Treatment Of Se Research Articles

Effects of combined application of Se and ammonium fertilizers on the growth and nutritional quality of maize in Hg-polluted soil under two irrigation conditions and its health risk assessment

The interactive effects of Se (Na2SeO3) and ammonium fertilizers ((NH4)2SO4 and NH4Cl) on the growth and quality of maize (Zea mays L.) in mercury (Hg)-contaminated soil were studied under different water conditions. This study determined how two nutrient sources (Se and NH4+-N) interacted to improve the yield, quality, and safety of maize to ensure food security and quality assurance under the stress of heavy metal Hg. The experiment was conducted under two irrigation conditions: W1 (complete irrigation condition, 60-70% of water-holding capacity) and W2 (restricted irrigation condition, 40-50% of water-holding capacity). The combined treatment of Se and ammonium fertilizers significantly improved the growth of maize and the quality of grain in Hg-polluted soil. When Na2SeO3 and (NH4)2SO4 were combined, the growth and quality of maize increased the highest among all treatments. The interaction between Na2SeO3 and ammonium fertilizers significantly affected the available Hg/methylmercury (MeHg) content in soil and the Hg/MeHg concentration in maize. NH4Cl significantly increased the content of available Hg/MeHg in soil and increased the accumulation of Hg/MeHg in maize tissues due to Cl-. However, the treatments containing Na2SeO3 or (NH4)2SO4 significantly reduced the content of available Hg/MeHg in soil, reduced the accumulation of Hg/MeHg in maize tissues, and significantly reduced the possible health risks to human beings. The treatments containing Na2SeO3 or (NH4)2SO4 promoted maize growth by increasing the Se content in maize tissues and reducing the Hg/MeHg content, relieving the stress induced by Hg, and increasing the nutrient content. The combined treatment of Na2SeO3 and (NH4)2SO4 had the best effect in this experiment. This study also showed that this strategy is helpful in reducing the opportunities for consumers to accumulate Hg/MeHg by eating maize and its derivatives, thus ensuring food safety. Se and ammonium fertilizer can be used together to increase maize yield and develop agricultural production in Hg-polluted areas, which may have a significant impact on global food production. In addition, this simple method can help farmers manage soil affected by heavy metal pollution.

Stiripentol for the treatment of refractory status epilepticus

BackgroundStatus epilepticus (SE) is one of the most common neurological emergencies and an acutely life-threatening condition characterized by high mortality and morbidity. Despite the well-established staged therapy of status epilepticus, especially stages 1 and 2, more than one third of patients develop (super-) refractory SE. Despite a large variety of potential treatment options for super-refractory SE, there is an unmet clinical need of potential new treatment ideas in this often desperate clinical situation.A number of studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of stiripentol (STP) in patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) and in children with focal epilepsy and generalized epilepsies. Some smaller series and case reports have documented the use of STP in the treatment of status epilepticus in adult patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all patients who were admitted to the Department of Neurology at Marburg University Hospital between 2013 and 2023 with a diagnosis of (super)-refractory status epilepticus and who received additional treatment of SE with STP. All patients who received STP during the SE were included, regardless of previous medication.ResultsSE ceased in 64% of 25 patients (13 female and 12 male). The mean age was 58.6 ± 21.9 years (mean ± SD). 72% had a structural epilepsy. In 20% of patients, SE was terminated by the administration of STP alone in 32% of cases, while in a further 32% of patients, the simultaneous administration of multiple anti-seizure medications (ASMs) including STP was potentially responsible for the cessation of the SE, with valproic acid (VPA), benzodiazepines and STP, being the most frequently implicated ASMs. In 12% of patients, there was at least a temporary improvement in the electroencephalogram (EEG). Stiripentol had to be discontinued in three cases due to a reduction in vigilance or hypercalcemia.ConclusionsStiripentol may represent a promising additional treatment option for refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus. The tolerability of this treatment has already been demonstrated in previous studies, and was also reflected in these data. Further prospective investigation in larger patient populations are necessary to ascertain the efficacy of stiripentol in SE.Trial registrationNCT06540378, retrospectively registered.

The pharmacologic management of status epilepticus in pregnant patients: a scoping review

AbstractBackgroundStatus epilepticus (SE) is defined as 5 min or more of seizure activity or two recurrent seizures without a return to baseline. Healthcare providers encounter a challenge when a patient with SE is pregnant. SE is not only detrimental to the mother but can also put the baby at risk of severe harm. SE must be treated rapidly and therefore healthcare providers have very little time to thoroughly review the risk and benefits of available antiseizure medication in this population.AimTo evaluate the current available evidence related to the management of SE in pregnancy.DesignA literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, and Web of Science databases was conducted (2012–2022) using the following search terms: ‘pregnancy’, ‘pregnant women’ OR ‘gestation’ AND ‘status epilepticus’, ‘generalized status epilepticus’, ‘generalized convulsive status epilepticus’, ‘non convulsive status epilepticus’ OR ‘non‐convulsive status epilepticus’. Full‐text randomised controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports published in English were included. Data were extracted and the quality of the studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.ResultsThe literature described 29 pregnancies and 30 total foetuses. Intravenous benzodiazepine use for emergent control was reported in 45% of patients. Phenytoin and levetiracetam were primarily utilised for urgent control, with a variety of agents used for refractory SE. Ninety‐seven percent of maternal outcomes were reported as positive. The most common outcome was the birth of a healthy term infant. There were seven cases of pregnancy loss.ConclusionPublications pertaining to the treatment of SE in pregnancy are limited to case reports and small observational studies. Use of a benzodiazepine followed by levetiracetam or phenytoin is appropriate, whereas valproic acid should be utilised only when necessary due to the risk of major congenital malformation.

Evaluation of levetiracetam loading dose in adult patients with benzodiazepine-refractory status epilepticus

BackgroundStatus epilepticus (SE) is a neurologic emergency defined as continued seizure activity greater than five minutes or recurrent seizure activity without return to baseline. Benzodiazepine-refractory SE is continuous seizure activity despite treatment with a benzodiazepine. Treatment of benzodiazepine-refractory SE includes levetiracetam with loading doses ranging from 20 mg/kg to 60 mg/kg up to a maximum dose of 4500 mg. While levetiracetam has minimal adverse effects, there is currently a lack of studies directly comparing the safety and efficacy of various loading doses of levetiracetam. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of three loading doses of levetiracetam in the setting of benzodiazepine-refractory SE. MethodsThis was a single center, retrospective cohort study of adult patients with benzodiazepine-refractory SE who were treated with levetiracetam from April 1, 2016, to August 31, 2023. Patients with documented hypersensitivity to levetiracetam, those who were pregnant or incarcerated and patients who received an alternative antiepileptic drug (AED) prior to levetiracetam were excluded. Patients with other identifiable causes of SE including hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia or who were post cardiac arrest were also excluded. Patients were divided into three arms based on loading dose of levetiracetam administered (≤20 mg/kg [LEVlow], 21‐–39 mg/kg [LEVmed] or ≥40 mg/kg [LEVhigh]). The primary endpoint was the rate of seizure termination, defined as the lack of need for an additional AED within 60 min following levetiracetam administration. Secondary outcomes included the rate of intubation, and recurrent seizure activity 60 min to 24 h post seizure termination as defined by positive EEG results or need for an additional AED. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the influence of adequate loading doses of benzodiazepines, and outpatient levetiracetam use. ResultsOverall, 740 patients were screened for inclusion, with 218 patients being included in the primary analysis. Patients were divided into three groups with an average levetiracetam loading dose of 14.5 mg/kg in the LEVlow group, 28.8 mg/kg in the LEVmed group, and 48.8 mg/kg in the LEVhigh group. There was no difference in rates of seizure termination at 60 min (92.9% LEVlow vs 89.3% LEVmed vs 84.7% LEVhigh; p = 0.377). Additionally, no difference was found in rates of recurrent seizure activity between 60 min and 24 h post levetiracetam loading dose (32.1% LEVlow vs 32.0% LEVmed vs 28.8% LEVhigh; p = 0.899). However, the LEVhigh group did have a higher rate of intubation (45.8%) compared to the LEVmed (28.2%) and LEVlow (26.8%) group (p = 0.040). ConclusionThe loading of levetiracetam did not result in a statistically significant difference in rate of seizure termination at 60 min nor did it appear to impact the rate of recurrent seizures at 24 h. However, we did find higher rates of intubation in patients who received levetiracetam >40 mg/kg. Further research is warranted to determine the optimal loading dose of levetiracetam in benzodiazepine-refractory SE.

Effect of acetate and methanol on the kinetics of total dissolved selenium removal in a chemostat

AbstractBACKGROUNDCarbon (C) source consumption in industrial bioreactors removing soluble selenium (Se) contributes to the operating cost and can influence the rate of removal. This study used a laboratory chemostat to investigate the dependency of the rate of dissolved Se removal on the concentration of acetate and methanol, two C sources used in treatment of Se containing mine‐influenced water. It was hypothesized that the rate of dissolved Se removal follows a Monod kinetic model with C source as the limiting substrate.RESULTSA chemostat fed with 25 mg‐selenate‐Se L−1 and acetate as C source at different concentrations operated over a range of hydraulic retention times (HRTs) achieved maximal removal of 99.7% dissolved Se at an HRT of 1.5 days [rate 16.7 mg‐Se (L day)−1]. When methanol was fed into the chemostat as the C source instead of acetate, the extent and rate of removal were much less [65% at an HRT of 6 days, rate 2.7 mg‐Se (L day)−1]. Carbon source consumption per mole of dissolved Se removed was not constant and exceeded stoichiometric estimates. Monod kinetic parameters for the Dechloromonas/Ralstonia consortium growing on acetate were estimated as = 3.36 mg‐C L−1 and = 0.70 L day−1. The Methylophilaceae consortium growing on methanol did not exhibit Monod kinetic growth.CONCLUSIONSUsing acetate as a C source achieved greater efficiency of dissolved Se removal than when methanol was used. Total dissolved Se removal rate was dependent on acetate only at low concentrations and when the HRT was close to washout. However, total dissolved Se removal rate was strongly dependent on HRT when methanol was used. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Status Epilepticus after mechanical thrombectomy: The role of early EEG assessment in Stroke Unit, clinical and radiological prognostication

BackgroundConvulsive (CSE) and non-convulsive (NCSE) Status Epilepticus are a complication in 0.2–0.3% ischemic strokes. Large stroke and cortical involvement are the main risk factors for developing SE. This study evaluates the prevalence of SE in patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) through EEG recording within 72- h from admission. Moreover, we compared clinical, radiological, and outcome measures in SE and no-SE patients. Materials and MethodsWe collected retrospectively demographical and clinical characteristics of acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent EVT, admitted in the Stroke Unit (SU) of the University Hospital of Trieste between January 2018 and March 2020 who underwent EEG recording within 72- h from the symptoms’ onset. ResultsOut of 247 EVT patients, 138 met the inclusion criteria, of whom 9 (6.5%) showed SE with median onset time of 1 day (IQR 1–2). No difference was found between the two groups as for age, sex, risk factors, grade of recanalization, etiology of stroke, and closed vessel. The no-SE group presented higher NIHSS improvement rate (p=0.025) compared to the SE group. The sum of the lobes involved in the ischemic lesion was significantly higher in SE group (p=0.048). ConclusionSE after EVT in large strokes is a non-rare complication, with most being NCSE. Performing a rapid EEG assessment in a Stroke Unit setting may allow for a prompt recognition and treatment of SE in the acute/hyper-acute phase. SE may be correlated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with large vessel occlusion.

Synergistic influence of selenium and silicon supplementation prevents the oxidative effects of arsenic stress in wheat

Influence of supplementation of selenium (Se, 1 and 5 µM) and silicon (Si, 0.1 and 0.5 mM) was investigated in wheat under arsenic (30 µM As) stress. Plants grown under As stress exhibited a significant decline in growth parameters however, Se and Si supplementation mitigated the decline significantly. Treatment of Se and Si alleviated the reduction in the intermediate components of chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway and the content of photosynthetic pigments. Arsenic stressed plants exhibited increased reactive oxygen species accumulation and the NADPH oxidase activity which were lowered significantly due to Se and Si treatments. Moreover, Se and Si supplementation reduced lipid peroxidation and activity of lipoxygenase and protease under As stress. Supplementation of Se and Si significantly improved the antioxidant activities and the content of cysteine, tocopherol, reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid. Treatment of Se and Si alleviated the reduction in nitrate reductase activity. Exogenously applied Se and Si mitigated the reduction in mineral elements and reduced As accumulation. Hence, supplementation of Se and Si is beneficial in preventing the alterations in growth and metabolism of wheat under As stress.

Molecular insights into the bonding mechanisms between selenium and dissolved organic matter

Natural organic matter (NOM) plays a critical role in the mobilization and bioavailability of metals and metalloids in the aquatic environment. Selenium (Se), an environmental contaminant of aquatic systems, has drawn increasing attention over the years. While Se is a vital micronutrient to human beings, animals and plants, excess Se intake may pose serious long-term risks. However, the interaction between Se and dissolved organic matter (DOM) remains relatively unexplored, especially the reaction mechanisms and interactions of specific NOM components of certain molecular weight and the corresponding functional group change. Herein, we report an investigation on the interactions between Se and DOM by focusing on the mass distribution profile change of operationally defined molecular weight fractions of humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA). The results showed that across all molecular weights studied, HA fractions were more prone to enhanced aggregation upon introduction of Se into the system. For FA, the presence of Se species results in aggregation, dissociation, and redox reactions with the first two being the major mechanisms. Total organic carbon analysis (TOC), UV–vis spectroscopy (UV–vis), and Orbitrap MS data showed that [10, 30] kDa MW fraction had the largest aromatic decrease (CRAM-like, lignin-like and tannin-like) upon addition of SeO2 via dissociation as the dominant mechanism. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed that Se based bridging or chelation of functional groups from individual DOM components through hydrogen bonding in the form of SeO⋯H and possibly Se⋯H and/or attractive electrostatic interactions lead to aggregated DOM1⋯Se⋯DOM2. It was concluded from two-dimensional correlation analyses of excitation emission matrix (EEM) and FT-IR that the preferred Se-binding follows lipid ➔ peptide ➔ tannin ➔ aromatic functionalities. These results provide new understanding of Se interactions with various NOM components in aquatic environments and provide insight for Se assessing health risk and/or treatment of Se contaminated water.

The initial treatment in convulsive status epilepticus in China: A multi-center observational study

ObjectiveTo investigate the initial treatment of patients with convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in a resource-limited region of China, and to discuss the difference of in-hospital outcomes and economic costs between those with guideline-recommended initial treatment and those without. MethodsIn this retrospective study, we screened adult patients discharged with the diagnosis of CSE in four centers in west China. Individuals with different exposure to the initial drug were divided into benzodiazepine (BDZ) and non-BDZ group for outcome comparison. The primary outcomes were seizure control, and the ratio of patients who developed refractory SE. The secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge, in-hospital respiratory support rate, length, and cost of the stay. ResultsThree-hundred and thirteen patients (127, 40.6% were women) with CSE were included. The median age was 43 (range 16–92). There were 152 (48.6%) patients initially treated with BDZ. Among the 36 who received midazolam as initial treatment, twenty-six received an insufficient dose. The other 116 (76.3%) patients in the BDZ group chose diazepam as initial treatment. Fifteen of them (12.9%) were treated underdose. In the non-BDZ group (161, 51.4%), antiseizure medications (ASMs) and/or coma-induced drugs were used as initial treatment. Among those initially administrated ASMs, intramuscular phenobarbital (38,37.6%) and valproate (46, 52.3%) were most frequently seen. There was a significant difference in the time latency to initial treatment and etiology between BDZ and non-BDZ group. The non-BDZ group reported a higher cessation rate after initial treatment compared to the BDZ group (P = 0.012). No significant difference in other primary and secondary outcomes. SignificanceNon-adherence and underdosing of the initial treatment of SE were common in China. However, the non-BDZ group showed a better seizure control rate. The effect came from early aggressive medication, that is, the combination of ASMs and anesthesia. Non-BDZ group was not inferior to BDZs in terms of seizure control, the occurrence of in-hospital death, and poor outcome at discharge. More robust evidence is needed in developing settings when choosing the initial treatment.

Relevamiento de recursos disponibles para el manejo de status epiléptico en centros asistenciales en Argentina

IntroductionStatus epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment due to its high morbidity and mortality. Knowing the availability of local diagnostic and treatment resources is important for improving therapeutic outcomes through effective strategies. ObjectiveTo assess the resources available for the diagnosis and treatment of SE in hospitals in the Argentine Republic. Materials and methodsThe Epilepsy Working Group of the Argentine Neurological Society distributed a voluntary semi-structured survey to 51 representative centers for the care of patients with SE in July 2021. Information was requested regarding the healthcare model, pharmacological protocols for different phases of SE, and available electroencephalographic resources. ResultsRegarding the early stage of SE, we found that there is adequate availability of antiseizure medications (ASMs) in both public and private centers, with lorazepam being the most commonly chosen drug. Regarding the treatment choice for established SE, we found that phenytoin is the most commonly used in public hospitals, while levetiracetam is the preferred choice in nonpublic hospitals, and this difference is statistically significant (p < 0.0001). There was a low availability of EEG monitoring in both settings, although there was a greater availability of prolonged monitoring in private centers (p = 0.0003). ConclusionThis study provides information about the available resources in our country for the management of SE and allows for the development of educational and management strategies to improve its diagnosis and treatment.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve selenium uptake by modulating root transcriptome of rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Although selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in humans, the intake of Se from food is still generally inadequate throughout the world. Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improves the uptake of Se in rice (Oryza sativa L.). However, the mechanism by which AMF improves the uptake of Se in rice at the transcriptome level is unknown. Only a few studies have evaluated the effects of uptake of other elements in rice under the combined effects of Se and AMF. In this study, Se combined with the AMF Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) increased the biomass and Se concentration of rice plants, altered the pattern of ionomics of the rice roots and shoots, and reduced the antagonistic uptake of Se with nickel, molybdenum, phosphorus, and copper compared with the treatment of Se alone, indicating that Fm can enhance the effect of fertilizers rich in Se. Furthermore, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that the hub genes in modules significantly associated with the genes that contained Se and were related to protein phosphorylation, protein serine/threonine kinase activity, membrane translocation, and metal ion binding, suggesting that the uptake of Se by the rice roots may be associated with these genes when Fm and Se act in concert. This study provides a reference for the further exploration of genes related to Se uptake in rice under Fm treatment.

Evidence-based guideline on management of status epilepticus in adult intensive care unit in resource-limited settings: a review article.

This review was presented under the Protocol for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A literature search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Medline databases from 2007 to 2021. The keywords for the literature search were (SE or controlled clinical trial) AND (SE or randomized controlled trial), (SE or multicenter trial) AND (SE or meta-analysis) AND (SE or crossover study). SE is an urgent medical emergency that requires early recognition and aggressive treatment. Medical treatment is initiated when seizures continue for more than 5min after all stabilization measures have been taken. Based on the available evidence, diazepam can be used as a substitute for lorazepam in the treatment of SE. Ketamine is effective when given before other anesthetics as a third-line treatment in refractory and very refractory epilepsy. Propofol reduced the number of days of mechanical ventilation in the treatment of SE and has better seizure control than thiopental. Music has been recommended as an adjunctive therapy for epilepsy medication.

Exogenous Selenium and Biochar Application Modulate the Growth and Selenium Uptake of Medicinal Legume Astragalus Species.

Astragalus species have a certain capacity to enrich selenium (Se) and are the strongest Se hyperaccumulator legumes known globally at present. The biochar application to medicinal plants has been reported to affect plant metabolites. In this study, we aimed to employ hyperaccumulating Astragalus species in the plant growth of selenium-lacked soil, while also investigating the impact of varying selenium doses and biochar application on legumes growth, selenium content, and secondary metabolite production. Applying biochar to soil, along with a Se concentration of 6 mg/kg, significantly enhanced the growth, Se content, total polysaccharide content, and calycosin-7-glucoside content of Astragalus species (p < 0.05). Importantly, the Se and biochar application also led to a significant improvement in Se content in ABH roots (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the content of total flavonoids in ABH roots could be promoted by a Se concentration of 3 mg/kg and biochar application in soil. Additionally, the Se enrichment coefficients of Astragalus species under Se treatments were significantly higher than those under control treatment, with a marked difference observed across all treatments, whether roots or above-ground (p < 0.05). Remarkably, the Se transport coefficients of Astragalus species were observed to be lower than one, except for the transport coefficient of AB in the Se concentration of the control treatment (0 mg/kg). This result showed that a medium concentration treatment of Se and biochar application in soil not only promotes the growth of Astragalus species and the uptake of exogenous Se but also increases the active component content, meanwhile enhancing the Se enrichment and transport capacity. Taken as a whole, the present findings offer a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay between distinct Se levels, as well as the addition of biochar in soil, providing valuable insight for the cultivation of Se-rich Astragalus in Se-deficient soil-plant systems.

Treatment of benzodiazepine-refractory status epilepticus: A retrospective, cohort study

IntroductionStatus epilepticus (SE) is a frequent neurological emergency, derived from the failure of mechanisms responsible for seizure termination. The present study aims to compare the efficacy of the most common antiseizure medications (ASMs) employed for the treatment of benzodiazepine-refractory SE. MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of all SE episodes treated in our hospital between January 2016 and December 2020. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥ 18 years; a diagnosis of status epilepticus. Exclusion criteria were: status epilepticus resolved by initial therapy with benzodiazepines; impossibility to retrieve medical records. We considered as effective the ASM that was the last drug introduced or increased in dose before termination of SE and without changes in the co-medication. ResultsA total of 244 episodes in 219 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the final study cohort was 63.6 ± 19.2, with 108 (49%) men. In the total cohort, phenytoin (PHT) showed the highest response rate (57.6%), followed by lacosamide (LCM) (40.7%) and valproate (VPA) (39.8%). The comparative efficacy among the different drugs was significantly different (p < 0.001). In the pairwise comparisons, VPA was superior to levetiracetam (LEV) (response rate: 39.75% vs 24.71%; p = 0.004), but not to LCM. Phenytoin had a significantly higher resolution rate compared to VPA (response rate: 57.63% vs 39.75%; p = 0.02) and LEV (response rate: 57.63% vs 24.71; p < 0.001). The clinical predictors of anaesthetics administration were a disorder of consciousness upon clinical presentation, previous diagnosis of epilepsy, and younger age. ConclusionIn our cohort of SE, PHT showed higher effectiveness in terminating established SE, as well as refractory SE in the subgroup of patients treated with anaesthetics.

Effects of Curcuma longa on Status Epilepticus Induced by Pilocarpine in Rats

Background and Aim: The purpose of the present study is to provide a basis for the use of Curcuma longa extract as a therapeutic agent for status epilepticus. Methods: The effect of Curcuma longa extract on the status epilepticus in rat model was investigated. The rat’s model of SE induced by pilocarpine and the effect of Curcuma longa extract was evaluated through the measurement of seizure duration, brain oedema and hippocampal oxidative stress in this model. Results: In rat pre-treated with Curcuma longa extract (400mg/kg) seizure duration, brain water content and the level of MDA significantly were decreased and activities of SOD and CAT significantly were increased in the hippocampal. Conclusion: Our data provide that Curcuma longa may be useful for management and treatment of SE.

Evaluation of intravenous lorazepam dosing strategies and the incidence of refractory status epilepticus

IntroductionStatus epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency associated with high mortality if not identified and treated promptly. For the emergent treatment of SE, the recommended intravenous (IV) lorazepam dose is 0.1 mg/kg/dose, up to a maximum of 4 mg. It has been shown that lorazepam is commonly under dosed in SE, but there is conflicting data on whether this has a negative impact on patient outcomes. This study assessed any dose less than 4 mg to help identify the effects of under dosing lorazepam in SE. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to a quaternary health system between October 1, 2017 and September 30, 2019 that experienced SE and were initially treated with IV lorazepam. Patients were divided into two cohorts, less than 4 mg or 4 mg, based on the initial one-time dose of lorazepam received. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients that progressed to refractory status epilepticus (RSE) that received an initial IV lorazepam dose of 4 mg compared to less than 4 mg for the treatment of SE. Secondary outcomes evaluated include length of stay, mortality, time in SE, number of seizures, cumulative lorazepam dose prior to urgent therapy, number of lorazepam doses prior to urgent therapy, time to urgent therapy, appropriately dosed urgent therapy, and number of antiepileptic drugs given in SE. ResultsOne hundred twenty patients were included in this study (107 patients received less than 4 mg and 13 patients received 4 mg). All patients included in the study were greater than 40 kg. The primary outcome of progression to RSE was observed in a significantly greater proportion of patients in the less than 4 mg group compared to the 4 mg group (93 [87%] vs. 8 [62%], p = 0.03). There was no difference in hospital or intensive care unit length of stay. However, there was an increased rate of in-hospital mortality in patients who received 4 mg compared to less than 4 mg (5 [39%] vs. 12[11%], p = 0.02). DiscussionThe majority of patients in the study received less than the recommended dose of IV lorazepam for SE. Patients who received less than 4 mg experienced an increased progression to RSE, which supports current guideline recommended dosing. While there was an increased rate of mortality in patients who received 4 mg compared to less than 4 mg, time in SE was prolonged in the patient population and severity of illness was only available for a limited number of patients included.

Selenium Combined with Methyl Jasmonate to Control Tomato Gray Mold by Optimizing Microbial Community Structure in Plants.

Tomato cultivation is seriously affected by infection from Botrytis cinerea. The safe and effective control of tomato gray mold remains elusive. Plant-related microbial communities regulate not only plant metabolism but also plant immune systems. In this study, we observed that Selenium application in soil combined with foliar spraying of methyl jasmonate could reduce Botrytis cinerea infection in tomato fruits and leaves and improve tomato fruit quality. The infection rate of leaves decreased from 42.19% to 25.00%, and the vitamin C content increased by 22.14%. The bacterial community structure of the tomato was studied by using amplicon sequencing technology. The leaf bacterial alpha diversity of tomatoes treated with Se plus methyl jasmonate was significantly higher than that of the control. Then we isolated five strains antagonistic to Botrytis cinerea in vitro from tomato leaves in the treatment of Se plus methyl jasmonate. The antagonistic strains were identified as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus velezensis. Spraying mixed antagonistic strain suspension significantly inhibited the diameter of Botrytis cinerea with an inhibition rate of 40.99%. This study revealed the key role of plant-beneficial bacteria recruited by Se combined with methyl jasmonate in improving tomato plant disease resistance. These findings may benefit our understanding of the new regulation of microorganisms on Botrytis cinerea.

Alleviation of salinity triggered oxidative damage and photoinhibition in Vigna radiata by individual and combined treatments of selenium and jasmonic acid

Experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of selenium (Se) and methyl jasmonate (Me-JA) in alleviating the salinity (100 mM NaCl) stress triggered decline in growth and photosynthetic in Vigna radiata. Salinity stress significantly reduced the growth measured in terms of plant height and dry mass which was significantly alleviated by Se and /or Me-JA. Treatment of Se and Me-JA increased the synthesis of prototoporphyrin IX (Proto IX), Mg-prototoporphyrin IX (Mg-Proto IX), chlorophylls and carotenoids, increased photosynthesis and PSII activity. Besides, the supplementation of Se and Me-JA significantly declined the reactive oxygen species (H2O2 and O2-) levels causing increased membrane stability. Treatment of Se and MeJA up-regulated the antioxidant system by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase, and the content of ascorbate and glutathione in both control and salt stress treated plants. The Se and Me-JA treatment significantly increased the synthesis of total phenols and flavonoids reflecting in increased total antioxidant activity. Accumulation of proline, sugars, glycine betaine and the activity of γ-glutamyl kinase was significantly improved in Se and Me-JA treatments affecting the tissue water content. Decline in nitrate reductase activity due to salinity stress was alleviated significantly due to Se and Me-JA treatment. Vigna radiata plants treated with Se and Me-JA accumulated less Na and more K and N compared to salt stressed plants.

Diketone-mediated photochemical reduction of selenite to elemental selenium: Role of carbon-centered radicals and complexation

The reduction of highly toxic selenite (Se(IV)) to insoluble elemental selenium (Se(0)) is an effective strategy to alleviate the toxicity and to recover valuable Se from contaminated waters. Acetylacetone (AcAc) and diacetyl (BD) were found to be able to photoreduce Se(IV) into selenium nanoparticles. However, the kinetics and molecular mechanisms of the diketone-mediated Se(IV) reduction are still open to discussion. Herein, the photo-reduction of Se(IV) was studied with the two diketones and sulfite as reductants, as well as TiO2 as a photocatalyst. The results demonstrate that the two diketones were more effective and robust than sulfite. The reduction rate constants of Se(IV) in the UV/diketone systems were 5.1–6.5 times higher than those of UV/sulfite in a wide pH range (1.0–8.0) and without the need for deoxygenation. Compared with UV/TiO2 reduction, no complicated separation processes were needed after reduction with UV/diketones. After 1 h of irradiation, the recovery rates of Se(0) were 82% and 75% in UV/AcAc and UV/BD, respectively. Interestingly, the reactions that occurred in the UV/AcAc and UV/BD systems were unexpectedly different. On the base of reactive species scavenging experiments and quantum chemical calculations, acetyl radical (CH3C•(O)) and its hydrated product (CH3C•(OH)2) were found to play dominant roles in the UV/BD system, whereas the role of photo-induced complexation between hydrated AcAc and Se(IV) might not be neglected in the UV/AcAc system. Such a difference provides us with some room for choice and adjustment in the further application of UV/diketones for the treatment of Se(IV)-laden wastewater or for the reduction of some other similar metalloids.

Iron oxide nanoparticles and selenium supplementation improve growth and photosynthesis by modulating antioxidant system and gene expression of chlorophyll synthase (CHLG) and protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) in arsenic-stressed Cucumis melo

Current research reveals the positive role of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and selenium (Se) in extenuation of arsenic (As) induced toxicity in Cucumis melo. C. melo plants grown in As spiked soil (20 mg kg−1 As) showed reduced growth, chlorophyll (Chl) content, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductivity and transpiration. On the other hand, the alone applications of IONPs or Se improved growth and physiochemical parameters of C. melo plants. Additionally, exogenous application IONPs and Se synergistically improved the activity of antioxidative enzymes and glyoxalase system in C. melo plants. In addition, the collective treatment of IONPs and Se reduced As uptake, enhanced rate of photosynthesis and increased gas exchange attributes of C. melo plants under As stress. Interactive effect of IONPs and Se regulated reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and ascorbate (AsA) content in C. melo plants exposed to As-contaminated Soil. IONPs and Se treatment also regulated expression of respiratory burst oxidase homologue D (RBOHD) gene, chlorophyll synthase (CHLG) and protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR). Therefore, the combined treatment of IONPs and Se may enhance the growth of crop plants by alleviating As stress.