Hydrogels are suitable materials to promote cell proliferation and tissue support because of their hydrophilic nature, porous structure and sticky properties. However, hydrogel synthesis involves the addition of additives that can increase the risk of inducing cytotoxicity. Sterilization is a critical process for hydrogel clinical use as a proper scaffold for tissue engineering. In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(ethylene glycol)-chitosan (PEG-CH) and multi-arm PEG hydrogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization and sterilized by gamma irradiation or disinfected using 70 % ethanol. The biocompatibility assessment in human fibroblasts and hemocompatibility studies (hemolysis, platelet aggregation, morphology of mononuclear cells and viability) in peripheral blood from healthy volunteers (ex vivo), were performed. The sterilization or disinfection effect on hydrogel structures was evaluated by FT-IR spectroscopy. Results indicated that hydrogels do not induce any damage to fibroblasts, erythrocytes, platelets or mononuclear cells. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the biocompatibility after the sterilization or disinfection treatment. However, after gamma irradiation, several IR spectroscopic bands were shifted to higher or lower energies with different intensity in all hydrogels. In particular, several bands associated to carboxyl or hydroxyl groups were slightly shifted, possibly associated to scission reactions. The disinfection treatment (70 % ethanol) and γ-irradiation at 13.83 ± 0.7 kGy did not induce morphological damages and yielded sterile and biocompatible PEG hydrogels potentially useful for clinical applications.

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a precursor of diabetes. Physical activity (PA) improves endothelial dysfunction and may benefit patients with MetS. Aims. To evaluate the effect of a physical activity (PA) program on markers of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in adolescents with (MetS). Methods. We carried out a cohort study of 38 adolescents with and without MetS (18 females and 20 males). All participants completed a 3-month PA program. All variables of the MetS as well as markers of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress tests were evaluated. Results. Females with and without MetS showed significant differences for almost all components of the MetS, whereas males were significantly different in half of the components. After the PA program, components of the MetS were not different from baseline values except for HDL-C levels. Some baseline endothelial dysfunction markers were significantly different among adolescents with and without MetS; however, after the PA program, most of these markers significantly improved in subjects with and without MetS. Conclusion. PA improves the markers of endothelial dysfunction in adolescents with MetS although other changes in the components of the MetS were not observed. Perhaps the benefits of PA on all components of MetS would appear after a PA program with a longer duration.

BackgroundDrug hypersensitivity is defined as any unfavorable reaction that occurs after the administration of any drug. It may or may not be mediated by the involvement of the immune system. Epidemiological data related to drug hypersensitivity reactions in our country are scarce.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of drug hypersensitivity in a group of young adults, as well as to identify associated factors.MethodsA structured questionnaire was applied to young people aged 18 to 25 years. The instrument was oriented to identify reactions of drug hypersensitivity, as well as the most prevalent drugs involved. In addition, a personal and family history of atopic diseases was included. Analysis for associations between variables was been done through logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of drug hypersensitivity reactions was 12% (144 of 1,200). The antibiotics were the agents most related to hypersensitivity reactions (9.8%) followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (1.6%). Factors associated with drug hypersensitivity were a personal history of asthma, odds ratio (OR) 3.15 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–6.91), maternal and paternal history of drug hypersensitivity, OR 2.33 (95% CI, 1.21–4.48) and OR 3.11 (95% CI, 1.22–7.92), respectively.ConclusionThe results of this research show that drug hypersensitivity in young adults is a highly prevalent event and it is associated with personal history of asthma and history of drug hypersensitivity in parents.

Polymer systems, in the form of crosslinking networks, have been widely used in biomedicine. However, they are a challenge mainly due to the impact of their physicochemical properties on release kinetics of drugs. Ketoprofen is an analgesic anti‐inflammatory drug with short half‐life (<2 h) and quickly eliminated by the body. Topical administration of ketoprofen can reduce pain, accelerate the wound healing process, and minimize the risk of systemic side effects. Therefore, the aim was to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate a novel ketoprofen polymer system in the form of a semi‐interpenetrated network of poly(ethylene glycol)‐chitosan. The pore size studied by small‐angle X‐ray scattering showed the presence of nanoscale pores, 13.7 nm (dry state) and 26.18 nm (swollen form). The maximum swelling was 420 ± 45% at 24 h. Finally, the encapsulated ketoprofen (6.5%) was released at a constant concentration (0.12 ± 0.03 mg/mL, 8 h) and half of the doses up to 24 h. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46644.

BackgroundIn developing countries, there is a lack of epidemiological information related to food hypersensitivity, including nuts and seafood.ObjectiveThe aim was to determine the prevalence of allergic reactions and clinical manifestations associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds or seafood in university students.MethodsWe designed an observational cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was applied to Mexican university students to identify allergic reactions associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood.ResultsA sample of 1,200 students was included; mean age of 19.7 ± 1.7 years. Prevalence of symptoms associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood were 2.8% (33 of 1,200) and 3.5% (42 of 1,200) respectively. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (63.6% in nuts and seeds), flushing (50% in seafood), and pharyngeal oppression (19% in seafood). Prevalence of perceived, probable and systemic allergy to nuts and seeds was 2.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5%–3.0%), 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3%–1.3%) and 0.2% (95% CI, 0%–0.4%) respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence (perceived, probable, and systemic) associated with seafood consumption was 3.5% (95% CI, 2.5%–4.5%), 1.8% (95% CI, 1.0%–2.5%), and 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%–0.9%). Walnut and shrimp were the most frequently reported foods.ConclusionFor every 100 Mexican university students, approximately 3 or 4 perceived to have allergy attributed to the consumption of some nuts and seeds or seafood, while 1 or 2 students would have a probable reaction to this same type of food. Walnut and shrimp would be causing the higher quantity of food allergic reactions.