Intermatrix synthesis: easy technique permitting preparation of polymer-stabilized nanoparticles with desired composition and structure

The synthesis of polymer-stabilized nanoparticles (PSNPs) can be successfully carried out using intermatrix synthesis (IMS) technique, which consists in sequential loading of the functional groups of a polymer with the desired metal ions followed by nanoparticles (NPs) formation stage. After each metal-loading-NPs-formation cycle, the functional groups of the polymer appear to be regenerated. This allows for repeating the cycles to increase the NPs content or to obtain NPs with different structures and compositions (e.g. core-shell or core-sandwich). This article reports the results on the further development of the IMS technique. The formation of NPs has been shown to proceed by not only the metal reduction reaction (e.g. Cu0-NPs) but also by the precipitation reaction resulting in the IMS of PSNPs of metal salts (e.g. CuS-NPs)

Driving after stroke

Driving a motor vehicle is an important instrumental activity of daily living recognized across countries and cultures. Driving provides convenience, independence, and mobility. However, after a stroke, patients may exhibit visual, cognitive, behavioral, and motor symptoms that may negatively affect driving ability. Patients often ask healthcare providers when they can resume driving. It can be difficult to identify those who are fit to drive, those who are not, and those who would benefit from driving rehabilitation. The aim of this chapter is to present evidence to guide clinical decision-making in returning to drive after stroke. The authors are from three different continents and represent important disciplines involved in driving after stroke: medicine, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and psychology. We first explain the importance of return to driving as a key rehabilitation goal in post-stroke care. We then present an evidence-based overview of key issues related to driving after stroke. Afterwards, we provide a framework for driving screening, assessment, and intervention based on best evidence and practice. An illustrative case study is presented to demonstrate the multiple factors involved in a driving assessment and rehabilitation after stroke. Each chapter starts with a description of the clinical problem encountered. This is followed by a systematic, but concise review of the evidence (RCTs, systematic reviews and meta-analyses) that is relevant for clinical decision-making, and comments on assessment, therapy (training, technology, medication), and the use of technical aids as appropriate. Based on these summaries, clinical algorithms / pathways are provided and the main clinical-decision situations are portrayed. The book is invaluable for all neurorehabilitation team members, clinicians, nurses, and therapists in neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and related fields. It is a World Federation for NeuroRehabilitation (WFNR) educational initiative, bridging the gap between the rapidly expanding clinical research in stroke rehabilitation and clinical practice across societies and continents. It can be used for both clinical decision-making for individuals and as well as clinical background knowledge for stroke rehabilitation service development initiatives