Increasing Se Content Research Articles

Preharvest sodium selenite treatments affect the growth and enhance nutritional quality of purple leaf mustard with abundant anthocyanin.

Both selenium (Se) and anthocyanins are crucial for maintaining human health. Preharvest Se treatments could promote anthocyanin biosynthesis and augment Se levels in vegetables, helping to combat Se deficiencies in dietary intake. However, it remains unknown whether preharvest Se treatment could balance growth and anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants and what the appropriate treatment concentration is. In this study, preharvest treatments with sodium selenite at varying concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 30 mg/kg) affect the growth and nutritional quality of purple leaf mustard (Brassica juncea) with abundant anthocyanins. Lower Se concentrations (≤10 mg/kg) of preharvest treatments enhanced photosynthesis, facilitated root system development, consequently elevated the biomass. Conversely, higher Se levels (≥30 mg/kg) reduced photosynthesis and biomass. The dosage-dependent effects of Se treatments were corroborated through seedlings cultivated in hydroponic conditions. Moreover, nearly all Se treatments elevated the contents of various nutrients in leaf mustard, particularly anthocyanin and organic se. These results suggest an overall enhancement in nutritional quality of leaf mustard plants. Furthermore, the application of 10 mg/kg Se significantly enhanced the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and upregulated the expression of 12 genes pivotal for anthocyanin biosynthesis, further demonstrating the fortified effects of Se enrichment on anthocyanins in leaf mustard. Low-level Se treatments resulted in heightened antioxidant activity (APX, CAT, and POD), mitigating reactive oxygen species induced by increasing Se content in tissues. The enhanced antioxidant activities may be beneficial for the normal growth of leaf mustard under Se stress conditions. In conclusion, our study demonstrated preharvest Se treatment at 10 mg/kg could balance the growth and anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple leaf mustard. This study offers valuable insights into anthocyanin fortification through Se enrichment methods in agricultural practices, ensuring that such fortification does not compromise leafy vegetable yield.

Effects of organic and inorganic selenium mixes in pregnant sows on piglet growth, selenium levels in serum and milk, and selenium deposition in newborn piglet tissues.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic selenium mixes in pregnant sows on piglet growth, selenium levels in serum and milk, and selenium deposition in newborn piglet tissues. A total of 44 multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) with average body weight (BW), backfat thickness, and parity were assigned to one of the three treatments with 14 or 15 sows per treatment in a completely randomized design. The treatments were as follows: i) Control, corn-soybean meal-based diet with no addition of selenium premix; ii) ISOS(mixed inorganic selenium and organic selenium) 30, a basal diet supplemented with 0.15 ppm of inorganic Se and 0.15 ppm of organic Se; iii) ISOS50, a basal diet supplemented with 0.25 ppm of inorganic Se and 0.25 ppm of organic Se. At day 21 of lactation, supplementing a high level of mixed Se at 0.50 ppm resulted in higher piglet BW and weight gain than adding a low level of mixed Se at 0.30 ppm (p<0.05). Selenium concentration of colostrum in sows fed ISOS50 diet was significantly higher than those in sows fed ISOS30 diet (p<0.05). Selenium concentrations in the serum at days 90 and 110 of gestation and 24 hours postpartum were highest when sows were fed ISOS50 diet (p<0.05). Additionally, increasing levels of mixed Se led to an increase in piglet serum Se concentration at 24 hours postpartum (p<0.05). Before ingesting colostrum, piglets from sows fed a mixed selenium (Se) diet had significantly higher kidney Se concentrations compared to those from the control group, with the ISOS50 treatment showing the most significant difference (p<0.05). Supplementation of the gestation diet with 0.5 ppm of mixed Se may improve piglet growth performance, increase Se concentrations in milk, and enhance Se status in the serum of sows, as well as in the serum and tissues of their offspring.

A GexSe1-x switch-only-memory technology through polarized atomic distribution

Ovonic threshold switching (OTS) materials that are frequently used with a resistor (1S1R) in memory devices have been found to show controllable and reversible memory properties, which could enable new memory architectures. Here, we examine the impact of composition on the polarity-dependent memory properties of GexSe1-x OTS materials and reveal that an increase in Se content results in a higher set voltage threshold (Vth), a lower reset current (IRST), and a higher set energy. Specifically, Ge56Se44 demonstrates two distinct Vth of 5.1 and 3.8 V, which retain after annealing at 85 ℃ for one day. We fabricated Ge56Se44 into 1000 by 1000 cross-point pillar arrays and tested 100 of them. The results demonstrated that these Ge56Se44 devices show similar memory properties with a reset speed of 1 μs, a set speed of 50 ns, and an endurance of over 105 cycles. Interestingly, the Ge56Se44 pillars’ reset and set states could be attributed to polarized atomic distributions. By utilizing GexSe1-x, we demonstrate a true cross-point switch-only-memory technology and provide mechanistic insights for self-selecting OTS materials.

Atomistic study of selenium doping effects on the mechanical properties of zinc-blende and wurtzite CdTe nanowires

CdSexTe1–x semiconductor materials, having potential to be used to design dependable and reproducible nanowire devices, require an extensive study of their mechanical behaviors. The uniaxial tensile deformation mechanism of CdSexTe1–x nanowires (NWs) with different Se dopant concentration are yet to be explored. By integrating theoretical analysis with computational simulation, this research demonstrated that Se doping in CdTe NWs influences the mechanical response and failure modes. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elastic modulus (EM) were studied for both zinc-blende (ZB) and wurtzite (WZ) structures with different crystal orientations. The findings revealed that these mechanical properties increase linearly with increasing Se concentration in all cases. In addition, the WZ structures exhibited similar mechanical properties under both zigzag and armchair loadings, unlike the ZB structures, which exhibited a strong dependence on the crystal orientation. The [111]-oriented ZB structures showed the highest EM and UTS whereas [100]-oriented ZB structures showed lowest EM and UTS. The failure mechanism was explored for CdSe50Te50 to underscore the influence of the dopant on the NWs failure for tensile loading. In both the cases of WZ structure, the failure planes were perpendicular to the loading direction. Furthermore, the failure plane varied with the Se content in ZB CdSexTe1–x. Atomic coordination and bond length affected by doping defined the alterations of mechanical properties and the preferred modes of failure. The significance of the interaction between doping elements and nanowire structures offers insights that unite material science and mechanics, contributing to the scientific understanding of solid materials’ behavior.

Foliar Fertilization of Nano-selenium and its Ef fects on Bioactive Compounds and Enzymatic Activity in Lettuce

Selenium (Se) an oligoelement for mammals is not considered essential in plant fertilization programs. Its deficiency af fects almost one million persons, making it a world health problem and nano-biofortification of cultivation is a strategy to attenuate it. Thus, this study determines the foliar selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) application ef fects on yield, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and their accumulation in lettuce. Therefore, six applications of dif ferent Se-NPs concentrations: 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg L-1 were considered. The results showed that the high doses decrease yield, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants but increase Se concentration in lettuce leaves. The recommended dosage here is of 1 mg L-1 for biomass production and 10 mg L-1 for bioactive compounds and enzymatic activity. The recommended daily consumption of lettuce biofortified with 1 mg of Se-NPs (100 g) provides the recommended daily consumption in adults. Thus, the Se-NPs application is an alternative to increase Se concentration and bioactive compounds in lettuce to influence positively, human nutrition af ter its consumption.

Transcriptional Profiling and Key Enzyme Activity of Epichloë sinensis Isolated from Festuca sinensis in Response to Na2SeO3

Fungal endophytes exhibit symbiotic relationships with their host plants and convert inorganic selenium to organoselenium and Se0. In order to elucidate how Epichloë sinensis from Festuca sinensis adapts to different concentrations of sodium selenate, the dynamic changes of mycelial enzyme activities and metabolic changes at the transcriptional level were documented over a period of 36 h. The activity of enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, cysteine synthetase, and methionine synthesis) in mycelia increased in the presence of increased Se concentrations during the cultivation period. The strain with selenium enrichment showed differential changes in gene expression compared to the strain without selenium enrichment, with more changes observed at higher Se concentrations over time. Notably, genes related to ribosomes or ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes showed significant expression differences among certain groups, with up-regulation of genes involved in oxidoreductase activity, superoxide dismutase, and siderophore biosynthetic processes, and down-regulation of genes involved in steroid biosynthesis. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the transcriptional response of Epichloë sinensis to selenium.

Effects of Selenate Application on Growth, Nutrient Bioaccumulation, and Bioactive Compounds in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.)

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.

Comparative effects of various dietary selenium sources on growth performance, meat quality, essential trace elements content, and antioxidant capacity in broilers

This study aimed to compare the effects of various dietary selenium (Se) sources (0.5 mg/kg) on performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in broilers as well as essential trace elements concentrations in their blood and tissues. A total of 360 one-day-old male yellow-feathered chickens (37.00 ± 0.17 g) were randomly allocated to 5 diet treatments: the basal diet (CON) and 4 diets supplemented with sodium selenite (SS), selenomethionine (SM), selenium-enriched yeast (SY), and nano-selenium (NS) for 56 d, respectively, with 6 replicates per treatment and 12 chickens per replicate. Dietary Se supplementation did not affect growth performance and carcass characteristics in broilers (P > 0.05). Supplemental SM enhanced the redness in the pectoral muscle compared to CON and NS (P < 0.05). Supplementation of SY and NS improved the concentrations of Se, copper, manganese, and zinc in the serum (P < 0.05). Supplemental SS also elevated the zinc content in the serum (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the SY diet showed increased Se content in the liver and pectoral muscle compared to those fed CON, SM, and NS diets (P < 0.05). Also, SY improved the pectoral muscle Se concentration compared to SS (P < 0.05). Besides, dietary Se supplementation increased the Se content in the thigh muscle (P < 0.05), with SY showing highest Se deposition. Dietary supplementation with SS, SM, and NS improved the activities of total superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the serum (P < 0.05). Supplemental SY also elevated the T-AOC in the serum (P < 0.05). Additionally, SS and SM enhanced the T-AOC in the liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplemental SM affected meat color. Supplementing diets with various Se sources increased antioxidant capacity and Se content in the thigh muscle of broilers, with SY showing a more pronounced deposition efficiency. Besides, diets supplemented with different Se sources had variable effects on the concentrations of essential trace elements in the serum and tissues of broilers.

Overexpression of Wheat Selenium-Binding Protein Gene TaSBP-A Enhances Plant Growth and Grain Selenium Accumulation under Spraying Sodium Selenite.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans. Low concentrations of Se can promote plant growth and development. Enhancing grain yield and crop Se content is significant, as major food crops generally have low Se content. Studies have shown that Se biofortification can significantly increase Se content in plant tissues. In this study, the genetic transformation of wheat was conducted to evaluate the agronomic traits of non-transgenic control and transgenic wheat before and after Se application. Se content, speciation, and transfer coefficients in wheat grains were detected. Molecular docking simulations and transcriptome data were utilized to explore the effects of selenium-binding protein-A TaSBP-A on wheat growth and grain Se accumulation and transport. The results showed that TaSBP-A gene overexpression significantly increased plant height (by 18.50%), number of spikelets (by 11.74%), and number of grains in a spike (by 35.66%) in wheat. Under normal growth conditions, Se content in transgenic wheat grains did not change significantly, but after applying sodium selenite, Se content in transgenic wheat grains significantly increased. Analysis of Se speciation revealed that organic forms of selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenocysteine (SeCys) predominated in both W48 and transgenic wheat grains. Moreover, TaSBP-A significantly increased the transfer coefficients of Se from solution to roots and from flag leaves to grains. Additionally, it was found that with the increase in TaSBP-A gene overexpression levels in transgenic wheat, the transfer coefficient of Se from flag leaves to grains also increased.

Dual dome-like superconductivity in CuIr2Te3.85S0.15-xSex chalcogenides

In this paper, we report the superconductivity (SC) evolution on Se-substitution CuIr2Te3.85S0.15 telluride chalcogenide. The results of powder X ray-diffraction (PXRD) show that CuIr2Te3.85S0.15Se0.15-x (0≤x ≤ 0.15) series maintain a layered triangular structure and the space group are P3-m1 (No.164). Both the lattice constants a and c increase with increasing Se content. To systematically characterize the superconductivity properties, the electrical, magnetic, and thermal properties of the CuIr2Te3.85S0.15Se0.15-x (0≤x ≤ 0.15) series were tested. The resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that when Se gradually replaces S, CuIr2Te3.85S0.15Se0.15-x remains superconducting at low temperatures and does not disappear or transform into other electron ground states. In addition, With the increase of Se doping, the superconducting critical temperature (Tc) Rises and then falls twice, so the Tc value has two peaks in CuIr2Te3.85S0.15Se0.15-x (0≤x ≤ 0.15) series. Finally, we plot a phase plot of the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) versus the x content, which shows a "double dome" shape. CuIr2Te3.85S0.15Se0.15-x retains the inhibitory effect on CDW as the host CuIr2Te3.85S0.15. This peculiar change in superconducting transition temperature may be due to the change in the density of states at the Fermi surface caused by Se doping.

Exploring the effects of varying levels of selenium-chitosan on production performance, egg quality, and immune health in laying japanese quail

The purpose of this research was to see how different levels of Se-chitosan, a novel organic source of Se, affected the production performance, egg quality, egg Se concentration, microbial population, immunological response, antioxidant status, and yolk fatty acid profile of laying Japanese quail. This experiment used a totally randomized design, with 5 treatments, 6 repeats, and 10 birds in each repetition. The dietary treatment groups were as follows: no Se supplementation (control group), 0.2 mg/kg Na-selenite supplementation, and 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg/kg Se-chitosan supplementation. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved linearly in quails fed different levels of Se-chitosan compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Se-chitosan at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg demonstrated both linear and quadratic increases in albumen height, Haugh unit, and yolk color in fresh eggs compared to the control group. Additionally, Se-chitosan contributed to enhanced shell thickness and strength, along with an increased Se concentration in the yolk. Se-chitosan supplementation at different levels linearly and quadratically reduced coliforms (COL) while increasing lactic acid bacteria (LAB)/coliform ratios (P < 0.05). Se-chitosan supplementation linearly and quadratically increased the total antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and IgG titers (P < 0.05). It also linearly decreased the level of malondialdehyde in fresh and stored egg yolks and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase linearly, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) both linearly and quadratically in quail blood serum (P < 0.05). Additionally, supplementation of Se-chitosan at levels of 0.2 and 0.6 mg/kg linearly decreased the ∑ n-6 PUFA/∑ n-3 PUFA ratio in the yolk compared to the control group (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that incorporating Se-chitosan as a novel organic source of Se in the diet of laying quails can enhance production performance, egg quality, egg Se concentration, yolk lipid oxidation, microbial population, immune response, antioxidant enzyme activity, and yolk fatty acid profile.

Effects of different rootstocks grafting on selenium accumulation in Cyphomandra betacea Sendt. seedlings under selenium-contaminated soil

The effects of rootstocks tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), and nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) grafting on the growth and selenium (Se) accumulation of Cyphomandra betacea Sendt. seedlings were studied to identify the most suitable rootstock for increasing Se uptake of fruit trees grown in Se-contaminated soil. The rootstocks of tomato, eggplant, and nightshade grafting increased the scion biomass of C. betacea seedlings by 146.1%, 23.2%, and 94.5%, respectively, compared with the un-grafted seedlings. Moreover, tomato, eggplant, and nightshade rootstocks grafting increased the photosynthesis, superoxide dismutase activity, and peroxidase activity, while reducing the catalase activity and soluble protein content of C. betacea seedlings. Although all three rootstocks grafting decreased Se contents in rootstock roots and stems, only nightshade rootstock grafting increased Se content in the scions of C. betacea seedlings. Notably, root biomass, catalase activity, soluble protein content, rootstock root Se content, and rootstock stem Se content were closely related to the scion Se content. These findings suggest that only grafting onto nightshade rootstock significantly enhances Se uptake in C. betacea, whereas tomato and eggplant rootstocks grafting have no effect on Se uptake.

Selenium Treatment Alleviates the Inhibition Caused by Nep-L Gene Knockdown in Silkworm (Bombyx mori).

Recent studies have emphasized the beneficial effects of 50 μM selenium (Se) on the growth and development of the silkworm, Bombyx mori; however, less is known about its underlying mechanism. To unravel the effect of 50 μM Se on the silkworms with neutral endopeptidase 24.11-like gene (NEP-L) knockdown, we injected small interfering RNA (siRNA) into the body cavity of silkworms. Phenotypic characteristics, mRNA expression of the Nep-L gene, and enriched Se content were evaluated in silkworms from each treatment group. After injecting Nep-L siRNA, the body weight, cocoon quality (cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, and cocoon shell ratio), and egg production of silkworms were significantly reduced, without any significant effect on egg laying number. However, Se treatment could significantly alleviate the inhibition of body weight, and cocoon quality, without significant effects on egg laying number and production. In addition, the gene knockdown increased Se content in the B. mori. On the molecular level, the targeted Nep-L gene was inhibited significantly by siRNA interference, essentially with the strongest effect at 24 h after RNAi, followed by steady recovery. Among the three fragments, the siRNA of Nep-L-3 was the most effective in interfering with target gene expression. Nep-L gene showed the highest expression in Malpighian tubules (MTs). Both at the phenotypic and genotypic levels, our results show that Nep-L knockdown can exert a significant inhibitory effect on silkworms, and 50 μM Se can reverse the negative effect, which provides a practical prospect for strengthening the silkworm food industry.

Layered double hydroxide for slowing selenium fertilizer release and improving selenium utilization efficiency in vegetables

Selenium (Se) is a beneficial plant micronutrient, and the application of Se fertilizers can promote plant growth and enhance the Se content in crops. However, traditional soluble Se fertilizers have low utilization efficiency of Se due to adsorption or leaching. Here, selenite (SeO32−) -intercalated Mg/Al layered double hydroxide (Se-Mg/Al) for SeO32− slow-release was synthesized by co-precipitation and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Se-Mg/Al possessed a typical lamellar structure, combining with selenite by electrostatic interaction in interlayer and chemisorption on the surface. The release mechanism of selenite in distilled water from Mg/Al layered double hydroxide (Mg/Al LDH) was Fickian diffusion with gradually released 97.86% after 20 h (Over 90% within 2 h for sodium selenite). At pH range 4.0–8.0, Se-Mg/Al had a stable slow-release ability. And, the sulfate and phosphate anions could effectively trigger the release of selenite through anions exchange. The pot experiments showed that Se-Mg/Al increased Se content of vegetables, more than twice that of directly using sodium selenite. Compared with control treatment, the average stem height and fresh weight per 10 plants with Se-Mg/Al treatment improved approximately 1.48 times and 2.34 times, respectively. This work provides a feasible way for achieving crops selenium supplementation and improving selenium utilization efficiency.

Comprehensive evaluation of factors influencing selenium fertilization biofortification.

Dietary selenium (Se) deficiency, stemming from low Se concentrations in agricultural products, threatens human health. While Se-containing fertilizers can enhance the Se content in crops, the key factors governing Se biofortification with Se fertilization remain unclear. This study constructed a global meta-analysis dataset based on field experiments comprising 364 entries on Se content in agricultural products and 271 entries on their yield. Random forest models and mixed effects meta-analyses revealed that plant types (i.e., cereals, vegetables, legumes, and forages) primarily influenced Se biofortification, with Se fertilization rates being the next significant factor. The random forest model, which included variables like plant types, Se fertilization rates, methods and types of Se application, initial soil conditions (including Se content, organic carbon content, and pH), soil types, mean annual precipitation, and temperature, explained 82.14% of the variation in Se content and 48.42% of the yield variation in agricultural products. For the same agricultural products, the increase in Se content decreased with higher rates of Se fertilization. The increase in Se content in their edible parts will be negligible for cereals, forages, legumes, and vegetable crops, when Se fertilization rates were 164, 103, 144, and 147 g Se ha-1, respectively. Conversely, while low Se fertilization rates enhanced yields, high rates led to a yield reduction, particularly in cereals. Our findings highlight the need for balanced and precise Se fertilization strategies to optimize Se biofortification benefits and minimize the risk of yield reduction. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Increased nutritional quality of rice grains and migration mechanisms of selenium by spraying a foliar selenium-rich nutrient solution

Foliar application of selenium (Se) is an effective method for biofortification in rice, to ensure that sufficient Se is supplied by the crop to maintain human health. In order to improve Se concentration in rice and meet the daily recommended intake for humans, a foliar Se fertilizer was applied in five regions of Liaoning and Jilin provinces, China, and its effects on rice quality, leaf morphology, and wax characteristics were assessed in field tests. The effects of alkyl polyglycosides (APG) in the Se fertilizer were evaluated, and epicuticular waxes were measured to analyze the effects of the fertilizer on plant water status. The Se fertilizer effectively enhanced organic Se levels in rice (p < 0.05), ranging from 599.8 to 2002.0 µg kg−1. An intake of 50 g d−1 of Se-enriched rice can meet nutritional requirements, with total Se intake ranging from 30.0 to 100.1 µg d−1. The Se fertilizer increased the protein content and decreased the proportion of chalky rice (p < 0.05). APG increased the wettability of Se fertilizer on the surface of leaves, so Se could be better absorbed into the leaves and accumulate in rice. The Se fertilizer increased the epicuticular wax so that moisture loss from leaves was reduced. Mean cuticular wax thicknesses were 2.36 and 2.25 µg cm2 in Daohuaxiang and Wuyou 4, respectively. These results suggest a link between the quality of rice and epicuticular wax thickness, and the foliar application of Se fertilizer shows promise for increasing Se content in rice grown in Se deficient soils.

Effects of dietary minerals deficiency and supplementation on different parts of muscle minerals content in grazing Mongolian sheep.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of dietary deficiency and supplementation of calcium, zinc, copper, cobalt, manganese or selenium on minerals content in the longissimus dorsi (LD), biceps femoris (BF) and triceps brachii (TB) of grazing Mongolian sheep. We randomly divided 98 sheep into 7 treatment groups and fed them specific diets for 60 days: a total mineral nutrition diet (LCG), a calcium deficiency diet (LCa), a zinc deficiency diet (LZn), a copper deficiency diet (LCu), a cobalt deficiency diet (LCo), a manganese deficiency diet (LMn) and a selenium deficiency diet (LSe). Then 7 sheep from each group were slaughtered and samples of LD, BF and TB were collected for mineral content analysis. The remaining sheep in each group were subsequently fed specific diets for an additional 41 days: a total mineral nutrition diet (SCG), a calcium supplementation diet (SCa), a zinc supplementation diet (SZn), a copper supplementation diet (SCu), a cobalt supplementation diet (SCo), a manganese supplementation diet (SMn) and a selenium supplementation diet (SSe). Afterward, all sheep were slaughtered, and muscle samples were collected and analyzed. Significant findings emerged that LCa decreased sulfur (S) content in BF and increased Ca content in LD and BF, while SCa increased S and Ca content in BF and TB, respectively (P < 0.05). LZn decreased Zn, S, and potassium (K) content in LD and BF, while SZn increased Zn and S content in LD and BF, respectively (P < 0.05). LCu decreased Cu and iron (Fe) content in LD and TB, while SCu increased Fe content in TB (P < 0.05). LCo decreased phosphorus, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn content in LD (P < 0.05). LMn decreased Mn content and increased K content in TB, while SMn decreased K content in BF and TB (P < 0.05). LSe and SSe decreased and increased Se content in LD, BF, and TB, respectively (P < 0.05). Dietary mineral levels have varying effects on lamb meat minerals content. It is important to ensure an adequate intake of minerals in the diet to enhance the mineral nutrition of lamb meat.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) nanoselenium application improves tea quality (Camellia sinensis L.) and soil quality index without losing microbial diversity: A pot experiment under field condition

Applying selenium (Se) fertilizer is the only way to alleviate soil Se deficiency. Although effects of nanoselenium foliar application on plant growth and stress resistance have been extensively investigated, soil application of nanoselenium on soil microorganisms and their relationship with crop quality and soil health remains unclear. In this study, a steady-state homogeneous nanoparticle of epigallocatechin gallate Se (ESe) was synthesized, and a pot experiment was conducted applying ESe at five concentrations (0, 1, 10, 50, and 100 mg kg−1) to the tea planattion soil. The study revealed a significant increase in Se concentration in soil and tea with ESe application and identified 2.43–7.8 mg kg−1 as the safe and optimal range for soil application. Specifically, the moderate dose of ESe improved the tea quality [reduced tea polyphenols (TP), increased free amino acids (AA), and reduced TP/AA] and soil quality index (SQI). Besides, in marure tea leaves, antioxidant enzyme activities [promote catalase (CAT) superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD)] increased, while level of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2−)] decreased with ESe application. The 16S rRNA of the soil bacteria showed that ESe application significantly changed the community structure of soil bacteria but did not alter the diversity of the bacteria and the abundance of dominant taxa (phylum and genus levels). Statistical analysis of the taxonomic and functional profiles (STAMP) detected 21 differential taxa (genus level), mainly low-abundance ones, under the ESe application. Linear regression and random forest (RF) modeling revealed that the low-abundance bacterial taxa were significantly correlated with SQI (R2 = 0.28, p < 0.01) and tea quality (R2 = 0.23–0.37, p < 0.01). Thus, the study's findings suggest that ESe application affects soil and tea quality by modulating the low-abundance taxa in soil. The study also highlights the crucial role of low-abundance bacterial taxa of the rhizosphere in regulating soil functions under the ESe application.

Selenium biofortification impacts nutritional composition and storage proteins in wheat grains

Selenium (Se) biofortification of staple crops can be used as a valuable pathway to prevent Se deficiency in human diet. In this study, a pot experiment was performed under semi-controlled conditions to investigate the response of indigenous wheat cultivars to different Se concentrations (0 to 100 mg L-1) and to also assess the effects of Se foliar application on the storage proteins in wheat grains. A linear increase in Se concentrations in the grains of various wheat cultivars was observed (up to 158 μg kg-1) in response to Se application rates. It was observed that Gandum-1, Fakhar-e-Bhakkar-17, Ujala-16 and Anaj-17 were the most responsive wheat cultivars to Se application rates and accumulated the highest Se concentrations in grains. Though Se foliar treatments did not significantly affect the wheat yield, a highly significant correlation was observed between the Se application rates and the concentration of mineral nutrients (iron, zinc, calcium and potassium). Moreover, the exogenous Se supply considerably enhanced the concentrations of different storage proteins viz. albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin in wheat grains. The target hazard quotient of all Se application rates was found less than the toxic levels. In conclusion, wheat cultivars differ in their ability to accumulate Se concentrations in grains and biofortifying the most responsive wheat cultivars could be used as an efficient agronomic strategy to overcome widespread Se deficiency in human population.

Growth and crystal structure of CdTe1−xSex (x ≥ 0.75) thin films prepared by the method of high-frequency magnetron sputtering

CdTe1–xSex (x = 0.75 and 0.95) thin films were deposited on quartz substrate by the method of high-frequency magnetron sputtering. The chemical composition analysis and crystal structure refinement was examined with using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction data. CdTe1–xSex thin films crystallizes in hexagonal structure [structure type—ZnO, space group P63mc (No. 186)]. Unit cell parameters decrease with increasing Se content in CdTe1–xSex thin films. The value of the optical band gap for CdTe0.25Se0.75 and CdTe0.05Se0.95 was estimating using the Tauc plot and from the maximum position of the first derivative of the transmittance dT/dλ.