Analysis of dihydrocodeine in urine using Sep-Pak C18 cartridges for sample cleanup

A rapid and precise method for the isolation and identification of dihydrocodeine from urine is reported. The narcotic is isolated from urine using Sep-Pak C18 cartridges for cleanup, requiring less than 30 min for preparation. Identification is performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.     

Redressing injustice of the past: the repatriation of Ainu human remains

Abstract

This article addresses the controversies surrounding the repatriation of Ainu human remains ‘unethically’ collected by Japanese researchers and stored in university institutions throughout the twentieth century. Some 1653 Ainu remains are held at Japanese universities, and Ainu rights advocates have demanded the return of these remains to their lineal descendants. In 2009, the Japanese government proposed to transfer all unidentified Ainu remains from universities to a memorial hall to be built in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, by 2020. This plan was met by disdain by Ainu advocates for two reasons. First: there was concern that Japanese academics would continue to do research on the remains. Second: the Ainu wished for the remains to be laid to rest in the burial grounds they were originally excavated from. This article discusses the repatriation policies initiated by the Japanese national government, how Ainu representatives have responded, and the ethical debate that surrounds the use of the Ainu remains for research. The article closes by looking at how the conciliation agreement in the legal case by Ainu plaintiffs against Hokkaido University in 2012 for the return of Ainu remains opened up possibilities for community members to petition for the return of ancestral remains for reinternment.     

What We Know,and What We Have Not Yet Learned: Triple Disasters and the Fukushima Nuclear Fiasco in Japan

Japan is the only country to suffer twice from the terrible consequences of atomic bombs. Hiroshima and Nagasaki are renowned internationally for experiencing the first twin devastating nuclear attacks in history. Unfortunately, Japan has witnessed several other serious nuclear‐related disasters in recent years. The much‐publicized Fukushima disaster in 2011 is one of them. How could such a serious accident occur in a modern, highly sensitive, nuclear‐conscious country?, The answer to that central question is complex, involving not only political and administrative issues but also technical and human dimensions. In retrospect, both government officials and private industry were far too lax with the operation and development of nuclear policies and facilities. The Fukushima debacle was the result of a lack of rigorous management and control of nuclear issues by both public authorities and private industry.     

MITI and the Japanese Miracle Revisited: Reevaluation of the Administrative‐Centered Government

Chalmers Johnson, MITI and the Japanese Miracle: The Growth of Industrial Policy, 1925–1975 (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1982). xvi, 393 pp. $27.95 (paper), ISBN: 9780804712064.     

Studies on the frequencies of PGM1, PGM3 and Es-D types from hair roots in Japanese subjects and the determination of these types from old hair roots

The frequencies in Japanese subjects are reported of hair roots type PGM₁, PGM₃ and Es-D, and the determination of these types from old hair roots. The gene frequencies were: PGM₁¹, 0.762; PGM₁², 0.230; PGM₁⁷, 0.008; PGM₃¹, 0.621; PGM₃², 0.379; Es-D¹, 0.625; and Es-D², 0.375. The old hair roots were analysed after storage at 25 °C, 4 °C and ?80 °C; the enzyme activities were detected and typed at 25 °C within PGM₁ 10 days, PGM₃ 4 days, and Es-D 4 days.     

Solid-phase extraction, identification, and quantitation of 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid

A procedure has been developed to extract and recover minute amounts of delta-9-carboxytetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) from urine. A new non-isotopic internal standard is introduced to permit a chromatographic assay of the metabolite. The method affords a 91% recovery of 20 ng/mL of the THC-COOH acid from spiked urine with the assurance of a 3.8% coefficient of variation.     

Hydromorphone detected in bile following hydrocodone ingestion

Two similar cases are reported here in which Tussionex, a preparation containing hydrocodone and phenyltoloxamine, caused or contributed to death. Toxicological analyses revealed a high concentration ratio of hydromorphone to hydrocodone in the bile in both cases. It is postulated that the finding of hydromorphone is due to the metabolism of hydrocodone.     

Blunt pancreatic trauma by a wheelchair user restraint system during a traffic accident.

Traffic accidents are the most common cause of blunt pancreatic trauma, and most injuries occur in unrestrained drivers. Blunt pancreatic trauma in a passenger or a restrained driver is rare. In this report, we describe a case of blunt pancreatic trauma caused by a restraint system for wheelchair users during a traffic accident.     

Lessons Learned from Autopsying an Unidentified Body with Iodine‐125 Seeds Implanted for Prostate Brachytherapy

We report here lessons learned from an autopsy case involving radioactive materials. We performed an autopsy of an unidentified mummified man with no available medical history whom from imaging findings we suspected had received radioactive seed implants for prostate brachytherapy. We returned the excised prostate and seeds to the body. A few days later, the body was identified by DNA matching and cremated. According to the man's medical record, he had undergone iodine‐125 seeds implantation for prostate cancer 11 months earlier. We should have removed the radioactive seeds from the body to prevent radiation exposure to the bereaved family and/or environmental pollution due to cremation. Surprisingly, one seed was found in the stored prostate specimen. Forensic experts should be cognizant of the risk of both radiation exposure in the autopsy room and environmental pollution. We must remain abreast of the latest advances in medicine.