Driving safety improves after individualized training: An RCT involving older drivers in an urban area.

Objective: This study aimed to reproduce the results of a previous investigation on the safety benefits of individualized training for older drivers. We modified our method to address validity and generalizability issues. Methods: Older drivers were randomly assigned to one of the 3 arms: (1) education alone, (2) education + on road training, and (3) education + on road + simulator training. Older drivers were recruited from a larger urban community. At the pre- and posttests (separated by 4 to 8 weeks) participants followed driving directions using a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system. Results: Our findings support the positive influence of individualized on-road training for urban-dwelling older drivers. Overall, driving safety improved among drivers who received on-road training over those who were only exposed to an education session, F(1, 40) = 11.66, P = .001 (26% reduction in total unsafe driving actions [UDAs]). Statistically significant improvements were observed on observation UDAs (e.g., scanning at intersections, etc.), compliance UDAs (e.g., incomplete stop), and procedural UDAs (e.g., position in lane). Conclusion: This study adds to the growing evidence base in support of individualized older driver training to optimize older drivers' safety and promote continued safe driving.

Self sufficient wireless transmitter powered by foot-pumped urine operating wearable MFC.

The first self-sufficient system, powered by a wearable energy generator based on microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology is introduced. MFCs made from compliant material were developed in the frame of a pair of socks, which was fed by urine via a manual gaiting pump. The simple and single loop cardiovascular fish circulatory system was used as the inspiration for the design of the manual pump. A wireless programmable communication module, engineered to operate within the range of the generated electricity, was employed, which opens a new avenue for research in the utilisation of waste products for powering portable as well as wearable electronics.

Report summary. Seniors' Falls in Canada: Second Report: key highlights.

Injury in Canada is a serious public health concern. Injuries are a leading cause of hospitalization for children, young adults and seniors and a major cause of disability and death. Falls remain the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors, and data from the Canadian Community Health Survey - Healthy Aging indicate that 20% of seniors living in the community reported a fall in the previous year, with a higher prevalence among older seniors, i.e., those aged over 80 years. Falls and associated outcomes not only harm the injured individuals but also affect their families, friends and care providers; they also place considerable pressure on the health care system. However, we do know that these personal and economic costs can be avoided through injury prevention activities. The Seniors' Falls in Canada: Second Report provides policy makers, researchers, community programmers and practitioners with current data and trends on falls, injuries and hospitalizations among Canadian adults aged 65 years and over. This report is intended for use in public health research, policy development and practice.

TITRE: Note de synthèse -- Chutes chez les aînés au Canada : deuxième rapport : faits saillants. INTRODUCTION: Les blessures représentent un sérieux problème de santé publique au Canada. Elles constituent l'une des principales causes d'hospitalisation chez les enfants, les jeunes adultes et les aînés ainsi qu'une cause majeure d'invalidité et de décès. Les chutes demeurent la principale cause d'hospitalisation liée à des blessures chez les aînés au Canada et les données de l'Enquête sur la santé dans les collectivités canadiennes ­ Vieillissement en santé indiquent que 20 % des aînés vivant dans la collectivité ont déclaré avoir fait une chute au cours de l'année précédente, la prévalence étant plus élevée chez les aînés plus âgés (80 ans et plus). Les chutes et les conséquences qu'elles entraînent ne font pas qu'affliger les personnes qui se sont blessées : elles affectent également les membres de leur famille, leurs amis et les personnes qui leur administrent des soins, et elles exercent une pression considérable sur le système de soins de santé. Et pourtant, ces coûts, d'ordre à la fois personnel et économique, peuvent être évités par diverses initiatives visant la prévention des blessures. Chutes chez les aînés au Canada : deuxième rapport fournit aux décideurs, aux chercheurs, aux responsables des programmes communautaires ainsi qu'aux praticiens les données et les tendances actuelles relativement aux chutes, aux blessures et aux hospitalisations chez les adultes canadiens de 65 ans et plus. Ce rapport est destiné à être utilisé dans les domaines de la recherche, de l'élaboration de politiques et des pratiques en matière de santé publique.

Characterization of brain cancer stem cells: a mathematical approach.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, support has increased for the notion that a subpopulation of brain tumour cells in possession of properties typically characteristic of stem cells is responsible for initiating and maintaining the tumour. Unravelling details of the brain tumour stem cell (BTSC) hierarchy, as well as interactions of these cells with various therapies, will be essential in the design of optimal treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Motivated by this, we have developed a mathematical model of the BTSC hypothesis that may aid in characterization of brain tumours, as well as in prediction of effective therapeutic strategies, which can be further validated in experimental and clinical studies. At the level of a small number of cells, the model developed herein is stochastic. For larger populations of cancer cells, the model is handled from a deterministic approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In the stochastic regime, importance of a relationship between the likelihoods of two distinct types of symmetric BTSC divisions in determining BTSC survival rates becomes apparent, consequently emphasizing the need for a set of biomarkers that are able to better characterize the BTSC hierarchy. At the large scale, we predict the importance of the aforementioned symmetric division rates in dictating brain tumour composition. Furthermore, we demonstrate possible therapeutic benefits of considering combination treatments of radiotherapy and putative BTSC inhibitors, such as bone morphogenetic proteins, while reinforcing the importance of developing novel treatment strategies that specifically target the BTSC subpopulation.

Third party buying: the trend and the consequences.

The trend toward more buying of health insurance, life insurance, and pension or annuity plans through employers brings up problems of consumer sovereignty , problems of the incentives of service providers, and problems of availability of the services of insurance which are only available through group buying. In order to specify what social indicators would be useful in this area, this paper analyzes the incentive systems for consumers, for service providers, and for employers as they are affected by the trend toward third party buying. It assesses the indicators that are available on the trend, and the literature in health economics which tried to analyze the impact of the trend on the provision of health services and health costs. On this basis, needed social indicators for policy assessment in the area of third party buying are suggested.