Efficiency of exogenous zinc sulfate application reduced fruit drop and improved antioxidant activity of 'Kinnow' mandarin fruit / A eficiência da aplicação de sulfato de zinco exógeno reduziu a queda da fruta e melhorou a atividade antioxidante da tangerina 'Kinnow'

'Kinnow' mandarin (Citrus nobilis L.× Citrus deliciosa T.) is an important marketable fruit of the world. It is mainstay of citrus industry in Pakistan, having great export potential. But out of total production of the country only 10% of the produce meets the international quality standard for export. Pre-harvest fruit drop and poor fruit quality could be associated with various issues including the plant nutrition. Most of the farmers do not pay attention to the supply of micro nutrients which are already deficient in the soil. Furthermore, their mobility within plants is also a question. Zinc (Zn) is amongst those micronutrients which affect the quality and postharvest life of the fruit and its deficiency in Pakistani soils is already reported by many researchers. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the influence of pre-harvest applications of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4; 0, 0.4%, 0.6% or 0.8%) on pre-harvest fruit drop, yield and fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin at harvest. The treatments were applied during the month of October i.e. 4 months prior to harvest. The applied Zn sprays had significant effect on yield and quality of the "Kinnow" fruit. Amongst different foliar applications of ZnSO4applied four months before harvest, 0.6% ZnSO4 significantly reduced pre-harvest fruit drop (10.08%) as compared to untreated control trees (46.45%). Similarly, the maximum number of fruits harvested per tree (627), fruit weight (192.9 g), juice percentage (42.2%), total soluble solids (9.5 °Brix), ascorbic acid content (35.5 mg 100 g-¹) and sugar contents (17.4) were also found significantly higher with 0.6% ZnSO4 treatment as compared to rest of treatments and control. Foliar application of 0.6% ZnSO4 also significantly improved total antioxidants (TAO) and total phenolic contents (TPC) in fruit. In conclusion, foliar [...].

A tangerina 'Kinnow' (Citrus nobilis L. × Citrus deliciosa T.) é uma importante fruta comercializável do mundo. É o esteio da indústria cítrica no Paquistão, com grande potencial de exportação. Mas, da produção total do país, apenas 10% da produção atendem o padrão internacional de qualidade para exportação. A queda da fruta antes da colheita e a baixa qualidade da fruta podem estar associadas a vários problemas, incluindo a nutrição da planta. A maioria dos agricultores não se preocupa com o fornecimento de micronutrientes que já são deficientes no solo. Além disso, sua mobilidade dentro das plantas também é uma questão. O zinco (Zn) está entre os micronutrientes que afetam a qualidade e a vida pós-colheita da fruta, e sua deficiência em solos paquistaneses já é relatada por diversos pesquisadores. Portanto, este estudo foi realizado para avaliar a influência da aplicação pré-colheita de sulfato de zinco (ZnSO4; 0, 0,4%, 0,6% ou 0,8%) na queda dos frutos na pré-colheita, produtividade e qualidade dos frutos da tangerina 'Kinnow' em colheita. Os tratamentos foram aplicados durante o mês de outubro, ou seja, 4 meses antes da colheita. As pulverizações de Zn aplicadas tiveram efeito significativo no rendimento e na qualidade da fruta 'Kinnow'. Entre as diferentes aplicações foliares de ZnSO4 efetuadas quatro meses antes da colheita, 0,6% de ZnSO4 reduziu significativamente a queda de frutos antes da colheita (10,08%) em comparação com as árvores de controle não tratadas (46,45%). Da mesma forma, número máximo de frutos colhidos por árvore (627), peso do fruto (192,9 g), porcentagem de suco (42,2%), sólidos solúveis totais (9,5 ° Brix), teor de ácido ascórbico (35,5 mg / 100 g-¹) e os teores de açúcar (17,4) também foram significativamente maiores com o tratamento com 0,6% de ZnSO4 em comparação com o restante dos tratamentos e o controle. A aplicação foliar de 0,6% de ZnSO4 também melhorou significativamente os [...].

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of intralesional 2% zinc sulfate in the treatment of verruca vulgaris in a tertiary hospital

Background@#Verruca vulgaris ranked 10th in the top 10 diseases in 2019 seen among the Philippine Dermatological Society training institutions. The efficacy of immunotherapy, such as intralesional zinc sulfate (ZS), for warts were reported. Considering the limited studies with promising results on verruca, a study on the efficacy and safety of intralesional zinc in the treatment of verruca was considered.@*Objective@#This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of intralesional 2% ZS in comparison to intralesional purified protein derivative (PPD) among adult patients with verruca vulgaris.@*Methods@#This is a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial involving 44 patients allocated to group ZS (n=22) and PPD (n=22). Intralesional injections of ZS or PPD to the largest wart were done at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Clearance and size reduction of the target and distant wart at 12th week and recurrence at 14th week were assessed. Adverse effects were checked.@*Results@#At the 12th week of treatment, higher proportion in group ZS patients achieved total resolution of the target lesion compared to PPD, but results were not statistically significant (29% vs. 19%). Both groups showed decline in the target lesion size. The median size reduction between the two groups showed no significant differences. Three patients from group ZS showed clearance of distant warts while none in group PPD. There was no recurrence of all previously resolved warts. Adverse reactions were pain, edema, and erythema.@*Conclusion@#Intralesional 2% zinc sulfate (29%) was efficacious and safe compared to Intralesional PPD (19%) but the difference was not statistically significant. There was clearance of distant warts in 5% of group ZS patients. The mild adverse events did not warrant discontinuation of treatment.

Informe diário de evidências COVID-19: busca referente aos dias 4, 5 e 6 de julho de 2020 / COVID-19 daily evidence report: search for July 4, 5 and 6, 2020

O Informe Diário de Evidências é uma produção do Ministério da Saúde que tem como objetivo acompanhar diariamente as publicações científicas sobre tratamento farmacológico e vacinas para a COVID-19. Dessa forma, são realizadas buscas estruturadas em bases de dados biomédicas, referente ao dia anterior desse informe. Não são incluídos estudos pré-clínicos (in vitro, in vivo, in silico). A frequência dos estudos é demonstrada de acordo com a sua classificação metodológica (revisões sistemáticas, ensaios clínicos randomizados, coortes, entre outros). Para cada estudo é apresentado um resumo com avaliação da qualidade metodológica. Essa avaliação tem por finalidade identificar o grau de certeza/confiança ou o risco de viés de cada estudo. Para tal, são utilizadas ferramentas já validadas e consagradas na literatura científica, na área de saúde baseada em evidências. Cabe ressaltar que o documento tem caráter informativo e não representa uma recomendação oficial do Ministério da Saúde sobre a temática. Foram encontrados 17 artigos.

Acrodermatitis enteropática ampollosa / Bullous Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

La acrodermatitis enteropática (AE) es una genodermatosis autosómica recesiva causada por la mutación del gen responsable de codificar a la proteína transportadora de Zinc (Zn) SLC39A4. A pesar de ser una rara enfermedad es de fácil manejo y gran relevancia clínica. Se caracteriza por la siguiente tríada: dermatitis acral y periorificial, diarrea y alopecia. Comunicamos un caso de presentación atípica en una lactante de 6 meses de edad con lesiones periorificiales y ampollas acrales que resolvió rápidamente con la terapia suplementaria con Zinc (AU)

Enteropathic acrodermatitis is an autosomal recessive genodermatosis caused by the mutation of the gene responsible for encoding the Zinc transporter protein SLC39A4. Despite being a rare disease, it is easy to manage and of great clinical relevance. It is characterized by the following triad: acral and periorificial dermatitis, diarrhea and alopecia. We report a case of atypical presentation in an almost 6-month-old infant with periorificial lesions and acral blisters that quickly resolved with supplemental Zinc therapy (AU)

Comparative study between oral zinc sulphate, amino acids chelated zinc and placebo in treatment of viral warts

Background: Warts are tumors or growths caused by infection with Human Papilloma virus [HPV]. More than 100 HPV subtypes are known. They are a common presenting disease in children and adolescents which spread by direct contact or autoinoculation

The aim of the Work: The aim of this work was to assess and compare the efficacy and safety of oral zinc sulphate and amino acids chelated zinc in treatment of viral warts

Patients and Methods: This cross sectional case control study included 60 patients with multiple viral warts who were collected from the Dermatology, STDs and Andrology outpatient clinic of Fayoum university hospital during the period from November 2014 to November 2015. The patients were 29 males and 31 females with ages ranging from 15 to 60 years

Results: There was statistically significant difference in degree of response in zinc and control groups as no patient in control group showed any response while in both zinc groups 27.5% of patients showed variable degrees of response. Also, there was no statistically significant difference in degree of response in both zinc groups

Conclusion: Oral zinc in its both forms used in our study is safe but needs time to act and the response is not high, so it is not fit to be used as a monotherapy, but rather to be combined with other wart treatment modalities

Recommendations: More studies are needed to assess the therapeutic effect of zinc and its efficacy in combinations in warts treatment with higher doses and longer duration of treatment

Short- and long-term effects of zinc treatment on lacrimal gland histopathology and tear functions tests in radioiodine-administered rats / Efeitos de curto e longo prazo do tratamento com zinco na histopatologia da glândula lacrimal e funções lacrimais em ratos que receberam iodo radioativo

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the short-term (1 week) and long-term (8 weeks) protective effects of zinc administration on radioiodine (RAI)-induced lacrimal gland damage of rats. Methods: A total of 40 rats were divided into two groups: an RAI group (n=20), which was administrated a single dose of 3 mCi of 131I and 1 mL physiologic saline for 7 days by gastric gavage, and a zinc group (n=20), which received a single dose of 3 mCi of 131I and 1 mL of physiologic saline containing zinc sulfate at a concentration of 10 mg/kg concentration for 7 days by gastric gavage. All rats underwent tear function tests before and 1 week after RAI administration. About 1 week after irradiation, half of the animals in each group were sacrificed and the extraorbital lacrimal glands were removed for histopathological examination. The remaining animals of the groups underwent the same procedures at 8 weeks after irradiation. Results: In the RAI and zinc groups, the mean tear production was 3.75 ± 1.55 and 3.65 ± 1.53 mm at baseline, 2.10 ± 1.07 and 3.30 ± 1.34 mm at week 1 (p=0.004), and 3.22 ± 1.48 and 3.50 ± 1.78 mm at week 8, respectively; further, the mean corneal fluorescein staining scores were 4.65 ± 2.16 and 4.80 ± 2.21 points at baseline, 7.85 ± 1.90 and 5.45 ± 2.06 points at week 1 (p=0.001), and 5.44 ± 2.13 and 4.90 ± 2.08 at week 8, respectively. The histopathological changes in rat lacrimal glands at weeks 1 and 8 were consistent with the tear function test results. Conclusions: Zinc treatment seems to be protective against RAI-induced lacrimal gland damage of rats, particularly in the acute period.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar se o tratamento com zinco tem efeito protetor, no curto prazo (1 semana) e longo prazo (8 semanas), sobre os danos induzidos na glândula lacrimal por iodo radiotativo (RAI) em ratos. Métodos: Quarenta ratos foram divididos em dois grupos. No grupo RAI (n=20) foi administrada uma única dose de 3 mCi 131I e 1 cc de solução salina fisiológica durante 7 dias, por gavagem gástrica. O grupo zinco (n=20) recebeu uma dose única de 3 mCi 131I e 1 cc de solução salina fisiológica contendo sulfato de zinco na concentração de 10 mg/kg durante 7 dias por gavagem gástrica. Os testes de função lacrimal foram realizadas para todos os animais antes e após uma semana da administração da RAI. Em seguida, após 1 semana da administração, metade dos animais de cada grupo foi sacrificada e as glândulas lacrimais extraorbitais foram removidas para exame histopatológico. Os animais remanescentes dos grupos foram submetidos aos mesmos procedimentos após 8 semanas a radiação. Resultados: As médias de produção lacrimal foram de 3,75 ± 1,55 e 3,65 ± 1,53 mm na linha de base, 2,10 ± 1,07 e 3,30 ± 1,34 mm na 1a semana (p=0,004), e 3,22 ± 1,48 e 3,50 ± 1,78 mm na 8a semana, para os grupos RAI e zinco, respectivamente. As pontuações médias de coloração fluoresceína foram 4,65 ± 2,16 e 4,80 ± 2,21 no início do estudo, 7,85 ± 1,90 e 5,45 ± 2,06 na primeira semana (p=0,001), 5,44 ± 2,13 e 4,90 ± 2,08 pontos na 8a semana, para os grupos RAI e zinco, respectivamente. As alterações histopatológicas das glândulas lacrimais em 1 e 8 semanas foram consistentes com os testes de função lacrimal resultados. Conclusões: O tratamento de zinco parece ser protetor sobre os danos glândula lacrimal induzidos por RAI em ratos, especialmente no período agudo.

Concordance between the zinc sulphate flotation and centrifugal sedimentation methods for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites / Concordancia entre los métodos de flotación con sulfato de zinc y sedimentación centrífuga para el diagnóstico de parásitos intestinales

Resumen Introduction: The diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections depends on the parasite load, the specific gravity density of the parasite eggs, oocysts or cysts, and the density and viscosity of flotation or sedimentation medium where faeces are processed. Objective: To evaluate the concordance between zinc sulphate flotation and centrifugal sedimentation in the recovery of parasites in faecal samples of children. Materials and methods: Faecal samples of 330 children from day care centers were evaluated by zinc sulphate flotation and centrifugal sedimentation techniques. The frequencies of detection of parasites by each method were determined and the agreement between the diagnostic techniques was evaluated using the kappa index, with 95% confidence intervals. Results: The faecal flotation in zinc sulphate diagnosed significantly more cases of Trichuris trichiura infection when compared to centrifugal sedimentation (39/330; 11.8% vs. 13/330; 3.9%, p<0.001), with low diagnostic concordance between methods (kappa=0.264; 95% CI: 0.102-0.427). Moreover, all positive samples for Enterobius vermicularis eggs (n=5) and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (n=3) were diagnosed only by zinc sulphate. No statistical differences were observed between methods for protozoa identification. Conclusions: The results showed that centrifugal flotation in zinc sulphate solution was significantly more likely to detect light helminths eggs such as those of T. trichiura and E. vermicularis in faeces than the centrifugal sedimentation process.

Abstract Introducción. El diagnóstico de infecciones parasitarias intestinales depende de la carga de parásitos, la densidad de la gravedad específica de los huevos, ooquistes o quistes de parásitos, y de la densidad y viscosidad de los reactivos de flotación o sedimentación usados para procesar las heces. Objetivo. Evaluar la concordancia entre el método de flotación de sulfato de zinc y la sedimentación por centrifugación en la recuperación de parásitos en muestras fecales de niños. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron las muestras fecales de 330 niños de guarderías mediante las técnicas de flotación con sulfato de zinc y de sedimentación por centrifugación. Se determinó la frecuencia de detección de parásitos con cada método y se evaluó la concordancia entre las técnicas de diagnóstico mediante el índice kappa, con intervalos de confianza del 95 %. Resultados. Mediante la flotación fecal con sulfato de zinc, se diagnosticó un número significativamente mayor de casos de infección por Trichuris trichiura que con la sedimentación por centrifugación (39/330; 11,8 % Vs. 13/330; 3,9 %) (p<0,001), con poco acuerdo entre los métodos (kappa=0,264; IC95% 0,102-0,427). Además, todas las muestras positivas para huevos de Enterobius vermicularis (n=5) y larvas de Strongyloides stercoralis (n=3) se diagnosticaron solamente por sulfato de zinc. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los métodos para la identificación de protozoos. Conclusiones. La flotación centrífuga en una solución de sulfato de zinc presentó una probabilidad significativamente mayor de detectar los huevos livianos de helmintos como T. trichiura y E. vermicularis en heces, que el proceso de sedimentación por centrifugación.

Pustulosis aguda erosiva del cuero cabelludo / Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp

La Pustulosis Erosiva del cuero cabelludo fue descrita por primera vez por Pye, Peachy y Burton en 1979, en mujeres mayores¹. De etiología y patogenia no del todo clara, se relaciona con exposición a trauma local. Se presenta como lesiones erosivas, costrosas y pustulosas de carácter estéril. Su cuadro histológico no es específico, por lo que el diagnóstico es de exclusión. Se han reportado múltiples tratamientos, pero los que han demostrado mejor resultado se basan en el uso de corticoides tópicos de alta potencia y retinoides orales. Presentamos un caso de pustulosis erosiva del cuero cabelludo en un paciente varón y una revisión de los principales aspectos clínicos e histopatológicos de esta enfermedad.

In 1979 Pye, Peachy and Burton described the Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the scalp in elder women. The etiology and pathogenesis is still unknown; nonetheless, it is most commonly associated with the exposure to local trauma. The disease is manifested as sterile erosive, crusty and pustular lesions on the scalp. Its histological profile is unspecific; therefore, it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Multiple treatments have been reported, high-potency topical corticosteroids and oral retinoids have shown favorable response. Herein we present a case of an erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp on a male patient and a review of the clinical and histological characteristics of this disease.

La formación y el trabajo del agente indígena de salud en el Subsistema de Salud Indígena en Brasil / Professional education and work of indigenous health agents in the Brazilian health system

Objetivo. Reflexionar sobre la figura del agente indígena de salud en Brasil y sobre el papel que éste ejerce en el modelo de atención diferenciada o intercultural. Material y métodos. Se revisó la bibliografía de investigaciones existentes en el área del trabajo y la formación de los agentes indígenas de salud, del subsistema de salud indígena en Brasil. Resultados. Existe subordinación del agente al modelo médico hegemónico. Los agentes carecen de procesos formativos iniciales, los cursos ocurren con irregularidad y los contenidos se enfocan en la biomedicina. Hay conflictos con el equipo y con la comunidad, lo que genera su desvalorización. El agente no ejerce la función de mediación que se espera entre saberes y prácticas. Conclusiones. La discusión sobre la atención diferenciada debe partir de la relación entre el sector salud y la autoatención.

Objective. To discuss the role of indigenous health agents in the implementation of the model of differentiated attention or intercultural health in Brazil. Materials and methods. We revised the scientific literature about the work and professional education of indigenous health agents in the Brazilian indigenous health system. Results. There is a subordination of the agents to the hegemonic medical model. With regards to professional education, we observe the absence and irregularity of these processes, with a general emphasis the biomedicine. There are conflicts with the health team and community, with devaluation of the agents. The agent does not plays the role of mediator between the different health knowledge and practices. Conclusions. We suggest that the discussion of the model of differentiated attention should strengthen the relationship between the health system and the selfcare.

Diseño de formulación de sulfato de cinc 10 mg Zn2+/5 mL solución oral para uso pediátrico / Design of formulation of Zinc sulphate 10 mg Zn2+/5 mL oral solution for pediatric use

INTRODUCCIÓN: el sulfato de cinc en forma de solución se administra por vía oral para uso pediátrico, en la profilaxis y tratamiento de estados carenciales de cinc, por escasos aportes o mala absorción, previa determinación de las concentraciones plasmáticas. En niños se emplea como coadyuvante en el tratamiento de bajo peso y talla. OBJETIVO: diseñar una formulación de sulfato de cinc solución oral 10 mg Zn2+/5 mL para uso pediátrico. MÉTODOS: se presentó el estudio en el tiempo de los parámetros químicos, físicos, microbiológicos y toxicológicos de la formulación seleccionada. Se elaboraron tres lotes pilotos y un lote industrial. La estabilidad química en condiciones aceleradas y de estante fue conducida aplicando un método de valoración complejométrica con EDTA desarrollado en el Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo de Medicamentos (CIDEM). RESULTADOS: se obtuvo una formulación líquida incolora y traslúcida libre de partículas extrañas, con sabor dulce. En el ensayo de tolerancia por vía oral en ratas, no se observó toxicidad significativa atribuible a la administración de la formulación a la dosis estudiada. El resto de los parámetros evaluados en el estudio de estabilidad químico-físico de vida de estante mostraron resultados satisfactorios. CONCLUSIONES: la solución resultó ser estable química, física y microbiológicamente, almacenada a temperatura de 32 ± 2 ºC en frascos de vidrio ámbar durante un período de 24 meses. Al comparar los resultados del lote industrial con los lotes pilotos se observa que son similares, lo que demuestra que la tecnología desarrollada es factible de escalar a nivel industrial(AU)

INTRODUCTION: the zinc sulphate solution is orally administered for pediatric purposes, in prophylaxis and treatment of zinc deficiency resulting from inadequate diet or malabsorption. It is also used in children to manage low weight and height. OBJECTIVE: design of a formulation of oral zinc sulphate solution at 10 mg Zn2+/5 mL for pediatric use. METHODS: results of the physical-chemical stability studies, microbiology evaluation and toxicological test were shown for selected formulation. Three pilot scale-up batches and one industrial batch were prepared. The chemical stability under accelerated conditions and shelf-life studies were conducted on the basis of a compleximetric titration with EDTA method developed in the Center of Research and Development of Drugs (CIDEM). RESULTS: a colorless, translucent and sweet liquid formulation, free of foreign matters, was obtained. In the orally administered tolerance test made in rats, no signs of significant toxicity attributable to the administration of the formulation at the study dose were observed. The other parameters evaluated in the physical-chemical stability of the shelf life study proved to be satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: the solution was chemically, physically and microbiologically stable at a temperature of 32 ± 2 ºC for a 24 month period. When comparing the results of the pilot scale-up batch and those of the industrial batch, they were similar. This showed that the developed technology is feasible at industrial scale(AU)

Efecto del zinc aminoquelado y el sulfato de zinc en la incidencia de la infección respiratoria y la diarrea en niños preescolares de centros infantiles / Effect of zinc amino acid chelate and zinc sulfate in the incidence of respiratory infection and diarrhea among preschool children in child daycare centers

Introducción. El déficit de zinc es común en niños de poblaciones en desarrollo. La deficiencia de zinc altera el sistema inmunológico y la resistencia a las infecciones. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de dos compuestos de zinc en la prevención de la infección respiratoria y la diarrea agudas. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un ensayo comunitario triple ciego en 301 niños entre dos y cinco años de edad de centros infantiles de Medellín. Fueron seis conglomerados distribuidos aleatoriamente en tres grupos de intervención que recibieron zinc aminoquelado, sulfato de zinc y placebo durante cinco días de la semana a lo largo de 16 semanas. Se evaluaron diariamente los síntomas de infección respiratoria, diarrea aguda y efectos secundarios. Resultados. La incidencia de la infección respiratoria fue menor con el zinc aminoquelado (1,42 por 1.000 días-niño) comparado con el sulfato de zinc (1,57 por 1.000 días-niño) (RR=0,90, IC 95% : 0,382 a 2,153 , p=0,999) y con el placebo (3,3 por 1.000 días-niño) ( RR=0,43, IC 95% : 0,196 a 0,950 , p=0,049). La incidencia de diarrea aguda con el zinc aminoquelado (0,15 por 1.000 días-niño) fue menor que con el sulfato de zinc (1,18 0,78 por 1.000 días-niño) (RR=0,20, IC 95% : 0,0043 a 1,662, p=0,361) y que la del grupo placebo (0,49 por 1.000 días-niño) (RR=0,32, IC 95% : 0,006 a 3,990 , p=0,346). Conclusiones. El zinc aminoquelado tuvo mejor efecto en la disminución de la incidencia de la infección respiratoria y la diarrea agudas en niños preescolares comparado con los otros grupos de estudio.

Introduction: Zinc deficiency is common in children among populations in developing areas. Zinc deficiency alters the immune system and the resistance to infections. Objective: To evaluate the effect of two zinc compounds in the prevention of acute respiratory infection and acute diarrhea. Materials and methods: Randomized triple-blind community trial with 301 children between 2-5 years of age from six child daycare centers in Medellin, Colombia. Children were distributed in three groups receiving zinc amino acid chelate, zinc sulfate and placebo five days a week for 16 weeks. Daily symptoms of respiratory infection, acute diarrhea and side effects were evaluated. Results: The incidence of respiratory infection was lower with zinc amino acid chelate (1.42 per 1,000 child-days) compared with placebo (3.3 per 1,000 child-days) (RR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.196 to 0.950, p=0.049) and with zinc sulfate (1.57 per 1,000 child-days) (RR=0.90, 95% CI 0.382 to 2.153, p=0.999). The incidence of acute diarrhea with zinc amino acid chelate (0.15 per 1,000 child-days) was lower than with placebo (0.49 per 1,000 child-days) (RR=0.32, 95% CI 0.006 to 3.990, p=0.346) and with zinc sulfate (0.78 per 1,000 child-days) (RR=0.20, 95% CI: 0.0043 to 1.662, p=0.361). Conclusions: Zinc amino acid chelate had a better effect in reducing the incidence of acute respiratory infection and acute diarrhea in preschool children when compared with the other groups.

Effects of in vitro zinc sulphate additive to the semen extender on water buffalo [Bubalusbubalis] spermatozoa before and after freezing

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of in vitro zinc sulphate additive to semen extender on sperm parameters [progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity and DNA stability] after cryopreservation. In this Prospective longitudinal laboratory study, semen samples of 5 buffalo bulls of 3-5 years old were collected at 5 different occasions from Iran, Urmia during summer and autumn 2011, 25 samples were used in each treatment. Sperm progressive motility, viability and abnormal morphology were measured before and at 0.5 [T[0]], 1[T[1]] and 2[T[2]] hours after diluting semen[1:10 v/v] in Tris-citric acid based extender [without egg yolk and glycerol] at 37°C containing none [control group], 0.072, 0.144, 0.288, 0.576 and 1.152 mg/L zinc sulphate to investigate dose and time effects. Next, a Tris-citric acid-egg yolk-glycerol extender [20% egg yolk and 7% glycerol] containing the same amount of zinc sulphate was prepared, diluted semen [1:10 v/v] was cooled and kept into a refrigerated chamber [4°C] for 4 hours to equilibrate. Sperm progressive motility, viability, abnormal morphology, membrane integrity and DNA damage were estimated. The equilibrated semen was loaded in 0.5 ml French straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Later, the frozen semen was thawed and the same parameters as well as total antioxidant capacity [TAC] of the frozen-thawed semen were determined. The results showed that zinc sulphate additive at the rate of 0.288 mg/L gave a higher protection of sperm progressive motility [53.7 +/- 1.8% vs. 40.5 +/- 1.7%], viability [70.8 +/- 1.8% vs. 60.1 +/- 1.5%], membrane integrity [67.3 +/- 1.6% vs. 56.6 +/- 1.7%], DNA stability [10.1 +/- 0.47% vs. 11.8 +/- 0.33% damaged DNA] through the process of dilution, equilibration and freeze-thawing and caused a higher TAC level [81 +/- 3.3% vs. 63 +/- 3.2 micromol/L] after freeze-thawing compared to the control group. Adding 0.576 and 1.152 mg/L zinc sulphate, however, was deleterious to the sperm and significantly reduced the studied sperm parameters. Adding 0.288 mg/L zinc sulphate to the extender, compared to the control group, gives a better sperm preservation upon freezing processes which in turn, may results in higher semen fertility. But, addition of higher zinc sulphate concentrations [0.576 and 1.152 mg/L] are detrimental to buffalo spermatozoa

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Adenosine Deaminase Activity in Leprosy.

Serum Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) acts as marker of cellular immunity and its activity is found to be altered in various diseases in which there is a cell mediated immune response (CMI) including leprosy. The role of zinc is well established in the development and maintainence of immunocompetence and its supplementation activates the immune response in particular Tlymphocytes and monocytes in several ways. The aim of the study was planned to evaluate the effect of nutritional zinc supplementation on cell mediated immune response by investigating the pre and post intervention serum ADA levels after oral zinc sulphate supplementation in leprosy patients. A total of 49 cases, 30 Tuberculoid Leprosy (TT) and 19 Lepromatous Leprosy (LL) patients, within the age group of 25-60 years were enrolled in the study along with 30 age matched healthy controls. Serum ADA was estimated in all the subjects before and after (2 months and 4 months) oral zinc supplementation. Pre intervention serum ADA level was observed to be significantly increased in both the TT and LL (p<0.001) groups as compared to controls, revealing raised immunological activity in the patients. After oral zinc sulphate supplementation serum ADA re-evaluation was done in 38 cases. A highly significant (p < 0.001 ) rise in ADA level was registered in the post intervention period (4 months supplementation) in TT cases with a moderately significant (p< 0.05) increase in LL cases, indicating the ability of oral zinc therapy to affectively alter the cell mediated immune response in leprosy.

Zinc sulphate administered by transdermal iontophoresis improves breaking strength of surgical wounds in skin of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

PURPOSE:To investigate the effect of zinc sulphate administered by transdermal iontophoresis (TDI) on mechanical resistance of surgical wounds performed in the skin of diabetic rats. METHODS:One hundred and sixty male Wistar rats weighing approximately 250g were submitted to an incision surgery at the anterior region of abdomen and randomly distributed into four experimental groups with 40 non-diabetic control animals (G1) and 40 untreated diabetic animals (G2), both without any treatment of incisions; 40 non-diabetic animals (G3) and 40 untreated diabetic animals (G4), both with incisions treated with zinc sulphate, administered for a period of four consecutive days after surgery, in sessions of ten minutes duration, using a continuous-current electrostimulator (Zn + TDI). Each experimental group was further divided into four subgroups with ten rats each to be evaluated on the 4th, 7th, 14th, and 21st day after surgery. In each period were analyzed clinical and laboratory from the animals, and measured the breaking strength and hydroxyproline content (OH-P) of the skin scars. RESULTS: Breaking strength (BS) was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in skin scars of untreated diabetic rats (G2) on the 7th, 14th, and 21st postoperative days when compared to non-diabetic control rats (G1). In contrast, BS in skin scars of non-diabetic and untreated diabetic rats (G3, G4) treated with Zn + TDI showed significant increase (p<0.05) in those periods when compared with their respective controls with untreated incisions. The OH-P content of the scars did not show statistically significant variation in all studied groups at four different times evaluated after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc sulphate administered by transdermal iontophoresis had beneficial effect on the mechanical resistance of scars produced in the skin of diabetic rats. This therapeutic may have potential to reduce the complications observed in surgical wounds of the skin in diabetic subjects, mainly in most vulnerable stages of incisions to dehiscences, leakages and infections.

Zinc therapy improves adverse effects of long term administration of copper on epididymal sperm quality of rats

Industrial copper ingest is a common form of poisoning in animals. Zinc has an important role in the physiology of spermatozoa, in sperm production and viability. This study was set to investigate whether the adverse effects of long term copper consumption on quality of rat spermatozoa could be prevented by zinc therapy. Forty eight mature [6-8 weeks old] male rats were randomly allocated to either control [Cont, n=12] or three treatment groups each containing twelve animals. Animals in the first treatment group was gavaged with copper sulfate, the second treatment group was injected with zinc sulfate, and the third treatment group was given combined treatment of copper and zinc. Control animals received normal saline using the same volume and similar methods. Six rats from each group were sacrificed on day 28 and 56 after treatments for sperm quality evaluations. In spite of testicular weight reduction 56 days after copper consumption in comparison to the control group [p=0.002], there was not a significant difference between the control and combined treatment of copper and zinc group [31.40 +/- 0.55 vs. 28.63 +/- 0.55, p=0.151]. Administration of copper caused a significant decrease in the sperm count, viability and motility after 56 days compared to the control group. However, a complete recovery in sperm count was seen in combined treatment of copper and zinc group after 56 days compared to the control group [p=0.999] and a partial improvement was seen about the percentage of viability and motility [p<0.001]. Adverse effects of long term consumption of copper on sperm quality could be prevented by zinc therapy in rats

Effect of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and calcium levels in postmenopausal osteoporotic women in Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran

Research on the zinc status of osteoporotic women is scarce. This randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial assessed the effect of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and calcium levels in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. A sample of 60 women referred to a rheumatology clinic in Tabriz were randomly divided into intervention [220 mg zinc sulfate daily] and placebo groups. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake of zinc and calcium and serum zinc and calcium were assessed at baseline and after 60 days. Mean serum zinc concentrations were markedly lower than the normal range at baseline, but mean serum calcium levels were normal. In the intervention group serum zinc levels were significantly higher after 60 days [120.5 [SD 7.5] versus 70.5 [SD 4.6] microg/dL] while serum calcium levels were unchanged [8.6 [SD 0.1] versus 9.1 [SD 0.3] mg/dL]. The placebo group showed no significant changes in zinc or calcium levels. Postmenopausal osteoporotic women may benefit from zinc supplementation