Oxidation-State Control of Nanoparticles Synthesized via Chemical Reduction Using Potential Diagrams

A general concept for oxidation-state control of nanoparticles synthesized via chemical reduction has been developed. By comparing kinetically determined mixed potential measured in reaction solution and thermodynamically drawn potential diagrams, e.g., potential–pH diagram, it is possible to know “what chemical species is stable in the reaction solution?.” It is predicted from potential diagrams that nanoparticles in different oxidation states can be selectively synthesized by controlling mixed potential. This concept is verified by selectively synthesizing Cu and Cu2O nanoparticles from CuO aqueous suspension via chemical reduction using the concept as an example. The dependency of mixed potential on pH and temperature is discussed in detail for the selective synthesis of nanoparticles

Oxidation-State Control of Nanoparticles Synthesized via Chemical Reduction Using Potential Diagrams

A general concept for oxidation-state control of nanoparticles synthesized via chemical reduction has been developed. By comparing kinetically determined mixed potential measured in reaction solution and thermodynamically drawn potential diagrams, e.g., potential–pH diagram, it is possible to know “what chemical species is stable in the reaction solution?.” It is predicted from potential diagrams that nanoparticles in different oxidation states can be selectively synthesized by controlling mixed potential. This concept is verified by selectively synthesizing Cu and Cu2O nanoparticles from CuO aqueous suspension via chemical reduction using the concept as an example. The dependency of mixed potential on pH and temperature is discussed in detail for the selective synthesis of nanoparticles

A survey of Japanese mothers on the effectiveness of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s revised HPV vaccine leaflet

Introduction: In June of 2013, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) suspended its position of strong recommendation for the routine immunization of young girls against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) because of reports of adverse reactions after the vaccination. For the next four years, the MHLW’s website warned about the significance of these adverse events. In January of 2018, MHLW’s website was modified to reflect a less negative stance. We have studied public awareness of MHLW’s revised leaflet in Japanese women whose daughters were of the targeted age for receiving the HPV vaccine and how this awareness influenced their intentions to get their daughters vaccinated. Materials and Methods: From June to December of 2018, a survey was conducted through the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at 14 different medical facilities. The questionnaire was distributed to women whose daughters were of the HPV–vaccine-targeted age. The survey measured their responses before and after being presented with the 2018-revised MHLW leaflet. Responses from 384 mothers were analyzed. Results: Before being presented with the leaflet, the survey found that the percentage of responder’s daughters already vaccinated was 6.5% (24/372). After reading the MHLW leaflet, an additional 6.9% (24/346) responded “I want to get my daughter vaccinated immediately”, and 37.6% (130/346) responded “I have positive feelings about HPV vaccination”. Discussion: By presenting the new MHLW leaflet at obstetrics and gynecology facilities, we expect to be able to effectively increase the HPV vaccination rate in Japan

A survey of 20-year-old Japanese women: how is their intention to undergo cervical cancer screening associated with their childhood HPV vaccination status?

Introduction In Japan, two groups of women, HPV vaccinated and unvaccinated, are approaching age 20, when they should begin cervical cancer screening. To improve Japan’s current poor cervical cancer screening rate, we need to know how these women are thinking about screening. Methods We conducted an internet survey of 20-y-old women, exploring their understanding of HPV and cervical cancer screening. We then gave them leaflets with basic information about HPV and cervical cancer, stressing the importance of early detection by screening. We analyzed the leaflet’s effects on their attitudes based on their vaccination status. Results Our study of 618 women found a significantly higher intention for engagement for cervical cancer screening in women HPV-vaccinated as teenagers (29% versus 17%). They were also more aware that: (1) HPV is transmitted by sexual intercourse (49.1% versus 39.2%); (2) the HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer (49.0% to 34.0%); and (3) the appropriate cervical cancer screening interval is every 2 y (63.3% versus 56.2%). Women in both groups responded well to the leaflet, with significant improvements in intention to receive screening. However, 65%-67% were not swayed. Discussion HPV-vaccinated women were more knowledgeable about cervical cancer and had a greater intention to receive screening. Our educational leaflet was moderately effective in both groups for increasing intentions to screen, but the majority in both groups were still resistant to screening. Conclusion Japan needs to develop more effective educational programs and tools to vigorously impart the importance of cervical cancer screening