An Eco-Friendly Synthesis Approach for Enhanced Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Properties of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Coelastrella terrestris Algal Extract.

Background: In the current scenario, the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using environmentally benign methods has gained significant attention due to their facile processes, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly nature. Methods: In the present study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized using aqueous extract of Coelastrella terrestris algae as a reducing, stabilizing, and capping agent. The synthesized CuO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results: XRD investigation revealed that the biosynthesized CuO NPs were nanocrystalline with high-phase purity and size in the range of 4.26 nm to 28.51 nm. FTIR spectra confirmed the existence of secondary metabolites on the surface of the synthesized CuO NPs, with characteristic Cu-O vibrations being identified around 600 cm-1, 496 cm-1, and 440 cm-1. The FE-SEM images predicted that the enhancement of the algal extract amount converted the flattened rice-like structures of CuO NPs into flower petal-like structures. Furthermore, the degradation ability of biosynthesized CuO NPs was investigated against Amido black 10B (AB10B) dye. The results displayed that the optimal degradation efficacy of AB10B dye was 94.19%, obtained at 6 pH, 50 ppm concentration of dye, and 0.05 g dosage of CuO NPs in 90 min with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.0296 min-1. The CuO-1 NPs synthesized through algae exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 22 mm and against P. aeruginosa with a ZOI of 17 mm. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that utilizing Coelastrella terrestris algae for the synthesis of CuO NPs presents a promising solution for addressing environmental contamination.

Bioanalysis of Endogenous Isotretinoin in Altered and Unaltered Human Plasma by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Electrospray Ionization.

Bioanalytical method development and validation of endogenous Isotretinoin with Isotretinoin D5 as internal standard was done as per current regulatory guidelines. The method is simple, rugged and sensitive enough to estimate endogenous Isotretinoin using the chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technique. An alternative approach has been adopted for quantitative analysis of endogenous Isotretinoin in human plasma. Isotretinoin free matrix (surrogate matrix) was prepared and further used for the development and validation of Isotretinoin. The method was validated in altered and unaltered plasma. The chromatographic optimization was done with column (ACE C18, 100 × 4.6 mm I.D. 5 µm particle size), using a mobile phase containing 1 mM ammonium acetate, pH 3.0 as a solvent A and solvent B (1 mM ammonium acetate (pH 3.0) with acetonitrile in a ratio of 10:90). A flow rate was set at 0.75 mL/min in a binary gradient mode. The analyte was recovered by liquid-liquid extraction method with diethyl ether as an extraction solvent. Multi-reaction monitoring mode in negative polarity was implemented for the quantification of endogenous Isotretinoin in plasma. The calibration curve of Isotretinoin was linear (r2 > 0.9992) over the concentration range of 0.5-1000 ng/mL. The intra-day precision was found in a range of 2.0-3.9% CV for altered samples and 0.9-3.7% CV for unaltered samples. The inter-day precision was found 2.6-6.1% CV for altered samples and 1.3-3.8% CV for unaltered samples. The average recovery of the extraction procedure was found 64.6% for altered samples and 62.2% for unaltered samples.

Prevalence of high-risk pregnancy among pregnant women enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan in government health facilities of district Etawah, Uttar Pradesh: A cross-sectional study.

Background: According to the Sample Registration System report, India has reduced the maternal mortality rate from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014-2016 to 113 per 100,000 live births in 2016-2018. The main purpose of antenatal care is to identify "high-risk" cases as early as possible from a large group of antenatal mothers and provide them skilled and appropriate care. Objective: To determine the prevalence of high-risk pregnancy (HRP) in pregnant females availing services under pradhan mantri surakshit matritva abhiyan (PMSMA) and to assess awareness of pregnant mothers about services provided under PMSMA in district Etawah of Uttar Pradesh. Material and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 400 female beneficiaries who were registered under the PMSMA scheme and delivered their baby at any government health facility during one year of study period. Results: It was observed that from all the antenatal women visiting the community health center for HRP day under the PMSMA scheme, 162 (40.5%) were categorized as HRPs and 238 (59.6%) of them were nonhigh-risk pregnancies. A statistically significant association was observed (P-value = 0.005 at 95% CI) between the difference in the proportion of HRPs and the educational status of the pregnant mothers. Out of 400 beneficiaries, 167 (41.75%) were aware of the PMSMA scheme. Conclusion: Regular antenatal care (ANC) check-ups, early identification of HRP, health education, and timely screening are needed to reduce maternal mortality.