Escherichia coli K‐12 was exposed to Quillaja saponaria saponins from various commercial firms (Sigma, Roth and Nor‐feed) and to an extract of Yucca schidigera plant powder (DK Sarsaponin 30) at different concentrations (0·05–1·0% w/v). A concentration‐dependent response was observed. Quillaja saponaria saponins from Sigma increased growth up to 0·1% (w/v) level, whereas Nor‐feed and Roth saponins produced maximum growth at a much higher level (0·5 and 0·75%, w/v, respectively). These results suggest that quillaja saponins from various sources differ in their biological activity, although all three saponins had the same content of vanillin‐sulphuric acid reactive moieties. The lyophilized water extract from the DK Sarsaponin powder showed maximum growth at 0·1% (w/v) level. The levels at which maximum growth was observed did not change on subjecting the quillaja or yucca saponins to heat treatment in an autoclave (121 °C for 30 min). All the saponins and the plant extract increased growth of Escherichia coli up to a certain concentration and thereafter decreased growth. In spite of the decreased growth at higher levels of saponins, it was higher compared to the control (without saponin) up to levels of 1% (w/v) for all saponins except Quillaja saponins from Sigma, for which the growth was lower at levels of 0·25% (w/v) and higher. Saponins have the potential to modulate microbial growth in natural and artificial fermenters.

The actin binding protein caldesmon inhibits the actin-activation of myosin ATPase activity. The steps in the cycle of ATP hydrolysis that caldesmon could inhibit include: (1) the binding of myosin to actin, (2) the transition between any two actin-myosin states and (3) the distribution between inactive and active states of actin. The analysis of these possibilities is complicated because caldesmon binds to both myosin and actin and because each caldesmon molecule binds to several actin monomers. This paper reviews procedures for analysing these interactions and summarizes current information on the stability and dynamics of the interaction of caldesmon with actin and myosin. Possible effects of caldesmon on transitions within the ATPase cycle of actomyosin are also discussed.

We describe results from a channel measurement and modeling campaign for the airport surface environment in the 5-GHz band. Using a 50-MHz bandwidth test signal, thousands of power delay profiles (PDPs) were obtained and processed to develop empirical tapped-delay line statistical channel models for large airports. A log-distance path loss model was also developed. The large airport surface channel is classified into three propagation regions, and models are presented for each of the regions for two values of bandwidth. Values of the median root-mean-square (RMS) delay spread range from 500 to 1000 ns for these airports, with the 90 th percentile RMS delay spreads being approximately 1.7 ms. Corresponding correlation bandwidths (i.e., correlation value 1/2) range from approximately 1.5 MHz in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) settings to 17.5 MHz in line-of-sight (LOS) settings. Two types of statistical nonstationarity were also observed: 1) multipath component persistence and 2) propagation region transitions. We provide the multipath component probability of occurrence models and describe Markov chains that are used for modeling both phenomena. Channel tap amplitude statistics are also provided, using the flexible Weibull probability density function (pdf). This pdf was found to best fit fading tap amplitude data, particularly for frequently observed severe fading, which is characterized by fade probabilities that are worse than the commonly used Rayleigh model. Fading parameters equivalent to Nakagami-m-model values ofmnear 0.7 were often observed (withm= 1 being Rayleigh and m < 1 being worse than Rayleigh). We also provide channel tap amplitude correlation coefficients, which typically range from 0.1 to 0.4 but occasionally take values greater than 0.7.

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Emergence of extended spectrum β lactamases (ESBLs) producing strains of gram negative bacteria, as one of the leading cause of septicaemia often complicates the clinical and therapeutic outcome. The present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of ESBLs in bacteria isolated from neonatal septicaemic cases along with their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern. Blood samples were collected from 243 suspected cases of neonatal septicaemia. Apart from susceptibility testing, all the gram negative isolates were subjected to phenotypic tests for ESBL production. Amongst the positive test samples (n = 115), 84 were gram negative rods. ESBL was detected in 26 (32%) isolates. Results indicate that routine ESBL detection should be made imperative and empirical use of third generation cephalosporins must be discouraged.

Background:Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) antibiotic beads though have proved their utility as a local antibiotic delivery system, however, there are limitations. Decalcified bone matrix (DBM) as a vehicle of antibiotics can serve the purpose, provided a minimum inhibitory concentration is sustained. Healing of the defect and avoiding the second surgery is another advantage. We studied the DBM as the delivery vehicle for vancomycin in controlling the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) osteomyelitis as well as healing of the cavity simultaneously in an experimental study.Materials and Methods:An in vitro study was conducted to optimize vancomycin impregnation in the DBM. For the in vivo study, a unicortical defect was created in the metaphysis of the distal femur in 18 rabbits. After contaminating the defect with MRSA, rabbits were divided into three groups. Group I (eight limbs) received no graft. Defects in group II (11 limbs) were filled with plain DBM chips and in group III (14 limbs), cavities were implanted with vancomycin-impregnated decal bone chips. Rabbits were assessed by clinical, radiological, histological, gross examination and bacterial load assay. High Performance Liquid Chromatography HPLC analysis of vancomycin in group III was done to assess the concentration in DBM chips.Results:In group I, the infection persisted throughout the period of the study. Group II showed the fulminated infection at the grafted site with DBM chips sequestrating out. Vancomycin-impregnated decal chips in group III did not show any sign of infection and eventually incorporated. The bacterial load study showed a progressive load change and HPLC revealed an effective antibiotic concentration up to 3 weeks in both in vitro and in vivo.Conclusion:Decal bone chips were effective as the local antibiotic delivery vehicle in preventing the MRSA osteomyelitis model. It eluted vancomycin significantly and the graft uptake was also excellent. Allogeneic decal grafts eliminated the need for second surgery and acted as an excellent delivery vehicle for antibiotics.

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