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Abstract: A novel water and air stable copper(I) complex, [CuI(2,2′-biquinoline)P(CH2N(CH2CH2)2O)3] (1bq), was synthesized and characterized by means of 1H, 13C{1H} and 31P{1H} NMR, ESI-MS and elemental analysis. The X-ray structure of 1bq shows that the coordination geometry about the Cu(I) center is pseudo-tetrahedral. 1bq was assayed for antibacterial (Escherichia coli – a Gram-negative rod and Staphylococcus aureus – a Gram-positive coccus) and antifungal (Candida albicans) activities. The activity of 1bq was lower than that of [CuI(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)P(CH2N(CH2CH2)2O)3] (1N). 1bq also showed significantly lower cytotoxicity than 1N on MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) culture and the RK-13 cell line. Both 1bq and 1N complexes bind to HSA and BSA albumins in site I located in subdomain IIA, however 1bq interacts less strongly with these albumins than 1N. Surprisingly, investigation of the interactions of the studied complexes with pUC18 plasmid showed a comparable effectiveness of 1N and 1bq for DNA cleavage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In contrast to animals, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) causes a severe disease in humans with a high mortality rate. The etiological agent, CCHF virus (CCHFV), can be transmitted by argasid and ixodid ticks, but arachnids of the genus Hyalomma, followed by Rhipicephalus and Dermacentor serve as the major vectors of this virus. The goal of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of CCHFV infection in cattle in south-east Poland, and survey for potential tick vector species. A total of 592 bovine blood samples from animals located in the southernmost region in Poland were tested by IgG sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ticks (n = 993) from south-east Poland were collected from dogs, cats, cattle, and horses and tested by RT-PCR. All 592 serum samples were negative for IgG antibodies to CCHFV. Of the ticks collected, 125 were Dermacentor reticulatus and 868 represented Ixodes ricinus, both species are regarded as potential vectors of CCHFV. All tick samples were negative for the presence of CCHFV. Considering the zoonotic nature, public health importance, and the virus increasing spread, it was prudent to assess the seroprevalence of CCHFV in the south-east area of Poland, bordering with CCHFV endemic areas. It seems unlikely that CCHFV infection will suddenly spread in Poland, but considering the multiple possibilities of the virus introduction, serosurveys and vector biosurveillance should be conducted at regular intervals.