Uniformly sized silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (magnetite@silica) are synthesized in a simple one-pot process using reverse micelles as nanoreactors. The core diameter of the magnetic nanoparticles is easily controlled by adjusting the w value ([polar solvent]/[surfactant]) in the reverse-micelle solution, and the thickness of the silica shell is easily controlled by varying the amount of tetraethyl orthosilicate added after the synthesis of the magnetite cores. Several grams of monodisperse magnetite@silica nanoparticles can be synthesized without going through any size-selection process. When crosslinked enzyme molecules form clusters on the surfaces of the magnetite@silica nanoparticles, the resulting hybrid composites are magnetically separable, highly active, and stable under harsh shaking conditions for more than 15 days. Conversely, covalently attached enzymes on the surface of the magnetite@silica nanoparticles are deactivated under the same conditions.

No abstract

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurring in the workplace carries major economic repercussions such as lost wages and hospital costs. Little is known about the profile of risk factors for work-related traumatic brain injury. Aims: This study describes the pre-injury demographic characteristics, injury-related characteristics and outcomes of work-related TBI and compares them with those of non work-related TBI. This study aims to provide profiles of work-related TBI to improve our understanding and awareness of TBI in the workplace and to better inform prevention efforts. Methods: Cross-sectional study using the Comprehensive Data Set (CDS) of Ontario (Canada) Trauma Registry (OTR) from 1993 to 2001. Cases with the ICD-9-CM codes for head injury were included in the database of serious injuries from lead trauma hospitals.Results: The study identified 950 (7.3%) people with work-related TBI. Pre-injury demographics and injury-related characteristics of work-related TBI were significantly different from non work-related TBI such as age, gender, mechanisms of injury, Injury Severity Score, length of stay and in-hospital death. Discussion: This research provides the first comprehensive overview of work-related TBI based on Canadian data. It identifies high risk profiles to better target prevention.

This study examined the proportion of men and women reporting previous traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an Ontario (Canada) prison sample by demographic characteristics; adverse life experiences; and criminal, drug, and alcohol use history. Using data from The Cost of Substance Abuse in Canada study based on a random sample from four Ontario prisons, this study found 50.4% of males and 38% of females reporting previous TBI. More TBIs occurred before the first crime for women than for men. Women with TBI experienced more early physical and sexual abuse than those without TBI. Additionally, this study shows high prevalence of early life experiences among persons, particularly women, with a history of TBI. Prisoners and prison staff should be educated on TBI and best practice for rehabilitation of TBI.