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This study ascertained the accumulation of polyprenol from four Irish conifer species Picea sitchensis, Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca', Pinus sylvestris and Taxus baccata and one flowering tree Cotoneaster hybrida using supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (SFE-CO 2 ) and solvent extraction. The effects of SFE-CO 2 parameters such as temperature (ranged from 40 to 70 [Formula: see text]), pressure (ranged from 100 to 350 bars) and dynamic time (from 70 min to 7 h) were analysed on the extraction efficiency of polyprenol. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of polyprenol was examined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results showed that P. sylvestris accumulated the highest polyprenol yield of 14.00  ± [Formula: see text]mg g -1 DW when extracted with hexane:acetone (1:1 v/v). However, with SFE-CO 2 conditions of 200 bars, 70 [Formula: see text], 7 h, with absolute ethanol as a cosolvent with a flow rate of 0.05 ml min -1 , P. sitchensis accumulated the highest polyprenol yield of 6.35 ± [Formula: see text] mg g -1 DW. This study emphasised the potential application of SFE-CO 2 in the extraction of polyprenol as an environmentally friendly method to be used in pharmaceutical and food industries.

Previous research has highlighted that while involvement in Special Olympics can have benefits for athletes and their families, there can also be many barriers to participation. This qualitative study, which was part of a large mixed-method study, examined the experiences and perspectives of people with intellectual disability, their families and staff who work with them, about Special Olympics Ireland (SOI). A total of 47 participants (15 athletes, 6 non-athletes, 18 family members and 8 staff members) participated in focus group and individual interviews. Supplemental data, gathered as part of the larger study extracted from open-ended survey questions completed by 97 family members also informed this element. Findings revealed four main themes: impact of participation on athletes, impact of involvement on families, barriers to participation and how to enhance participation rates. Involvement in Special Olympics impacted positively on the quality of life of athletes and families. Enhanced availability of user-friendly information and service accessibility were important drivers identified for enhancing participation rates in Special Olympics., (© The Author(s) 2015.)

Mercury is a naturally occurring metal, one of the most toxic metals within the food chain and has a number of uses in the Irish health care sector. This paper reports on a mercury survey in Ireland with the purpose to present a picture of mercury use in health settings. The findings show 50% of health settings free of all mercury medical equipment. Mercury spills occur within 30% of health settings, with no training provided in handling mercury equipment, in the management of mercury spills and only 10% of health services have mercury clean up kits. With 50% of mercury waste disposed inappropriately, a number of recommendations are advanced for reducing the amount of mercury in the health settings alongside awareness and education for health professionals.