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Observational evidence linking dietary n -3 PUFA intake and health outcomes is limited by a lack of robust validation of dietary intake using blood n -3 PUFA levels and potential confounding by fish oil supplement (FOS) use. We investigated the relationship between oily fish intake, FOS use and plasma n -3 PUFA levels in 121 650 UK Biobank (UKBB) participants. Ordinal logistic regression models, adjusted for clinical and lifestyle factors, were used to quantify the contribution of dietary oily fish intake and FOS use to plasma n -3 PUFA levels (measured by NMR spectroscopy). Oily fish intake and FOS use were reported by 38 % and 31 % of participants, respectively. Increasing oily fish intake was associated with a higher likelihood of FOS use (P < 0·001). Oily fish intake ≥ twice a week was the strongest predictor of high total n -3 PUFA (OR 6·7 (95 % CI 6·3, 7·1)) and DHA levels (6·6 (6·3, 7·1). FOS use was an independent predictor of high plasma n -3 PUFA levels (2·0 (2·0, 2·1)) with a similar OR to that associated with eating oily fish < once a week (1·9 (1·8, 2·0)). FOS use was associated with plasma n -3 PUFA levels that were similar to individuals in the next highest oily fish intake category. In conclusion, FOS use is more common in frequent fish consumers and modifies the relationship between oily fish intake and plasma n -3 PUFA levels in UKBB participants. If unaccounted for, FOS use may confound the relationship between dietary n -3 PUFA intake, blood levels of n -3 PUFAs and health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The COLO‐COHORT study aims to produce a multi‐factorial risk prediction model for colorectal neoplasia that can be used to target colonoscopy to those at greatest risk of colorectal neoplasia, ensuring that people are not investigated unnecessarily and maximizing the use of limited endoscopy resources. The study will also explore the link between neoplasia and the human gut microbiome. Additionally, the study aims to generate a cohort of colonoscopy patients who are 'research ready' through the development of a consent‐for‐contact (C4C) platform, to facilitate a range of colorectal cancer prevention studies to be conducted at scale and speed. Methods and analysis: This is a multi‐centre observational study involving sites across the UK. Recruitment is over a 6‐year period (2019–2025). Patients recruited to the study are those attending for colonoscopy. Patients are recruited into two groups, namely observational group A (10 000 patients) and C4C group B (10 000 patients), known as COLO‐SPEED (Colorectal Cancer Screening Prevention Endoscopy and Early Diagnosis; https://colospeed.uk). Patients complete a health questionnaire, provide anthropometric measurements and submit biosamples (blood and stool—depending on the part of the study they are recruited into). Patients' colonoscopy and histology findings are also recorded. Models of factors associated with the presence of neoplasia at colonoscopy will be developed using logistic or multinomial regression. For internal validation, model discrimination and calibration will be assessed and bootstrapping and cross‐validation approaches used. To enable long‐term follow‐up for outcomes related to colorectal cancer and polyps, patients are asked to consent to follow‐up through data linkage with national databases. Dissemination: In keeping with good research practice, following analysis by the study team the study investigators will make the anonymized dataset available to other researchers. The C4C platform will also be accessible to other researchers. The study findings will be submitted for publication in peer‐reviewed journals and lay summaries will be disseminated to participants and the wider public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel system was developed to deploy settlement panels to monitor biofouling growth in situ and evaluate antifouling coatings at depths representative of operational conditions of full-scale marine renewable energy devices. Biofouling loading, species diversity, and succession were assessed at depths ranging from 25-40 m at four tests sites in Orkney (UK) featuring extreme wave and tidal current exposure to more sheltered conditions. Evaluations were carried out over a period of 8 months with intermediate retrieval of samples after 3 months. Early pioneer fouling communities, comprised of colonial hydroids, were succeeded by tube-forming amphipods across sites while solitary tunicates dominated in greater shelter. The highest biofouling loading was observed on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) panels (6.17 kg m−2) compared with coated steel (3.34 kg m−2) panels after 8 months. Distinct assemblages were present at exposed vs sheltered sites. Better understanding of fouling and antifouling strategies may provide guidance to more effectively manage biofouling impacts in this sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arachidonic acid (ARA) is associated with colorectal cancer (CRC), a major public health concern. However, it is uncertain if ARA contributes to the development of colorectal polyps which are pre-malignant precursors of CRC., Objective: The study aimed to investigate the association between lifelong exposure to elevated ARA and colorectal polyp incidence., Methods: Summary-level GWAS data from European, Singaporean, and Chinese cohorts (n = 10,171) identified 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with blood ARA levels (p < 5 × 10-8). After pruning, 1 SNP was retained (rs174547; p = 3.0 × 10-971) for 2-stage Mendelian randomization., Results: No association between ARA and colorectal polyp incidence was observed (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.00; p value = 0.50) within the UK Biobank (1,391 cases; 462,933 total)., Conclusions: Blood levels of ARA do not associate with colorectal polyp incidence in a general healthy population. Although not providing direct evidence, this work supports the contention that downstream lipid mediators, such as PGE2 rather than ARA itself, are key for polyp formation during early-stage colorectal carcinogenesis., (© 2022 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)