As practitioners of a historical science, paleontologists and geoscientists are well versed in the idea that the ability to understand and to anticipate the future relies upon our collective knowledge of the past. Despite this understanding, the fundamental role that the history of paleontology and the geosciences plays in shaping the structure and culture of our disciplines is seldom recognized and therefore not acted upon sufficiently. Here, we present a brief review of the history of paleontology and geology in Western countries, with a particular focus on North America since the 1800s. Western paleontology and geology are intertwined with systematic practices of exclusion, oppression, and erasure that arose from their direct participation in the extraction of geological and biological resources at the expense of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Our collective failure to acknowledge this history hinders our ability to address these issues meaningfully and systemically in present-day educational, academic, and professional settings. By discussing these issues and suggesting some ways forward, we intend to promote a deeper reflection upon our collective history and a broader conversation surrounding racism, colonialism, and exclusion within our scientific communities. Ultimately, it is necessary to listen to members of the communities most impacted by these issues to create actionable steps forward while holding ourselves accountable for the past.

Introduction: For rhythm control of acute atrial flutter (AAFL) in the emergency department (ED), choices include initial drug therapy or initial electrical cardioversion (ECV). We compared the strategies of pharmacological cardioversion followed by ECV if necessary (Drug-Shock), and ECV alone (Shock Only). Methods: We conducted a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial (1:1 allocation) comparing two rhythm control strategies at 11 academic EDs. We included stable adult patients with AAFL, where onset of symptoms was <48 hours. Patients underwent central web-based randomization stratified by site. The Drug-Shock group received an infusion of procainamide (15mg/kg over 30 minutes) followed 30 minutes later, if necessary, by ECV at 200 joules x 3 shocks. The Shock Only group received an infusion of saline followed, if necessary, by ECV x 3 shocks. The primary outcome was conversion to sinus rhythm for ≥30 minutes at any time following onset of infusion. Patients were followed for 14 days. The primary outcome was evaluated on an intention-to-treat basis. Statistical significance was assessed using chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: We randomized 76 patients, and none was lost to follow-up. The Drug-Shock (N = 33) and Shock Only (N = 43) groups were similar for all characteristics including mean age (66.3 vs 63.4 yrs), duration of AAFL (30.1 vs 24.5 hrs), previous AAFL (72.7% vs 69.8%), median CHADS2 score (1 vs 1), and mean initial heart rate (128.9 vs 126.0 bpm). The Drug-Shock and Shock only groups were similar for the primary outcome of conversion (100% vs 93%; absolute difference 7.0%, 95% CI -0.6;14.6; P = 0.25). The multivariable analyses confirmed the similarity of the two strategies (P = 0.19). In the Drug-Shock group 21.2% of patients converted with the infusion. There were no statistically significant differences for time to conversion (84.2 vs 97.6 minutes), total ED length of stay (9.4 vs 7.5 hours), disposition home (100% vs 95.3%), and stroke within 14 days (0 vs 0). Premature discontinuation of infusion (usually for transient hypotension) was more common in the Drug-Shock group (9.1% vs 0.0%) but there were no serious adverse events. Conclusion: Both the Drug-Shock and Shock Only strategies were highly effective and safe in allowing AAFL patients to go home in sinus rhythm. IV procainamide alone was effective in only one fifth of patients, much less than for acute AF.

Over the last few years, a new comprehensive program for acutely suicidal borderline patients has been developed in the Geneva area (careful description is provided in a distinct section of this workshop). The present work will report the results of a service research oriented study aimed at evaluating the impact of the implementation of such multidimensional intervention on a system of psychiatric services in a 500.000 inhabitant catchment area. Specifically, a pre-post design has been utilized to compare two distinct patient cohorts meeting criteria for borderline personality disorder who had bee referred to medical emergency room with suicidal attempt. Both cohorts had follow-up at 3-month and 1 year to assess treatment failure, repetition, hospitalization and direct costs. The results indicate that the program is feasible and may be associated with improved outcome and substantial costs savings among acutely suicidal borderline patients.

There is wide acknowledgement that apathy is an important behavioural syndrome in Alzheimer’s disease and in various neuropsychiatric disorders. In light of recent research and the renewed interest in the correlates and impacts of apathy, and in its treatments, it is important to develop criteria for apathy that will be widely accepted, have clear operational steps, and that will be easily applied in practice and research settings. Meeting these needs is the focus of the task force work reported here.

The task force includes members of the Association Française de Psychiatrie Biologique, the European Psychiatric Association, the European Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium and experts from Europe, Australia and North America. An advanced draft was discussed at the consensus meeting (during the EPA conference in April 7th 2008) and a final agreement reached concerning operational definitions and hierarchy of the criteria.

Apathy is defined as a disorder of motivation that persists over time and should meet the following requirements. Firstly, the core feature of apathy, diminished motivation, must be present for at least four weeks; secondly two of the three dimensions of apathy (reduced goal-directed behaviour, goal-directed cognitive activity, and emotions) must also be present; thirdly there should be identifiable functional impairments attributable to the apathy. Finally, exclusion criteria are specified to exclude symptoms and states that mimic apathy.

Introduction: For rhythm control of acute atrial fibrillation (AAF) in the emergency department (ED), choices include initial drug therapy or initial electrical cardioversion (ECV). We compared the strategies of pharmacological cardioversion followed by ECV if necessary (Drug-Shock), and ECV alone (Shock Only). Methods: We conducted a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial (1:1 allocation) comparing two rhythm control strategies at 11 academic EDs. We included stable adult patients with AAF, where onset of symptoms was <48 hours. Patients underwent central web-based randomization stratified by site. The Drug-Shock group received an infusion of procainamide (15mg/kg over 30 minutes) followed 30 minutes later, if necessary, by ECV at 200 joules x 3 shocks. The Shock Only group received an infusion of saline followed, if necessary, by ECV x 3 shocks. The primary outcome was conversion to sinus rhythm for ≥30 minutes at any time following onset of infusion. Patients were followed for 14 days. The primary outcome was evaluated on an apriori-specified modified intention-to-treat (MITT) basis excluding patients who never received the study infusion (e.g. spontaneous conversion). Data were analyzed using chi-squared tests and logistic regression. Our target sample size was 374 evaluable patients. Results: Of 395 randomized patients, 18 were excluded from the MITT analysis; none were lost to follow-up. The Drug-Shock (N = 198) and Shock Only (N = 180) groups (total = 378) were similar for all characteristics including mean age (60.0 vs 59.5 yrs), duration of AAF (10.1 vs 10.8 hrs), previous AF (67.2% vs 68.3%), median CHADS2 score (0 vs 0), and mean initial heart rate (119.9 vs 118.0 bpm). More patients converted to normal sinus rhythm in the Drug-Shock group (97.0% vs 92.2%; absolute difference 4.8%, 95% CI 0.2-9.9; P = 0.04). The multivariable analyses confirmed the Drug-Shock strategy superiority (P = 0.04). There were no statistically significant differences for time to conversion (91.4 vs 85.4 minutes), total ED length of stay (7.1 vs 7.7 hours), disposition home (97.0% vs 96.1%), and stroke within 14 days (0 vs 0). Premature discontinuation of infusion was more common in the Drug-Shock group (8.1% vs 0.6%) but there were no serious adverse events. Conclusion: Both the Drug-Shock and Shock Only strategies were highly effective and safe in allowing AAF patients to go home in sinus rhythm. A strategy of initial cardioversion with procainamide was superior to a strategy of immediate ECV.

The self-report of some autistic individuals that they experience social motivation should not be interpreted as a refutation of neuroimaging evidence supporting the social motivation hypothesis of autism. Neuroimaging evidence supports subtle differences in unconscious reward processing, which emerge at the group level and which may not be perceptible to individuals, but which may nonetheless impact an individual's behavior.

With the recent discovery of a dozen dusty star-forming galaxies and around 30 quasars at z > 5 that are hyper-luminous in the infrared (μ LIR > 1013 L⊙, where μ is a lensing magnification factor), the possibility has opened up for SPICA, the proposed ESA M5 mid-/far-infrared mission, to extend its spectroscopic studies toward the epoch of reionisation and beyond. In this paper, we examine the feasibility and scientific potential of such observations with SPICA’s far-infrared spectrometer SAFARI, which will probe a spectral range (35–230 μm) that will be unexplored by ALMA and JWST. Our simulations show that SAFARI is capable of delivering good-quality spectra for hyper-luminous infrared galaxies at z = 5 − 10, allowing us to sample spectral features in the rest-frame mid-infrared and to investigate a host of key scientific issues, such as the relative importance of star formation versus AGN, the hardness of the radiation field, the level of chemical enrichment, and the properties of the molecular gas. From a broader perspective, SAFARI offers the potential to open up a new frontier in the study of the early Universe, providing access to uniquely powerful spectral features for probing first-generation objects, such as the key cooling lines of low-metallicity or metal-free forming galaxies (fine-structure and H2 lines) and emission features of solid compounds freshly synthesised by Population III supernovae. Ultimately, SAFARI’s ability to explore the high-redshift Universe will be determined by the availability of sufficiently bright targets (whether intrinsically luminous or gravitationally lensed). With its launch expected around 2030, SPICA is ideally positioned to take full advantage of upcoming wide-field surveys such as LSST, SKA, Euclid, and WFIRST, which are likely to provide extraordinary targets for SAFARI.

Forage maize (Zea mays L.) is often grown year after year on the same land on many intensive dairy farms in north-west Europe. This results in agronomical problems such as weed resistance and decline of soil quality, which may be solved by ley-arable farming. In the current study, forage maize was grown at different nitrogen (N) fertilization levels for 3 years on permanent arable land and on temporary arable land after ploughing out different types of grass–clover swards. Swards differed in management (grazing or cutting) and age (temporary or permanent). Maize yield and soil residual mineral N content were measured after the maize harvest. There was no effect on maize yield of the management of ploughed-out grass–clover swards but a clear effect of the age of grass–clover swards. The N fertilizer replacement value (NFRV) of all ploughed grass–clover swards was >170 kg N/ha in the first year after ploughing. In the third year after ploughing, NFRV of the permanent sward still exceeded 200 kg N/ha, whereas that of the temporary swards decreased to 30 kg N/ha on average. Soil residual nitrate (NO3−) remained below the local, legal threshold of 90 kg NO3− N/ha except for the ploughed-out permanent sward in the third year after ploughing (166 kg NO3− N/ha). The current study highlights the potential of forage maize – ley rotations in saving fertilizer N. This is beneficial both for the environment and for the profitability of dairy production in north-western Europe.

Introduction: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) continues to carry a very high mortality rate, with approximately 10% surviving to hospital discharge. In 2015, the American Heart Association release updated guidelines dictating best practices in post-return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) care, advocating for more liberal utilization of emergent coronary angiography. We sought to determine if the post-ROSC care at our centre during our study period adhered to the previously published (2010) guidelines. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis (Sept. 2011 - June 2015) of the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) database, which contains pre-hospital, hospital and outcomes data on adult, EMS-treated, non-traumatic OHCA. Patients under 18 years, with missing age data or with obvious non-cardiac causes of arrest were excluded. Key variables included rates of post-ROSC emergent angiography, survival to hospital discharge and survival to hospital discharge with favourable neurologic outcome (modified Rankin score 2). Results: During the study period, there were a total of 997 OHCA; 86 met exclusion criteria. Of the 911 remaining patients, 557 (61.1%) were transported to a local ED. Of those transported to the ED, 262 (47.0%) achieved sustained ROSC, defined as survival to ED discharge. Of those who achieved sustained ROSC, median age was 65 years (IQR=21.75), 66.8% were male. ECG interpretation data was available on 214 patients, of whom 56 had definite STEMI, and 135 had definite absence of STEMI. 37/56 (66.1%) definite STEMI patients received coronary angiography within 24 hours of presentation, as per AHA guidelines. 58/262 (22.1%) post-ROSC patients overall received coronary angiography within 24 hours of presentation to the ED. Of those 58 patients who received emergent angiography, 38 (65.5%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). No patients received fibrinolysis. Of post-ROSC patients who received emergent coronary angiography, 40/58 (69.0%) survived to hospital discharge and 37/58 (63.8%) survived with good neurologic outcome. In comparison, 55/204 (27.0%) who did not receive emergent angiography survived to hospital discharge and 18.8% survived with good neurologic outcome. Conclusion: Only 22.1% of patients with OHCA, and only 66.1% with ECG-proven STEMI underwent emergent coronary angiography post-ROSC. Further investigation into causes for delay or the withholding of emergent angiography is necessary.

Introduction: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) continues to carry a very high mortality rate, with approximately 10% surviving to hospital discharge. We sought to determine if outcomes from out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) at our centre were consistent with recently published North American outcomes data from the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis (Sept 2011 June 2015) of the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) database, which contains pre-hospital, in-hospital and outcomes data on adult, EMS-treated, non-traumatic OHCA. Patients under 18 years, with missing age data or with obvious non-cardiac causes of arrest were excluded. Results: During the study period, there were a total of 997 OHCA; 86 met exclusion criteria. Of the 911 remaining patients, 557 (61.1%) were transported to a local ED. 92 (35.1%) were receiving ongoing CPR at the time of their presentation to the ED. Of those transported to the ED, 262 (47.0%) achieved sustained ROSC, defined as survival to ED discharge. A total of 95 patients survived to hospital discharge (36.3% of patients who achieved sustained ROSC, 17.1% of those who were transported to the ED, and 10.4% of the all OHCA). Of those who survived to hospital discharge who had neurologic outcome data, 90.5% had a modified Rankin score of 2. Initial presenting rhythm with EMS was ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia in 233 patients. Of these, 212 (91.0%) were transported to the ED, 134 (57.5%) achieved sustained ROSC, and 71 (30.5%) survived to hospital discharge. 54/60 (90.0%) of those with a documented neurologic exam had a favourable neurologic outcome. Initial presenting rhythm with EMS was PEA or asystole in 636 patients. Of these, 320 (50.3%) were transported to the ED, 115 (18.1%) achieved sustained ROSC, and 17 (2.7%) survived to hospital discharge. 9/10 (90%) of those with a documented neurologic exam had a favourable neurologic outcome. 358 of the arrests were witnessed. Of these, 274 (76.5%) were transported to the ED, 150 (41.9%) achieved sustained ROSC, and 51 (15.9%) survived to hospital discharge. 47/53 (88.7%) of those with a documented neurologic exam had a favourable neurologic outcome. Conclusion: Outcomes from out of hospital cardiac arrest in London, Ontario are comparable to other sites across North America.

Introduction: Clinical decision support (CDS) has been implemented in many clinical settings in order to improve decision-making. Their potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary testing is well documented; however, their effectiveness in impacting physician practice in real world implementations has been limited by poor physician adherence. The objective of this systematic review and meta-regression was to establish the effectiveness of CDS tools on adherence and identify which characteristics of CDS tools increase physician use of and adherence. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from inception to June 2017. Included studies examined CDS in a hospital setting, reported on physician adherence to or use of CDS, utilized a comparative study design, and reported primary data. All tool type was classified based on the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) classifications. Studies were stratified based on study design (RCT vs. observational). Meta-regression was completed to assess the different effect of characteristics of the tool (e.g. whether the tool was mandatory or voluntary, EPOC classifications). Results: A total of 3,359 candidate articles were identified. Seventy-two met inclusion criteria, of which 46 reported outcomes appropriate for meta-regression (5 RCTs and 41 observational studies). Overall, a trend of increased CDS use was found (pooled RCT OR: 1.36 [95% CI: 0.97-1.89]; pooled observational OR: 2.12 [95% CI: 1.75-2.56]).When type of tool is considered, clinical practice guidelines were superior compared to other interventions (p=.150). Reminders (p=.473) and educational interventions (p=.489) were less successful than other interventions. Multi-modal tools were not more successful that single interventions (p=.810). Lastly, voluntary tools may be supperior to than mandatory tools (p=.148). None of these results are statistically significant. Conclusion: CDS tools accompanied by a planned intervention increases physician utilization and adherence to the tool. Meta-regression found that clinical practice guidelines had the biggest impact on physician adherence although not statistically significant. Further research is required to understand the most effective intervention to maximize physician utilization of CDS tools.

Introduction: Patients with acute atrial fibrillation or flutter (AAFF) are the most common acute arrhythmia cases requiring care in the ED. Our goal was to adapt the existing Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) AF Management Guidelines into an emergency physician-friendly best practices checklist. Methods: We chose to adapt, for use by emergency physicians, existing high-quality clinical practice guidelines (CPG) previously developed by the CCS using the GRADE system. We used the Canadian CAN-IMPLEMENT© process adapted from the ADAPTE Collaboration. We created an Advisory Committee consisting of 14 academic and community emergency physicians, three cardiologists, one PhD methodologist, and two patients. The Advisory Committee communicated by a two-day face-to-face meeting, teleconferences, and email. The checklist was prepared and revised through a process of feedback and discussions through ten iterations until consensus was achieved. We then circulated the draft checklist for comment to approximately 300 emergency medicine and cardiology colleagues whose written feedback was further incorporated into the final approved version. Results: The final CAEP ED AAFF Guidelines are comprised of two algorithms and four sets of checklists, organized by 1) Assessment and Risk Stratification, 2) Rhythm and Rate Control, 3) Long-term Stroke Prevention with the CHADS-65 Algorithm, and 4) Disposition and Follow-up. The guidelines have been endorsed by CAEP and accepted for publication in the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine. During the consensus and feedback processes, we addressed a number of issues and concerns. We highlighted the issue that many unstable patients are actually suffering from underlying medical problems rather than a primary arrhythmia. One controversial recommendation is to consider rate control or transesophageal echocardiography guided cardioversion if the duration of symptoms is 24-48 hours and the patient has two or more CHADS-65 criteria. We emphasize the importance of evaluating long-term stroke risk by use of the CHADS-65 algorithm and encourage ED physicians to prescribe anticoagulants where indicated. Conclusion: We have created the CAEP AAFF Best Practices Checklist which we hope will standardize and improve care of AAFF patients in all EDs across Canada. We believe that most of these patients can be managed rapidly and safely with ED rhythm control, early discharge, and appropriate use of anticoagulants.