Zinc Group Research Articles

Pola Peresepan Obat Diare Pada Balita di Rawat Jalan Rumah Sakit Khusus Ibu dan Anak Sadewa Periode Januari – Juni 2022

Diarrhea is a condition in which a person has bowel movements with a soft or liquid consistency, it can even be just water and the frequency is more frequent in one day. Diarrheal disease in toddlers is ranked 2 out of the top 10 childhood diseases at the Sadewa Mother and Children Hospital (RSKIA) in May 2022. Knowing the pattern of prescribing diarrhea drugs in toddlers in outpatient care at the Sadewa Mother and Children Hospital for the period January - June 2022. The research conducted was a non-experimental descriptive research with a retrospective method. The study was conducted by taking prescription data from electronic medical records at the Sadewa RSKIA pharmacy and then recording them on a data collection sheet. Data were analyzed using tabulations in the form of percentages (%). The results showed that out of 130 samples, the profile of diarrhea patients under five was dominated by males, 77 children (59%), aged 2-3 years 65 children (50%), and the degree of dehydration of patients without dehydration, 120 children (92%). ). The most widely used drug class was zinc with 120 prescriptions (34.3%), zinc has a protective effect against diarrhea and can reduce recurrence and probiotics with 119 prescriptions (33.8%), probiotic bacteria will help the process of nutrient absorption and prevent disturbances in water absorption. The dominating combination was a combination of 3 drugs namely electrolytes, zinc and probiotics 69 prescriptions (57%), oralit functioned to replace fluids and electrolytes in the body that are wasted during diarrhea, zinc supplementation and probiotics in diarrhea effectively reduced stool output. The rule for using the treatment of diarrhea in toddlers is mostly 1 time a day with a total of 132 drugs (37.7%). The dominating drug was zinc with 117 prescriptions (88.6%) The pattern of prescribing diarrhea drugs in toddlers in this study was dominated by male patients, aged 2-3 years with a degree of dehydration, patients without dehydration. The most widely used drug classes are zinc and probiotic groups. The most common drug combination found is a combination of 3 drugs, namely electrolyte, zinc and probiotic group drugs. The rule for using the treatment of diarrhea in most toddlers is 1 time a day.

The influence of zinc on apoptosis and cell proliferation in palatal shelves during the fusion phase in mice and identification of a special protein family based on gene expression in cleft palate

Objective: To investigate the effect of the trace element zinc (Zn) on apoptosis and cell proliferation in palate shelvesduring the fusion phase, and to screen candidate genes of the Zn-finger special protein (Sp) family that were differentially expressed between the cleft palate and the normal palate to explore the mechanism of Zn in the development of cleft palate. Methods: Zn-rich, normal-Zn, low-Zn, and Zn-deficient diets were fed to female mice and, for the resultant fetuses, paraffin slices of their heads were made at embryonicdays 14.5 and 16.5. Using terminaldeoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling, the number of apoptotic cells in the palatal shelves was counted, and cell proliferation activity was detected using proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining. Total RNA from the palatal shelves of fetal mice was extracted from the Zn-rich diet, normal Zn-diet, and Zn-deficient-diet groups. We used microarray analysis to examine the expression of genes to identify intergroup differential gene expression and polymerase chain reaction tests to validate the results. Results: At ED14.5, the incidence of cleft palate in the regular zinc group, zinc rich group, low zinc group, and zinc deficient group was 8% (3/36), 2% (1/39), 29% (12/41), and 39% (15/38), respectively. The HE staining results at ED14.5 showed that both the left and right palatal processes in the zinc group had been lifted up and were in contact and connected with each other. In the zinc deficiency group, the left and right palatine processes remained vertically downwards on both sides of the tongue, ultimately forming cleft palate; In the low zinc group, the left and right palatine processes were raised but not in contact, ultimately resulting in cleft palate. There is no significant difference between the zinc rich group and the regular zinc group. At ED14.5, the positive rates of proliferative cells in the palatal process of fetal mice in the regular zinc group (80.29% ± 7.39%) and the zinc rich group (87.69% ± 6.62%) were significantly higher than those in the zinc deficient group (56.05% ± 16.13%) and the low zinc group (56.22% ± 9.61%) (t=4.32, P<0.05). The apoptosis index of fetal rat palatal process cells in the zinc deficient group (38.80% ± 3.10%) and the low zinc group (28.80% ± 6.19%) were significantly higher than those in the regular zinc group (16.80% ± 1.82%) (t=19.35, P<0.001; t=5.81, P<0.001). There were 663 differentially expressed genes in the zinc rich group and the zinc deficient group, with 513 up-regulated genes and 150 down-regulated genes, among which Sp5 was found to be located. The real time PCR results showed that compared with the regular zinc group (2.22 ± 0.36), the expression level of Sp5mRNA in the palatal process tissue of the zinc deficient group (1.23 ± 0.38) significantly increased (P<0.05), while the zinc rich group (3.68 ± 0.90) significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions: Trace element Zn content was found to be closely related to the occurrence of cleft palate in mice offspring, with a lack of Zn leading to cleft palate.

Zinc supports liver regeneration after partial resection.

Safe removal of extensive liver tumor burdens depends on regeneration of the remnant liver, which requires a large amount of zinc over a short period of time. We studied how zinc influences regeneration. We measured perioperative serum zinc concentrations after liver cancer diagnosis in 77 patients undergoing hepatectomy to determine how serum zinc affected short-term outcomes and remnant liver regeneration. Serum zinc concentration at diagnosis showed no correlation with inflammatory or nutritional parameters except for a weak correlation with the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio. When patients were divided into a high pre-hepatectomy zinc group (≥75 µg/dL, n= 39, H group) and a low zinc group (<75 µg/dL, n= 38, L group), short-term results such as mortality (p> 0.999), morbidity (p= 0.490), and hospital stay (p= 0.591) did not differ between groups. However, hypertrophy in the future liver remnant after hepatectomy in the H group (127.7 ± 24.7% of original volume) was greater than in the L group (115.9 ± 16.7%, p= 0.024). In a subgroup of patients with extended hepatectomy, hypertrophy was 130.9 ± 26.8% in the H group vs. 116.4 ± 16.5% in the L group (p= 0.037). Greater serum zinc at diagnosis was associated with greater hypertrophy in the future liver remnant.

Zinc supplementation in preterm infants and growth indicators in a developing country

Background Zinc is one of the micronutrients that is found deficient in preterm infants. To date, no parenteral zinc supplements are available in Indonesia and there is no recommendation established for routine zinc supplementation in preterm infants.&#x0D; Objective To evaluate the impact of zinc supplementation on growth indicators and morbidity in preterm infants.&#x0D; Methods This double-blind, randomized controlled trial included preterm infants aged 28-32 weeks who were assigned to one of two groups: the first group received a 10 mg zinc supplementation, while the second (control) group received a placebo. At discharge or at a maximum of 40 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA, calculated from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period), the following were evaluated : growth indicators (weight, length, and head circumference), serum zinc level, zinc supplementation side effects, and morbidity rate (intraventricular hemorrhage/IVH, necrotizing enterocolitis/NEC, btonchopulmonary dysplasia/BPD). Data were analyzed with independent T-test using SPSS version 22 software.&#x0D; Results Seventy-eight subjects were assigned to the zinc supplementation group and 76 subjects were assigned to the placebo group. Serum zinc level and mean body weight increment were significantly higher in the zinc group compared to the placebo group (P=0.00 and P=0.02, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups in mean body length or head circumference increment, nor in morbidity rate.&#x0D; Conclusion Preterm infants who received zinc supplementation have higher serum zinc level and mean body weight increment compared to the placebo group. No side effects are observed to have been caused by zinc supplementation.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Inflammatory and Cognitive Parameters in Middle-Aged Women with Overweight or Obesity.

Obesity has been linked to cognitive decline and adverse effects on brain health. Zinc (Zn) is a mineral with important metabolic functions that can modulate obesity-related neurological impairment. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of Zn supplementation on the inflammatory profile, cognitive function, and mood of overweight or obese women through a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The study included 42 women aged between 40 and 60, randomly divided into two groups: Zn supplementation (30 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Data regarding sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary, and physical activity were collected. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), verbal fluency test, clock drawing test, and Stroop test were performed. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using the Beck anxiety inventory and the BDI-II, respectively. Saliva samples were collected to evaluate IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, insulin, nitrite, and Zn levels. Of the 42 participants (mean age 49.58 ± 6.46 years), 32 were included in the study analyses. Changes in body weight and macronutrient consumption were not different between placebo and Zn supplementation groups. Cognitive scores on the MMSE and Stroop tests were higher in the Zn supplementation group than in the placebo group. Salivary levels of IL-1b and Zn increased in the Zn group compared to placebo. There was no significant change in the adjusted means of the BDI-II and BECK scores between the zinc vs. placebo groups. Twelve weeks of Zn supplementation was able to partially improve the cognitive scores assessed in overweight or obese women, regardless of weight loss. These findings suggest that Zn supplementation can be considered an adjunct strategy to enhance cognitive health in overweight or obese women.

Perbedaan Pola Konsumsi Asupan Zat Gizi dan Status Gizi Siswa SMAIT Al Uswah Surabaya Yang Tinggal di Asrama dan Non Asrama

Adolescence is a period of nutritional vulnerability caused by changes in lifestyle, eating habits, and physical activity. This study aims to determine the differences in consumption patterns, nutrient intake and nutritional status of SMAIT Al Uswah Surabaya students who live in dormitories and non-dormitories. This study applied a cross sectional research design involving 80 respondents, including 40 dormitory students and 40 non-dormitory students. Samples were selected using purposive sampling technique with statistical analysis of Mann Whitney test. Consumption patterns were measured through interviews using the food frequency questionare (FFQ), nutrient intake was measured through interviews using the 3x24 hours food recall questionnaire, and nutritional status measured through direct measurement of body weight and height. The results showed 1) There were differences in consumption patterns in staple food groups, animal side dishes, and fruits; while there were no differences in consumption patterns in vegetable side dishes and vegetables between dormitory and non-dormitory students of SMAIT Al uswah Surabaya. 2) There are differences in the intake of nutrients in the energy, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and zinc groups between boarding and non-dormitory students of SMAIT Al uswah Surabaya; while there are no differences in the intake of nutrients in the fat, vitamin B9, and calcium groups between boarding and non-dormitory students of SMAIT Al uswah Surabaya. 3) There are differences in the nutritional status of boarding and non-dorming students at SMAIT Al uswah Surabaya. The conclusion of this study is that there are differences in consumption patterns, nutrient intake, and nutritional status of SMAIT Al Uswah Surabaya students between those who live in dormitories and non-dormitories.

Comparison of Mean Change in Frequency of Stool with Zinc Supplementation versus Placebo in Children with Acute Diarrhoea

OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of zinc supplementation in children with watery diarrhoea. The objective was to compare the mean change in frequency of stool with zinc supplementation versus placebo in children with acute diarrhoea in addition to standard treatment. METHOD: It was a randomized controlled trial conducted in Paediatric Department, Punjab Rangers Teaching Hospital, Lahore over 6 months. 68 children of both genders aged under 5 years who presented with acute diarrhoea were sub-divided into two equal groups; Group -A received oral zinc with standard management while those in Group-B received standard management alone. Frequency of stools was recorded after 72 hours, mean change calculated and then compared between the groups. RESULTS: Mean duration of acute diarrhoea was 3.81±1.56 days. Both the study groups were comparable in terms of mean frequency of stools at presentation (7.71±2.76 vs. 7.79±2.67; p-value=0.894). However, after 72 hours, the mean frequency of stools was significantly lower in children receiving additional zinc supplementation as compared to placebo (3.94±2.84 vs. 5.50±2.77; p-value=0.025). The mean change in the frequency of stools was significantly higher in the zinc group as compared to placebo group (3.76±0.89 vs. 2.29±0.63; p-value&lt;0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, zinc supplementation was found superior to conventional management of children presenting with acute diarrhoea evident from considerably greater reduction in the mean frequency of stools. The low cost, wide-spread availability and ease of administration advocate the preferred use of zinc in the management of such patients.

Effects of essential mineral elements deficiency and supplementation on serum mineral elements concentration and biochemical parameters in grazing Mongolian sheep.

Traditional sheep grazing is the pillar industry and the main source of income for local herders in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. However, grazing sheep often suffer from mineral deficiency. In the present study, the feeding experiment was performed on 84 grazing Wu Ranke sheep. After being divided into calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) treatment groups, they were fed with a mineral deficient diet for 60 days and then a mineral supplement diet for 41 days. Serum samples were collected three times, 10 concentrations of essential mineral elements and 15 concentrations/activity of biochemical parameters were measured to assess the effects of mineral deficiency and supplementation on the physical health of sheep. The results revealed that the sheep showed mineral Ca, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se deficiencies after feeding their respective mineral deficient diet. Deficiency in dietary Ca, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se may adversely affect the liver, myocardium and pancreas of sheep. The prompt supplementation of dietary Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se may alleviate the damage caused to the liver, myocardium and pancreas, while that of dietary Ca improved energy generation. In conclusion, the adequate supplementation of dietary Ca, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se is essential for avoiding the impairment caused to the liver, myocardium and pancreas function of sheep by the deficiency in essential dietary minerals.

Effect of mineral diets on the development of cartilage material properties

Vitamin D and minerals, including zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn), are vital in the development of bones, but their roles in the development of articular cartilage material behavior are not well understood. In this study, articular cartilage material properties from a hypovitaminosis D porcine model were evaluated. Pigs were produced by sows fed vitamin D deficient diets during gestation and lactation, and the offspring were subsequently fed vitamin D deficient diets for 3 weeks during the nursery period. Pigs were then assigned to dietary treatment groups with inorganic minerals only or inorganic plus organic (chelated) minerals. Humeral heads were harvested from pigs at 24 weeks of age. Linear elastic modulus and dissipated energy were measured under compression to 15% engineering strain at 1 Hz. Anatomical location within the humeral head affected elastic modulus. Diet significantly affected linear modulus and dissipated energy. The largest modulus and highest energy dissipation was in the inorganic zinc and manganese group; the lowest modulus and the least energy dissipation was in the organic (chelated) zinc and manganese group. Pairwise results between the control group and all vitamin D deficient groups were not statistically significant. Overall, these results suggest that mineral availability during rapid growth subsequent to a vitamin-D deficiency during gestation and lactation had minimal effects on articular cartilage material properties in young growing pigs. Though not statistically significant, some of the numerical differences between mineral sources suggest the potential importance of mineral availability during cartilage formation and warrant further study.

Designing a Hierarchical Porous Carbon with Optimized Nitrogen Doping for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Nitrogen-doped carbon is considered one of the most promising oxygen reduction catalysts due to its low cost and high activity, however, it still falls short of Pt/C. In this study, we report a strategy for the preparation of highly reactive N-doped hierarchical porous carbon by primary pyrolysis using zinc acetate as a stand-alone zinc source and amino-rich reactants as carbon and nitrogen sources to introduce Zn-Nx structures into mesoporous structures generated by the hard template method using the strong coordination of zinc and amino groups. Benefited from the simultaneous optimization of the hierarchical porous structure and nitrogen-doping, the half-wave potential of Zn(OAc)2-DCD/HPC is as high as 0.909 V vs. RHE, much better than that of commercial Pt/C catalysts (0.872 V vs. RHE). In addition, zinc-air batteries assembled with Zn(OAc)2-DCD/HPC (Pmax=198 mW cm-2) as the cathode exhibit higher peak power density compared to Pt/C (Pmax=168 mW cm-2). This strategy might open up new opportunities for designing and developing highly active metal-free catalysts.

Immune Response and Nutritional Status of Infants’ Birth after Supplementation with Dadih and Zinc during Pregnancy: A Prospective Intervention Study

BACKGROUND: Dadih is an Indonesian traditional fermented buffalo milk produced and consumed by the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) level and nutritional status of infants aged 4–10 months. AIM: This study aims to assess the effect of dadih and zinc supplementation given to pregnant mothers for 6 months on fecal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in two districts on 138 pregnant mothers for 6 months, randomly assigned into three groups, namely, control, dadih, combination of dadih and zinc groups. Then, the combination of groups was supplemented to expecting mothers, respectively, 6 times a week during 6 months. Anthropometric measurement and fecal sIgA of infants were assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of nutritional status of infants who mothers were supplemented during pregnancy with dadih, dadih and zinc, and, normal diet, respectively, are 10% stunting, 5.0% underweight, and 5.0% wasting infants; and 22.5% stunted, 20.0% underweight, and 5.0% wasting infants were found in expecting mothers supplemented with it and without any supplementation (control group). The percentage of stunting in 8 months and older infants tended to reduce: 28.57%, 31.25%, and 11.76%. Their mothers were supplemented with all groups. CONCLUSION: Dadih and zinc are potential for improving nutritional status of the newborn. In addition, the two types of supplementation are recommended to pregnant mothers, to reduce the prevalence of stunting. Potential probiotic contained in Dadih which consumed in adequate amounts can help the absorption of nutrients and increase immunity of mothers and infants amounts confer a health benefit. Acceleration and growth of infants to achieve optimal growth and development should be carried out before they are under two years old.

Effects of Zinc on the Right Cardiovascular Circuit in Long-Term Hypobaric Hypoxia in Wistar Rats.

Hypobaric hypoxia under chromic conditions triggers hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH). The role of zinc (Zn) under hypoxia is controversial and remains unclear. We evaluated the effect of Zn supplementation in prolonged hypobaric hypoxia on HIF2α/MTF-1/MT/ZIP12/PKCε pathway in the lung and RVH. Wistar rats were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 30 days and randomly allocated into three groups: chronic hypoxia (CH); intermittent hypoxia (2 days hypoxia/2 days normoxia; CIH); and normoxia (sea level control; NX). Each group was subdivided (n = 8) to receive either 1% Zn sulfate solution (z) or saline (s) intraperitoneally. Body weight, hemoglobin, and RVH were measured. Zn levels were evaluated in plasma and lung tissue. Additionally, the lipid peroxidation levels, HIF2α/MTF-1/MT/ZIP12/PKCε protein expression and pulmonary artery remodeling were measured in the lung. The CIH and CH groups showed decreased plasma Zn and body weight and increased hemoglobin, RVH, and vascular remodeling; the CH group also showed increased lipid peroxidation. Zn administration under hypobaric hypoxia upregulated the HIF2α/MTF-1/MT/ZIP12/PKCε pathway and increased RVH in the intermittent zinc group. Under intermittent hypobaric hypoxia, Zn dysregulation could participate in RVH development through alterations in the pulmonary HIF2α/MTF1/MT/ZIP12/PKCε pathway.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on Zinc Supplementation for Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infections in Infants

There is little evidence that zinc supplementation will be effective in treating acute respiratory infection (ARI), but it may prevent respiratory infections when taken in conjunction with antibiotics. Objective: To assess the zinc supplementation for acute respiratory infection prevention in infants. Methods: A randomized controlled trail was conducted on 120 acute respiratory infected infants in Pediatric Unit, Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, Nowshera from 1st January 2022 to 30th June 2022. Infants having 6-14 months of age with acute respiratory infections were enrolled. Infants were allocated to two groups: Group-I infants receiving Zinc (20 mg/5 mL) in terms of Zinc sulphate (N=60) and Group-II infants taking syrup (Placebo) (N=60). Results: Of the total 220 episodes, the frequency of episodes in zinc and placebo group was 106 and 114 respectively, accounting for 7.78 and 8.68 per child year after 5 months. Based on GEE regression model observed an insignificant decrease of 8% (Adjusted IRR 0.89, 95% CI 0.79-1.01) in episodes of acute respiratory infections in zinc group as compared to placebo group. However, acute respiratory infections episodes (Adjusted IRR 0.36, 95% CI: 0.25-0.35) decreased by 60% in zinc group. Zinc supplementation reduced the acute respiratory days significantly by 14% (Adjusted RR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.76-0.92). Conclusions: Prophylactic zinc supplementation for two weeks decreased acute lower respiratory tract infection morbidity in apparently healthy infants and improved the infant’s recovery from acute respiratory infections and reduced their hospitalization as compared to placebo group

The Effect of Different Zinc Sources on Biochemical Parameters, Intestinal Morphology, Carcass Characteristics and Performance in Finishing Lambs.

To investigate the effect of different sources of zinc supplements on blood serum parameters, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology, 18 male Zandi lambs (with initial body weight of 31 ± 1.2kg and 120 ± 8days old) were divided into three groups, six animals each in a completely random design. Experimental treatments include (1) control treatment of basal diet without zinc supplementation, (2) basal diet with 40mg/kg of zinc supplementation from zinc sulfate source, and (3) basal diet with 40mg/kg of zinc supplementation with origin it was organic (Zn-peptide). All lambs were kept in individual pens with cemented floor and provision of individual feeding and watering. Mean daily weight gain increased with zinc supplementation (P < 0.05), but feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by zinc supplementation in the diet. Zinc supplementation increased the apparent digestibility of the dry matter (P < 0.05), but the digestibility of dietary fat, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were not affected by zinc supplementation. In this experiment, the addition of organic and inorganic supplements to the diet of fattening lambs had no significant effect on serum triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and glucose concentrations, and carcass traits. The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzyme in the zinc sulfate group was significantly higher than the control and organic zinc groups (P < 0.05). Concentrations of blood urea nitrogen were lower in zinc fed lambs, compared to control (P ≤ 0.05). The villi width in the duodenum was higher in the zinc supplementation treatments (P < 0.05). Also, in the ileum section, the height of the villi in the treatment of zinc sulfate supplement was higher, compared to the complement and control (P < 0.05). The results of this study showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of its source, improved growth performance in fattening lambs. However, no effect was observed on feed intake and efficiency, carcass traits, and blood parameters.

Effectiveness of topical turmeric extract compared to topical zinc on fibroblast count and collagen density in clean-contaminated wound: a study on new zealand white rabbit

Introduction: Wound dehiscence increased the average mortality and morbidity, patient care cost and health services. Therefore, a more effective and lower-cost therapy is needed for wound healing. Zinc is a trace element which is important in the wound-healing process, while curcumin is an active component of turmeric which can also help the wound-healing process. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of topical turmeric extract with topical zinc on fibroblast count and collagen density in clean-contaminated wounds in New Zealand white rabbits. Material and Methods: This study was a randomized experimental study in 30 New Zealand white rabbits with clean contaminated wounds divided into 3 groups. One control group (treated with NaCl 0.9%) and two treatment groups (treated with topical turmeric extract and with topical zinc). Appendectomy was performed to all samples and surgical wounds were treated until day 4 postoperative. On the fifth day, histopathology observation at the edge of the surgical wound was done to see the fibroblast count using Haematoxylin Eosin staining and collagen density using Masson Trichrome staining. Results: There was a significant difference in the number of fibroblasts between the control group (NaCl 0.9%), the topical zinc group and the topical turmeric extract group (Kruskal-Wallis p=0.000). The collagen density score also had significant differences in the three groups (Kruskal-Wallis p=0.003). Although the Mann-Whitney test in the topical zinc group and the topical turmeric extract group showed no significant difference in the collagen density score (p=0.074). Conclusion: Topical administration of turmeric extract has been shown to affect the number of fibroblasts and collagen density in clean-contaminated wounds in New Zealand white rabbits, as well as topical zinc administration.

Zinc deficiency and therapeutic role of sesame seeds on some physiological aspects of reproduction and growth in pregnant rats and its neonates

The present study aimed to find the Effect of zinc deficiency on some reproductive parameters among female rats and the growth of its neonates and to assess the therapeutic role of the sesame seeds. The research contained 35 pregnant females rats they were divided into seven groups, the first was control, the second was fed diet poor in zinc, the third group added sesame to diet poor in zinc and the fourth group was treated with diet poor in zinc added to it vitamin C. Groups five, six and seven were given poor zinc diet in the first, second and third trimester, respectively. The results showed a significant decrease of Prolactin (PRL) level in studied groups except in vitamin C group which showed no significant differences in value (P≤0.05) compared with a poor zinc diet group. While there were increasing in the FSH and LH levels in all studied groups except the first week which showed no significant difference compared with a poor zinc diet. Results indicated a significant decrease in the level of Estrogen(E2) in the first and third weeks, and increased its level in vitamin C and the second week groups, while sesame seeds group showed no significant difference compared with the poor zinc diet Group. The results showed an increased level of Progesterone (PRO) significantly in the second and the third week groups and a decrease in the sesame seeds and the first week groups, and the lack of significant difference in the vitamin C group compared with the poor zinc Group. The results showed a high level of superoxide dismutase( SOD) Glutathione (GSH) and low level of malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly in the studied groups except for the second week group appeared no significant difference in the level of GSH and MDA compared with a poor zinc diet group. The results of neonates showed significant increasing in the length of the body in sesame seeds and vitamin C groups, while showed no significant differences in the group of first, second and third weeks compared to poor zinc diet. Studied groups showed also a significant increase in body weight except for the second week group which showed a significant decrease, while the third week group did not show significant differences compared with the poor zinc diet Group. The results showed a significant decrease in mortality rate and the level of MDA in the brain, liver and placenta tissue extract in all groups except the second week group which showed a significant increase in the mortality rate and the level of liver MDA and placenta and in the first week in liver MDA only in comparison with a poor zinc diet group.

Comparing the Effect of Zinc-impregnated Pharyngeal Packs with Conventional Methods on the Level of Sore Throat Among Patients Undergoing Septorhinoplasty.

Postoperative sore throat (POST) syndrome commonly occurs after general anesthesia and surgery, leading to patient discomfort. This essay aims to assess the effect of using zinc-impregnated packs on sore throat and post-op nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia among patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. The sampling method was based on the patients' gradual referral, and encompassing was performed using the randomized block. The participants were divided into four groups by random allocation technique considering the type of pharyngeal packs: (1) normal saline-impregnated vibril, (2) normal saline-impregnated gauze, (3) zinc solution-impregnated vibril, (4) zinc solution-impregnated gauze. The sample size required to compare the incidence of sore throat after septorhinoplasty was determined to be 220 patients. Out of 220 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty, 55 were assigned to each group. According to A.S.A., most of the patients belonged to class I. In total, 5.5% and 15.1% had a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and smoking, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference among the four groups in terms of the sore throat immediately (P = 0.227), two h (P = 0.527), four h (P = 0.505), six h (P = 0.564) and 24 h (P = 0.481) after surgery. Results of pairwise comparison revealed no statistical difference between the groups receiving zinc and other groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the four groups in terms of the severity of sore throat. A statistically significant difference was observed between the gauze + zinc and gauze + normal saline groups regarding the incidence of nausea two hours after surgery (P = 0.0045). This study showed that applying topical zinc to the pack had no significant effect on reducing sore throat. However, there was a significant difference between the groups receiving zinc solution-impregnated gauze and normal saline-impregnated gauze in terms of the severity of nausea two h after surgery.

Oral Zinc as an Adjunct in the Treatment of Enteric Fever: A Randomised Double-blinded Controlled Trial

Introduction: Enteric fever is an important tropical disease which takes an average of five days for defervescence even with effective antibiotic therapy. Zinc has been successfully used as an adjuvant in diarrhoeal disease. If addition of oral zinc can lead to reduction in time to defervescence, it will be a useful adjuvant in the therapy of enteric fever. Aim: To determine the effect of oral zinc supplementation, along with standard antibiotic therapy, for early defervescence among children with enteric fever. Materials and Methods: This double-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, ESICMC and PGIMSR, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from November 2014 to August 2016. A total of 58 children aged &lt;12 years with enteric fever were included and were randomised to receive 40 mg elemental zinc per day (n=29) or placebo (n=29) for one week. All children received intravenous ceftriaxone (75 mg/ kg every 12 hours) until five days after defervescence. The main outcome measures studied were time taken for defervescence of fever and resolution of toxaemia. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare differences in the time to resolution of toxaemia and defervescence of fever between the two groups and the log-rank test was used to test for significance. Results: The mean age of the children of the two groups was 6.48±3.15 years and 7.55±2.59 years, respectively. The mean time for fever defervescence was shorter among the zinc supplemented children than among the children in the control group (2 vs 3 days, p-value=0.043). Resolution of toxaemia was noted earlier in the zinc group than in the control group (75% vs 43%, p-value=0.054). Conclusion: Zinc when used as an adjunct along with standard antibiotic therapy in children with enteric fever, resulted in earlier defervescence of fever.

Comparison of Zinc-Probiotic Combination Therapy to Probiotic Therapy Alone in Treating Acute Diarrhea in Children

Objective: To compare the efficacy of zinc-probiotic combination therapy and probiotic therapy alone in the treatment of acute pediatric watery diarrhea. Study Design: Randomized Clinical Controlled trial. Setting: The study was completed at The Department of Pediatrics, Unit I, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan from July 2021 to January 2022. Methodology: A total number of 144 children of either gender aged 3 months to 5 years presented with acute watery diarrhea were included. Patients were randomly allocated into either Group-A (zinc supplementation with probiotics) or Group-B (only probiotics) for the treatment of acute diarrhea. Relief from diarrhea and duration of diarrhea were the main study end-points. Results: In a total of 144 children, the mean age was 27.04+14.43 months while the mean duration of diarrhea was 8.05+5.18 hours. On comparison of recovery from diarrhea, all the 72 children who received combination of probiotics and zinc were recovered from diarrhea, while 4 children (5.6%) children did not recovered from diarrhea within 5 days after starting the treatment in probiotics alone group (p=0.04). Duration of diarrhea was 27.63±14.22 hours in probiotics plus zinc group and 38.86±20.70 hours in probiotics only group (p&lt;0.001). Practical Implications: Combination of probiotics with zinc resulted in early recovery among children with acute diarrhea but further randomized controlled trial enrolling large sample size from local population are necessary to verify the findings of this study. Conclusion: Combination of probiotics and zinc was superior as compared to the probiotics alone in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children. Keywords: Diarrhea, probiotics, recovery, stool, treatment, zinc.

Production of Intestinal Mucins, sIgA, and Metallothionein after Administration of Zinc and Infection of Ascaridia galli in Chickens: Preliminary Data.

The effect of inorganic zinc and Ascaridia galli infection was studied on MUC1, MUC2 (mucin), sIgA (secretory immunoglobulin A), and metallothionein in the intestines of broilers. Thirty-five-day-old chickens (n = 24), COBB 500 breed, were included in a 14-day experiment. Chickens were divided into 4 groups of 6 chickens each: control ©, Ascaridia galli (AG), Zinc group (Zn), and combined group (AG + Zn). Samples from the intestine for determination of MUC1, MUC2, sIgA, and metallothionein were taken at 7 and 14 days during necropsy. Samples from the jejunum for determination of MUC1, MUC2, sIgA, and metallothionein were taken at 7 and 14 days during necropsy. The results demonstrated that 12 days' administration of inorganic zinc increased production of MUC1 (p &lt; 0.0001) and MUC2 (p &lt; 0.001) in the Ascaridia galli-infected group (Ag + Zn) in comparison to control (C). The beneficial effect of zinc was also revealed in the production of sIgA (p &lt; 0.0001) in the combined group (AG + Zn) at 7 days. The concentration of metallothionein increased mainly in the zinc group (p &lt; 0.01) of first sampling and was upregulated in Zn and AG + Zn groups. The obtained data indicate the use of inorganic zinc as a suitable immunomodulator of intestinal immunity in Ascaridia galli-infected chickens.