Determination of methylmercury using liquid chromatography – photochemical vapour generation – atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (LC-PVG-AFS) : a simple, green analytical method

Acknowledgements The authors thank P S Analytical for financial support for the project. In addition, the author would like to thank Dr Nick Ralston for providing the tuna samples used in the method validation, as well as Jonas Kunigkeit and Jasmina Allen for their help in the lab.Peer reviewedPostprin

Quick and robust method for trace determination of MeHg in rice and rice products without derivatisation

Peer reviewedPostprin

Can Self-Talk Improve Athletic Performance? A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: Athletes are constantly searching for alternative mechanisms to improve performance in sport. In addition to modifying physical training, psychological training tools (e.g., self-talk) have been used to elevate athletes from the average competitor. Athletes can use self-talk to navigate challenges in competition and improve self-confidence in tasks leading to potential increases in performance. However, literature relaying performance benefits for adolescent and adult athletes using self-talk is unclear. Clinical Question: In athletic populations, does the implementation of motivational or goal-setting self-talk increase athletic performance? Summary of Key Findings: Four studies were identified exploring self-talk on athletic performance outcomes. Methodology of included studies were randomized between-subjects, within-participant repeated-measures, within subjects, and multiple baseline design. Clinical Bottom Line: Supporting evidence exists demonstrating that motivational and goal-setting self-talk assists physical performance in adolescent and adult athletes. Strength of Recommendation: Based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Scale, Level 2 evidence exists for self-talk affecting athletic performance

Mercury alkylation in freshwater sediments from Scottish canals

Funding This research was partly funded by award of a Strategic Educational Pathways Scholarship (Malta) to RC. Acknowledgement The authors wish to thank Scottish Canals (formerly British Waterways) for providing background information on the canal systems studied and granting permission to sample, and Dr Ana Teresa Reis (University of Aveiro) for conducting the Fe and S analysis in the Union Canal Sediments.Peer reviewedPostprin

Mercury alkylation in freshwater sediments from Scottish canals

Mercury concentrations were investigated in freshwater sediment from two canals in Scotland, UK. High concentrations found in the Union Canal (353-1200 mg kg(-1)) likely originate from historical munitions manufacture, with lower levels in the Forth & Clyde Canal (0.591-9.14 mg kg(-1)). Concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg) were low - from 6.02 to 18.6 mu g kg(-1) (0.001-0.023% of total Hg) in the Union Canal and from 3.44 to 14.1 mu g kg(-1) (0.11-0.58% of total Hg) in the Forth & Clyde Canal - and there was a significant inverse relationship between total Hg concentration and %MeHg. Total Hg concentration was significantly negatively correlated with pH and positively correlated with Fe content (in the Union Canal only) but not with organic matter, S content or the proportion of clay present. The MeHg concentration was not correlated with any of the above sediment parameters. Ethylmercury was detected in the most highly contaminated sediments from the Union Canal. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved