Chronic copper poisoning in a sheep

Clinical History: A one-year-old female Texel sheep had anorexia and jaundice. After one day, the clinical condition progressed to lethargy, lateral recumbency, and death within hours. The sheep was part of a flock of 20 housed indoors and received an increasing amount of feed (specific for sheep) for the last two months.(AU)

Copper phytotoxicity in agricultural crops cultivated in tropical soils / Fitotoxicidade do cobre em culturas agrícolas cultivadas em solos tropicais

Copper is a micronutrient for living organisms, but at high concentrations it may cause several deleterious effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of agricultural crops to different concentrations of Cu in the soil. The species Triticum aestivum (wheat), Zea mays (maize), Oryza sativa (rice), Phaseolus vulgaris (dry bean), Glycine max (soybean), and Raphanus sativus (radish) were cultivated in the soils Typic Hapludox (TyHpx) and Rhodic Acrudox (RhAcx). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse and the soils were set in pots in a completely randomized design, with four replicates per treatment adding the following Cu concentrations (as Cu-nitrate): 0, 75, 150, 300, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 mg kg-¹ dry soil. Measurements of biological variables, such as shoot dry weight (SDW), plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves were carried out, in addition to determining Cu content in the SDW. At the TyHpx, a decreasing order of tolerance to Cu phytotoxicity was: dry bean, maize, soybean, wheat, radish, and rice. However, at the RhAcx, the decreasing order was: maize, soybean, radish, wheat, dry bean, and rice. The species that revealed the highest sensitivity to high Cu concentrations in soil was rice and that with the lowest sensitivity was maize.

O cobre é um micronutriente para organismos vivos, mas em altas concentrações pode causar vários efeitos deletérios. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o comportamento de culturas agrícolas em diferentes concentrações de Cu no solo. As espécies Triticum aestivum (trigo), Zea mays (milho), Oryza sativa (arroz), Phaseolus vulgaris (feijão), Glycine max (soja) e Raphanus sativus (rabanete) foram cultivadas nos solos Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo distrófico típico (LVAd) e Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico (LVdf). O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação e os solos foram colocados em vasos, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições por tratamento, adicionando às seguintes concentrações de Cu (como nitrato de Cu): 0, 75, 150, 300, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 mg kg-¹ de solo seco. Foram realizadas medidas das variáveis biológicas matéria seca da parte aérea (MSPA), altura da planta, diâmetro do caule e número de folhas, além disso foi determinado o teor de Cu na MSPA. No LVAd, a ordem decrescente de tolerância à fitotoxicidade do Cu foi: feijão, milho, soja, trigo, rabanete e arroz. No entanto, no LVdf, a ordem decrescente foi: milho, soja, rabanete, trigo, feijão e arroz. A espécie que revelou maior sensibilidade às altas concentrações de Cu no solo foi o arroz e a que apresentou menor sensibilidade foi o milho.

Copper phytotoxicity in agricultural crops cultivated in tropical soils / Fitotoxicidade do cobre em culturas agrícolas cultivadas em solos tropicais

Copper is a micronutrient for living organisms, but at high concentrations it may cause several deleterious effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of agricultural crops to different concentrations of Cu in the soil. The species Triticum aestivum (wheat), Zea mays (maize), Oryza sativa (rice), Phaseolus vulgaris (dry bean), Glycine max (soybean), and Raphanus sativus (radish) were cultivated in the soils Typic Hapludox (TyHpx) and Rhodic Acrudox (RhAcx). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse and the soils were set in pots in a completely randomized design, with four replicates per treatment adding the following Cu concentrations (as Cu-nitrate): 0, 75, 150, 300, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 mg kg-¹ dry soil. Measurements of biological variables, such as shoot dry weight (SDW), plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves were carried out, in addition to determining Cu content in the SDW. At the TyHpx, a decreasing order of tolerance to Cu phytotoxicity was: dry bean, maize, soybean, wheat, radish, and rice. However, at the RhAcx, the decreasing order was: maize, soybean, radish, wheat, dry bean, and rice. The species that revealed the highest sensitivity to high Cu concentrations in soil was rice and that with the lowest sensitivity was maize.(AU)

O cobre é um micronutriente para organismos vivos, mas em altas concentrações pode causar vários efeitos deletérios. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o comportamento de culturas agrícolas em diferentes concentrações de Cu no solo. As espécies Triticum aestivum (trigo), Zea mays (milho), Oryza sativa (arroz), Phaseolus vulgaris (feijão), Glycine max (soja) e Raphanus sativus (rabanete) foram cultivadas nos solos Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo distrófico típico (LVAd) e Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico (LVdf). O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação e os solos foram colocados em vasos, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições por tratamento, adicionando às seguintes concentrações de Cu (como nitrato de Cu): 0, 75, 150, 300, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 mg kg-¹ de solo seco. Foram realizadas medidas das variáveis biológicas matéria seca da parte aérea (MSPA), altura da planta, diâmetro do caule e número de folhas, além disso foi determinado o teor de Cu na MSPA. No LVAd, a ordem decrescente de tolerância à fitotoxicidade do Cu foi: feijão, milho, soja, trigo, rabanete e arroz. No entanto, no LVdf, a ordem decrescente foi: milho, soja, rabanete, trigo, feijão e arroz. A espécie que revelou maior sensibilidade às altas concentrações de Cu no solo foi o arroz e a que apresentou menor sensibilidade foi o milho.(AU)

Crise hemolítica em um cão com hepatite crônica associada ao cobre / Hemolytic crisis in a dog with copper-associated chronic hepatitis

Background: Copper is an essential micronutrient for the body to function properly. However, although it is a vital element,an excess of copper in the body is extremely toxic. Copper toxicity has been reported mainly in sheep. In dogs, clinicopathological signs of toxicity are characterized by chronic liver failure. This means that the hemolytic crisis so commonin sheep is a condition rarely associated with toxicity in dogs, so there are very few descriptions of this condition in theveterinary literature. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of hemolytic crisis in a dog with copper-associatedchronic hepatitis.Case: A medium-sized 6-year-old bitch was brought to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria,with clinical presentation of apathy, anorexia and red urine. A physical examination revealed mildly jaundiced mucosaand dark brown urine. A urinalysis indicated the presence of protein, bilirubin and occult blood. The blood count revealedhypochromic macrocytic anemia, leukocytosis due to left shift neutrophilia and thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemistryshowed elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. The animal was given a blood transfusiondue to the severity of her anemia, but her clinical condition worsened and she died, whereupon her body was sent for necropsy. This necropsy revealed conspicuous signs of jaundice, splenomegaly and altered liver and kidney color. The liverwas brownish, with its natural surface firm and slightly irregular. The kidneys were diffusely blackened. The urine wasdark brown. Fragments of different organs were collected, fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution, routinely processedfor histopathology and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A histological dissection of the liver showed the hepatic lobesdissected by fibrosis, forming islands of hepatocytes and numerous lymphocytes and...

Crise hemolítica em um cão com hepatite crônica associada ao cobre / Hemolytic crisis in a dog with copper-associated chronic hepatitis

Background: Copper is an essential micronutrient for the body to function properly. However, although it is a vital element,an excess of copper in the body is extremely toxic. Copper toxicity has been reported mainly in sheep. In dogs, clinicopathological signs of toxicity are characterized by chronic liver failure. This means that the hemolytic crisis so commonin sheep is a condition rarely associated with toxicity in dogs, so there are very few descriptions of this condition in theveterinary literature. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of hemolytic crisis in a dog with copper-associatedchronic hepatitis.Case: A medium-sized 6-year-old bitch was brought to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria,with clinical presentation of apathy, anorexia and red urine. A physical examination revealed mildly jaundiced mucosaand dark brown urine. A urinalysis indicated the presence of protein, bilirubin and occult blood. The blood count revealedhypochromic macrocytic anemia, leukocytosis due to left shift neutrophilia and thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemistryshowed elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. The animal was given a blood transfusiondue to the severity of her anemia, but her clinical condition worsened and she died, whereupon her body was sent for necropsy. This necropsy revealed conspicuous signs of jaundice, splenomegaly and altered liver and kidney color. The liverwas brownish, with its natural surface firm and slightly irregular. The kidneys were diffusely blackened. The urine wasdark brown. Fragments of different organs were collected, fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution, routinely processedfor histopathology and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A histological dissection of the liver showed the hepatic lobesdissected by fibrosis, forming islands of hepatocytes and numerous lymphocytes and...(AU)

Copper and cadmium accumulation in gills and muscular tissue of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under experimental conditions / Acumulação de cobre e cádmio em brânquias e tecido muscular de tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus) sob condições experimentais

The world wide use of tilapia for different approaches in fish bioassay was exploited to assess the accumulation of copper and cadmium, in isolated forms and in combination in gills and muscular tissue in the specie Oreochromis niloticus, which is of economical relevance in fish consumption in the Sao Paulo State, Brazil. To reach for these goals, semi-static chronic toxicity tests were carried out during 21 days by using two dissolved concentrations of each trace element as follow: LC50/10 and the average of LC50/10 and LC50/100. Fish samplings to assess for the kinetic trace element absorptions with time were performed at 24, 96 hours, 7, 14 and 21 days. After 14 days of exposure gills had higher concentrations for both elements (5.20 mg Kg-1 Cu and 4.89 mg kg-1 Cd), than the muscular tissue (0.79 mg Kg-1 Cu e 0.32 mg Kg-1 Cd). A competition for absorption was established when both elements were in combination, being the maximum absorbed concentrations, 1.81 mg Kg-1 Cu and 1.54 mg Kg-1 Cd for the gills and 0.63 mg Kg-1 Cu and 0.12 mg Kg-1 Cd for the muscular tissue. The Tukey test used for the statistical evaluation of the exposure period times dissolved metal concentration interactions revealed the interference of the basal Cd and Cu contents of the fish on the results. Despite the verified bioaccumulation, in which BCF for Cd were lower than the BCF for Cu, the fractions of the LCs50 were not lethal to the fish. Tilapia did not concentrate Cu and Cd in the edible tissue at concentrations to bring restrictions for human consumption.

O largo uso mundial da tilápia para diferentes finalidades em bioensaios foi explorado para se verificar a acumulação de cobre e cádmium, nas formas isoladas e em combinação, em brânquias e tecido muscular da espécie Oreochromis niloticus, cujo consumo é de relevância econômica no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para tanto, ensaios semi-estáticos de toxicidade crônica foram conduzidos por 21 dias em duas concentrações para cada elemento traço, baseadas nos valores CL50/10 e nas médias dos logaritmos das CL50/10 e CL50/100. Amostragens para avaliar as cinéticas das absorções dos elementos traços com o tempo foram realizadas após 24, 96 horas, 7, 14 e 21 dias do início do experimento. Decorridos 14 dias, as brânquias apresentaram maiores concentrações que o tecido muscular para ambos os metais, sendo os respectivos valores máximos iguais a 5,20 mg Kg-1 Cu e 4,89 mg kg-1 Cd, e 0,79 mg Kg-1 Cu e 0,32 mg Kg-1 Cd. Uma competição foi estabelecida quando os elementos traços estavam em combinação, sendo os valores máximos encontrados para as brânquias de 1,81 mg Kg-1 Cu e 1,54 mg Kg-1 Cd e 0,63 mg Kg-1 Cu e 0,12 mg Kg-1 Cd para o tecido muscular. O teste de Tukey utilizado para a avaliação estatística das interações período de exposição e concentração dos metais dissolvidos, revelou a interferência do conteúdo basal de Cd e Cu dos peixes quando da análise dos resultados. Apesar da bioacumulação verificada, onde o BCF do Cd foi inferior ao BCF do Cu, as frações das LCs50 não foram letais aos organismos. A tilápia não concentrou suficientemente Cu e Cd no tecido comestível para representar restrições ao consumo humano.

Copper and cadmium accumulation in gills and muscular tissue of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under experimental conditions / Acumulação de cobre e cádmio em brânquias e tecido muscular de tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus) sob condições experimentais

The world wide use of tilapia for different approaches in fish bioassay was exploited to assess the accumulation of copper and cadmium, in isolated forms and in combination in gills and muscular tissue in the specie Oreochromis niloticus, which is of economical relevance in fish consumption in the Sao Paulo State, Brazil. To reach for these goals, semi-static chronic toxicity tests were carried out during 21 days by using two dissolved concentrations of each trace element as follow: LC50/10 and the average of LC50/10 and LC50/100. Fish samplings to assess for the kinetic trace element absorptions with time were performed at 24, 96 hours, 7, 14 and 21 days. After 14 days of exposure gills had higher concentrations for both elements (5.20 mg Kg-1 Cu and 4.89 mg kg-1 Cd), than the muscular tissue (0.79 mg Kg-1 Cu e 0.32 mg Kg-1 Cd). A competition for absorption was established when both elements were in combination, being the maximum absorbed concentrations, 1.81 mg Kg-1 Cu and 1.54 mg Kg-1 Cd for the gills and 0.63 mg Kg-1 Cu and 0.12 mg Kg-1 Cd for the muscular tissue. The Tukey test used for the statistical evaluation of the exposure period times dissolved metal concentration interactions revealed the interference of the basal Cd and Cu contents of the fish on the results. Despite the verified bioaccumulation, in which BCF for Cd were lower than the BCF for Cu, the fractions of the LCs50 were not lethal to the fish. Tilapia did not concentrate Cu and Cd in the edible tissue at concentrations to bring restrictions for human consumption.(AU)

O largo uso mundial da tilápia para diferentes finalidades em bioensaios foi explorado para se verificar a acumulação de cobre e cádmium, nas formas isoladas e em combinação, em brânquias e tecido muscular da espécie Oreochromis niloticus, cujo consumo é de relevância econômica no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para tanto, ensaios semi-estáticos de toxicidade crônica foram conduzidos por 21 dias em duas concentrações para cada elemento traço, baseadas nos valores CL50/10 e nas médias dos logaritmos das CL50/10 e CL50/100. Amostragens para avaliar as cinéticas das absorções dos elementos traços com o tempo foram realizadas após 24, 96 horas, 7, 14 e 21 dias do início do experimento. Decorridos 14 dias, as brânquias apresentaram maiores concentrações que o tecido muscular para ambos os metais, sendo os respectivos valores máximos iguais a 5,20 mg Kg-1 Cu e 4,89 mg kg-1 Cd, e 0,79 mg Kg-1 Cu e 0,32 mg Kg-1 Cd. Uma competição foi estabelecida quando os elementos traços estavam em combinação, sendo os valores máximos encontrados para as brânquias de 1,81 mg Kg-1 Cu e 1,54 mg Kg-1 Cd e 0,63 mg Kg-1 Cu e 0,12 mg Kg-1 Cd para o tecido muscular. O teste de Tukey utilizado para a avaliação estatística das interações período de exposição e concentração dos metais dissolvidos, revelou a interferência do conteúdo basal de Cd e Cu dos peixes quando da análise dos resultados. Apesar da bioacumulação verificada, onde o BCF do Cd foi inferior ao BCF do Cu, as frações das LCs50 não foram letais aos organismos. A tilápia não concentrou suficientemente Cu e Cd no tecido comestível para representar restrições ao consumo humano.(AU)

Hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with grazing Brachiaria decumbens in a goat

A case of hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with ingestion of Brachiaria decumbens in a 4-year-old female is reported in a goat from a herd of approximately 1,000 goats of different categories, all grazing in a pasture consisting exclusively of B. decumbens. The goat had chronic weight loss, dehydration, and apathy. Just prior to death it developed anemia, icterus and hemoglobinuria. Necropsy findings included marked icterus, enhanced lobular pattern and orange discoloration of the liver, pulmonary edema, distention of the gall bladder and hemoblobinuric nephrosis. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed marked random degeneration and necrosis of individual hepatocytes, marked bilestasis, intracytoplasmic hemosiderin in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, birefringent crystals with bile staining in the lumen of bile ducts, and sparse, randomly distributed foamy macrophages. Severe multifocal tubular degeneration and necrosis associated with multiple hyaline and coarsely granular hemoglobin casts were observed in the kidneys. Copper levels determined in liver and kidney samples by atomic absorption spectrophotometry were 410 ppm of liver dry matter and 34.4 ppm (kidney, dry matter). The gross, histopathological findings and copper analysis in the tissues of this goat led to a final diagnosis of hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with grazing of B. decumbens.

Hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with grazing Brachiaria decumbens in a goat

A case of hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with ingestion of Brachiaria decumbens in a 4-year-old female is reported in a goat from a herd of approximately 1,000 goats of different categories, all grazing in a pasture consisting exclusively of B. decumbens. The goat had chronic weight loss, dehydration, and apathy. Just prior to death it developed anemia, icterus and hemoglobinuria. Necropsy findings included marked icterus, enhanced lobular pattern and orange discoloration of the liver, pulmonary edema, distention of the gall bladder and hemoblobinuric nephrosis. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed marked random degeneration and necrosis of individual hepatocytes, marked bilestasis, intracytoplasmic hemosiderin in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, birefringent crystals with bile staining in the lumen of bile ducts, and sparse, randomly distributed foamy macrophages. Severe multifocal tubular degeneration and necrosis associated with multiple hyaline and coarsely granular hemoglobin casts were observed in the kidneys. Copper levels determined in liver and kidney samples by atomic absorption spectrophotometry were 410 ppm of liver dry matter and 34.4 ppm (kidney, dry matter). The gross, histopathological findings and copper analysis in the tissues of this goat led to a final diagnosis of hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with grazing of B. decumbens.(AU)

Accumulative copper poisoning in sheep in Northeastern Brazil / Intoxicação cúprica acumulativa em ovinos no Nordeste brasileiro

Background: Despite the proven copper deficiency in several parts of Brazil, reports of acute and accumulative copper poisoning are increasing in ruminants. Sheep are known to be far more sensible to copper toxicity than cattle, but the sensibility of goats is not quite known. The present paper aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial and pathological findings of two outbreaks of accumulative copper poisoning in sheep fed poultry litter in Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, and to compare these findings with national outbreaks. Cases: Two outbreaks of copper poisoning occurred in the municipalities of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte [outbreak 1], and Icapuí, Ceará [outbreak 2], Brazil. A total of 35 sheep [outbreak 1] and 190 small ruminants (175 sheep and 15 goats) [outbreak 2] were fed poultry litter. First clinical signs of poisoning started after two months of litter consumption. Main clinical signs were apathy, jaundice, hepatomegaly, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dark urine. Clinical evolution varied between one and eight days. Laboratorial findings in ill animals consisted of anemia, highly increased serum AST and GGT activities and urea and creatinine levels; whilst in the non symptomatic sheep and one goat revealed high and light GGT increase, respectively. Poultry litter analysis revealed levels of 449, 2610, 414 and 333 mg/kg of [...]

Accumulative copper poisoning in sheep in Northeastern Brazil / Intoxicação cúprica acumulativa em ovinos no Nordeste brasileiro

Background: Despite the proven copper deficiency in several parts of Brazil, reports of acute and accumulative copper poisoning are increasing in ruminants. Sheep are known to be far more sensible to copper toxicity than cattle, but the sensibility of goats is not quite known. The present paper aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial and pathological findings of two outbreaks of accumulative copper poisoning in sheep fed poultry litter in Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, and to compare these findings with national outbreaks. Cases: Two outbreaks of copper poisoning occurred in the municipalities of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte [outbreak 1], and Icapuí, Ceará [outbreak 2], Brazil. A total of 35 sheep [outbreak 1] and 190 small ruminants (175 sheep and 15 goats) [outbreak 2] were fed poultry litter. First clinical signs of poisoning started after two months of litter consumption. Main clinical signs were apathy, jaundice, hepatomegaly, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dark urine. Clinical evolution varied between one and eight days. Laboratorial findings in ill animals consisted of anemia, highly increased serum AST and GGT activities and urea and creatinine levels; whilst in the non symptomatic sheep and one goat revealed high and light GGT increase, respectively. Poultry litter analysis revealed levels of 449, 2610, 414 and 333 mg/kg of [...](AU)

Chronic copper toxicity in sheep fed grape marc / Intoxicação crônica por cobre em ovinos alimentados com bagaço de uva

Background: Sheep are very sensitive to excess copper, and therefore, cases of poisoning are frequently seen in this species. The chronic form of poisoning is the most often reported in this species, and is characterized by a subclinical stage, in which copper accumulates in the liver for weeks or even months, and an acute phase, which progresses with the release of hepatic copper in the bloodstream, culminating in intravascular hemolysis, anemia, jaundice and hemoglobinuria. The aim of this paper is to describe an outbreak of chronic copper poisoning in Texel sheep, fed grape marc. Case: A visit to a farm located in Westfalia, Rio Grande do Sul was performed in order to investigate the cause of the death of 15 Texel sheep of different ages, out of a flock of 75 animals, in the interval of one month. The sheep were fed on grape marc, native grass and corn bran. Clinical signs of hemoglobinuria and apathy were recorded in the affected sheep. Two sheep were necropsied (Sheep 1 and 2), and fragments of tissues were collected in 10% formalin solution and processed in routine histological techniques. The slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin technique, and additionally, the liver slides were stained with rubeanic acid and Prussian blue. Fragments of the liver of the sheep submitted to necropsy, as well as samples of grape marc that the sheep were consuming were taken to...(AU)

Chronic copper toxicity in sheep fed grape marc / Intoxicação crônica por cobre em ovinos alimentados com bagaço de uva

Background: Sheep are very sensitive to excess copper, and therefore, cases of poisoning are frequently seen in this species. The chronic form of poisoning is the most often reported in this species, and is characterized by a subclinical stage, in which copper accumulates in the liver for weeks or even months, and an acute phase, which progresses with the release of hepatic copper in the bloodstream, culminating in intravascular hemolysis, anemia, jaundice and hemoglobinuria. The aim of this paper is to describe an outbreak of chronic copper poisoning in Texel sheep, fed grape marc. Case: A visit to a farm located in Westfalia, Rio Grande do Sul was performed in order to investigate the cause of the death of 15 Texel sheep of different ages, out of a flock of 75 animals, in the interval of one month. The sheep were fed on grape marc, native grass and corn bran. Clinical signs of hemoglobinuria and apathy were recorded in the affected sheep. Two sheep were necropsied (Sheep 1 and 2), and fragments of tissues were collected in 10% formalin solution and processed in routine histological techniques. The slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin technique, and additionally, the liver slides were stained with rubeanic acid and Prussian blue. Fragments of the liver of the sheep submitted to necropsy, as well as samples of grape marc that the sheep were consuming were taken to...

Growth of tropical tree species and absorption of copper in soil artificially contaminated / Crescimento de espécies arbóreas tropicais e absorção de cobre em solo artificialmente contaminado

Reclamation of copper contaminated sites using forest species may be an efficient alternative to reduce the negative impact. The aim of this study was to quantify the growth and evaluate the quality of seedlings of native species at different doses of copper in the soil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with seven replications in a factorial arrangement (3×9), using three indigenous species of plants (Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Mimosa scabrella and Apuleia leiocarpa) and nine doses of copper in the soil (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420 and 480 mg kg–1).The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse which the seedlings were grown for 180 days. The experimental units were plastic pots of 125 cm3 filled with Oxisol. The results indicated that the levels of copper applied to the soil decreased the quality of seedlings and growth of Apuleia leiocarpato a lesser extent compared with Mimosa scabrella and Anadenanthera macrocarpa. Anadenanthera macrocarpa was the forest species that resulted in the lowest copper translocation from roots to shoots. In addition, the Apuleia leiocarpa exhibited high resistance and tolerance for copper in the soil and also, it is highlighted an ability for copper phytoremediation.(AU)

A recuperação de áreas contaminadas com cobre utilizando espécies florestais pode ser uma alternativa eficiente para reduzir o impacto negativo deste elemento nestas áreas. O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar o crescimento e avaliar a qualidade de mudas de espécies nativas em diferentes doses de cobre no solo. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com sete repetições, em um esquema fatorial (3×9), utilizando-se três espécies nativas de plantas (Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Mimosa scabrella e Apuleia leiocarpa) e nove doses de cobre no solo (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420 e 480 mg kg–1). O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, onde as plantas foram cultivadas por 180 dias. As unidades experimentais foram vasos de plástico de 125 cm3, preenchidos com Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. Os resultados indicaram que o nível de cobre aplicado ao solo reduziu a qualidade de plântulas e crescimento de Apuleia leiocarpa para um menor grau comparado com bracatinga e angico. Anadenanthera macrocarpa foi a espécie florestal que apresentou menor translocação de cobre a parte aérea das mudas. Além disso, a Apuleia leiocarpa exibiu elevada tolerância para o cobre no solo e também destaca-se mostrando uma capacidade para fitoremediação de áreas contaminadas com cobre.(AU)

Bioestimulação micorrízica com óleo essencial em mudas de Enterolobium contorsiliquum e Bauhinia forficata em solo contaminado com cobre / Mycorrhizal bioestimulation with essential oil on Enterolobium contorsiliquum and Bauhinia forficata seedlings in soil contaminated with copper

O uso de espécies arbóreas nativas inoculadas com fungo ectomicorrízico pode ser uma alternativa para revegetação de solo contaminado com cobre. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a interferência do óleo essencial de eucalipto, cobre e ectomicorriza na qualidade de mudas de timbaúva-preta (Enterolobium contorsiliquum) e pata-de-vaca (Bauhinia forficata). O trabalho foi conduzido em casa de vegetação por 120 dias, usando como substrato a camada de 0 20 cm de um Latossolo Vermelho com textura argilosa. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial (2 x 2 x 2), sendo com e sem inoculante ectomicorrízico, óleo essencial e adição de 150 mg kg-1 de cobre no solo. Avaliou-se a altura da planta, diâmetro de colo, massa seca da parte aérea, das raízes e total, comprimento e área superficial específica radicular e a qualidade das mudas pelas relações entre: altura da parte aérea e diâmetro do colo, altura da parte aérea e massa seca da parte aérea e pelo índice de qualidade de Dickson. A formação da ectomicorriza foi identificada pela visualização de estruturas fúngicas na morfologia externa e interna do sistema radicular. A adição de cobre reduziu o diâmetro do colo e massa seca da parte aérea das mudas de pata-de-vaca independente da adição de inoculante e óleo. Não houve formação de ectomicorriza, mesmo quando aplicado óleo essencial nas mudas da timbaúva-preta e pata-de-vaca. O crescimento das mudas da timbaúva-preta é estimulado pela adição de 150 mg kg-1 de cobre e apresenta maior índice de qualidade de mudas em relação a pata-de-vaca.(AU)

The use of native tree species inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungus can be an alternative for revegetation of soil contaminated with copper. The objective was to evaluate the interference of eucalyptus essential oil copper and ectomycorrhiza on growth and quality of seedlings timbaúva-preta (Enterolobium contorsiliquum) and pata-de-vaca (Bauhinia forficata). The study was conducted in greenhouse for 120 days using as substrate the layer of 0-20 cm of a Red Oxisol with very clayey texture. The experimental design was completely randomized factorial (2 x 2 x 2), and with and without inoculant ectomycorrhizal essential oil and addition of 150 mg kg-1 of copper in the soil . Was evaluated the plant height, stem diameter, dry mass of shoots, roots and total length and specific surface area and root seedling quality of relations between: shoot height and stem diameter, shoot height and dry mass of shoots and the quality index of Dickson. The formation of ectomycorrhiza was identified by visualization of fungal structures and surface morphology internal and external morphology of the root system. Addition of copper reduced de stems diameter and dry mass of de aerial part of the pata-de-vaca seedlings regardless of the addition of inoculant and oil. There was no formation of ectomycorrhiza, even when applied in the essential oil of seedlings timbaúva-preta and pata-de-vaca. Growth of timbaúva-preta seedlings is stimulated by the addition of 150 mg kg 1 of copper and has a higher rate of seedling quality in relation to pata-de-vaca.(AU)

Acute copper toxicity in juvenile fat snook Centropomus parallelus (Teleostei: Centropomidae) in sea water

Three experiments were designed to assess the accumulation and acute toxicity of copper (Cu) in juvenile fat snook Centropomus parallelus. The first experiment was performed to determine the 96-h lethal concentration (LC50) of Cu. The second experiment was designed to assess the effects of sublethal concentrations of Cu (0.47 and 0.94 mg/L), while the third one allowed us to test the recovery capacity of fish exposed to the sublethal concentrations Cu and kept in sea water without Cu addition. The LC50 value for Cu was found to be 1.88 mg/L Cu. Fish exposed to the sublethal concentrations of Cu showed a significant accumulation of Cu in gills at 96 h respect to the control ones (0.43 µg/g Cu). No significant difference was observed in the accumulation of Cu in gills between fish exposed to 0.47 mg/L (1.09 µg/g Cu) and 0.94 mg/L (1.26 µg/g Cu). Exposure (24 and 96 h) to the sublethal concentrations of Cu tested induced DNA damage in the erythrocytes. The results show that acute exposure to sublethal concentrations induces Cu accumulation and DNA damage in fish, these effects being recovered after 240 h in sea water without Cu addition.(AU)

Três experimentos foram realizados para avaliar o acúmulo e toxicidade aguda do cobre (Cu) em juvenis de robalo-peva Centropomus parallelus. O primeiro experimento foi realizado para determinar a concentração letal (96h-CL50) de Cu. O segundo experimento foi realizado para avaliar os efeitos de concentrações subletais de Cu (0,47 e 0,94 mg/L), enquanto o terceiro permitiu testar a capacidade de recuperação dos peixes expostos a concentrações subletais do Cu e posteriormente mantidos em água do mar sem acréscimo de Cu. O valor de LC50 encontrado para o Cu foi de 1,88 mg/L. Os peixes expostos as concentrações subletais de Cu mostraram um acúmulo significativo nas brânquias em relação ao controle em 96 h de exposição (0,43 µg/g Cu). Nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada entre os peixes expostos a 0,47 mg/L de Cu (1,09 µg/g) e 0,94 mg/L de Cu (1,26 µg/g). A exposição (24 e 96 h) para as concentrações subletais de Cu induziram danos no DNA. Os resultados mostram que a exposição aguda a concentrações subletais induz o acúmulo de Cu e danos ao DNA nas brânquias dos peixes, onde estes efeitos são recuperados após 240 h em água do mar sem adição de Cu.(AU)

Antimicrobial activity of copper (ii) complex with 1, 2-bis [(1, 3-diphenylpyrazol-4-yl)methyl] diaminoethane

Background: Multi-resistant strains multiply daily, populate farms, hospitals and other ecological niches around the world, and cause serious infections in animals and humans, often leading to a fatal outcome. Researchers of all profiles are investigating intensively to find new substances with antimicrobial activity. In the period between 1981 and 2002, 163 new chemical compounds were approved for use as drugs. Synthesized compounds have become much more interesting than the natural ones in the production of new antimicrobial agents. Some of these synthesized compounds are Copper (II) complex. The antimicrobial properties of copper were known in ancient Egypt (2000 BC), where it was used to sterilize water and wounds. Copper is still interesting for today's research. Materials, Methods & Results: Antimicrobial activity was tested using a microdilution method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The percentage of surviving bacteria was calculated in comparison to the number of bacteria placed in each well. Based on these results, using the Excel software package from Microsoft Office 2007, graphs were generated that showed the percentage of surviving bacteria depending on the corresponding effective concentrations of the tested substance. The function, which was used to approximate the experimental results, was determined using the Power Trendline supplement from the Microsoft Excel program. Cytotoxicity (growth inhibition) was evaluated by tetrazolium colorimetric MTT assay, after exposure of cells to the tested compound for 48 h. Inhibition of growth was expressed as a percentage of cytotoxicity and calculated according to the following equation: (1-A test/A control) x 100. MBC99.9 and MIC99 of the test substance were lowest for Arcanobacterium haemolyticum being 0.2 mg/L and 0.0054 mg/L, respectively. The highest values were obtained for Arcanobacterium pyogenes and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 488.002 mg/L and 20.2 mg/L. MIC80 for all four strains ranged from 0.00002 to 0.0023 mg/L. Measured values for MIC99 are 0.00545 mg/L for A. haemolyticum, 0.0443199 mg/L for R. equi, 0.0520712 mg/L for S. aureus and 2.36378 mg/L for A. pyogenes. Values for MIC99.9 ranged from 0.236134 to 488,002 mg/L. Most of the MIC values obtained in this study are significantly lower than those reported by other researchers. The values we obtained were lower as compared to MIC values for standard antibiotics, which were considered acceptable by the relevant institutions. This speaks in favor of a stronger antibacterial effect of our tested substances. In regards to cytotoxicity, the obtained MIC80 doses were lower than toxic, whereas MIC90 could be classified as low-toxic (less than 0.0625 µM), except of Arcanobacterium pyogenes only. According to the IC50 values, the compound Cu (L) Br2·MeOH was 6.4-fold and 4.8-fold more potent against HCT116 cells compared to normal lung fi broblasts and SW620 cells, respectively. Discussion: Copper (II) complex with an arylpyrazole ligand exhibits strong antibacterial properties, and it shows bacteriostatic effect at concentrations where there is no cytotoxic effect in normal human cells. The emergence of multi-resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria is a growing problem worldwide. Therefore, each new compound with potential antimicrobial activity, especially if it is not cytotoxic in effective dosage, deserves the attention of the scientific community. In this paper, we presented a newly synthesized substance with such properties.

Clinical observations and acid-base imbalances in sheep during chronic copper poisoning / Avaliação clínica e hemogasométrica de ovinos com intoxicação cúprica acumulativa

Twelve male sheep were intoxicated with copper and four served as controls. When hemoglobinuria was first diagnosed, the poisoned sheep were randomly distributed into two groups: 4 untreated and 8 tetratiomolybdate-treated. Blood samples and clinical evaluation were performed daily, from the onset of poisoning until the 30th day. Analysis of packed cell volume, plasma free hemoglobin, and blood gas were made. Elevated heart rates and rectal temperature, and reduced respiratory and ruminal movement rates were recorded in the intoxicated group. The poisoned sheep developed mild alkalosis caused by bicarbonate retention, while a short-periodic increase of pCO2 occurred to compensate the ongoing alkalosis. Elevated degree of anemia was directly proportional to heart rate, while high degree of alkalosis was inversely proportional to respiratory rate. Further, there was an elevated positive relationship between plasma free hemoglobin and rectal temperature, and an increase in rectal temperature accompanied a reduced ruminal movement.

Foram utilizados 16 cordeiros, sendo 12 submetidos à intoxicação cúprica e quatro animais controle. Quando foi verificada a presença de hemoglobinúria, os animais intoxicados foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em dois grupos, quatro animais não tratados e oito animais tratados com tetratiomolybidato de amônia. Foi realizado exame clínico e coleta de sangue diariamente desde o início da intoxicação até 30 dias após. Foram analisados o volume globular, concentração de hemoglobina plasmática e avaliação hemogasométrica. Nos animais intoxicados, foi observado elevação da freqüência cardíaca e da temperatura retal e redução da freqüência respiratória e dos movimentos ruminais. Os ovinos intoxicados desenvolveram alcalose moderada causada por retenção de bicarbonato seguido de um aumento pontual da pCO2 para compensar a alcalose em curso. Quanto maior o grau de anemia foi maior a freqüência cardíaca, enquanto que quanto maior o grau de alcalose menor a freqüência respiratória. Houve uma relação positiva entre a elevação da hemoglobina plasmática livre e a temperatura retal, e quanto maior a temperatura retal menor a freqüência de movimentos ruminais.

Water quality of springs and wells in properties located in rural and peri-urban areas from Botucatu region, SP, Brazil / Qualidade da água de nascentes e poços em propriedades situadas nas áreas peri-urbana e rural da região de Botucatu, SP, Brasil / CALIDAD DEL AGUA DE NACIENTES Y POZOS EN PROPIEDADES LOCALIZADAS EN LAS ÁREAS PERI-URBANA Y RURAL DE LA REGIÓN DE BOTUCATU, SP, BRASIL

A água constitui elemento essencial à vida vegetal e animal, sendo também um dos mais importantes veículos de enfermidades diarréicas de natureza infecciosa. Neste trabalho, a qualidade da água de 28 fontes de água, 22 poços e seis minas, foi analisada quanto ao uso em relação a percepção da importância da qualidade da água pelo proprietário quanto à saúde pública, objetivando determinar o grau de exposição das populações de risco estudadas. Colheram-se três amostras de cada fonte, em semanas consecutivas. As amostras foram analisadas para coliformes totais e termotolerantes (fecais), e análises de contaminação com cobre, fosfato e organoclorado. Foram ainda realizadas entrevistas aos proprietários sobre tipo de tratamento, e se as amostras já haviam sido analisadas. 50% dos proprietários não faziam nenhum tipo de tratamento da água antes do seu uso; 75% tinham pouca noção sobre qualidade da água e 86% não tinham conhecimento de doenças de veiculação hídrica; 46% das fontes eram usadas para uso doméstico, para dessedentação humana e animal, e irrigação. Os resultados revelaram contaminação por coliformes totais em 93% e de coliformes termotolerantes em 82% das fontes de água, associado à presença de cor e odor na água. Não foram detectados cobre e organoclorado nas amostras; contudo, 53,6% das fontes estavam contaminadas com fosfatos, associada à presença de sujeira. Deste modo, as amostras de água utilizada nas propriedades foram consideradas impróprias para consumo e um importante fator de risco à saúde pública.(AU)

Water is an essential element to vegetal and animal life, and one of the most important vehicles of infectious diarrheal diseases. In this paper, the quality of water of 22 wells and six springs were analyzed in relation to its use, and in terms of the owner perception of the public health importance of water quality, aiming to determine the exposition level of the populations of risk studied. Three samples were collected from each water source for consecutive weeks. Samples were analyzed for total and thermotolerant (fecal) coliform bacteria, as well as for contamination with copper, phosphate and organochlorine content. Owners were interviewed in order to determine the type of treatment, and if samples have ever been collected and the water analyzed: 50% of the owners did not treat the water before use; 75% had little information about water quality and 86% did not know any waterborne diseases; as for use, 46% of the sources of water were for domestic use, irrigation and used as livestock / human drinking water. Results showed total coliform bacteria in 93% and thermotolerant coliform bacteria in 82% of water sources, associated with color and odor problems in the water. Copper and organochlorine were not detected; however, 53.6% of the water sources were contaminated with phosphates associated with the presence of particles. Water samples analyzed were considered to be unsafe for consumption and may pose an important public health risk.(AU)

El agua es un elemento esencial para la vida vegetal y animal, siendo también uno de los vehículos más importantes de enfermedades diarreicas de naturaleza infecciosa. En este trabajo, la calidad del agua de 28 fuentes de agua, 22 pozos y seis resortes, fue analizada cuanto al uso en relación a la percepción de la importancia de la calidad del agua por elpropietario cuanto a la salud pública, objetivando determinar el grado de exposición de las poblaciones de riesgo estudiadas. Tres muestras de cada fuente fueron cosechadas en semanas consecutivas. Las muestras fueron analizadas para coliformes totales y termotolerantes (fecales), y análisis de contaminación con cobre, fosfato y organoclorado. Aún entrevistas fueron realizadas a los propietarios sobre el tipo de tratamiento, y si las muestras ya habían sido analizadas. 50% de los propietarios no hacían algún tipo de tratamiento del agua antes de usar la misma; 75% tenían poco conocimiento a respecto de la calidad del agua y 86% no tenían conocimiento de enfermedades de vehiculación hídrica; 46% de las fuentes eran usadas para el uso doméstico, para consumo humano y animal, y irrigación. Los resultados revelaron contaminación por coliformes totales en 93% y de coliformes termotolerantes en 82% de las fuentes de agua, asociado a la presencia de color y olor en el agua. No se detectaron cobre y organoclorados en las muestras; pero, 53,6% de las fuentes estaban contaminadas con fosfatos, asociada a la presencia de suciedades. Por lo tanto, las muestras de agua utilizadas en las propiedades fueron consideradas incorrectas para el consumo y un importante factor de riesgo para la salud pública. (AU)

Intoxicação crônica por cobre em ovelhas pastoreadas em pomar de videiras adubado com cama aviária / Chronic copper poisoning in sheep grazed under grape orchard fertilise with poultry litter

No presente trabalho é relatado caso de intoxicação crônica por cobre (ICC) ocorridos em rebanho ovino pastoreados em pomar de videiras, na serra Gaúcha; suplementados com bagaço de uva e concentrado. O pomar era aspergido anualmente com solução de sulfato de cobre a 2% e teve seu solo adubado com cama aviária. Os ovinos mostraram andar cambaleante, icterícia intensa das mucosas e urina escura, dos quais foram a óbito oito animais, correspondendo a 57% do total do rebanho. Os sinais clínicos e lesões histológicas foram características da ICC. A dosagem de Aspartato Aminotrasferase (AST) no soro dos seis ovinos remanescentes variou de 48,8 a 403,3 UI/L. O nível de cobre encontrado na cama aviária, bagaço de uva, pastagem e concentrado foram de 637, 158, 86 e 18 mg/kg respectivamente. Conclui-se que os óbitos ocorreram devido ao alto nível de cobre encontrado na pastagem, bagaço de uva e concentrado administrado aos animais. Sugere-se também, o risco de dano ambiental no uso de cama aviária na adubação de pastagem, assim como a inadequação da alimentação de ovinos com bagaço de uva.(AU)

This work describe dead due to chronic copper poisoning (CCP) that occurred in a flock of sheep grazed under grape orchard, located at the hilly area of southern Brazil; supplemented with concentrate and crushing grapes husks. The orchard was annually sprayed with 2 per cent copper sulphate and the ground fertilised with poultry litter. The sheep showed depression, jaundice and hemoglobinuria. Fourteen sheep died, representing 57 per cent of the flock. The clinical sign, necropsy and microscopic findings were typical of CCP. The serum level of aspartate aminotrasferase (AST) of remain six sheep, varied from 48.8 to 403.3 IU/L. The cooper level found in the poultry litter, crushing grapes husks, grass and concentrate were 637, 158, 86 and 18 mg/kg, respectively. It is concluded that the sheep losses occurred due to the high level of copper found in the pasture, crushing grapes husks and concentrate fed to the animals. It is also suggested, the environmental risk of poultry litter as fertiliser of sheep pasture as well as the use of crushing grapes husks as sheep supplemental feeding.(AU)