Se Source Research Articles

Moisture Source–Receptor Network of the East Asian Summer Monsoon Land Regions and the Associated Atmospheric Steerings

AbstractThis study aims to construct a novel source–receptor (SR) network to study the atmospheric water cycle associated with the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) circulation. Using a dynamical recycling model (DRM), 68%–74% of the wet season (April–September) precipitation in six EASM land regions is attributed. The results reveal that terrestrial sources can be equally or more competitive than oceans for several sink regions downwind in East Asia. Terrestrial sources, such as the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, Southwest China, and the eastern Tibetan Plateau, are sustained by southwesterly monsoons and contribute to appreciable fractions of precipitation in the East Asian subregions downwind. Further, southwesterly and southeasterly sources for a sink region alternately dominate the moisture supply in the early and late wet season, respectively, referred to as the “SW–SE source swing.” The SR network is found to be largely governed by the zonal oscillation of the western North Pacific subtropical high and tropical cyclones. Knowledge about the coupled circulations might promise more predictability of the strength of the affected SR pairs. Notably, enhanced moisture supplies from regions such as the Indian subcontinent and Tibetan Plateau are well correlated with an upper-level wave train from western Russia. Finally, the preceding wintertime El Niño may favor (suppress) the moisture contribution of southwesterly (southeasterly) sources in the following wet season. The findings offer insights into the EASM water cycle and the governing circulations, and also accentuate the role of upwind terrestrial sources in the downwind precipitation and freshwater resources.

Comparative assessment of sodium selenite, selenised yeast and nanosized elemental selenium on performance response, immunity and antioxidative function of broiler chickens

Although selenium (Se) supplementation is a common practice in poultry, the best source and level has not been established yet. Thus, a 42-day experiment involving diets with three levels (0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg) of supplemental Se from sodium selenite (SS), selenised yeast (SY) and nanoelemental Se (SN) was conducted to evaluate the possible differential responses of broiler chickens to inorganic, organic and nano Se sources relative to a control diet. Throughout the experiment, broilers receiving Se supplements had higher feed intake, body weight gain (BWG) and survival rate than the control. Broilers fed dietary SY or SN had improved BWG compared with those fed the SS-supplemented diets. Broilers treated with Se supplementation had increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activities and produced higher antibody responses to avian influenza virus (AIV) and sheep red blood cell (SRBC) versus the control. These effects were enhanced with increasing Se addition, except for GPx that responded equally to all supplemental Se levels. Also, broilers receiving supplementary SY or SN exhibited higher anti-AIV and anti-SRBC titres along with more elevated serum Se, TrxR activity and total antioxidant capacity compared with those receiving SS. At the same time, SN had the most increasing effect on anti-SRBC titre. To conclude, diet supplementation with 0.5 mg/kg of Se in the form of SY or SN was capable of meeting the Se demands of broiler chickens for optimum growth and antioxidant capability, while SN seemed to be the most effective Se source in enhancing immunity. Highlights Diet supplementation with SN and SY, especially at 0.5 mg/kg diet, improved broiler performance and carcase quality of chickens compared with SS. SY and SN showed more favourable effects on oxidative status and immunocompetence. The best anti-SRBC titre was observed with SN.

The Mineral Composition of Wild-Type and Cultivated Varieties of Pasture Species

Mineral deficiencies in livestock are often prevented by using prophylactic supplementation, which is imprecise and inefficient. Instead, the trend for increased species diversity in swards is an opportunity to improve mineral concentrations in the basal diet. Currently, there are limited data on the mineral concentrations of different species and botanical groups, particularly for I and Se, which are among the most deficient minerals in livestock diets. We grew 21 pasture species, including some cultivar/wild type comparisons, of grasses, legumes and forbs, as single species stands in a pot study in a standard growth medium. Herbage concentrations of Co, Cu, I, Mn, Se, Zn, S, Mo and Fe showed no consistent differences between the wild and cultivated types. There were significant differences between botanical groups for many minerals tested. Forbs were highest in I and Se, grasses in Mn and legumes in Cu, Co, Zn and Fe. Comparing species concentrations to recommended livestock intakes, the forbs Achillea millefolium, Cichorium intybus and Plantago lanceolata, and the legumes Medicago lupulina, Trifolium hybridum and Lotus corniculatus, appear to be good sources of Co, Cu, I, Se and Zn. Further work is required to ensure these results are consistent in multispecies mixtures, in different soil types and in field trials.

Comparative effectiveness of Se translocation between low-Se and high-Se rice cultivars under Se fertilization

The production of natural selenium (Se)-rich food by using a high-Se crop cultivar is beneficial to human health and environmental safety; however, the underlying mechanism of different Se-accumulation ability between high- and low-Se rice cultivars remains unclear. A low-grain-Se cultivar and high-grain-Se cultivar of rice were used as test materials, and two levels of Se (0 and 0.5 mg kg−1) were arranged in a randomized design containing twelve replicates. The dynamic changes of shoot Se concentration and accumulation, xylem sap Se concentration, shoot and grain Se distribution, Se transporters genes (OsPT2, Sultr1;2, NRT1.1B) expression of the high- and low-Se rice cultivars were determined. The shoot Se concentration and accumulation of the high-Se rice showed a greater degree of reduction than those of the low-Se rice during grain filling stage, indicating that leaves of high-Se rice served as a Se source and supplied more Se for the growth centre grain. The expression levels of OsPT2, NRT1.1B and Sultr1;2 in the high-Se rice cultivar were significantly higher than those in the low-Se rice cultivar, which indicated that the high-Se rice cultivar possessed better transport carriers. The distribution of Se in grain of the high-Se rice cultivar was more uniform, whereas the low-Se cultivar tended to accumulate Se in embryo end. The stronger reutilization of Se from shoots to grains promoted by increased transporters genes expression and optimized grain storage space may explain how the high-Se rice cultivar is able to accumulate more Se in grain.

Comparison of toxic effects of dietary organic or inorganic selenium and prediction of selenium intake and tissue selenium concentrations in broiler chickens using feather selenium concentrations

The present experiment aimed to compare toxic effects of dietary organic or inorganic selenium (Se) and to predict of Se intake and tissue Se concentrations in broiler chickens based on feather Se concentrations. A total of four hundred twenty 7-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were allotted to 1 of 7 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment had 6 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. Organic Se (selenium yeast) or inorganic Se (sodium selenite) was added to the basal diet at the levels of 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg Se. All experimental diets were fed to birds on an ad libitum basis for 28 d. Results indicated that a significant interaction (P < 0.01) was observed between Se sources and inclusion levels for the BW gain and feed intake of broiler chickens with inorganic Se at 15 mg/kg in diets showing a greatest negative effect. Increasing inclusion levels of Se in diets increased (linear, P < 0.01) plasma concentrations of uric acid. Increasing inclusion levels of Se in diets increased (linear, P < 0.01) relative liver weight. No significant interactions were observed between Se sources and inclusion levels in diets on hepatic antioxidant capacity. Increasing inclusion levels of Se in diets increased (linear, P < 0.01) Se concentrations in the liver, breast, and feather. The concentrations of Se in the breast, liver, and feather were greater (P < 0.05) for organic Se than for inorganic Se in diets. The toxic levels of organic or inorganic Se in broiler diets were near 7 or 9 mg/kg based on the BW gain, respectively. The prediction equations indicate that feather Se concentrations in broiler chickens can be used to predict both daily Se intake and Se concentrations in the liver and breast.

Distribution of Selenium in the Soil–Plant–Groundwater System: Factors Controlling Its Bio-Accumulation

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans and animals, but both Se excess and deficiency can cause various health risks. Since Greece is among the European countries where people have very low Se-serum, the present study is focused on the Se distribution in cultivated and non-cultivated plants and relative soil coming from the Neogene basins of Greece (Assopos-Thiva and Attica), aiming to define potential Se-source/es and factors controlling Se bio-accumulation and enrichment in food. The dry weight Se values are relatively low (0.1–0.9 mg/kg) with the highest Se contents in garlic, beet and lettuce from the Assopos basin, where the translocation percentage [(mplant/msoil) × 100] for Se, P and S is much higher compared to non-cultivated Attica basin. There is a diversity between the Se source in soil and coastal groundwater which is used for irrigation in the cultivated Assopos–Thiva basin. The soil pH and oxidizing conditions (Eh) are considered the main driving force to make Se available for plant uptake. Potential sources for Se in Greece are Fe-Cu-Zn-sulphide ores and peat deposits in northern Greece, with a Se content ranging from decades to hundreds of mg/kg. Application of the leaching testing protocol is necessary to select the most appropriate proportion of additives to improve the Se deficiencies in agricultural soil.

Selenium sources differ in their potential to alleviate the cadmium-induced testicular dysfunction

Cadmium (Cd), a major environmental contaminant, is closely associated with male reproductive health. Selenium (Se) has been recognized as an effective chemo-protectant against Cd toxicity, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The objective of present study was to illustrate the toxic effect of Cd on testis, and then compare the antagonistic effect among different Se sources on growth performance, testicular damage, ion homeostasis, antioxidative potential, and the expression of selenotranscriptome and biosynthetic related factors in Cd-treated chicken. Male chickens were fed with (Ⅰ) Control group: basal diet; (Ⅱ) Cd group: basal diet with 140 mg/kg CdCl2; (Ⅲ) YSe + Cd group: basal diet with 140 mg/kg CdCl2 and 3 mg/kg Yeast-Se; (Ⅳ) NSe + Cd group: basal diet with 140 mg/kg CdCl2 and 1 mg/kg Nano-Se; (Ⅴ) SSe + Cd group: basal diet with 140 mg/kg CdCl2 and 3 mg/kg Na2SeO3. It was observed that different Se treatments dramatically alleviated Cd-induced testicular developmental disorder, ion homeostasis disorder, hormone secretion disorder and oxidative stress. Simultaneously, Se mitigated Cd-induced testicular toxicity by regulating selenoprotein biosynthetic related factors to promote selenoprotein transcription. Finally, this study indicated that dietary supplementation of Yeast-Se produced an acceptable Se form to protect testis from Cd exposure.

Comparison of Zinc, Copper and Selenium Content in Raw, Smoked and Pickled Freshwater Fish.

The aim of the study was to assess the zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) content in freshwater fish from Poland. Selected species of raw, smoked and pickled fish were evaluated by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The concentration of Zn, Cu and Se in the examined fish ranged from 1.5 to 49.9 mg/kg, 0.01 to 2.8 mg/kg and 30.9 to 728.2 µg/kg, respectively. One serving of every fish product covered the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Zn by 5.38–65.0%, of Cu by 0.42–11.4% and of Se by 12.3–198.6%. A cluster analysis allowed us to distinguish European eel (raw and smoked) based on the Zn content. Additionally, based on the Cu and Se content, pickled common whitefish was differentiated from other species and types of fish products. The discriminant analysis model of smoked fish enabled their classification with a 70% accuracy. Regarding Zn, all forms of the European eel as well as raw and smoked vendace can be considered a source of this element. None of the tested fish can be considered a source of Cu. All products are safe for human consumption with regard to the Zn and Cu content. Almost each form of every species of fish can be considered a source of Se. However, the Se content should be monitored in smoked and pickled common whitefish, pickled bream and pickled vendace.

Quantification and in vitro bioaccessibility of glucosinolates and trace elements in Brassicaceae leafy vegetables

Leaf samples from five Brassicaceae species (Brassica carinata, Brassica oleracea, Brassica rapa, Eruca vesicaria and Sinapis alba) were analyzed to determine their contents of glucosinolates and trace elements, and the bioaccessibility of these compounds.Considerable variability in the total contents and glucosinolate profiles was observed in the Brassicaceae species, with the total amounts ranging from 8.5 µmol/g dw in Brassica oleracea to 32.9 µmol/g dw in Sinapis alba. Bioaccessibilities of the predominant glucosinolates were moderate, ranging from 13.1% for glucoraphanin to 43.2% for gluconapin, which is particularly relevant as they have been implicated in a variety of anti-carcinogenic mechanisms.Trace element concentrations were: Se (28–160 µg/Kg dw); Cr (0.31–4.03 µg/g dw); Ni (0.19–1.53 µg/g dw); Fe (8.6–18.8 µg/g dw); Zn (20.8–41.5 µg/g dw); Ca (6.2–15.2 mg/g dw). Brassicaceae leaves were also moderate dietary sources of Se, Ni, Zn and Ca.

Characterization of Two Sludges from a Pyrometallurgical Copper Smelting Complex for Designing a Se and Pb Recovery Proposal

Gas scrubbing sludge (SS) and fine dust of converters (SC) are wastes generated in the off-gas cleaning system of smelting and converting processes. Both wastes are considered hazardous materials due to their high metal contents and leaching characteristics. The main purpose of this study was to gain essential knowledge on the recovery of valuable elements contained in these wastes. Thus, an exhaustive characterization was carried out to determine the composition, mineral phases, particle size, and leachability of both wastes (SS and SC) as a preliminary step to select the most appropriate applications and treatment for them. These wastes are composed of fine particles (~ 95% 20%) as anglesite (PbSO4), while SS presents a high concentration of Se (34%), which is mainly identified as metallic selenium. Therefore, these residues could be used as secondary sources of Pb and Se. The recovery of Se by roasting process and Pb recovery by hydrometallurgical route seem to be the best options for the management of these wastes.

Multielement Determination in Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines Containing Cynara scolymus L., Harpagophytum procumbens D.C., and Maytenus ilifolia (Mart.) ex Reiss from Brazil Using ICP OES

Worldwide, medicinal plants and herbal medicines are widely consumed. The aim of this study was to determine macro- (Ca, K, Mg, Na, and P) and microelements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, V, and Zn) in medicinal plants and herbal medicines: "globe artichoke" - Cynara scolymus L., "devil's claw" - Harpagophytum procumbens D.C., and "espinheira santa" - Maytenus ilifolia (Mart) ex Reiss. Concentrations of 24 (essential and toxic potentially) elements in samples from Brazil were determined using a sequential optical emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) after acid digestion, assisted by microwave radiation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to carry out an exploratory analysis of samples. The elements were quantified (in μg/g): Al (20.24-1261.64), Ba (18.90-63.18), Ca (2877.6-19,957.40), Cr (0.28-1.38), Cu (4.16-21.99), Fe (8.54-627.49), K (1786.12-32,297.19), Mg (505.82-6174.52), Mn (0.40-205.64), Na (1717.23-18,596.45), Ni (< LoQ-0.99), P (35.12-2899.91), Se (1.52-3.71), Sn (1.53-12.43), Sr (52.33-84.31), V (< LoQ-0.24), and Zn (2.60-30.56). As, Cd, Co, Mo, Pb, and Sb, in all the investigated samples, were found to be below the limit of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) values of ICP OES. These medicinal plants and herbal medicines can be sources of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn. All samples showed considerable levels of Al. PCA and HCA showed that the samples separated into two large groups.

Dietary supplementation with selenium-enriched earthworm powder improves antioxidative ability and immunity of laying hens

Selenium (Se) has been recognized as an essential dietary nutrient for decades, and organic Se sources rather than inorganic ones are increasingly advocated as Se supplements. Earthworms have been studied as a feed additive and animal protein source for many yr. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Se-enriched earthworm powder (SEP) on the antioxidative ability and immunity of laying hens. A total of 120 27-wk-old laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups (30 hens per group). Laying hens were fed diets supplemented with SEP having 0, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg of Se or with earthworm powder alone. After 5 wk of supplementation, serum from the hens was tested for nutritional components (protein, globulin, albumin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and glucose), antioxidative properties (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nitric oxide), and immune responses (lysozymes, immunoglobulin G, IL-2, and interferon gamma). We found that SEP with 1.0 mg/kg of Se upregulated the hens' total protein, albumin, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, IgG, and IL-2 and downregulated triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, and nitric oxide. These results indicate that SEP improves antioxidative levels and immune function of laying hens, indicating potential benefit from use of SEP as a feed additive in the poultry industry.

Selenium Deficiency—From Soil to Thyroid Cancer

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient present in human diet, entering in the composition of selenoproteins as selenocysteine (Se-Cys) amino acid. At the thyroid level, these proteins play an important role as antioxidant and in hormone metabolism. Selenoproteins are essential for the balance of redox homeostasis and antioxidant defense of mammalian organisms, while the corresponding imbalance is now recognized as the cause of many diseases including cancer. The food chain is the main source of Se in human body. Dietary intake is strongly correlated with Se content in soil and varies according to several factors such as geology and atmospheric input. Both Se deficiency and toxicity have been associated with adverse health effects. This review synthesizes recent data on the transfer of Se from soil to humans, Se U-shaped deficiency and toxicity uptake effects and particularly the impact of Se deficiency on thyroid cancer.

Selenium dietary intake, urinary excretion, and toxicity symptoms among children from a coal mining area in Brazil.

Selenium (Se) is necessary for several physiological functions in the human body; however, high concentrations of this element in coal mining areas raise the possibility of Se-related health risks. Children are much more vulnerable and at risk to environmental hazards than adults. The largest coal mining area of Brazil is located in the city of Candiota, where previous studies point to significant urinary Se concentrations among children. Food intake is the main Se source. The study aimed to evaluate dietary Se intake, as well as urinary Se excretion and classic symptoms of Se intoxication among children from Candiota and a control city in the same region. A cross-sectional study was carried out, with participation from 242 children between 6 and 12years old in two cities in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Socioeconomic variables, dietary intake, and Se toxicity symptoms were evaluated through a structured questionnaire, and urinary Se levels were measured. Children from both cities had normal levels of Se intake and urinary excretion; however, children from Candiota had significantly higher levels of Se in both parameters in relation to the control city, especially for Se urinary excretion. There was low prevalence of Se toxicity symptoms. We conclude that coal mining activities may increase Se intake in children and consequently its urinary excretion.

Mercury and selenium in fish from the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea: A risk-benefit assessment in vulnerable population groups

The study examines the levels of total mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) in the muscle tissue of 12 commercially important fish species (n = 717) from 48 locations in the eastern Adriatic Sea, as a function of fish species, size and habitat. Risks and benefits of fish consumption regarding Hg and Se in children (7 years) and women of reproductive age (30 years) were also evaluated. All samples but one were compliant with the European regulatory limit for Hg in fish muscle. Concentrations (μg g−1 ww) of Hg (range: 0.014–1.37) and Se (range: 0.184–1.12) and Se:Hg molar ratios in fish were associated with habitat type. Demersal species had the highest Hg and the lowest Se concentrations, while pelagic species had the lowest Hg concentrations, highest Se concentrations and Se:Hg molar ratios. All species had Se:Hg molar ratios above 1 (range: 1.4–66.9) and a selenium health benefit value (HBVSe) above zero (range: 3.3–9.3), indicating Se excess after Hg sequestration. The intake of two meals per week of small pelagic-neritic and bento-pelagic fish is estimated to be a valuable source of essential Se, and does not pose a risk from toxic Hg exposure in children and women during the vulnerable reproductive period. Due to the low Hg and favorable Se:Hg molar ratio and HBVSe index, small pelagic species offer a good risk to benefit ratio of fish consumption and could be considered an optimal choice in these sensitive subpopulations.

Selenium in sediment and food webs of the Tapajós River basin (Brazilian Amazon) and its relation to mercury

BackgroundWe investigated Se levels along the Tapajós River basin - which is an important tributary of the Amazon River - and the possible antagonistic effect of Se in Hg availability. This is the first study to investigate Se transfer from abiotic to biotic compartments and along the food chain in aquatic ecosystems of the Amazon basin. MethodsSe concentrations were measured in superficial sediment (n = 29), plankton (n = 28) and fishes (n = 121) along two stretches of the Tapajós River basin (Tapup/mi and Taplow), comprising approximately 500 km with different hydrological characteristics. ResultsSe concentrations in sediment were significantly higher in the Taplow (345−664 μg kg−1) than in the Tapup/mi (60−424 μg kg−1). The seasonal flooding of the Amazon River probably helps to carry selenium-rich sediment to the Tapajós mouth (Taplow stretch). We suggest that Se in sediment could decrease the bioavailability of Hg resulting in lower MeHg concentrations in fish, as observed in the Taplow (45−934 μg kg−1). Sediment and plankton were positively correlated in relation to their Se concentrations (r = 0.62; p = 0.001) suggesting that sediment can possibly be the main source of Se to plankton. Our data indicate Se uptake by primary consumers, as noted in phytoplankton levels. The decrease of Se concentrations along the food chain was also noteworthy. ConclusionThis work elucidates some aspects of Se biogeochemistry in the Amazon basin and shows its importance regarding Hg cycles in aquatic ecosystems.

Effect of selenium sources in plant-based diets on antioxidant status and oxidative stress-related parameters in rainbow trout juveniles under chronic stress exposure

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient required for normal development and antioxidant protection. Oxidative stress induced by stressful conditions has been shown to be reduced by dietary Se supplementation. However, replacing fishmeal, an important source of Se, with ingredients of plant origin usually results in decreased Se content in aquafeeds. The objective of the study was hence to assess the impact of dietary Se supplementation by an inorganic or organic source on the antioxidant defense system of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles fed practical plant-based feeds under normal or chronic stress conditions. Fish (initial mean weight: 42 ± 2 g) were maintained under normal (25 fish/tank, dissolved oxygen: 7.9 mg/l) or stressful conditions combining decreased water quality with hypoxia and increased stocking density (50 fish/tank, dissolved oxygen: 5.9 mg/l) for 12 weeks at 17 °C. Rainbow trout juveniles were fed three plant-derived protein-based diets containing 0.5 mg Se/kg diet supplemented or not with 0.3 mg Se/kg diet supplied as sodium selenite or Se-enriched yeast, Selsaf®. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, protein, ash and Se were improved by Se-enriched yeast supplementation while the ADC of Se was reduced by sodium selenite supplementation and the ADC of dry matter, starch, energy, ash and phosphorus were reduced by chronic stress exposure. Dietary Se supplementation had no significant impact on growth performance contrary to chronic stress exposure which led to decreased final body weight and feed intake. Total Se content of fish was increased by both dietary Se supplementations but to a larger extent with Se-enriched yeast. Fish fed Se-enriched yeast displayed increased hepatic selenomethionine content and decreased muscle anisidine value. Blood glutathione content was reduced by chronic stress exposure. While hepatic catalase activity and transcript expression were increased by chronic stress exposure, both hepatic and renal glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and hepatic transcript expression of gpx1b2 and gpx4a2 were decreased in non-Se supplemented fish. These results suggest the necessity to supplement plant-based diets with Se for rainbow trout juveniles, independently of chronic stress exposure and highlight the superiority of organic form of Se to fulfil the dietary Se requirement and sustain the antioxidant status of fish.

Effect of Se sources and concentrations on performance, antioxidant defense, and functional egg quality of laying Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

The study aimed to investigate the effect of Se sources and concentrations on performance, thyroid activity, antioxidant defense, and functional egg quality of Japanese quail. One hundred and twenty, 8-week-old birds were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in 3 replicates (10 birds/replicate). The treatments contained inorganic sodium selenite (SS) at 0.2mg/kg diet (SS1 = control) or 0.4mg/kg diet (SS2) or selenomethionine (SM) at 0.2mg/kg diet (SM1) or 0.4mg/kg diet (SM2). Egg production (%) and feed intake were daily recorded, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for glucose, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. Egg quality was determined in terms of Se content and concentrations of triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and cholesterol. Dietary supplementation of SM2 increased (P < 0.05) egg production (%) and egg mass and decreased FCR compared to the other groups, which showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in between. It is the first study reporting that the eggs from the quail fed SM2 diet had lower concentrations (P < 0.05) of triglycerides, LDL, and cholesterol than those fed SS. Feeding SM increased (P < 0.05) blood glucose, T4, and T3 levels. Moreover, feeding SM increased the activity of GPX and SOD with a higher significance (P < 0.05) for SM2 than SM1. In conclusion, no adverse effects from supplementation of SM up to 0.4mg/kg were observed and could improve their performance, antioxidant defense, thyroid activity, and functional egg quality.

Free and bound amino acids, minerals and trace elements in matcha (Camellia sinensis L.): A nutritional evaluation

This study provides an overview of free and bound amino acids, minerals and trace elements content in matcha including evaluation of their dietary intakes. The analyses employed IEC and ICP-MS methods. Theanine followed by Glu, GABA, Thr and Me were the most abundant free amino acids. Considering bound amino acids, Glu, Asp, Leu, Lys, Arg and Val were the most frequent. The amino acid score (AAS) for matcha (40.2 %) is comparable to the AAS for wheat and sunflower proteins. Ile and Thr were evaluated as limiting amino acids. Regarding recommended daily allowance (RDA), the contributions of Cys and Met were up to 8%. Matcha is contributor to Adequate Intake (AI) or RDA for males in the following order: Mn (up to 15 %) > Cu > Fe (up to 7%). Similarly, for females, matcha contributes to RDA or AI values in this order: Mn (up to 19 %) > Cu > Zn (up to 5%). It has not been proved that matcha is a significant source of Se and Cr. A daily serving portion of 5 g does not contribute to PTWI (Provisional tolerable weekly intake) and PTMI (Provisional tolerable monthly intake) for Al, Sn, Cd and Hg.

Efficient Sb2Se3/CdS planar heterojunction solar cells in substrate configuration with (hk0) oriented Sb2Se3 thin films

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) based solar cell technology has experienced rapid development with demonstrated cell efficiency reaching ̴ 9.2% for devices in substrate configuration, hence motivating more intense research investigations. Though the effect of crystallographic orientation in this non-cubic material on device performance is now well understood, the influence of composition and intrinsic defects remains debatable. In this work we describe the fabrication and device characteristics of Sb2Se3 solar cells designed in the substrate configuration (SLG/Mo/Sb2Se3/CdS/i-ZnO/ITO). Notably, Sb2Se3 absorber layers with a predominant (hk0) orientation were deposited in a single step by e-beam evaporation of pre synthesized bulk source material. As grown precursor Sb2Se3 thin films were subjected to reactive thermal annealing treatment in the presence of Se source at different temperatures for enhancing their crystalline quality and balancing their stoichiometry. Analysis of the completed solar cells indicated improved efficiencies post reactive thermal annealing process, with the best performing devices exhibiting a power conversion efficiency (η) of ~4.34% for an absorber annealed at a temperature of 350 °C. The improved efficiency is ascribed to the observed changes in chemical composition of the absorber layer and the possible formation of related beneficial antisite defects.