Background Severe alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), phenotype PiZZ, is a risk factor for pulmonary emphysema and liver disease, but its effect on cancer risk is unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the risk and the risk factors for incident cancer in PiZZ individuals compared with the general population with known smoking habits. Methods A longitudinal study of PiZZ individuals (n=1,595) from the

Glycolipids such as gangliosides affect the properties of lipid membranes and in extension the interactions between membranes and other biomolecules like proteins. To better understand how the properties of individual lipid molecules can contribute to shape the functional aspects of a membrane, the spatial restriction and dynamics of C–H bond segments can be measured using nuclear magnetic re

This article aims at providing insights for a comprehensive understanding of THz propagation channels. Specifically, we discuss essential THz channel characteristics to be well understood for the success of THz communications. The methodology of establishing realistic and 6G-compliant THz channel models based on measurements is then elaborated on, followed by a discussion on existing THz channel m

Korean fathers gained their first entitlement to take one-year paid parental leave in 2001. The policy has since continuously advanced, but as of 2020, fathers’ take-up rates remain low at 3.4%. This dissertation raises the question of why Korean fathers do not take parental leave, and what the nature of the underlying sociocultural contexts is that precipitates this discrepancy. To seek answers t

Seventy-four addictive alcoholic subjects were investigated shortly after a period of excessive drinking and were compared with 18 alcoholic subjects who had not been drinking for at least six months. No difference was observed in total white cell count or number of circulating granulocytes. Lymphocyte count was significantly lower in alcoholics whose last alcoholic bout had been three months or m

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Testosterone deficiency is associated with multiple comorbidities, e.g., metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Despite its importance in many metabolic pathways, the mechanisms by which it controls metabolism are not fully understood. The present study investigated the short-term metabolic changes of ph

Temporariness of refugee protection has started to emerge as a new standard in the policies of European countries. Given this development, the article focuses on one specific issue related to this temporariness: how refugee status intertwines with the conditions for the granting, revocation and prolongation of national residence permits. What are the interconnections between refugee status, includ

Parkinson´s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological diseases with both motor and non-motor symptoms that can be perceived as difficult to control despite medical treatment. This leads to several consequences in everyday life for example difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL), sometimes already at diagnosis. Therefore, rehabilitation is important to manage the consequences of