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Abstract Selenium is an essential micronutrient for ruminants, which participates in the optimal functioning of proteins and enzymes that can combat oxidative stress in the body; however, its toxicity is documented in different species. The objective of this work was to describe macroscopic and microscopic lesions in lambs intoxicated with selenium administered through intraruminal boluses. The main lesions at necropsy were pulmonary oedema; the myocardial surface presented multifocal pale areas; the thyroid and thymus glands were decreased in size, and areas of necrosis, haemorrhage and hyperkeratosis were observed in the reticulum and rumen. At the microscopic level, congestion, haemorrhage, oedema and hyaline membranes were observed in the lung; hepatic congestion, haemorrhage, degeneration and necrosis; degeneration and necrosis of the reticulum mucosa, as well as areas of hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis; myocardial degeneration, necrosis and fibrosis; congestion, haemorrhage, degeneration and renal tubular necrosis; thyroid follicular atrophy and thymic cortical atrophy. This study evidenced the main lesions related to selenium poisoning in lambs supplemented with the mineral through intraruminal boluses.

Abstract Aims Heart failure (HF) patients with anaemia tend to have a worse outcome, with increased hospitalization rates, decreased exercise tolerance, and higher mortality compared to those without anaemia. Limited research exists on the association between selenium deficiency and anaemia specifically in HF patients, despite previous findings of a correlation in different populations. The BIOSTAT‐CHF study demonstrated that higher selenium levels in HF patients were associated to a lower risk of anaemia and iron deficiency. This study investigates the relationship between selenoprotein P (SELENOP) concentrations, a major contributor and functional biomarker of selenium transport, and anaemia, Hb levels, and iron status in hospitalized HF patients. Methods and results SELENOP was analysed in 320 hospitalized HF subjects, with complete data available for 310 subjects. The relationships between continuous SELENOP concentrations and 1) Hb concentrations, 2) anaemia (Hb

Abstract Background Pancreatic cancer (PCA) is an extremely aggressive malignant cancer with an increasing incidence and a low five‐year survival rate. The main reason for this high mortality is that most patients are diagnosed with PCA at an advanced stage, missing early treatment options and opportunities. As important nutrients of the human body, trace elements play an important role in maintaining normal physiological functions. Moreover, trace elements are closely related to many diseases, including PCA. Review This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress on selenium, copper, arsenic, and manganese in PCA, elucidates their application in PCA, and provides a new reference for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of PCA. Conclusion Trace elements such as selenium, copper, arsenic and manganese are playing an important role in the risk, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of PCA. Meanwhile, they have a certain inhibitory effect on PCA, the mechanism mainly includes: promoting ferroptosis, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and inhibiting excessive proliferation.

Abstract Cisplatin‐associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe clinical syndrome that significantly restricts the chemotherapeutic application of cisplatin in cancer patients. Ferroptosis, a newly characterized programmed cell death driven by the lethal accumulation of lipid peroxidation, is widely reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of cisplatin‐associated AKI. Targeted inhibition of ferroptosis holds great promise for developing novel therapeutics to alleviate AKI. Unfortunately, current ferroptosis inhibitors possess low bioavailability or perform non‐specific accumulation in the body, making them inefficient in alleviating cisplatin‐associated AKI or inadvertently reducing the anti‐tumor efficacy of cisplatin, thus not suitable for clinical application. In this study, a novel selenium nanomaterial, polyacrylic acid‐coated selenium‐doped carbon dots (SeCD), is rationally developed. SeCD exhibits high biocompatibility and specifically accumulates in the kidney. Administration of SeCD effectively scavenges broad‐spectrum reactive oxygen species and significantly facilitates GPX4 expression by releasing selenium, resulting in strong mitigation of ferroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells and substantial alleviation of cisplatin‐associated AKI, without compromising the chemotherapeutic efficacy of cisplatin. This study highlights a novel and promising therapeutic approach for the clinical prevention of AKI in cancer patients undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety for the consumer of products from animals fed diets with feed additives containing selenium as an active substance. Based on the limited data set available and the several uncertainties, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of organic selenium at the currently maximum authorised use level of 0.2 mg supplemented selenium from organic sources/kg complete feed (within a maximum of 0.5 mg total selenium/kg complete feed) leads to an exceedance of the UL for all the population categories (except elderly and very elderly), suggesting a concern for consumer safety. It was not possible to conclude on the safety of the currently maximum use level of 0.5 mg total selenium/kg complete feed for all consumer categories. Additional data from studies specifically designed to measure deposition of selenium in tissues and products from animal origin resulting from the use of the different sources of selenium would be required to perform a proper risk assessment.

Abstract Selenium (Se), the world's oldest optoelectronic material, has been widely applied in various optoelectronic devices such as commercial X‐ray flat‐panel detectors and photovoltaics. However, despite the rare and widely‐dispersed nature of Se element, a sustainable recycling of Se and other valuable materials from spent Se‐based devices has not been developed so far. Here a sustainable strategy is reported that makes use of the significantly higher vapor pressure of volatile Se compared to other functional layers to recycle all of them from end‐of‐life Se‐based devices through a closed‐space evaporation process, utilizing Se photovoltaic devices as a case study. This strategy results in high recycling yields of ≈ 98% for Se and 100% for other functional materials including valuable gold electrodes and glass/FTO/TiO2 substrates. The refabricated photovoltaic devices based on these recycled materials achieve an efficiency of 12.33% under 1000‐lux indoor illumination, comparable to devices fabricated using commercially sourced materials and surpassing the current indoor photovoltaic industry standard of amorphous silicon cells.

Abstract Room‐temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na/S) batteries have received increasing attention for the next generation of large‐scale energy storage, yet they are hindered by the severe dissolution of polysulfides, sluggish redox kinetic, and incomplete conversion of sodium polysulfides (NaPSs). Herein, the study proposes a dual‐modulating strategy of the electronic structure of electrocatalyst and sulfur to accelerate the conversion of NaPSs. The selenium‐modulated ZnS nanocrystals with electron rearrangement in hierarchical structured spherical carbon (Se‐ZnS/HSC) facilitate Na+ transport and catalyze the conversion between short‐chain sulfur and Na2S. And the in situ introduced Se within S can enhance conductivity and form an S─Se bond, suppressing the “polysulfides shuttle”. Accordingly, the S@Se‐ZnS/HSC cathode exhibits a specific capacity of as high as 1302.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and ultrahigh‐rate capability (676.9 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1). Even at −10 °C, this cathode still delivers a high reversible capacity of 401.2 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 and 94% of the original capacitance after 50 cycles. This work provides a novel design idea for high‐performance Na/S batteries.

Abstract This report identifies, for the first time, a phytochelatin compound, phytochelatin 2 [γ‐E‐C‐γ‐E‐C‐G], and related metabolites in human urine. Phytochelatins are metal‐binding peptides produced by plants. They are present in nearly all human diets, due to their ubiquity in plants. The urinary concentration of phytochelatin 2 among 143 adults was in the low micromolar range, and phytochelatin 2 and its metabolites had differential correlations with urinary selenium and toxic metals. Activities of ingested phytochelatins are largely undescribed. Observed urinary metal interactions were investigated further in cell and animal models. Selenite reacted with phytochelatin to form a phytochelatin selenotrisulfide, and the preformed selenotrisulfide showed increased selenium uptake by renal proximal tubule cells. In vivo studies further showed that oral phytochelatin increased renal selenium content and decreased lung cadmium in mice. Presence of phytochelatin in human urine combined with its function in selenium and heavy metal distribution present a new route by which diet may influence metal disposition and bioavailability.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a new preparation of zinc‐l‐selenomethionine, with selenium content of 4%, as a nutritional feed additive for all animal species. Zinc‐l‐selenomethionine is already authorised for use in all animal species (3b818). Current authorisation defines the additive as ‘Solid preparation of zinc‐l‐selenomethionine with a selenium content of 1–2 g/kg’. The applicant developed a new preparation of zinc‐l‐selenomethionine containing a minimum of 40 g Se/kg and seeks to modify the current authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the newly proposed preparation is considered safe for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel recommends adding, to the currently existing authorisation, a new preparation (40–46 g Se/kg) and not the range proposed by the applicant (1–46 g Se/kg), since no characterisation data on the intermediate preparation range (from 2 to 40 g Se/kg) have been provided. The use of the new preparation (minimum 40 g Se/kg) of zinc‐l‐selenomethionine in animal nutrition is of no concern for consumer safety. The newly proposed preparation presents a risk by inhalation; it is not irritant to eyes or skin. No conclusion can be reached regarding dermal sensitisation. The previous conclusion by the Panel on the safety for the environment remains unchanged. The Panel concluded that the modification request has no impact on efficacy.

Abstract Extensive research has demonstrated the critical role of selenium (Se) and selenoproteins in brain function and cognition. However, the impact of Se on brain cortical structure remains enigmatic. Therefore, this study used Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal effect between Se levels and brain cortical structure. Methods This study utilizes 11 genetic variants associated with Se level variations, extracted from a large‐scale genome‐wide association study (GWAS) encompassed circulating Se levels (n = 5477) and toenail Se levels (n = 4162) in the European population. Outcome data were sourced from the summary statistics of the ENIGMA Consortium, comprising GWAS data from 51,666 individuals. The variables include cortical surface area (SA), thickness (TH) at the global level, and 34 functional cortical regions evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. The inverse‐variance‐weighted method was used as the primary estimate. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to detect potential violations of assumptions underlying MR. Results At the global level, Se levels were not correlated with SA but showed a significant negative correlation with TH (β = −0.00485 mm, SE = 0.00192, p = .0115). Heterogeneity was observed across different brain regions, with positive correlations found between Se levels and the TH of the parahippocampal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, and frontal pole, whereas negative correlations were found with the TH of the inferior parietal lobe and middle temporal lobe. Regarding SA, Se levels exhibit positive correlations with the pars triangularis, caudal anterior cingulate, inferior parietal lobe, and banks of the superior temporal sulcus. Conversely, negative correlations were observed with the medial orbitofrontal cortex, posterior cingulate gyrus, insula, and the middle, superior, and transverse gyrus of the temporal lobe. No pleiotropy was detected. Results This MR study indicated that Se levels causally influence the brain cortical structure.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for selenium. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted to identify evidence regarding excess selenium intake and clinical effects and potential biomarkers of effect, risk of chronic diseases and impaired neuropsychological development in humans. Alopecia, as an early observable feature and a well‐established adverse effect of excess selenium exposure, is selected as the critical endpoint on which to base a UL for selenium. A lowest‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level (LOAEL) of 330 μg/day is identified from a large randomised controlled trial in humans (the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT)), to which an uncertainty factor of 1.3 is applied. A UL of 255 μg/day is established for adult men and women (including pregnant and lactating women). ULs for children are derived from the UL for adults using allometric scaling (body weight0.75). Based on available intake data, adult consumers are unlikely to exceed the UL, except for regular users of food supplements containing high daily doses of selenium or regular consumers of Brazil nuts. No risk has been reported with the current levels of selenium intake in European countries from food (excluding food supplements) in toddlers and children, and selenium intake arising from the natural content of foods does not raise reasons for concern. Selenium‐containing supplements in toddlers and children should be used with caution, based on individual needs.

Abstract Introduction The contribution of Th17 cytokines to autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is generally accepted. However, the roles of Th17 cells in the initiation and progression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD) remain unclear. Selenium deficiency, along with genetic predisposition and environmental factors, may have a role in thyroid autoimmunity. Aim We aimed to assess (1) the Th17 immune response by measuring plasma levels of Th17‐ and Treg‐associated cytokines and (2) the selenium status in treatment‐naïve Latvian patients with newly diagnosed GD or HT. Methods Eleven GD patients, 41 HT patients, and 26 healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Plasma levels of IL‐17a, IL‐22, IL‐23, IL‐6, and IL‐10 were detected by xMAP technology, while selenium was detected fluorometrically. Results and Conclusions No significant differences in IL‐17a, IL‐22, IL‐23, IL‐6, or IL‐10 levels were found among the HT patients, GD patients, and controls. In the HT patients, IL‐17a levels were positively correlated with IL‐22, IL‐23, IL‐6, and IL‐10, while IL‐22 was correlated with IL‐6, IL‐23, and IL‐10. In the GD patients, IL‐17a levels were positively correlated with IL‐22, IL‐23, and IL‐10; IL‐22 was positively correlated with IL‐23, IL‐6, and IL‐10; FT3 was positively correlated with IL‐17a, IL‐23, and IL‐10; and FT4 was positively correlated with IL‐17a and IL‐10 levels. Plasma selenium levels were negatively correlated with antithyroid peroxidase antibody titers in the HT patients. Although no difference in selenium levels was observed between the AITD patients and controls, the selenium status of the Latvian patients with GD or HT was at a suboptimal level.

Abstract Aims The prospective, multicentre Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in Nigeria (PEACE) registry originally demonstrated a high prevalence of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) among patients originating from Kano, North‐West Nigeria. In a post hoc analysis, we sought to determine if this phenomenon was characterized by a differential case profile and outcome among PPCM cases originating elsewhere. Methods and results Overall, 199 (81.6%) of a total 244 PPCM patients were recruited from three sites in Kano, compared with 45 patients (18.4%) from 11 widely dispersed centres across Nigeria. Presence and extent of ventricular myocardial remodelling during follow‐up, relative to baseline status, were assessed by echocardiography. During median 17 months follow‐up, Kano patients demonstrated significantly better myocardial reverse remodelling than patients from other sites. Overall, 50.6% of patients from Kano versus 28.6% from other regions were asymptomatic (P = 0.029) at study completion, with an accompanying difference in all‐cause mortality (17.6% vs. 22.2% respectively, P = 0.523) not reaching statistical significance. Alternatively, 135/191 (84.9%) of Kano patients had selenium deficiency (

Abstract Combined foliar application of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and selenium (Se) has been practiced in wheat biofortification. However, it remains elusive that whether the combined application affects Zn and Se distribution to grain, the efficacy of biofortification and bioavailability in wheat, due to the accompanying sulphate sources. Selenite and ZnSO4 were applied either alone or simultaneously to foliage of wheat in field, and their impacts on Zn and Se partitioning in plants, enrichment and bioavailability in whole grain, bran and flour, as well as amino acid profile in flour, were closely investigated. Grain yield was not influenced by any of the foliar Zn and Se applications. Grain Zn and Se concentrations reached 58.3–77.9 and 0.30–0.74 mg kg−1 in Zn‐ and Se‐sprayed plants, respectively, and the estimated daily‐absorbed Zn by a reference adult from grain and flour were enhanced by 1.2‐ to 2.4‐fold than the control, as well as 16.8‐fold increase on average for daily Se intake. Combined Zn and Se application led to a 32%–37% reduction in Se concentrations and daily Se intake of whole grain and flour in one of the two seasons when compared with the foliar Se spray alone, which was partly associated with the reduced Se distribution to grains. Alternatively, similar responsive patterns of methionine and cysteine with grain and flour Se concentrations further suggested that zinc sulphate and selenium interactions in Se accumulation act through the metabolism of sulphur‐containing amino acids in wheat plants. Further, the substantial Zn enrichment in flour paralleled to the increase of amino acid profiles such as aspartate, glutamate, glycine and lysine, but not to the total amino acid content. Overall, wheat was successfully biofortified with Zn and Se through combined foliar applications, although an antagonistic impact of ZnSO4 spray on the magnitude of Se biofortification occurred in some cases.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of selenium‐enriched yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I‐3060) for all animal species, based on a dossier submitted for the modification of the terms of the authorisation of the additive. The additive is currently authorised as selenomethionine produced by S. cerevisiae CNCM I‐3060 as a nutritional additive (compound of trace elements) with a minimum selenium content of 2,000 mg/kg. The applicant proposed the inclusion of an additional formulation with a minimum content of selenium in the additive of 3,000 mg/kg. Considering (i) that the main changes in the manufacturing of the product compared to the former application involve the drying phase (spray‐drying vs drum drying), which has led to slightly different values of the dusting potential and particle size, and (ii) the conditions of use already authorised, the FEEDAP Panel stated that the modification requested would only affect the safety for the target animals and the users, without impacting the safety for the consumers, safety for the environment or the efficacy of the additive. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that there are no concerns for the safety of the target animals based on its previous assessment and an additional study on homogeneity of the additive. The additive is hazardous by inhalation, is not irritant for the eyes, skin and is not a dermal sensitiser.

Abstract In intensive care units, sepsis is the first cause of death. In this pathology, inflammation and oxidative status play a crucial role in patient outcomes. Interestingly, 92% of septic patients exhibit low selenium plasma concentrations (a component of antioxidant enzymes). Moreover, Spirulina platensis, a blue‐green algae, demonstrated anti‐inflammatory effects. In this context, the main purpose of our study was to analyze the effect of a selenium‐enriched spirulina after a selenium deficiency on sepsis outcome in rats. Sixty‐four rats were fed 12 weeks with a selenium‐deficient food. After 8 weeks, rats were supplemented (via drinking water) for 4 weeks with sodium selenite (Se), spirulina (Spi), or selenium‐enriched spirulina (SeSp). Sepsis was then induced by cecal ligature and puncture, and survival duration was observed. The plasma selenium concentration was measured by ICPMS. Expression of GPx1 and GPx3 mRNA was measured by RT‐PCR. Blood parameters (lactates and HCO3− concentrations, pH, PO2, and PCO2) were analyzed at 0, 1, and 2 h as well as inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐10). Sodium selenite and SeSP supplementations restored plasma selenium concentration prior to sepsis. The survival duration of SeSP septic rats was significantly lower than that of selenium‐supplemented ones. Gpx1 mRNA was increased after a selenium‐enriched spirulina supplementation while Gpx3 mRNA levels remained unchanged. Furthermore, sodium selenite prevented sepsis‐induced acidosis. Our results show that on a basis of a Se deficiency, selenium‐enriched spirulina supplementations significantly worsen sepsis outcome when compared to Se supplementation. Furthermore, Se supplementation but not selenium‐enriched spirulina supplementation decreased inflammation and restored acid–base equilibrium after a sepsis induction.

Abstract Selenium deficiency during pregnancy can impair fetal development and predispose offspring to thyroid dysfunction. Given that key selenoproteins are highly expressed in the kidney and that poor thyroid health can lead to kidney disease, it is likely that kidney function may be impaired in offspring of selenium‐deficient mothers. This study utilized a mouse model of maternal selenium deficiency to investigate kidney protein glycation, mitochondrial adaptations, and urinary excretion in offspring. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed control (>190 µg selenium/kg) or low selenium (

Abstract Objective The benefit of Se supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been tested in clinical trials, but results remain inconclusive. The objective of this study was to specifically investigate the potential benefit of supranutritional Se by examining human samples from an area with supranutritional Se intake and testing a mouse model of RA. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from RA patients (N = 57) and healthy controls (HC, N = 71) from an area of supranutritional Se intake (Enshi, Hubei, China) were analysed by flow cytometry. Serum cytokine and Se levels were measured by cytometric beads array (CBA) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), respectively. With sufficient or supranutritional selenium intake, mice were induced with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) and examined for disease activity and immunopathology. The influence of Se supplementation in the generation of RANKL‐expressing osteoclastogenic CD4+ T cells was investigated by in vitro assays. Results In Enshi city, HC showed the above‐normal concentrations of serum Se concentrations while RA patients were enriched in the normal range (70–150 ng mL−1) or below. RA patients with higher Se levels demonstrated milder disease and lower levels of C‐reactive protein, IL‐6, RANKL and Th17 cells. In the mouse CIA model, supranutritional Se supplementation delayed disease onset, ameliorated joint pathology and reduced CD4+CD44+RANKL+ T cells. Se supplementation could suppress RANKL expression in cultured mouse Th17 cells. Conclusion Supranutritional Se suppresses RANKL‐expressing osteoclastogenic CD4+ T cells and could be beneficial to RA, which warrants formal testing in randomised clinical trials.

Exposure to arsenic can cause various biological effects by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Selenium acts as a beneficial element by regulating ROS and limiting heavy metal uptake and translocation. There are studies on the interactive effects of As and Se in plants, but the antagonistic and synergistic effects of these elements based on their binding to glutathione (GSH) molecules have not been studied yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antagonistic or synergistic effects of As and Se on the binding mechanism of Se and As with GSH at pH 3.0, 5.0, or 6.5. The interaction of As and Se in Se(SG) 2  + As(III) or As(SG) 3  + Se(IV) binary systems and As(III) + Se(IV) + GSH ternary system were examined depending on their ratios via liquid chromatography diode array detector/electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-DAD/MS) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). The results showed that the formation of As(GS) 3 was not detected in the As(III) + Se(SG) 2 binary system, indicating that As(III) did not affect the stability of Se(SG) 2 complex antagonistically. However, in the Se(IV) + As(SG) 3 binary system, the addition of Se(IV) to As(SG) 3 affected the stability of As(SG) 3 antagonistically. Se(IV) reacted with GSH, disrupting the As(SG) 3 complex, and consequently, Se(SG) 2 formation was measured using LC-MS/DAD. In the Se(IV) + GSH + As(III) ternary system, Se(SG) 2 formation was detected upon mixing As(III), Se(IV), and GSH. The increase in the concentration of As(III) did not influence the stability of the Se(SG) 2 complex. Additionally, Se(IV) has a higher affinity than As(III) to the GSH, regardless of the pH of the solution. In both binary and ternary systems, the formation of the by-product glutathione trisulfide (GSSSG) was detected using LC-ESI-MS/MS., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on selenite triglycerides as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, their safety when added for nutritional purposes to food supplements as a source of selenium and the bioavailability of selenium from this source, in the context of Directive 2002/46/EC. The proposed NF is the first lipophilic organic form of selenium so far described in the literature. It is composed by a mixture of individual Se‐containing lipids which do not occur in nature. The Panel considers that the information provided on the composition of the NF does not allow a complete characterisation of the product. From the data provided to characterise the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of the NF, it cannot be established in which chemical form Se is systemically available and if it can enter the functional Se body pool to fulfil Se physiological functions. The Panel considers that, since it is not demonstrated that the NF is converted to a known form of Se following ingestion and absorption, the NF is to be treated as a xenobiotic with unknown properties in the body. From a subchronic toxicity study in rats, the Panel derives a lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for general toxicity of 2 mg Se/kg body weight (bw) per day based on findings indicating liver as a target organ, as it has been shown for other studies on dietary Se. The Panel concludes that the NF is absorbed and provides Se, but in an unknown form of which the bioavailability has not been determined. The Panel also concludes that the safety of the NF under the intended conditions of use cannot be established.

Abstract Selenium‐enriched yeast produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I‐3399 (selenised yeast inactivated) (SELSAF) is characterised as organic selenium mainly containing selenomethionine (Se‐Met, ≥ 63%). The applicant requested for the renewal of the authorisation for selenium‐enriched yeast produced by S. cerevisiae CNCM I‐3399 when used as a feed additive for all animal species. The applicant has provided evidence that the additive in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel) confirms that the use of selenium‐enriched yeast produced by S. cerevisiae CNCM I‐3399 under the current authorised conditions of use is safe for the target species, the consumers and the environment. The additive is non‐irritant to skin and eyes but should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. No conclusion can be reached on its dermal sensitising properties. The additive is hazardous by inhalation. Exposure of users by inhalation is very likely. There is no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

Abstract Herein, a core–shell tellurium–selenium (Te–Se) nanomaterial with polymer‐tailed and lateral heterojunction structures is developed as a photothermal absorber in a bionic solar‐evaporation system. It is further revealed that the amorphous Se shell surrounds the crystalline Te core, which not only protects the Te phase from oxidation but also serves as a natural barrier to life entities. The core (Te)–shell (Se) configuration thus exhibits robust stability enhanced by 0.05 eV per Se atom and excellent biocompatibility. Furthermore, high energy efficiencies of 90.71 ± 0.37% and 86.14 ± 1.02% and evaporation rates of 12.88 ± 0.052 and 1.323 ± 0.015 kg m−2 h−1 are obtained under 10 and 1 sun for simulated seawater, respectively. Importantly, no salting out is observed in salt solutions, and the collected water under natural light irradiation possesses extremely low ion concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ relative to real seawater. Considering the tunable electronic structures, biocompatibilities, and modifiable broadband absorption of the solar spectrum of lateral heterojunction nanomaterials of Te–Se, the way is paved to engineering 2D semiconductor materials with supporting 3D porous hydrophilic materials for application in solar desalination, wastewater treatment, and biomedical ventures.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of sodium selenate as a nutritional feed additive for ruminants, when used via an intraruminal bolus in ruminants. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) Panel concludes that based on (i) the estimation of the release of selenium from the bolus, (ii) the similarities in bioavailability with sodium selenite, (iii) the experience with the use of boluses in ruminant nutrition and (iv) the wide margin of safety compared with the maximum tolerable levels of selenium in ruminants, the additive is safe for ruminants. The use of sodium selenate by bolus administration providing a selenium intake not exceeding that resulting from the maximum authorised EU level of total selenium in feed presents no concerns for consumer safety. The additive does not pose a risk to users by inhalation and is considered as non‐corrosive but irritant for the skin and the eyes. The FEEDAP Panel considers the additive as a skin sensitiser and respiratory sensitiser. The additive under assessment, in its intended use as complementary feed for ruminants in the form of boluses, is a substitute for other authorised selenium additives and will not further increase the environmental burden of selenium. Based on two studies submitted in cattle and sheep and studies from the literature, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that sodium selenate delivered by a bolus to ruminants is an efficacious source of selenium in meeting the animals’ requirements. The Panel posed some recommendations regarding the use of the bolus, especially in small size ruminants. The Panel also posed a remark, concerning the zinc content of the bolus from which the additive is delivered.

Background Observational studies have suggested that selenium (Se) may have beneficial effects against certain cardiovascular outcomes, with a possible U‐shaped association. We assessed the hypothesis that blood Se concentration might be inversely associated with the prevalence of stroke and the relationship would be nonlinear. Methods and Results Data collected from adult participants (aged ≥20 years) in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS 2007–2011, n=7065) and the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2011–2012, n=5030) were analyzed. A total of 82 (1.16%) and 202 (4.02%) stroke cases were identified in CHMS and NHANES. Respondents with stroke had lower Se levels than those without stroke, with a mean difference of 16 μg/L and 12 μg/L for CHMS and NHANES, respectively. Respondents with high blood Se concentration (tertile 3) had a lower prevalence of stroke compared with those with low Se concentration (tertile 1). The adjusted odds ratios were 0.38 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.92) and 0.57 (95% CI: 0.31, 1.03) for CHMS and NHANES, respectively. A continuous decreasing trend of stroke with whole blood selenium was observed in CHMS, whereas the curve plateaued starting at 190 μg/L for NHANES, based on the cubic restricted spline regression. Sensitivity analysis using the serum and urinary Se concentrations demonstrates that our results were consistent across different selenium biomarkers. Conclusions We observed inverse cross‐sectional associations between whole blood Se and the prevalence of stroke in representative samples of the Canadian and the US population.

Abstract The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the application for renewal of authorisation of organic form of selenium produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC R397 (Alkosel®) for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel has delivered two opinions (on 2007 and 2016) on the safety and efficacy of the additive. The additive is characterised as organic selenium mainly selenomethionine (63%); it was initially authorised in 2007 with a content of 2,000–2,400 mg Se/kg (97–99 % of organic selenium) and in 2017 the authorisation was further amended to introduce a selenium range of 2,000–3,500 mg Se/kg. Additionally, in 2013, the initial authorising Regulation was modified to introduce a maximum supplementation selenium from this additive in feed (0.2 mg Se from Alkosel®/kg feed). The evidence provided indicates that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of authorisation. No new evidence was found that would make the FEEDAP Panel reconsidering its previous conclusions in the safety for target species, consumers and environment. In particular, the Panel confirms that the use of Alkosel® in animal nutrition does not pose a risk to consumers provided that the maximum selenium supplementation of 0.2 mg/kg feed from Alkosel® is not exceeded, yet respecting the maximum total selenium in feed of 0.5 mg/kg. Data on the characterisation of the additive and studies on skin/eyes effects led the Panel reconsider the safety for the user, concluding that Alkosel® is (i) hazardous upon inhalation, (ii) non‐irritant to skin and considered irritant for the eyes and mucosae, and (iii) a dermal sensitiser and likely a respiratory sensitiser. A recommendation regarding the denomination of the additive under assessment was proposed by the Panel.

Doxorubicin (Dox) may induce loss of follicles, resulting in the depletion of ovarian reserve and consequent premature ovarian failure. Selenium (Se) is an oligoelement with fundamental biological features and is among the most common chemical inhibitor compounds. The present study describes the curative effects of dietary supplementation with different Se doses on Dox-induced ovarian damage in rats. In this study, 64 adult female Wistar rats were randomly separated into eight groups: Control group, Dox group (5 mg/kg intraperitoneal [i.p.]), low-dose Se (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), middle dose Se (1 mg/kg i.p.), high dose (Se 2 mg/kg i.p.), Dox + low-dose Se group (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), Dox + middle dose Se (1 mg/kg i.p.), and Dox + high-dose Se group (2 mg/kg i.p.). After the experiment, ovarian follicles were counted, and Antimüllerian hormone, interleukin 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and caspase-3 expression were determined. Levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were biochemically measured in ovarian tissue. Dox caused ovarian injury, as evidenced by significant changes in ovarian markers, histological abnormalities, and the debilitation of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Furthermore, Dox therapy significantly changed the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Dox + 1 mg Se with various saturations was studied, and this study demonstrated both histopathological and follicular reserve and more protective features. 1 mg Se pretreatment improved Dox-induced ovarian toxicity through alleviating the antioxidant mechanism, decreasing inflammation and apoptosis, and restoring ovarian architecture. As a result, our findings indicate that 1 mg Se is a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of ovarian damage associated with Dox., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of two different organic selenium (Se) supplements, selenomethionine (Se-Met) and selenohomolanthionine (Se-Hlan), on the serum biochemical parameters and Se status of dairy cows. Different dietary Se supplementation treatments were set as follows: a control group (CON, adding sodium selenite at 0.3 mg Se/kg dry matter [DM]), 0.3 and 0.5 Se-Met (adding Se-Met at 0.3 and 0.5 mg Se/kg DM, respectively), as well as 0.3 and 0.5 Se-Hlan (adding Se-Hlan at 0.3 and 0.5 mg Se/kg DM, respectively). The experiment lasted 8 weeks. The serum measurements showed that both organic Se treatments resulted in higher uric acid than CON. Se-Met produced higher aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, urea, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lactate dehydrogenase than Se-Hlan. Regarding the Se status, the highest milk Se values appeared in 0.5 Se-Met, with intermediate values in 0.3 Se-Met and 0.5 Se-Hlan, whereas the highest and lowest serum Se levels were presented in 0.5 Se-Met and 0.3 Se-Hlan, respectively. Our results suggest that Se-Hlan was not as efficient in boosting serum or milk Se as Se-Met and differences in serum biomarkers between Se-Met and Se-Hlan may be associated with distinct metabolic pathways for different forms of organic Se., (© 2024 Japanese Society of Animal Science.)

Redox imbalance leads to oxidative stress that causes irreversible cellular damage. The incorporation of the antioxidant element selenium (Se) in the structure of pyridinium salts has been used as a strategy in chemical synthesis and can be useful in drug development. We investigated the antioxidant activity of Se-containing pyridinium salts (named Compounds 3A, 3B, and 3C) through in vitro tests. We focused our study on liver protein carbonylation, liver lipoperoxidation, free radical scavenging activity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil [DPPH]; 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid [ABTS]), and enzyme-mimetic activity assays (glutathione S-transferase [GST]-like; superoxide dismutase [SOD]-like). In addition, 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl)-2-((phenylselanyl)methyl)pyridin-1-ium bromide (3C) was selected to evaluate the acute oral toxicity in mice due to the best antioxidant profile. The three compounds were effective in reducing the levels of protein carbonylation and lipoperoxidation in the liver in a µM concentration range. All compounds demonstrated scavenger activity of DPPH and ABTS radicals, and GST-like action. No significant effects were detected in the SOD-like assay. Experimental data also showed that the acute oral treatment of mice with Compound 3C (50 and 300 mg/kg) did not cause mortality or change markers of liver and kidney functions. In summary, our findings reveal the antioxidant potential of Se-containing pyridinium salts in liver tissue, which could be related to their radical scavenging ability and mimetic action on the GST enzyme. They also demonstrate a low toxicity potential for Compound 3C. Together, the promising results open space for future studies on the therapeutic application of these molecules., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Abstract The additive, ‘Zinc‐l‐selenomethionine’ (Zn‐l‐SeMet) is intended to be used as a source of selenium for all animal species. The applicant intends to market the active compound blended with inert carriers (Availa®Se). Zn‐l‐SeMet is a safe source of selenium for chickens for fattening; the conclusion is extended to all animal species. Selenium from Zn‐l‐SeMet does not elicit any adverse effects not expected for a selenium compound. The use of Zn‐l‐SeMet in animal nutrition is expected to result in a similar increase in selenium deposition in animal tissues/products as that resulting from other sources of SeMet. The use of the additive up to the maximum selenium supplementation level established for other sources of organic selenium (0.2 mg/kg complete feed) and complying with the maximum authorised total selenium content is safe for consumers. The additive is hazardous upon inhalation; owing to the high dusting potential, persons handling Availa®Se are at risk by inhalation. Availa®Se is not an irritant to the skin. In the absence of data, no conclusion on the eye irritation and skin sensitisation can be drawn. The use of Zn‐l‐SeMet in feed does not pose an additional risk to the environment, compared with other sources of selenium for which it will substitute, as long as the maximum authorised content in complete feed is not exceeded. Zn‐l‐SeMet is an effective source of selenium in chickens for fattening and laying hens; this conclusion is extended to all animal species. The maximum contribution of zinc in total feed deriving from the use of the additive (