Synthesis,structure, antioxidant activity,and water solubility of trolox ion conjugates

The interaction of trolox with ammonia, alkylamines of different classes, and amino derivatives of heterocyclic compounds, including nitroxyl radicals and alkaloids, led to the production of ammonium salts called ion conjugates (ICs). Five ICs were characterised by X-ray diffraction. This is the first time a wide range of ICs were made from trolox with amines, and ESI-MS data demonstrated they have the potential to generate pseudomolecular [(A^?B⁺)?+?H]⁺ ions. For all obtained trolox ICs, a significant increase (1–3 orders of magnitude) in water solubility was achieved while retaining high antioxidant activity. ICs synthesised from two biologically active fragments may be used to create polyfunctional agents with varying solubility and bioavailability.     

Extracellular vesicles released in response to respiratory exposures: implications for chronic disease

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are secreted signaling entities that enhance various pathological processes when released in response to cellular stresses. Respiratory exposures such as cigarette smoke and air pollution exert cellular stresses and are associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases. The aim of this review was to examine the evidence that modifications in EV contribute to respiratory exposure-associated diseases. Publications were searched using PubMed and Google Scholar with the search terms (cigarette smoke OR tobacco smoke OR air pollution OR particulate matter) AND (extracellular vesicles OR exosomes OR microvesicles OR microparticles OR ectosomes). All original research articles were included and reviewed. Fifty articles were identified, most of which investigated the effect of respiratory exposures on EV release in vitro (25) and/or on circulating EV in human plasma (24). The majority of studies based their main observations on the relatively insensitive scatter-based flow cytometry of EV (29). EV induced by respiratory exposures were found to modulate inflammation (19), thrombosis (13), endothelial dysfunction (11), tissue remodeling (6), and angiogenesis (3). By influencing these processes, EV may play a key role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and possibly lung cancer and allergic asthma. The current findings warrant additional research with improved methodologies to evaluate the contribution of respiratory exposure-induced EV to disease etiology, as well as their potential as biomarkers of exposure or risk and as novel targets for preventive or therapeutic strategies.     

El Registro de Gemelos de Murcia. Un recurso para la investigación sobre conductas relacionadas con la salud

Genetically informative designs and, in particular, twin studies, are the most widely used methodology to analyse the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to inter-individual variability. These studies basically compare the degree of phenotypical similarity between monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs. In addition to the traditional estimate of heritability, this kind of registry enables a wide variety of analyses which are unique due to the characteristics of the sample. The Murcia Twin Registry is population-based and focused on the analysis of health-related behaviour. The observed prevalence of health problems is comparable to that of other regional and national reference samples, which guarantees its representativeness. Overall, the characteristics of the Registry facilitate developing various types of research as well as genetically informative designs, and collaboration with different initiatives and consortia.     

Nuevos retos en gestión de vectores en salud pública: la mosca negra en Murcia (España)

Historically, no black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) nuisance has been reported in the Murcia Region. Back in September 2016 the Ojós City Council has contacted the Regional Public Health General Directorate for help regarding a local insect nuisance, most probably based on mosquitoes. After sampling with a BG-sentinel 2 trap, collecting adult specimens with an entomological aspirator, and collect larvae and pupae on submerged giant cane stalks at the river, it turned out that Simulium sergenti was the insect species causing the nuisance. This species is not considered particularly anthropophilic; therefore, a low vector risk for human health was considered. However, the high fly density impaired the life quality of the people at the village. A management plan was recommended, treating the river with Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis.