• Irwin Fitzsimmons posted an update 4 hours, 29 minutes ago

    OBJECTIVE To analyze the relationship between cognitive processing speed, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), employment, and MRI metrics in a large multiple sclerosis cohort METHODS Cross-sectional clinical data, PROMs, employment, and MRI studies within 90 days of completion of the Processing Speed Test (PST), a technology-enabled adaptation of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, were collected. MRIs were analyzed using semi-automated methods. Correlations of PST with PROMs and MRI metrics were examined using Spearman’s rho. Wilcoxon Rank Sum Testing compared MRI metrics across PST quartiles, and linear regression models identified predictors of PST performance. Effects of employment and depression were also investigated. RESULTS In 721 patients (mean age 47.6±11.4 years), PST scores were significantly correlated with all MRI metrics, including cord atrophy and deep grey matter volumes. Linear regression demonstrated self-reported physical disability, cognitive function, fatigue and social domains (Adjusted R2 =0.44, p-value less then 0.001) as the strongest clinical predictors of PST, whereas that of MRI variables included T2 lesion volume, whole brain fraction, and cord atrophy (Adjusted R2 =0.42, p-value less then 0.001). An inclusive model identified T2 lesion volume, whole brain fraction, self-reported upper extremity function, cognition and social participation as the strongest predictors of PST (Adjusted R2 =0.51, p-value less then 0.001). There was significant effect modification by depression on the relationship between self-reported cognition and PST performance. Employment status was associated with PST scores independent of age and physical disability. INTERPRETATION The PST correlates with PROMs, MRI measures of focal and diffuse brain injury, and employment. The PST is a feasible and meaningful measure for routine multiple sclerosis care. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.The exponential proliferation of data during the Information Age has required the continuous exploration of novel storage paradigms, materials, and devices with increasing data density.  As a step toward the ultimate limits in data density, the development of an electrically-controllable, single-molecule memristive element is reported. In this device, digital information is encoded through switching between two isomer states by applying a voltage signal to the molecular junction, and the information is read-out by monitoring the electrical conductance of each isomer. The two states are cycled using an electrically-controllable local heating mechanism for the forward reaction and catalyzed by a single charge transfer process for the reverse switching. This single-molecule device can be modulated in situ , is fully reversible, and does not display stochastic switching. The I-V curves of this single molecule system also exhibits memristive character. These features suggest a new approach for the development of molecular switching systems and storage class memories. © 2020 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.Stiff-stilbene, a sterically restricted fused ring analogue of stilbene, has been regularly used as a model compound in theoretical studies of stilbene photoisomerization. Lately, owing to its excellent photoswitching properties, it is increasingly being applied to reversibly control the properties and function of chemical as well as biological systems. Stiff stilbene photoswitches possess a number of advantageous properties including a high quantum yield for photoisomerization and a high thermal stability. Furthermore, they undergo a large geometrical change upon isomerization and their synthesis is straightforward. Herein, we provide an overview of the basic properties of stiff-stilbene and of recent applications in supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and biological systems. © 2020 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.IMPORTANCE Intraocular pressure (IOP) is sensitive to caffeine intake and physical exercise. However, the combined effect of caffeine intake and physical exercise on IOP levels remains unknown. BACKGROUND We aimed to assess the effects of caffeine consumption before exercise on the IOP behaviour during low-intensity endurance exercise. DESIGN A placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced crossover study at the University of Granada. PARTICIPANTS Eighteen physically active young adults (age = 23.3 ± 2.4 years) participated in this study. METHODS Participants performed 30 minutes of cycling at 10% of maximal power production after 30 minutes of ingesting a capsule of caffeine (~4 mg/kg) and placebo in two different days and following a double-blind procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE IOP was measured at baseline (before caffeine/placebo ingestion), after 5 minutes of warm-up, during cycling (6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 minutes) and recovery (5 and 10 minutes) by rebound tonometry. RESULTS There was a significant effect of caffeine consumption (P  less then  .001, η2 = 0.50), showing that the ingestion of caffeine before exercise counteracted the IOP-lowering response to low-intensity endurance exercise. Greater IOP values at 12, 18, 24 and 30 minutes (corrected P-values less then .05, ds = 0.90-1.08) of cycling were observed for the caffeine in comparison to the placebo condition. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The ingestion of caffeine (~4 mg/kg) 30 minutes before performing low-intensity endurance exercise counteracts the IOP-lowering effect of low-intensity exercise. These results highlight that the ingestion of a considerable amount of caffeine before exercise should be discouraged for individuals who would benefit from the IOP reduction associated with low-intensity exercise (ie, glaucoma patients or those at risk). © 2020 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.We report the synthesis, characterization, and spectroscopic investigations of a new responsive-at-metal cyclometalated platinum(II) complex. Through mild chemical oxidants and reductants, it was possible to obtain the same complex in three different oxidation states and each of these complexes was structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. We discovered that the platinum(II) complex displays strong solvatochromism in the solid-state, which can be attributed to modulation of Pt‧‧‧Pt interactions that results in switching between optical and photoluminescent states. Incorporating responsive-at-metal species as dynamic components in nanostructured materials might facilitate response amplification, sensing, actuation, or self-healing processes. Peposertib mouse © 2020 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.