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Revista Alergia Mexico (Tecamachalco,... Feb 2024Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction that can be life-threatening, timely diagnosis and treatment is required in these patients, one of the most frequent...
BACKGROUND
Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction that can be life-threatening, timely diagnosis and treatment is required in these patients, one of the most frequent triggers is pharmacological.
OBJECTIVE
To report the case of a patient who presented anaphylaxis due to eye drops.
CASE REPORT
A 7-year-old male with a history of rhinitis and asthma with good control. It started with itchy eyes, ophthalmic drops were administered, composition: Polyethylene glycol 400, 0.4%, Propylene glycol 3 mg, polyquad 0.001%, presenting at 15 minutes an episode of anaphylaxis initially characterized by pruritus and intense conjunctival erythema, later nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness, urticaria/facial angioedema and dyspnea were added, this episode was controlled opportunely with Levocetirizine 5 mg sublingual and Betametasona 4 mg intramuscular, progressively improving over the next 2 hours. The patient was evaluated by the Allergist, written recommendations were given to the mother in case this reaction occurred again, the use of the drops was prohibited, and the performance of skin test and a probable conjunctival provocation protocolized with the ophthalmic drops were pending. Accidentally 2 months later the patient was re-exposed with the same eye drops, presenting a similar reaction 15 minutes after the administration of the medication, they went to the emergency room where he received antihistamine and corticosteroid intravenous treatment, after this re-exposure is confirmed to the ophthalmic drops mentioned above as a trigger of anaphylaxis in this patient.
CONCLUSIONS
We present a case of conjunctival anaphylaxis after application of eye drops, confirmed by re-exposure to the drug. It is essential to give diagnoses, recommendations with treatments and avoidance of the probable triggering agent of the reaction. The administration of immediate medication when the allergic episode begins in these patients can be vital, even more so when they live far from a health center, as was the case in this patient.
Topics: Humans; Male; Ophthalmic Solutions; Anaphylaxis; Child
PubMed: 38683088
DOI: 10.29262/ram.v71i1.1324 -
Chemosphere Apr 2024Materials from green resources boast a low carbon footprint, forming the foundation of the circular economy approach in materials science. Thus, in this study, waste...
Materials from green resources boast a low carbon footprint, forming the foundation of the circular economy approach in materials science. Thus, in this study, waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was subjected to depolymerization using propylene glycol (PG), and subsequent polycondensation with bio-based maleic anhydride (MA) produced unsaturated polyester resin (b-UPR). Bio-derived acryloyl-modified Kraft lignin (KL-A) served as a vinyl reactive filler in the b-UPR matrix to create b-UPR/KL-A composites. The structural characterization of KL-A and b-UPR involved the use of FTIR and NMR techniques. The mechanical properties of the newly fabricated composites were assessed through tensile strength, Vickers microhardness, and dynamic mechanical tests. The addition of KL-A to the rigid b-UPR matrix enhanced material flexibility, resulting in less stiff and hard materials while preserving composite toughness. For instance, incorporating 10 wt% of KL-A in b-UPR led to a 17% reduction in hardness, a 48% decrease in tensile strength, and a 20% reduction in toughness. Positive environmental impact was achieved by incorporation of 64 wt% of renewable and recycled raw material. Analogously prepared b-UPR/KL composites showed structural inhomogeneity and somewhat better mechanical properties. Transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopies revealed a suitable relationship between mechanical and structural properties of composites in relation to the extent of KL-A addition. The UL94V flammability rating confirmed that flame resistance increased proportionally with the KL-A addition. Once deposited in a landfill, these composites are expected to disintegrate more easily than PET, causing less harm to the environment and contributing to sustainability in the plastics cycle.
PubMed: 38677615
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142144 -
Pediatric Dermatology Apr 2024Considering consumer trends toward the use of "clean" personal care products and increasing recognition of childhood allergic contact dermatitis, we sought to...
BACKGROUND
Considering consumer trends toward the use of "clean" personal care products and increasing recognition of childhood allergic contact dermatitis, we sought to characterize the allergen profile of such children's products.
METHODS
Ingredients of baby washes/shampoos, bubble baths, and moisturizers identified using the "Clean Baby" filter on Target®'s online marketplace were analyzed for relevant pediatric contact allergens.
RESULTS
Product compositions declared fragrance in 82% of products, Compositae in 46%, cocamidopropyl betaine in 45%, glucosides in 37%, propylene glycol in 12%, lanolin in 1%, and no allergens in 9%-methylisothiazolinone and formaldehyde were not found.
CONCLUSION
Children are greatly impacted by atopic dermatitis and skin barrier dysfunction, which underscores a need for greater public awareness of sensitizing and irritating ingredients, particularly regarding pediatric personal care products.
PubMed: 38676435
DOI: 10.1111/pde.15633 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Aerosols, as well as suspended particulate matter, impact atmospheric pollution, the climate, and human health, directly or indirectly. Particle size, chemical...
Aerosols, as well as suspended particulate matter, impact atmospheric pollution, the climate, and human health, directly or indirectly. Particle size, chemical composition, and other aerosol characteristics are determinant factors for atmospheric pollution dynamics and more. In the last decade, low-cost devices have been widely used in instrumentation to measure aerosols. However, they present some issues, such as the problem of discriminating whether the aerosol is composed of liquid particles or solid. This issue could lead to errors in the estimation of mass concentration in monitoring environments where there is fog. In this study, we investigate the use of an optical particle counter (OPC) coupled to a quartz crystal microbalance with an integrated microheater (H-QCM) to enhance measurement performances. The H-QCM was used not only to measure the collected mass on its surface but also, by using the integrated microheater, it was able to heat the collected mass by performing heating cycles. In particular, we tested the developed system with aerosolized saline solutions of sodium chloride (NaCl), with three decreasing concentrations of salt and three electronic cigarette solutions (e-liquid), with different concentrations of propylene glycol and glycerin mixtures. The results showed that the OPC coherently counted the salt dilution effects, and the H-QCM output confirmed the presence of liquid and solid particles in the aerosols. In the case of e-liquid aerosols, the OPC counted the particles, and the HQCM output highlighted that in the aerosol, there were no solid particles but a liquid phase only. These findings contribute to the refinement of aerosol measurement methodologies by low-cost sensors, fostering a more comprehensive understanding.
PubMed: 38676117
DOI: 10.3390/s24082500 -
Pharmaceutics Apr 2024Dendritic hydrogels based on carbosilane crosslinkers are promising drug delivery systems, as their amphiphilic nature improves the compatibility with poorly...
Dendritic hydrogels based on carbosilane crosslinkers are promising drug delivery systems, as their amphiphilic nature improves the compatibility with poorly water-soluble drugs. In this work, we explored the impact of the complementary polymer on the amphiphilic properties of the dendritic network. Different polymers were selected as precursors, from the highly lipophilic propylene glycol (PPG) to the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG), including amphiphilic Pluronics L31, L35 and L61. The dithiol polymers reacted with carbosilane crosslinkers through UV-initiated thiol-ene coupling (TEC), and the resultant materials were classified as non-swelling networks (for PPG, PLU and PLU) and high-swelling hydrogels (for PEG and PLU). The hydrogels exhibited thermo-responsive properties, shrinking at higher temperatures, and exhibited an intriguing drug release pattern due to internal nanostructuring. Furthermore, we fine-tuned the dendritic crosslinker, including hydroxyl and azide pendant groups in the focal point, generating functional networks that can be modified through degradable (ester) and non-degradable (triazol) bonds. Overall, this work highlighted the crucial role of the amphiphilic balance in the design of dendritic hydrogels with thermo-responsive behavior and confirmed their potential as functional networks for biomedical applications.
PubMed: 38675156
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040495 -
Pharmaceutics Mar 2024This study was tasked with the design of mucoadhesive buccal films (MBFs) containing a peptide drug, leuprolide (LEU), or its diverse nanoparticles (NPs), for enhanced...
This study was tasked with the design of mucoadhesive buccal films (MBFs) containing a peptide drug, leuprolide (LEU), or its diverse nanoparticles (NPs), for enhanced membrane permeability via self-assembled nanonization and deformable behavior. An LEU-oleic acid conjugate (LOC) and its self-assembled NPs (LON) were developed. Additionally, a deformable variant of LON (d-LON) was originally developed by incorporating l-α-phosphatidylcholine into LON as an edge activator. The physicochemical properties of LON and d-LON, encompassing particle size, zeta potential, and deformability index (DI), were evaluated. MBFs containing LEU, LOC, and NPs (LON, d-LON) were prepared using the solvent casting method by varying the ratio of Eudragit RLPO and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, with propylene glycol used as a plasticizer. The optimization of MBF formulations was based on their physicochemical properties, including in vitro residence time, dissolution, and permeability. The dissolution results demonstrated that the conjugation of oleic acid to LEU exhibited a more sustained LEU release pattern by cleaving the ester bond of the conjugate, as compared to the native LEU, with reduced variability. Moreover, the LOC and its self-assembled NPs (LON, d-LON), equivalent to 1 mg LEU doses in MBF, exhibited an amorphous state and demonstrated better permeability through the nanonization process than LEU alone, regardless of membrane types. The incorporation of lauroyl-L-carnitine into the films as a permeation enhancer synergistically augmented drug permeability. Most importantly, the d-LON-loaded buccal films showed the highest permeability, due to the deformability of NPs. Overall, MBF-containing peptide NPs and permeation enhancers have the potential to replace parenteral LEU administration by improving LEU druggability and patient compliance.
PubMed: 38675128
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040468 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Polymer electrolyte was used as a medium for testing the performance of microband electrodes under conditions of linear diffusion. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and...
Polymer electrolyte was used as a medium for testing the performance of microband electrodes under conditions of linear diffusion. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) experiments were performed in a highly viscous medium, where diffusion rates are much slower than in fluid solutions. The log i vs. log v (CV) or log i vs. log t (CA) relationships with the current equation confirmed the existence of such conditions, yielding slope values that were lower than the expected 0.5. This could indicate an impure linear diffusion profile, i.e., some contribution from radial diffusion (edge effects). However, the desired value of 0.5 was obtained when performing these tests in monomeric solvents of similar viscosities, such as glycerol or propylene glycol. These results led to the conclusion that the current equations, which are based on Fick's laws, may not be applicable for polymer electrolytes, where various obstructions to free diffusion result in a more complicated process than for monomeric solvents.
Topics: Solvents; Diffusion; Polymers; Electrochemical Techniques; Viscosity; Electrolytes; Electrodes; Electrochemistry
PubMed: 38674055
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084472 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Alginate-based hydrogels are widely utilized for various applications, including enzyme immobilization and the development of drug delivery systems, owing to their...
Alginate-based hydrogels are widely utilized for various applications, including enzyme immobilization and the development of drug delivery systems, owing to their advantageous characteristics, such as low toxicity, high availability and cost-effectiveness. However, the broad applicability of alginate hydrogels is hindered by their limited mechanical and chemical stability, as well as their poor permeability to hydrophobic molecules. In this study, we addressed the mechanical properties and chemical resistance of alginate hydrogels in a high-pKa environment by the copolymerization of alginate with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The addition of PVA resulted in a threefold improvement in the shear modulus of the copolymeric hydrogel, as well as enhanced chemical resistance to ()-α-methylbenzylamine, a model molecule with a high pKa value. Furthermore, we addressed the permeability challenge by introducing a betaine-propylene glycol deep eutectic solvent (DES) into the PVA-alginate copolymer. This led to an increased permeability for ethyl 3-oxobutanoate, a model molecule used for bioreduction to chiral alcohols. Moreover, the addition of the DES resulted in a notable improvement of the shear modulus of the resulting hydrogel. This dual effect highlights the role of the DES in achieving the desired improvement of the hydrogel as an immobilization carrier.
PubMed: 38671792
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040371 -
Carbohydrate Polymers Jul 2024A homologous series of thermoassociating copolymers was prepared by grafting onto alginates different amounts of three different temperature responsive polymers:...
A homologous series of thermoassociating copolymers was prepared by grafting onto alginates different amounts of three different temperature responsive polymers: poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), poly(di(ethylene glycol)methacrylate) and poly(ethylene oxide-co-propylene oxide). From a large set of analytical techniques combining rheology, calorimetry, NMR and SAXS, the relevant parameters controlling the sol/gel transition and the gel properties, mainly the degree of entanglement of macromolecules and the fraction of responsive stickers, were highlighted and interpreted objectively by considering the particularities of the phase diagrams of LCST polymers. Complementary analyses were implemented to investigate adhesiveness, injectabilty, gel swelling and molecular release in physiological environment of thermogelling formulations. In particular, it is shown that steady shear experiments allow to predict the injection forces by taking into account the characteristics of the system (syringe and needle), and that the rapid gelation of the formulations when they are heated at 37 °C delays the release of small molecules into the environment. The overall set of data is discussed in the framework of scaling relations in order to draw quantitative guidelines for the design of injectable thermoresponsive hydrogels.
PubMed: 38670757
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122126 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Apr 2024We present the development of a platform of well-defined, dynamic covalent amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCN) based on an α,ω-dibenzaldehyde end-functionalized...
We present the development of a platform of well-defined, dynamic covalent amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCN) based on an α,ω-dibenzaldehyde end-functionalized linear amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol)--poly(propylene glycol)--poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG--PPG--PEG, Pluronic) copolymer end-linked with a triacylhydrazide oligo(ethylene glycol) triarmed star cross-linker. The developed APCNs were characterized in terms of their rheological (increase in the storage modulus by a factor of 2 with increase in temperature from 10 to 50 °C), self-healing, self-assembling, and mechanical properties and evaluated as a matrix for gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) in both the stretched and unstretched states. Our results show that water-loaded APCNs almost completely self-mend, self-organize at room temperature into a body-centered cubic structure with long-range order exhibiting an aggregation number of around 80, and display an exceptional room temperature stretchability of ∼2400%. Furthermore, ionic liquid-loaded APCNs could serve as gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), displaying a substantial ion conductivity in the unstretched state, which was gradually reduced upon elongation up to a strain of 4, above which it gradually increased. Finally, it was found that recycled (dissolved and re-formed) ionic liquid-loaded APCNs could be reused as GPEs preserving 50-70% of their original ion conductivity.
PubMed: 38669089
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c19189