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The role of the seven negatively charged amino acids of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 ferredoxin (Fd), i.e., Glu29, Glu30, Asp60, Asp65, Asp66, Glu92, and Glu93, predicted to form complex with nitrate reductase (NR), was investigated using site-directed mutagenesis and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). These experiments identified four Fd amino acids, i.e., Glu29, Asp60, Glu92, and Glu93, that are essential for the Fd binding and efficient electron transfer to the NR. ITC measurements showed that the most likely stoichiometry for the wild-type NR/wild-type Fd complex is 1:1, a Kd value 4.7 μM for the complex at low ionic strength residues and both the enthalpic and entropic components are associated with complex formation. ITC titrations of wild-type NR with four Fd variants, E29N, D60N, E92Q, and E93N demonstrated that the complex formation, although favorable, was less energetically favorable when compared to complex formation between the two wild-type proteins, suggesting that these negatively charged Fd residues at these positions are important for the effective and productive interaction with wild-type enzyme.

The role of the seven negatively charged amino acids of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 ferredoxin (Fd), i.e., Glu29, Glu30, Asp60, Asp65, Asp66, Glu92, and Glu93, predicted to form complex with nitrate reductase (NR), was investigated using site-directed mutagenesis and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). These experiments identified four Fd amino acids, i.e., Glu29, Asp60, Glu92, and Glu93, that are essential for the Fd binding and efficient electron transfer to the NR. ITC measurements showed that the most likely stoichiometry for the wild-type NR/wild-type Fd complex is 1:1, a K

Lungs are one of the most vital organs which are responsible for gas exchange during respiration .Lung functions can be compromised in working environment especially at building construction work. The aim of the study was to assess the lung functions of the construction workers.Material and Methods: Adult volunteers who had given consent with a field work experience of minimum 2 years were involved in the study. Validated questionnaire was given to them and the responses were collected .Peak flow meter measurement were also analysed.Results: (65.30%) smokers had a peak flow meter reading of less than 400L and plumbers were the group affected by decreased pulmonary function test followed by mason-helpers.Conclusion: Morbidity among the construction workers varied with type of work at the construction site and comorbid factors such as smoking.

Objective: In siddha medicinal practice the use of plant extracts as well as inorganic natural preparations has a vital role as medicines. The present research in the field of phytomedicine is to evaluate the antibacterial properties of three herbo- mineral siddha drugs (Palakarai parpam, Padikara parpam, Uppu chenduram) on clinically isolated Enterococcus strains. Materials and Methods: Fifteen bacterial strains isolated from clinical samples were identified as Enterococcus faecalis(7), E. faecieum(8).The susceptibility of the microorganisms to the siddha drugs (Palakarai parpam, Padikara parpam, Uppu chendooram) were screened by disc diffusion method and the effective drug’s MIC value was calculated by agar dilution method. Results: Padikara parpam was considered sensitive against the tested Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium .Agar dilution was performed with 1%, 0.5%, 0.25% and 0.12% of the drug dilution. MIC was found to be 0.5%. Conclusion: The drug Padikara parpam contains essential elements which are considered to be good anti-microbial activity against En-terococcus spp. To conclude, the claim in the siddha system of medicine is scientifically validated.

Introduction: Skin infections are a common reason for consultation in primary care and in dermatology practice. The predominant strain causing infection varies by geographical location. The aim of our study was to evaluate various types of bacteria causing skin infections in school going children of Udupi district, Karnataka State, India. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of school going 236 children in Udupi district. Consent was taken from the parents of respective children to screen for physical examination and to collect skin swabs. Skin swabs were collected from the site of lesions and processed for isolation and identification of the organisms. Antibacterial susceptibility testing was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffu-sion test. Results: Swabs were collected from 53 children of 236 (22.45 %) who had abrasions or lesions on skin. Bacterial strains isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (13.2 %) Klebsiella species (1.88%). All the strains of Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible to Methicillin. Erythromycin resistance among these Staphylococcus aureus was 42.85% Discussion: Staphylococcus aureus, the pathogen isolated was 7 (87.5%), this study was in concordance with the study conducted by (Cassandra D. Salgado ET al.2003),who had reported Methicillin resistant strains of 1.3%.Our study did not find any Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. There was an increased resistance to the erythromycin. This was consistent with the data that had been estab-lished in many countries where erythromycin resistance was increasing in community acquired infections. Conclusion: Though Staphylococcus aureus was the common organism isolated from skin swabs, all were sensitive to methicillin,but high prevalence of erythromycin resistance of the Staphylococcus aureus in the community demands proper screening of the isolates for resistance in clinical settings.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the most common causative agent of sore throat, pharyngitis, skin infections, rheumatic fever (RF), rheumatoid heart disease (RHD) and glomerulonephritis in young adults. Group G and C streptococcal species are also known to cause complications like acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Isolation of these from the throat could be a warning signal so that the further complications can be prevented. Estimation of prevalence could help clinicians to make informed decisions regarding diagnostic testing of children with symptoms of sore throat and pharyngitis. M protein both GAS and GGS/GCS share in many virulence factors that contribute to virulence, some of which act as collagen binding adhesins that facilitate acute infection. Both GAS and GGS/GCS can cause similar spectrum of disease symptoms. The sequenced M Protein provides a view into the genetic elements responsible for diversity in the species. emm types historically associated with RF are rarely seen in India. The epidemiologic picture of streptococci in India shows some of the serotypes are more common with in a population in different geographical area.

Introduction: The genus Citrobacter is a distinct group of aerobic Gram-negative bacilli from the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause diarrhea, septicemia, meningitis, urinary tract and respiratory system infection. Its isolation in the hospital settings is increasing. It is a present challenge to the clinical microbiologist because of their increased occurrence in nosocomial infection Objectives: The current study was done to find out the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Citrobacter species from ur i-nary tract isolates. Materials and Methods: Urine samples received from January 2013 to December 2013 were considered. A total of 9186 urine samples were considered, out of which 6381 were sterile and 2805 plates had growth.65(2.312%)of the growth plates had Citrobacter species growth. Citrobacter species were identified by conventional biochemical method. Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by Kirby - Bauer Disc diffusion method. Results: Out of 65 patients female: male ratio was 17:15.5.The age groups were 0 - 9years ; 8 patients(12.3%),10 - 19years ; 3 p a- tients(4.615%),2 0 - 29years ; 11patients (16.9%),30- 39years ; 6patients(9.28%),40 - 49years ; 12 patients(18.46%),50 - 59years ; 5patients(7.69%),≥60years ; 20 patients(30.76%).The effective agent against Citrobacter species was found to be Imipenem (90.76%) then Cefoperazone - Sulbactum ( 89.23%) followed by Piperacillin - Tazobactam and Amikacin (87.69%).6 Multidrug resistant strains and 8 were ESBL producers. Conclusion: From the study it was seen that multidrug resistant strains are emerging. Proper surveillance in the antimicrobial sensitivity of Citrobacter was required. The age group 60 and above was found in majority to have culture positive Citrobacter spp. Depending on antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Citrobacter isolates, the antibiotics should be used. Proper infection control measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the pathogen.