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Recovering geological samples from the deep basins and ridges of the central Arctic Ocean presents significant challenges because of remote access and thick ice cover. During the 2016 Canada-Sweden Polar Expedition to the Arctic Ocean, volcaniclastic breccia was dredged from the Alpha Ridge, part of an underwater mountain chain extending from the Canadian polar margin to the Siberian shelf. Argon geochronology of plagioclase crystals within glassy lava fragments dates the sample to 90.4 ± 0.26 Ma. The geochemical composition of basalt clasts in the volcaniclastic breccia closely resembles that of igneous rocks from the High Arctic Large Igneous Province suggesting that the Alpha Ridge was an active volcanic feature within the circum-Arctic in the Late Cretaceous. Our results support lava–water interactions in a littoral environment, driven by the growth and emergence of a central igneous platform and accompanied by eruptive activity at constructional volcanic edifices along its margins. Fresh basaltic glass preserved in a sample of volcanic breccia record a single eruptive event at the Alpha Ridge around 90 Ma, suggesting that parts of the ridge were emergent during the final stages of magmatism in the High Arctic Large Igneous Province, according to geochemical and geochronological analysis of the sample.
OBJECTIVE:To summarize the proceedings, outcomes, and consensus-based calls to action from the 2024 National Summit on the Prevention of Maternal Mortality in Canada, hosted by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, with a focus on implementation of maternal mortality prevention strategies following the 2023 Summit. SUMMIT PROCEEDINGS:The 2024 summit convened over 150 participants (50 in-person and 107 online) across clinical, policy, academic, and community sectors. Through plenary sessions, workshops, and interactive discussions, the Summit built on the foundation of the 2023 inaugural event, advancing concrete strategies for maternal mortality review infrastructure, data surveillance, family engagement, and use of technology in surveillance and care. ACTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:Participants emphasized the urgent need for a national coordinated strategy and developed 6 national calls to action centered on data quality, infrastructure, professional education, technology, advocacy, and family engagement. Key updates included strengthened provincial review processes, national coordination mechanisms, expanded training, improved integration of mental health and equity considerations, and use of digital surveillance tools. Persistent challenges include fragmented surveillance, insufficient legislation, and lack of national coordination. CONCLUSION:Canada has entered a critical phase of implementation to reduce preventable maternal deaths. The 2024 Summit represents a transition from commitment to action, with a growing national network, active review structures, and shared standards under development. Sustained investment, legislation, and equity-centred governance are needed to build a lasting, learning-focused maternal mortality prevention system.
OBJECTIVES:Cancer in adolescents and young adults (AYAs; ages 15-39 years) is a rising global epidemic. Yet, AYAs remain an understudied population, and little is known about what research topics should be prioritised according to those with lived experience. The AYA Cancer Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) was established to identify the top 10 research priorities for AYA cancer in Canada according to patients, caregivers, and clinicians. DESIGN:This project followed the James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) methodology that included two national cross-sectional surveys and a final priority setting workshop following an adapted nominal group technique. SETTING:A national sample was recruited to participate from across Canada. PARTICIPANTS:Participants were patients, caregivers, and clinicians with lived personal and/or professional experience of AYA cancer in Canada. OUTCOME MEASURES:In the first survey, open-ended responses were collected from participants about questions they would like answered by research. Responses were collated into overarching summary questions and a literature search was undertaken to verify if questions were true uncertainties and not fully answered by existing evidence. Unanswered questions were ranked by participants in a second survey. The top-ranked questions were prioritised through consensus at the final priority setting workshop. The final outcome was the top 10 priorities for AYA cancer research in Canada. RESULTS:In the initial survey, 1916 potential research questions were submitted by 275 patients, caregivers, and clinicians. Following data processing, summary question formation, and the evidence check, 58 questions were put forward for interim prioritisation in a second survey (n=285 patients, caregivers, and clinicians). The top 20 questions from the interim prioritisation were ranked at the final priority setting workshop attended by a diverse group of 23 patients, caregivers and clinicians from across Canada. The resulting top 10 priorities reflect topics across the cancer continuum including: diagnostic delays, screening and early detection, novel therapies, psychosocial impacts, end-of-life concerns, and survivorship issues. CONCLUSIONS:This patient-directed research agenda will guide researchers, funding agencies, and policymakers to ensure that future research is aligned with what matters most to the AYA cancer community.
Lytico-Bodig disease, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex (ALS-PDC), is a rare neurodegenerative disorder uniquely affecting the Chamorro people of Guam. This review analyzes its historical context, epidemiology, clinical features, proposed causes, and ongoing research. First identified in the mid-20th century, Lytico-Bodig combines ALS-like motor symptoms, parkinsonism, and dementia, with notable clinical variability. It disproportionately affects certain Chamorro families and villages, suggesting genetic and environmental influences. The disease peaked in the 1950s–60s as a leading cause of death. Although the incidence has dramatically declined, cases persist, reflecting its public health relevance. While environmental factors, notably cycad seeds and flying foxes containing the neurotoxin β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), along with genetic susceptibility are strongly implicated, the causal link between BMAA and the disease remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate and uncertainty. Neuropathological findings show neuronal loss, tau protein deposits, and neurofibrillary tangles, similar to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Diagnosis is difficult due to symptom overlap with other conditions, and treatment remains supportive. Its progressive nature imposes a heavy burden on caregivers, underscoring the need for robust support systems. Ultimately, Lytico-Bodig remains a complex disorder requiring continued research, improved healthcare strategies, and community involvement to improve outcomes for affected individuals.
