Transition metal complexes with pyrazole-based ligands. Part 28. Synthesis, structural, DFT and thermal studies of cadmium(II) halides and zinc(II) chloride complexes with 3,5-dimethylpyrazole-1-carboxamidine

The complex formation of 3,5-dimethylpyrazole-1-carboxamidinium nitrate, HL center dot HNO(3) with ammine complexes of cadmium(II) halides (Cl, Br, I) and zinc(II) chloride has been investigated under self-controlled reaction conditions. The complexes have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and quantum chemical calculations. In the case of cadmium bromide and iodide salts, isostructural complexes with composition of [CdX(2)(HL)(2)] were formed. With CdCl(2) a binuclear octahedral [Cd(2)(HL)(4)(mu-Cl)(2)](NO(3))(2) complex is obtained. Zinc(II) chloride with HL center dot HNO(3) gives [Zn(HL)(2)Cl]NO(3), the zinc center exhibiting severely distorted five-coordinate stereochemistry, intermediate between an ideal trigonal bipyramid and a square pyramid. The course of complex formation as well as the thermal properties of the compounds has been explained using the HSAB principle. The assignment of the FT-IR spectra was supported by DFT computations. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Feasibility of Four Interventions to Improve Treatment Adherence in Migrants Living with HIV in The Netherlands

We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of four existing interventions to improve adherence to them in migrants living with HIV (MLWH): directly administered antiretroviral therapy (DAART), group medical appointments (GMA), early detection and treatment of psychological distress, and peer support by trained MLWH. At baseline and after the interventions, socio-demographic characteristics, psychosocial variables, and data on HIV treatment adherence were collected. The two questionnaires were completed by 234/301 (78%) MLWH included at baseline. Detectable HIV RNA decreased (from 10.3 to 6.8%) as did internalized HIV-related stigma (from 15 to 14 points), and self-reported adherence increased (between 5.5 and 8.3%). DAART and GMA were not feasible interventions. Screening of psychological distress was feasible; however, follow-up diagnostic screening and linkage to psychiatric services were not. Peer support for and by MLWH was feasible. Within this small intervention group, results on HIV RNA < 400 copies/mL (decrease of 23.6%) and outpatient clinic attendance (up to 20.4% kept more appointments) were promisin

Immunological Analysis of Treatment Interruption After Early Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

We longitudinally evaluated HIV-specific T-cell immunity after discontinuation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). After treatment interruption (TI), some individuals could maintain a low plasma viral load ( 50,000 copies/mL). Before HAART was initiated, plasma viral load was similar. After TI, the numbers of CD8(+) T cells increased more in individuals without viral control, whereas individuals maintaining a low viral load showed a more pronounced increase in HIV-specific CD8(+) T-cell numbers. No differences were seen in the number or percentage of cytokine-producing HIV-1-specific CD4(+) T cells, or in proliferative capacity of T cells. Four weeks after TI, the magnitude of the total HIV-1-specific CD8(+) T-cell response (IFN-gamma(+) and/or IL-2(+) and/or CD107a(+)) was significantly higher in individuals maintaining viral control. Degranulation contributed more to the overall CD8(+) T-cell response than cytokine production. Whether increased T-cell functionality is a cause or consequence of low viral load remains to be elucidate