No abstract

In drug discovery, the hybridization of bioactive pharmacophores is a powerful tool for targeting enzymes involved in cancer and microbial cell growth. A combination of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole and isobenzofuran may improve the antitumor and antimicrobial properties of the hybrid molecules. A series of hybrid molecules having 1,3,4‐oxadiazole and isobenzofuran were synthesized and structural characterization was done by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass spectrometry. Molecular docking studies were performed to investigate binding interactions of compounds with proteins (PDB NO: 2R3J and 1GII), and the results were consistent with in vitro anticancer data. All the synthesized compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. faecalis (Gram‐positive) and E. coli and P. aeruginosa (Gram‐negative) bacterial strains. Among the synthesized compounds, 7a and 7b displayed good activity against the tested bacterial strains. Also, compounds were tested for their anti‐tumor activity against breast cancer (MCF‐7) and colon cancer (HCT‐116) cell lines via SRB assay. In comparison to doxorubicin (1.14 μM), hybrids 7e (4.32 μM), 7f (4.15 μM), 7g (4.66 μM), and 7h (4.83 μM) demonstrated comparable IC50 value against the HCT 116 cell line.

Background: In India, challenges in pediatric TB contact screening and chemoprophylaxis initiation are still underexplored. Elucidating these challenges will help in better implementation of the programme at the grass-roots level thereby helping in early detection of pediatric cases and timely initiation of preventive therapy. This study aimed at exploring the challenges faced by the health care provider in contact screening and chemoprophylaxis initiation implementation of the pediatric household contacts. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in the districts of Bengaluru and Udupi and in-depth interviews of key participants were adopted to explore the challenges. Qualitative data analysis was done after developing transcripts by generating themes and codes. Results: The key challenges were identified as stigma towards the disease, migrant patients with changing address, difficulty in sample collection, anxiety among parents due to long duration of the prophylactic treatment and adherence to IPT is not well documented, inadequate transportation from rural areas, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: It is important for the National TB programme to address these challenges efficiently and effectively. Innovative solutions, feasible engagements, and massive efforts are to be taken by the programme to improve contact screening and isoniazid chemoprophylaxis implementation.