Zinc is a key element for growth and development. In this narrative review, we focus on the role of dietary zinc in early life (including embryo, fetus and preterm neonate), analyzing consequences of zinc deficiency and adequacy of current recommendations on dietary zinc. We performed a systematic search of articles on the role of zinc in early life. We selected and analyzed 81 studies. Results of this analysis showed that preservation of zinc balance is of critical importance for the avoidance of possible consequences of low zinc levels on pre- and post-natal life. Insufficient quantities of zinc during embryogenesis may influence the final phenotype of all organs. Maternal zinc restriction during pregnancy influences fetal growth, while adequate zinc supplementation during pregnancy may result in a reduction of the risk of preterm birth. Preterm neonates are at particular risk to develop zinc deficiency due to a combination of different factors: (i) low body stores due to reduced time for placental transfer of zinc; (ii) increased endogenous losses; and (iii) marginal intake. Early diagnosis of zinc deficiency, through the measurement of serum zinc concentrations, may be essential to avoid severe prenatal and postnatal consequences in these patients. Typical clinical manifestations of zinc deficiency are growth impairment and dermatitis. Increasing data suggest that moderate zinc deficiency may have significant subclinical effects, increasing the risk of several complications typical of preterm neonates (i.e., necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung disease, and retinopathy), and that current recommended intakes should be revised to meet zinc requirements of extremely preterm neonates. Future studies evaluating the adequacy of current recommendations are advocated.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/7/12/5542/pdf

Zinc in Early Life: A Key Element in the Fetus and Preterm Neonate

Few long‐term clinical and histologic data for melanocytic lesions have been available based on the mutation status of families at an increased risk of melanoma. In the current study, the authors describe the clinical and histologic features of dysplastic nevi and melanoma over time in families at an increased risk of melanoma with differing germline mutations in CDKN2A, CDK4, or not yet identified genes.

A Natural History of Melanomas and Dysplastic Nevi: An Atlas of Lesions in Melanoma-Prone Families

Laurel, Laurus nobilis L. is an evergreen plant belonging to the Lauraceae family, native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean area. This is the first report on the composition and bioactivity of laurel essential oil (EO) from Bulgaria. The oil yield was 0.78%, 0.80%, and 3.25% in the fruits, twigs, and leaves, respectively. The main constituents in the fruit EO were 1,8-cineole (33.3%), α-terpinyl acetate (10.3%), α-pinene (11.0%), β-elemene (7.5%), sabinene (6.3%), β-phellandrene (5.2%), bornyl acetate (4.4%), and camphene (4.3%); those in the twig EO were 1,8-cineole (48.5%), α-terpinyl acetate (13.1%), methyl eugenol (6.6%), β-linalool (3.8%), β-pinene (3.4%), sabinene (3.3%) and terpinene-4-ol (3.3%); and the ones in the leaf EO were 1,8-cineole (41.0%), α-terpinyl acetate (14.4%), sabinene (8.8%), methyl eugenole (6.0%), β-linalool (4.9%), and α-terpineol (3.1%). The antibacterial and antifungal properties of laurel EOs were examined according to the agar well diffusion method. The leaf EO showed antibacterial and antifungal activities against almost all strains of the microorganisms tested, whereas the twig EO was only able to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 were the bacterial strains that showed the highest resistance to the laurel EO. The results can benefit the EO industry and biopesticide development.

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/4/804/pdf

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Laurus nobilis L. Essential Oils from Bulgaria.

Unusual microorganisms and antimicrobial resistances in a group of Syrian migrants: Sentinel surveillance data from an asylum seekers centre in Italy.

This review summarizes the chemical composition reported up to date on Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae), an evergreen shrub or tree cultivated for its aromatic leaves and ornamental interest. It has been focused on non-volatile phytochemicals such as sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, among others. Moreover, biological activities of laurel extracts and pure compounds have also been reviewed.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X1701200519

Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Laurel Tree (Laurus nobilis).

Keywords:

allergic contact dermatitis;
cosmetics;
laurel oil;
Laurus nobilis;
sesquiterpene lactones

/pdf/allergic-contact-dermatitis-caused-by-laurel-leaf-oil-2g6hfkm219.pdf

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by laurel leaf oil

Fungal invasive infections are rare in general population but are an emergent cause of infection in the immunocompromized population, especially in the solid organ transplant recipients. Herein the authors report a clinical case of a liver transplanted patient suffering a cutaneous co-existent infection with A. alternata as well as A. infectoria. To our knowledge this is the first case of cutaneous concomitant infection due to those two species reported not only in Portugal but also worldwide. The patient was treated with surgical excision of the lesions and oral itraconazol without relapse.

https://repositorio.insa.pt/bitstream/10400.18/2938/1/alternaria%20publicado%20Med%20Mycol%20Case%20Rep.pdf

Cutaneous infection by different Alternaria species in a liver transplant recipient.

Rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma is a rare vascular tumor that generally has a good prognosis. The authors describe a case of a newborn girl with a left cervical vascular lesion. Image exams were performed, and the lesion slowly decreased, leaving redundant skin. Considering all of the findings, a final diagnosis of a rapidly involuting congenital hemangiomas was suspected.

Rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma.

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It is characterized by a 15 carbons lactone ring as opposed to the 14 carbons ring present in clarithromycin and erythromycin [1]. Few reports on allergic contact dermatitis to azithromycin associated with occupational exposure have been published [2–4] and evidence of skin allergy after topical administration was unknown until 2011, with a single case reported to date [5]. An 85-year-old Caucasian woman with a past history of bilateral phacoemulsification (cataracts), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and chronic dacryocystitis had bilateral eyelid eczema for 3 years. The patient had applied Azyter® eye drop (azithromycin dehydrate 15 mg/g, medium-chain triglycerides; Laboratórios Théa®, Portugal) recently for the second time, denying any worsening after the first application a year before. She had also previously applied multiple other eye drops (Dexafree® and Ronic®, both dexamethasone; Allergodil®, azelastine), ophthalmic ointments (Dexamytrex®, dexamethasone and gentamicin; Predniocil®, prednisolone) and Avamys® (fluticasone furoate) nasal spray. Patch testing was performed using Finn® chambers on Scanpor®, tape (Epitest Ltd Oy, Tuusula, Finland) and readings were made at D2 and D3 in accordance with the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group criteria. Azyter®, showed positive reactions (++/++), as well as azithromycin 1 % pet. (–/+), azithromycin 5 % pet. (++/++) and azithromycin 10 % pet. (++/++). Clarithromycin 10 % pet. and erythromycin 10 % pet. gave negative results (Figure 1). Azithromycin 10 % pet. patch testing elicited no reactions in 10 controls. All these allergens were obtained from Bial®, Portugal. Other positive reactions were seen with neomycin (–/+), cinchocaine (–/+) and fragrance mix II (farnesol) (+/++). The Portuguese baseline series, cosmetics and excipients series, fragrance mix I, ophthalmic series and all personal products were also tested. When asked specifically about personal products containing farnesol, the patient admitted having used a farnesol-containing perfume in the past, not recalling any dermatitis on the application sites. She denied the use of any products containing farnesol during the last year. She had been exposed to cinchocaine in the past when using topical Clinical Letter

Non-occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by azithromycin in an eye solution.

A 56-year-old man developed widespread dermatitis on the buttocks, skin folds and trunk 2 days after application of Hemofissural® (tetracaine 1%) ointment on the perianal area for the treatment of haemorrhoids. Two weeks before, the patient had applied Faktu® (cinchocaine 1%) for the same purpose. He had used several anti-haemorrhoidal ointments for many years, without any severe complications, and with only occasional perianal itch. Physical examination showed an indurated, brightly erythematous and well-demarked plaque with small vesicles and pustules on the buttocks and perianal skin, a diffuse symmetrical erythematous papular eruption on large body folds, and erythematous exudative plaques with vesicles on the trunk. The patient complained of pruritus, with no other symptoms. The dermatitis resolved completely in 8 days with topical and systemic steroids and withdrawal of the anti-haemorrhoidal ointments. Patch tests with the Portuguese baseline series [includes caine mix III 10% pet. (benzocaine,

/pdf/baboon-syndrome-caused-by-anti-haemorrhoidal-ointment-5fdj9d6vp0.pdf

Susana Brás

Papers

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by laurel leaf oil

Cutaneous infection by different Alternaria species in a liver transplant recipient.

Rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma.

Non-occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by azithromycin in an eye solution.

Baboon syndrome caused by anti-haemorrhoidal ointment