Reduction of neonicotinoid insecticide residues in Prairie wetlands by common wetland plants.

Neonicotinoid insecticides are frequently detected in wetlands during the early to mid-growing period of the Canadian Prairie cropping season. These detections also overlap with the growth of macrophytes that commonly surround agricultural wetlands which we hypothesized may reduce neonicotinoid transport and retention in wetlands. We sampled 20 agricultural wetlands and 11 macrophyte species in central Saskatchewan, Canada, over eight weeks to investigate whether macrophytes were capable of reducing movement of neonicotinoids from cultivated fields and/or reducing concentrations in surface water by accumulating insecticide residues into their tissues. Study wetlands were surrounded by clothianidin-treated canola and selected based on the presence (n=10) or absence (n=10) of a zonal plant community. Neonicotinoids were positively detected in 43% of wetland plants, and quantified in 8% of all plant tissues sampled. Three plant species showed high rates of detection: 78% Equisetum arvense (clothianidin, range:

Discussing vaccination with concerned patients: an evidence-based resource for healthcare providers.

Data regarding rates of vaccination among children and pregnant women show that there has been a decrease in the number of vaccinations being administered in these vulnerable populations. Surveys of parents elicit a wide variety of concerns and fears driving vaccine refusal, many of which have been refuted by research. It has been demonstrated that healthcare providers are a major source of information for patients who have questions about vaccinations. Given the established vital role of vaccinations in preventing the spread of diseases with serious morbidity and mortality profiles, it is important that healthcare providers understand and feel comfortable discussing the principles of vaccination, the recommended vaccine schedules, and the effects of vaccinations. This article provides an overview of vaccination principles, reviews the potential health and financial costs of nonvaccination, and addresses a number of common concerns cited by parents and pregnant women who are considering vaccine abstention or alternate vaccination scheduling. The information in this article will enable healthcare providers to accurately counsel patients about vaccination choices.