Pushing a bistable [2]rotaxane out of equilibrium and isolation of the metastable-state co-conformation.

Incorporating a steric barrier between the two stations in a bistable [2]rotaxane based on monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene and cyclobis(paraquat--phenylene) allows the high-energy metastable-state co-conformation to be physically isolated following a single redox cycle, thus making it possible to store energy (4.4 J L) and to follow its interconversion back to the ground-state co-conformation.

Mechanistic studies of isomeric [2]rotaxanes consisting of two different tetrathiafulvalene units reveal that the movement of cyclobis(paraquat--phenylene) can be controlled.

Controlling the movement in artificial molecular machines is a key challenge that needs to be solved before their full potential can be harnessed. In this study, two isomeric tri-stable [2]rotaxanes 1·4PF and 2·4PF incorporating both a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and a monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene (MPTTF) unit in the dumbbell component have been synthesised to measure the energy barriers when the tetracationic cyclobis(paraquat--phenylene) (CBPQT) ring moves across either a TTF or an MPTTF dication. By strategically exchanging one of the thiomethyl barriers on either the TTF unit or the MPTTF unit with the bulkier thioethyl group, the movement of the CBPQT ring in 1 and 2 can be controlled to take place in only one direction upon tetra-oxidation.

Evaluating the energy landscape of an out-of-equilibrium bistable [2]rotaxane containing monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene.

The unique redox properties of monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene can be used to induce directional movement in interlocked molecules. In this study, the kinetics for the directional movement of cyclobis(paraquat--phenylene) across the dioxidised monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene in a [2]rotaxane is quantified by time-resolved H NMR spectroscopy.

Efficacy and safety of emapalumab in macrophage activation syndrome.

Objectives: Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a severe, life-threatening complication of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD). The objective of this study was to confirm the adequacy of an emapalumab dosing regimen in relation to interferon-γ (IFNγ) activity by assessing efficacy and safety. The efficacy outcome was MAS remission by week 8, based on clinical and laboratory criteria.

Health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression in the diagnostic phase of suspected cancer, and the influence of diagnosis.

Background: Undergoing diagnostic evaluation for cancer has been associated with a high prevalence of anxiety and depression and affected health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aims of this study were to assess HRQoL, anxiety, and depression pre- and post-diagnosis in patients undergoing diagnostic evaluations for cancer due to non-specific symptoms; to examine changes over time in relation to final diagnosis (cancer yes/no); and to assess the predictive value of pre-diagnostic psychological, socio-demographic and clinical factors.

Methods: A prospective, multicenter survey study of patients suspected to have cancer based on non-specific symptoms was performed.

Effect of weight maintenance on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis in obese patients: a twelve-month randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare results of obese patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who, after an intensive weight loss regimen, received 1 year of either dietary support (D), a knee-exercise program (E), or "no attention" (C; control group).

Methods: We conducted a randomized, 2-phase, parallel-group trial. A total of 192 obese participants with knee OA were enrolled; the mean age was 62.

Comparison of three weight maintenance programs on cardiovascular risk, bone and vitamins in sedentary older adults.

Objective: Obese patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are encouraged to lose weight to obtain symptomatic relief. Risk of vascular events is higher in people with OA compared to people without arthritis. Our aim in this randomized trial was to compare changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-factors, nutritional health, and body composition after 1-year weight-loss maintenance achieved by [D]diet, [E]knee-exercise, or [C]control, following weight loss by low-energy-diet.