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Compelling evidence proved that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) disproportionately affects minorities. The goal of the present study was to explore the effects of intersected discrimination and discrimination types on COVID-19, mental health, and cognition. A sample of 542 Iraqis, 55.7% females, age ranged from 18 to 73, with (M = 31.16, SD = 9.77). 48.7% were Muslims, and 51.3% were Christians (N = 278). We used measures for COVID-19 stressors, executive functions, intersected discrimination (gender discrimination, social groups-based discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, and genocidal discrimination), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, status and death, existential anxieties, and health. We conducted independent samples t test between Muslims and Christians. We conducted hierarchical regression analyses using the Christian minority subsample to see if intersected discrimination is predictive of COVID-19 hospitalization. We conducted two-path analyses, one with intersected discrimination as an independent variable and the second with the different discrimination types as independent variables. Intersected discrimination predicted COVID-19 hospitalization. The primary discrimination type for Christians was genocidal discrimination. Christians had higher existential anxiety about status and death than Muslims. Intersected discrimination and discrimination types had a significant association with mental health, health, and cognition variables, with intersected discrimination, had a higher impact than each. Existential anxiety about the person's social and economic status was the critical outcome of intersected discrimination that trickles down to other variables. COVID-19 stressors had significant effects on depression, PTSD, generalized anxiety, and Status existential annihilation anxiety (EAA). COVID-19 hospitalization and stressors are associated with inhibition and working memory deficits. We discussed the conceptual and clinical implications of the results. Public Policy Relevance Statement: The current found empirical evidence that intersected discrimination is a significant predictor of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hospitalization in Iraqi Christians and underlies the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on discrimination victims. Intersected discrimination triggered the existential anxiety about the person's social and economic status (status EAA) that trickled down to adverse health, mental health, and cognitive outcomes. The primary discrimination type for Iraqi Christians exposed to Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was genocidal discrimination, one of the worst discrimination types. COVID-19 stressors had significant effects on higher status EAA and adverse effects on mental health and cognition. The present study results highlighted the primacy of addressing intersected discrimination and the advocacy for social justice and support for victims of discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, characterization and liquid crystalline properties of N4,N4′-bis((1 H-benzo[ d ]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-3,3′-dimethyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine and of their corresponding Mn(II), Fe(II), Ni (II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes are described. The ligand and complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements (µeff), conductometric measurements and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ( 1 H NMR), ( 13 C-NMR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Spectral investigations suggested octahedral coordination geometrical arrangement for M(II) complexes. The phase transition temperatures were detected by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and the phases are confirmed by optical polarizing microscopy (POM). The DSC and POM supported the mesomorphic properties of the uncoordinated ligand in which the enantiotropic smectic phases were recorded. However, not all of their corresponding M(II) complexes are liquid crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A series of mixed-ligand complexes was synthesized by using a Schiff base as main ligand and nicotinamide as secondary ligand. • The Schiff base was prepared by the interaction of ampicillin drug and 4-chlorobenzophenone. • The DFT calculations and molecular docking analysis were carried out. • The synthesized complexes exhibited significant antimicrobial activity. • The drug-likeness and toxicity of the compounds were also performed. A novel series of mixed-ligand complexes of the type, [ML 1 (L 2) 3 Cl x [M= Cr(III), Fe(III), Co(II),Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II), n = 2, 3], was synthesized using Schiff base (HL 1) as main ligand, nicotinamide (L 2) as secondary ligand, and the corresponding metal ions in 1:3:1 molar ratio. The main ligand, HL 1 was prepared by the interaction of ampicillin drug and 4-chlorobenzophenone. The synthesized mixed ligand complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, UV-Vis, FT-IR,1H-NMR,13C-NMR and TG/DTG studies. In the mixed-ligand complexes, the Schiff base ligand, HL 1 showed coordination to the central metal ion in tridentate manner via azomethine nitrogen, β-lactam ring oxygen and deprotonated carboxylic oxygen atoms, whereas the secondary ligand L 2 (nicotinamide, Nam) coordinated through pyridine nitrogen atoms. The synthesized complexes exhibited significant antimicrobial activity when evaluated against P. pseudomonas, E. coli, S. aureus and B. subtilis microbes. The DFT calculations were also carried out to ascertain the bonding insights into the structure. In addition, molecular docking analysis was performed carried out to know the interactions between complexes and their probable binding sites in penicillin binding protein (PBP2). Moreover, drug-likeness and toxicity of the compounds were also performed to predict the suitability of the complexes as drugs. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Syntheses of new Co(II), (C1); Ni(II), (C2); Cu(II), (C3) and Zn(II), (C4) complexes. • Characterization of the new complexes using various physicochemical and analytical techniques. • The free ligand and its metal complexes had been applied as disperse dyes on cotton fabrics. • The free ligand and its metal complexes were in vitro investigated for their antimicrobial activity. • Theoretical studies (DFT and molecular docking) were performed. Four Co(II), (C1); Ni(II), (C2); Cu(II), (C3) and Zn(II), (C4) chelates have been synthesized with 1-(4-((2-amino-5‑methoxy)diazenyl)phenyl)ethanone ligand (L). The produced compounds have been identified by using spectral studies, elemental analysis (C.H.N.O), conductivity and magnetic properties. The produced metal chelates were studied using molar ratio as well as sequences contrast types. Rate of concentration (1 ×10−4 - 3 ×10−4 Mol/L) sequence Beer's law. Compound solutions have been noticed height molar absorptivity. The free of ligand and metal chelates had been applied as disperse dyes on cotton fabrics. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the produced compounds against various bacteria had been investigated. For the gained datum, a tetrahedral geometrical structure has been suggested for each primed complex. Molecular docking investigation was carried out to ascertain the inhibitory action of the studied compounds against 1HNJ protein, the target enzyme for the antimicrobial agents. The findings showed that, when compared to other compounds, (C1) has the highest binding affinity. Therefore, these molecules might make good candidates for antimicrobials. The quantum chemical parameters are calculated, and the molecular structure complexes were theoretically optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The azo ligand obtained from the diazotization reaction of 2-aminobenzothiazole and 4-nitroaniline yielded a novel series of complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions. The complexes were investigated using spectral techniques such as UV-Vis, FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic analyses, LC-MS and atomic absorption spectrometry, electrical conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility. The molar ratio of the synthesized compounds was determined using the ligand exchange ratio, which revealed the metal-ligand ratios in the isolated complexes were 1:2. The synthesized complexes were tested for antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans, and C. tropicalis bacterial species. Additionally, their binding affinities were predicted using molecular docking analysis, and their pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This zoonotic virus has emerged in Wuhan of China in December 2019 from bats and pangolins probably and continuing the human‐to‐human transmission globally since last two years. As there is no efficient approved treatment, a number of vaccines were developed at an unprecedented speed to counter the pandemic. Moreover, vaccine hesitancy is observed that may be another possible reason for this never ending pandemic. In the meantime, several variants and mutations were identified and causing multiple waves globally. Now the safety and efficacy of these vaccines are debatable and recommended to determine whether vaccines are able to interrupt transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 variant of concern (VOC). Moreover, the VOCs continue to emerge that appear more transmissible and less sensitive to virus‐specific immune responses. In this overview, we have highlighted various drugs and vaccines used to counter this pandemic along with their reported side effects. Moreover, the preliminary data for the novel VOC "Omicron" are discussed with the existing animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a platinum(II) complex ([Pt(H2L)(PPh3)] complex) containing a thiocarbohydrazone as the ligand was tested as an anti-proliferative agent against ovarian adenocarcinoma (Caov-3) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) through MTT assays. Apoptotic markers were tested by the AO/PI double staining assay and DNA fragmentation test. Flow cytometry was conducted to measure cell cycle distribution, while the p53 and caspase-8 pathways were tested via immunofluorescence assay. Results demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect of the Pt(II)-thiocarbohydrazone complexes against Caov-3 and HT-29 cells was highly significant, and this effect triggered the activation of the p53 and caspase-8 pathways. Besides, apoptosis stimulated by the Pt(II)-thiocarbohydrazone complex was associated with cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. These findings suggest that the target complex inhibited the proliferation of Caov-3 and HT-29 cells, resulting in the arrest of the cell cycle and induction of apoptosis via the stimulation of the p53 and caspase-8 pathways. The present data suggests that the Pt(II)-thiocarbohydrazone complex could also be a promising chemotherapeutic agent for other types of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Ternary semiconductors AB5C8 (A = Cu/Ag, B = In and C = S, Se or Te) have been investigated. The CuIn5S8 and AgIn5S8 have been synthesize in cubic spinel structure with space group (Fd3m), whereas CuIn5Se8, AgIn5Se8, CuIn5Te8 and AgIn5Te8 have tetragonal structures with space group P‐42m. The relaxed crystal geometry, electrical properties such as electronic band structure and optoelectronic properties are predicted by using full potential method in this work. For the determination of relaxed crystal geometry, the gradient approximation (PBE‐GGA) is used. All the studied compounds are semiconductors based on their band structures in agreement with the experimental results, and their bulk moduli are in the range 35 to 69 GPa. Wide absorption peaks appeared in the visible to ultraviolet energy region indicating good absorption ability of these compounds. Therefore, these semiconductors are an excellent choice for optical devices, electrochemical and photovoltaic cells. These compounds have remarkable characteristics such as direct as well as indirect band gaps with very slight difference between the two, high absorption coefficient, good photo‐stability, easy inter‐conversion between n‐ and p‐type semiconductors and in manufacturing of comparatively cheap homo and hetero junction structures. AB5C8 (A = Cu/Ag; B = In and C = S, Se, Te) compounds have shown high absorption and optical conductivity in the visible region. These compounds have therefore high potential to be used as solar energy harvesting. Also these systems are optical active in the ultraviolet region too therefore can be used for high frequency optoelectronics applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anticancer studies of a Schiff base; (E)‐2((2‐hydroxybenzylidene)amino‐3‐mercaptopropanoic acid (H2L) (obtained from 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and L‐cysteine) and its transition metal complexes have been reported. The evaluation of the growth inhibitory action was studied for the compounds against human colon carcinoma (HCT‐116), human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HEPG‐2), normal melanocytes (HFB‐4) and human breast carcinoma (MCF‐7) cell lines. The obtained results revealed that the Schiff base and its chelates are active against human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HEPG‐2) cell lines. The powder X‐ray diffraction analysis for the compounds was carried out through Phillips X′Pert High score software. The density functional theory computation for ligand and Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) metal complexes were made to understand the mode of bonding by GAUSSIAN 03 rev. A.01 programme. The quantitative structure‐activity relationship investigation was performed by using HyperChem Professional 8.0.3 software to understand the biological potency of the ligands. Moreover, a docking analysis using iGEMDOCKv2.1 software was carried out against the kinase enzyme PDB ID:1fvv. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]