Humana Press Research Articles

A consistent methodology for forensic photogrammetry scanning of human remains using a single handheld DSLR camera.

Close-range photogrammetry is an easy, fast, and cheap way to acquire 3D models of human remains of forensic importance.A carefully composed, tested, and systematic photographing procedure has a key role and can greatly increase the quality of photogrammetry models.A photogrammetry-based 3D-digitalization technique could be developed and adopted as part of the daily routine during autopsies.Photogrammetry-based 3D models are much quicker to acquire, look more photorealistic, and are almost as accurate as certain laser scanner-based models.

Axial Postural Abnormalities in Parkinsonism: Gaps in Predictors, Pathophysiology, and Management.

Axial Postural Abnormalities in Parkinsonism: Gaps in Predictors, Pathophysiology, and Management.

In Vivo Analysis of Dendritic Cell Clonality.

Confocal fluorescence microscopy is commonly used for the analysis of tissue architecture and cell distribution (Paddock, Confocal microscopy: methods and protocols. Methods in molecular biology. Humana Press, New York, pp 1-388, 2013). When combined with multicolor fate mapping of cell precursors, it allows for analysis of single-color cell clusters, which in turn informs on the clonal relationship of cells in tissues (Snippert et al, Cell 143:134-144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2010.09.016 , 2010). In this chapter, I describe a multicolor fate mapping mouse model and microscopy technique to trace the progeny of conventional dendritic cell (cDC, (Cabeza-Cabrerizo et al, Annu Rev Immunol 39:131. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-immunol-061020-053707 , 2021)) progenitors in different tissues and analyze cDC clonality. The chapter is focused on imaging methods rather than image analysis, although the software used to quantify cluster formation is also introduced.

Long-term study on survival and development of successive generations of Mytilus galloprovincialis cryopreserved larvae

Shellfish aquaculture needs the development of new tools for the improvement of good practices avoiding the reliance on natural spat collection to increase production efficiently. The aim of this work was to improve the cryopreservation protocol for Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae described in Paredes et al. (in: Wolkers, Oldenhof (eds) Cryopreservation and freeze-drying protocol, methods in molecular biology, Humana Press, 2021, pp 2180, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-0783-1_18). Moreover, the capability of producing adult mussels from cryopreserved 72 h-old D-larvae and potential long-term effects of cryopreservation through progenies were evaluated. The selection of 72-h old D-larvae for cryopreservation yielded 75% of recovery, higher than 50% from trochophores. The best combination was 10% Ethylene–Glycol + 0.4 M Trehalose in Filtered Sea Water (FSW) with cooling at − 1 °C/min and a water bath at 35 °C for thawing. Sucrose (SUC) solutions did not improve larval recovery (p > 0.05). At settlement, 5.26% of cryopreserved F1 larvae survived and over 70% settled. F2 cryopreservation produced 0.15% survival of spat and settlement varied from 35 to 50%. The delay of shell size showed on cryopreserved larvae declined throughout larval rearing without significant differences with controls from settlement point (p > 0.05). Long-term experiments showed that it is possible to obtain adult mussels from cryopreserved larvae and this tool does not compromise the quality of following progenies, neither for cryopreservation nor post-thawing development of them.

An Improved Genome Sequence Resource of Bipolaris maydis, Causal Agent of Southern Corn Leaf Blight.

An Improved Genome Sequence Resource of Bipolaris maydis, Causal Agent of Southern Corn Leaf Blight.

A Case of Hypocalcemia Secondary to Infection With SARS-CoV-2 Virus

Background: A Case of Hypocalcemia Secondary to Infection with SARS-CoV-2 Virus.Clinical Case: A 40 year-old obese male presented to the emergency department with a five day history of nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and nonproductive cough. Symptoms progressed culminating in a single episode of pre-syncope leading to his seeking medical care. Positive testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 as well as findings from computed tomography of the patient’s chest led to a diagnosis of COVID-19 and the patient’s admission to a COVID-19 ward, where treatment with dexamethasone, doxycycline, and 2 L oxygen via nasal cannula began. Blood testing on admission revealed profound hypocalcemia (6.2 mg/dL total and 3.5 mg/dL ionized) as well as newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) (HbA1c 13.0% on admission). Further electrolyte disturbances noted were consistent with his history of vomiting and untreated T2DM. Thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine levels showed primary hypothyroidism, but the patient’s parathyroid hormone level (16.5 pg/mL) was inappropriately normal. No other causes for hypocalcemia were identified. The patient’s hypocalcemia was treated with intravenous calcium gluconate and rose consistently through day six of hospitalization. Calcium fell sharply between day six and seven (7.6 mg/dL to 7.3 mg/dL) coinciding with worsening respiratory symptoms and requiring a doubling of oxygen dose from 2 to 4 L with subsequent improvement in hypocalcemia once underlying pulmonary function improved. Discussion: SARS-CoV-2 infection presenting with hypocalcemia has been well documented without definitive explanation [1]. Further, while the precise mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 virion export is unclear, the patient’s worsening hypocalcemia, respiratory symptoms, and concurrent presumable increased viral load suggests this is caused by a calcium-dependent exocytotic process [2]. 1: Marazuela, M., Giustina, A. & Puig-Domingo, M. Endocrine and metabolic aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 21, 495–507 (2020). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11154-020-09569-22: Fehr A.R., Perlman S. (2015) Coronaviruses: An Overview of Their Replication and Pathogenesis. In: Maier H., Bickerton E., Britton P. (eds) Coronaviruses. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1282. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://link.springer.com/protocol/10.1007%2F978-1-4939-2438-7_1.

Flow Cytometry and Sorting in Arabidopsis.

Flow cytometry and sorting represents a valuable and mature experimental platform for the analysis of cellular populations. Applications involving higher plants started to emerge around 40years ago and are now widely employed both to provide unique information regarding basic and applied questions in the biosciences and to advance agricultural productivity in practical ways. Further development of this platform is being actively pursued, and this promises additional progress in our understanding of the interactions of cells within complex tissues and organs. Higher plants offer unique challenges in terms of flow cytometric analysis, first since their organs and tissues are, almost without exception, three-dimensional assemblies of different cell types held together by tough cell walls, and, second, because individual plant cells are generally larger than those of mammals.This chapter, which updates work last reviewed in 2014 [Galbraith DW (2014) Flow cytometry and sorting in Arabidopsis. In: Sanchez Serrano JJ, Salinas J (eds) Arabidopsis Protocols, 3rd ed. Methods in molecular biology, vol 1062. Humana Press, Totowa, pp 509-537], describes the application of techniques of flow cytometry and sorting to the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana, in particular emphasizing (a) fluorescence labeling in vivo of specific cell types and of subcellular components, (b) analysis using both conventional cytometers and spectral analyzers, (c) fluorescence-activated sorting of protoplasts and nuclei, and (d) transcriptome analyses using sorted protoplasts and nuclei, focusing on population analyses at the level of single protoplasts and nuclei. Since this is an update, details of new experimental methods are emphasized.

In memory of Michelle Lane: 1970 - 2020.

In memory of Michelle Lane: 1970 - 2020.

Влияние газотрансмиттера сероводорода на микрореологические свойства эритроцитов здоровых лиц и больных сахарным диабетом второго типа

Цель исследования: изучение влияния донора газотрансмиттера (ГТ) сероводорода (NaНS) и активатора его внутриклеточного синтеза (Lцистеина) на микрореологические характеристики эритроцитов в норме и при сахарном диабете 2-го типа (СД2). Материалы и методы. Эритроциты 16 здоровых лиц и 16 больных СД2 инкубировали с донором сероводорода гидросульфидом натрия (NaHS) в концентрации 10, 50 и 100 мкмоль и стимулятором его эндогенного синтеза Lцистеином в концентрации 10, 50 и 100 мкмоль. Блокировали АТФзависимые калиевые каналы глибенкламидом (50 мкмоль). Ингибировали растворимую гуанилатциклазу с помощью 0,5 мкмоль ODQ (1H-1,2,4-oxadiazolo4,3-a quinoxalin-l-one). Регистрировали деформируемость (ИУЭ) и агрегацию эритроцитов. Результаты. Под влиянием NaHS наблюдали дозозависимые положительные изменения микрореологии эритроцитов. Микрореологические ответы эритроцитов на NaHS были более выраженными у здоровых лиц, чем у больных СД2. Сходную картину наблюдали и при воздействии на эритроциты Lцистеином. Прединкубация с глибенкламидом не устраняла положительного влияния донора ГТ на микрореологию эритроцитов, тогда как ингибирование растворимой гуанилатциклазы с помощью ODQ полностью устраняло положительные изменения ИУЭ под действием ГТ и существенно уменьшало его влияние на агрегацию клеток. Заключение. Таким образом, сероводород как газотрансмиттер улучшает микрореологию эритроцитов. При одинаковой концентрации донора сероводорода (NaHS) и стимулятора его синтеза (Lцистеина) более выраженные сдвиги микрореологических параметров эритроцитов наблюдаются у здоровых лиц по сравнению с больными СД2. Aim: to study the effect of donor gasotransmitter (GT) hydrogen sulphide (NaHS) and the activator of its intracellular synthesis (Lcysteine) on the red blood cells (RBCs) microrheological characteristics in normal and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). Materials and methods. RBCs of 16 healthy individuals and 16 patients with DM2 were incubated with hydrogen sulfide donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) in concentrations of 10, 50 and 100 mol and a stimulator of its endogenous synthesis Lcysteine (10, 50 and 100 mol). ATPdependent potassium channels were blocked by glibenclamide (50 mol). Soluble guanylate cyclase was inhibited using 0.5 mol ODQ (1H-1,2,4-oxadiazolo4,3-a quinoxalin-l-one). Deformability (RBCD) and RBCs aggregation were recorded. Results. Under the influence of NaHS, dose-dependent positive changes in RBCs microrheology were observed. Cellular microrheological responses to GT donor were more pronounced in healthy individuals than in patients with DM2. A similar pattern was observed when RBCs were exposed to Lcysteine. Preincubation with glibenclamide did not eliminate the positive effect of GT donor on RBCs microrheology. Whereas inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase with the help of ODQ completely eliminated positive changes in RBCD under the action of GT and significantly reduced its effect on aggregation. Conclusion. Thus, hydrogen sulfide as a gasotransmitter improves RBCs microrheology. With the same concentration of hydrogen sulphide donor (NaHS) and its synthesis stimulator (Lcysteine), more pronounced shifts in the microrheological parameters of erythrocytes are observed in healthy individuals as compared with DM2 patients.

Metabolic effects of Cimicifuga racemosa extract Ze450 on neuronal cells

Mitochondria are key regulators of energy metabolism and, therefore, an emerging focus of research on metabolic, neurodegenerative and other age-related diseases. Estrogen depletion is well known to induce common menopausal complaints; however, mounting evidence suggests additional effects, such as increasing oxidative stress which may contribute to the development of metabolic disorders [ [1] Sekhon, L.H., Agarwal, A., Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. 181-203. Google Scholar ].

An In-Depth Look at DNA Crystals through the Prism of Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Summary X-ray crystallography is the primary tool for biomolecular structural determination. However, contacts formed through the crystal lattice are known to affect structures, especially for small and flexible molecules such as DNA oligomers, by introducing significant structural changes in comparison to solution. Furthermore, why molecules crystallize in certain symmetry groups, which role crystallization additives play, and whether they are just innocuous and unspecific crystallization catalysts remain unclear. By using one of the currently best-performing DNA force fields and applying significant computational effort, we described the nature of intermolecular forces that stabilize B-DNA crystals in various symmetry groups and solvent environments with an unprecedented level of detail. We showed a tight coupling between the lattice stability and the type of crystallization additives and that certain symmetry groups are stable only in the presence of a specific additive. Additives and crystal contacts induce small but non-negligible changes in the physical properties of DNA.

Epistemic Authority, Philosophical Explication, and the Bio-Statistical Theory of Disease

Christopher Boorse’s (Philos Pub Aff 5:49–68, 1975; J Theory Soc Behav 6:61–84, 1976; Philos Sci 44:542–573, 1977; in: VanDeVeer and Regan (eds) Health care ethics: an introduction, Temple University Press, Philadelphia, pp 359–393, 1987; in Humber, Almeder, Totowa (eds) What is disease?, Humana Press (Biomedical Ethics Reviews), New York City, pp 1–134, 1997; J Med Philos, 39:683–724, 2014) Bio-Statistical Theory (BST) comprehends diseases in terms of departures from natural norms, which involve an objectively describable deviation from the proper physiological or psychological functioning of parts of the human organism. I argue that while recent revisions and additional considerations (Boorse 2014) shield the BST from a number of issues raised by critics, they give rise to significant new challenges. These are related to the attribution of epistemic authority, the possibility of multiple concepts in the authoritative literature, and the framing of BST as “philosophical explication.” The conclusion is that, in its current form, the BST is unable to provide a robust framework for a naturalist classification.

Imaging in Stem Cell Transplant and Cell-Based Therapy

T. Pandey, Ed. Cham, Switzerland: Humana Press, 2017, 174 pages, $179.99 Regenerative medicine is an approach that can recover normal function of human cells, tissues, or organs injured by trauma or damaged by disease or inflammation. Stem cell therapy, because of its potency for differentiation

Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics: Contemporary Surgical and Device-Based Treatmentsedited by Joan A. Camprodon, Scott L. Rauch, Benjamin D. Greenberg, and Darin D. Dougherty. New York, Humana Press, 2016, 230 pp., $109.00 (paperback).

Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics: Contemporary Surgical and Device-Based Treatmentsedited by Joan A. Camprodon, Scott L. Rauch, Benjamin D. Greenberg, and Darin D. Dougherty. New York, Humana Press, 2016, 230 pp., $109.00 (paperback).

Computational Characterization of Oligomerization of FVFLM Peptide and its Ability to Inhibit Beta Amyloid Aggregation

Preeclampsia, a pregnancy-specific disorder, shares typical pathophysiological features with protein misfolding disorders including Alzheimer's disease1. Characteristic for preeclampsia is the involvement of multiple proteins of which fragments of SERPINA1 and β-amyloid co-aggregate in urine and placenta of preeclamptic women. This work explores the biophysical basis of this interaction by investigating the multidimensional efficacy of the FVFLM sequence in SERPINA1, as a model inhibitory agent of β-amyloid aggregation. Several algorithms predict FVFLM peptide as being a highly amyloidogenic2,3. After studying the oligomerization of FVFLM peptides using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations with the GROMOS43a1 force field and explicit water, we report that FVFLM can aggregate and its aggregation is spontaneous with a remarkably faster rate than that recorded for KLVFF (aggregation “hot-spot” from β-amyloid). The population of fibril-prone conformations in the monomeric state of KLVFF was found to be lower than FVFLM indicating the faster aggregation process of FVFLM4. The fast kinetics of FVFLM aggregation was found to be driven primarily by core-like aromatic interactions originating from the anti-parallel orientation of complementarily uncharged strands. We also demonstrate a high propensity of FVFLM for KLVFF binding. When present, FVFLM disrupts the β-amyloid aggregation pathway and we propose that FVFLM-like peptides might be used to prevent the assembly of full-length Aβ or other pro-amyloidogenic peptides into amyloid fibrils.1. Buhimschi, I.A. et al. Protein misfolding, congophilia, oligomerization, and defective amyloid processing in preeclampsia. Science translational medicine6, 245ra292 (2014).2. Zambrano, R. et al. AGGRESCAN3D (A3D): server for prediction of aggregation properties of protein structures. Nucleic Acids Res (2015).3. Kouza, M., Faraggi, E., Kolinski, A. & Kloczkowski, A. in Prediction of Protein Secondary Structure, Vol. 1484. (eds. Y. Zhou, A. Kloczkowski, E. Faraggi & Y. Yang) 7-24 (Humana Press, New York; 2016).4. Nam, H.B., Kouza, M., Hoang, Z. & Li, M.S. Relationship between population of the fibril-prone conformation in the monomeric state and oligomer formation times of peptides: Insights from all-atom simulations. J Chem Phys 132, 165104 (2010)

Prediction of Protein Aggregation Propensities using GOR Method

The original GOR method published by Garnier, Osguthorpe, and Robson in 1978 was one of the first successful methods to predict protein secondary structure from amino acid sequence [1]. The method is based on information theory. The analysis of frequencies of occurrence of secondary structure for singlets and doublets of residues in a protein database enables prediction of secondary structure for new amino acid sequences. Because of these simple physical assumptions and the ability to predict the probability of formation of beta-strands for each residue in protein sequence GOR method has a conceptual advantage over other later developed methods such as PHD, PSIPRED, and others that are based on Machine Learning methods that have a “black box” nature. The GOR method has been continuously improved and modified for 30 years with the last GOR V version published in 2002 [2], its modification in 2006 [3] and the GOR V server developed in 2005 [4]. Recently we applied GOR method to chameleon sequences in protein folding simulations, and for prediction of protein aggregation propensities [5]. Fibril prone regions of polypeptides were predicted by estimation the probability to form beta-strand secondary structure. The probability of amino acid to form beta-strand corresponds to its aggregation propensity. Our preliminary studies show that the GOR method is a promising and efficient alternative to other protein aggregation predicting tools. A web server for prediction of protein aggregation propensities is currently being developed.

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on the veterinary diagnostic field

Proceeding deals with of genomic changes detectable by FISH . The DSD syndrom in Yorkshire terrier 78,XY t (Y-;6p+) was observed by the use of X and Y FISH WCP probes. Following results indicated numerous genomic changes in cancers. Using comparative genomic hybridization numerous chromosomal rearrangements were detected, which indicated the heterogeneity in tumour growth. In Bernese Mountain Dog bitch,8 loses on chromosomes and gains on 18 different of chromosomes were detected. The last study was focused on chromosomal position and nucleotide sequencing of the LCA5L exons. Those were analysed in cattle of BTA1q44, sheep OAR1q43 and of CHI1q44 in the goats. Keywords: fluorescent in situ hybridization, FISH, veterinary diagnostics References ALARM, M. R. et al. (2007) Male pseudohermafroditism in dogs: three case reports. Veterinarni Medicina 52 pp.74- 78. Hallermann, C . et al. (2004) Chromosomal Aberration Patterns Differ in Subtypes of Primary Cutaneous B Cell Lymphomas. J. Invest. Dermatol. 122 pp. 1495–1502. D’Haese, J . G. et al .(2005) Chromosomal aberrations in follicular non-Hodgkin lymphomas of Japanese patients, detected with comparative genomic hybridization and polymerase chain reaction analysis. Cancer Genet. Cytogenet. 162 pp. 107–114. Di MEO, G.P. et al. ( 2006) Mapping of 11 genes by FISH to BTA2, BBU2q, OAR2q and CHI2, and comparison with HSA2q. Anim. Genet. 2006; 37 pp. 299-300. NAFSTRoM K . et al .(2007). Effective treatment for the canine RPE65null mutation, a hereditary retinal dystrophy comparable to human Leber’s congenital amaurosis. In: Retinal degenerations: biology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. 1st edn. Humana Press Inc., Totowa, New Jersey, pp. 415-431. Schibler L . et al. (2009) Molecular cytogenetics and comparative mapping in goats (Capra hircus, 2n=60). Cytogenet. Genome Res .126 pp 77-85. Streubel, B . et al. (2003) T(14;18)(q32;q21) involving IGH andMALT1 is a frequent chromosomal aberration in MALT lymphoma. Blood 101 pp . 2335–2339 .

Bioprinting in Regenerative Medicine

Prof. Turksen is a very well known scientist in the stem cell biology field and he is also internationally known for his fundamental studies on claudin-6. In addition to his research activity he is editor for the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series (Humana Press) and editor-in-chief of Stem Cell Reviews and Reports.....

Expanding the Ligand Binding Repertoire of Chimeric Antigen Receptors Using Lamprey Variable Lymphocyte Receptors

Although chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are yielding promising clinical results, the technology remains limited by the availability of conjugate cancer cell target antigens. As a means to increase both the identification of cancer cell target antigens and simultaneously generate unique single chain binding domain structures we utilized the immune system of jawless vertebrates. Sea lamprey possess an adaptive immune system primarily characterized by variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs) as membrane bound and soluble immune effectors analogous but not homologous to immunoglobulins (Ig). VLRs have a fundamentally different structure and geometry than Ig-based antibodies while still demonstrating high degrees of specificity and avidity. Additionally, VLRs exist naturally as single chain structures with their variable region consisting of multiple assembled repeating sequences termed leucine rich repeats. These repeats can be directly inserted onto a CAR scaffold by genetic engineering. To test this platform technology, a yeast display method previously described (Tasumi et al., PNAS 2009; Xu et al., Humana press 2011) was used as a means of assaying and selecting appropriate VLRs. VLRs meeting the set criteria are sequenced and cloned into a lentiviral vector (LV) CAR transgene cassette plasmid. We constructed a CAR containing a well characterized VLR specific for the B cell receptor of a murine B cell leukemia (BCL) cell line. The CAR design incorporates the anti-BCL-VLR, Myc tag, CD28 transmembrane domain, and the intracellular CD3ζ signaling domain. SIN VLR-CAR LV was produced at high titer (~1x108) and used to transduce Jurkat cells. Transduced Jurkat cells showed successful CAR protein expression confirmed via Western Blot as well as persistent surface CAR expression for over 2 months with cell viability remaining over 85%. To determine whether the VLR was capable of signaling through the CAR, transduced Jurkat cells were incubated with the BCL cell line expressing the target B cell receptor. Using this assay, we demonstrated potent T cell activation via the VLR-CAR. CAR expressing T-cells demonstrated activation in ~80% of the cells. Furthermore, NK-92 cells expressing the VLR-CAR demonstrated an ability to recognize and kill BCL cells at target to effector ratios as low as 1:1, with 30% target cell killing. Little to no killing was observed with a control B cell line. Additionally, we created a CAR using a published VLR sequence targeting the human surface antigen CD5 (Yu et al., J. Immunol Methods, 2012). CD5 is primarily a T-cell marker, thus an anti-CD5-VLRCAR could be potentially used to target T-cell malignancies. Jurkat cells were transduced with high titer SIN VLR-CAR LV at various MOIs. Since Jurkat cells express CD5 on their surface, we tested the different transduced groups for self-activation at several time points. The corresponding transduced copy number was determined using quantitative PCR. The degree of activation directly correlated with the LV copy number, with highest activation being seen when the MOI approach 50, with >60% highly activated cells. No activation was observed in the GFP control groups. Additionally, we engineered three different CAR constructs consisting of two CD5 VLRs connected by either a helical linker with a 180° rotation, a helical linker with a 360° rotation, or a non-rigid linker allowing for flexibility among the two VLRs. Transduced Jurkat cells expressing the double CD5-VLR CARs indicated, via flow cytometry, that linking two VLRs does not provide any benefit in terms of activation compared to the single CD5-VLR-CAR. Current testing includes the use of NK-92 cells expressing the anti-CD5-VLR-CAR against T cell leukemia cell lines. Collectively, these results show that VLRs can be used to increase the repertoire of CAR binding motifs. Furthermore, these data suggest that VLRs provide both a unique and effective method for activating CAR-T cells and can expand the number and variety of antigens that may be targeted. DisclosuresDoering:Expression Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Bayer Healthcare: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Difficulties with Emotion Regulation and Psychopathology Interact to Predict Early Smoking Cessation Lapse.

There is little knowledge about how emotion regulation difficulties interplay with psychopathology in terms of smoking cessation. Participants (n = 250; 53.2 % female, Mage = 39.5, SD = 13.85) were community-recruited daily smokers (≥8 cigarettes per day) who self-reported motivation to quit smoking; 38.8 % of the sample met criteria for a current (past 12-month) psychological disorder. Emotion regulation deficits were assessed pre-quit using the Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz and Roemer in J Psychopathol Behav Assess 26(1):41-54, 2004) and smoking behavior in the 28 days post-quit was assessed using the Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB; Sobell and Sobell in Measuring alcohol consumption: psychosocial and biochemical methods. Humana Press, Totowa, 1992). A Cox proportional-hazard regression analysis was used to model the effects of past-year psychopathology, DERS (total score), and their interaction, in terms of time to lapse post-quit day. After adjusting for the effects of gender, age, pre-quit level of nicotine dependence, and treatment condition, the model revealed a non-significant effect of past-year psychopathology (OR = 1.14, CI95 % = 0.82-1.61) and difficulties with emotion regulation (OR = 1.01, CI95 % = 1.00-1.01) on likelihood of lapse rate. However, the interactive effect of psychopathology status and difficulties with emotion regulation was significant (OR = 0.98, CI95 % = 0.97-0.99). Specifically, there was a significant conditional effect of psychopathology status on lapse rate likelihood at low, but not high, levels of emotion regulation difficulties. Plots of the cumulative survival functions indicated that for smokers without a past-year psychological disorder, those with lower DERS scores relative to elevated DERS scores had significantly lower likelihood of early smoking lapse, whereas for smokers with past-year psychopathology, DERS scores did not differentially impact lapse rate likelihood. Smokers with emotion regulation difficulties may have challenges quitting, and not having such difficulties, especially without psychopathology, decreases the potential likelihood of early lapse.