Selenium - An environmentally friendly micronutrient in agroecosystem in the modern era: An overview of 50-year findings.

Agricultural productivity is constantly being forced to maintain yield stability to feed the enormously growing world population. However, shrinking arable and nutrient-deprived soil and abiotic and biotic stressor (s) in different magnitudes put additional challenges to achieving global food security. Though well-defined, the concept of macro, micronutrients, and beneficial elements is from a plant nutritional perspective. Among various micronutrients, selenium (Se) is essential in small amounts for the life cycle of organisms, including crops. Selenium has the potential to improve soil health, leading to the improvement of productivity and crop quality. However, Se possesses an immense encouraging phenomenon when supplied within the threshold limit, also having wide variations. The supplementation of Se has exhibited promising outcomes in lessening biotic and abiotic stress in various crops. Besides, bulk form, nano-Se, and biogenic-Se also revealed some merits and limitations. Literature suggests that the possibilities of biogenic-Se in stress alleviation and fortifying foods are encouraging. In this article, apart from adopting a combination of a conventional extensive review of the literature and bibliometric analysis, the authors have assessed the journey of Se in the "soil to spoon" perspective in a diverse agroecosystem to highlight the research gap area. There is no doubt that the time has come to seriously consider the tag of beneficial elements associated with Se, especially in the drastic global climate change era.

Effect of yoga and mindfulness on psychological correlates in young athletes: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis planned to assess the impact of yoga and mindfulness practice in reducing stress and anxiety to improve athletes' sports performance. METHODS: Several databases were electronically searched for eligible articles till September 2022. Participants aged 18-45 yrs, male and female, and recreational athletes from different sports were included. Athletes' stress, competitive anxiety, and sports performance were measured. The mean difference or standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval was calculated in RevMan software 5.4. The fixed effect model was applied to test the statistical significance difference and heterogeneity (p < 0.05). The GRADE pro evidence was also created to assess the quality of evidence. RESULTS: Results were analyzed with pooled data from fifteen articles. Forest plots showed an overall significant effect of yoga and mindfulness on Mindfulness [Z = 4.13 (p < 0.0001)] [(I2 = 48%), MD -2.6, (95% CI, -3.85, -1.37)] and flow state [Z = 9.49 (p < 0.00001)] [(I2 = 85%), SMD 3.13, (95% CI, 2.48, 3.77)]. The insignificant effects were noted on attention and awareness [Z = 1.51 (p = 0.13)] [(I2 = 25%), SMD -0.26, (95% CI, -0.60, 0.80)], and action and acceptance [Z = 0.43 (p = 0.67)] [(I2 = 0%), MD 0.20, (95% CI, -0.69, 1.08)]. We also observed a significant effect for the comparison of stress [Z = 6.56 (p < 0.00001)] [(I2 = 76%), SMD -0.74, (95% CI, -0.97, 0.52)] and an insignificant effect for comparing anxiety [Z = 1.62 (p = 0.11)] [(I2 = 14%), SMD -0.31, (95% CI, -0.69, 0.07)]. CONCLUSION: The findings of this meta-analysis provides valuable insights to the beneficial or complementary effects of yoga and mindfulness on athletes' psychological health and sports performance.

Antimicrobial and anti-viral effects of selenium nanoparticles and selenoprotein based strategies: COVID-19 and beyond.

Deficiency of selenium (Se) has been described in a significant number of COVID-19 patients having a higher incidence of mortality, which makes it a pertinent issue to be addressed clinically for effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) provide a unique option for managing the havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. SeNPs possess promising anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects by virtue of their nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-stimulator of activated B cells (NFκB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) modulatory activity. In addition, SeNPs possess remarkable immunomodulatory effects, making them a suitable option for supplementation with a much lower risk of toxicity compared to their elemental counterpart. Further, SeNPs have been shown to curtail viral and microbial infections, thus, making it a novel means to halt viral growth. In addition, it can be administered in the form of aerosol spray, direct injection, or infused thin-film transdermal patches to reduce the spread of this highly contagious viral infection. Moreover, a considerable decrease in the expression of selenoprotein along with enhanced expression of IL-6 in COVID-19 suggests a potential association among selenoprotein expression and COVID-19. In this review, we highlight the unique antimicrobial and antiviral properties of SeNPs and the immunomodulatory potential of selenoproteins. We provide the rationale behind their potentially interesting properties and further exploration in the context of microbial and viral infections. Further, the importance of selenoproteins and their role in maintaining a successful immune response along with their association to Se status is summarized.

Clinical outcome of testosterone supplementation assessed by andropausal male symptom scores in type 2 diabetes testosterone-deficient patients receiving testosterone compared to those not receiving testosterone: A nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aimed to explore the proportion of andropause in male patients with type 2 diabetes using an aging male symptoms scale and assess the clinical outcome of testosterone supplementation in patients with deficient testosterone levels at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Male patients with diabetes and total serum testosterone levels (≤12 nmol/L) were included in the study. Patients with testosterone supplementation, the standard of care among testosterone-deficient male patients, were included in the study (n = 35). Those not exposed to testosterone supplementation were considered controls (n = 35) and reassessed over 14 weeks for aging male symptom scores (AMS). RESULTS: The prevalence of andropause among the participants was 11% (117/1057). Data was analyzed as per protocol analysis. Exposure group had a frequency of 25.80%, and 19.35% in moderate and severe symptoms of AMS scores. Non-exposure group had frequency of 26.66% and 23.34% in moderate and severe symptoms of AMS scores. A significant mean difference (t = -2.93, P-value <0.05) was noted between exposure and non-exposure to testosterone supplementation. CONCLUSION: Results concluded that andropause is prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone levels. Testosterone therapy affects aging andropausal symptoms such as the feeling of general well-being, joint pain and muscular ache, sleep problems, anxiety, and libido among patients with type 2 diabetes.

The Impact of Mobile Health Interventions on Antenatal and Postnatal Care Utilization in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Meta-Analysis.

Despite many efforts, the utilization of full antenatal and postnatal care remains a significant concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We planned to retrieve the relevant literature and pooled the data for meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of mobile health (mHealth) intervention on antenatal and postnatal care utilization in low- and middle-income countries. We searched the literature through major electronic databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, Clinical key, Google Scholar, and Ovid with selected keywords and explored the reference list of articles. Meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan software version 5.4; p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The effect of variables was measured in odds ratio (OR) with a fixed-effects model. Six published interventional studies were selected as per the eligibility and participants, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) framed for systematic review and meta-analysis. The search was restricted to articles in the English language, articles published online, and preprinted articles until September 2020. Outcome variables include antenatal and postnatal care utilization by pregnant and delivered mothers. The results have been presented in the form of a forest plot. The findings of this meta-analysis depicted the significant increase in four or more antenatal care (ANC) attendance (OR = 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.49-2.19), tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.17-2.27), compliance to iron supplementation (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.18-3.00), and postnatal care attendance (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 2.15-2.99) among those pregnant mothers who received mHealth intervention compared with the control group. This meta-analysis creates evidence for the effectiveness of mHealth with pooled data of interventional studies with limited sample sizes. Technology is changing, but even with limited support such as short messaging service (SMS), there was an improvement in antenatal and postnatal service utilization. This meta-analysis concluded that mHealth has the potential to increase the utilization of antenatal and postnatal care compared to standard care, although the level of evidence is moderate.

Urease Inhibitory Kinetic Studies of Various Extracts and Pure Compounds from Cinnamomum Genus.

Urease is an enzyme that plays a significant role in the hydrolysis of urea into carbonic acid and ammonia via the carbamic acid formation. The resultant increase in pH leads to the onset of various pathologies such as gastric cancer, urolithiasis, hepatic coma, hepatic encephalopathy, duodenal ulcers and peptic ulcers. Urease inhibitors can reduce the urea hydrolysis rate and development of various diseases. The Cinnamomum genus is used in a large number of traditional medicines. It is well established that stem bark of Cinnamomum cassia exhibits antiulcerogenic potential. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of seven extracts of Cinnamomum camphora, Cinnamomum verum and two pure compounds Camphene and Cuminaldehyde on urease enzyme. Kinetic studies of potential inhibitors were carried out. Methanol extract (IC50 980 µg/mL) of C. camphora and a monoterpene Camphene (IC50 0.147 µg/mL) possess significant inhibitory activity. The Lineweaver Burk plot analysis suggested the competitive inhibition by methanol extract, hexane fraction and Camphene. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis of hexane fraction revealed the contribution of various terpenes. The present study targets terpenes as a new class of inhibitors that have potential therapeutic value for further development as novel drugs.

A Review on Obesity Management through Natural Compounds and a Green Nanomedicine-Based Approach.

Obesity is a serious health complication in almost every corner of the world. Excessive weight gain results in the onset of several other health issues such as type II diabetes, cancer, respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis), and cardiovascular diseases. As allopathic medications and derived pharmaceuticals are partially successful in overcoming this health complication, there is an incessant need to develop new alternative anti-obesity strategies with long term efficacy and less side effects. Plants harbor secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids and other specific compounds that have been shown to have effective anti-obesity properties. Nanoencapsulation of these secondary metabolites enhances the anti-obesity efficacy of these natural compounds due to their speculated property of target specificity and enhanced efficiency. These nanoencapsulated and naive secondary metabolites show anti-obesity properties mainly by inhibiting the lipid and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes, suppression of adipogenesis and appetite, and enhancing energy metabolism. This review focuses on the plants and their secondary metabolites, along with their nanoencapsulation, that have anti-obesity effects, with their possible acting mechanisms, for better human health.

Effect of Vitamin B6, B9, and B12 Supplementation on Homocysteine Level and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Globally, stroke is the fifth-most leading cause of mortality and also the third leading cause of disability. This study aimed to assess the effect of vitamin B6, B9, and B12 supplementation on homocysteine level, risk of stroke, cardiovascular disorders, and vascular death among stroke participants. An extensive literature search was done through PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Clinical key database from 1 January 2000 to 1 January 2020. Effect of vitamin B (B6, B9, and B12) supplementation on homocysteine was assessed with a mean difference in both vitamin and placebo groups. Risk ratio (RR) was calculated for determining the risk of stroke, major cardiovascular disorder, and vascular death by using a fixed-effect model. A total of eight trials with 8513 participants were included for the final analysis. Vitamin B supplementation intervention was found to have a significant benefit in reducing homocysteine in stroke patients (mean difference -3.84; p<0.00001). The intervention of vitamin B supplementation showed a significant risk reduction of 11% for combined risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death among stroke patients, 13% for stroke and 17% for vascular death, whereas no beneficial effect was seen for cardiovascular disorders. This meta-analysis demonstrated up-to-date evidence on the beneficial effect of vitamin B supplementations in reducing homocysteine and preventing the combined risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death among stroke patients.

Castasterone and citric acid treatment restores photosynthetic attributes in Brassica juncea L. under Cd(II) toxicity.

Cadmium(II) toxicity is a serious environmental issue warranting effective measures for its mitigation. In the present study, ameliorative effects of a bioactive brassinosteroid, castasterone (CS) and low molecular weight organic acid, citric acid (CA) against the Cd(II) toxicity to Brassica juncea L. were evaluated. Seeds of B. juncea treated with CS (0, 0.01, 1 and 100nM) were sown in cadmium spiked soils (0 and 0.6mmolkg-1 soil). CA (0.6mmolkg-1soil) was added to soil one week after sowing seeds. Plants were harvested 30 days after sowing. Phytotoxicity induced by Cd(II) was evident from stunted growth of the plants, malondialdehyde accumulation, reduction in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and leaf gas exchange parameters. Cd(II) toxicity was effectively alleviated by seed soaking with CS (100nM) and/ or soil amendment with CA (0.6mMkg-1 soil). Relative gene expression of genes encoding for some of the key enzymes of pigment metabolism were also analysed. Expression of chlorophyllase (CHLASE) was reduced, while that of phytoene synthase (PSY), and chalcone synthase (CHS) genes were enhanced with CS and/or CA treatments with respect to plants treated with Cd(II) only. Cd also affected the activities of antioxidative enzymes. Plants responded to Cd(II) by accumulation of total sugars. CS (100nM) and CA treatments further enhanced the activities of these parameters and induced the contents of secondary plant pigments (flavonoids and anthocyanins) and proline. The results imply that seed treatment with CS and soil application with CA can effectively alleviate Cd(II) induced toxicity in B. juncea by strengthening its antioxidative defence system and enhancing compatible solute accumulation.

Co-application of 6-ketone type brassinosteroid and metal chelator alleviates cadmium toxicity in B. juncea L.

Plant growth regulator-assisted phytoremediation has been assessed as a novel strategy to improve phytoremediation potential of plants. In the present work, potential of castasterone, a plant growth regulator, combined with citric acid was explored for phytoremediation of cadmium in Brassica juncea seedlings. The seedlings were raised under controlled laboratory conditions for 7 days. Results revealed that 0.6 mM cadmium exposure induced toxicity in the seedlings, which was reflected through root growth inhibition, accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, and loss of cell viability. Pre-sowing treatment of castasterone supplemented with citric acid enhanced cadmium accumulation in the roots (from 752 µg/g DW to 1192 µg/g DW) and shoots (from 88 µg/g DW to 311 µg/g DW) and also improved root length, shoot length, fresh weight, and dry weight of seedlings by 81, 17, 39, and 35 %, respectively. The co-application reduced malondialdehyde accumulation by 39 % and reduced oxidative stress by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, polyphenol oxidase), maximum enhancement (82 %) being in polyphenol oxidase. Similarly, the contents of water- and lipid-soluble antioxidants were found to increase by 31 and 4 %, respectively. Confocal microscopy revealed enhanced content of NO. Results suggested that binary combination of castasterone and citric acid is helpful in improving cadmium accumulation and ameliorating metal toxicity in B. juncea seedlings.