Consumption of Chilies, but not Sweet Peppers, Is Positively Related to Handgrip Strength in an Adult Population

BACKGROUND

Chili consumption may have a beneficial effect on muscle strength in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between frequency of chili consumption and handgrip strength in adults.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

This study used baseline data from the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 3 717 subjects were recruited to the study. Frequency of chili consumption during the previous month was assessed using a valid self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the relationship between muscle strength and frequency of chili consumption. Handgrip strength was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounding factors, significant relationships were observed between different categories of chili consumption and handgrip strength in males, the means (95% confidence interval) for handgrip strength across chili consumption categories were 44.7 (42.1, 47.2) for < one time/week; 45.5 (42.9, 48.1) for one time/week; and 45.8 (43.3, 48.4) for ≥ 2-3 times/week (P for trend < 0.01). Similar results were not observed with sweet pepper consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a positive correlation between frequency of chili consumption and muscle strength in adult males. Further studies are necessary in order to determine whether there is a causal relationship between chili consumption frequency and muscle strength.

High-Performance Small Molecule/Polymer Ternary Organic Solar Cells Based on a Layer-By-Layer Process

The layer-by-layer process method, which had been used to fabricate a bilayer or bulk heterojunction organic solar cell, was developed to fabricate highly efficient ternary blend solar cells in which small molecules and polymers act as two donors. The active layer could be formed by incorporating the small molecules into the polymer based active layer via a layer-by-layer method: the small molecules were first coated on the surface of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy-thiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (

PEDOT

PSS), and then the mixed solution of polymer and fullerene derivative was spin-coated on top of a small molecule layer. In this method, the small molecules in crystalline state were effectively mixed in the active layer. Without further optimization of the morphology of the ternary blend, a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.76% was obtained with large short-circuit current density (Jsc) (17.24 mA cm(-2)) and fill factor (FF) (0.696). The high PCE resulted from not only enhanced light harvesting but also more balanced charge transport by incorporating small molecules.

Simple O2 plasma-processed V2O5 as an anode buffer layer for high-performance polymer solar cells

A simple O2 plasma processing method for preparation of a vanadium oxide (V2O5) anode buffer layer on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass for polymer solar cells (PSCs) is reported. The V2O5 layer with high transmittance and good electrical and interfacial properties was prepared by spin coating a vanadium(V) triisopropoxide oxide alcohol solution on ITO and then O2 plasma treatment for 10 min [V2O5 (O2 plasma)]. PSCs based on P3HT:PC61BM and PBDTTT-C:PC71BM using V2O5 (O2 plasma) as an anode buffer layer show high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 4.47 and 7.54%, respectively, under the illumination of AM 1.5G (100 mW/cm(2)). Compared to that of the control device with PBDTTT-C:PC71BM as the active layer and

PEDOT

PSS (PCE of 6.52%) and thermally annealed V2O5 (PCE of 6.27%) as the anode buffer layer, the PCE was improved by 15.6 and 20.2%, respectively, after the introduction of a V2O5 (O2 plasma) anode buffer layer. The improved PCE is ascribed to the greatly improved fill factor and enhanced short-circuit current density of the devices, which benefited from the change in the work function of V2O5, a surface with many dangling bonds for better interfacial contact, and the excellent charge transport property of the V2O5 (O2 plasma) layer. The results indicate that an O2 plasma-processed V2O5 film is an efficient and economical anode buffer layer for high-performance PSCs. It also provides an attractive choice for low-cost fabrication of organic electronics.

Recent vaccine development for human metapneumovirus

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus, its close family member, are two major causes of lower respiratory tract infection in the paediatric population. hMPV is also a common cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients and older adults. Repeated infections occur often, demonstrating a heavy medical burden. However, there is currently no hMPV-specific prevention treatment. This review focuses on the current literature on hMPV vaccine development. We believe that a better understanding of the role(s) of viral proteins in host responses might lead to efficient prophylactic vaccine development.

Low band-gap polymers based on easily synthesized thioester-substituted thieno[3,4-b]thiophene for polymer solar cells

The polymers based on thioester-substituted thieno[3,4-b]thiophene (TTS) exhibit a low band gap (∼1.5 eV) and desirable HOMO and LUMO energy levels relative to the fullerene acceptors.

4,7-Di-2-thienyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole with hexylthiophene side chains and a benzodithiophene based copolymer for efficient organic solar cells

A hexylthiophene side chain can induce conformational torsion a polymer with a BDT-DTBT backbone. HighV_ocand PCE polymer solar cells can be achieved.

Nanoscale phase separation control in rationally designed conjugated polymer solar cells processed using co-additives

A conjugated polymer based on benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene with a thiophene-conjugated side chain andN-alkylthieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione was synthesized.

Effective regulation of the micro-structure of thick P3HT:PC71BM film by the incorporation of ethyl benzenecarboxylate in toluene solution

In this work, ethyl benzenecarboxylate (EB) was creatively selected as the additive in a blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene)/phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT/PC₇₁BM) in non-halogenated solvent toluene (TL).

Dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]silole-based low band gap polymers: the effect of fluorine and side chain substituents on photovoltaic performance

The effect of the F atom and the side-chain of dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]silole-based polymers on the optical, carrier mobility and photovoltaic properties was investigated.

Improve the photovoltaic performance of new quinoxaline-based conjugated polymers from the view of conjugated length and steric hindrance

An improved photovoltaic performance of quinoxaline-based polymer solar cells was obtained from the view of conjugated length and steric hindrance.

New benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene-based small molecules containing alkoxyphenyl side chains for high efficiency solution-processed organic solar cells

A new acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) small molecule, namely, BDT-PO-DPP, based on the alkoxyphenyl (PO)-substituted benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (BDT) derivative and the diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) unit was synthesized as an electron donor for solution-processed small-molecule organic solar cells (SMOSCs). BDT-PO-DPP exhibited good thermal stability, with a 5 % weight-lost temperature at 401 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere. BDT-PO-DPP exhibited a lower HOMO energy level of -5.25 eV and a weaker aggregation ability than alkoxy-substituted BDT-O-DPP. A bulk heterojunction SMOSC device based on BDT-PO-DPP and [6,6]-phenyl-C61 -butyric acid methyl ester was prepared, and it showed a power conversion efficiency up to 5.63% with a high open-circuit voltage of 0.83 V, a short circuit current density of 11.23 mA cm(-2) , and a fill factor of 60.37% by using 1,2-dichlorobenzene as the co-solvent after thermal annealing at 110 °C. The results indicate that the alkoxyphenyl-substituted BDT derivative is a promising electron-donor building block for constructing highly efficient solution-processed SMOSCs.

Lower free testosterone level is correlated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in asymptomatic middle-aged men with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

Low testosterone (T) level is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. However, the relationship between T level and heart function in asymptomatic men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is unknown.

METHODS

A total of 325 men were recruited who had no history, symptoms, or signs of heart disease.

RESULTS

T2DM had significantly lower free T (FT) levels than those with normal glucose metabolism (NGM) (428 ± 38 pmol/l vs. 444 ± 38 pmol/l, p = 0.0002), and had an increased risk of LVDD (66.1% vs. 31.8%). There was a significant difference in FT level between subjects with and without LVDD among those with T2DM (421 ± 37 pmol/l vs. 442 ± 40 pmol/l, p = 0.0007), but not among those with NGM (439 ± 37 pmol/l vs. 447 ± 39 pmol/l, p = 0.247) or in the group overall (426 ± 38 pmol/l vs. 445 ± 38 pmol/l, p = 0.156). Lower FT level was significantly associated with LVDD [univariate odds ratio (OR) = 0.63, p = 0.032; multivariate OR = 0.71, p = 0.039]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the usefulness of FT level for predicting LVDD showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 for T2DM (p < 0.001) and 0.66 for NGM (p < 0.05). FT level had a high predictive value for LVDD in T2DM (83% for FT < 414 pmol/l), but a low predictive value in NGM (61% for FT < 423 pmol/l). Comparison of the AUCs showed that FT level was more strongly correlated with LVDD in T2DM than in NGM.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower FT level is correlated with LVDD in asymptomatic middle-aged men with T2DM.

Incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry based on a Kerr phase-interrogator

We present a novel approach for incoherent optical frequency-domain reflectometry based on a frequency-swept sinusoidal optical signal and a Kerr phase-interrogator. The novel approach eliminates dependence on the laser coherence-length allowing for long-range operation. Long-range detection of reflection points as far as 151 km at a spatial-resolution of 11.2 cm is experimentally demonstrated.

Characterization of Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotypes and haplotypes in Chinese Han population

We performed Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotyping on 1271 individuals of Chinese Han origin including 102 families and 965 unrelated individuals. The families (with one child and both parents) were subjected for haplotype analysis. Forty-one different genotypes were identified. The frequencies of the KIR genotypes found in the family panel were confirmed by those found in the unrelated panel. The family study showed segregation of one A haplotype and at least 15 unique B haplotypes. The most commonly observed haplotypes in group B were B1, B2, and B3, present at a frequency of 10.05%, 6.62%, and 4.90%, respectively. On the basis of the combination of KIR genes, six centromeric and seven telomeric gene motifs have been identified. Motif cB02 was the most frequent haplotype B specific centromeric segment while tB01 was the most frequent haplotype B specific telomeric segment. The distinct distribution of KIR haplotypes in each population may reflect the history of directional and balancing selection of different races. The gene combinations of group A and B1/B2/B3 haplotype were the most frequent genotypes named as Bx1, Bx2, and Bx3, present at a frequency of 13.72%, 7.35%, and 4.41% in the family panel, and at a frequency of 15.86%, 10.15%, and 5.80% in the unrelated panel, respectively. Overall, this study showed the diversity of KIR haplotypes and genotypes in Chinese Han population and developed a criterion for distinguish KIR haplotypes/genotypes for the population. KIR genotyping and haplotype analysis should be useful for selection of the most optimum donor grafts with favorable KIR gene content for transplants.

Self-assembly of silver nanoparticles illuminated by a visible-near-infrared lamp

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) with diameters of 5-10 nm were synthesized by using formaldehyde (HCHO) to reduce silver nitrate (AgNO3) and polyethylenemine (PEI) as a stabilizer. It was found that on the carbon-supported cupper grid (Cu/polyvinylformal (PVF)/C) and under a visible-near-infrared (VIS-NIR, 400-860 nm) lamp illuminating at about 75 degrees C for six minutes, the spherical Ag NPs self-assembled into bigger NPs, triangular nanoprisms, or structures like clock hands. On the glass slides, the NPs firstly self-assembled into spherical particles with 3-6 microm in sizes, then assembled into chain structures comprised of 3-20 spherical particles after being illuminated by the VIS-NIR lamp for about nine minutes. The violent thermal motion of the NPs after being illuminated by the VIS-NIR lamp leads to the self-assembly and the shapes of the self-assembled particles are related to the interactions between the substrates and the samples.

Association of interleukin-1 gene variations with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis in multiple ethnicities

Background and Objective

Genetic markers associated with disease are often non-functional and generally tag one or more functional “causative” variants in linkage disequilibrium. Markers may not show tight linkage to the causative variants across multiple ethnicities due to evolutionary divergence, and therefore may not be informative across different population groups. Validated markers of disease suggest causative variants exist in the gene and, if the causative variants can be identified, it is reasonable to hypothesize that such variants will be informative across diverse populations. The aim of this study was to test that hypothesis using functional Interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene variations across multiple ethnic populations to replace the non-functional markers originally associated with chronic adult periodontitis in Caucasians.

Material and Methods

Adult chronic periodontitis cases and controls from four ethnic groups (Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics and Asians) were recruited in the USA, Chile and China. Genotypes of IL1B gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including three functional SNPs (rs16944, rs1143623, rs4848306) in the promoter and one intronic SNP (rs1143633), were determined using a single base extension method or TaqMan 5′ nuclease assay. Logistic regression and other statistical analyses were used to examine the association between moderate to severe periodontitis and IL1B gene variations, including SNPs, haplotypes and composite genotypes. Genotype patterns associated with disease in the discovery study were then evaluated in independent validation studies.

Results

Significant associations were identified in the discovery study, consisting of Caucasians and African Americans, between moderate to severe adult chronic periodontitis and functional variations in the IL1B gene, including a pattern of four IL1B SNPs (OR = 1.87, p < 0.0001). The association between the disease and this IL1B composite genotype pattern was validated in two additional studies consisting of Hispanics (OR = 1.95, p = 0.04) or Asians (OR = 3.27, p = 0.01). A meta-analysis of the three populations supported the association between the IL-1 genotype pattern and moderate to severe periodontitis (OR 1.95; p < 0.001). Our analysis also demonstrated that IL1B gene variations had added value to conventional risk factors in predicting chronic periodontitis.

Conclusion

This study validated the influence of IL-1 genetic factors on the severity of chronic periodontitis in four different ethnicities.