Search Results (22)

Photodetectors based on selenium (Se) have attracted significant attention because of their outstanding optoelectronic characteristics, including their rapid reactivity and high photoconductivity. However, the poor responsivity of pure Se limits their further development. In this study, a novel Se-P/P3HT:G photodetector was designed and fabricated by combining an organic semiconductor made of poly-3-hexylthiophene mixed with graphene (P3HT:G) with self-supporting Se paper (Se-P) via spin-coating process. The device possesses a dark current of around 4.23 × 10⁻¹² A and self-powered characteristics at 300–900 nm. At zero bias voltage and 548 nm illumination, the Se-P/P3HT:G photodetector demonstrates a maximum photocurrent of 1.35 × 10⁻⁹ A (745% higher than that of Se-P at 0.1 V), a quick response time (16.2/27.6 ms), an on/off ratio of 292, and a maximum detectivity and responsivity of 6.47 × 10¹¹ Jones and 34 mA W⁻¹, respectively. Moreover, Se-P/P3HT:G exhibits superior environmental stability. After one month, the photocurrent value of the Se-P/P3HT:G device held steady at 91.4% of its initial value, and even following pre-treatment at 140 °C, the on/off ratio still remained 17 (at a retention rate of about 5.9%). The excellent thermal stability, environmental reliability, and optoelectronic performance of this heterojunction structure offer a useful pathway for the future advancement of high-performance optoelectronic devices. Full article

Background and Objectives: Selenium deficiency represents a risk factor for the occurrence of severe diseases, such as acute kidney injury (AKI). Recently, selenoprotein-p1 (SEPP1), a selenium transporter, mainly released by the liver, has emerged as a promising plasmatic biomarker of AKI as a consequence of cardio-surgery operations. The aim of the present study was to investigate, on an in vitro model of hypoxia induced in renal tubular cells, HK-2, the effects of sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) and to evaluate the expression of SEPP1 as a marker of injury. Materials and Methods: HK-2 cells were pre-incubated with 100 nM Na₂SeO₃ for 24 h, and then, treated for 24 h with CoCl₂ (500 µM), a chemical hypoxia inducer. The results were derived from an ROS assay, MTT, and Western blot analysis. Results: The pre-treatment determined an increase in cells’ viability and a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS), as shown by MTT and the ROS assay. Moreover, by Western blot an increase in SEPP1 expression was observed after hypoxic injury as after adding sodium selenite. Conclusions: Our preliminary results shed light on the possible role of selenium supplementation as a means to prevent oxidative damage and to increase SEPP1 after acute kidney injury. In our in vitro model, SEPP1 emerges as a promising biomarker of kidney injury, although further studies in vivo are necessary to validate our findings. Full article

Background: Biomarkers development for prognostication or prediction of perioperative myocardial disease is critical for the evolution of treatment options in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The aim of our prospective monocentric study was to investigate the role of selenoprotein 1 (SEEP 1) as a potential biomarker for assessing the risk of myocardial injury after cardiac surgery. Methods: Circulating SEPP1 was measured in the blood of 45 patients before surgery and at 4 h, 8 h and 12 h after CPB by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); (3) Results: circulating SEPP-1 levels measured 4 h after surgery were strongly correlated with CK-MB levels measured at 48 h (R = 0.598, p < 0.0001) and at 72 h (R = 0.308, p = 0.05). Close correlations were also found between 4 h SEPP-1 and Hs-c troponin values measured at 24 h (R = 0.532, p < 0.0001), 48 h (R = 0.348, p = 0.01) and 72 h (R = 0.377, p = 0.02), as well as with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (R = 0.389, p = 0.008) and cross-clamp time (R = 0.374, p = 0.001); (4) Conclusions: Early SEPP1 measurement after CPB may hold great potential for identifying cardiac surgery patients at risk of developing perioperative myocardial injury. Full article

Exercise promotes health and wellness, including its operation as a protective factor against a variety of psychological, neurological, and chronic diseases. Selenium and its biomarker, selenoprotein P (SEPP1), have been implicated in health, including cancer prevention, neurological function, and dopamine signaling. SEPP1 blood serum levels were compared with a one-way ANOVA between sedentary (SED), moderately exercised (MOD) [10 m/min starting at 10 min, increasing to 60 min], and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercised rats [30 min in intervals of 2-min followed by a 1-min break, speed progressively increased from 10 to 21 m/min]. HIIT rats showed significantly higher serum SEPP1 concentrations compared to MOD and SED. More specifically, HIIT exercise showed an 84% increase in SEPP1 levels compared to sedentary controls. MOD rats had greater serum SEPP1 concentrations compared to SED, a 33% increase. The results indicated that increased exercise intensity increases SEPP1 levels. Exercise-induced increases in SEPP1 may indicate an adaptive response to the heightened oxidative stress. Previous studies found a significant increase in dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) binding in these same rats, suggesting a potential association between SEPP1 and dopamine signaling during exercise. Modulating antioxidants like SEPP1 through personalized therapies, including exercise, has broad implications for health, disease, and addiction. Full article

Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), which play a pivotal role in orchestrating the immune system, garner minimal attention in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The impact of primary liver cancers on PBLs remains unexplored. In this study, flow cytometry facilitated the quantification of cell populations, while transcriptome of PBLs was executed utilizing 10× single-cell sequencing technology. Additionally, pertinent cases were curated from the GEO database. Subsequent bioinformatics and statistical analyses were conducted utilizing R (4.2.1) software. Elevated counts of NK cells and CD8+ T cells were observed in both ICC and HCC when compared to benign liver disease (BLD). In the multivariate Cox model, NK cells and CD8+ T cells emerged as independent risk factors for recurrence-free survival. Single-cell sequencing of PBLs uncovered the downregulation of TGFβ signaling in tumor-derived CD8+ T cells. Pathway enrichment analysis, based on differential expression profiling, highlighted aberrations in selenium metabolism. Proteomic analysis of preoperative and postoperative peripheral blood samples from patients undergoing tumor resection revealed a significant upregulation of SELENBP1 and a significant downregulation of SEPP1. Primary liver cancer has a definite impact on PBLs, manifested by alterations in cellular quantities and selenoprotein metabolism. Full article

Pain is a problem affecting women with breast cancer (HR+BrCa) receiving aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy. We investigated the relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair and oxidative stress genes and perceived worst pain after 6 months of AI therapy. We explored 39 SNPs in genes involved in DNA repair (ERCC2, ERCC3, ERCC5, and PARP1) and oxidative stress (CAT, GPX1, SEPP1, SOD1, and SOD2) in women with HR+BrCa receiving adjuvant therapy (AI ± chemotherapy; n = 138). Pain was assessed via the Brief Pain Inventory. Hurdle regression was used to evaluate the relationship between each associated allele and (1) the probability of pain and (2) the severity of worst pain. ERCC2rs50872 and ERCC5rs11069498 were associated with the probability of pain and had a significant genetic risk score (GRS) model (p = 0.003). ERCC2rs50872, ERCC5rs11069498, ERCC5rs4771436, ERCC5rs4150360, PARP1rs3219058, and SEPP1rs230819 were associated with the severity of worst pain, with a significant GRS model (conditional mean estimate = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.29, 0.60; p < 0.001). These results suggest DNA repair and oxidative stress pathways may play a role in the probability of pain and the severity of worst pain. As healthcare delivery moves towards the model of precision healthcare, nurses may, in the future, be able to use these results to tailor patient care based on GRS. Full article

In this work, a soft-elastic pulsation pump (SEPP) has been made and investigated. Here, 3D printing was used to make casting molds and a melt-removal method using wax was employed. The SEPP was made of silicone rubber and driven by an external squeezing mechanism. A silicone one-way valve was also made which prevented backflow after the fluid was squeezed out of the pump chamber. The material characteristics of the SEPP including durability were examined. The pump operating parameters were confirmed to differential pressure of 100 mm Hg in a close flow loop. The average flow rate was 2 L/min, while yielding a peak flow of 8 L/min, and a stroke volume of 70 mL. A preliminary trial using fresh animal blood had shown that the SEPP has good protection on the blood. Therefore, within the resources available, an interesting idea for an effective SEPP has been proposed and realized in the laboratory. The technical details of the SEPP described, and the experimental results reported here form a good basis for making higher capacity SEPPs. This effort may help make its way to an effective ventricular assist device. Full article

Background and Objectives: Insufficient intake of essential micronutrient selenium (Se) increases the susceptibility to diseases associated with oxidative stress. The study aim was to assess Se status and oxidative stress in COVID-19 patients depending on severity of the disease. Materials and Methods: Blood plasma of 80 post-COVID-19 disease patients and 40 acutely ill patients were investigated. Concentration of Se was detected by a fluorometric method with di-amino-naphthalene using acidic hydrolysis. Selenoprotein P (Sepp1), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and their metabolite adducts were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods using commercial assay kits. Results: Obtained results demonstrated that Se and Sepp1 concentration in acute patients were significantly (p < 0.05 for Se and p < 0.001 for Sepp1) decreased compared with post-COVID-19 disease patients. However, in post-COVID-19 disease patients, Se values were close to the low limit of the norm for the European population. 4-HNE adducts concentration as a marker of lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the acute patients group compared to the recovery group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: COVID-19 pathology is characterized by the induction of oxidative stress and suppression of antioxidant defenses during the acute phase. Lower levels of Se and Sepp1 and higher levels of reactive oxygen species reflect this imbalance, highlighting the role of oxidative stress in the disease’s pathogenesis. Full article

The anti-cancer effects of selenylated plant polysaccharides are a focus of research. As a natural plant with extensive biological effects, there have been few studies related to edible purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.). Thus, in this study, soluble P. oleracea polysaccharides (PPS) were extracted from the dried P. oleracea and then selenylated chemically using the HNO₃-Na₂SeO₃ method to obtain two selenylated products, namely, SePPS1 and SePPS2. Compared with the extracted PPS, SePPS1 and SePPS2 had much higher Se contents (840.3 and 1770.5 versus 66.0 mg/kg) while also showing lower contents in three saccharides—arabinose, fucose, and ribose—and higher contents in seven saccharides including galactose, glucose, fructose, mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid, but a stable xylose content demonstrated that the performed chemical selenylation of PPS led to changes in monosaccharide composition. Moreover, SePPS1 and SePPS2 shared similar features with respect to monosaccharide composition and possessed higher bioactivity than PPS in human colon cancer HCT-116 cells. Generally, SePPS1 and SePPS2 were more active than PPS with respect to cell growth inhibition, the alteration of cell morphology, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, the induction of cell apoptosis, and upregulation or downregulation of five apoptosis-related genes and proteins such as Bax, Bcl-2, caspases-3/-9, and cytochrome C, that cause cell apoptosis and growth suppression via the ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway. SePPS2 consistently showed the highest capacity to exert these observed effects on the targeted cells, suggesting that the performed chemical selenylation of PPS (in particular when higher degrees of selenylation are reached) resulted in an increase in activity in the cells. It can thus be concluded that the performed selenylation of PPS was able to incorporate inorganic Se into the final PPS products, changing their monosaccharide composition and endowing them with enhanced nutraceutical and anti-cancer effects in the colon. Full article

The Natural History Collections of Adam Mickiewicz University (AMUNATCOLL) in Poznań contain over 2.2 million specimens. Until recently, access to the collections was limited to specialists and was challenging because of the analogue data files. Therefore, this paper presents a new approach to data sharing called the Scientific, Educational, Public, and Practical Use (SEPP) Model. Since the stakeholder group is broad, the SEPP Model assumes the following key points: full open access to the digitized collections, the structure of metadata in accordance with certain standards, and a versatile tool set for data mining or statistical and spatial analysis. The SEPP Model was implemented in the AMUNATCOLL IT system, which consists of a web portal equipped with a wide set of explorative functionalities tailored to different user groups: scientists, students, officials, and nature enthusiasts. An integral part of the system is a mobile application designed for field surveys, enabling users to conduct studies comparing their own field data and AMUNATCOLL data. The AMUNATCOLL IT database contains digital data on specimens, biological samples, bibliographic sources, and multimedia nature documents. The metadata structure was developed in accordance with ABCD 2.06 and Darwin Core standards. Full article

Lung cancer is a malignant disease with high mortality and poor prognosis, frequently diagnosed at advanced stages. Nowadays, immense progress in treatment has been achieved. However, the present scenario continues to be critical, and a full comprehension of tumor progression mechanisms is required, with exosomes being potentially relevant players. Exosomes are membranous vesicles that contain biological information, which can be transported cell-to-cell and modulate relevant processes in the hallmarks of cancer. The present research aims to characterize the exosomes’ cargo and study their role in NSCLC to identify biomarkers. We analyzed exosomes secreted by primary cultures and cell lines, grown in monolayer and tumorsphere formations. Exosomal DNA content showed molecular alterations, whereas RNA high-throughput analysis resulted in a pattern of differentially expressed genes depending on histology. The most significant differences were found in XAGE1B, CABYR, NKX2-1, SEPP1, CAPRIN1, and RIOK3 genes when samples from two independent cohorts of resected NSCLC patients were analyzed. We identified and validated biomarkers for adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Our results could represent a relevant contribution concerning exosomes in clinical practice, allowing for the identification of biomarkers that provide information regarding tumor features, prognosis and clinical behavior of the disease. Full article

Despite the progress made in understanding the characteristics of earthquakes, the predictions of earthquake activity are still inevitably very uncertain, mainly because of the highly complex nature of the earthquake process. The population′s mental strength is of high importance not only to cope with an earthquake, but also to return quickly to functioning. Social-emotional preparedness for extreme adverse events and crises is a critical factor in the population’s quick recovery and return to full functioning. In the present study, we apply a multi-disciplinary lens to extend the scope of earthquake preparedness to include social-emotional programs. The goal of this study is to develop a robust “no-regret” social-emotional preparedness program (SEPP) along with methodological tools for evaluating the SEPP robustness against uncertainty in different earthquake scenarios. The research methodology is twofold. First, we develop the SEPP based on social-emotional proxies-for-robustness, and second, we apply the info-gap decision theory (IGDT) methods to assess the robustness of the SEPP in the face of uncertainty in different earthquake scenarios. The findings indicate gaps between the level of robustness of the SEPP in different scenarios. A key conclusion that emerges from this study is the need for a robust SEPP to make a significant contribution to the population’s ability to return to functioning. Such SEPP should be formulated to maximize the robustness against uncertainty in different scenarios, rather than the traditional planning based on a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Formulating a robust SEPP by analyzing the robustness of the SEPP against uncertainty will enable to make decisions immune to surprises. Ways to create or improve earthquake preparedness are suggested for policy and in-school application. Full article

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when excess fat is stored in the liver and it is strongly linked with metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient in animals, which has a variety of biological functions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. However, the exact effect of dietary selenium on NAFLD and the underlying molecular mechanism are not yet clear. Herein, we fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to C57BL/6 mice to construct an in vivo NAFLD model, treated AML-12 cells with palmitic acid (PA) to construct an in vitro NAFLD model, and AML-12 cells were stimulated with H₂O₂ to induce hepatocyte oxidative stress and then treated with adequate selenium. We observed that adequate selenium significantly improved the hepatic injury and insulin resistance in HFD mice, and decreased the fat accumulation and the expression of lipogenic genes in PA-induced AML-12 cells. Meanwhile, selenium significantly inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibited apoptosis, and restored mitochondrial number and membrane potential in PA- induced AML-12 cells. In addition, selenium can promote selenoproteinP1 (SEPP1) synthesis to regulate the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)/NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway, so as to defend against hepatocyte oxidative stress. These findings suggest that dietary selenium supplementation can effectively resist hepatic injury and insulin resistance during NAFLD development, and regulate the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway to resist oxidative stress by promoting SEPP1 synthesis. Full article

Background: Numerous studies indicate a relationship between the presence of GPX1 (rs1050450), DIO2 (rs225014) and SEPP1 (rs7579) gene polymorphisms and the development of chronic or neoplastic diseases. However, there are no reports on the influence of these polymorphisms on the development of endometrial cancer. Methods: 543 women participated in the study. The study group consisted of 269 patients with diagnosed endometrial cancer. The control group consisted of 274 healthy women. Blood samples were drawn from all the participants. The PCR-RFLP method was used to determine polymorphisms in the DIO2 (rs225014) and GPX1 (rs1050450) genes. The analysis of polymorphisms in the SEPP1 (rs7579) gene was performed by means of TaqMan probes. Results: There was a 1.99-fold higher risk of developing endometrial cancer in CC homozygotes, DIO2 (rs225014) polymorphism (95% Cl 1.14–3.53, p = 0.017), compared to TT homozygotes. There was no correlation between the occurrence of GPX1 (rs1050450) and SEPP1 (rs7579) polymorphisms and endometrial cancer. Conclusion: Carriers of the DIO2 (rs225014) polymorphism may be predisposed to the development of endometrial cancer. Further research confirming this relationship is recommended. Full article

Numerous natural compounds are considered as potential therapeutic agents against alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD). Research shows that selenium (Se) has a variety of bioactivities, including liver protecting ability. The present study based on in vitro cell culture models and in vivo mouse models was aimed at examining the contribution of selenomethionine (SeMet)-dominated Se-enriched peanut protein (SePP) to liver protection. SeMet and especially SePP reversed cell viability and cell death, inhibited ethanol induced CYP2E1 activation, decreased reactive oxygen species level, and restored GSH level. Hence, SeMet-dominated SePP alleviates alcohol-induced AML-12 cytotoxicity by suppressing oxidative stress. The p38-dependent mechanism was found to be responsible for SePP-induced Nrf-2 activation. Furthermore, supplementation with SePP and SeMet regulated lipid metabolism and reduced oxidative stress, minimizing liver damage in mice. Selenomethionine-dominated SePP possesses potential therapeutic properties and can be used to treat ALD through the suppression of oxidative stress. Full article