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Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality despite advancements in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. Effective diabetes management extends beyond blood glucose control and includes cardiovascular prevention and treatment. However, the conventional healthcare model often emphasizes single-disease-specific management, leading to fragmented care. We aim to establish an affordable Cardio-Metabolic Clinic (CMC) that can provide comprehensive assessment and specialized care with a focus on cardiovascular protection., Methods: The ProtecT-2-D study is a prospective, randomized control trial at the Cardiovascular Research Unit, Odense University Hospital Svendborg, Denmark. In this study, 1500 participants with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease will be randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either the intervention: treatment in the CMC, or the control: standard of care. The Cardio-Metabolic Clinic applies a decision-making algorithm coded with the latest guidelines to evaluate lifestyle factors and manage medical treatment. Health examinations are conducted at baseline and after three years, and clinical events will be assessed through registry and journal audits after five and ten years. The primary outcome is the time to the first occurrence of a composite of cardiovascular deaths, non-fatal acute myocardial infarctions, non-fatal stroke, or hospitalization due to heart failure at a time frame of five years., Discussion: The Cardio-Metabolic Clinic represents a pioneering approach to diabetes management that aims to improve patient outcomes by reducing the cardiovascular disease burden. This study could transform diabetes care and offer a multidisciplinary, cost-effective, and specialized treatment. We need to establish the efficacy and feasibility of a CMC to integrate comparable clinics into broader healthcare systems, and potentially enhance cardiovascular health in patients with type 2 diabetes., Trial Registration Number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06203860., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: This study prospectively investigated injury prevalence, incidence, and burden in male elite under-17 football players ( N  = 223 ) during a full season., Methods: The players weekly completed a standardized web-based injury survey (OSTRC-H2) and a physical exposure report throughout the study., Results: Average weekly response rate was 89.5%. Football exposure accounted for 52.4% of total physical exposure. On average (±SD), the players participated in individual football, strength, and rehabilitation practices for 1.2 ± 1.5, 3.0 ± .2.1, and 1.9 ± 3.4 h/week, respectively. In total, 742 health problems were reported. Mean weekly prevalence of health problems, injuries and illnesses were 20.1%, 16.5% and 3.8%, respectively. The injury incidence per 1,000 h of football exposure, match play and team practice were 8.28 (95% CI: 7.54-9.08), 16.77 (95% CI: 13.65-20.4), and 7.24 (95% CI: 6.5-8.04), respectively. Sudden-onset and gradual-onset injuries accounted for 36.7% and 43.4% of the total proportion of health problems. Hip/groin injuries had the highest incidence (1.58/1,000 h), whereas knee injuries had the highest burden (20.86 days lost/1,000 h). On average, the players experienced 3.33 health problems (average duration: 7.8 days). On average pr. player, 2.7 (95% CI: 2.2-3.3) wks of football exposure were lost., Conclusion: Sudden and gradual-onset injuries influenced player availability during the season. Health problem prevalence fluctuated markedly, and injury incidence was higher during match play than training. The players had substantial volumes of training beyond football-specific training and matches. Our findings could assist medical and sports science practitioneers in enhancing training and recovery processes to maximize player availability., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Andersen, Drevsfeldt, Möller and Møller.)

Aim: To study differences in total load exposure, wellness, and psychological variables in youth female ( N  = 19) and male ( N  = 20) national team football players during domestic and international playing periods, respectively., Procedures: The players filled out questionnaires on well-being, stress, and resilience before and after both playing periods lasting 8 days each. The Hooper index was used to monitor daily wellness levels during both playing periods. The number of training sessions and matches were recorded, and the session rating of perceived exertion was collected. Training load, monotony, and strain were calculated. Daily measurements were used to evaluate in-period changes, and composite scores were used to describe differences between periods., Results: The international compared to the domestic playing period was for both groups characterized by more matches played, longer field training session durations, and of fewer gym-based sessions ( P  < 0.05). The male players increased total exposure time (25%; P  < 0.05), monotony ( P  < 0.001), and strain ( P  < 0.001), which was not changed in the female players. Well-being decreased ( P  < 0.05) during the international playing period in male players. Stress levels were higher ( P  < 0.05) for both genders during the international compared to the domestic playing period. During the international playing period, positive correlations were found between the initial levels of stress, and the change in stress ( P  = 0.03; r 2  = 0.12), and between the changes in total load and changes in well-being ( P  = 0.02; r 2  = 0.12), whereas a negative correlation was found between the changes in wellness and stress ( P  = 0.03; r 2  = 0.14)., Conclusion: A playing period characterized by increased match focus, longer field training sessions, and fewer gym-based training activities may lead to changes in the physical and mental profiles of youth national team football players. Alterations to load exposure and wellness may influence mental health. Players with high initial stress levels may be subjected to greater changes compared to other players. Sports scientists and medical staff may benefit from initiating structured monitoring systems to track alterations in physical load and mental health in youth national team players., Competing Interests: TA, EM, and CL were employed at the Danish Football Association during the data collection period. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Andersen, Kästner, Arvig, Larsen and Madsen.)

Background and Aims: Insulin resistance (IR) and pre-diabetes are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to investigate vulnerable plaque composition in relation to IR and pre-diabetes in asymptomatic non-diabetic men., Methods: All participants underwent a contrast-enhanced coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to evaluate coronary artery plaque burden and plaque composition (necrotic core, dense calcium, fibrotic and fibrous-fatty volume). Homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) was used, and participants were stratified into tertiles. Participants underwent a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and were categorized into 2 groups (normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or pre-diabetes). A multivariable linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between vulnerable plaque composition and IR or glycemic group., Results: Four-hundred-and-fifty non-diabetic men without known CAD were included. The mean age was 70 ± 3 years. Participants in the higher HOMA-IR tertile (H-IR) had higher median necrotic plaque volume compared to the lower HOMA-IR tertile (L-IR) (18.2 vs. 11.0 mm 3 , p = 0.02). H-IR tertile (β 0.37 [95% CI 0.10-0.65], p = 0.008), pack-years (β 0.07 [95% CI 0.007-0.14], p = 0.03) and total atheroma volume (TAV) (β 0.47 [95% CI 0.36-0.57], p < 0.001) remained associated with necrotic plaque volume in the multivariable linear regression model., Conclusions: IR was associated with necrotic plaque volume in asymptomatic men without diabetes. Thus, even in asymptomatic men without diabetes, IR seems to have an incremental effect on necrotic plaque volume and vulnerable plaque composition., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: In recent years, the waiting time for outpatient echocardiography has been increasing. This has potential consequences for patients with de novo systolic heart failure (HF). Thus, screening methods for HF are needed. One method may be electrocardiogram (ECG). We assessed the diagnostic value of the ECG in identifying HF with reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients referred from primary care., Methods: A 2020-2021 observational retrospective study was conducted on patients referred from primary care on suspicion of HF. All patients had ECG performed before LVEF was documented by echocardiography., Results: In total, 248 patients (61.5%) presented with an abnormal ECG. Among these patients, 4.8% had LVEF 41-49% and 7.7% had LVEF ≤ 40%. An abnormal ECG was found to be associated with reduced LVEF. The negative predictive value of the ECG was 99%, regardless of whether the ECG was interpreted by the cardiologist or automatically. Adding the ECG to a logistic model with traditional risk factors, the ECG increased the area under curve from 0.72 to 0.79., Conclusion: This study is the first study to assess the value of automatic ECG interpretation compared with a cardiologist's interpretation. The normal ECG can safely exclude HF with LVEF less-than 50% and may serve as a gatekeeping tool to further assist the primary care physician in identifying patients with de novo systolic HF., Funding: None., Trial Registration: Not relevant., (Articles published in the DMJ are “open access”. This means that the articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial License, which permits any non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.)

We investigated whether prediabetes diagnosed by hemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) could predict presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in symptomatic patients. The presence of plaque, stenosis, plaque characteristics, and coronary artery calcium (CAC) were evaluated by coronary CT angiography in 702 patients with suspicion of CAD. Patients were classified by glycemic status using the American Diabetes Association criteria for HbA1c and OGTT, and compared to their respective normal ranges. Prediabetes was observed in 24% by HbA1c and 72% by OGTT. Both prediabetes classifications were associated with increased presence of plaque, stenosis, calcified plaques, CAC >400, and a lower frequency of zero CAC compared to their respective normal range (all, p < 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounders, patients with HbA1c-prediabetes had an odds ratio of 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3-3.5) for CAC >400 and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.0-2.4) for plaque presence, while none of the associations for OGTT-prediabetes were significant. The receiver operating characteristic-curve for HbA1c-prediabetes showed an area under the curve of 0.81 for CAC >400 and 0.77 for plaque presence. Prediabetes defined by HbA1c predicts presence and severity of CAD. Although OGTT identified more patients with prediabetes, their risk of CAD were not explained by prediabetes using these diagnostic-criteria.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the association between clinically indicated liraglutide treatment and coronary artery plaque progression during 1-year follow-up in asymptomatic diabetes., Methods: Patients were divided into a group receiving liraglutide (Lira+) and a group not receiving liraglutide (Lira-). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) was performed to assess total atheroma volume (TAV) and subtypes of plaque volumes (dense calcium, fibrous, fibrous-fatty, and necrotic core plaque) and the plaque progression during one year follow-up., Results: Fifty-five patients (27%) receiving liraglutide and 149 (73%) how did not were included. Changes in TAV during 1-year of follow-up were similar in the two groups (38 ± 180 (Lira+) vs. -1 ± 160 mm 3 (Lira-), P = 0.13). A greater increase in fibrous plaque volume was seen in the Lira + vs. the Lira- group (34 ± 129 vs. -2 ± 101 mm 3 , P = 0.04). Changes over 1-year in the other plaque subtypes were similar in the two groups. Treatment duration of liraglutide was not associated with changes in TAV., Conclusion: In patients with T2D without known prior coronary artery disease, liraglutide treatment was associated with a significant increase in coronary artery fibrous plaque volume during 1-year follow-up., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

In this study, seven roads and parking lots were sampled by a road surface cleaning truck and approximately 100 kg of particulate material was collected per site. Thereafter, the samples were analysed for microplastics, including tyre wear particles. The analyses revealed that tyre wear constituted 0.09 % of the dry mass of the samples on average. Other plastic types were also identified in the samples, but at on average 49 times lower concentrations compared to tyre wear particles. Although the roads and parking lots were used for residential, industrial, and commercial purposes, no correlation between land use and the total concentrations of microplastics was identified. Of microplastics other than tyre wear particles, polypropylene constituted an important fraction in all samples, whereas other polymers were present at various degrees. The contents of heavy metals, sulphur, and total organic carbon were also measured in the samples, but no correlation between them and microplastics was determined. A back-of-the-envelope estimation indicated that the tyre wear material retained by permeable pavements constituted a non-negligible fraction of the total mass of microplastics released on roads and parking lots. Therefore, permeable pavements can serve as a tool for the management of this pollutant., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Vascular inflammation can be detected in the pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) attenuation. Treatment with liraglutide is associated with anti-inflammatory effects and reduces cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. This study is aimed at examining the effect of clinically indicated liraglutide on PCAT attenuation. Asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and without known ischemic heart disease underwent clinical examination, blood analysis, and CCTA. The main coronary arteries were outlined and PCAT attenuation was measured on the proximal 40 mm. Patients treated with liraglutide on a clinical indication were compared to patients not receiving liraglutide. The study included 190 patients; 53 (28%) received liraglutide (Lira+) and 137 (72%) did not (Lira-). There were no significant differences in PCAT attenuation between the two groups in either artery. However, PCAT attenuation measured around the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was lower in the Lira+ group after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and T2DM duration ( b coefficient -2.4, p = 0.029). In a population of cardiac asymptomatic T2DM patients, treatment with clinically indicated liraglutide was not associated with differences in PCAT attenuation compared to nonliraglutide treatment in the unadjusted model. An association was seen in the adjusted model for the left anterior descending artery, possibly indicating an anti-inflammatory effect., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper. The first author did not receive any salary and the last author is employed at the University of Southern Denmark., (Copyright © 2023 Irmelin I. A. Biesenbach et al.)

Background: Aging and sedentary behavior are independent risk factors for non-communicable diseases. An active lifestyle and structured physical activity are positively associated with a healthier quality of life in the elderly. Here, we explored the proteomic/metabolomic muscular signature induced by lifelong football training associated with successful aging., Methods: The study was performed on nine lifelong football players (67.3 ± 2.8 yrs) and nine aged-matched untrained subjects. We performed a proteomic/metabolomic approach on V. lateralis muscle biopsies; the obtained data were analyzed by means of different bioinformatic tools., Results: Our results indicated that lifelong football training is able to enhance the muscles' oxidative capacity in the elderly by promoting fatty acids as preferential energetic substrates and hence determining a healthier body composition and metabolic profile; furthermore, we showed that the total polyamine content is higher in lifelong football players' muscle, enforcing the involvement of polyamines in muscle growth and hypertrophy., Conclusions: Lifelong football training, as a structured physical activity, significantly influences the expression of the proteins and metabolites involved in oxidative metabolism and muscle hypertrophy associated with successful aging.

This study explored 12 cancer patients' experiences from participating in an online and on-site Shared Reading group for 16 weeks in Norway. Shared Reading is a practice in which prose and poetry are read aloud in small parts and discussed along the way. The study is a qualitative evaluation study with a particular focus on how the participants experienced the reading group supported their life living with cancer. The study was mainly based on the data collected from focus group discussions with the participants, which was analysed qualitatively through open coding. In total, four themes were identified: (1) open space, (2) disconnecting through connecting, (3) community, and (4) resonances and echoes. The participants expressed that the RG helped them to "balance life and cancer", and "disconnect" from their illness. The cognitive effort needed was beneficial for the participants as a form for "cognitive training." Since many of the participants had, due to their illness, completely stopped reading books, the reading group also brought literature back into the participants' lives. Furthermore, it was essential for the participants to feel they contributed to a community, to feel useful and valuable for others. The texts were also important, as some of them resonated strongly with the participants in the way of activating memories and connecting a text to own experiences. After a session, a text could still have an impact as an echo. The results are synthesised, discussed, and supported through the framework of self-determination theory and, more specifically, the basic psychological need theory. The reading group was experienced as a support for autonomy, competence, and relatedness and promoted a feeling of intrinsic motivation that brought about new dimensions in the participants' lives. The study wishes to increase our knowledge of the benefits of integrating Shared Reading groups as a low-cost, literature-based psychosocial support in cancer organisations., Competing Interests: The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Andersen.)

Deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) is a technique that should reduce noise and improve image quality. This study assessed the impact of using both higher tube currents as well as DLIR on the image quality and diagnostic accuracy. The study consisted of 51 symptomatic obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) patients with low to moderate risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). All patients underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) twice, first with the Revolution CT scanner and then with the upgraded Revolution Apex scanner with the ability to increase tube current. Images were reconstructed using ASiR-V 50% and DLIR. The image quality was evaluated by an observer using a Likert score and by ROI measurements in aorta and the myocardium. Image quality was significantly improved with the Revolution Apex scanner and reconstruction with DLIR resulting in an odds ratio of 1.23 (p = 0.017), and noise was reduced by 41%. A total of 88% of the image sets performed with Revolution Apex + DLIR were assessed as good enough for diagnosis compared to 69% of the image sets performed with Revolution Apex/CT + ASiR-V. In obese patients, the combination of higher tube current and DLIR significantly improves the subjective image quality and diagnostic utility and reduces noise.

Background: High-risk coronary artery plaque (HRP) is associated with increased risk of acute coronary syndrome. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of HRP in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and its relation to patient characteristics including cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes profile, and coronary artery calcium score (CACS)., Methods: Asymptomatic patients with T2D and no previous coronary artery disease (CAD) were studied using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in this descriptive study. Plaques with two or more high-risk features (HRP) defined by low attenuation, positive remodeling, spotty calcification, and napkin-ring sign were considered HRP. In addition, total atheroma volume (TAV), proportions of dense calcium, fibrous, fibrous-fatty and necrotic core volumes were assessed. The CACS was obtained from non-enhanced images by the Agatston method. Cardiovascular and diabetic profiles were assessed in all patients., Results: In 230 patients CCTA was diagnostic and 161 HRP were detected in 86 patients (37%). Male gender (OR 4.19, 95% CI 1.99-8.87; p < 0.01), tobacco exposure in pack years (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03; p = 0.03), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.07; p < 0.01) were independent predictors of HRP. No relationship was found to other risk factors. HRP was not associated with increased CACS, and 13 (23%) patients with zero CACS had at least one HRP., Conclusion: A high prevalence of HRP was detected in this population of asymptomatic T2D. The presence of HRP was associated with a particular patient profile, but was not ruled out by the absence of coronary artery calcium. CCTA provides important information on plaque morphology, which may be used to risk stratify this high-risk population. Trial registration This trial was retrospectively registered at clinical trials.gov January 11, 2017 trial identifier NCT03016910., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Reduced left ventricular function, assessed by global longitudinal strain (GLS), is sometimes observed in asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and is often present in patients with diabetes-related microvascular complications. Our aim was to assess the association between microvascular complications, coronary artery plaque burden (PB) and GLS in asymptomatic patients with DM and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD)., Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients with DM without any history, symptoms or objective evidence of obstructive CAD. All patients were identified in the outpatient Clinic of Endocrinology at Odense University Hospital Svendborg. An echocardiography and a coronary computed tomography angiography were performed to assess GLS and the degree of CAD, respectively. A coronary artery stenosis < 50% was considered non-obstructive. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the impact of potential confounders on GLS with adjustment of body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), microvascular complications, type of diabetes, tissue Doppler average early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (e') and PB., Results: Two hundred and twenty-two patients were included, of whom 172 (77%) had type 2 DM and 50 (23%) had type 1 diabetes. One hundred and eleven (50%) patients had microvascular complications. GLS decreased as the burden of microvascular complications increased (P-trend = 0.01): no microvascular complications, GLS (- 16.4 ± 2.5%), 1 microvascular complication (- 16.0 ± 2.5%) and 2-3 microvascular complications (- 14.9 ± 2.8%). The reduction in GLS remained significant after multivariable adjustment (β 0.50 [95% CI 0.11-0.88], p = 0.01). BMI (β 0.12 [95% CI 0.05-0.19]) and MAP (β 0.05 [95% CI 0.01-0.08]) were associated with reduced GLS. In addition, an increased number of microvascular complications was associated with increased PB (β 2.97 [95% CI 0.42-5.51], p = 0.02) in a univariable linear regression model, whereas there was no significant association between PB and GLS., Conclusions: The burden of microvascular complications was associated with reduced GLS independent of other cardiovascular risk factors in asymptomatic patients with DM and non-obstructive CAD. In addition, the burden of microvascular complications was associated with increasing PB, whereas PB was not associated with GLS.

Printed electronics is simultaneously one of the most intensely studied emerging research areas in science and technology and one of the fastest growing commercial markets in the world today. For the past decade the potential for organic electronic (OE) materials to revolutionize this printed electronics space has been widely promoted. Such conviction in the potential of these carbon-based semiconducting materials arises from their ability to be dissolved in solution, and thus the exciting possibility of simply printing a range of multifunctional devices onto flexible substrates at high speeds for very low cost using standard roll-to-roll printing techniques. However, the transition from promising laboratory innovations to large scale prototypes requires precise control of nanoscale material and device structure across large areas during printing fabrication. Maintaining this nanoscale material control during printing presents a significant new challenge that demands the coupling of OE materials and devices with clever nanoscience fabrication approaches that are adapted to the limited thermodynamic levers available. In this review we present an update on the strategies and capabilities that are required in order to manipulate the nanoscale structure of large area printed organic photovoltaic (OPV), transistor and bioelectronics devices in order to control their device functionality. This discussion covers a range of efforts to manipulate the electroactive ink materials and their nanostructured assembly into devices, and also device processing strategies to tune the nanoscale material properties and assembly routes through printing fabrication. The review finishes by highlighting progress in printed OE devices that provide a feedback loop between laboratory nanoscience innovations and their feasibility in adapting to large scale printing fabrication. The ability to control material properties on the nanoscale whilst simultaneously printing functional devices on the square metre scale is prompting innovative developments in the targeted nanoscience required for OPV, transistor and biofunctional devices.

Currently, large-scale roll-to-roll production of printed organic photovoltaics (OPVs) involves high temperature annealing steps that are not compatible with thermally sensitive substrates, such as coated fabrics. In particular, the processing temperatures needed to produce the required crystalline ordering in the printed films are typically above the deformation and melting-points of these substrates. In this paper we investigate the use of local solvent recrystallisation (solvent annealing) on the roll-to-roll scale as a method for avoiding high-temperature thermal annealing. Solvent annealing was performed by slot-die coating a mixture of chloroform and methanol over a previously printed P3HT IC X A active layer film. Peak device performance was found for the 30% chloroform/70% methanol annealing case which increased device performance by a factor of 4 over the not treated devices., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Lonicera japonica flos (LJF), the dried flower buds of L. japonica Thunb., have been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years. Recent studies have reported that LJF has many medicinal properties because of its antioxidative, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. LJF is widely used in China in foods and healthcare products, and is contained in more than 30% of current traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. Because of this, many Chinese villages cultivate LJF instead of traditional crops due to its high commercial value in the herbal medicine market. Since 2005, the flower buds of L. japonica are the only original LJF parts considered according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, for historical and commercial reasons, some closely related species of Lonicera Linn . continue to be mislabeled and used as LJF. Currently, there are hundreds of commercial varieties of LJF on the market and it is difficult to choose fine LJF varieties to cultivate. In this study, a total of 21 varieties labeled as LJF on the market were planted in the Hailuogou area. In order to choose the optimum variety, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence alignment analysis was used to test whether the 21 varieties were genuine LJF or not. Cluster analysis of active components based on the content of chlorogenic acid and luteoloside in flower buds, stems and leaves was used to evaluate the quality of the varieties. Results demonstrated that four of the varieties were L. macranthoides Hand.-Mazz., while the other 17 varieties were L. japonica , and genuine LJF. The ITS sequence analysis was proven to be highly effective in identifying LJF and Lonicerae flos. Among the 17 L. japonica varieties, the amounts of chlorogenic acid and luteoloside in flower buds, stems and leaves were significantly different. Based on the cluster analysis method, the variety H11 was observed to have the highest level of active components, and is therefore recommended for large-scale planting in the Hailuogou area., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Purpose: Training intensity and health effects of football were investigated gender specifically in individuals with prediabetes., Methods: Participants with prediabetes (age 60 ± 6 years) were randomised into a football and dietary advice group (FD-men n = 13 and FD-women n = 14) or a dietary advice only group (D-men n = 12 and D-women n = 11). FD performed football training (twice/week for 16 weeks), while both groups received dietary advice. Body composition, bone variables, blood pressure, blood lipid profile and peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak ) were determined pre- and post-intervention., Results: Mean heart rate during football training was 79 ± 2 and 80 ± 3% HR max for FD-men and FD-women, respectively, with peak heart rate values of 96 ± 1 and 97 ± 2% HR max , with no gender differences. VO 2peak increased more (P < 0.05) in FD-men and FD-women than in D-men and D-women. However, relative delta change in VO 2peak was 21 ± 14% in FD-women, which was greater (P < 0.05) than in FD-men (11 ± 12%). Reduction in SBP and DBP, respectively, was similar in FD-men (- 10.8 ± 13.0 and - 7.3 ± 11.8 mmHg) and FD-women (- 11.3 ± 11.0 and - 7.1 ± 6.2 mmHg), with within-gender differences for men. Total plasma cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decreased (P < 0.05) by - 0.7 ± 1.1 and - 0.5 ± 0.9 mmol L -1 , respectively, in FD-women and - 0.2 ± 0.4 and - 0.2 ± 0.3 mmol L -1 in FD-men, with no significant gender differences (P = 0.08). Body fat content was lowered (P < 0.05) by 3 and 4%-points in FD-men and FD-women, respectively., Conclusion: Gender-mixed football training combined with dietary advice causes broad-spectrum health effects for men and women with prediabetes, with minor gender-specific differences. Thus, the intensity and training-induced effects of football training are also high for elderly women with prediabetes.

Identifying structural limitations in O 2 transport is primarily restricted by current methods employed to characterize the nature of physiological remodeling. Inadequate resolution or breadth of available data has impaired development of routine diagnostic protocols and effective therapeutic strategies. Understanding O 2 transport within striated muscle faces major challenges, most notably in quantifying how well individual fibers are supplied by the microcirculation, which has necessitated exploring tissue O 2 supply using theoretical modeling of diffusive exchange. With capillary domains identified as a suitable model for the description of local O 2 supply and requiring less computation than numerically calculating the trapping regions that are supplied by each capillary via biophysical transport models, we sought to design a high-throughput method for histological analysis. We present an integrated package that identifies optimal protocols for identification of important input elements, processing of digitized images with semiautomated routines, and incorporation of these data into a mathematical modeling framework with computed output visualized as the tissue partial pressure of O 2 (Po 2 ) distribution across a biopsy sample. Worked examples are provided using muscle samples from experiments involving rats and humans. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Progress in quantitative morphometry and analytical modeling has tended to develop independently. Real diagnostic power lies in harnessing both disciplines within one user-friendly package. We present a semiautomated, high-throughput tool for determining muscle phenotype from biopsy material, which also provides anatomically relevant input to quantify tissue oxygenation, in a coherent package not previously available to nonspecialist investigators.

Aging is a physiological process characterized by a progressive decline of biological functions and an increase in destructive processes in cells and organs. Physical activity and exercise positively affects the expression of skeletal muscle markers involved in longevity pathways. Recently, a new mechanism, autophagy, was introduced to the adaptations induced by acute and chronic exercise as responsible of positive metabolic modification and health-longevity promotion. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating autophagy in response to physical activity and exercise are sparsely described. We investigated the long-term adaptations resulting from lifelong recreational football training on the expression of skeletal muscle markers involved in autophagy signaling. We demonstrated that lifelong football training increased the expression of messengers: RAD23A, HSPB6, RAB1B, TRAP1, SIRT2, and HSBPB1, involved in the auto-lysosomal and proteasome-mediated protein degradation machinery; of RPL1, RPL4, RPL36, MRLP37, involved in cellular growth and differentiation processes; of the Bcl-2, HSP70, HSP90, PSMD13, and of the ATG5-ATG12 protein complex, involved in proteasome promotion and autophagy processes in muscle samples from lifelong trained subjects compared to age-matched untrained controls. In conclusion, our results indicated that lifelong football training positively influence exercise-induced autophagy processes and protein quality control in skeletal muscle, thus promoting healthy aging.

In this study we have optimised the preparation conditions for large-volume nanoparticle inks, based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):indene-C 60 multiadducts (ICxA), through two purification processes: centrifugal and crossflow ultrafiltration. The impact of purification is twofold: firstly, removal of excess sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant from the ink and, secondly, concentration of the photoactive components in the ink. The removal of SDS was studied in detail both by a UV-vis spectroscopy-based method and by surface tension measurements of the nanoparticle ink filtrate; revealing that centrifugal ultrafiltration removed SDS at a higher rate than crossflow ultrafiltration even though a similar filter was applied in both cases (10,000 Da M w cut-off). The influence of SDS concentration on the aqueous solar nanoparticle (ASNP) inks was investigated by monitoring the surface morphology/topography of the ASNP films using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photovoltaic device performance as a function of ultrafiltration (decreasing SDS content). The surface morphology/topography showed, as expected, a decreased number of SDS crystallites on the surface of the ASNP film with increased ultrafiltration steps. The device performance revealed distinct peaks in efficiency with ultrafiltration: centrifuge purified inks reached a maximum efficiency at a dilution factor of 7.8 × 10 4 , while crossflow purified inks did not reach a maximum efficiency until a dilution factor of 6.1 × 10 9 . This difference was ascribed to the different wetting properties of the prepared inks and was further corroborated by surface tension measurements of the ASNP inks which revealed that the peak efficiencies for both methods occurred for similar surface tension values of 48.1 and 48.8 mN m -1 . This work demonstrates that addressing the surface tension of large-volume ASNP inks is key to the reproducible fabrication of nanoparticle photovoltaic devices.

Purpose: We investigated whether lifelong football training affects the expression of healthy longevity-related muscle molecular markers., Methods: Biopsies were collected from the vastus lateralis muscle of 10 lifelong football-trained men (68.2 ± 3.0 years) and of 10 active untrained healthy men (66.7 ± 1.3 years). Gene and protein expression was measured by RTqPCR on RNA and by western blotting on protein extracts from muscle biopsies, respectively., Results: The expression of AMPKα1/α2, NAMPT, TFAM and PGC1α, which are markers of oxidative metabolism, and MyHC β isoform expression was higher in the muscle of football-trained men vs untrained men. Also citrate synthase activity was higher in trained than in untrained men (109.3 ± 9.2 vs 75.1 ± 9.2 mU/mg). These findings were associated with a healthier body composition in trained than in untrained men [body weight: 78.2 ± 6.5 vs 91.2 ± 11.2 kg; body mass index BMI: 24.4 ± 1.6 vs 28.8 ± 4.0 kg m -2 ; fat%: 22.6 ± 8.0 vs 31.4 ± 5.0%)] and with a higher maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max: 34.7 ± 3.8 vs 27.3 ± 4.0 ml/min/kg). Also the expression of proteins involved in DNA repair and in senescence suppression (Erk1/2, Akt and FoxM1) was higher in trained than in untrained men. At BMI- and age-adjusted multiple linear regression analysis, fat percentage was independently associated with Akt protein expression, and VO 2 max was independently associated with TFAM mRNA and with Erk1/2 protein expression., Conclusions: Lifelong football training increases the expression of key markers involved in muscle oxidative metabolism, and in the DNA repair and senescence suppression pathways, thus providing the molecular basis for healthy longevity.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of postponing restorative intervention of manifest occlusal caries in young, permanent dentition by non-invasive sealing. This RCT-designed study included 521 occlusal lesions in 521 patients aged 6 to 17 y. Based on clinical and radiographic assessments, all lesions required restorative treatment. After randomization (ratio 2:1), 368 resin sealings and 153 composite-resin restorations were performed by 68 dentists in 9 municipalities. The primary aims were to 1) analyze survival of sealings until replacement by restoration, 2) compare longevity of sealings and restorations until retreatments, and 3) compare effectiveness of sealings and restorations to halt caries progression in sealed lesions and beneath restorations. Furthermore, we aimed to identify factors influencing longevity and the effectiveness of sealings and restorations. Treatments were annually controlled, clinically and radiographically. After 7 y, the drop out rate was 8%, and 54% of the treatments were completed due to age. Of the sealings, 48% were retreated, including 31% replaced by restorations; 12% were still functioning. Of the restorations, 7% were repaired/renewed and 20% were still functioning. No endodontics was performed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression survival analyses were performed on 341 sealings and 152 restorations in first and second molar teeth. The 7-y survival was 37% (CI, 29% to 45%) for sealings and 91% (CI, 85% to 96%) for restorations (P < 0.001). The median survival time for sealings not replaced by restorations was 7.3 y (CI, 6.4 y to NA). Survival of sealings was increased in patients with low caries risk and/or excellent oral hygiene, second molars compared with first molars, and lesions not extending the middle one-third of the dentin. Survival of sealings was not influenced by municipality, sex, eruption stage or clinical surface cavitation. The results underline that it is possible to postpone or avoid restorative intervention of occlusal dentin caries lesions in young permanent teeth by non-invasive sealing. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The first restoration can ultimately be fatal for a young permanent tooth. A restoration may not be the final treatment but the start of an ongoing treatment with still more loss of tooth substance. The present study shows the possibility of treating occlusal dentin caries lesions with non-invasive resin sealings instead of conventional resin composite restorations in children and adolescents. Improved oral health can be expected.

Purpose: A decline in physical capacity takes place with increasing age that negatively affects overall physical function including work ability and the ability to perform typical activities of daily living (ADL). The overall aim of the present study was to determine the neuromuscular adaptations to long-term (1 year) football and strength training in older untrained adults, and to assess the concurrent effect on functional ADL capacity., Methods: Twenty-seven healthy elderly males (68.2 ± 3.2 years) were randomly assigned to 12 months of either recreational football training (FT: n = 10), strength training (ST: n = 9) or served as inactive controls (CON: n = 8). Recreational football training consisted of small-sided training sessions whereas strength training consisted of high intensity exercises targeting the lower extremity and upper body. Maximal thigh muscle strength and rate of force development (RFD) were assessed with isokinetic dynamometry, while postural balance and vertical jumping performance were evaluated using force plate analysis. Furthermore, functional ability was evaluated by stair-ascent and chair-rising testing., Results: A total of nine, nine and seven participants from FT, ST and CON, respectively, were included in the analysis. Both exercise regimens led to substantial gains in functional ability, evidenced by 24 and 18 % reduced stair-ascent time, and 32 and 21 % increased chair-rising performance in FT and ST, respectively (all P < 0.05). Long-term strength training led to increased concentric (14 %; P < 0.01) and isometric (23 %; P < 0.001) quadriceps and isometric hamstring strength (44 %; P < 0.0001), whereas football training mainly resulted in enhanced hamstring strength (18 %, P < 0.05) and RFD (89 %, P < 0.0001)., Conclusions: Long-term (1 year) strength training led to increased quadriceps and hamstring strength, whereas the adaptations to football training mainly included enhanced strength and rapid force capacity of the hamstring muscles. Gains in functional ability were observed in response to both training regimens, evidenced by reduced stair-ascent time and increased chair-rising performance. Long-term football exercise and strength training both appear to be effective interventional strategies to improve factors of importance for ADL by counteracting the age-related decline in lower limb strength and functional capacity among old male adults. This could potentially be a way to improve work ability of senior workers.

The effects of 52 weeks of soccer or resistance training were investigated in untrained elderly men. The subjects aged 68.1±2.1 yrs were randomised into a soccer (SG; n = 9), a resistance (RG; n = 9) and a control group (CG; n = 8). The subjects in SG and RG, respectively, trained 1.7±0.3 and 1.8±0.3 times weekly on average during the intervention period. Muscle function and body composition were determined before and after 16 and 52 weeks of the intervention period. In SG, BMI was reduced by 1.5% and 3.0% (p<0.05) after 16 and 52 weeks, respectively, unchanged in RG and 2% higher (p<0.05) in CG after 52 weeks of the intervention period. In SG, the response to a glucose tolerance test was 16% lower (p<0.05) after 16 wks, but not after 52 wks, compared to before the intervention period, and unchanged in RG and CG. In SG, superoxide dismutase-2 expression was 59% higher (p<0.05) after 52 wks compared to before the intervention period, and unchanged in RG and CG. In RG, upper body lean mass was 3 and 2% higher (p<0.05) after 16 and 52 wks, respectively, compared to before the intervention period, and unchanged in SG and CG. In RG, Akt-2 expression increased by 28% (p<0.01) and follistatin expression decreased by 38% (p<0.05) during the 52-wk intervention period, and was unchanged in SG and CG. Thus, long-term soccer training reduces BMI and improves anti-oxidative capacity, while long-term resistance training impacts muscle protein enzyme expression and increases lean body mass in elderly men. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01530035.

Organic solar cells have great potential for upscaling due to roll-to-roll processing and a low energy payback time, making them an attractive sustainable energy source for the future. Active layers coated with water-dispersible Landfester particles enable greater control of the layer formation and easier access to the printing industry, which has reduced the use of organic solvents since the 1980s. Through ptychographic X-ray computed tomography (PXCT), we image quantitatively a roll-to-roll coated photovoltaic tandem stack consisting of one bulk heterojunction active layer and one Landfester particle active layer. We extract the layered morphology with structural and density information including the porosity present in the various layers and the silver electrode with high resolution in 3D. The Landfester particle layer is found to have an undesired morphology with negatively correlated top- and bottom interfaces, wide thickness distribution and only partial surface coverage causing electric short circuits through the layer. By top coating a polymer material onto the Landfester nanoparticles we eliminate the structural defects of the layer such as porosity and roughness, and achieve the increased performance larger than 1 V expected for a tandem cell. This study highlights that quantitative imaging of weakly scattering stacked layers of organic materials has become feasible by PXCT, and that this information cannot be obtained by other methods. In the present study, this technique specifically reveals the need to improve the coatability and layer formation of Landfester nanoparticles, thus allowing improved solar cells to be produced.

Large area, fullerene-free organic solar cells with improved stability and efficiency of up to 1% are fabricated by the roll-coating process on indium tin oxide free and flexible substrates, under ambient conditions.

The aim of the study was to determine whether lifelong football training may improve cardiovascular function, physical fitness, and body composition. Our subjects were 17 male veteran football players (VPG; 68.1 ± 2.1 years) and 26 healthy age-matched untrained men who served as a control group (CG; 68.2 ± 3.2 years). Examinations included measurements of cardiac function, microvascular endothelial function [reactive hyperemic index (RHI)], maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), and body composition. In VPG, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume was 20% larger (P < 0.01) and LV ejection fraction was higher (P < 0.001). Tissue Doppler imaging revealed an augmented LV longitudinal displacement, i.e., LV shortening of 21% (P < 0.001) and longitudinal 2D strain was 12% higher (P < 0.05), in VPG. In VPG, resting heart rate was lower (6 bpm, P < 0.05), and VO2max was higher (18%, P < 0.05). In addition, RHI was 21% higher (P < 0.05) in VPG. VPG also had lower body mass index (P < 0.05), body fat percentage, total body fat mass, android fat percentage, and gynoid fat percentage (all P < 0.01). Lifelong participation in football training is associated with better LV systolic function, physical fitness, microvascular function, and a healthier body composition. Overall, VPG have better cardiovascular function compared with CG, which may reduce their cardiovascular morbidity and mortality., (© 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The purpose of this study was to examine whether speed endurance training (SET, repeated 30-s sprints) and heavy resistance training (HRT, 80-90% of 1 repetition maximum) performed in succession are compatible and lead to performance improvements in moderately trained endurance runners. For an 8-wk intervention period (INT) 23 male runners [maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O(2max)) 59 ± 1 ml·min(-1)·kg(-1); values are means ± SE] either maintained their training (CON, n = 11) or performed high-intensity concurrent training (HICT, n = 12) consisting of two weekly sessions of SET followed by HRT and two weekly sessions of aerobic training with an average reduction in running distance of 42%. After 4 wk of HICT, performance was improved (P < 0.05) in a 10-km run (42:30 ± 1:07 vs. 44:11 ± 1:08 min:s) with no further improvement during the last 4 wk. Performance in a 1,500-m run (5:10 ± 0:05 vs. 5:27 ± 0:08 min:s) and in the Yo-Yo IR2 test (706 ± 97 vs. 491 ± 65 m) improved (P < 0.001) only following 8 wk of INT. In HICT, running economy (189 ± 4 vs. 195 ± 4 ml·kg(-1)·km(-1)), muscle content of NHE1 (35%) and dynamic muscle strength was augmented (P < 0.01) after compared with before INT, whereas V̇O(2max), muscle morphology, capillarization, content of muscle Na(+)/K(+) pump subunits, and MCT4 were unaltered. No changes were observed in CON. The present study demonstrates that SET and HRT, when performed in succession, lead to improvements in both short- and long-term running performance together with improved running economy as well as increased dynamic muscle strength and capacity for muscular H(+) transport in moderately trained endurance runners., (Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.)

The effects of 16 weeks of football or strength training on performance and functional ability were investigated in 26 (68.2 ± 3.2 years) untrained men randomized into a football (FG; n = 9), a strength training (ST; n = 9), or a control group (CO; n = 8). FG and ST trained 1.6 ± 0.1 and 1.5 ± 0.1 times per week, respectively, with higher (P < 0.05) average heart rate (HR) (∼140 vs 100 bpm) and time >90%HRmax (17 vs 0%) in FG than ST, and lower (P < 0.05) peak blood lactate in FG than ST (7.2 ± 0.9 vs 10.5 ± 0.6 mmol/L). After the intervention period (IP), VO₂ max (15%; P < 0.001), cycle time to exhaustion (7%; P < 0.05), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Level 1 performance (43%; P < 0.01) were improved in FG, but unchanged in ST and CO. HR during walking was 12% and 10% lower (P < 0.05) in FG and ST, respectively, after IP. After IP, HR and blood lactate during jogging were 7% (P < 0.05) and 30% lower (P < 0.001) in FG, but unchanged in ST and CO. Sit-to-stand performance was improved (P < 0.01) by 29% in FG and 26% in ST, but not in CO. In conclusion, football and strength training for old men improves functional ability and physiological response to submaximal exercise, while football additionally elevates maximal aerobic fitness and exhaustive exercise performance., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The aim of this study was to explore how and why participants in structured exercise intervention programs continue or stop exercising after the program is finished. We conducted four focus group interviews with four groups of middle-aged and elderly men (total n = 28) who had participated in exercise interventions involving playing either a team sport (football) or a more individually focused activity (spinning and crossfit). Our results show that different social, organizational and material structures inherent in the different activities shape the subjects' enjoyment of exercise participation, as well as their intention and ability to continue being active. In conclusion, team sport activities seem to be intrinsically motivating to the participants through positive social interaction and play. They are therefore more likely to result in exercise continuation than activities that rely primarily on extrinsic motivation such as the expectation of improved health and well-being., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The effects of regular football training on glycemic control, body composition, and peak oxygen uptake (VO₂ peak) were investigated in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Twenty-one middle-aged men (49.8 ± 1.7 years ± SEM) with T2DM were divided into a football training group (FG; n = 12) and an inactive control group (CG; n = 9) during a 24-week intervention period (IP). During a 1-h football training session, the distance covered was 4.7 ± 0.2 km, mean heart rate (HR) was 83 ± 2% of HRmax, and blood lactate levels increased (P < 0.001) from 2.1 ± 0.3 to 8.2 ± 1.3 mmol/L. In FG, VO₂ peak was 11% higher (P < 0.01), and total fat mass and android fat mass were 1.7 kg and 12.8% lower (P < 0.001), respectively, after IP. After IP, the reduction in plasma glucose was greater (P = 0.02) in FG than the increase in CG, and in FG, GLUT-4 tended to be higher (P = 0.072) after IP. For glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1), an overall time effect (P < 0.01) was detected after 24 weeks. After IP, the number of capillaries around type I fibers was 7% higher (P < 0.05) in FG and 5% lower (P < 0.05) in CG. Thus, in men with T2DM, regular football training improves VO₂ peak, reduces fat mass, and may positively influence glycemic control., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This study examined the effect of recreational football and resistance training on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in elderly men. Twenty-six healthy sedentary men (age 68.2 ± 3.2 years) were randomized into three groups: football (F; n = 9) and resistance training (R; n = 9), completing 45-60 min training two to three times weekly, and inactive controls (C; n = 8). Before, after 4 months, and after 12 months, BMD in proximal femur (PF) and whole body (WB) were determined together with plasma osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type-1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and carboxy-terminal type-1 collagen crosslinks (CTX-1). In F, BMD in PF increased up to 1.8% (P < 0.05) from 0 to 4 months and up to 5.4% (P < 0.001) from 0 to 12 months; WB-BMD remained unchanged. After 4 and 12 months of football, OC was 45% and 46% higher (P < 0.001), and P1NP was 41% and 40% higher (P < 0.001) than at baseline, respectively. After 12 months, CTX-1 showed a main effect of 43% (P < 0.05). In R and C, BMD and BTM remained unchanged. In conclusion, 4 months of recreational football for elderly men had an osteogenic effect, which was further developed after 12 months, whereas resistance training had no effect. The anabolic response may be due to increased bone turnover, especially improved bone formation., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The study examined the effects of 1 year of football or strength training on cardiovascular function in 65- to 75-year-old men. Twenty-six untrained men (age: 68.2 ± 3.2 years) were randomized to football training (FTG; n = 9), strength training (STG; n = 9), or control (CG; n = 8). In FTG, left ventricular (LV) internal diastolic diameter, end-diastolic volume, and mass index were 8%, 21%, and 18% higher (P < 0.01), respectively, after 12 months, with no changes in STG and CG. After 12 months, LV ejection fraction was increased (P < 0.05) by 8% and 5% in FTG and STG, respectively, and systolic longitudinal two-dimensional strain by 8% and 6%, whereas right ventricular systolic function improved (P < 0.05) by 22% in FTG, but not in STG and CG. In FTG, LV diastolic mitral inflow (E/A) ratio and peak early diastolic velocity (E') improved (P < 0.05) by 25% and 12%, respectively, after 12 months, with no changes in STG and CG. In FTG, maximum oxygen uptake was 16% and 18% higher (P < 0.001) after 4 and 12 months, respectively, and resting heart rate was 6 and 8 beats per minute lower (P < 0.001), respectively, with no changes in STG and CG. In conclusion, football training elicited superior cardiovascular effects compared with strength training in elderly untrained men., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Menopause is associated with an accelerated decline in vascular function; however, whether this is an effect of age and/or menopause and how exercise training may affect this decline remains unclear. We examined a range of molecular measures related to vascular function in matched premenopausal and postmenopausal women before and after 12 wk of exercise training. Thirteen premenopausal and 10 recently postmenopausal [1.6 ± 0.3 (means ± SE) years after final menstrual period] women only separated by 3 yr (48 ± 1 vs. 51 ± 1 yr) were included. Before training, diastolic blood pressure, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and skeletal muscle expression of thromboxane A synthase were higher in the postmenopausal women compared with the premenopausal women, all indicative of impaired vascular function. In both groups, exercise training lowered diastolic blood pressure, the levels of sICAM-1, soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), as well as plasma and skeletal muscle endothelin-1. The vasodilator prostacyclin tended (P = 0.061) to be higher in plasma with training in the postmenopausal women only. These findings demonstrate that already within the first years after menopause, several biomarkers of vascular function are adversely altered, indicating that these biomarker changes are more related to hormonal changes than aging. Exercise training appears to have a positive impact on vascular function, as indicated by a marked improvement in the biomarker profile, in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Introduction: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which is worsened by physical inactivity. Subclinical myocardial dysfunction is associated with increased risk of heart failure and impaired prognosis in T2DM; however, it is not clear if exercise training can counteract the early signs of diabetic heart disease., Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soccer training on cardiac function, exercise capacity, and blood pressure in middle-age men with T2DM., Methods: Twenty-one men age 49.8 ± 1.7 yr with T2DM and no history of cardiovascular disease participated in a soccer training group (n = 12) that trained 1 h twice a week or a control group (n = 9) with no change in lifestyle. Examinations included comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography, measurements of blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption (V(˙)O(2max)), and intermittent endurance capacity before and after 12 and 24 wk. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was applied., Results: After 24 wk of soccer training, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter and volume were increased (P < 0.001) compared to baseline. LV longitudinal systolic displacement was augmented by 23% (P < 0.001) and global longitudinal two-dimensional strain increased by 10% (P < 0.05). LV diastolic function, determined by mitral inflow (E/A ratio) and peak diastolic velocity E', was increased by 18% (P < 0.01) and 29% (P < 0.001), respectively, whereas LV filling pressure E/E' was reduced by 15% (P = 0.05). Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures were all reduced by 8 mm Hg (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). V(˙)O(2max) and intermittent endurance capacity was 12% and 42% (P < 0.001) higher, respectively. No changes in any of the measured parameters were observed in control group., Conclusion: Regular soccer training improves cardiac function, increases exercise capacity, and lowers blood pressure in men with T2DM.

Aqueous nanoparticle dispersions of a series of three low-band-gap polymers poly[4,8-bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)benzo(1,2-b:4,5-b')dithiophene-alt-5,6-bis(octyloxy)-4,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)-5,5'-diyl] (P1), poly[(4,4'-bis(2-ethylhexyl)dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]silole)-2,6-diyl-alt-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)-4,7-diyl] (P2), and poly[2,3-bis-(3-octyloxyphenyl)quinoxaline-5,8-diyl-alt-thiophene-2,5-diyl] (P3) were prepared using ultrasonic treatment of a chloroform solution of the polymer and [6,6]-phenyl-C(61)-butyric acid methyl ester ([60]PCBM) mixed with an aqueous solution of sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS). The size of the nanoparticles was established using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) of the aqueous dispersions and by both atomic force microscopy (AFM) and using both grazing incidence SAXS (GISAXS) and grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) in the solid state as coated films. The aqueous dispersions were dialyzed to remove excess detergent and concentrated to a solid content of approximately 60 mg mL(-1). The formation of films for solar cells using the aqueous dispersion required the addition of the nonionic detergent FSO-100 at a concentration of 5 mg mL(-1). This enabled slot-die coating of high quality films with a dry thickness of 126 ± 19, 500 ± 25, and 612 ± 22 nm P1, P2, and P3, respectively for polymer solar cells. Large area inverted polymer solar cells were thus prepared based on the aqueous inks. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) reached for each of the materials was 0.07, 0.55, and 0.15% for P1, P2, and P3, respectively. The devices were prepared using coating and printing of all layers including the metal back electrodes. All steps were carried out using roll-to-roll (R2R) slot-die and screen printing methods on flexible substrates. All five layers were processed using environmentally friendly methods and solvents. Two of the layers were processed entirely from water (the electron transport layer and the active layer).