NTU Journal of Pure Sciences

A series of novel azo compounds was synthesized from Metronidazole through the reduction of its nitro group to an amine, yielding 2-(5-amino-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl) ethanol. The study comprised three main stages to produce new compounds with potential biological activity. In the first stage, the nitro group of Metronidazole was reduced to an amine. This intermediate then underwent two synthetic pathways. In the first pathway, Schiff bases were prepared by reacting the amine with various aldehydes, followed by conversion into heterocyclic derivatives. In the second pathway, the amine was transformed into a diazonium salt and subsequently coupled with phenolic compounds to obtain azo dyes. Specifically, the azo derivatives were synthesized by reacting compound with sodium nitrite at 0–5 °C, followed by coupling with several pharmaceutical compounds-paracetamol, 4-aminoantipyrine, Metronidazole reductase, sulfanilic acid, and salicylic acid-to yield compounds. Additionally, Schiff bases were synthesized by reacting compound with m-anisaldehyde, vanillin, and 3-nitrobenzaldehyde to produce compounds. These Schiff bases were then cyclized using thioglycolic acids and phthalic anhydrides to afford new heterocyclic compounds: thiazolidines and oxazepanes. The synthesized compounds were characterized by physical constants and spectral analyses, including infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a pervasive, chronic inflammatory condition. Swift diagnosis and intervention are crucial to manage the disease effectively, increasing remission prospects, and preventing long-term clinical complications. Objectives: The study aims to investigate and evaluate the potential role of certain inflammatory biomarkers - specifically Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) as an indicator of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Methods: An experimental study was conducted from April to June 2023, encompassing 80 individuals, 40 with chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and 40 healthy controls. RA patients, from Azadi Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk Governorate, were selected based on a positive RF analysis. Demographic data were collected, and serum samples were obtained for biomarker analysis. MCP-1 levels were determined using ELISA. Statistical evaluations employed descriptive statistics, T-tests, and Pearson correlation via SPSS version 26. Results: In the study, 77.5% of (RA) patients in the 40-60 years bracket compared to 67.5% of healthy individuals. (RA) patients exhibited a striking increase in MCP-1, registering at 393.33 pg/ml versus the healthy individuals at 70.66 pg/ml, a moderate positive correlation was observed between BMI and MCP-1 levels (Pearson r = 0.446, p = 0.004). Conclusion: One of the pivotal revelations from the study was the significant correlation between BMI and MCP-1 levels in (RA) patients, contrasting with the healthy population. The pronounced elevation of MCP-1 levels in (RA) patients, when juxtaposed against healthy individuals, substantiate its role as a crucial inflammatory marker for (RA). Its potential utility as a diagnostic or prognostic tool is evident, especially given the marked statistical significance of the observed differences.

Moraxella catarrhalis, a gram-negative diplococcui, an opportunistic pathogen that infects the human respiratory system. In th present study 20 isolates were collected from 405 individual clinical samples. Based on the sample source, the common sources of M. catarrhalis isolates were sputum 10 (50%), followed by throat swabs 8 (40%) and bronchial wash 2 (10%). Based on the culture morphology ("Hockey puck" sign), biochemical characteristics and with the API-NH, out of 354 (87.5%) positive bacterial growths, 20 (5%) isolates were identified as M. catarrhalis. In relation to biofilm development, the present study revealed that 5% of isolates were weak biofilm formers and 95% non-biofilm in formers in qualitative method (tube method). According to CLSI, The most effective antibiotics against M. catarrhalis were Amoxicillin-clavulanate and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole the resistance rate was 2 (10%) and 1 (5%) respectively. The aim of the study is to investigate antibiotic resistance in M. catarrhalis in hospitalized respiratory tract infection patients.

One hundred and fifty samples from burned wound swabs and from both genders and different ages were included in this study. They were collected from patients in Baquba teaching hospital, Khanaqin general hospital, and outpatient clinics between the beginning of September 2023 and February 2024. Identification of A. baumannii by manual biochemical tests that used Gram staining, catalase test, oxidase test, urease test, indole test, Kligler iron agar (KIA) test, and Simmon citrate test, as well as growth at 44°C. The VITEK2 compact system includes biochemical testing for final validation. The biofilm formation capacity of the A. baumannii isolate was determined using a microtiter plate assay. ESBLs and MBLs were detected using phenotypic methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed to determine the probable resistance of A. baumannii isolates to 14 antibiotics from various classes. The results indicated that the highest incidence of infection with A. baumannii occurred in the 1-40-year-old age group, with 55 cases representing 36.7% and 36.6%. A. baumannii isolates produced 17/30 (57%) strong biofilms, 9/30 (30%) moderate biofilms, and 4/30 (13%) non-biofilms. Our results indicate that A. baumannii exhibits crucial antibiotic resistance. The recent findings indicated that all A. baumannii isolates displayed 100% MBL production, but none of the 30 isolates produced ESBL enzymes, and there was a connection between biofilm production and antibiotic resistance in these isolates. A. baumannii isolates resistant to aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and sulfonamides show a positive correlation between biofilm production and antibiotic resistance.

The goal of this study was to find out how certain inflammatory responses in children with E. histolytica and E. dispar infections. 230 subjects reported with diarrhea in General Pediatric Hospital, Kirkuk from September 2023 to January 2024. Experimental work was carried out at private Laboratories in Kirkuk, Iraq. 50 healthy children without any diseases were also taken as a control group. 230 samples were directly examined by using microscopic (wet mount) examination for parasite diagnosis. whereas, 91(39.57%) samples were found positive and 139(60.43%) samples were negative. The percentage of infected male patients was (53.8%%) while, the percentage of female patients was (46.2%%). The percentage of infected children in the age group less than one year was about (41.8%). Platelets, lymphocytes and granulocytes showed significant (P?0.05) differences between E. histolytic and E. dispar patients compared to the control group. IgA showed significant (P?0.05) reduction and C-reactive protein (CRP) showed significant (P?0.05) elevation between E. histolytic and E. dispar patients compared to the control group. Based on the results of the current study, it was found that infection with E. histolytica/dispar leads to an increase in the immune cells.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), mainly caused by Escherichia coli, are a major health concern, affecting over 150 million people globally each year, with a lifetime prevalence of 40-50% among females. This study, conducted from May 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, in three hospitals in Kirkuk City, aimed to assess the frequency of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in UTI patients and examine the effect of seasonal variation. A total of 250 patients aged 17-78 were enrolled, with 110 confirmed UTI cases. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK2 system and the disk diffusion method. Results showed a higher incidence of UTIs during the summer months, likely due to dehydration and increased bacterial growth. E. coli was the most common pathogen (39.1%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (22.7%) and Proteus mirabilis (14.5%), all exhibiting significant multidrug resistance. The findings highlight a seasonal pattern in UTIs, particularly among females, with higher prevalence in warmer months.

The current study aimed to assess lipid profile in cardiovascular patients with toxoplasmosis in Kirkuk Governorate. A total of 150 subjects diagnosed with cardiovascular disease at Azadi Teaching Hospital and Kirkuk Teaching Hospital from September 2023 to January 2024 were enrolled, along with 30 healthy volunteers. Total of 150 blood samples collected from cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients included in the study showed that 45(30%) were IgG positive. While 12(8%) was IgM positive, the overall anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM seropositivity was found to be 5(3.3%) in patients who had CVD. Total cholesterol, triglyceride LDL, VLDL showed a significant (P?0.05) increase in patients and in those with both CVD and Toxoplasma. HDL showed a significant (P?0.05) decrease in CVD and CVD patients and in those with both CVD and Toxoplasma Based on the results of the current study, an association was found between cardiovascular diseases and lipid profiles. On the other hand, Toxoplasma gondii infection leads to dyslipidemia in patients.

In this paper, we introduce a set of new and significant functional concepts in topology, including ph-continuous functions, ph-open functions (ph-openness), and ph-irresolute functions. The fundamental characteristic properties of these functions are investigated, in addition to reviewing and defining the conditions for the concept of ph-homeomorphism. Furthermore, we establish and define a new set of ph-separation axioms that enhance the precision of classifying topological spaces. Subsequently, we analyse the interrelationships among these axioms and their points of distinction from the standard axioms.

Background: Numerous infections can be passed vertically from a mother to her offspring. Newborn infections are primarily acquired in three ways: through transmission from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. During delivery through contact with infected genital secretions, blood and feces during the neonatal period through breastfeeding, blood transfusion, and hospital-acquired infections. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological aspects of abortion in pregnant women attributed to Toxoplasma gondii assessing the prevalence, and associated risk factors of abortion in pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii, Cytomegalovirus (cmv), Herpes simplex virus (hsv), and Rubella virus. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study conducted in Kirkuk city from October 10th, 2023, to February 10th, 2024. A total of 120 women with a history of abortion, aged between 20 and 45 years, were enrolled, alongside 60 women with two or more previous normal pregnancies, serving as controls. Inclusion criteria encompassed age between 20 and 45 years and a history of abortion, while exclusion criteria included ectopic or molar pregnancy, chronic diseases, and hormonal treatment during pregnancy. Blood samples were collected, and serological for specific antibodies against Toxoplasma, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Hherpes simplex virus (HSV), and Rubella virus was performed using ELISA kits. Results: The study indicated no significant differences in the age distribution and residency between aborted women and the control group. Obstetric properties revealed the majority of aborted women (75.83%) reported 1-2 previous abortions, with variations in the number of children. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive epidemiological assessment and preventive strategies to mitigate the impact of infectious agents on pregnancy outcomes.

Beta thalassemia is the most common inheritable disease worldwide. Thalassemia patients are more susceptible to blood-borne viral infections, such as hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), because of the frequency of blood transfusions. This study aimed to detect HBV and HCV infections among patients with beta-thalassemia and estimate interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels in the serum of infected patients compared with a control group. The study was conducted on a total of 151 patients (83 males and 68 females). HBs antigen and anti-HCV antibody tests were performed for the detection of HBV and HCV infections using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Of the 151 thalassemia patients, 12 (7.9%) had HCV (10 males [6.6%] and 2 females [1.3%]), and none of them was HBsAg positive. There were significant increases in IL-2 levels (Mean 159.33 pg/ml) in HCV-infected thalassemia patients compared with the control group (38.67 pg/ml), (P < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between HCV infection and the frequency of transfusions and splenectomy in patients with thalassemia (P < 0.05). No statistically significant relationship was found between HCV infection and either type of beta-thalassemia or residence (P > 0.05). The current study demonstrated that there were significant increases in serum IL-2 levels in patients with thalassemia infected with HCV compared with the healthy control group. There were statistically significant relationships between transfusion frequency, splenectomy, and HCV infection in thalassemia patients. The types of beta-thalassemia and residency were not statistically significantly related to HCV infection in thalassemia patients.

Image fragmentation into non-overlapping areas where the boundaries contribute significantly in the utilization of the image in many areas of study like medical, imaging, and military technology. Curvelet transform method is used here due to its great possibilities and many advantages in preserving the borders of the image and its edges, in addition to its ability to capture information for these borders or soft edges in the image which helps draw the geography of territory and borders that contradict each other but within the limits of the overall picture. This research suggests the use of a normalized cut algorithm, which depends on fragmenting the selected image that was selected and converted using curvelet transform This provides a clear definition of the edges in the image and is cut into a number of sections required after calculating the eigenvalue and eigenvector by divide The image to several sections required, the section to be studied in detail after being partially deducted from the original image identified and distinguished by the proposed algorithm the image which can give high-quality discrimination and accuracy, which is intended to this conclusion.

The heterocyclic ligand potassium 2-(((Z)-1,5-dimethyl-4-((E-1-(4-nitrophenyl) ethylidene) amino)-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-ylidene) amino)-3-hydroxybutanoate (K4-AP-NO2A-Thr) has been synthesized under the thermal condition from the combination of 4-aminoantipyrine, 4-nitroacetophenone, and Threonine. A new series of transition metal complexes of Mn(II), Co (II), Ni(II),Cu(II) and Zn (II) has been produced from the Schiff base(K4-AP-NO2A-Thr). The geometry structures of the ligand and the complexes were determined through FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, (C.H.N) analysis, as well as molar conductance and magnetic susceptibility. These studies revealed that tetrahedral structure was suggested for Co (II) and Cu (II) complexes. Yet, the octahedral structure was suggested for Mn(II), Ni (II) and Zn (II) complexes. In-vitro antibacterial activity of the synthesized ligand and its complexes against (S. aureus, K. aureus) was evaluated through the disc diffusion method. Thermodynamic values were studied by conductivity methods. The conductivity of solution complexes prepared at different temperatures in aqueous water was measured using the Lee-Wheaton equation to obtain the values of ionic molar conductivity (?), the association constant (KA), distance parameter (R), and (?º).

The two species, the similar flour beetle Tribolium confusum and the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, belong to the Coleoptera order, the Tenebrionidae family. They are similar in appearance and it is difficult to distinguish them. In this study, 12 random primers were used, 6 of which were used in the RAPD method. The DNA was extracted, and then the purity of the samples used was confirmed by using the Bio Drop device. The purity of the samples used ranged between values 1.8-2 nanometers.Use a 1-kb DNA ladder. RAPD-PCR analysis yielded 64 molecular bands divided into 49 unique bands and 15 divergent bands. The random primer OPE-19 gave the highest number of total packets, about 19 packets. The random primer OPL-07-K gave the lowest number of total bands of 5 bands. The random primer OPA-11 gave the highest number of unique packets of 13 packets. The random primer OPL-07-K gave the lowest number of unique bands of 3. Random primer OPA-15 gave the highest number of divergent bands of 8. Random primer OPE-19 gave the highest efficiency value of 29.687%. The random primer OPL-07-K and OPA-15 gave the lowest efficiency value of 7.812%. The OPE-19 random primer gave the highest estimated discriminative value of 53.33%. The random primer OPA-15, OPA-11, and OPA-13 gave the lowest discriminatory ability of 6.66%. To find out the genetic matrix and the dendrogram, the MVSP program was used, and the genetic convergence matrix showed the presence of genetic differences between the studied samples. Genetic difference values were extracted by using a mathematical equation.

Children and adults worldwide are significantly impacted by Epstein-Barr virus infection. The illness typically stays dormant and is well-managed in people with robust immune systems. However, the virus can cause life-threatening infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease,). This study aims to evaluate the presence of VCA IgM, IgG, and EBNA-1 antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus in inflammatory bowel disease patients and explore potential connections between the prevalence of these antibodies, age, and sex. The research carried out in Kirkuk City included 100 individuals (56 patients with ulcerative colitis and 44 with Crohn's disease) and a control group of 100 individuals. Blood samples were collected from all participants in this study and subjected to analysis using the ELISA technique. EBV seropositivity was significantly higher in IBD patients (UC 76.7%, p-value <0.001, and CD 70.4% p-value 0.002) than in controls (6%) (p-value= 1.0). The highest seroprevalence occurred in the 31–40 age group (UC: 30.2%, CD: 38.7%) with a p-value <0.005. Males showed higher EBV positivity than females in Both UC 69.7%, p-value 0.008, and CD: 58.1% with a p-value < 0.002.

Trimethoprim (TMP) is currently frequently utilized in modern medicine due to its organic features. Trimethoprim inhibits vulnerable organisms from converting dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate, which is the active form of folic acid. Its heterocyclic substances are crucial to the fields of medicine and pharmacology by reacting to their Schiff base derivatives with metals. The preparation and detailed analysis of these compounds were conducted using diverse physicochemical techniques, including measurements of electronic conductivity, UV-visible spectral analysis,1H-NMR, 13C-NMR spectroscopic studies, atomic absorption evaluations and CHN elemental composition determination. The antimicrobial activity of TMP-based compounds was demonstrated by their ability to suppress the development of pathogenic microorganisms, including Gram-positive (G+) strains such as Staphylococcus pyogenes and Bacillus subtilis, alongside Gram-negative strains like Shigella flexneri.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide parasitic disease, with a wide range of complications in immunocompromised patients such as hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to determine the associated factors for the transmission of T. gondii among hemodialysis patients in Kirkuk city. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 180 individuals (130 were hemodialysis patients and 50 were healthy controls). All serum samples were tested for Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) antibodies by ELISA. Results: The results of hemodialysis patients showed that the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies was higher in the age group between 30 and 60 years and there were 66.66% for both IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively, while the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in the age group ? 60 years was 26.66% and 33.33% for both IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Yet, the lowest percentage was observed in the age group between 15 and 30 years and it was 6.66% for anti-T.gondii IgG without IgM (0%) in the same age group. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and risk factors such as age and blood transfusion with P-values < 0.05. On the other hand, the level of serum albumin was reduced significantly in hemodialysis patients infected with toxoplasmosis compared to the healthy group in this study. Conclusions: Screening for Toxoplasma gondii parasites among blood donors and dialysis patients mainly by serological tests plays an essential role in preventing the transmission infection to others during blood receiving and dialysis. Additionally, the infection with T. gondii affected the level of serum albumin in hemodialysis patients positive for Toxoplasmosis.