Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are present in numerous consumer products due to their antimicrobial and other unique properties, thus concerns about their potential input into aquatic ecosystems are increasing. Toxicity of Ag NPs in waterborne exposed aquatic organisms has been widely investigated, but studies assessing the potential toxic effects caused after ingestion through the food web, especially at low realistic concentrations, remain scarce. Moreover, it is not well known whether season may influence toxic effects of Ag NPs. The main objective of this study was to determine cell and tissue level responses in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis dietarily exposed to poly-N-vinyl-2-pirrolidone/polyethyleneimine (PVP/PEI) coated 5 nm Ag NPs for 1, 7 and 21 days both in autumn and spring. Mussels were fed every day with microalgae Isochrysis galbana exposed for 24 h to a low dose (1 μg Ag/L Ag NPs) in spring and to a higher dose (10 μg Ag/L Ag NPs) in spring and autumn. Mussels fed with microalgae exposed to the high dose accumulated Ag significantly after 21 days in both seasons, higher levels being measured in autumn compared to spring. Intralysosomal metal accumulation measured in mussel digestive gland and time- and dose-dependent reduction of mussels health status was similar in both seasons. DNA strand breaks increased significantly in hemocytes at both exposure doses along the 21 days in spring and micronuclei frequency showed an increasing trend after 1 and 7 days of exposure to 1 μg Ag/L Ag NPs in spring and to 10 μg Ag/L in both seasons. Values decreased after 21 days of exposure in all the cases. In conclusion, PVP/PEI coated 5 nm Ag NPs ingested through the food web were significantly accumulated in mussel tissues and caused adverse cell and tissue level effects both in autumn and in spring.The increasing use of plastic films for agricultural mulching continues worldwide. Mulching improves crop yield, decreases pesticide’ inputs to the field, saves irrigation water and contributes to tackle the food demand for the growing world population. However, plastic mulching results in polyethylene residues that contaminate agricultural soils and contribute to the massive worldwide plastic pollution, a serious environmental concern. Biodegradable plastic mulches (BDM) have emerged as a promising alternative to alleviate polyethylene pollution. BDM, made of different polymers and compositions, are designed to biodegrade in situ, into the agricultural soil. Their use may entail environmental impacts for the agricultural system that deserve to be explored on the short and on the long-term. This review discusses emerging findings on the impact of BDM on agroecosystem organisms, with special emphasis on cultivated plants and on soil organisms. The relevance of the material composition is highlighted by some reports evidencing specific BDM to alter development of cultivated plant species and to modify soil microbiome on the short-term (spanning a few months); model organisms may also be affected. Long-term studies have not yet been attempted. learn more In-depth studies focused on the effects of the diversity of BDM on agroecosystem organisms are urgently required to identify low-impact BDM materials and to guarantee advanced agriculture in a sustainable environment.This paper describes the characteristics of student enrolled in New Zealand’s first Graduate Entry to Practice (GEN) programme. Data were collected from students enrolled in the first five cohorts of the programme from 2014 to 2018 (n = 93). In total 69 students responded to an on-line, self-report survey, resulting in a 74% return rate. The majority of respondents were female (87%, n = 60), aged 21-30 (68%, n = 47) and New Zealand European (77%, n = 53). The educational background of respondents ranged from theology, to marine biology and more commonly science based degrees. Their motivation for entering nursing was to work in a diverse and caring profession with many wanting to eventually move to advanced practice roles. A key finding was that the students considered that the primary role of the nurse was the provision of holistic care to both the patient and their family. The majority wish to start their nursing careers in the acute hospital based areas of care provision.

To identify which pre-and post-run injury risk reduction activities and prehabilitation (prehab) strategies Coaches and Running Group Leaders (Coaches/RGLs) engage in with runners; to explore their beliefs on why runners get injured; to identify Coaches/RGLs confidence providing injury prevention activities, and what they believe are effective for reducing risk of injury; to identify their perceived barriers to including prehab during running coaching/training.

Survey; Participants UK Coaches/RGLs (N=100) OUTCOME MEASURES Online questionnaire with open, closed and Likert scale questions.

Most Coaches/RGLs performed active warm-ups (97%), cool-downs (94%),gave injury prevention advice (91%), and advice on recovery strategies (84%) during training. Fewer coaches/RGLs incorporated prehab (67%). Although they collectively exhibited a wide range of knowledge, individually there was less consistency and confidence providing this. Prehab was rated as very important for injury risk reduction, with supervision recommended to facilitate runner engagement. Coaches/RGLs found conflicting advice, time, environment, and resistance from runners as barriers to incorporating prehab into training.

Coaches/RGLs believe prehab is important for runners however lack of confidence and knowledge appeared to limit the wider inclusion of prehab with runners. Coaches/RGLs welcomed reputable information on prehab from evidence-based sources. This may assist in reducing injury.

Coaches/RGLs believe prehab is important for runners however lack of confidence and knowledge appeared to limit the wider inclusion of prehab with runners. Coaches/RGLs welcomed reputable information on prehab from evidence-based sources. This may assist in reducing injury.

The reactive balance test (RBT) is a recently developed neurocognitive balance test. The aim of this study was to determine test-retest, intra- and inter-rater reliability of the RBT in healthy recreational athletes.

Reliability study design.

Primary.

Twenty-one volunteers (age=22±1 years, height=175±9cm, weight=69±7kg) participated.

The two experimental trials were separated by an average of 33±15 days. During experimental trials participants performed the Y-balance test (to determine maximal reach distances), and RBT once.

Visuomotor response time and accuracy. Test-retest, intra- and inter-rater reliability were estimated for both these RBT outcome measures.

Excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability was observed for visuomotor response time and accuracy. Test-retest reliability for visuomotor response time was considered good, while moderate test-retest reliability was found for accuracy.

Our results indicate that overall test-retest, intra- and inter-rater reliability of the RBT was moderate to excellent.