Depression, antidepressants and driving safety.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to review to review the reported associations of depression and antidepressants with motor vehicle crashes.PurposeA literature search for material published in the English language between January, 1995, and October, 2015, in bibliographic databases was combined with a search for other relevant material referenced in the retrieved articles.MethodsRetrieved articles were systematically reviewed for inclusion criteria: 19 epidemiological studies (17 case-control and 2 cohort studies) fulfilled the inclusion criteria by estimating the crash risk associated with depression and/or psychotropic medications in naturalistic settings.ResultsThe estimates of the odds ratio (OR) of crash involvement associated with depression ranged from 1.78 to 3.99. All classes of antidepressants were reported to have side effects with the potential to affect driving safety. The majority of studies of antidepressant effects on driving reported an elevated crash risk, and ORs ranged from 1.19 to 2.03 for all crashes, and 3.19 for fatal crashes. In meta-analysis, depression was associated with approximately 2-fold increased crash risk (summary OR = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.39), and antidepressants were associated with approximately 40% increased crash risk (summary OR = 1.40; 95%CI, 1.18 to 1.66).ConclusionBased on the findings of the studies reviewed, depression, antidepressants or the combination of depression and antidepressants may pose a potential hazard to driving safety. More research is needed to understand the individual contributions of depression and the medications used to treat depression

Structures of falcipain-2 and falcipain-3 bound to small molecule inhibitors: implications for substrate specificity.

Falcipain-2 and falcipain-3 are critical hemoglobinases of Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent human malaria parasite. We have determined the 2.9 A crystal structure of falcipain-2 in complex with the epoxysuccinate E64 and the 2.5 A crystal structure of falcipain-3 in complex with the aldehyde leupeptin. These complexes represent the first crystal structures of plasmodial cysteine proteases with small molecule inhibitors and the first reported crystal structure of falcipain-3. Our structural analyses indicate that the relative shape and flexibility of the S2 pocket are affected by a number of discrete amino acid substitutions. The cumulative effect of subtle differences, including those at "gatekeeper" positions, may explain the observed kinetic differences between these two closely related enzymes

Discussion forum rubrics: Using rubrics to enhance and increase project management students' participation in online discussions

This paper examines the impact of using a discussion forum grading rubric to encourage and enhance discussions (posts) in an online introduction to project management course. The study consists of 53 Master of Business Administration (MBA) students enrolled in three sections of the course from October 2010 to May 2011. A control group of 20 students was compared to two experimental groups of 16 and 17 students respectively. The two experimental groups were given the specific grading rubric and instructions designed to encourage online conversation; the control group was not. The results indicate that there was a statistical difference in average postings per student between the two experimental groups and the control group but no statistical difference between the two experimental groups. The results suggest that the use of a rubric specifically designed to engage the student and expand the student's learning experience can increase online classroom participation and, as a consequence, enhance the educational experience for the online project management student and strengthen the university's MBA program

End-functionalized glycopolymers as mimetics of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans are sulfated polysaccharides that play important roles in fundamental biological processes, such as cell division, viral invasion, cancer and neuroregeneration. The multivalent presentation of multiple glycosaminoglycan chains on proteoglycan scaffolds may profoundly influence their interactions with proteins and subsequent biological activity. However, the importance of this multivalent architecture remains largely unexplored, and few synthetic mimics exist for probing and manipulating glycosaminoglycan activity. Here, we describe a new class of end-functionalized ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) polymers that mimic the native-like, multivalent architecture found on chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans. We demonstrate that these glycopolymers can be readily integrated with microarray and surface plasmon resonance technology platforms, where they retain the ability to interact selectively with proteins. ROMP-based glycopolymers are part of a growing arsenal of chemical tools for probing the functions of glycosaminoglycans and for studying their interactions with proteins

Laparoscopic Assisted Fusion of the Lumbosacral Spine: A Biomechanical and Histologic Analysis of the Open Versus Laparoscopic Technique in an Animal Model

Study Design. An animal model for laparoscopic lumbosacral fusion. Objectives. To compare the biomechanical and histologic results of open to laparoscopic lumbosacral discectomy and fusion in an animal model. Background Data. Early clinical reports of laparoscopic lumbosacral fusions are encouraging, but animal experiments have not been reported. Methods. Ten pigs (50-80 kg) were divided into two groups. Group 1 underwent an open anterior lumbosacral discectomy and fusion at L7-S1 using autologous bone graft and a titanium MOSS (DePuy Motech) cage. Group 2 was identical to Group 1 except that a laparoscopic technique was used. The animals were killed at 3 months, and the lumbosacral spines were harvested for biomechanical and histologic testing. Results. Estimated blood loss and average length of operation, respectively, for the two groups were: Group 1, 50 mL, 2 hours 50 minutes; and Group 2, 40 mL, 3 hours 40 minutes. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications in either group. Motion analysis results showed less motion in lateral bending, flexion, and extension than in the intact specimen in both groups. Tensile testing showed that the stiffness was significantly greater in the open group than in the laparoscopic group (P \u3c 0.004). Histologic examination showed a less extensive discectomy and less bone growth in the implant in the laparoscopic group. Inadequate decortication of end-plates occurred in two animals who underwent laparoscopy. Conclusions. Although lumbosacral discectomy and implant insertion can be performed using the laparoscopic technique, the construct may not have the same biomechanical strength as that attained with the open procedure. Laparoscopic-assisted lumbosacral fusion surgery requires additional investigation before it is widely used in clinical situations

Physician-Delivered Weight Management Counseling (PD-WMC)

Introduction: Individuals with excess weight have increased morbidity and mortality compared to those of normal weight, and there are differences in disease risk between overweight and obese men and women. However, limited information on how physicians counsel these groups and on patients’ experiences with weight management counseling (WMC) is available. The goals of this study are to describe specific WMC approaches provided to patients, reported benefit of these strategies, and study participants’ WMC preferences. Methods:103 participants, stratified by BMI (Overweight: 25.0 ≤ BMI ≤ 29.9; Obese: BMI ≥ 30.0) and gender, completed surveys. Survey questions focused on WMC approaches (e.g., discussions about diet, generation of specific weight loss goals) currently provided by physicians, reported benefit of these methods, and patients’ WMC preferences for future care. Frequency counts were used in analysis of all questions. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test (p \u3c .05) were performed to assess significance between stratified groups. Results: Participants reported receiving a wide-range of WMC, from discussions about diet to surgery. Overweight participants and women reported less counseling compared to obese individuals and men, respectively. Compared to men, women reported fewer discussions in areas such as past weight loss attempts (p=0.014) and effects of weight on long-term health (p=0.008). In general, participants found scheduling follow-up appointments most beneficial (72.8%). There were no significant differences by BMI or gender. Overall, participants most preferred that physicians increase support in generating specific strategies to assist in weight loss (74.8%) and in helping them to develop specific weight loss goals (65.1%). By gender, men most preferred increased development of weight loss strategies (70.0%) by their physicians and desired more discussions about the effects of weight on long-term health (63.3%). Women most preferred increased development of specific weight loss strategies (79.2%) as well as increased generation of specific weight loss goals (67.9%) by their physicians. Both overweight and obese participants (68.6% and 80.7%, respectively) sought increased development of weight loss strategies. Conclusions: This appears to be the first cross-sectional study comparing patients’ WMC experiences and preferences, stratified by BMI and gender. Results demonstrate that regardless of BMI and gender, patients want more WMC, with preference for certain strategies. Differences were noted between stratified groups

Proximity Operations and Docking Sensor Development

The Next Generation Advanced Video Guidance Sensor (NGAVGS) has been under development for the last three years as a long-range proximity operations and docking sensor for use in an Automated Rendezvous and Docking (AR&D) system. The first autonomous rendezvous and docking in the history of the U.S. Space Program was successfully accomplished by Orbital Express, using the Advanced Video Guidance Sensor (AVGS) as the primary docking sensor. That flight proved that the United States now has a mature and flight proven sensor technology for supporting Crew Exploration Vehicles (CEV) and Commercial Orbital Transport Systems (COTS) Automated Rendezvous and Docking (AR&D). NASA video sensors have worked well in the past: the AVGS used on the Demonstration of Autonomous Rendezvous Technology (DART) mission operated successfully in spot mode out to 2 km, and the first generation rendezvous and docking sensor, the Video Guidance Sensor (VGS), was developed and successfully flown on Space Shuttle flights in 1997 and 1998. 12 Parts obsolescence issues prevent the construction of more AVGS units, and the next generation sensor was updated to allow it to support the CEV and COTS programs. The flight proven AR&D sensor has been redesigned to update parts and add additional capabilities for CEV and COTS with the development of the Next Generation AVGS at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The obsolete imager and processor are being replaced with new radiation tolerant parts. In addition, new capabilities include greater sensor range, auto ranging capability, and real-time video output. This paper presents some sensor hardware trades, use of highly integrated laser components, and addresses the needs of future vehicles that may rendezvous and dock with the International Space Station (ISS) and other Constellation vehicles. It also discusses approaches for upgrading AVGS to address parts obsolescence, and concepts for minimizing the sensor footprint, weight, and power requirements. In addition, the testing of the brassboard and proto-type NGAVGS units will be discussed along with the use of the NGAVGS as a proximity operations and docking sensor

A Role for Fucose α(1−2) Galactose Carbohydrates in Neuronal Growth

We report a fucose α(1−2) galactose-mediated pathway for the modulation of neuronal growth and morphology. Our studies provide strong evidence for the presence of Fucα(1−2)Gal glycoproteins and lectin receptors in hippocampal neurons. Additionally, we show that manipulation of Fucα(1−2)Gal-associated proteins using small-molecule and lectin probes induces dramatic changes in neuronal morphology. These findings may provide a novel pathway to stimulate neuronal growth and regeneration

The Ursinus Weekly, April 23, 1956

Charley\u27s Aunt to be given by the Curtain Club, May 10, 11, 12 • Spring Y retreat to be held on May 4, 5, 6 at Camp Mensch Mill • Bankert, Owen, and Leger given new positions on Weekly staff • APO has election, plans banquet, discusses program • Lawrence E. Gubb talks to YM-YW about Africa • Weekly office hours, deadlines announced • Foreman elected editor of Lantern for coming year • Music group presents concert program Friday • Frosh Mardi Gras program planned for next weekend • UC Summer school dates, costs set; Opens July 9 • Dean\u27s Office releases exact rules on cutting • Pa. College Eng. Assoc. to hold meeting at U.C. • Editorial: Last full measure of indifference • Letters to the editor • Most frequent cause for failure • Greediness in the use of research books is problem • Frosh group proposes revisions of present system of freshman customs • Ursinus band prepares Spring concert; Planned for evening of May 12 • KDK shoe shine • French Club • S.R.C. china drive • Unusual experiences on Meistersingers tour • YM-YWCA, WSGA, WAA elections scheduled Tues. • Trackmen edged by PMC cadets in first home dual meet, 66-60 • Netmen win first; Drop E-town match • Diamondmen win thriller over Lehigh; Tie with F&M, smashed by E-town 19-3https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1449/thumbnail.jp