| zinc deficiency | : Deficiency of zinc is associated with short stature, anaemia, increased pigmentation of skin (hyperpigmentation), enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), impaired gonadal function (hypogonadism), impaired wound healing, and immune deficiency. (for a genetic disorder that impairs zinc uptake, please see acrodermatitis enteropathica). According to the national academy of sciences, the recommended dietary allowances of zinc are 12 milligrams per day for women and 10 milligrams per day for men. Food sources of zinc include meat including liver, eggs, seafood, nuts and cereal. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| zinc deficiency dermatitis and diarrhoea | A genetic disease called acrodermatitis enteropathica is characterised by the simultaneous occurrence of skin inflammation (dermatitis) and diarrhoea. The skin on the cheeks, elbows and knees and tissue about the mouth and anus are inflammed. There is also balding of the scalp, eyebrows and lashes, delayed wound healing and recurrent bacterial and fungal infections due to immune deficiency. The key laboratory finding is an abnormally low blood zinc level reflecting impaired zinc uptake. Oral treatment with zinc is curative. (12 Dec 1998) |
| zinc excess | Too much zinc can cause gastrointestinal irritation (upset stomach), interfere with copper absorption and cause copper deficiency, and (like too little zinc) cause immune deficiency. According to the national academy of sciences, the recommended dietary allowances of zinc are 12 milligrams per day for women and 10 milligrams per day for men. (12 Dec 1998) |
| zinc finger | <molecular biology> A specialised protein group that is characterised by a single zinc atom associated with DNA binding proteins. A loop of 12 amino acids contains either 2 cysteine and 2 histidine groups (a cysteine histidine zinc finger) or 4 cysteines (a cysteine cysteine zinc finger), that directly co ordinate a zinc atom. The loops (usually present in multiples) intercalate directly into the DNA helix. Originally identified in the RNA polymerase III transcription factor TFIIIA. (18 Nov 1997) |
| zinc fingers | Domains in DNA- and RNA-binding proteins that contain amino acids which are folded into a single structural unit around a zinc atom that links two cysteines and two histidines. Each finger is postulated to recognise a specific sequence of about five nucleotide pairs. (12 Dec 1998) |
| zinc fume fever | An occupational disease, characterised by malaria-like symptoms, due to inhalation of particles and fumes of metallic oxides. Fumes are formed by evaporation at very high temperature and condensation in air into fine particles. Synonym: brass founder's ague, foundryman's fever, metal fume fever, zinc fume fever. (05 Mar 2000) |
| zinc gelatin | Zinc oxide, gelatin, glycerin, and purified water; used topically as a protectant. (05 Mar 2000) |
| zinc iodide | ZnI2;has been used as an antiseptic and astringent. (05 Mar 2000) |
| zinc isotopes | Stable zinc atoms that have the same atomic number as the element zinc, but differ in atomic weight. Zn-66-68, and 70 are stable zinc isotopes. (12 Dec 1998) |
| zinc oxide | <chemical> A mild astringent and topical protectant with some antiseptic action. It is also used in bandages, pastes, ointments, dental cements, and as a sunblock. Pharmacological action: dermatologic agents, sunscreening agents. Chemical name: Zinc oxide (ZnO) (12 Dec 1998) |
| zinc oxide and eugenol | Used as a base material beneath metallic dental restorations and as a temporary filling material or impression material; setting and hardening result from complex reactions between the powder and the eugenol. (05 Mar 2000) |
| zinc oxide-eugenol cement | Least irritating of the cements. The powder is essentially zinc oxide with strengtheners and accelerators. The liquid is basically eugenol. (boucher's clinical dental terminology, 4th ed, p50) (12 Dec 1998) |
| zinc permanganate | Action is similar to that of potassium permanganate, but more astringent; used in urethritis, by injection or douche in a 1:4000 solution. (05 Mar 2000) |
| zinc peroxide | ZnO2;a yellowish white powder, insoluble in water and decomposed by acids; used in pharmaceutical preparations. Synonym: zinc superoxide. (05 Mar 2000) |
| zinc phenolsulfonate | Used as an intestinal antiseptic and locally as an astringent in chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes. Synonym: zinc sulfocarbolate. (05 Mar 2000) |