Efficacy of copper sulphate on candida albicans on heat-polymerized acrylic resin / Eficacia del sulfato de cobre sobre candida albicans en resinas acrílicas de termocurado

The ageing of population is increasing, and a great percentage of these patients wear removable prostheses, and can suffer denture stomatitis, a condition that has been associated with candidiasis. Aims: To evaluate in vitro the effectiveness of Copper Sulfate against Candida albicans in samples of heat-polymerized acrylic resin, compared to nystatin, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine. Materials and Methods: Initially, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of copper sulfate for Candida albicans was determined by microdilution. Then, 54 resin samples were divided into 6 treatment groups corresponding to Nystatin 100.000 UI, Sodium Hypochlorite 0.5%, chlorhexidine 0.12%, Copper Sulfate 4.7µg/ml, Copper Sulfate 9.4µg/ml and physiological saline solution, in which samples were submerged for 6 hours. Resin samples were then washed and cultured on solid media at 37°C for 72 hours. The number of colony-forming units was determined using a Quebec colony counter. The statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Copper sulfate at a concentration of 9.4µg/ml presented a similar effectiveness as the other control products regarding the reduction in the number of colonies of Candida albicans post-treatment. Conclusion: The effectiveness of copper sulfate against Candida albicans on acrylic resin was similar to that of nystatin, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine.

En las últimas décadas se ha observado un aumento de la población de adultos mayores, de los cuales un gran porcentaje es portador de prótesis removible, y dos tercios pueden sufrir estomatitis subprotésica, enfermedad que es asociada a infecciones como candidiasis. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad antimicótica in vitro del sulfato de cobre en placas de resinas acrílicas de termocurado inoculadas con Candida albicans, frente a Nistatina, Hipoclorito de Sodio y Clorhexidina. Material y Métodos: Inicialmente, y mediante microdilución del sulfato de cobre, se determinó la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) para Candida albicans. En la fase experimental, 54 muestras de resina se dividieron en 6 grupos correspondientes a Nistatina 100.000 UI, Hipoclorito 0.5%, Clorhexidina 0.12%, Sulfato de Cu 4.7µg/ml, Sufato de Cu 9.4 µg/ml y suero fisiológico. Las muestras fueron sumergidas en estos agentes por 6 horas, para posteriormente ser lavadas y cultivada en medios solidos a 37°C por 72 horas. Luego se realizó el conteo de unidades formadoras de colonias mediante contador tipo Quebec. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis y la prueba U de Mann-Whitney. Resultado: El sulfato de cobre a una concentración de 9.4µg/ ml presentó una efectividad similar a los otros productos, en la reducción de colonias de Candida albicans. Conclusión: La efectividad del sulfato de cobre contra Candida albicans fue semejante a la de Nistatina, Hipoclorito y Clorhexidina.

Ex vivo effect of copper sulfate on Enterococcus faecalis in root canals / Efecto ex vivo del sulfato de cobre sobre Enterococcus faecalis en canales radiculares

The incomplete disinfection of root canal system has been reported as the main cause of post-treatment disease, due to the persistence of bacteria. For over thirty years Enterococcus faecalis has been considered the most common bacterial species isolated from persistent root canal infections, resisting antibacterial agents, such as chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide. Several studies have indicated that copper has optimal disinfecting capacities in a hospital environment. Aimed to know the ex vivo effect of copper sulfate (CuSO4) on E. faecalis. Thirty-six extracted human tooth root canals were inoculated with E. faecalis ATCC 29212. These root canals had undergone endondontic procedures with a rotatory system. The effect of CuSO4 was determined by plate count method of E. faecalis obtained from one sample of each tooth under three incubation times (4th, 7th and 10th day). The canals medicated with CuSO4, the bacterial count decreased 6 log after 4 days and remained as such without statistically significant change until the tenth day. It is an indisputable fact of its antibacterial action. The bacterial persistence may be due to the ability of E. faecalis to remain viable in root canals up to 12 months without additional nutrients. These preliminary results couldbe used for further scientific work assessing the potential for the use of cooper in dentistry.

La desinfección incompleta del sistema de canales radiculares ha sido reportada como la principal causa de infección post tratamiento, debido a la persistencia bacteriana. Por más de 30 años, Enterococcus faecalis se ha considerado una de las especies bacterianas más comunes aisladas de infecciones persistentes del canal radicular, resistiendo a agentes antibacterianos, como clorhexidina e hidróxido de calcio. Varios estudios han indicado que el cobre tiene una capacidad de desinfección óptima en un entorno hospitalario. Con el objetivo de conocer el efecto ex vivo de sulfato de cobre (CuSO4) sobre E. faecalis. Treinta y seis canales radiculares de dientes humanos extraídos fueron inoculados con E. faecalis ATCC 29212. Estos canales radiculares fueron previamente sometidos a instrumentación con un sistema de rotación. El efecto de CuSO4 se determinó por el método de recuento en placa de E. faecalis a partir de una muestra de cada diente en tres tiempos de incubación (4, 7 y 10 días). En los canales medicados con CuSO4, el recuento de bacterias se redujo 6 log después de 4 días y se mantuvo como tal sin cambio estadísticamente significativo hasta el día 10. Esto demuestra su poder antibacteriano. La persistencia bacteriana pudo ser deberse a la capacidad de E. faecalis para seguir siendo viable en canales hasta 12 meses sin nutrientes adicionales. Estos resultados preliminares podrían ser utilizados para otros trabajos científicos que evaluen el potencial uso de cobre en odontología.

2000 CDC or 2007 WHO – What is the most sensitive anthropometric reference for determination of overweight and cardio-metabolic risk in children aged 6–10 years?

Objective To compare the two anthropometric standards for screening of overweight and cardio-metabolic risk in 6–10-year-old children.Subjects and methods This cross-sectional study included 175 subjects attending the Referral Center for the Treatment of Children and Adolescents in Campos, Rio de Janeiro. They were classified according to CDC and WHO BMI z scores as normal-weight (z-score > –1 and < 1), overweight (z-score ≥ 1 and < 2) or obese (z-score ≥ 2). Sensitivities and specificities in predicting systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) alterations were calculated.Results There was a major difference in 11 children who rated overweight by the CDC but were reclassified as obese by the WHO. Their mean z-scores for SBP (1.71 ± 1.54), DBP (2.64 ± 1.83) and HOMA-IR (1.84 ± 0.98) were higher than those classified as overweight by both references (SBP = 0.49 ± 1.34, p < 0.023, DBP = 1.45 ± 0.97, p < 0.04 and HOMA = 1.24 ± 0.67, p < 0.04), but were similar to those classified as obese by both criteria (SBP = 1.25 ± 2.04, p = 0.60, DBP = 1.94 ± 1.19, p = 0.50 and HOMA = 2.09 ± 1.12, p = 0.76).Conclusion the 2007 WHO reference was the most sensitive in screening for overweight and alterations in blood pressure and HOMA-IR in 6–10-year-old children. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(3):220-5.

Chloroplast ultra structure, photosynthesis and enzyme activities in regenerated plants of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni as influenced by copper sulphate in the medium.

Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni is an important medicinal plant used as noncaloric commercial sweetener. Plants regenerated with higher levels of copper sulphate in the medium exhibited enhanced activity of peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) enzymes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed increase in size and number of electron dense inclusions in the chloroplasts of plants regenerated at optimised level of copper sulphate (0.5µM) in the medium. There was decrease in chlorogenic acid (CGA) content. Chl-a-fluorescence transient pattern (OJIP) showed that the photosynthesis process was more efficient at 0.5µM CuSO4 in the medium. 

Antimicrobial evaluation of copper sulfate (II) on strains of Enterococcus faecalis: in vitro study / Evaluación antimicrobiana del sulfato de cobre (II) sobre cepas de Enterococcus faecalis: estudio in vitro

Introduction: Controlling Enterococcus faecalis is of vital importance in endodontics, as this pathogen is associated with endodontic failure. Experimental evidence has shown that copper has antibacterial activity against other pathogens with similar characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of copper (II) or cupric (SC-II) sulfate on strains of Enterococcus faecalis and to compare it with the most commonly used antimicrobials. Methodology: We used 33 strains of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from different clinical pictures in different Chilean hospitals. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of SC-II, chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide was determined by the broth microdilution technique, following the recommendations given by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results: The MIC for CHX varied in the range of 5-10 ug/ml; SC-II from 1.5 to 12 ug/ml, and HC was >32 mg/ml. The geometric mean of SCII was 6 ug/ml, lower than that of CHX, which was 7.29 ug/ml. Conclusions: SCII showed antimicrobial activity at lower concentrations than CHX. HC (which could have been affected by the buffer effect of the broth microdilution technique) showed high values, not comparable to other compounds. We suggest carrying out further studies on the properties of SC-II, such assessing its biocompatibility and reaction with other materials to be used clinically in endodontic therapy.

Introducción: El control de Enterococcus faecalis es de vital importancia en endodoncia, ya que este patógeno está asociado al fracaso endodóntico. Evidencias experimentales que han demostrado que el cobre presenta actividad antibacteriana en otros patógenos de similares características. El objetivo de este estudio es determinarla actividad antimicrobiana del sulfato de cobre (II) o cúprico (SC-II) sobre cepas de Enterococcus faecalis y compararla con los antimicrobianos más usados en la actualidad. Metodología: Estudio in vitro. Se utilizó la técnica de microdilución en caldo según lineamientos del Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, incluyendo 33 cepas de Enterococcus faecalis obtenidas desde hospitales chilenos, para cada una de las cuales se determinó las concentraciones mínimas inhibitorias (CMI) de: SC-II, Clorhexidina (CHX) e Hidróxido de calcio (HC). Resultados: La CMI para CHX tuvo un rango de 5-10 ug/ml, el SC-II de 1,5-12 mM y el HC fue >32 mg/ml. Estas diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas entre los 3 antimicrobianos utilizados (p<0,001).Conclusiones: El SC-II mostró actividad antimicrobiana a bajas concentraciones, superiores a CHX, pero menores a HC (que pudo ser afectado por el efecto tampón de la técnica de microdilución en caldo). Se sugiere seguir con los estudios de las propiedades del SC-II, como evaluación de biocompatibilidad y reacción con otros materiales para ser utilizados clínicamente en la terapia endodóntica.

Actividad de cobre sobre bacilos gramnegativos multi-resistentes aislados en hospitales chilenos / Copper activity against multiresistant Gram negative bacilli isolated from Chilean hospitals

Introduction: Multiresistant nosocomial pathogens, especially Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), are a serious problem for public health systems worldwide. Due to their antimicrobial properties, copper alloys have been suggested as an alternative for the control of bacterial burden in surfaces in hospital environment. However, antibiotic multiresistance and copper resistance could be associated in GNB, and there is evidence that both kind of resistance genes (antibiotic and copper) can be located on the same genetic structures. For this reason antibiotic-multiresistant strains could survive in the presence of copper, selecting for bacterial phenotypes resistant to both antibacterial agents. Aim: To evaluate antibacterial activity of copper against nosocomial extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) (+) and ESBL (-) GNB, and carbapenems resistant or susceptible strains. Material and Method: This study included 390 strains of GNB isolated from Chilean hospitals: Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant (CAR R) and susceptible (CAR S) to carbapenem antibiotics, and Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli producers and non-producers of ESBL. Susceptibility levels to cupric sulphate were determined by agar dilution method and statistical analysis were used to determine the significance of the differences in the copper tolerance levels between the strains groups. Results: Statistically superior copper tolerance levels were found in the CAR R and ESBL producing strains of A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae, in relation with the CAR S and ESBL not-producing strains. Conclusion: A relation between a diminished susceptibility to ionic copper and to recent generation antimicrobial agents was observed in K. pneumoniae y A. baumannii strains.

Introducción: Los patógenos intrahospitalarios multi-resistentes constituyen un grave problema mundial de salud pública, especialmente los bacilos gramnegativos (BGN). El uso de cobre como antimicrobiano de superficie en hospitales se postula como una alternativa para el control de microorganismos en estos ambientes. Sin embargo, la multi-resistencia a antimicrobianos en BGN hospitalarios puede asociarse con la tolerancia a cobre, ya que existe evidencia que genes que codifican tolerancia a este metal pueden encontrarse en elementos genéticos que confieren resistencia a antimicrobianos. Por esta razón, cepas multi-resistentes a antimicrobianos podrían sobrevivir en presencia de cobre, seleccionando bacterias resistentes a ambos agentes antibacterianos. Objetivo: Investigar la actividad de cobre sobre BGN hospitalarios productores y no productores de β-lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE), y resistentes o susceptibles a antimicrobianos carbapenémicos. Material y Métodos: Se estudió 390 cepas de BGN aisladas en hospitales chilenos: Acinetobacter baumannii y Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistentes (CAR R) y susceptibles (CAR S) a carbapenémicos y Klebsiella pneumoniae y Escherichia coli productoras y no productoras de BLEE. Se investigó los niveles de susceptibilidad a sulfato cúprico, mediante dilución seriada en agar y se evaluó la significancia estadística de la diferencia de estos niveles entre los distintos grupos de cepas. Resultados: Se encontraron niveles de tolerancia a cobre superiores en cepas de A. baumannii y K. pneumoniae, CAR R y productoras de BLEE respectivamente, con respecto a sus pares CAR S y no productoras de BLEE. Conclusión: Observamos una relación entre la disminución de la susceptibilidad a cobre iónico y a antimicrobianos de última generación en K. pneumoniae y A. baumannii.

Effects of olive leaves extract on LDL oxidation induced-CUSO[4] in vitro

Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein [LDL] has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The use of some natural antioxidant and herbal medicine may lead to the inhibition of production of oxidized LDL and may decrease both the development and the progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Olive leaves ethanol extract [OLE] on LDL oxidation induced-CuSO[4] quantitatively in vitro. Low-density lipoprotein was incubated with CuSO[4] and the formation of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS]. Inhibition of this Cu-induced oxidation was studied in the presence of vitamin E and various concentration of OLE. It was demonstrated that OLE reduced the formation of conjugated dienes and TBARS of LDL against oxidation in vitro [P<0.05]. The inhibitory effects of the OLE on LDL oxidation were dose-dependent at concentrations ranging from [2microg/ml] to [200microg/ml]. Moreover, we compared effects of OLE on LDL oxidation with vitamin E as positive control. This study showed that OLE is a source of potent antioxidants and prevented the oxidation of LDL in vitro and it may be suitable for use in food and pharmaceutical applications

Biochemical responses of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze to heavy metal stress.

Three heavy metals-mercury (II), copper (II) and nickel (II), each at a concentration of 10 and 100 micrograms/ml, were tested for their effects on various biochemical constituents of tea leaves. Both NI (II) and Hg (II) decreased the phenolic contents, while Cu (II) increased it to some extent. The metal treatments enhanced the activity of phenyl alanine ammonia lyase (PAL), while the activity of poly phenol oxidase (PPO) showed a decline. Heavy metal stress also decreased the chlorophyll content of the leaves, along with a significant reduction in Hill activity. Proline content increased significantly in all treatments.

Pertubacion quimica sobre la estructura del fitoplancton en un estanque artificial (Guaicaipuro, Edo. Miranda, Venezuela) / Chemical disturbance of the Phytoplankton structure in an artificial pond (Guaicaipuru, Edo. Miranda, Venezuela)

Cuando un ecosistema sufre una perturbación externa, éste se revierte a un estado sucesional temprano, caracterizado por cambios en la función y estructura de la comunidad, pudiéndose anticipar las respuestas del ecosistema ante un estrés. Los propósitos fundamentales del trabajo fueron cuantificar el efecto de una pertubación por un compuesto químico (Sulfato de Cobre, a 100 mug L(-1) granulado, al 93 por ciento, de la casa Proquim) en la comunidad del fitoplancton en un estanque ubicado en Guaicaipuro, Edo. Miranda (Venezuela), y comparar la composición y diversidad de la misma antes y después de la aplicación. Así mismo, comprobar la hipótesis planteada por Odum sobre la respuesta de la comunidad al estrés químico. El químico se aplicó en diferentes puntos al azar para aseguar que se distribuyera en forma homogénea en el estanque. Una sola aplicación del químico se realizó 6 horas después de la toma de la primera muestra. Se realizaron mediciones de oxígeno disuelto en la superfície y fondo. Para la estimación del fitoplancton se tomaron muestras de agua nterdiaria en forma directa en 5 puntos al azar, hasta completar 2 litros, durante 30 días, al comienzo del período de lluvia, entre los meses de junio y julio de 1994. El oxígeno disuelto varió con un máximo en la superfície de 9,3 mg O2/L y un mínimo en el fondo de 2,3 mg O2/L. La riqueza de especies varió entre 4 y 18. El fitoplancton entre 7,1 x 10(4) y 7,8 x 10(6) cel/L. El índice de Diversidad entre 0,12 y 1,39. Los valores mínimos de oxígeno riqueza de especies y fitoplancton se observaron el quinto día después de agregar el químico. Antes de la aplicación, el fitoplancton estuvo dominado por algas filamentosas, principalmente por las Chlorophyta. Después del tratamiento se observó una disminución en la abundancia de individuos, del número de especies y un aumento de individuos de menor tamaño. Al séptimo día aparecieron en abundancia las Cyanobacteria del Orden de las Chroococcales, revirtiendo la comunidad a estados tempranos de una sucesión ecológica. Desde el noveno día, se observaron secuencias de abundancias en el siguiente orden: Chrysophyta, Pyrrophyta, Bacillariophyta y Euglenophyta, con un aumento en la riqueza de especies. Al final del período comenzaron a Aparecer las Chlorophyta filamentosas. Los resultados obtenidos sobre las tendencias del ecosistema ante un estrés químico, soportan las hipótesis de Odum.

Some biochemical changes in haemolysate of clarias lazera following exposure to copper sulphate application in a rice farm in sharkia covernorate

Reared Nile catfish, Clarias lazera [C. lazera], in a rice farm infested with rice scum and treated by copper sulphate [Cu So4] in concentration of 2.5 mg/l water slowed different biochemical deviations in their red blood cells [haemolysate]. This haemolysate presented significant decreases [p < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001] in mineral levels of calcium [Ca], inorganic phosphorus [P] und potassium [K] at 2[nd], 4[th], 6[th], 8[th] .and 10[th] days of exposure. Sodium [Na] levels were significantly increased at [P < 0.05 and P < 0.01] and levels of total protein and total lipids monitored no significant changes in haemolysate after the same periods of exposure to Cu So4. Plasma of the same fishes showed significant elevations [p < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001] in levels of [Ca], [P] and [Na], while [K] levels had significant declines [P < 0.01] at the same intervals of sampling. K/Na ratios in haemolysate and plasma of C. lazera were markedly decreased allover the period of treatment