobial activity of H2O2 and acidified NaNO2 at pH 5 alone and in combination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium aurum, Bacillus subtilis spores, Candida albicans, Fusarium solani conidia and Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites and cysts.

The disinfection efficacy of MeniCare soft multipurpose solution against Acanthamoeba and viruses using stand-alone biocidal and regimen testing.

Purpose: To assess the disinfection efficacy of MeniCare Soft contact lens multipurpose solution against Acanthamoeba and viruses in suspension and when inoculated on to contact lenses and subjected to rub-and-rinse or no-rub-and-rinse care regimes.

Methods: MeniCare Soft was challenged with Acanthamoeba spp trophozoites or cysts, herpes simplex virus (type 1), adenovirus (type 8), and poliovirus (type 2) and the log reduction in Acanthamoeba viability and viral infectivity determined over time. In addition, contact lenses were incubated with Acanthamoeba and viruses and the number of viable organisms determined after the lenses were processed using rub-and-rinse or no-rub-and-rinse care regimes followed by a 4 hr soaking time.

Disinfection efficacy and encystment rate of soft contact lens multipurpose solutions against Acanthamoeba.

Objectives: To assess the ability of commercial and experimental soft contact lens multipurpose solutions (MPS) to promote Acanthamoeba trophozoite encystment and their biocidal efficacy against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. The effects on encystment and disinfection efficacy by the incorporation of propylene glycol (PG) in the formulation of MPS were also investigated.

Methods: Acanthamoeba trophozoites (Acanthamoeba castellanii ATCC 50730 and Acanthamoeba polyphaga CCAP 1501/3G) were inoculated into MeniCare Soft, MeniCare Soft (-PG), Epica Cold II, OptiFree Plus, and Rohto C cube Softone-Moist MPS, and the percentage of encystment induced by each solution was determined after 24 hr.

Encystment of Acanthamoeba during incubation in multipurpose contact lens disinfectant solutions and experimental formulations.

Objectives: Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is most commonly found in contact lens wearers with poor lens care hygiene. Recent reports have indicated an increase in cases of AK in the United States associated with the use of Complete MoisturePlus multipurpose solution. This association may not appear explainable by differences in Acanthamoeba kill rates among multipurpose solutions.

Solar disinfection of poliovirus and Acanthamoeba polyphaga cysts in water - a laboratory study using simulated sunlight.

Aims: To determine the efficacy of solar disinfection (SODIS) in disinfecting water contaminated with poliovirus and Acanthamoeba polyphaga cysts.

Methods And Results: Organisms were subjected to a simulated global solar irradiance of 850 Wm(-2) in water temperatures between 25 and 55 degrees C. SODIS at 25 degrees C totally inactivated poliovirus after 6-h exposure (reduction of 4.

Acanthamoeba polyphaga strain age and method of cyst production influence the observed efficacy of therapeutic agents and contact lens disinfectants.

The effects of age in culture and the type of medium used for induction of Acanthamoeba polyphaga (Ros) cysts on susceptibilities to polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB; 3 micro g/ml), chlorhexidine digluconate (30 micro g/ml), myristamidopropyl dimethylamine (20 micro g/ml), H(2)O(2) (3%), and two multipurpose contact lens solutions (MPS-1 and MPS-2, based on 1 micro g of PHMB per ml) were examined. Strain Ros-02 was cryopreserved on isolation in 1991, while strain Ros-91 had been in continuous axenic culture. Significant differences in susceptibilities to the disinfectants were found depending on the medium used for cyst preparation and the age of the test strain, with Ros-02 generally being more resistant.