Serological identification of MERS-CoV in camels of Wasit province, Iraq.

Background: Since the first human case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) caused by Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, several evidence bases have shown one-humped camels as the main reservoir host, from which infection is transmitted to humans. Aim: Serological investigation of MERS in dromedary camels in Wasit province (Iraq), detection severity of infection, and association to some risk factors. Methods: A total of 455 dromedary camels were selected randomly from two main districts in Wasit province, Iraq, during January and April (2023). Sera of all study camels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and titers of positive study animals were categorized according to their severity. Results: Serological testing yielded 37.58% positive animals for MERS infection. According to the severity of positive ODs (titer), a total of 53.22%, 30.99%, 12.28%, and 3.51% showed mild, moderate, strong, and very strong infections, respectively. Regarding risk factors, significant elevation in seropositivity was seen in camels of >3-6 and >6 years old and reduced in camels of £3 years old with an elevated risk of MERS with increased age. Regionally, seropositivity and relative risk were increased in the camels of Shaykh Sa'd when compared with Al-Numaniyah. Regarding sex, no significant variation was detected between seropositive females and males; however, male camels appeared at higher risk than females. Association between the severity of MERS infection and risk factors revealed that there was a significant increase in mild and moderate infections in female camels of >6 years old; whereas strong and very strong infections were seen in male camels of 33-6 years old. Mild and very strong infections were recorded in Shaykh Sa'd; while moderate and strong infections in Al-Numaniyah. Conclusion: The study indicated a longstanding existence of MERS-CoV in camels of Wasit province; therefore, recent infections or active viral excretion are required for confirmation by molecular approaches.

Spectroscopic, structural characterizations and antioxidant capacity of the chromium (III) niacinamide compound as a diabetes mellitus drug model.

New binuclear chromium (III) niacinamide compound with chemical formula [Cr2(Nic)(Cl)6(H2O)4]·H2O was obtained upon the reaction of chromium (III) chloride with niacinamide (Nic) in methanol solvent at 60°C. The proposed structure was discussed with the help of microanalytical analyses, conductivity, spectroscopic (FT-IR and UV-vis.), magnetic calculations, thermogravimetric analyses (TG/TGA), and morphological studies (X-ray of solid powder and scan electron microscopy. The infrared spectrum of free niacinamide in comparison with its chromium (III) compound indicated that the chelation mode occurs via both nitrogen atoms of pyridine ring and primary -NH2 group. The efficiency of chromium (III) niacinamide compound in decreasing of glucose level of blood and HbA1c in case of diabetic rats was checked. The ameliorating gluconeogenic enzymes, lipid profile and antioxidant defense capacities are considered as an indicator of the efficiency of new chromium (III) compound as antidiabetic drug model.

Stereochemistry of new nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds.; X. Supramolecular structures and stereochemical versatility of polymeric complexes.

New polymeric complexes of Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and UO2(II) with 5-(2(1)-carboxyphenylazo)-8-hydroxyquinoline (LH2) have been prepared and characterized on the basis of analytical, magnetic, 1H NMR, EPR and electronic spectral studies. Tentative structures for the polymeric complexes are proposed. The important infrared (IR) bands and the main 1H NMR signals are assigned and discussed relative to the molecular structure. EPR spectrum of copper(II) complex has been studied with a view to assigning their stereochemistries. Various EPR parameters have been calculated. Each metal has six-coordinates in an octahedral environment. The ligand acts as a dibasic (bis-bidentate chelating agent coordinating through CN, N=N, COOH and OH groups by replacement of a proton from the two latter groups. Considerable interest has also been focused on the synthesis of the azo compounds and its polymeric metal complex due to its wide potential applications. The thermal decomposition behavior of the complexes is also discussed.