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An in-depth understanding of the electrode–electrolyte interaction and electrochemical reactions at the electrode–solution interfaces in rechargeable batteries is essential to develop novel electrolytes and electrode materials with high performance. In this perspective, we highlight the advantages of the interface-specific sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy on the studies of the electrode–solution interface for the Li-ion and Li—O2 batteries. The SFG studies in probing solvent adsorption structures and solid-electrolyte interphase formation for the Li-ion battery are briefly reviewed. Recent progress on the SFG study of the oxygen reaction mechanisms and stability of the electrolyte in the Li—O2 battery is also discussed. Finally, we present the current perspective and future directions in the SFG studies on the electrode–electrolyte interfaces toward providing deeper insight into the mechanisms of discharging/charging and parasitic reactions in novel rechargeable battery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about accurate prevalence and associated factors of deliberate self-harm (DSH) among adolescents in Asian countries. In this study, the prevalence and associated factors of DSH among adolescents in Japan were examined. Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey using an anonymous self-report questionnaire and enrolling 8,620 adolescents aged 12-15 and 9,484 aged 15-18. DSH in the previous 12 months was reported by 3.3% (95% CI, 2.9-3.7) of junior and 4.3% (3.9%-4.7%) of senior high school respondents. The prevalence was more than four times as high among girls as among boys for both age groups. DSH was further strongly associated with having suicidal thoughts, having depression/anxiety symptoms, and having used recreational drugs. These associated factors were similar for both sexes and for both older and younger teenagers. A substantial minority of adolescents present with DSH, even among those aged 12-15. The prevalence of DSH in Japan was in the lower ranges of those reported for Western countries. The identified associated factors were not dissimilar from those reported in the West. (Contains 3 tables.)

Background: We evaluated the efficacy of the factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban on the differentiation ability of vascular endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which play roles in vascular injury repair and atherogenesis. Antithrombotic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is challenging, and current guidelines recommend oral anticoagulant monotherapy 1 year or more after PCI. However, biological evidence of the pharmacological effects of anticoagulants is insufficient. Methods: EPC colony-forming assays were performed using peripheral blood-derived CD34-positive cells from healthy volunteers. Adhesion and tube formation of cultured EPCs were assessed in human umbilical cord-derived CD34-positive cells. Endothelial cell surface markers were assessed using flow cytometry, and Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation were examined using western blot analysis of EPCs. Adhesion, tube formation and endothelial cell surface marker expression was observed in EPCs transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2. Finally, EPC behaviors were assessed in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing PCI in whom warfarin was changed to rivaroxaban. Results: Rivaroxaban increased the number of large EPC colonies and increased the bioactivities of EPCs, including adhesion and tube formation. Rivaroxaban also increased vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1, VEGFR-2, Tie-2, and E-selectin expression as well as Akt and eNOS phosphorylation. PAR-2 knockdown increased the bioactivities of EPCs and endothelial cell surface marker expression. Patients in whom the number of large colonies increased after switching to rivaroxaban showed better vascular repair. Conclusions: Rivaroxaban increased the differentiation ability of EPCs, leading to potential advantages in the treatment of coronary artery disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 [MAdCAM-1] is upregulated in the vascular endothelium of the colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis [UC]. Although the association between MAdCAM-1 expression and mucosal inflammation has been discussed, the association with the clinical course of UC patients has not been reported. In this study we investigated not only the association between mucosal MAdCAM-1 expression and mucosal inflammation, but also its association with subsequent relapse in UC patients with clinical remission. Methods Eighty UC patients in remission who visited Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine for follow-up for 2 years were included. Biopsy samples were collected during colonoscopy, and transcriptional expression levels of UC-related cytokines and MAdCAM-1 were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. MAdCAM-1 mRNA expression and protein expression by immunohistochemistry were compared in patients who subsequently relapsed and those who remained in remission and were examined in relation to endoscopic findings, histological activity and cytokine expression. Results MAdCAM-1 expression was correlated with endoscopic severity, and significantly elevated in histologically active mucosa than inactive mucosa. Furthermore, MAdCAM-1 expression levels were closely correlated with those of several cytokines. MAdCAM-1 mRNA and protein expression were significantly higher in the relapse group than in the remission group, indicating that MAdCAM-1 expression in the mucosa is already elevated in UC patients in clinical remission who subsequently relapse. Conclusions MAdCAM-1 expression in the colonic mucosa of UC patients is related to mucosal inflammation and subsequent relapse; it may serve as a marker for both relapse and therapeutic effectiveness in UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafast hydrogen-bond fluctuation dynamics of water at charged monolayer interfaces were studied by the use of steady-state and 2D heterodyne-detected vibrational sum frequency generation (HD-VSFG) spectroscopy. Specifically, the effect of hydrogen-bond ability of the interface on the dynamics was investigated by comparing two monolayer interfaces that provide different hydrogen bond abilities: hydrogen bonding octadecylammonium (ODA) monolayer (pH = 2) and non-hydrogen bonding 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-trimethyl-ammonium propane (DPTAP) monolayer. The steady-state HD-VSFG spectra and their ionic strength dependence revealed that water molecules at both of ODA and DPTAP interfaces are H-down oriented, pointing their H away from the interface, and that the contributions of the electrical double layer in the interfacial spectra of these interfaces are comparable to each other. However, 2D HD-VSFG data clearly indicated that the ultrafast hydrogen-bond fluctuation of water at the ODA interface is significantly suppressed, compared to that at the DPTAP interfaces. The obtained results suggest that the hydrogen-bond fluctuation of the topmost interfacial water at a positively charged interface is significantly affected by the hydrogen-bonding ability of the interface even in the case that the interfacial water molecules act as a hydrogen-bond acceptor to the head group of the monolayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]