Selenium and Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

Selenium is a natural health product widely used in the treatment and prevention of lung cancers, but large chemoprevention trials have yielded conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review of selenium for lung cancers, and assessed potential interactions with conventional therapies.Two independent reviewers searched six databases from inception to March 2009 for evidence pertaining to the safety and efficacy of selenium for lung cancers. Pubmed and EMBASE were searched to October 2009 for evidence on interactions with chemo- or radiation-therapy. In the efficacy analysis there were nine reports of five RCTs and two biomarker-based studies, 29 reports of 26 observational studies, and 41 preclinical studies. Fifteen human studies, one case report, and 36 preclinical studies were included in the interactions analysis. Based on available evidence, there appears to be a different chemopreventive effect dependent on baseline selenium status, such that selenium supplementation may reduce risk of lung cancers in populations with lower baseline selenium status (serum<106 ng/mL), but increase risk of lung cancers in those with higher selenium (≥ 121.6 ng/mL). Pooling data from two trials yielded no impact to odds of lung cancer, OR 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.61-1.43); other cancers that were the primary endpoints of these trials, OR 1.51 (95%CI 0.70-3.24); and all-cause-death, OR 0.93 (95%CI 0.79-1.10). In the treatment of lung cancers, selenium may reduce cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and side effects associated with radiation therapy.Selenium may be effective for lung cancer prevention among individuals with lower selenium status, but at present should not be used as a general strategy for lung cancer prevention. Although promising, more evidence on the ability of selenium to reduce cisplatin and radiation therapy toxicity is required to ensure that therapeutic efficacy is maintained before any broad clinical recommendations can be made in this context

An innovation of two established methods for monitoring water colour and clarity: participatory science using the mini- and midi- secchi disks

Measurements of water colour and clarity are used to track the environmental status of lakes, estuaries and oceans. The oldest standardised methods for measuring water clarity and colour are the Secchi disk and Forel-Ule colour scale. Both techniques were developed in the 19th century and require use of the human eye. Despite the advent of optoelectronic-based sensing, these visual methods are still used today, owing to their sensitivity, affordability, simplicity and long history of use. Recently, a hand-held device was developed for measuring the Secchi depth and Forel-Ule colour (presented in two formats, named the mini- and midi-Secchi disk). Designed to be small, light and convenient-to-use, it is well suited for participatory science projects that involve monitoring water colour and clarity. To date, over 900 mini- and midi-Secchi disks have been distributed to citizens and scientists, primarily through six projects, with data mostly transferred via mobile phone applications to data servers and dashboards. In this paper, we describe the methods used in the projects and show some characteristics of the datasets collected so far. We showcase how the device can be used for scientific applications, such as verifying satellite data products, gaining new scientific insights, and supporting public engagement and education. Finally, we provide suggestions for methodological improvements and future developments

Assessing feeding history and health status through analysis of fatty acids and fat content in golden mullet Liza aurata

The aim of this study was to check the suitability of using fatty acids of vegetable origin as biomarkers of aquafeed consumption in fish that aggregate around off-shore fish farms, analysing their different accumulation patterns and their persistence in different tissues in juveniles of Liza aurata (Risso, 1810). Their natural diet was replaced by a commercial feed, followed by a return to the natural diet (wash-out period). The fatty acid profiles of flesh, liver, and brain were modified after 2 months of commercial feed consumption, while 2 months of the wash- out period were not sufficient to return to original values, the brain being particularly resilient in this respect. Histological examination of the liver showed no alterations of the lipid droplet distribution or fat content. The combined use of flesh and brain for fatty acid analysis can be recommended for tracking aquaculture waste intake in the form of lost pellets by wild fish

The short-term effects of farmed fish food consumed by wild fish congregating outside the farms

We simulated in the laboratory the possible effects on fatty acids and immune status of wild fish arriving for the first time in the vicinity of a sea-cage fish farm, shifting their natural diet to commercial feed consumption, rich in fatty acids of vegetable origin. The flesh fatty acid profile of golden mullet specimens was altered after 2 weeks of commercial feed consumption, showing an increase in fatty acids of vegetable origin. The serum peroxidase and bactericidal activities, and head-kidney leucocyte phagocytic capacity, increased after eight weeks of the new diet, while the respiratory burst activity decreased. The extent of these changes cannot be considered large enough to regard them as compromising the health status of fish. More research is needed in order to elucidate whether the rapid assimilation of the dietary fatty acids could harm the immune status of fish when feeding for longer periods than two months