ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Fungal infections have posed a big challenge in the management of their treatment. Due to the resistance and toxicity of existing drug molecules in the light of pandemic infections, like COVID-19, there is an urgent need to find newer derivatives of active molecules, which can be effective in fungal infections. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to design pyrazole derivatives using molecular modeling studies against target 1EA1 and synthesize 10 molecules of pyrazole derivatives using a multi-step synthesis approach. METHODS: Designed pyrazole derivatives were synthesized by conventional organic methods. The newly synthesized pyrazole molecules were characterized by using FT-IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and LC-MS techniques. Molecular docking studies were also performed. The antifungal activity of newly synthesized compounds was assessed in vitro against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using the well plate method. RESULTS: Two of the compounds, OK-7 and OK-8, have been found to show significant docking interaction with target protein 1EA1. These two compounds have also been found to show significant anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus nigra when compared to the standard fluconazole. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value of these two compounds has been found to be 50 µg/ml. CONCLUSION: Pyrazole derivatives with -CH3, CH3O-, and -CN groups have been found to be active against tested fungi and can be further explored for their potential as promising anti-fungal agents for applications in the field of medicinal chemistry.
ABSTRACT
A Cu-doped Fe2O3/g-C3N4 composite, synthesized via a straightforward hydrothermal process with controlled morphologies, represents a significant advancement in supercapacitor electrode materials. This study systematically analyzes the impact of Cu doping in Fe2O3 and its synergistic combination with g-C3N4 to understand their influence on the electrochemical performance of the resulting composite, focusing on Cu doping in Fe2O3 rather than varying Fe2O3/g-C3N4 content. The comprehensive characterization of these composites involved a suite of physicochemical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the successful synthesis of the composite, while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to investigate the morphological attributes of the synthesized materials. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra confirmed the elemental composition of the composite with 6% Cu doped Fe2O3/g-C3N4. The composite electrode, which incorporated 6% Cu doped Fe2O3 with g-C3N4, exhibited exceptional cycling stability, retaining 94.22% of its capacity even after 2000 charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 5 mA cm-2. Furthermore, this Cu doped Fe2O3/g-C3N4 composite electrode demonstrated impressive electrochemical performance, boasting a specific capacitance of 244.0 F g-1 and an impressive maximum energy density of 5.31 W h kg-1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s-1. These findings highlight the substantial potential of the Cu doped Fe2O3/g-C3N4 electrode for supercapacitor applications.
ABSTRACT
Background Primary health centres are in charge of effectively implementing the COVID-19 vaccination program in rural areas. So, the study was planned to seek insight into the challenges faced by health personnel in the effective implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program. Methodology The study was conducted in a rural area of Akola district which lies in the western parts of Maharashtra State and belongs to the Vidarbha region and is said to be one of the progressive districts in the region. A qualitative study was planned to understand the barriers and facilitators of the COVID-19 vaccine implementation program at rural and tribal areas. The study participants were medical officers from rural and tribal areas who actively planned and implemented COVID-19 vaccination at the primary health centre. A total of 30 medical officers were interviewed. Interview questions were focussed on the planning of COVID-19 vaccination in their area. Other questions were the problem faced during the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program and how it has been tackled. Results The factors identified were grouped into three groups: Health system factors, Human resource factors and Community level factors. Health system factors like shortage of vaccines and syringes, tablet paracetamol, online digital method of vaccination registration, overcrowding at the initial stage, and inadequate infrastructure were barriers to vaccination. Fear about vaccine adverse events, even in healthcare workers (HCWs), and overburdened healthcare workers were also factors affecting vaccination. At the community level, high resistance initially and misconception about the vaccine, and also the fear about post-vaccination side effects have an impact on the COVID-19 vaccination program in rural and tribal areas. Conclusion The successful vaccination rate among the population needs community leadership and a community-centred approach when conducting outreach and strengthening primary health care in terms of infrastructure, manpower, and capacity building of healthcare staff.