Mapping drug smuggling networks in Japan: a social network analysis of trial documents.

This paper addresses a significant gap in drug market literature by examining high-level drug trafficking networks in Japan. We focus on three aspects: the structure of drug importation networks, the impact of transport methods on these structures, and the role of Japan's mafia, the yakuza. Using novel statistical techniques that extend exponential random graph models (ERGMs) to multi-network samples, we analyse 573 Japanese trial documents on wholesale drug importation.

The Utilisation of Digital Applications for Measuring Patient Outcomes Following Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies.

In the context of escalating obesity rates, bariatric surgery holds a crucial role in managing severely obese patients. With a demonstrated effectiveness in weight loss and with the advent of ambulatory surgery, bariatric surgery allows for a streamlined care pathway, ideally suited for postoperative surveillance using digital health applications. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of eHealth-delivered health services or support for adults undergoing bariatric surgery.

Binding of exogenous cyanide reveals new active-site states in [FeFe] hydrogenases.

[FeFe] hydrogenases are highly efficient metalloenyzmes for hydrogen conversion. Their active site cofactor (the H-cluster) is composed of a canonical [4Fe-4S] cluster ([4Fe-4S]) linked to a unique organometallic di-iron subcluster ([2Fe]). In [2Fe] the two Fe ions are coordinated by a bridging 2-azapropane-1,3-dithiolate (ADT) ligand, three CO and two CN ligands, leaving an open coordination site on one Fe where substrates (H and H) as well as inhibitors ( O, CO, HS) may bind.

Brain response to food odors is not associated with body mass index and obesity-related metabolic health measures.

Smell perception plays a role in eating behavior and might be involved in the development of obesity. In fact, olfactory function is impaired in obesity and might depend on metabolic health factors. To date, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear.

The Nonphysiological Reductant Sodium Dithionite and [FeFe] Hydrogenase: Influence on the Enzyme Mechanism.

[FeFe] hydrogenases are highly active enzymes for interconverting protons and electrons with hydrogen (H). Their active site H-cluster is formed of a canonical [4Fe-4S] cluster ([4Fe-4S]) covalently attached to a unique [2Fe] subcluster ([2Fe]), where both sites are redox active. Heterolytic splitting and formation of H takes place at [2Fe], while [4Fe-4S] stores electrons.

Reduced Olfactory Bulb Volume in Obesity and Its Relation to Metabolic Health Status.

Smell perception plays an important role in eating behavior and might be involved in body weight gain. Since a body of literature implies that olfactory perception and function is hampered in obesity, we here investigate neuroanatomical correlates of this phenomenon. We assessed olfactory bulb (OB) volume with magnetic resonance imaging in 67 healthy participants with a body mass index (BMI) from 18.

Emission solvatochromic, solid-state and aggregation-induced emissive α-pyrones and emission-tuneable 1-pyridines by Michael addition-cyclocondensation sequences.

Starting from substituted alkynones, α-pyrones and/or 1-pyridines were generated in a Michael addition-cyclocondensation with ethyl cyanoacetate. The peculiar product formation depends on the reaction conditions as well as on the electronic substitution pattern of the alkynone. While electron-donating groups furnish α-pyrones as main products, electron-withdrawing groups predominantly give the corresponding 1-pyridines.

[Cancer and Career? - A Qualitative Study of Job Status of Young Adult Cancer Survivors].

To examine the impact of cancer on work and education for AYA. Collect information about AYA's return to work/return to study. 18 AYA (10 female) aged 18 to 39 (m=27 years) at time of diagnosis completed a semi-structured interview.

How do young adults with cancer perceive social support? A qualitative study.

The social support of adolescents and young adults (AYA) has been studied very little. 18 interviews were conducted and evaluated with content analysis (inter-rater reliability = 0.87).

Prognostic relevance of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in carcinoma of unknown primary.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess whether F-FDG PET combined with x-ray CT (F-FDG PET/CT) findings have a prognostic impact in patients with carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP).

Patients And Methods: Seventy patients with CUP who were referred for F-FDG PET/CT were included. F-FDG PET/CT results were checked against available histologic diagnosis and follow-up data.

Natural history of acute pancreatitis: a long-term population-based study.

Objectives: It is unknown whether after an initial attack of acute pancreatitis, the inflamed gland heals completely, or whether and under what circumstances the disease progresses to chronic pancreatitis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the progression of disease from acute to chronic pancreatitis.

Methods: During a 20-year period, 532 patients who were hospitalized after an initial attack of acute pancreatitis were followed up for an average of 7.

Colorectal adenomas and diet: a case-control study. Colorectal Adenoma Study Group.

It has been postulated that high intakes of animal fat and protein and low intakes of fiber, calcium, and antioxidants increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Whether specific types of protein such as that from red meat are important, and whether vegetables might be key protective factors will also be considered in this study. Dietary intake over the past year was studied according to the diet history method by means of a case-control study in 184 cases and matched controls.

Relation of serum antioxidant vitamins to the risk of colorectal adenoma.

The relation between risk of colorectal adenoma and serum concentrations of vitamins A, C, E and carotene was examined in a population-based case-control study of 105 cases of colorectal adenoma and a similar number of hospital controls showing no polyps at colonoscopy and a second control group of population controls. There were no significant associations with serum concentrations of vitamins C and E and carotene. Serum concentrations of vitamin A were significantly inversely related to the risk of colorectal adenoma when cases were compared with both control groups.

Alcohol and cigarette smoking and the risk of colorectal adenomas.

Whether alcohol and tobacco can be considered as risk factors for the occurrence of adenomas remains inconclusive. A case-control study was carried out to examine these factors while taking into account possible confounding factors. One hundred eighty-two patients with colorectal adenomas and similar numbers of hospital and population controls were compared as to intake of alcohol and various nutrients including smoking and drug intake.

Long-term use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and the risk of colorectal adenomas. The Colorectal Adenoma Study Group.

Aims: Previous studies have suggested that the regular use of NSAIDs reduces the risk of colorectal adenomas. The aim of this study was to examine this association while taking possible confounding factors into account.

Methods: The intake of drugs including NSAID intake during the last 20 years was assessed by means of a case-control study in 184 cases and matched hospital and community controls.

Helicobacter pylori and the risk of colonic adenomas. Colorectal Adenoma Study Group.

Aims: Previous studies have found a positive association between Helicobacter pylori infection and colorectal adenomas. The aim of the present study was to examine this association while taking possible confounding factors into account.

Methods: 98 serum samples were available from 182 patients with colorectal adenomas who entered a case-control study of colorectal adenomas and diet.

Antimitochondrial antibody profiles in primary biliary cirrhosis distinguish at early stages between a benign and a progressive course: a prospective study on 200 patients followed for 10 years.

In recent retrospective studies, it was shown that subtypes of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) can help to discriminate between a benign [only anti-M9 and/or anti-M2 positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)] and a rather progressive course (anti-M2, -M4 and/or -M8 positive). According to different constellations of these AMA subspecificities in ELISA and complement fixation test (CFT), four AMA profiles (A-D) were defined. In 1984 we started a prospective study based on 200 PBC patients with known AMA profiles in order to correlate the antibody pattern with the clinical outcome.

Value of an extended monoethylglycinexylidide formation test and other dynamic liver function tests in liver transplant donors.

Measuring monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) formation after intravenous administration of lidocaine in potential organ donors (MEGX test) has been advocated as a useful test to select donor livers for transplantation, but some groups have demonstrated a low test efficacy. We, therefore, investigated the value of an extended MEGX formation test and the value of other dynamic liver function tests, in selecting suitable human donor livers. In 51 human multi-organ donors, we measured elimination of galactose, indocyanine green, and lidocaine, as well as formation of MEGX, at 15, 30, and 60 min after administration of the test substances.

Serial quantitative liver function tests in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis: a prospective long-term study.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a rare chronic cholestatic disorder of unknown origin that can now be treated effectively with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The clinical course of PBC is very variable, but a significant proportion of patients eventually die or undergo liver transplantation. In this single-center prospective long-term study, we analyzed the effect of UDCA therapy (10 mg/kg b.

Conventional and quantitative liver function tests after hepatic transplantation: a prospective long-term follow-up.

In long-term survivors of liver transplantation, hepatic function is obviously of vital importance. Therefore, we prospectively performed conventional and quantitative liver function tests in patients who had survived a first transplantation for at least 4 years. Compared to 6 months after transplantation, serum bilirubin concentration and gamma GT activity were significantly lower after 3, 4, and 5 years (bilirubin 1.

[Hemolytic anemia as cause of a marked bilirubin increase in primary biliary cirrhosis].

History And Clinical Findings: 16 years ago a now 53-year-old woman was found to have primary biliary cirrhosis. 5 years later, after bleeding from oesophageal varices, she had a portacaval shunt. For several years she had been taking ursodeoxycholic acid (750 mg daily).

Mortality in elderly patients with acute renal failure.

In a retrospective study, we identified 55 elderly patients with acute renal failure (ARF) admitted to our hospital during an 8-year period from 1985 to 1993. Information about the etiology, complications, laboratory data, and treatment course were obtained from the clinical history. Of the 200 patients with ARF admitted to the hospital during this period, 28% were patients more than 60 years old (41 male and 14 female) with an average age of 68.