Characterizing global archaeocyathan reef decline in the Early Cambrian: Evidence from Nevada and China

This study presents new data on the sedimentology of the northern Yangtze Platform, the delta13C stratigraphy of South China and Nevada, and the decline and virtual extinction of archaeocyaths. Paleoecological, sedimentological, and chemostratigraphic data were collected from multiple localities that span from the mid-Early Cambrian of Nevada (Poleta Formation) and China (Xiannudong Formation) to the late-Early Cambrian of Nevada (Harkless Formation) and China (Tianheban Formation); Facies represented in the Xiannudong Formation describe a Bahamas-type platform for the Yangtze Platform with a static and negative delta 13C record. All four formations analyzed show a static delta 13C record that varies from slightly negative to slightly positive. This is unexpected because stasis is not observed in the composite delta 13C record of the Siberian Platform, suggesting that our data may represent intrabasinal delta13C records and not global; Another important feature I observed in the Xiannudong Formation is a faunal changeover from predominantly regular-type archaeocyaths in the lower Xiannudong Formation to predominantly irregular-type archaeocyaths in the upper part. This changeover is also seen between the Poleta Formation and the Harkless Formation in Nevada; Finally, I analyzed the physical changes in archaeocyathan skeletons over time. A progressive thinning of skeletal thickness was expected, however a distinct trend of skeletal thickening was observed. Skeletal thinning was expected due to a lowered carbonate saturation state driven by rising atmospheric CO2. To explain thickening, I propose that irregular archaeocyaths contained photosymbionts, which are documented to counteract a lower carbonate saturation state. Irregular archaeocyaths, which inherently contain more elements in their intervallum, and hence, more soft tissue, could house more endosymbionts than regulars. Therefore, regulars declined due to the lack of abundant photosymbionts, while irregulars flourished; Currently, there is no definitive evidence to support our hypothesis that the ultimate extinction of archaeocyaths was due to increased sea surface temperatures due to the greenhouse warming effect of increased pCO2. Prolonged temperatures would have increased thermal stress on the archaeocyaths until some threshold was reached in which even irregulars could not survive. This scenario may have implications for modern reef reactions to anthropogenic CO2 and greenhouse warming

Paleoecology of Upper Harkless archaeocythan reefs in Esmeralda County, Nevada

Four previously unstudied reef localities occur in the upper Lower Cambrian (Bonnia-Olenellus Zone) in the Upper Harkless Formation in Esmeralda County, Nevada. These patch reefs were constructed on a shallow, carbonate platform in the subtidal zone by a consortium of archaeocyaths and calcimicrobes (Renalcis). A high diversity of dwelling organisms is found in varying quantities within and surrounding the reefs. Comparisons to the same age reefs in the Forteau Formation in Labrador, Canada preliminarily correlate these two localities. A comparison between modern sponges in Belize and archaeocyaths reveal similarities; Four phases of diagenesis occur showing synsedimentary, mixing zone, shallow and deep burial cementation. Stratigraphic analyses reveal a shallowing upward sequence from packstone, which encases the reefs, to calcareous sandstone. Data indicates that the shoreline prograded across the carbonate platform. This progradation is theorized to be a result of (1) climate change, (2) a prolonged standstill, or (3) sea level lowering

An Integrative Review of Out-Patient Teaching for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is most prevalent in children. Symptoms include inappropriate levels of hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and lack of attention. 3-9% of children suffer from the symptoms of ADHD. Treatments of ADHD vary: pharmacological therapy includes stimulants and non-stimulants, whereas non-pharmacological treatments include restriction diet, nutrient supplements, and psychosocial interventions. Psycho-stimulant treatment is not beneficial for 20-30% of children with ADHD. The purpose of this study is to determine if diet/nutrition and parent training treatments are effective in managing the symptoms of children with ADHD

Coping in the Aftermath of COVID 19 Pandemic: How to Navigate Mental and Emotional Challenges

This workshop will discuss strategies to help recognize and manage the mental, emotional, and physical health challenges of students, staff, and faculty may also encounter after the pandemic. It will delineate symptoms and suggest resources and coping strategies It will discuss health and wellness and their importance in self-care. Audience participation is encouraged

Frequency of reporting on patient and public involvement (PPI) in research studies published in a general medical journal : a descriptive study

Objectives While documented plans for patient and public involvement (PPI) in research are required in many grant applications, little is known about how frequently PPI occurs in practice. Low levels of reported PPI may mask actual activity due to limited PPI reporting requirements. This research analysed the frequency and types of reported PPI in the presence and absence of a journal requirement to include this information. Design and setting A before and after comparison of PPI reported in research papers published in The BMJ before and 1 year after the introduction of a journal policy requiring authors to report if and how they involved patients and the public within their papers. Results Between 1 June 2013 and 31 May 2014, The BMJ published 189 research papers and 1 (0.5%) reported PPI activity. From 1 June 2015 to 31 May 2016, following the introduction of the policy, The BMJ published 152 research papers of which 16 (11%) reported PPI activity. Patients contributed to grant applications in addition to designing studies through to coauthorship and participation in study dissemination. Patient contributors were often not fully acknowledged; 6 of 17 (35%) papers acknowledged their contributions and 2 (12%) included them as coauthors. Conclusions Infrequent reporting of PPI activity does not appear to be purely due to a failure of documentation. Reporting of PPI activity increased after the introduction of The BMJ ’s policy, but activity both before and after was low and reporting was inconsistent in quality. Journals, funders and research institutions should collaborate to move us from the current situation where PPI is an optional extra to one where PPI is fully embedded in practice throughout the research process

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted both school bullying and cyberbullying

Published versio

Health literacy, dementia knowledge and perceived utility of digital health modalities among future health professionals

Objectives: Studies of dementia knowledge (including dementia risk reduction) in health-care trainees highlight varying levels of understanding across countries and disciplines. This draws attention to the need for a well-trained health workforce with the knowledge to champion and implement such strategies. This study (a) assessed dementia knowledge and health literacy among a sample of Australian health-care students, (b) identified modality preferences of digital health interventions addressing dementia prevention and (c) examined potential relationships among health literacy, dementia knowledge, dementia prevention knowledge and a student's preferences for different digital health modalities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey assessed dementia knowledge and health literacy in 727 health students across 16 Australian universities representing both metropolitan and regional cohorts. The All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale and the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale were administered. Questions about the perceived effectiveness of strategies and preferred digital health modalities for dementia prevention/risk reduction were asked. Results: The students had relatively high health literacy scores. However, dementia knowledge and evidence-based dementia prevention knowledge were average. Only 7% claimed knowledge of available dementia-related digital health interventions. Associations among health literacy, dementia knowledge and dementia prevention, with recommendations for different digital modalities, are presented. Conclusions: Health-related degrees need to increase dementia knowledge, health literacy and knowledge of effective dementia-related digital health interventions. It is imperative to equip the future health workforce amid an ageing population with increased dementia rates and where evidence-based digital health interventions will increasingly be a source of support

Nuclear Localized LSR: A Novel Regulator of Breast Cancer Behavior and Tumorigenesis

Lipolysis Stimulated Lipoprotein Receptor (LSR) has been found in the plasma membrane and is believed to function in lipoprotein endocytosis and tight junctions. Given the impact of cellular metabolism and junction signaling pathways on tumor phenotypes and patient outcome, it is important to understand how LSR cellular localization mediates its functions. We conducted localization studies, evaluated DNA binding, and examined the effects of nuclear LSR in cells, xenografts, and clinical specimens. We found LSR within the membrane, cytoplasm, and the nucleus of breast cancer cells representing multiple intrinsic subtypes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) showed direct binding of LSR to DNA, and sequence analysis identified putative functional motifs and post-translational modifications of the LSR protein. While neither overexpression of transcript variants, nor pharmacological manipulation of post-translational modification significantly altered localization, inhibition of nuclear export enhanced nuclear localization, suggesting a mechanism for nuclear retention. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximal ligation assays indicated LSR-pericentrin interactions, presenting potential mechanisms for nuclear-localized LSR. The clinical significance of LSR was evaluated using data from over 1,100 primary breast tumors, which showed high LSR levels in basal-like tumors and tumors from African-Americans. In tumors histosections, nuclear localization was significantly associated with poor outcomes. Finally, in vivo xenograft studies revealed that basal-like breast cancer cells that over-express LSR exhibited both membrane and nuclear localization, and developed tumors with 100% penetrance, while control cells lacking LSR developed no tumors. These results show that nuclear LSR alters gene expression and may promote aggressive cancer phenotypes