Preventing falls in older multifocal glasses wearers by providing single-lens distance glasses: The protocol for the VISIBLE randomised controlled trial

Abstract. Background. Recent research has shown that wearing multifocal glasses increases the risk of trips and falls in older people. The aim of this study is to determine whether the provision of single-lens distance glasses to older multifocal glasses wearers, with recommendations for wearing them for walking and outdoor activities, can prevent falls. We will also measure the effect of the intervention on health status, lifestyle activities and fear of falling, as well as the extent of adherence to the program. Methods/Design. Approximately 580 older people who are regular wearers of multifocal glasses people will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to either an intervention group (provision of single lens glasses, with counselling and advice about appropriate use) or a control group (usual care). The primary outcome measure will be falls (measured with 13 monthly calendars). Secondary measures will be quality of life, falls efficacy, physical activity levels and adverse events. Discussions. The study will determine the impact of providing single-lens glasses, with advice about appropriate use, on preventing falls in older regular wearers of multifocal glasses. This pragmatic intervention, if found to be effective, will guide practitioners with regard to recommending appropriate glasses for minimising the risk of falls in older people. Trial Registration. The protocol for this study was registered with the Clinical Trials.gov Protocol Registration System on June 7th2006 (#350855)

Free-standing Fe2O3 nanomembranes enabling ultra-long cycling life and high rate capability for Li-ion batteries

With Fe(2)O(3) as a proof-of-concept, free-standing nanomembrane structure is demonstrated to be highly advantageous to improve the performance of Li-ion batteries. The Fe(2)O(3) nanomembrane electrodes exhibit ultra-long cycling life at high current rates with satisfactory capacity (808 mAh g(−1) after 1000 cycles at 2 C and 530 mAh g(−1) after 3000 cycles at 6 C) as well as repeatable high rate capability up to 50 C. The excellent performance benefits particularly from the unique structural advantages of the nanomembranes. The mechanical feature can buffer the strain of lithiation/delithiation to postpone the pulverization. The two-dimensional transport pathways in between the nanomembranes can promote the pseudo-capacitive type storage. The parallel-laid nanomembranes, which are coated by polymeric gel-like film and SEI layer with the electrolyte in between layers, electrochemically behave like numerous “mini-capacitors” to provide the pseudo-capacitance thus maintain the capacity at high rate