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Selenium is an essential mineral for both humans and animals. Around 0.5-1 billion individuals globally suffer from selenium deficiency, which can result in a range of illnesses. Hence, the cultivation of selenium-enriched agricultural items can serve as a potent strategy to mitigate selenium deficiency. This study aimed to examine the effect of selenium on the quality, and phytochemical and mineral content of red currant (Red Lake) and jostaberry. The study was conducted in 2022 and 2023. Different doses of selenium (0, 4, and 8 mg·kg-1) were sprayed on the fruits three times with 10-days intervals starting from the first formation of the fruits after flowering. Upon completion of the study, various factors were assessed including cluster and berry properties, water-soluble dry matter content, pH levels, titratable acid content, ascorbic acid levels, antioxidant activity, and total phenolics content. The mineral composition of the fruit peel, pulp, and seed was also measured. In jostaberry, the highest values of cluster weight, cluster height, and 100-berry weight were obtained with 8 mg·kg-1 selenium application. As the selenium dosage increased, the levels of ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content increased, with the highest values determined to be 0.063 mg·mL-1, 63.23% DPPH, and 3752.22 mg·g-1, respectively, at 8 mg·kg-1. In the Red Lake variety, it has been determined that the 4 mg·kg-1 dose is effective in terms of cluster weight, cluster width, and cluster height attributes. The highest values for ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content were determined to be 0.029 mg·mL-1, 53.42% DPPH, and 3117.17 mg·g-1, respectively, at the 4 mg·kg-1 dose. The selenium content was found to be highest in the peel and pulp of jostaberry at 8 mg·kg-1, and in Red Lake, it was obtained at the 4 mg·kg-1 application. As a result, an 8 mg·kg-1 dose of selenium could be recommended for jostaberry, and a 4 mg·kg-1 dose could be recommended for Red Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biofortification of edible crops with selenium (Se) is a common and effective strategy to address inadequate Se intake, which is suffered by millions of people worldwide. However, there is little information regarding the effects of this practice on crops belonging to the important Brassica family. To evaluate the efficacy of foliar Se application on broccoli, four treatments with varying Se concentrations were tested: 0%, 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% (w/v), applied as sodium selenate during the early flowering stage. Although no overall effects on growth and biomass parameters were observed, the results indicate that the lowest Se dose (0.05-Se) was sufficient to notably increase Se concentration in the florets, even after boiling. Based on the increase to 14.2 mg Se kg−1 of dry matter in this broccoli fraction, it was estimated that consuming a 100-gram portion of boiled florets biofortified with 0.05% Se would provide approximately 140 µg of Se, which could be sufficient to potentially improve human selenium status, as previously documented. Moreover, the results obtained underscore how the application of this small dose was also adequate to reduce phytate concentration in the florets and to increase antioxidant and polyphenol concentrations, thereby improving the concentration and bioavailability of other essential nutrients, including Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn, along with improving its quality as an antioxidant food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the important sources of human selenium intake is vegetables, so increasing of selenium in edible parts of plants, biofortification, provides an effective approach to reduce selenium deficiency. Origanum vulgare L. is an important medicinal plant which is also used as a valuable spice. The present study was done to evaluate the ability of selenium accumulation of micropropagated O. vulgare under sodium selenate and/or salicylic acid treatment. Micropropagation of O. vulgare was done from shoot-tips as explants on modified Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium. After 1 month, rooted plantlets were transferred to modified Murashige & Skoog solidified medium containing sodium selenate (0, 25 and 50 µM) and/or salicylic acid (0 and 100 mgL−1). After 4 wk, growth, selenium accumulation, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress indicators were determined. The results showed that the plantlets were able to accumulate 16.1 µg g−1 DW and 28.27 µg g−1 DW selenium in shoots at 25 and 50 µM selenate sodium concentrations respectively. Both concentrations of selenium increased shoot dry weight, length of shoot and root, soluble sugars and total protein content, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity. On the contrary, malondialdehyde content decreased under selenium treatment. It was found that by increasing selenium concentration the content of total protein, H2O2 and antioxidant enzymes activity increased significantly. Application of salicylic acid in combination with selenium improved growth but did not affect on selenium accumulation. The obtained results can be considered as the first report of biofortification of O. vulgare under tissue culture technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hidden hunger for Se in the world population is well known. As a strategy to address this issue, this study aimed to biofortify onion (Allium cepa L.), since it is a condiment vegetable consumed by different economic classes and is widely used in the food industry. To this end, Se doses (0, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 g ha-1) and application forms (soil and foliar) were evaluated on the biofortification of the bulb and crop yield. The Se source was sodium selenate. Via soil, Se was applied together with NPK fertilizer in the pretransplantation of the seedlings. Via foliar application, Se was sprayed 77 d after seedlings were transplanted. The Se increased yield up to 99 g ha-1, which was 14.7% higher than the yield obtained in the crop not fertilized with Se. Foliar application of Se was more efficient than soil application in the biofortification of onion, although both were effective. With the dose that promoted the highest yield, the Se concentrations reached 0.487 and 0.317 mg Se kg-1 in onion dry mass, when the supply was made via foliar and soil applications, respectively. The increase in Se supply did not influence bulb quality, as demonstrated by the macro-and micronutrients content and pungency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Selenium (Se) deficiency, stemming from malnutrition in humans and animals, has the potential to disrupt many vital physiological processes, particularly those reliant on specific selenoproteins. Agronomic biofortification of crops through the application of Se-containing sprays provides an efficient method to enhance the Se content in the harvested biomass. An optimal candidate for systematic enrichment, guaranteeing a broad trophic impact, must meet several criteria: (i) efficient accumulation of Se without compromising crop yield, (ii) effective conversion of mineral Se fertilizer into usable organically bound Se forms (Seorg), (iii) acceptance of a Se-enriched crop as livestock feed, and (iv), interest from the food processing industry in utilization of Se-enriched outputs. Hence, priority should be given to high-protein leafy crops, such as soybean. Methods: A three-year study in the Czech Republic was conducted to investigate the response of field-grown soybean plants to foliar application of Na2SeO4 solutions (0, 15, 40, and 100 g/ha Se); measured outcomes included crop yield, Se distribution in aboveground biomass, and the chemical speciation of Se in seeds. Results and Discussion: Seed yield was unaffected by applied SeO4 2-, with Se content reaching levels as high as 16.2 mg/kg. The relationship between SeO4 2-dose and Se content in seeds followed a linear regression model. Notably, the soybeans demonstrated an impressive 73% average recovery of Se in seeds. Selenomethionine was identified as the predominant species of Se in enzymatic hydrolysates of soybean, constituting up to 95% of Seorg in seeds. Minor Se species, such as selenocystine, selenite, and selenate, were also detected. The timing of Se spraying influenced both plant SeO4 2- biotransformation and total content in seeds, emphasizing the critical importance of optimizing the biofortification protocol. Future research should explore the economic viability, long-term ecological sustainability, and the broad nutritional implications of incorporating Se-enriched soybeans into food for humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancement of the plant seed yield and quality represents the basis of the successful productivity of the deriving crop. The effect of single and combined foliar treatments of lettuce plants with sodium selenate and garlic bulb extract on seed yield and quality and on mature plant biochemical characteristics was investigated using four lettuce cultivars (Bouquet, Picnic, Moskovsky parnikovy and Cavalier). The seed production of plants treated with Se increased by 20–41%, compared to the untreated control plants, while the augmentation was as much as 10–23% and 17–27% under garlic extract and the joint application of Se and garlic, respectively. Garlic extract stimulated the accumulation of Se in lettuce seeds, which rose by 1.21–1.29 times compared to the Se-treated plants. The proline levels in lettuce seeds exceeded the corresponding values recorded in the control ones by 1.32–1.64 times in the case of the Se supply, 1.10–1.47 times upon garlic extract application and 1.09–1.31 times under the combined Se/garlic treatment. All the treatments given to lettuce plants increased the leaf weight by 1.10–1.30 times, compared to the untreated control. The seed Se levels positively correlated with the leaf weight (r = 0.621; p < 0.005), chlorophyll (r = 0.672, p < 0.002) and total antioxidant activity (AOA; r = 0.730, p < 0.001) of plants grown from these seeds. Positive correlations were also recorded between the seed proline content and lettuce plant leaf weight, chlorophyll and AOA (r = 0.868, 0.811 and 0.815, respectively, at p < 0.001). Lettuce yield was positively correlated with the leaf AOA, chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content (r = 0.942, 0.921 and 0.665, respectively, at p < 0.001). The results indicate high prospects of Na2SeO4 and garlic extract application to seed-addressed lettuce plants, to improve seed productivity and quality, as well as lettuce yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium is an essential mineral for both humans and animals. Around 0.5–1 billion individuals globally suffer from selenium deficiency, which can result in a range of illnesses. Hence, the cultivation of selenium-enriched agricultural items can serve as a potent strategy to mitigate selenium deficiency. This study aimed to examine the effect of selenium on the quality, and phytochemical and mineral content of red currant (Red Lake) and jostaberry. The study was conducted in 2022 and 2023. Different doses of selenium (0, 4, and 8 mg⋅kg−1) were sprayed on the fruits three times with 10-days intervals starting from the first formation of the fruits after flowering. Upon completion of the study, various factors were assessed including cluster and berry properties, water-soluble dry matter content, pH levels, titratable acid content, ascorbic acid levels, antioxidant activity, and total phenolics content. The mineral composition of the fruit peel, pulp, and seed was also measured. In jostaberry, the highest values of cluster weight, cluster height, and 100-berry weight were obtained with 8 mg⋅kg−1 selenium application. As the selenium dosage increased, the levels of ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content increased, with the highest values determined to be 0.063 mg⋅mL−1, 63.23% DPPH, and 3752.22 mg⋅g−1, respectively, at 8 mg⋅kg−1. In the Red Lake variety, it has been determined that the 4 mg⋅kg−1 dose is effective in terms of cluster weight, cluster width, and cluster height attributes. The highest values for ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content were determined to be 0.029 mg⋅mL−1, 53.42% DPPH, and 3117.17 mg⋅g−1, respectively, at the 4 mg⋅kg−1 dose. The selenium content was found to be highest in the peel and pulp of jostaberry at 8 mg⋅kg−1, and in Red Lake, it was obtained at the 4 mg⋅kg−1 application. As a result, an 8 mg⋅kg−1 dose of selenium could be recommended for jostaberry, and a 4 mg⋅kg−1 dose could be recommended for Red Lake.

IntroductionSelenium (Se) deficiency, stemming from malnutrition in humans and animals, has the potential to disrupt many vital physiological processes, particularly those reliant on specific selenoproteins. Agronomic biofortification of crops through the application of Se-containing sprays provides an efficient method to enhance the Se content in the harvested biomass. An optimal candidate for systematic enrichment, guaranteeing a broad trophic impact, must meet several criteria: (i) efficient accumulation of Se without compromising crop yield, (ii) effective conversion of mineral Se fertilizer into usable organically bound Se forms (Seorg), (iii) acceptance of a Se-enriched crop as livestock feed, and (iv), interest from the food processing industry in utilization of Se-enriched outputs. Hence, priority should be given to high-protein leafy crops, such as soybean.MethodsA three-year study in the Czech Republic was conducted to investigate the response of field-grown soybean plants to foliar application of Na2SeO4 solutions (0, 15, 40, and 100 g/ha Se); measured outcomes included crop yield, Se distribution in aboveground biomass, and the chemical speciation of Se in seeds.Results and DiscussionSeed yield was unaffected by applied SeO42-, with Se content reaching levels as high as 16.2 mg/kg. The relationship between SeO42-dose and Se content in seeds followed a linear regression model. Notably, the soybeans demonstrated an impressive 73% average recovery of Se in seeds. Selenomethionine was identified as the predominant species of Se in enzymatic hydrolysates of soybean, constituting up to 95% of Seorg in seeds. Minor Se species, such as selenocystine, selenite, and selenate, were also detected. The timing of Se spraying influenced both plant SeO42- biotransformation and total content in seeds, emphasizing the critical importance of optimizing the biofortification protocol. Future research should explore the economic viability, long-term ecological sustainability, and the broad nutritional implications of incorporating Se-enriched soybeans into food for humans and animals.

Sodium selenate (SS) activates protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A) and reduces phosphorylated tau (pTAU) and late post-traumatic seizures after lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI). In EpiBioS4Rx Project 2, a multi-center international study for post-traumatic targets, biomarkers, and treatments, we tested the target relevance and modification by SS of pTAU forms and PP2A and in the LFPI model, at two sites: Einstein and Melbourne. In Experiment 1, adult male rats were assigned to LFPI and sham (both sites) and naïve controls (Einstein). Motor function was monitored by neuroscores. Brains were studied with immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blots (WBs), or PP2A activity assay, from 2 days to 8 weeks post-operatively. In Experiment 2, LFPI rats received SS for 7 days (SS0.33: 0.33 mg/kg/day; SS1: 1 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously) or vehicle (Veh) post-LFPI and pTAU, PR55 expression, or PP2A activity were studied at 2 days and 1 week (on treatment), or 2 weeks (1 week off treatment). Plasma selenium and SS levels were measured. In Experiment 1 IHC, LFPI rats had higher cortical pTAU-Ser202/Thr205-immunoreactivity (AT8-ir) and pTAU-Ser199/202-ir at 2 days, and pTAU-Thr231-ir (AT180-ir) at 2 days, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks, ipsilaterally to LFPI, than controls. LFPI-2d rats also had higher AT8/total-TAU5-ir in cortical extracts ipsilateral to the lesion (WB). PP2A (PR55-ir) showed time- and region-dependent changes in IHC, but not in WB. PP2A activity was lower in LFPI-1wk than in sham rats. In Experiment 2, SS did not affect neuroscores or cellular AT8-ir, AT180-ir, or PR55-ir in IHC. In WB, total cortical AT8/total-TAU-ir was lower in SS0.33 and SS1 LFPI rats than in Veh rats (2 days, 1 week); total cortical PR55-ir (WB) and PP2A activity were higher in SS1 than Veh rats (2 days). SS dose dependently increased plasma selenium and SS levels. Concordant across-sites data confirm time and pTAU form-specific cortical increases ipsilateral to LFPI. The discordant SS effects may either suggest SS-induced reduction in the numbers of cells with increased pTAU-ir, need for longer treatment, or the involvement of other mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biofortification of edible crops with selenium (Se) is a common and effective strategy to address inadequate Se intake, which is suffered by millions of people worldwide. However, there is little information regarding the effects of this practice on crops belonging to the important Brassica family. To evaluate the efficacy of foliar Se application on broccoli, four treatments with varying Se concentrations were tested: 0%, 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% (w/v), applied as sodium selenate during the early flowering stage. Although no overall effects on growth and biomass parameters were observed, the results indicate that the lowest Se dose (0.05-Se) was sufficient to notably increase Se concentration in the florets, even after boiling. Based on the increase to 14.2 mg Se kg−1 of dry matter in this broccoli fraction, it was estimated that consuming a 100-gram portion of boiled florets biofortified with 0.05% Se would provide approximately 140 µg of Se, which could be sufficient to potentially improve human selenium status, as previously documented. Moreover, the results obtained underscore how the application of this small dose was also adequate to reduce phytate concentration in the florets and to increase antioxidant and polyphenol concentrations, thereby improving the concentration and bioavailability of other essential nutrients, including Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn, along with improving its quality as an antioxidant food.

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that supplementary blue light, feeding with selenium and iodine can improve the biochemical quality, macro- and micro-elements in the edible parts of fenugreek and, with the accumulation of selenium and iodine in plant tissue, the production of a biofortified crop. For this purpose, the effect of selenium (0, 2, and 4 mg L−1), iodine (0, 2, and 4 mg L−1), and supplementary blue light (no-blue light and blue light treatment) was tested in the form of a three-way factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design. The results showed that supplementary light treatment and feeding with iodine (2 mg L−1) increased the content of phenol, total protein, and vitamin C. The interaction of iodine (4 mg L−1) and blue lighting increased the content of iron and vitamin C. Irrespective of lighting conditions, iodine improved the iodine content. The combination of blue light and 4 mg L−1 selenium increased the nitrogen, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium compared to other treatments. The best conditions for the accumulation of selenium were a combination of blue light and 4 mg L−1 of selenium. Increasing the concentration of feeding with iodine and selenium was beneficial for the accumulation of flavonoids, carbohydrates, protein, and vitamin C. Although the triple effects of feeding with selenium and iodine under blue supplementary light affected some traits, it is difficult to elicit obvious results from them. In general, the application of iodine and selenium (4 mg L−1) under blue light is recommended to achieve the study objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the dose and form of application of sodium selenate (Se) that allows the translocation and accumulation of this element in the edible fraction of potato. Concentrations of Se applied to the soil and leaves were evaluated considering the physiology, total antioxidant activity (TAA), agronomic attributes and Se content in tubers. The spatial distribution of Se was evaluated by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry microanalysis (μ-XRF). Soil application of Se did not significantly affect photosynthetic variables, TAA and yield attributes. However, foliar application caused phytotoxicity in the aerial part, at all doses tested, which reduced yield and caused losses of approximately 172.8 g of tubers per pot. Se content increased in tubers with increasing concentration of sodium selenate, regardless of the application form. μ-XRF analysis showed that Se uptake is not limited to the tuber peel. Potato plants translocated Se from the soil and leaves and accumulated this element inside the tubers. So, when Se is applied into the soil at 0.50 mg dm−3, potato plants accumulate it in the edible portion of tubers. Although foliar application resulted in accumulation of Se inside the tubers, caution is recommended in choosing the dose, due to the sensitivity of potato to this element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human intake of selenium (Se), which is an essential element in animals and humans, can be increased through the consumption of vegetables that have been biofortified during cultivation. There is increasing interest in wild edible plants (WEPs) due to their positive effects on health. In fact, many WEPs are rich in microelements, vitamins, dietary fibers, and several antioxidant compounds. Among WEPs, sea beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima) is the wild ancestor of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla). The present study investigated the potential of fortifying Swiss chard and sea beet with Se. The two subspecies were cultivated in a floating system with a nutrient solution enriched with four concentrations of Se (0, 1, 3, and 5 mg L−1), and the production and quality of the baby leaves were evaluated. The addition of Se to the nutrient solution resulted in a higher leaf concentration of this microelement in both subspecies, with a positive effect on the yield (+20%) and leaf chlorophyll concentration (+25%) at the Se concentration of 1 mg L−1. The leaf concentration of nitrates was reduced by the Se treatment in sea beet regardless of the Se concentration (−24%, on average). Selenium biofortification was more effective in sea beet plants than in Swiss chard due to the higher ability of the wild species to acquire readily available minerals from the hydroponic nutrient solution. In conclusion, both subspecies accumulated a significant amount of Se without negative effects on yield or leaf quality, thus proving them to be suitable for the production of Se-enriched baby leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionPlants often encounter unfavorable conditions, which interrupts their growth and productivity. Among the various abiotic stresses, drought is the major factor that limits crop productivity worldwide. Shortage of water causes drought that is the most dangerous hazard to food security all over the world. Because water supply is limited all over the world, food demand becomes a major problem. Priming of plant seeds is an easy, low-cost, low-risk, and effective approach to improve plant tolerance under stressful environment. . Priming of plant seeds is an easy, low-cost, low-risk, and effective approach to improve plant tolerance under stressful environments. In nutrient priming, seeds are pretreated (primed) in solutions containing the limiting nutrients instead of being soaked just in water. The physico-chemical and anti-oxidative properties of selenium (Se) have raised the curiosity of biologists in recent past. Research shows that selenium promotes the plant growth and may act as heavy metal opponent as it is a necessary micronutrient with some physiological and anti oxidative properties. However, for plants, studies has shown that although low concentrations of selenium can effectively promote plant growth, high concentrations of selenium have a significant toxic effect on plants.Materials and MethodsThus in order to investigate different concentrations of selenium (Na2Seo4) on antioxidant properties and photosynthetic pigments of quinoa under experimental drought stress conditions with 5 levels of selenium priming with sodium selenate source (0.5, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 mg l-1), and two levels of hydropriming without priming and three levels of drought stress using polyethylene glycol (PEG) (0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 MPa) with three replications in Seed Technology Laboratory of Shahed University of Agricultural Sciences was conducted in 1398. Measured traits include antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and photosynthetic pigments, proline, and protein. Statistical analysis of the data included analysis of variance using AS 9.1 software and comparison of mean of traits evaluated by LSD test at 5% probability level.Results and discussion The results showed that the application of drought and prime stress with sodium selenate had a positive and significant effect on antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments, proline and protein content. Seed priming with sodium selenate increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase under drought stress. Based on the results under stress conditions, protein content and photosynthetic pigments showed a decreasing trend and prime with sodium selenate slowed down this decreasing trend. The highest amount of proline in stress of 1.2 MPa and prime with sodium selenate with a concentration of 4.5 mg l-1 showed a 66% increase compared to drought stress of 0.4 MPa and no priming.

The enhancement of the plant seed yield and quality represents the basis of the successful productivity of the deriving crop. The effect of single and combined foliar treatments of lettuce plants with sodium selenate and garlic bulb extract on seed yield and quality and on mature plant biochemical characteristics was investigated using four lettuce cultivars (Bouquet, Picnic, Moskovsky parnikovy and Cavalier). The seed production of plants treated with Se increased by 20–41%, compared to the untreated control plants, while the augmentation was as much as 10–23% and 17–27% under garlic extract and the joint application of Se and garlic, respectively. Garlic extract stimulated the accumulation of Se in lettuce seeds, which rose by 1.21–1.29 times compared to the Se-treated plants. The proline levels in lettuce seeds exceeded the corresponding values recorded in the control ones by 1.32–1.64 times in the case of the Se supply, 1.10–1.47 times upon garlic extract application and 1.09–1.31 times under the combined Se/garlic treatment. All the treatments given to lettuce plants increased the leaf weight by 1.10–1.30 times, compared to the untreated control. The seed Se levels positively correlated with the leaf weight (r = 0.621; p < 0.005), chlorophyll (r = 0.672, p < 0.002) and total antioxidant activity (AOA; r = 0.730, p < 0.001) of plants grown from these seeds. Positive correlations were also recorded between the seed proline content and lettuce plant leaf weight, chlorophyll and AOA (r = 0.868, 0.811 and 0.815, respectively, at p < 0.001). Lettuce yield was positively correlated with the leaf AOA, chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content (r = 0.942, 0.921 and 0.665, respectively, at p < 0.001). The results indicate high prospects of Na2SeO4 and garlic extract application to seed-addressed lettuce plants, to improve seed productivity and quality, as well as lettuce yield and quality.

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of sodium selenate foliar application on the biofortification of selenium (Se) compositions of grain maize (Zea mays L. cvs. DKC 5783 F1). The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications, and sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) was applied at eight different levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 75, 100 g Se ha−1) from the foliar when the maize plant reached 50–70 cm in height. Applications did not statistically affect yields and biomass, the contents of total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), boron (B), and molybdenum (Mo), but it affected Se content. The total Se levels varied between 27 and 523 µg kg−1, the highest value was obtained from 100 g Se ha−1 application. When the amount of foliar-applied Se was increased from 0 to 100 g Se ha−1, the Se content increased by 19.37-fold and Se accumulation increased by 19.30-fold. Se recovery showed no significant change across the Se rates with an average of 37.01%. Foliar selenium application showed a significantly greater potential for increasing the Se level in grain maize, with 1 g of Se ha−1 increasing the grains by 5.23 µg kg−1. In this study, the Se content of maize grain increased with foliar selenate application. For human Se nutrient, it would be necessary to consume more than 100 g of maize (dry weight) per day with the foliar selenate application to maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most economically and socially important cereals in the world. Several strategies such as biofortification have been developed in a way eco-friendly and sustainable to enhance crop productivity. This study implemented an agronomic itinerary in Ariete and Ceres rice varieties in experimental fields using the foliar application of selenium (Se) to increase rice nutritional value. At strategic phases of the plant's development (at the end of booting, anthesis, and at the milky grain stage), they were sprayed with sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3). In the first foliar application plants were sprayed with 500 g Se·ha−1 and in the remaining two foliar applications were sprayed with 300 g Se·ha−1. The effects of Se in the level of micro and macronutrients in brown grains, the localization of Se in these grains, and the subsequent quality parameters such as colorimetric characteristics and total protein were considered. After grain harvesting, the application of selenite showed the highest enrichment in all grain with levels reaching 17.06 µg g−1 Se and 14.28 µg g−1 Se in Ariete and Ceres varieties, respectively. In the Ceres and Ariete varieties, biofortification significantly affected the K and P contents. Regarding Ca, a clear trend prevailed suggesting that Se antagonizes the uptake of it, while for the remaining elements in general (except Mn) no significant differences were noted. Protein content increased with selenite treatment in the Ariete variety but not in Ceres. Therefore, it was possible to conclude, without compromising quality, that there was an increase in the nutritional content of Se in brown rice grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the strong antioxidant capacity of selenium (Se) in vivo, a variety of Se compounds have been shown to have great potential for improving the main pathologies and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) models. However, the differences in the anti-AD effects and mechanisms of different Se compounds are still unclear. Theoretically, the absorption and metabolism of different forms of Se in the body vary, which directly determines the diversification of downstream regulatory pathways. In this study, low doses of Se-methylselenocysteine (SMC), selenomethionine (SeM), or sodium selenate (SeNa) were administered to triple transgenic AD (3× Tg-AD) mice for short time periods. AD pathology, activities of selenoenzymes, and metabolic profiles in the brain were studied to explore the similarities and differences in the anti-AD effects and mechanisms of the three Se compounds. We found that all of these Se compounds significantly increased Se levels and antioxidant capacity, regulated amino acid metabolism, and ameliorated synaptic deficits, thus improving the cognitive capacity of AD mice. Importantly, SMC preferentially increased the expression and activity of thioredoxin reductase and reduced tau phosphorylation by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) activity. Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), the selenoenzyme most affected by SeM, decreased amyloid beta production and improved mitochondrial function. SeNa improved methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 (MsrB1) expression, reflected in AD pathology as promoting the expression of synaptic proteins and restoring synaptic deficits. Herein, we reveal the differences and mechanisms by which different Se compounds improve multiple pathologies of AD and provide novel insights into the targeted administration of Se-containing drugs in the treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar biofortification is one effective way to alleviate the inadequate intake of selenium (Se) of millions of people worldwide. To evaluate the efficacy of foliar Se application in broccolini (a new hybrid crop variety derived from a cross between kalian cabbage and broccoli), three treatments were tested: 0, 0.05% or 0.10% (w/v) sodium selenate, applied at the early flowering stage. Florets were harvested in four sequential harvests, showing that both yield and nutritional composition were better in the early harvests, producing fewer but heavier and nutrient-richer florets. Although no overall effects on biomass were observed, the increase in total Se concentrations was more than 80- and 170-folds in both root and shoot of 0.05% and 0.10% Se, respectively, and by 270- and 600-fold in the florets. Although boiling resulted in > 50% loss of Se, an intake of 100 g of fresh weight boiled broccolini biofortified with 0.05% Se treatment will provide ~590 μg Se day−1. This amount is in excess of the tolerable upper limit for Se intake. Therefore, whilst broccolini is clearly a good Se accumulator with the potential to be biofortified with Se, lower application rates would need to be determined to be used for human food purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that supplementary blue light, feeding with selenium and iodine can improve the biochemical quality, macro- and micro-elements in the edible parts of fenugreek and, with the accumulation of selenium and iodine in plant tissue, the production of a biofortified crop. For this purpose, the effect of selenium (0, 2, and 4 mg L−1), iodine (0, 2, and 4 mg L−1), and supplementary blue light (no-blue light and blue light treatment) was tested in the form of a three-way factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design. The results showed that supplementary light treatment and feeding with iodine (2 mg L−1) increased the content of phenol, total protein, and vitamin C. The interaction of iodine (4 mg L−1) and blue lighting increased the content of iron and vitamin C. Irrespective of lighting conditions, iodine improved the iodine content. The combination of blue light and 4 mg L−1 selenium increased the nitrogen, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium compared to other treatments. The best conditions for the accumulation of selenium were a combination of blue light and 4 mg L−1 of selenium. Increasing the concentration of feeding with iodine and selenium was beneficial for the accumulation of flavonoids, carbohydrates, protein, and vitamin C. Although the triple effects of feeding with selenium and iodine under blue supplementary light affected some traits, it is difficult to elicit obvious results from them. In general, the application of iodine and selenium (4 mg L−1) under blue light is recommended to achieve the study objectives.

The human intake of selenium (Se), which is an essential element in animals and humans, can be increased through the consumption of vegetables that have been biofortified during cultivation. There is increasing interest in wild edible plants (WEPs) due to their positive effects on health. In fact, many WEPs are rich in microelements, vitamins, dietary fibers, and several antioxidant compounds. Among WEPs, sea beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima) is the wild ancestor of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla). The present study investigated the potential of fortifying Swiss chard and sea beet with Se. The two subspecies were cultivated in a floating system with a nutrient solution enriched with four concentrations of Se (0, 1, 3, and 5 mg L−1), and the production and quality of the baby leaves were evaluated. The addition of Se to the nutrient solution resulted in a higher leaf concentration of this microelement in both subspecies, with a positive effect on the yield (+20%) and leaf chlorophyll concentration (+25%) at the Se concentration of 1 mg L−1. The leaf concentration of nitrates was reduced by the Se treatment in sea beet regardless of the Se concentration (−24%, on average). Selenium biofortification was more effective in sea beet plants than in Swiss chard due to the higher ability of the wild species to acquire readily available minerals from the hydroponic nutrient solution. In conclusion, both subspecies accumulated a significant amount of Se without negative effects on yield or leaf quality, thus proving them to be suitable for the production of Se-enriched baby leaves.

A green house experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of soil application of selenium (Se) in modulating metabolic changes in rice under arsenic (As) stress. Rice plants were grown over soil amended with sodium arsenate (25, 50 and 100 μM kg-1 soil) with or without sodium selenate @ 0.5 and 1 mg kg-1 soil in a complete randomized experimental design, and photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient uptake and nitrogen metabolism in rice leaves were estimated at tillering and grain filling stages. Se treatments significantly improved the toxic effects of As on plant height, leaf dry weight and grain yield. Arsenate treatment reduced uptake of Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Mn, Fe and Zn and lowered chlorophyll, carotenoids and activities of enzymes of nitrogen metabolism (nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthase and glutamate synthase) in rice leaves at both the stages in a dose-dependent fashion. Se application along with As improved photosynthesis, nutrient uptake and arsenate-induced effects on activities of enzymes of nitrogen metabolism with maximum impact shown by As50 + Se1 combination. Application of Se can modulate photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient uptake and alterations in nitrogen metabolism in rice Cv PR126 due to As stress that helped plants to adapt to excess As and resulted in improved plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biofortification of cereals is a potential solution for increasing Se levels in the human diet. Here we evaluated whether applying selenate and organic N and S sources via foliar alters Se content and species in durum wheat grain. Field trials were conducted in a Mediterranean environment in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 on old (Cappelli and old Saragolla) and modern (Marco Aurelio and Nadif) durum wheat varieties. Four organic fertilization strategies were evaluated: the control (dry blood meal at sowing), the application of foliar S (Bio-sulphur at flag leaf) and N (liquid blood meal at the beginning of heading), and their combined use in interaction with a foliar application of selenate at the booting stage. The Se content in grain was determined using ICP-MS and its speciation throughout HPLC-ICP-MS and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. In 2018, the lower rainfall in the ten days before the Se foliar application caused a higher Se accumulation in the grain (1.63 vs. 1.44 mg kg−1 in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, respectively). A negative effect of organic foliar S on Se content in grain was observed (−24% with respect to the control). The modern Nadif showed the highest Se content (1.87 mg kg−1), followed by the old variety Cappelli (1.57 mg kg−1). Finally, the Se speciation analysis showed the presence of SeMet and SeMetSeCys. The organic fertilization affected only SeMet, with lower values under organic S fertilization and higher values under organic N fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) biofortification of plants has been recognized as a good strategy to improve the nutritive value of vegetables and increase Se daily intake in humans. Identifying the most appropriate method to enrich plants is a key issue in the biofortification process. We tested a biofortification technique that produces Se enriched seedlings for transplant, yet barely modifies conventional cultivation techniques. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were exposed to selenium by adding 0, 1 and 3 mg L−1 (lettuce) and 0, 2 and 3 mg L−1 (basil) of Se, as sodium selenate, to the growing substrate immediately after sowing. When seedlings reached an appropriate size, they were transplanted into the open field, and plants were grown until maturity. Lettuce and basil seedlings accumulated selenium without any reduction in leaf biomass at maturity. The highest dose of Se induced a higher antioxidant capacity and flavonoid content in both species at both sampling times. At maturity, biofortified plants still showed a higher leaf Se content compared to the control, and would be able to provide from 10% to 17% (lettuce) and from 9% to 12% (basil) of the adequate intake (AI) of Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a large proportion of individuals with fronto-temporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), the underlying pathology is associated with the misfolding and aggregation of the microtubule associated protein tau (FTLD-tau). With disease progression, widespread protein accumulation throughout cortical and subcortical brain regions may be responsible for neurodegeneration. One of the syndromes of FTLD is the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), in which the underlying pathology is heterogenous, with half of the cases being related to FTLD-tau. Currently, there are no approved disease-modifying treatments for FTLD-tau, therefore representing a major unmet therapeutic need. These descriptive, preliminary findings of the phase 1 open-label trial provide data to support the potential of sodium selenate to halt the cognitive and behavioral decline, as well as to reduce tau levels in a small group of participants with bvFTD (N = 11). All participants were treated with sodium selenate over a period of 52 weeks. Cognition was assessed with the Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Assessment Tool (NUCOG, total scores), social cognition with the Revised Self-Monitoring Scale (RSMS, total scores), behavior with the Cambridge Behavioral Inventory (CBI), and carer burden with the Caregiver Buden Scale (CBS). Fluid biomarker measures include cerebrospinal fluid of total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau (p-tau181), NfL, p-tau181/t-tau, t-tau/Aβ1-42, and p-tau181/Aβ1-42 levels. After treatment at follow-up, cognition and behavior showed further negative change (based on a reliable change criterion cut-off of annual NUCOG decline) in the "progressors," but not in the "non-progressors." "Non-progressors" also showed elevated baseline CSF tau levels and no increase after treatment, indicating underlying tau pathology and a positive response to sodium selenate treatment. Significant changes in MRI were not observed. The findings provide useful information for future clinical trials to systematically assess the disease-modifying treatment effects of sodium selenate in randomized controlled designs for bvFTD and FTLD-tau pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intake of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se), two essential micronutrients, is deficient worldwide both in humans and in livestock. This deficiency could be alleviated through agronomic biofortification, a practice that increases their concentrations in edible parts through mineral application. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in a 2-year field experiment (2017/18, 2018/19) the suitability of field peas to increase Zn and Se grain concentration after soil Zn application (50 kg Zn ha−1; no Zn) and foliar application (0; 10 g Se ha−1; 8 kg Zn ha−1; 10 g Se ha−1 + 8 kg Zn ha−1). Zinc bioavailability (estimated by the molar ratio phytate/mineral), grain yield, thousand grain weight, grain crude protein and mineral status (magnesium, calcium and iron) of the grain were also evaluated by following a split-split plot design. For biofortification purposes, the combined foliar application of Zn (8 kg Zn ha−1) and Se (10 g Se ha−1) increased Zn and Se concentrations in grain by around 30% and 73%, respectively, as well as Zn bioavailability, decreasing the molar ratio phytate/Zn by 30%. The additional soil application of 50 kg Zn ha−1 increased grain yield by 16%. Other nutritional parameters, such as content of protein or other essential minerals, were also improved (or at least not negatively affected) by the combined application of Zn and Se. All of these aspects evidenced the suitability of field peas for use in biofortification programmes through the simultaneous application of Zn and Se, which might also cheapen application costs. A deficient intake of zinc and selenium, essential micronutrients with antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-viral properties, is common in humans and livestock worldwide. This deficiency can be alleviated by agronomic biofortification, a practice that increases their concentrations in edible parts of crops through mineral application. The present study has demonstrated the suitability of field peas to be biofortified under Mediterranean conditions, since the Zn and Se combined application produced an enriched grain in these nutrients and a higher grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium is a micronutrient element that is beneficial for the growth and development of plants. It has antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral properties that are essential for human and animal health. Low-consumption mineral elements such as selenium can be included in the diet from various sources. To investigate the growth and phytochemical attributes of a broccoli cultivar "Heracklion", an experiment with five levels of selenium concentration (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 mg/L sodium selenate) was carried out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications in the field condition. With increasing the concentration of sodium selenate in the foliar application, the accumulation of sodium selenate in broccoli increased and the highest amount (1.47 mg/kg dry weight) was measured at 20 mg/L of sodium selenate. The highest amount of photosynthetic pigments in leaves was recorded at 15 mg/L of sodium selenate. In the case of glucosinolates, with increasing selenium concentration up to 20 mg/L concentration, glucoraphanin, 4-methoxy glucobrassicin, and aliphatic glucosinolates increased in leaves. It could be demonstrated that foliar application of selenium at 10 mg/L led to an improvement of secondary metabolites, especially glucoraphanin, both in leaves and florets, and could also have a positive effect on human nutrition., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

In a large proportion of individuals with fronto-temporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), the underlying pathology is associated with the misfolding and aggregation of the microtubule associated protein tau (FTLD-tau). With disease progression, widespread protein accumulation throughout cortical and subcortical brain regions may be responsible for neurodegeneration. One of the syndromes of FTLD is the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), in which the underlying pathology is heterogenous, with half of the cases being related to FTLD-tau. Currently, there are no approved disease-modifying treatments for FTLD-tau, therefore representing a major unmet therapeutic need. These descriptive, preliminary findings of the phase 1 open-label trial provide data to support the potential of sodium selenate to halt the cognitive and behavioral decline, as well as to reduce tau levels in a small group of participants with bvFTD (N = 11). All participants were treated with sodium selenate over a period of 52 weeks. Cognition was assessed with the Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Assessment Tool (NUCOG, total scores), social cognition with the Revised Self-Monitoring Scale (RSMS, total scores), behavior with the Cambridge Behavioral Inventory (CBI), and carer burden with the Caregiver Buden Scale (CBS). Fluid biomarker measures include cerebrospinal fluid of total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau (p-tau181), NfL, p-tau181/t-tau, t-tau/Aβ1–42, and p-tau181/Aβ1–42 levels. After treatment at follow-up, cognition and behavior showed further negative change (based on a reliable change criterion cut-off of annual NUCOG decline) in the “progressors,” but not in the “non-progressors.” “Non-progressors” also showed elevated baseline CSF tau levels and no increase after treatment, indicating underlying tau pathology and a positive response to sodium selenate treatment. Significant changes in MRI were not observed. The findings provide useful information for future clinical trials to systematically assess the disease-modifying treatment effects of sodium selenate in randomized controlled designs for bvFTD and FTLD-tau pathologies.

Se has beneficial effects on plants, through the stimulation of plant productivity, the reduction of abiotic stresses, and the improvement in N metabolism. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the foliar application of different concentrations of Se (0, 4, 8 and 16 μmol L−1) on lettuce plants grown in an aquaponics system (fish water) compared with a control (conventional soilless fertigation). The NO 3 - concentration supplied by the fish water was 47% of the control solution. The results showed a reduction in the fresh weight of lettuce plants irrigated with the fish water mixture treatment, along with an increase in sugar concentration. However, the application of Se at 4 and 16 μmol L−1, prompted a relief of this stress, reducing both lipid peroxidation and the sugar content, and increasing the nitrate concentration. In addition, in the case of the highest concentration of Se (16 μmol L−1), the values of nitrate were comparable those control plants. We show the importance of sprayed Se in increasing the efficiency of N utilization, in addition to lessening environmental issues for aquaponics culture. [Display omitted] • Foliar application of Se reduces the stress caused by a low supply of nitrogen. • Foliar application of Se increases the absorption and assimilation of nitrates. • The Se reduces the stress by the 50F/50D treatment, as shown by the catalase activity. • The combination of aquaponics and Se could reduce the use of N fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The study monitored the effect of differentiated mineral nutrition of microgreens species by solution of sodium selenate (2 mg Se/L) on the content of Se, chlorophylls, and other minerals. Chlorophylls were measured spectrophotometrically, Se by electrothermal atomic absorption method (ETAAS) with Zeeman-effect background and elements' concentration was performed by a dual Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) iCAP7600 instrument. The content of selenium in fresh weight moved on average from 0.013 to 12.556 μg/g. Selenisation increased the content of Se in all tested species significantly (p < 0.05) without impacting yield. The content of chlorophyll a moved from 249.9 mg/kg (Mizuna) to 604.4 mg/kg (Arugula) with significant differences between the species, without significance (p ≤ 0.05) between tested variants. The influence of selenisation on other minerals significantly differed (p < 0.05) due to the genetic variability. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in Ca was observed in green basil (10.7%) and cress (20.9%); of Fe in green basil (1.6%) and cress (40.9%); of K in arugula (1.6%), green basil (3.9%) and cress (2.8%); of Zn in arugula (2.6%), green basil (8.6%), cress (2.7%) and radish (5.9%); and of Ba in green basil (5.6%) and cress (23.9%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of Sodium Selenate, Titanium dioxide and Growth regulator (Hamon Green®) on some physiological traits, yield and oil content of Goldasht cultivar of safflower under drought stress, a split plot experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Agricultural Research Center of Zabol University (Chah-e-Nime). The main factor included irrigation cut off levels based on the phenological stages of growth in three levels: I1 = control (complete irrigation), I2= irrigation up to stage R2 (flowering) and I3= irrigation up to stage R1 (branching) and sub-factor including control(not spraying), Sodium selenate (2 mM), Titanium dioxide (0.03%), Growth regulator (0.1 L). Drought stress reduced biological yield, seed yield, 1000 seed weight, relative water content and chlorophyll content (SPAD), but seed and biological yield did not differ significantly between two levels of I1 and I2. The highest amounts of catalase(I2+not spraying),and proline, ascorbate and guaiacol peroxidase was obtained from the interaction of stress(I3) and not spraying. The highest amount of soluble carbohydrates was observed in irrigation + Hamon Green® spraying. The treatments applied did not have a significant effect on seed oil percentage. In general, treatment in order to observe water consumption in the production of safflower in Goldsch cultivar seems appropriate.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most economically and socially important cereals in the world. Several strategies such as biofortification have been developed in a way eco-friendly and sustainable to enhance crop productivity. This study implemented an agronomic itinerary in Ariete and Ceres rice varieties in experimental fields using the foliar application of selenium (Se) to increase rice nutritional value. At strategic phases of the plant’s development (at the end of booting, anthesis, and at the milky grain stage), they were sprayed with sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3). In the first foliar application plants were sprayed with 500 g Se·ha−1 and in the remaining two foliar applications were sprayed with 300 g Se·ha−1. The effects of Se in the level of micro and macronutrients in brown grains, the localization of Se in these grains, and the subsequent quality parameters such as colorimetric characteristics and total protein were considered. After grain harvesting, the application of selenite showed the highest enrichment in all grain with levels reaching 17.06 µg g−1 Se and 14.28 µg g−1 Se in Ariete and Ceres varieties, respectively. In the Ceres and Ariete varieties, biofortification significantly affected the K and P contents. Regarding Ca, a clear trend prevailed suggesting that Se antagonizes the uptake of it, while for the remaining elements in general (except Mn) no significant differences were noted. Protein content increased with selenite treatment in the Ariete variety but not in Ceres. Therefore, it was possible to conclude, without compromising quality, that there was an increase in the nutritional content of Se in brown rice grain.

Owing to the strong antioxidant capacity of selenium (Se) in vivo, a variety of Se compounds have been shown to have great potential for improving the main pathologies and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) models. However, the differences in the anti-AD effects and mechanisms of different Se compounds are still unclear. Theoretically, the absorption and metabolism of different forms of Se in the body vary, which directly determines the diversification of downstream regulatory pathways. In this study, low doses of Se-methylselenocysteine (SMC), selenomethionine (SeM), or sodium selenate (SeNa) were administered to triple transgenic AD (3× Tg-AD) mice for short time periods. AD pathology, activities of selenoenzymes, and metabolic profiles in the brain were studied to explore the similarities and differences in the anti-AD effects and mechanisms of the three Se compounds. We found that all of these Se compounds significantly increased Se levels and antioxidant capacity, regulated amino acid metabolism, and ameliorated synaptic deficits, thus improving the cognitive capacity of AD mice. Importantly, SMC preferentially increased the expression and activity of thioredoxin reductase and reduced tau phosphorylation by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) activity. Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), the selenoenzyme most affected by SeM, decreased amyloid beta production and improved mitochondrial function. SeNa improved methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 (MsrB1) expression, reflected in AD pathology as promoting the expression of synaptic proteins and restoring synaptic deficits. Herein, we reveal the differences and mechanisms by which different Se compounds improve multiple pathologies of AD and provide novel insights into the targeted administration of Se-containing drugs in the treatment of AD.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Idelalisib, Apelisib and Copanlisib on 8-day-old cataract SD rat pups. The rat model induced by sodium selenate (Na2SeO3) was used in this study. Experimental animals were randomly divided into five groups with eight animals in each group. They were control group, Na2SeO3 group, Idelalisib group, Apelisib group and Copanlisib group. On days 3, 5 and 7, all rats in Na2SeO3, Idelalisib, Apelisib and Copanlisib groups were given subcutaneous injection into the nape with Na2SeO3 and control group was given the same amount of saline. For days 1-14, Idelalisib, Apelisib and Copanlisib were given by intragastric administration, respectively, and the same amount of saline was given to the control group and Na2SeO3 group. On the 15th day of the experiment, we selected the Idelalisib group with the best effect from all groups, separated their lenses, and further analyzed the crystal proteins, oxidative damage and apoptosis indexes. The survival rate of rats in control and Idelalisib groups was 100%, the Na2SeO3 group was 37.5%, the Apelisib group was 25%, and the Copanlisib group was 0. According to the rat survival rate and lens score, we selected Idelalisib for further analysis of the crystallin, oxidative damage and apoptosis indexes. The results suggested that Na2SeO3 leads to cataract formation and crystallin precipitation. The levels of antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD were decreased in the Na2SeO3 group, Nrf-2 and HO-1 were downregulated, Keap1 upregulated, and cleaved caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 upregulated. Idelalisib significantly improved crystallin insolubility, reduced oxidative damage, and inhibited lens apoptosis. In summary, Idelalisib can significantly improve the progression of Na2SeO3-induced cataract in rats. In the future, it may be a potential effective drug candidate for the clinical treatment of cataract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 winter seasons, this experiment was conducted under plastic houses conditions in Fayoum Governorate Egypt, to investigate the effects of some stimulants on cucumber growth, yield and fruit quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Barracuda F1 hybrid. This experiment included nine treatments as follows: Spraying with tap water (control), sodium selenate (NaSel) at 2,4 and 6mg/l, humic acid (HA) at 1, 2 and 3 g/l, potassium silicate (KSil at 4 and 6 ml/l. These treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates,Spraying cucumber plants with HA at 3 g/l or KSil at 6 ml/l increased dry weight of leaves, branches and shoots/plant, chlorophyll a, b and total (a+b), number of fruits/plant, average fruit weight, yield/plant and yield /m². Foliar spray with KSil at 6 ml /l increased TSS, Vit. C, DM% and K contents in fruits, whereas HA at 2 and 3 g /l or KSil at 4 or at 6 ml /l increased fruit length. It can be concluded that cucumbers are highly responsive to foliar applications of potassium silicate and humic acid, followed by selenium spraying, and the yield can be increased by 58.64 % and 48.79 %, respectively, by spraying with potassium silicate at 6 ml/l and humic acid at 3 g/l (average two seasons). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The element selenium (Se) deficiency is thought to be a global human health problem, which could disperse by daily-supplement from Se-rich food. Increasing the accumulation of Se in rice grain is an approach matched to these nutrient demands. Nonetheless, Se is shown to be essential but also toxic to plants, with a narrow margin between deficiency and toxicity. Notably, the regulatory mechanism balancing the accumulation and tolerance of Se in Se-rich rice plants remains unknown. Results In this study, we investigated the phenotypical, physiological, and biochemical alterations of Se-rich rice in the exposure to a variety of Se applications. Results showed that the Se-rich rice was able to accumulate more abundance of Se from the root under a low Se environment comparing to the Se-free rice. Besides, excessive Se led to phytotoxic effects on Se-rich rice plants by inducing chlorosis and dwarfness, decreasing the contents of antioxidant, and exacerbating oxidative stresses. Furthermore, both phosphate transporter OsPT2 and sulfate transporters OsSultr1;2 may contribute to the uptake of selenate in rice. Conclusions Se-rich red rice is more sensitive to exogenous application of Se, while and the most effective application of Se in roots of Se-rich rice was reached in 20 μM. Our findings present a direct way to evaluate the toxic effects of Se-rich rice in the Se contaminated field. Conclusively, some long-term field trial strategies are suggested to be included in the evaluation of risks and benefits within various field managements.

Abstract Background Selenium (Se) is a beneficial element for higher plants and essential for mammals. To study the effect of the foliar application of sodium selenate on fragrant rice performance, a pot experiment was conducted in Guangdong, China. At the initial heading stage, one-time foliar application of sodium selenate with concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 μmol·L− 1 (named CK, Se1, Se2, Se3, Se4 and Se5, respectively) were foliar applied on two fragrant rice varieties, ‘Meixiangzhan-2’ and ‘Xiangyaxiangzhan’. Results Selenate application at the initial heading stage not only improved the grain yield of fragrant rice by increasing the seed-setting rate and grain weight, but also promoted the grain quality by increasing crude protein contents and lowering the chalky rice rate. Furthermore, Se applications enhanced the biosynthesis of 2-acetyl-1- pyrroline (2-AP), the main aromatic compound, by increasing the contents of precursors (△1- pyrroline, proline and pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid (P5C)) and the activities of enzymes (proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), △1-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid synthetase (P5CS), and ornithine aminotransferase (OAT)) in fragrant rice. The results also showed that foliar application of sodium selenate enhanced the antioxidant system of both varieties by promoting the activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reducing the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, the real-time PCR analyses depicted that foliar application of selenate up-regulated the GPX1, GPX4 and CATC transcripts. The higher antioxidative enzymatic activities might strength the stress resistant to ensure the stability of yield in fragrant rice form abiotic stress. Conclusions Foliar applications of sodium selenate at the initial heading stage increased the grain 2-AP content by enhancing the biosynthesis-related enzymes and precursors. The grain yield and quality of fragrant rice also increased due to selenate application. Furthermore, foliar application of selenate promoted the activities of enzymes such as POD, SOD and CAT and up-regulated the expression of gene GPX4, GPX1 and CATC.

The experiment was conducted to appraise whether exogenously applied selenium (Se) could alter nutrients acquisition and metabolism to mitigate the toxic effects of salinity in wheat. Seeds of two contrasting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Auqab-2000 and Seher-2006) were pre-treated with different concentrations (0, 50, 100 µM) of sodium selenate for 12 h. The pots were irrigated with different NaCl concentrations (0 and 150 mM) applied through Hoagland's nutrient solution before sowing. Salinity reduced fresh and dry mass and grain yield, but the exogenous Se restored the growth and increased grain yield. Further, salt stress decreased the concentrations of K+, Ca2+, P, N, Fe and Se while increased the concentration of Na+ and Cl‒ in the shoots and roots of wheat. The exogenous Se increased K+, Ca2+, N, Fe and Se concentrations while decreased Na+, Cl− and P, and thus mainly reversed the inhibitory effects of salinity on nutrients uptake. Further, exogenous Se increased the accumulation of proline and glycinebetaine under salinity. Overall, Se-priming proved an effective shotgun technique to mitigate the detrimental effects of salinity possibly through its beneficial effects on tissue-specific ion acquisition and accumulation of osmoprotectants in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biofortification of cereals is a potential solution for increasing Se levels in the human diet. Here we evaluated whether applying selenate and organic N and S sources via foliar alters Se content and species in durum wheat grain. Field trials were conducted in a Mediterranean environment in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 on old (Cappelli and old Saragolla) and modern (Marco Aurelio and Nadif) durum wheat varieties. Four organic fertilization strategies were evaluated: the control (dry blood meal at sowing), the application of foliar S (Bio-sulphur at flag leaf) and N (liquid blood meal at the beginning of heading), and their combined use in interaction with a foliar application of selenate at the booting stage. The Se content in grain was determined using ICP-MS and its speciation throughout HPLC-ICP-MS and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. In 2018, the lower rainfall in the ten days before the Se foliar application caused a higher Se accumulation in the grain (1.63 vs. 1.44 mg kg−1 in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, respectively). A negative effect of organic foliar S on Se content in grain was observed (−24% with respect to the control). The modern Nadif showed the highest Se content (1.87 mg kg−1), followed by the old variety Cappelli (1.57 mg kg−1). Finally, the Se speciation analysis showed the presence of SeMet and SeMetSeCys. The organic fertilization affected only SeMet, with lower values under organic S fertilization and higher values under organic N fertilization.

Selenium (Se) biofortification of plants has been recognized as a good strategy to improve the nutritive value of vegetables and increase Se daily intake in humans. Identifying the most appropriate method to enrich plants is a key issue in the biofortification process. We tested a biofortification technique that produces Se enriched seedlings for transplant, yet barely modifies conventional cultivation techniques. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were exposed to selenium by adding 0, 1 and 3 mg L−1 (lettuce) and 0, 2 and 3 mg L−1 (basil) of Se, as sodium selenate, to the growing substrate immediately after sowing. When seedlings reached an appropriate size, they were transplanted into the open field, and plants were grown until maturity. Lettuce and basil seedlings accumulated selenium without any reduction in leaf biomass at maturity. The highest dose of Se induced a higher antioxidant capacity and flavonoid content in both species at both sampling times. At maturity, biofortified plants still showed a higher leaf Se content compared to the control, and would be able to provide from 10% to 17% (lettuce) and from 9% to 12% (basil) of the adequate intake (AI) of Se.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micro-nutrient element for animals and human, which also has some beneficial roles in many plant species. This study aimed to evaluate the application of foliar Se on canola cultivars under different irrigation regimes. The study was carried out in two consecutive years, in the form of a factorial split plot experiment, based on an RCB design with three replications. Sodium selenate solution was sprayed on the leaves of 6 winter canola exposed to 3 different irrigation regimes. The results revealed that most of the studied traits were affected by foliar selenium, especially seed yield, seed oil yield, leaf proline content and leaf chlorophyll a content. Under drought stress conditions, foliar selenium caused a significant increase in seed yield, seed oil yield, and the relative water content of leaves. According to partial regression analysis, foliar selenium changed the nature of relationships governing the traits, especially under drought stress conditions. The results showed that, selenium reduced the effects of drought stress through improving the relative water content of the leaves. Therefore, foliar selenium can be a useful strategy to achieve sustainable agriculture, especially under water deficit conditions.

Investigations of the cluster-coagulation model for some inorganic substances and mixtures of sodium thiosulfate with salts of elements (VI) of A, B groups have been carried out. The doping of sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate with sodium selenate, tellurate, molybdate and tungstate has been carried out. The thermodynamic parameters of associate formation processes between sodium thiosulfate and salts formed from oxygen-containing acids of selenium, tellurium, molybdenum and tungsten have been calculated. The amount of heat introduced by the modifier (selenate, tellurate, molybdate and tungstate of sodium) into the total heat-accumulating effect of the mixture Na2S2O3∙5H2O – Na2XO4 (X – Se, Te, Mo or W) mixture has been calculated. The number of n-particle clusters and the diameter of clusters that are formed in the melt of the Na2S2O3∙5H2O – Na2XO4 mixture have been calculated. It is shown that special effects of systems based on mixtures consisting from sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and salts of selenium, telluric, molybdenum, tungsten acids could be explained by more excessive tendency of these structures to the hydrate formation, associative stability and polymerization for the reason that rare elements’ ions in anionic form stabilize associates of sodium thiosulfate with water molecules that leads to growth the heat storage capacity. The scientific and practical significance of this research refers to the probability of prediction physicochemical properties of modified heat-accumulating materials based on the cluster-coagulation model.

Abstract Background and objective Moringa oleifera is a small tree used in human nutrition and medical proposes because it contains some components such as protein, vitamins, fatty acids, nutrients, and phenolic components; the new literature indicated that M. oleifera has antioxidant and anticancer activities. Hexaconazole (HEXAC) and sodium selenate (SODSE) play important roles in physiological processes in M. oleifera. Various techniques of research work are using to modify the quantity and quality of medicinal crops that are natural source for food and pharmaceutical industries. Adding HEXAC and SODSE are two ways of research that have the potential to increase the productivity of medicinal plants. Thus, the aim of this trial was to evaluate the growth measurements, yield, and chemical content of M. oleifera due to the HEXAC and SODSE treatments. Materials and methods Plants were exposed to HEXAC (5 and 10 mg/L), SODSE (30 and 60 mg/L), and control treatments. Morphological characters [leaf number/plant, stem length (cm), fresh weight of shoot (g/plant), dry weights of shoot (g/plant), root length (cm), fresh weight of root (g/plant), and dry weight of root (g/plant)] were recorded during the vegetative and flowering stages while pod and seed weights (g/plant) were recorded at the fruiting stage. Photosynthetic pigments, protein, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were recorded at both of vegetative and flowering stages. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance. Results The 5 mg/L of SODSE resulted in the highest values of growth, yield, photosynthetic pigments, protein, and antioxidant enzymes (identified in leaves) while 30 mg/L of HEXAC produced the greatest amounts of protein that identified in roots. Conclusion The SODSE and HEXAC caused significant increases on growth, yield, and chemical constituents of M. oleifera. This research paper discovered that M. oleifera plants can be successfully grown under SODSE and HEXAC as they possess relatively high yield and chemical constituents. So this trial will help the farmers, ministry of agriculture, and drug companies to improve the yield and active components (protein) as natural sours of drug industries.

There are conclusive evidences of selenium (Se) deficiency in Brazilian soils and foods. Brazil is the largest producer and consumer of coffee worldwide, which favors agronomic biofortification of its coffee. This study aimed to evaluate effects of foliar application of three formulations and six rates of Se on antioxidant metabolism, agronomic biofortification and yield of coffee beans. Seven Se concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 100 and 160 mg L−1) were applied from three formulations of Se (sodium selenate, nano-Se 1500, and nano-Se 5000). Selenium application up to 40 mg L−1 increased the concentration of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophylls, pheophytins and carotenoids in coffee leaves. Foliar application of Se ranging from 20 to 80 mg L−1 decreased lipid peroxidation and concentration of hydrogen peroxide, but increased superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities in coffee leaves. These results indicated that foliar Se application stimulates antioxidative metabolism to mitigate reactive oxygen species. Foliar application of 20 mg Se L−1 of sodium selenate increased coffee yield by 38%, and 160 mg Se L−1 of nano-Se 5000 increased dramatically coffee yield by 42%. Selenium concentration in grains ranged from 0.116 to 4.47 mg kg−1 (sodium selenate), 4.84 mg kg−1 (nano-Se 1500) and 5.82 mg kg−1 (nano-Se 5000). The results suggest the beneficial effect of Se on the increment of photosynthetic pigments, antioxidative metabolism, increased coffee yield and nutritional quality of grains. The recommended foliar Se application in this study can mitigate abiotic stressors such as high temperatures resulting in higher yield of coffee plants.

The study monitored the effect of differentiated mineral nutrition of microgreens species by solution of sodium selenate (2 mg Se/L) on the content of Se, chlorophylls, and other minerals. Chlorophylls were measured spectrophotometrically, Se by electrothermal atomic absorption method (ETAAS) with Zeeman-effect background and elements’ concentration was performed by a dual Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) iCAP7600 instrument. The content of selenium in fresh weight moved on average from 0.013 to 12.556 μg/g. Selenisation increased the content of Se in all tested species significantly (p < 0.05) without impacting yield. The content of chlorophyll a moved from 249.9 mg/kg (Mizuna) to 604.4 mg/kg (Arugula) with significant differences between the species, without significance (p ≤ 0.05) between tested variants. The influence of selenisation on other minerals significantly differed (p < 0.05) due to the genetic variability. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in Ca was observed in green basil (10.7%) and cress (20.9%); of Fe in green basil (1.6%) and cress (40.9%); of K in arugula (1.6%), green basil (3.9%) and cress (2.8%); of Zn in arugula (2.6%), green basil (8.6%), cress (2.7%) and radish (5.9%); and of Ba in green basil (5.6%) and cress (23.9%).

Urea coated with copper and boron may be a vehicle for selenium fertilization in grazing systems to improve both forage and animal productivity, and consequently, the nutritional quality of milk and meat. Urea is the most often used form of N fertilizer in Brazil; however, it can experience high losses by volatilization, primarily in pastures with high amounts of senescent biomass. The goal of this study was to evaluate losses by ammonia volatilization from urea coated with Cu, B, and Se. The fertilizer was applied to the soil surface under forage straw residues in cylindric glass chambers under controlled laboratory conditions. The treatments were urea (UR), urea coated with boric acid and copper sulfate (UBC), urea coated with boric acid, copper sulfate, and selenium (UBCS), and ammonium sulfate (AS). Measurements were recorded at regular intervals after fertilizer application for 27 days. High losses occurred from ammonia volatilization of amidic-N sources in the initial days after fertilizer application. The total loss of N by ammonia volatilization according to fertilizer treatment was UR > UBC = UBCS > AS. Urea lost by ammonia volatilization accounted for up to 50% of the N applied, although losses from coated urea treatments UBC and UBCS were 11.45% lower than that of urea. The Cu and B in the coated urea reduced losses by ammonia volatilization and the inclusion of Se had no effect. It is suggested that Se may be added to the Cu and B coating of urea to reduce ammonia volatilization.

ABSTRACT The ability of antioxidant compounds in vegetables to prevent disease is important for the pharmaceutical and food industries. In addition, water stress can enhance the existing antioxidant capacity of plants. As such, this study aimed to assess the effect of different irrigation depths and selenium application on the postharvest characteristics of cauliflower. A randomized block design was used in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, with four repetitions. The first factor consisted of three irrigation depths with regulated deficit irrigation (RDI): severe (50% ETc) and moderate RDI (75% ETc) and complete irrigation (100% ETc), performed after inflorescence initiation, and the second of foliar spraying of selenium (with and without the element). Selenium application increased cauliflower yield under moderate RDI and no water/drought stress. Moderate RDI was the most effective strategy for maintaining yield and increasing the antioxidant capacity and phenolic compound content of cauliflower. Foliar spraying of selenium raised total polyphenol content under drought stress. Severe RDI extended the shelf life of cauliflower florets.