Aims: Edible coatings developed from biodegradable materials such as starch and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPS) are efficient antimicrobials that could be used as a food additive to reduce the bacterial load on the food surface. Therefore, this study was aimed to examine the effect of chemical and green synthesized ZnO-NPS with different concentrations on the survival of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in fish fillets during chilling storage at 4 ± 1°C. Methodology and results: ZnO-NPS were chemically prepared by mixing zinc acetate dihydrate with sodium hydroxide. Lavandula officinalis was used for the green synthesis of ZnO-NPS. The sterile biodegradable coating containing 2 and 5% of both chemically and green synthesized ZnO-NPS were made using starch, gelatin, xanthan gum and glycerol. Different bacterial cocktail strains of both E. coli and S. aureus were inoculated onto Tilapia fillet samples. The coating solution with different antimicrobials was aseptically spread in Tilapia fillets and examined periodically within two days intervals for the survival of S. aureus and E. coli during chilling at 4 ± 1 °C. Both chemically and plantsynthesized ZnO-NPS reduced the growth of both S. aureus and E. coli by about 3.7 log10 CFU/cm2 of Tilapia fillet. The incorporation of L. officinalis increased the antibacterial activity of ZnO-NPS. Staphylococcus aureus was more sensitive than E. coli for both chemically and plant-synthesized ZnO-NPS. Moreover, zinc oxide biodegradable coating extended the shelf-life of chilled Tilapia fillets by about 4 days. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The results of the current study demonstrated the incorporation of L. officinalis into ZnO-NPS biodegradable coating which may be promising in reducing microbial growth on food surfaces.
Seafood ; Zinc Oxide ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Escherichia coli

The wide use of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles in research, medicine, industry, and other fields has raised concerns about their biosafety. It is therefore unavoidable to be discharged into the sewage treatment system. Due to the unique physical and chemical properties of ZnO NPs and CuO NPs, it may be toxic to the members of the microbial community and their growth and metabolism, which in turn affects the stable operation of sewage nitrogen removal. This study summarizes the toxicity mechanism of two typical metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs and CuO NPs) to nitrogen removal microorganisms in sewage treatment systems. Furthermore, the factors affecting the cytotoxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) are summarized. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis and support for the future mitigating and emergent treatment of the adverse effects of nanoparticles on sewage treatment systems.
Wastewater/toxicity* ; Sewage/chemistry* ; Zinc Oxide/chemistry* ; Waste Disposal, Fluid ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Nitrogen/metabolism* ; Water Purification

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of norcantharidin (NCTD) to proliferation of leukemia cells through disrupting key regulators of sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway and its downstream transcription factor SOX2. METHODS: CCK8 was used to detected the HL60 and NB4 cells after inhibited by NCTD, SMO and GLI1 inhibitor for 24 hours. Expression level of SMO, GLI1 and SOX2 in HL60 cells with NCTD treatment was detected by immunoblot. HL60 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1 plasmid expressing GLI1 or SOX2. Empty vector and pcDNA3. 1-EGFP were divided into negative and positive control group, respectively. The expression of exogenous GLI1 or SOX2 in HL60 cells was confirmed by immunoblot, and growth curve of HL60 cell was checked by CCK8. Proliferation of genetic modified HL60 cells treated by various dose of NCTD was detected. RESULTS: NCTD, SMO/GLI1 inhibitors could inhibit the proliferation of NB4 and HL60 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with solvent (DMSO)-treated control group, NCTD remarkably decreased protein level of SMO, GLI1 and SOX2. GLI1 and SOX2 were overexpressed in HL60 cells as compared with pcDNA3.1 empty vector-transfected group. Growth curve demonstrated significant proliferative advantage of GLI1/SOX2-transfected cells. CCK8 assay indicated that GLI1/SOX2-overexpressed HL60 cells were more resistant to NCTD treatment. CONCLUSION NCTD attenuates HL60 proliferation via targeting the Hedgehog/SOX2 axis.
Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic ; Cell Proliferation ; HL-60 Cells ; Hedgehog Proteins ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; SOXB1 Transcription Factors ; Zinc Finger Protein GLI1

Background: Verruca vulgaris are scaly, rough papules or nodules caused by the human papilloma virus. Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of topical zinc oxide ointment versus topical salicylic acid + lactic acid ointment as treatment among patients with verruca vulgaris. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, 6-week study involved 29 patients with verruca vulgaris in a tertiary center who received zinc oxide 20% ointment or salicylic acid 15% + lactic acid 15% ointment applied daily and occluded with LeukoplastTM tape. Evaluation was done every two weeks. Results: There was significant decrease in number of warts in the zinc oxide group (p=0.004), while it was not significant in the salicylic acid+lactic acid group (p=0.392). Comparison between the two groups was not significant (p>0.05). Both zinc oxide (P=0.000) and salicylic acid+lactic acid groups (P=0.025) had significant decrease in size of warts from baseline to 6th week of observation. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of adverse events such as erythema (P>0.05), edema (P>0.05), tenderness (P>0.05), and scaling (P>0.05); however, itching was significantly higher at 4th week in the salicylic acid+lactic acid group B (16.7%). Among the zinc oxide group, 100% would recommend the treatment, while only 71.4% would recommend salicylic acid+lactic acid. The satisfaction levels of zinc oxide group were also statistically higher than salicylic acid+lactic acid group (p=0.000). Conclusion Zinc oxide 20% ointment is a safe and effective option for the treatment of verruca vulgaris especially among patients that would prefer non-traumatic measures in the removal of their warts.
Zinc Oxide ; Salicylic Acid ; Lactic Acid

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.
Zinc Sulfate ; Tuberculin

In this paper, some quality problems of mineral medicine Calamina and calcined Calamina have been discussed after determination and analysis of the quality parameters of a large number of market samples, and the countermeasures are put forward. According to the XRD results, as well as the results of tests included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition), the authenticity of Calamina and calcined Calamina samples were identified. The content of zinc oxide in samples were determined by the method of determination in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Individually, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry(ICP-AES) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry(AFS) methods were used for the determination of impurity elements and harmful elements in Calamina and calcined Calamina samples. Four kinds of impurity elements of magnesium(Mg), iron(Fe), aluminum(Al), calcium(Ca) and five harmful elements such as lead(Pb), cadmium(Cd), arsenic(As), copper(Cu), mercury(Hg) were measured. The study showed that: ① Fake Calamina products on the market were overflowing; ② The mineral origin of the mainstream Calamina in the market is inconsistent with that stipulated in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition); ③ The contents of harmful elements Pb and Cd in Calamina and calcined Calamina are generally higher, while the contents of harmful elements As and Cu in some inferior Calaminae are higher; ④ Parts of calcined Calamina were improperly or inadequately processed. In view of these quality problems, the countermeasures are put forward as follows: ① It is suggested that hydrozincite should be approved as the mineral source of Calamina, and be included by Chinese Pharmacopoeia; ② Strengthen the research on the specificity of Calamina identification methods to improve the quality control level; ③ Strengthen the research on the processing of Calamina, and formulate the limit standards for the content of Pb and Cd in Calamina; ④ Carry out research on the artificial synthesis of Calamina and calcined Calamina, in order to cope with the current shortage of Calamina resources and ensure the sustainable development of Calamina medicinal materials.
Arsenic ; Cadmium ; Copper ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards* ; Ferric Compounds/standards* ; Iron ; Lead ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Mercury ; Minerals ; Quality Control ; Trace Elements/analysis* ; Zinc Oxide/standards*

Ginger, one of worldwide consumed dietary spice, is not only famous as food supplements, but also believed to exert a variety of remarkable pharmacological activity as herbal remedies. In this study, a ginger constituent, 12-dehydrogingerdione (DHGD) was proven that has comparable anti-inflammatory activity with positive control 6-shogaol in inhibiting LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, prostaglandin (PG) E₂, nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, without interfering with COX-1 in cultured microglial cells. Subsequent mechanistic studies indicate that 12-DHGD may inhibit neuro-inflammation through suppressing the LPS-activated Akt/IKK/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, 12-DHGD markedly promoted the activation of NF-E2-related factor (Nrf)-2 and heme oxygenase (HO)-1, and we demonstrated that the involvement of HO-1 on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO and TNF-α by using a HO-1 inhibitor, Zinc protoporphyrin (Znpp). These results indicate that 12-DHGD may protect against neuro-inflammation by inhibiting Akt/IKK/IκB/NF-κB pathway and promoting Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.
Dietary Supplements ; Ginger ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) ; Interleukins ; Microglia* ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Spices ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Zinc

Zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs) were synthesized by gel-sol method and employed as the transdermal aloesin (Alo) carriers. ZnO QDs were surface-functionalized with amino using aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Alo was covalently bonded on the surface of ZnO QDs via N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole to obtain Alo NPs, which were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA). TEM images showed that ZnO QDs were analogously sphere and monodisperse with a reasonably narrow size distribution, of which was around 4 nm. The size of Alo NPs increased to around 8 nm due to the surface modification. The intense bands at around 3 400 cm and 1 200 cm in the FTIR spectrum of Alo NPs from the vibration of -OH indicated the linkage of Alo on the surface of ZnO QDs. The results of TGA analysis showed that the mass ratio of ZnO QDs and Alo were 39.27% and 35.14%, respectively. The penetration of Alo NPs was much higher than raw Alo according to the passive penetration experiments with Franz-type diffusion cells instrument using full-thickness cavy skin, which manifested the improvement of the penetration for Alo delivered by ZnO QDs. The pH-controlled drug release behavior was investigated. At pH 7.4, only a small amount of Alo (1.45% ± 0.21%) had been released after 2 h. In contrast, as incubation at pH 5.0 of which pH was similar to endosomal environment, Alo was released very fast (87.63% ± 0.46% in 2 h) from Alo NPs, confirming that Alo NPs could response to the pH and realize the intracellular drug release. The inhibitory effect of Alo NPs on tyrosinase was in a dose dependent manner. When the concentration of Alo NPs was 12.5 μg/mL, the inhibition rate was up to 40.32% ± 1.57%. All the results show that the Alo NPs hold a great potential in transdermal tyrosinase inhibition.
Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Chromones ; administration & dosage ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Glucosides ; administration & dosage ; Guinea Pigs ; Monophenol Monooxygenase ; metabolism ; Nanoparticles ; Quantum Dots ; Zinc Oxide

OBJECTIVES: To appraise the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the management of established dry socket in terms of pain, inflammation, and wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients with established alveolar osteitis were studied to determine the efficacy of PRF and zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) for pain control, inflammation reduction, and wound healing. Patients were randomly allocated to Group A (PRF) or Group B (ZOE). Patients were examined on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 14th postoperative day and evaluated for pain using visual analogue scale scores, inflammation with a gingival index score, and wound healing through a determination of the number of bony walls exposed. RESULTS: Group A showed better results in terms of pain remission, control of inflammation, and wound healing compared to Group B. Results between groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: PRF is a better alternative than ZOE for the effective management of alveolar osteitis.
Dry Socket ; Eugenol ; Fibrin ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Periodontal Index ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries ; Zinc Oxide ; Zinc

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of lipid-coated ZnO (LCZ) and the level of LCZ compared with ordinary zinc oxide (ZnO) on antioxidant defense system in the intestine and liver of piglets. A total of forty piglets (n=8) were fed a diet supplemented with 100 ppm Zn with ZnO (ZnO-1), 2,500 ppm Zn with ZnO (ZnO-2), 100 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-1), 200 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-2), or 400 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-3) for 14-d, respectively. The LCZ-3 group resulted in higher (P < 0.05) mRNA expressions and activities of CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in jejunal mucosa compared with the ZnO-1 and LCZ-1 groups, while no difference was observed in the mRNA level of antioxidant genes between the ZnO-1 and ZnO-2 groups. Within the LCZ groups, the LCZ level linearly and quadratically (P < 0.01) increased antioxidant enzymes in the jejunum. The maximum response of jejunal antioxidant enzymes to Zn supplementation was achieved by 400 ppm of LCZ. Hepatic mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes was unaffected by Zn source and level, while hepatic SOD and GST activities were greater (P < 0.05) in the LCZ-3 group than in the ZnO-1 group. No difference was observed in lipid peroxidation of the jejunum and liver and the total antioxidant power of plasma among groups. In conclusion, a supplementation with 400 ppm of LCZ resulted in a maximum increase in antioxidant enzymes, indicating that LCZ may affect antioxidant defense system more profoundly than ZnO.
Catalase ; Diet ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Glutathione Transferase ; Intestine, Small* ; Intestines ; Jejunum ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Liver* ; Mucous Membrane ; Plasma ; RNA, Messenger ; Zinc Oxide ; Zinc*