Structural and functional characterization of recombinant napin-like protein of Momordica charantia expressed in methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris.

Napin and napin-like proteins belong to the 2S albumin seed storage family of proteins and have been shown to display a variety of biological activities. However, due to a high degree of polymorphism, purification of a single napin or napin-like protein exhibiting biological activity is extremely difficult. In the present study, we have produced the napin-like protein of Momordica charantia using the methylotrophic Pichia pastoris expression system. The recombinant napin-like protein (rMcnapin) secreted in the extracellular culture supernatant was enriched by ammonium sulfate precipitation, and purified using size exclusion chromatography at a yield of ∼290 mg/L of culture. Secondary structure analysis of the purified rMcnapin revealed it to be predominantly α-helical with minimal ß strand content. CD spectroscopic and fluorescence spectroscopic analyses revealed the rMcnapin to be stable at a wide range of temperatures and pH. The rMcnapin exhibited antifungal activity against Trichoderma viride with an IC50 of ∼3.7 µg/ml and trypsin inhibitor activity with an IC50 of 4.2 µM. Thus, large amounts of homogenous preparations of the biologically active rMcnapin could be obtained at shake flask level, which is otherwise difficult from its natural source.

Distribution, toxicity load and risk assessment of heavy metals in the groundwater of Dhemaji, Assam, India.

Metal contamination in drinking water has drawn attention since it gravely jeopardizes human health. This study was conducted in pre- and post-monsoon season in 2021 at Dhemaji, Assam, India. It characterized metal pollutants in groundwater, their distribution, possible sources, and evaluated the potential toxicity and associated health risk assessment. The seasonal mean concentration of Fe in both seasons is observed highest followed by Mn, Zn, Cu, As, and Ni. Furthermore, the metal concentrations during pre-monsoon are comparatively higher. The geogenic processes and agricultural practices are the major sources of groundwater metal contamination as evident from the statistical analysis. The different pollution indices viz. Heavy-metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy-metal Evaluation Index (HEI) and Degree of Contamination (Cd) suggested that groundwater is not suitable for drinking uses. The Heavy Metal Toxicity Load (HMTL) suggesting As, Co, Mn and Hg should be removed from the groundwater to ensure safety. Water pollution indices (WPI) suggest that Fe, Mn, As and Ni are the main pollution-causing metals in the study area which may be restored under the BIS and WHO limit by diluting the water. The human health risk has been calculated by carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment. The non-carcinogenic risk for adults and children is within the threshold limit. The carcinogenic risk shows that continuous exposure of As and Ni may give rise to cancer among adults and children in the region. Therefore, comprehensive groundwater quality monitoring with well-planned treatment should be needed to provide safe and clean drinking water in the studied area.

Effect of Bamboo biochar on strength and water retention properties of low plastic clay and silty sand.

Biochar is a carbon-rich stable product derived from the thermochemical decomposition of biomass. The properties of biochar vary with types of feedstock, heating rate, pyrolysis temperature, etc. Consequently, the mechanical and hydrological properties of biochar amended soil (BAS) also differ with types of biochar and soils. However, the effect of bamboo biochar (BB) amendment on soil strength and water retention properties is missing in the previous literature. Bamboo biomass was pyrolysed at 600 °C to produce biochar. BB and soils (low plastic clay (CL) and silty sand (SM)) were mixed to prepare BAS. The samples were prepared by mixing BB in five ratios, i.e., 0%, 1%, 2%, 3.5% and 5% of dry soil weight. The biochar application has increased optimum moisture content, alkalinity (pH) and Atterberg limits, whereas, reduced maximum dry density and specific gravity of both the soils (CL and SM). The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of CL soil was noted to increase by 10.5% with 2% biochar content and decreased after that, whereas the UCS of SM soil was found to decrease continuously with the biochar content increment. Therefore, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) result showed that biochar application has contrary effects on both soils. The measured gravimetric water content (GWC) of BAS was increased with biochar increment in both soils. However, GWC increased more in CL than in SM soil at the same biochar content. The microstructural analysis showed that the biochar amendment filled the pore space of the soil matrix, resulting in an increase in UCS and GWC values. The increased water retention capacity and strength (UCS) of biochar amended CL soil provides evidence that it could be used as a landfill cover material.

Strategies for Stakeholder Engagement and Uptake of New Intervention: Experience From State-Wide Implementation of mHealth Technology for NCD Care in Tripura, India.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate strategies and key stakeholder engagement are the keys to successful implementation of new health care interventions. OBJECTIVES: The study sought to articulate the key strategies used for scaling up a research-based intervention, mPower Heart electronic Clinical Decision Support System (e-CDSS), for state-wide implementation at health facilities in Tripura. METHODS: Multiple strategies were used for statewide implementation of mPower Heart e-CDSS at noncommunicable diseases clinics across the government health facilities in Tripura: formation of a technical coordination-cum-support unit, change management, enabling environment, adapting the intervention with user focus, and strengthening the Health Information System. RESULTS: The effective delivery of a new health system intervention requires engagement at multiple levels including political leadership, health administrators, and health professionals, which can be achieved by forming a technical coordination-cum-support unit. It is important to specify the role and responsibilities of existing manpower and provide a structured training program. Enabling environment at health facilities (providing essential equipment, space and time, etc.) is also crucial. Successful implementation also requires that patients, health care providers, the health system, and leadership recognize the immediate and long-term benefits of the new intervention and have a buy-in in the intervention. With constant encouragement and nudge from administrative authorities and by using multiple strategies, 40 government health facilities adopted the mPower Heart e-CDSS. From its launch in May 2017 until November 20, 2018, a total of 100,810 eligible individuals were screened and enrolled, with 35,884 treated for hypertension, 9,698 for diabetes, and 5,527 for both hypertension and diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple strategies, based on implementation principles, are required for successful scaling up of research-based interventions.