Three new 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2'-bipyridine mixed-ligand complexes of [Co(bpy)(phen)2](NO3)2.2H2O, [Cu(bpy)(phen) H2O)2]Cl2 . 2H2O, and [Zn(bpy)2(phen)]Cl2 . 6H2O were synthesized. The complexes were characterized by elemental, IR and visible spectroscopic analyses and the results indicate that both ligands are coordinated to the respective metal ions giving octahedral complexes. Antimicrobial studies showed that there is increased antimicrobial activity of the metal ions on coordination to the ligands. The water soluble complexes showed antimicrobial activities that are higher than those of the metal salts and 2,2'bipyridine but lower than those of 1,10-phenanthroline. The copper complex [Cu(bpy)(phen)(H2O)2]Cl2 . 2H2O shows the highest activity. KEY WORDS KEY WORDS KEY WORDS

To understand the evolution of HIV-1, the genetic and biological characteristics of viruses that infect persons living in regions in which the virus has been evolving for several decades must be studied. Thus, we investigated teh genetic subtypes, coreceptor usage, and syncytium-inducing ability of viruses in 47 HIV-1-infected blood samples from individuals living in rural villages in the equatorial rain forest and grass field regions in Cameroon. Heteroduplex mobility analysis (HMA) of gag (part of p24 and p7) and env (C2V5) or sequence and phylogenetic analysis of gag (part of p24 and p7), pol (protease), and env (C2V5), revealed a broad HIV-1 group M genetic diversity. Subtype analysis revealed genetic evidence of seven subtypes (A, C, D, F, G, H, and J) and three circulating recombinant froms (CRFs) (CRF01_AE, CRF02_AG, and CRF11_cpx). Only 15 (32%) of the 47 samples analyzed revealed a concordant subtype in all three genes (gag, pol, and env), while discordant subtypes and CRFs were identified for the remaining 32 (68%) samples. Two patterns of HIV-1 diversity could be discerned in two provinces. While more concordant subtypes in gag, pol, and env genes were identified in villages of South province (10 of 13, 77%), the HIV-1 diversity in the West province was characterized by intersubtype recombinants (63%). Five new intersubtype recombinants were identified including Agag Jpol Genv, Ggag Upol Aenv, AGgag Jpol Aenv, Agag AGpol Henv, and Cgag AGpol AGenv. All of the 40 viruses tested used the R5 coreceptor, of which four also used the X4 coreceptor. Four viruses were able to induce syncytia in MT-2 cells, however, syncytium induction did not correlate with coreceptor usage. This study further reveals the complexity of HIV-1 infection in rural Cameron and points to the future of the global epidemic, which may be characterized by more genetically diverse viruses.

A novel one-dimensional zigzag coordination polymer, dinitrodiaqua-bis(hexamethylenetetramine)cobalt(II) was synthesised and characterised, and the structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound has a chain structure with each cobalt atom covalently bonded to two nitrate ions, two water molecules and two HMTA molecules, giving a slightly distorted octahedral geometry about the cobalt atom. Each HMTA ligand uses two of its N atoms to bond to two cobalt atoms giving an approximately bent Co-HMTA-Co configuration. Each chain is hydrogen bonded through OHÁÁÁN and OHÁÁÁO interactions with neighbouring chains leading to an overall polymer structure. Thermal studies show significant mass loss corresponding to the loss of the coordinated water molecules and the decomposition of both the nitrate ions and the HMTA.

To describe the presence of protease inhibitor (PI) resistance-associated mutations and subtype distribution in drug-naive villagers of six provinces of Cameroon, we sequenced the protease (PR) gene (297 bp) of 128 viruses. Secondary PI resistance-associated mutations were identified at five sites: L10I/V (16%), K20R (8%), M36I (98%), L63P (13%), and V77I (6%). No primary mutation in the PR was identified. Of the 128 specimens analyzed, subtypes A (11%), C(2%), D (6%), F2 (3%), G (6%), H (0.8%), J (6%), and CRF02_AG (60%) were identified. The mutations identified were not characteristic to any particular subtype. The absence of primary mutations, in addition to the few secondary mutations, gives good perspectives for PI treatment interventions in these rural areas.

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