Μg Se Research Articles

Selenium deficiency occurs in some patients with moderate-to-severe cirrhosis and can be corrected by administration of selenate but not selenomethionine: a randomized controlled trial

Selenomethionine, which is the principal dietary form of selenium, is metabolized by the liver to selenide, which is the form of the element required for the synthesis of selenoproteins. The liver synthesizes selenium-rich selenoprotein P (SEPP1) and secretes it into the plasma to supply extrahepatic tissues with selenium. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether cirrhosis is associated with functional selenium deficiency (the lack of selenium for the process of selenoprotein synthesis even though selenium intake is not limited) and, if it is, whether the deficiency is associated with impairment of selenomethionine metabolism. Patients with Child-Pugh (C-P) classes A, B, and C (mild, moderate, and severe, respectively) cirrhosis were supplemented with a placebo or supranutritional amounts of selenium as selenate (200 or 400 μg/d) or as selenomethionine (200 μg/d) for 4 wk. Plasma SEPP1 concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, the latter due largely to the selenoprotein GPX3 secreted by the kidneys, were measured before and after supplementation. GPX activity was increased more by both doses of selenate than by the placebo in C-P class B patients. The activity was not increased more by selenomethionine supplementation than by the placebo in C-P class B patients. Plasma selenium was increased more by 400 μg Se as selenate than by the placebo in C-P class C patients. Within the groups who responded to selenate, there was a considerable variation in responses. These results indicate that severe cirrhosis causes mild functional selenium deficiency in some patients that is associated with impaired metabolism of selenomethionine. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00271245.

Selenium added unripe carica papaya pulp extracts enhance wound repair through TGF-β1 and VEGF-a signalling pathway.

BackgroundIncreased wound healing efficiency by Se2+ added Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) fruit extract was linked to increased antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses during healing.We investigated the impact of Se2+ or Zn2+ added papaya water (WE) and phosphate-buffered saline (PE) extracts on cells recruitment and bio-molecular alterations on days 4 and 10 post wounding in an in vivo excision wound.MethodsExcision wounds were created on the dorsum of Sprague Dawley rats and treated topically twice/day with 20 μL of PE and WE (5 mg extract/mL), 0.5 μgSe2+ added PE and WE (PES and WES), or 100 μMZn2+ added PE and WE (PEZ and WEZ). Deionised water (negative) and Solcoseryl (positive) were applied on the control groups. Histochemical and biochemical assays were used to evaluate cellular and bio-molecular changes in the wound.ResultsPES (PE + 0.5 μg Se2+) only increased significantly (p < 0.05) wound total protein content (95.14 ± 1.15 mg/g tissue vs positive control; 80.42 ± 0.86 mg/g tissue) on day 10 post wounding. PES increased significantly (p < 0.05) the number of fibroblasts/high power field (HPF) (75.60 ± 9.66) but decreased significantly (p < 0.05) the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes/HPF (59.20 ± 12.64) in the wound compared to positive control (50.60 ± 12.58 fibroblasts/HPF, 101.00 ± 27.99 polymorphonuclear leukocytes/HPF) on day 4. Similar results were recorded for WES. PES demonstrated increased neovascularization, TGF-β1 and VEGFA expressions at day 4 and increased collagen at day 10.ConclusionPapaya extract improved wound repair by increasing fibroblasts recruitment and reducing polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltration through early transient expressions of TGF-β1 and VEGFA at the wound area. The processes were amplified with Se2+ addition.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0900-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The favourable effects of long-term selenium supplementation on regression of cervical tissues and metabolic profiles of patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

This study was conducted to assess the effects of long-term Se administration on the regression and metabolic status of patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1). This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out among fifty-eight women diagnosed with CIN1. To diagnose CIN1, we used specific diagnostic procedures of biopsy, pathological diagnosis and colposcopy. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups to receive 200 μg Se supplements as Se yeast (n 28) or placebo (n 28) daily for 6 months. After 6 months of taking Se supplements, a greater percentage of women in the Se group had regressed CIN1 (88·0 v. 56·0 %; P=0·01) compared with those in the placebo group. Long-term Se supplementation, compared with the placebo, resulted in significant decreases in fasting plasma glucose levels (-0·37 (sd 0·32) v. +0·07 (sd 0·63) mmol/l; P=0·002), serum insulin levels (-28·8 (sd 31·2) v. +13·2 (sd 40·2) pmol/l; P<0·001), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance values (-1·3 (se 1·3) v. +0·5 (se 1·4); P<0·001) and a significant elevation in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0·03 (sd 0·03) v. -0·01 (sd 0·01); P<0·001). In addition, patients who received Se supplements had significantly decreased serum TAG (-0·14 (sd 0·55) v. +0·15 (sd 0·38) mmol/l; P=0·02) and increased HDL-cholesterol levels (+0·13 (sd 0·21) v. -0·01 (sd 0·15) mmol/l; P=0·003). In addition, compared with the placebo group, there were significant rises in plasma total antioxidant capacity (+186·1 (sd 274·6) v. +42·8 (sd 180·4) mmol/l; P=0·02) and GSH levels (+65·0 (sd 359·8) v. -294·2 (sd 581·8) μmol/l; P=0·007) and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels (-1·5 (sd 2·1) v. +0·1 (sd 1·4) μmol/l; P=0·001) among those who took Se supplements. Overall, taking Se supplements among patients with CIN1 led to its regression and had beneficial effects on their metabolic profiles.

Assessment of toxic metals in groundwater and saliva in an arsenic affected area of West Bengal, India: A pilot scale study

Communities in many parts of the world are unintentionally exposed to arsenic (As) and other toxic metals through ingestion of local drinking water and foods. The concentrations of individual toxic metals often exceed their guidelines in drinking water but the health risks associated with such multiple-metal exposures have yet to receive much attention. This study examines the co-occurrence of toxic metals in groundwater samples collected from As-rich areas of Nadia district, West Bengal, India. Arsenic in groundwater (range: 12–1064µgL−1; mean ± S.D: 329±294µgL−1) was the most important contaminant with concentrations well above the WHO guideline of 10µgL−1. Another important toxic metal in the study area was manganese (Mn) with average concentration of 202±153µgL−1, range of 18–604µgL−1. The average concentrations (µgL−1) of other elements in groundwater were: Cr (5.6±5.9), Mo (3.5±2.1), Ni (8.3±8.7), Pb (2.9±1.3), Ba (119±43), Zn (56±40), Se (0.60±0.33), U (0.50±0.74). Saliva collected from the male participants of the area had mean concentrations of 6.3±7.0µg As L−1 (0.70–29µgL−1), 5.4±5.5µg Mn L−1 (0.69–22µgL−1), 2.6±3.1µg Ni L−1 (0.15–13µgL−1), 0.78±1.0µg Cr L−1 (<DL–5.9µgL−1), 0.94±0.90µg Pb L−1 (<DL–4.2µgL−1), 0.56±0.37µg Se L−1 (0.11–1.5µgL−1) and 194±54µg Zn L−1 (112–369µgL−1). The high concentrations of salivary As and Mn are believed to be indicative of intake from the groundwater. The clustering of salivary As and Mn in principal component analysis further indicated influence of the common exposure source. Zinc and selenium comprised a separate component presumably reflecting the local deficiencies in intakes of these essential elements from drinking water and foodstuff. Thus the study reveals that the concentration of other metals beside As must be monitored in drinking water before implementation of any policies to provide safe water to the affected communities.

Impact of Maternal Prenatal Mineral Intake on Pubertal Onset in Mexican Children

Prenatal intake of minerals that affect sex hormone levels may be related to initiation of maturity in children. We examined the effects of maternal intakes of selenium (Se), vitamin B2, calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) during pregnancy on the pubertal onset at ages 8‐14 among 118 boys and 103 girls.Maternal dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Tanner stages for genitalia (G) and pubic hair (MP) in boys; breast (B) and pubic hair (FP) in girls were obtained by clinical observation. Girls self‐reported age at menarche (M). Multivariable logistic models the association between Se, B2, Ca or Fe and pubertal onset, adjusting for child age, maternal energy intake and socio‐economic status.Mean (±SD) maternal prenatal intake during pregnancy was 46.73±17.11µg Se, 2.12±0.75 mg B2, 1198.30±411.17mg Ca, and 13.24±4.42mg Fe. With 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in Se, odds of M increased by 7.90 (95%CI: 1.13‐55.12) whereas 1 SD increase in Fe decreased odds of M by 0.18 (95%CI: 0.03‐0.97). With 1 SD increase in B2, odds of G decreased by 0.19 (95%CI: 0.05‐0.72); 1 SD increase in Ca decreased odds of G by 0.20 (95%CI: 0.06‐0.65)Findings suggest prenatal selenium consumption may be positively associated with menarche. By contrast, iron, vitamin B2, and calcium intake during pregnancy may be related to delayed pubertal onset. Future research will focus on examining the relationships between these micronutrients and sex hormones in order to understand underlying mechanisms. NIEHS 1R01ES021446‐01, P20 ES018171‐01/RD834800, P01 ES02284401/RD 83543601

The Use of Local Mineral Formulas as a Feed Block Supplement for Beef Cattle Fed on Wild Forages

The present research was carried out to study the diversity of mineral contents of wild forages and to evaluate the beneficial effect of mineral feed supplement formulated by using locally available materials on the performances of beef cattle. The present research was initiated by analyzing mineral contents of wild forages grown around Limau Manis campus areas. Forage samples were collected at 9 sampling areas scattered at plantation, conservation and idle lands. Samples were then analyzed for macro minerals of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, and S and micro minerals of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn. Feeding trial was then conducted to evaluate the beneficial effect of supplementation of local mineral formulas (LMF) produced by using locally available materials on the performances of cattle. Feeding trial was conducted for 6 weeks by using 9 Simmentals cross bred heifers. The trial consisted of 3 treatments, i.e., P1: only grass without supplementation, P2: grass + LMF and P3: grass + mineral premix enriched LMF. Variables measured were: body weight, feed intake, FCR, feed cost and net return. Results showed that the highest macro mineral content of wild forages was Na of about 13.05±2.22 g/kg, varied from 4.1 to 23.8 g/kg, followed by K (11.09±1.43 g/kg) and Ca (6.10±1.09 g/kg DM). Three minerals of Mg, P, and S were found in relatively small concentrations of 1.34±0.30, 0.83±0.23, and 0.17±0.01 g/kg, respectively. Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were found in relatively high concentrations. The highest concentration of micro minerals was Fe of about 613.8±128.9 mg/kg, followed by Mn of 143.9±23.3 mg/kg, while Zn and Cu were found in relatively small amount of about 31.3±5.5 and 13.2±2.5 mg/kg, respectively. Heifers supplemented with LMF (P2) and mineral premix enriched LMF (P3) showed higher body weight gain, lower FCR and net return than those cattle fed only grass (P1). The most profitable feeding strategy was by supplementation of heifers with mineral premix enriched LMF.

Effects of Zinc and Selenium Supplementation on Thyroid Function in Overweight and Obese Hypothyroid Female Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Objective: Zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) are essential trace elements involved in thyroid hormone metabolism. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Zn and Se supplementation on thyroid function of overweight or obese female hypothyroid patients in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.Methods: Sixty-eight female hypothyroid patients were randomly allocated to one of the 4 supplementation groups receiving Zn + Se (ZS; 30 mg Zn as zinc-gluconate and 200 μg Se as high-selenium yeast), Zn + placebo (ZP), Se + placebo (SP), or placebo + placebo (PP) for 12 weeks. Serum Zn, Se, free and total triiodothyronine (FT3 and FT4), free and total thyroxine (FT4 and TT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and anthropometric parameters were measured. Dietary intake was recorded using 24-hour food recall. Physical activity questionnaire was completed.Results: No significant alterations were found in serum Zn or Se concentrations. Mean serum FT3 increased significantly in the ZS and ZP groups (p < 0.05) but this effect was significant in the ZP group compared to those in SP or PP groups (p < 0.05). Mean serum FT4 increased and TSH decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the ZS group. TT3 and TT4 decreased significantly in the SP group (p < 0.05). Mean FT3:FT4 ratio was augmented significantly in the ZP group (p < 0.05). No significant treatment effects were found for TT3, FT4, TT4, or TSH between groups.Conclusion: This study showed some evidence of an effect of Zn alone or in combination with Se on thyroid function of overweight or obese female hypothyroid patients.

Application of instrumental neutron activation analysis to assess dietary intake of selenium in Korean adults from meat and eggs

Thirty three frequently eaten items among meat and eggs were collected and pretreated. Selenium (Se) contents in the diet samples were analyzed using an instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). 100 g of beef contains 12.4–50.9 μg of Se; pork, 11.2–22.6 μg; chicken, 10.2–13.7 μg and eggs, 28.6–43.0 μg. Beef innards and chicken eggs contain the highest amounts of Se. This study reveals that Se intake of Korean adults are 28.7 μg/day in men and 27.6 μg/day in women from meat and eggs, which are over 1/2 of the Korean recommended Se intake.

Uptake from water, internal distribution and bioaccumulation of selenium in Scenedesmus obliquus, Unio mancus and Rattus norvegicus: part A.

The (75)Se internal bioavailability was investigated in microalgae, mussels and rats as biological experimental models. The (75)Se accumulation from freshwater to microalgae [Scenedesmus obliquus (Turpin) Kützing], from freshwater to mussels (Unio mancus Lamark) and, finally, per os to rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout) was followed using (75)Se-labelled selenite looking at (75)Se uptake, retention, intracellular distribution and binding with cellular biocomplexes. After exposure to 10, 50 and 500 μg Se L(-1), the microalgae showed an inhibitory effect on population growth only at the highest concentration. Mussels exposed to 105 μg Se L(-1) showed an accumulation of the element with time in all tissues. Intracellularly, Se was present in all subcellular fractions, especially in the cytosol. Rats were treated via oral administration with 5 μg Se rat(-1). After 24 h, liver and kidney showed the highest Se concentration.

Consumption of selenium‐enriched broccoli increases cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated ex vivo, a preliminary human intervention study

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient essential for human health, including immune function. Previous research indicates that Se supplementation may cause a shift from T helper (Th)1- to Th2-type immune responses. We aim to test the potential health promoting effects of Se-enriched broccoli. In a human trial, 18 participants consumed control broccoli daily for 3 days. After a 3-day wash-out period, the participants were provided with Se-enriched broccoli containing 200 μg of Se per serving for 3 days. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were collected at the start and end of each broccoli feeding period for analysis of total Se and measurement of cytokine production from PBMC stimulated with antigens ex vivo. Plasma Se content remained consistent throughout the control broccoli feeding period and the baseline of the Se-enriched broccoli period (1.22 μmol/L) and then significantly increased following 3 days of Se-enriched broccoli feeding. Interleukin (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-22) production from PBMC significantly increased after 3 days of Se-enriched broccoli feeding compared with baseline. This study indicates that consumption of Se-enriched broccoli may increase immune responses toward a range of immune challenges.

PENGARUH SUPLEMENTASI MULTIVITAMIN MINERAL TERHADAP STATUS GIZI DAN KESEHATAN

THE EFFECT OF MULTIVITAMIN MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND HEALTH Use of multivitamin mineral (MVM) supplement has grown rapidly over the past several decades. According to several studies, supplement users tend to have higher micronutrient intakes from their diet than nonusers. Consequently, they have an increased intake but are also more likely to exceed the upper level. The study was aimed to analyze the effect of MVM supplementation on renal function through the double blind randomized controlled trial. Subjects were 93 of the female workers in PT Ricky Putra Globalindo Tbk, Citeureup, Bogor who were randomly allocated to three treatments. The first received only placebo (without vitamin C and MVM); the second received 1000 mg vitamin C; and the third received MVM supplement that contains 1000 mg vitamin C, 45 mg vitamin E, 700 µg vitamin A, 6,5 mg vitamin B6, 400 µg folic acid, 9,6 µg vitamin B12, 10 µg vitamin D, 10 mg Zn, 110 µg Se, 0,9 mg Cu, and 5 mg Fe. The supplements were distributed and consumed daily during 10 weeks. The mean change before and after study were tested with t paired test. The results showed the BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, urea and creatinine blood serum were not significantly different before and after study (p&gt;0,05). The distribution of female workers based on BMI showed that more than half of them have normal nutritional status (BMI 18,5-24,9 kg/m 2 ). The distribution based on systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed that most of them were not hypertension (systolic &lt;140 mmHg, diastolic &lt;90 mmHg); and the distribution based on urea and creatinine showed that most of them have normal status (urea 8,0-25,0 mg/dl; creatinine 0,6-1,5 mg/dl). Keywords : food supplement, BMI, blood pressure, urea, creatinine.

The Physiology and Biochemical Tolerance of Cabbage to Se (VI) Addition to the Soil and by Foliar Spraying

The effects of selenium (Se) (VI) soil fertilization with 2 μg Se L−1 or foliar spraying twice with 20 mg Se L−1 in the form of sodium (Na) selenate on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of cabbage plants were studied. The ability of the plants to take up Se and translocate it to different parts of the plants was also studied. Despite the high concentration of Se in the foliar solution, there was no effect on photosynthesis, transpiration rate, photochemical efficiency of PSII, or electron transport system activity. The amount of chlorophyll and anthocyanins were unchanged. At harvest, the concentration of Se in control plants was lower than 100 ng Se g−1 dry weight (DW), while plants treated with 20 mg Se L−1 contained 5500 ng Se g−1. Selenium enriched cabbage could be used in human nutrition. The tolerance of cabbage to Se could be explained by the formation of insoluble compounds that are not available for the plant.

Effect of parenteral administration of selenium and vitamin E on health status of mammary gland and on selected antioxidant indexes in blood of dairy cows.

This study focuses on the effect of parenteral administration of Selenium (Se) and vitamin E on concentration of Se in plasma and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the blood of dairy cows during peripartal period and their effect on the reduction of clinical mastitis. From a 220 individuals Holstein herd in a two-four lactation-gestation cycle the control group (C), 1st (D1) and 2nd (D2) experimental group were selected. Every group consisted of 15 cows in the last phase of the pregnancy. All cows were fed with the diet containing 0.1 mg of Se per kg/DM. The blood samples from vena jugularis were collected approximately 21 days before calving (control sampling), 3 days, 12 days and 21 days after calving. On the day of control sampling and 12 days before calving in D1 group, cows were injected subcutaneously in the sprescapular region with preparation Selevit inj. a.u.v. at the doses of 48.4 mg/head of Se, and 550 IU/head of alpha-Tocoferol (alpha-Toc). In D2 group, cows were injected by the same preparation only on 21th day before calving with the same doses of Se and alpha-Toc. The increase in the concentration of Se in the plasma and activity GPx in blood in D1 group on the 3rd day and 12th day after calving were determined. Increase in plasmatic concentrations alpha-Toc on 3rd day after calving and reduction of occurrence of clinical mastitis (13.3%) as compared with control group were found.

Adhesion of Malassezia pachydermatis of different growth type to canine epithelial cells.

A total of 100 Malassezia pachydermatis strains recovered from skin and mucosal membranes of dogs were evaluated for their adhesive properties. Two types of growth, related to colony morphology on Sabouraud agar, were observed (type I and II). The mean number of fungal cells attaching to canine buccal epithelial cells was found to be 17. The number of adhered cells was greater (statistically significant at the level of p < 0.01) in strains belonging to the type I.

Effect of trace mineral supplementation on selected minerals, energy metabolites, oxidative stress, and immune parameters and its association with uterine diseases in dairy cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between selected minerals’ serum levels, energy metabolites, oxidative stress indicators, IL-8 and haptoglobin levels, and the potential for uterine diseases. Additionally, we investigated the effect of injectable trace mineral supplementation (ITMS) on metabolism, immune function, and animal health under field conditions involving a dairy herd with high milk production. The study was conducted in 1 dairy farm located near Ithaca, New York, with 270 multiparous cows were enrolled from October 3, 2012 until January 10, 2013. Cows were randomly allocated into 1 of 2 treatments groups: ITMS or control. Cows randomly assigned to the ITMS group received 2 injections of trace minerals at 230 and 260 d of gestation; each injection contained 300mg of Zn, 50mg of Mn, 25mg of Se, and 75mg of Cu. Retained placenta (RP) and metritis were diagnosed and treated by trained farm personnel. Clinical endometritis evaluation was performed by the investigators. Blood mineral levels, plasma nonesterified fatty acids and serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, plasma IL-8 concentrations, serum haptoglobin concentration, and serum superoxidase dismutase and plasma glutathione peroxidase activities were measured at various time points before and after calving. Four groups of mixed general linear models were fitted to the data using MIXED procedure of SAS. Injectable trace mineral-supplemented cows had increased serum concentration of Cu, Se, and Zn. Conversely, ITMS did not affect energy metabolites or immune and oxidative stress parameters. Serum concentration of Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mo, Ps, Pt, Se, and Zn varied according to days relative to parturition. Cows with RP had reduced serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mo, and Zn when compared with cows without RP. Cows affected with metritis had significantly lower serum concentrations of Ca, Mo, soluble P, total P, Se, and Zn than nonaffected cows. Serum concentration of Ca, Cu, Mo, and Zn were reduced in cows diagnosed with endometritis in comparison to nonaffected ones.

Adjuvant selenium supplementation in the form of sodium selenite in postoperative critically ill patients with severe sepsis.

IntroductionPlasma selenium (Se) concentrations are reduced in critically ill surgical patients, and lower plasma Se concentrations are associated with worse outcomes. We investigated whether adjuvant Se supplementation in the form of sodium selenite could improve outcomes in surgical patients with sepsis.MethodsIn this retrospective study, all adult patients admitted to a 50-bed surgical ICU with severe sepsis between January 2004 and April 2010 were included and analysed according to whether they had received adjuvant Se supplementation, which was given at the discretion of the attending physician. When prescribed, Se was administered in the form of sodium selenite pentahydrate (Na2SeO3∙5H2O), in which 100 μg of Se corresponds to 333 μg of sodium selenite. A bolus of sodium selenite corresponding to 1,000 μg of Se was injected intravenously through a central venous line for 30 minutes, followed by infusion of 1,000 μg/day for 24 hours for 14 days until ICU discharge or death. We performed logistic regression analysis to investigate the impact of adjuvant Se supplementation on hospital mortality.ResultsAdjuvant Se was administered to 413 (39.7%) of the 1,047 patients admitted with severe sepsis. Age and sex were similar between patients who received adjuvant Se and those who did not. Compared with patients who did not receive adjuvant Se supplementation, patients who did had higher scores on the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, a greater prevalence of cancer upon admission to the ICU and were more commonly admitted after abdominal surgery. Compared with patients who did not receive adjuvant Se, patients who did had higher hospital mortality rates (46% versus 39.1%; P = 0.027), and longer median (interquartile range (IQR)) ICU stays (15 days (6 to 24) versus 11 days (4 to 24); P = 0.01) and hospital lengths of stay (33 days (21 to 52) versus 28 days (17 to 46); P = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, adjuvant Se supplementation was not independently associated with favourable outcome (odds ratio = 1.19, 95% confidence interval = 0.86 to 1.65; P = 0.288).ConclusionsIn this retrospective analysis of a large cohort of surgical ICU patients with severe sepsis, adjuvant Se supplementation in the form of sodium selenite had no impact on in-hospital death rates after adjustment for confounders.

Impact of flue gas desulfurization gypsum application on water quality in a coastal plain soil.

There are growing concerns regarding the fate of nutrients, especially phosphorus (P), from land application of animal waste. One approach being studied to reduce runoff losses of P is to treat manure or the soil receiving manure with chemical amendments such as gypsum. This study used rainfall simulations to examine the impact of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum application on runoff nutrient losses on a Coastal Plains soil (Luverne sandy loam; fine, mixed, semiactive, thermic Typic Hapludults). Four rates of FGD gypsum (0, 2.2, 4.4, and 8.9 Mg ha) were applied to plots of Coastal Bermudagrass ( L.) that had received application of 13.4 Mg ha poultry litter. Plots with 8.9 Mg ha FGD gypsum but no poultry litter and plots with neither poultry litter nor FGD gypsum were also used. Rainfall simulation was used to generate water runoff for 60 min, and samples were analyzed for soluble reactive P (SRP) and soluble Al, B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn. Total concentration of Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Mn, and Zn and concentration of heavy metals Ar, Hg, Al, Sb, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni, Si, V, Se, Tl, and hexavalent chromium were also analyzed. Results indicated a maximum of 61% reduction in SRP concentration in runoff with the application of 8.9 Mg ha FGD gypsum. This translated to a 51% reduction in total SRP load during the 60-min runoff event. Concentrations of heavy metals in runoff were all found to be below detection limits. The results indicated that use of 4.4 Mg ha FGD gypsum on Coastal Plains pastures receiving poultry litter could be an effective method of reducing SRP losses to the environment.

Performance and immune response of suckling calves fed organic selenium

The objective of this research was to explore whether supplementation of Se above the recommended levels or application directly to the abomasum is superior to rumen supplementation in terms of boosting the immune system and promoting the growth of suckling calves. Thirty newborn calves, 18 Jersey breed and 12 crossbred (Holstein×Jersey), during 75 days, were assigned in a randomized block design (sex and breed) with the following treatments C=control (no supplementation and selenium derived only from milk and concentrate); SeA=0.80mg of Se/animal per day to the abomasum (milk); and SeR=0.80mg of Se/animal per day to the rumen (oral). The blood concentration of Se was higher in the SeR- and SeA-treated animals than in the control animals (P=0.001) at 30 days of age. The phagocytic activity of macrophages was higher in animals receiving Se supplementation compared to the control and in SeA animals compared to SeR (P=0.007). No difference in the oxidative activity of neutrophils or hematocrit was observed among treatments regimes when the calves were 30 days old. Dry matter intake (P=0.059) and HGG (P=0.059) tended to be higher in SeR-treated animals than in SeA-treated animals at 30 days of age. Feed conversion tended to be more efficient in Se-supplemented animals compared to the control (P=0.075). There were no significant differences in WG, HG or LG among treatment regimes at 30 days of age. At 75 days of age, Se-supplemented animals tended to present higher concentrations of Se in the blood (P=0.079) and greater heart girth gain (P=0.088). Supplementation of suckling calves with 0.80mg of organic Se increased the serum levels of this trace mineral in the animals and boosted their immune systems at 30 days of age. A superior immune parameter response was observed in calves supplemented with Se to the abomasum. In addition, Se supplementation maintained the performance of animals that had a diagnosis of diarrhea. Selenium supplementation did not act as a growth promoter but did improve immune system function during this phase of compromised health.

Effect of different levels of added selenium without or with arsenic on rumen fermentation parameters in buffaloes under in vitro conditions

Studies were conducted to find the effect of addition of different levels of selenium (Se) without or with arsenic (As) on rumen fermentation parameters viz., in vitro gas production (IVGP), true organic matter digestibility (TOMD), microbial biomass production (MBP), total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and individual volatile fatty acids (IVFA) under in vitro conditions. Basal substrate (200 mg) comprising of paddy straw and concentrate mixture (40: 60) alongwith different levels of Se (0, 2, 4, 8, 10, 12 and 14μg/200 mg substrate or per syringe) was incubated in 100 ml glass syringes. Arsenic, an antagonist of Se in form of sodium arsenite, was used @ 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 100 μg levels added to the substrate (200 mg). The inhibitory effect on TOMD, IVGP, MBP and TVFA was observed at 12 μg added Se level. Addition of As at 10 or 20 μg level to the substrate (200 mg) containing 12 μg Se improved rumen fermentation parameters under in vitro system, however, further addition of As (40, 80 or 100 μg) showed negative effects on these parameters.

Thin-Film Photovoltaic Cells: Long-Term Metal(loid) Leaching at Their End-of-Life

The photovoltaic effect of thin-film copper indium gallium selenide cells (CIGS) is conferred by the latter elements. Organic photovoltaic cells (OPV), relying on organic light-absorbing molecules, also contain a variety of metals (e.g., Zn, Al, In, Sn, Ag). The environmental impact of such technologies is largely unknown, in particular when the physical integrity deteriorates upon end-of-life, possibly facilitating cell constituent leaching. This study analyzed long-term inorganic leaching from damaged OPV and CIGS into different model waters. Leachate concentrations were put into perspective by calculating the predicted environmental concentrations (PEC) for several scenarios. Roof-top acidic rain runoff from CIGS was found to be the predominant emission source for metals and metalloids, with Cd released to such extents that PEC (173.4 μg Cd L(-1)) would considerably exceed acute toxicity concentrations for Daphnia magna . Other PEC for CIGS (9.9 mg Mo L(-1) and 9.4 μg Se L(-1)) were in the range of teratogenic effects. In contrast, OPV released little metals with calculated PEC being below even conservative drinking water guidelines. Time-resolved single-particle ICP-MS indicated that some metals (Zn, Mo, Ag) were in nanoparticulate form, raising nanotoxicity concerns. Leaching kinetics called for revision of existing standardized (accelerated) leaching protocols because long-term release was most relevant.