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Sitagliptin has been suggested as a treatment option for older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, no randomized controlled trial has been performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin treatment in older Japanese patients with T2D. The STREAM study was a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. T2D outpatients aged 65–80 years with moderately controlled glycemic levels (HbA1c 7.4–10.4%) under lifestyle interventions without or with oral anti-diabetic drugs excluding DPP4 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists were recruited (n = 176). The participants were randomized into sitagliptin group (n = 88) who received sitagliptin as an initial or an additive anti-diabetic drug and control group (n = 88) who did not. The treatment goal was HbA1c level < 7.4%. Efficacy and safety during 12-month treatment period were investigated. The mean (± SD) ages were 70.6 ± 3.9 and 71.9 ± 4.4 years old in sitagliptin and control groups, respectively. According to a mixed-effects model analysis, average changes from baseline over the treatment period in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and glycated albumin (GA) were − 27.2 mg/dL, − 0.61%, and − 2.39%, respectively, in sitagliptin group, and 0.50 mg/dL, − 0.29%, and − 0.93%, respectively, in control group. The reductions in FPG, HbA1c, and GA were significantly greater in sitagliptin group (P < 0.0001, P < 0.01, and P < 0.0001, respectively). There were no differences in the incidence of adverse effects, except for cystatin C elevation and platelet count reduction in sitagliptin group. Sitagliptin treatment effectively improved the glycemic profile without any serious adverse effects in older T2D patients. Trial registration number: UMIN000010376. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a millimeter-wave electron-spin-resonance (ESR) measurement system using a 3He-4He dilution refrigerator for the ultralow-temperature range below 1 K. The currently available frequency range is 125–130 GHz. This system is based on a Fabry-Pérot-type resonator (FPR) that is composed of two mirrors. The frequency can be changed by adjusting the distance between the mirrors using a piezoelectric actuator installed at the bottom of the resonator. A homodyne detection system with an InSb detector is built into the low-temperature section of the 3He-4He dilution refrigerator; this system provides high sensitivity. Using this system, we performed ESR measurements on a Heisenberg quantum-spin chain—copper pyrazine dinitrate, Cu(C4H4N2)(NO3)2—over the temperature range from 6.6 down to 0.25 K. The ESR lines change continuously with decreasing temperature. Our results suggest that the ESR spectrum of copper pyrazine dinitrate may be useful as a temperature sensor for the very low-temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetics of solid-state reactive diffusion in the (Ni-Cr)/Sn system was experimentally observed to examine the influence of the addition of Cr into Ni on the growth behavior of compounds at the interconnection between Sn-based solder and multilayer Au/Ni/Cu conductor during energization heating. In the experiment, Sn/(Ni-Cr)/Sn diffusion couples with Cr mol fractions of y = 0.051 to 0.282 were isothermally annealed at temperatures of T = 433 K to 473 K for various times up to t = 3167 h. During annealing at T = 453 K to 473 K, a two-phase compound layer with rather uniform thickness consisting of NiSn and CrSn is produced at the initial (Ni-Cr)/Sn interface in the diffusion couple, where the compound layer indicates a periodic lamellar microstructure parallel to the initial interface typically for y = 0.150. On the other hand, at T = 433 K, NiSn and CrSn are formed also as a two-phase layer for y = 0.117 but as granular particles for y = 0.051 and y = 0.150 to 0.282. The mean thickness l of the compound layer is proportional to a power function of the annealing time t. Since the exponent n of the power function takes values of 0.58 to 0.85, interface reaction as well as diffusion contribute to the rate-controlling process for compound growth. The overall growth rate of the compound layer reaches a maximum value at y = 0.12 within the experimental annealing times. Thus, the compound growth at the interconnection is remarkably accelerated by the addition of Cr with y = 0.12 into Ni in the multilayer Au/Ni/Cu conductor, though the addition of Cr improves the heat resistance of Ni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We compared stair-step artifacts and radiation dose between prospective electrocardiography (ECG)-gated coronary computed tomography angiography (prospective CCTA) and retrospective CCTA using 64-detector CT and determined the optimal padding time (PT) for prospective CCTA.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 183 patients [mean heart rate (HR) <65 beats/min, maximum HR instability <5 beats/min] who had undergone CCTA. We scored stair-step artifacts from 1 (severe) to 5 (none) and evaluated the effective dose in 53 patients with retrospective CCTA and 130 with prospective CCTA (PT 200 ms, n = 32; PT 50 ms, n = 98).Results: Mean artifact scores were 4.3 in both retrospective and prospective CCTAs. However, statistically more arteries scored <3 (nonassessable) on prospective CCTA (P < 0.001). Mean scores for prospective CCTA with 200- and 50-ms PT were 4.1 and 4.3, respectively (no significant difference). The radiation dose of prospective CCTA was reduced by 59.1% to 80.7%.Conclusion: Prospective CCTA reduces the radiation dose and allows diagnostic imaging in most cases but shows more nonevaluable artifacts than retrospective CCTA. Use of 50-ms instead of 200-ms PT appears to maintain image quality in patients with a mean HR < 65 beats/min and HR instability of <5 beats/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) regulates the expression of genes that mediate cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis and is aberrantly activated in various types of malignancies, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We examined whether it could be a novel therapeutic target for RCC by using the STAT3 inhibitor WP1066.Methods: The antitumour activities and related mechanisms of WP1066 were investigated in vitro on renal cancer cell lines and in vivo on murine xenografts.Results: In Caki-1 and 786-O renal cancer cells, 5 muM WP1066 prevented the phosphorylation of STAT3, and 2.5 muM WP1066 significantly (P<0.01) inhibited cell survival and proliferation. WP1066 suppressed the expression of Bcl-2, induced apoptosis, and inhibited the basal and hypoxia-induced expression of HIF1alpha and HIF2alpha, as well as vascular endothelial growth factor secretion into cell culture medium. Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells cocultured with media from WP1066-treated cells showed significantly reduced tubulogenesis (P<0.05). Systemic oral administration of WP1066 to mice for 19 days significantly inhibited the growth of Caki-1 xenograft tumours (P<0.05), and pathological analysis of xenografts of WP1066-treated mice showed decreased immunostaining of phosphorylated STAT3 and reduced length of CD34-positive vessels (P<0.05).Conclusion: Our results suggest that using WP1066 to inhibit the STAT3 signalling pathway could be a novel therapeutic strategy against RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug resistance continues to be a serious problem in cancer therapy. We investigated whether indomethacin, which inhibits cyclooxygenases, is able to overcome doxorubicin resistance in K562/ADR leukemia cells. Indomethacin at 10 microM increased the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin and vincristine in K562/ADR cells. Intracellular glutathione content was elevated in K562/ADR cells. Indomethacin treatment decreased glutathione content and glutathione-conjugates in K562/ADR cells. Increased expression of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) was observed in K562/ADR cells, but this expression was decreased by indomethacin treatment. The activity of the gamma-GCS promoter from K562/ADR cells decreased after indomethacin treatment in MDA231 cells. These data strongly suggest that the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin increases the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin by decreasing the intracellular contents of glutathione and its conjugates with decreasing expression of gamma-GCS by inhibiting gamma-GCS promoter activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have suggested that macrophages were integrated into adipose tissues to interact with adipocytes, thereby exacerbating inflammatory responses. Furthermore, both adipocytes and macrophages appear to express toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), and free fatty acids may stimulate cells through TLR-4. Herein, we analyzed genes differentially expressed in adipocytes when co-cultured with macrophages in the presence of a ligand for TLR-4, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RAW264.7, a murine macrophage cell line and differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were co-cultured using a transwell system. Genes differentially expressed in adipocytes were analyzed by the DNA microarray method following 4, 8, 12 and 24 h stimulation with 1 ng ml−1 of Escherichia coli LPS. Randomly selected genes with high expressions were confirmed by quantitative methods at both the gene and the protein level. Co-culture of macrophages and adipocytes with a low LPS concentration (1 ng ml−1) markedly upregulated gene expressions associated with inflammation and/or angiogenesis, such as those of interleukin-6 (IL-6), MCP-1, RANTES and CXCL1/KC, in adipocytes. Furthermore, several genes associated with insulin resistance were differentially expressed. Upregulations of genes encoding MCP-1, RANTES and CXC/KC were confirmed by quantitative methods. These results suggest that ligands for TLR-4 stimulate both adipocytes and macrophages to upregulate the expressions of many genes associated with inflammation and/or angiogenesis.International Journal of Obesity (2008) 32, 1725–1729; doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.153; published online 9 September 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vinexin is an adaptor protein supposed to play pivotal roles in various cellular events such as cell adhesion, cytoskeletal organization, signaling and gene expression. Despite the possible importance, physiological functions and regulatory mechanisms of vinexin are largely unknown. In addition, although vinexin was reported to be phosphorylated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), physiological significance of the phosphorylation remains to be elucidated. Here we carried out characterization of endogenous vinexin and found that it was enriched at the leading edge of migrating cells and focal adhesions of spread cells. In the analyses using ERK-phosphorylated vinexin-specific antibody, the phosphorylation signal was also detected at the leading edges of migrating cells and at cell periphery of spreading cells, whereas only faint signal was observed at focal adhesions of well-spread cells. We then established LNCaP cell lines stably expressing GFP-fused vinexinβ or two mutants at Ser189 that mimic the ERK-phosphorylated or -unphosphorylated vinexinβ. Based on the analyses using the lines, the phosphorylation was likely to inhibit the cell spreading and migration. On the other hand, anchorage-independent cell growth was inhibited by unphosphorylated vinexinβ. Taken together, ERK-mediated phosphorylation of vinexinβ is strongly suggested to occur in a spatio-temporally regulated manner and play important roles in cell spreading, migration and anchorage-independent growth.Oncogene (2007) 26, 7122–7131; doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1210512; published online 7 May 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish a practical method for monitoring 129I concentration in airborne release from the Tokai reprocessing plant, the 129I collecting performance of sampling media used was tested by in situ experiments. The results indicated that the combined use of an activated charcoal-impregnated filter paper and an activated charcoal cartridge gives a collection efficiency of more than 90% for a one-week sampling of real airborne effluent, at sampling flow rates of 40.6-75.0 l. min-1. The sampling and measurement conditions suitable for a routine-base monitoring are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently determined the complete sequence of the sugarcane chloroplast genome. Here, we have used the information for a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the genus Saccharum, using all six species (13 accessions). The polymorphisms between sugarcane and maize in 26 chloroplast genome regions were used for the analysis. In 18 of the 26 regions (a total of 5,381 bp), we found 41 mutations involving 17 substitutions, three inversions, six insertion/deletion mutations, and 15 simple sequence repeat length polymorphisms. Based on these results, we calculated a phylogenetic tree of the genus Saccharum, in which all six species are clearly separated. By the analysis, (1) S. sinense and S. barberi, which have identical sequences, belong to the same clade, whereas the other four species, S. officinarum, S. robustum, S. edule, and S. spontaneum, form an independent clade; (2) S. spontaneum has a paraphyletic relationship with the other five species; and (3) no or very low intraspecific variation was observed in S. officinarum, S. robustum, S. sinense, S. barberi, and S. edule, whereas higher intraspecific variation was observed in S. spontaneum. Based on the number of nucleotide substitutions, the divergence time between S. officinarum and S. spontaneum, and between S. officinarum and maize were calculated to be about 730–780 thousand years ago and about 5.9 million years ago, respectively. These results suggest that the cytoplasm of Saccharum species are very closely related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Resistin and the resistin-like molecules (RELMs) comprise a novel class of cysteine- rich proteins. Among the RELMs, RELMβ and RELMγ are produced in non-adipocyte tissues, but the regulation of their expression and their physiological roles are largely unknown. We investigated in mice the tissue distribution and dimer formation of RELMβ and RELMγ and then examined whether their serum concentrations and tissue expression levels are related to insulin resistance. Methods: Specific antibodies against RELMβ and RELMγ were generated. Dimer formation was examined using COS cells and the colon. RELMβ and RELMγ tissue localisation and expression levels were analysed by an RNase protection assay, immunoblotting and immunohistochemical study. Serum concentrations in high-fat-fed and db/db mice were also measured using the specific antibodies. Results: The intestinal tract produces RELMβ and RELMγ, and colonic epithelial cells in particular express both RELMβ and RELMγ. In addition, RELMβ and RELMγ were shown to form a homodimer and a heterodimer with each other, in an overexpression system using cultured cells, and in mouse colon and serum. Serum RELMβ and RELMγ levels in high-fat-fed mice were markedly higher than those in mice fed normal chow. Serum RELMβ and RELMγ concentrations were also clearly higher in db/db mice than in lean littermates. Tissue expression levels revealed that elevated serum concentrations of RELMβ and RELMγ are attributable to increased production in the colon and bone mar- row. Conclusions/interpretation: RELMβ and RELMγ form homo/heterodimers, which are secreted into the circulation. Serum concentrations of RELMβ and RELMγ may be a novel intestinal-tract-mediating regulator of insulin sensitivity, possibly involved in insulin resistance induced by obesity and a high-fat diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KRN 8602 (MX2) is a novel morpholino anthracycline derivative having the chemical structure 3'-deamino-3'-morpholino-13-deoxo-10-hydroxycarminomycin hydrochloride. To investigate the mechanisms of resistance to MX2, we established an MX2-resistant phenotype (K562/MX2) of the human myelogeneous leukaemia cell line (K562/P), by continuously exposing a suspension culture to increasing concentrations of MX2. K562/MX2 cells were more resistant to MX2 than the parent cells, and also showed cross-resistance to etoposide and doxorubicin. Topoisomerase (Topo) IIalpha protein levels in K562/MX2 cells were lower of those in K562/P cells on immunoblot analysis and decreased expression of Topo IIalpha mRNA was seen in K562/MX2 cells. Topoisomerase II catalytic activity was also reduced in the nuclear extracts from K562/MX2 cells when compared with K562/P cells. Aberrant methylated CpG of Topo IIalpha gene was observed in K562/MX2 cells when compared with the parent line on methylation-specific restriction enzyme analysis. To overcome the drug resistance to MX2 and etoposide, we investigated treatment with 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5AZ), which is a demethylating agent, in K562/MX2 cells. 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment increased Topo IIalpha mRNA expression in K562/MX2 cells, but not in K562/P cells, and increased the cytotoxicity of MX2 and etoposide. Methylated CpG was decreased in K562/MX2 cells after 5AZ treatment. We concluded that the mechanism of drug resistance to MX2 and etoposide in K562/MX2 cells might be the combination of decreased expression of Topo IIalpha gene and increased methylation, and that 5AZ could prove to be a novel treatment for etoposide-resistant cell lines, such as K562/MX2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: SHIP2 is a physiologically important negative regulator of insulin signalling hydrolysing the P13-kinase product, PI(3,4,5)P3, which also has an impact on insulin resistance. In the present study, we examined the effect of inhibiting the endogenous SHIP2 function on the insulin resistance caused by chronic insulin treatment. Methods: The endogenous function of SHIP2 was inhibited by expressing a catalytically inactive SHIP2 (ΔIP-SHIP), and compared with the effect of treatments designed to restore the levels of IRS-1 in insulin signalling systems of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Results: Chronic insulin treatment induced the large (86%) down-regulation of IRS- 1 and the modest (36%) up-regulation of SHIP2. Subsequent stimulation by insulin of Akt phosphorylation, &Lamda; activity, and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake was markedly decreased by the chronic insulin treatment. Coincubation with the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, effectively inhibited the proteosomal degradation of IRS-1 caused by the chronic insulin treatment. Although the coincubation with rapamycin and advanced overexpression of IRS-1 effectively ameliorated subsequent insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt, insulin stimulation of PKC&Lamda; activity and 2-DOG uptake was partly restored by these treatments. Similarly, expression of ΔIP-SHIP2 effectively ameliorated the insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt without affecting the amount of IRS-1. Furthermore, the decreased insulin-induced PKC&Lamda; activity and 2-DOG uptake following chronic insulin treatment were ameliorated by the expression of ΔIP-SHIP2 more effectively than by the treatment with rapamycin. Conclusions/interpretation: Our results indicate that the inhibition of endogenous SHIP2 is effective in improving the state of insulin resistance caused by chronic insulin treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method using a system with two sampling units was proposed to determine the chemical forms of tritium (3H) released into the atmosphere from the Tokai Reprocessing Plant (TRP). The main advantage of the method is that no carrier gas is required for sampling in the case when air to be sampled has high specific activity with tritiated hydrogen (HT). Investigations using this method showed that 19.1-28.3% of total airborne 3H was released as HT from the TRP during reprocessing operation. No clear relation was found between the ratios of HT release and the types of spent fuel reprocessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of incorporating tritiated water into a 14C-sampling system in sample preparation and 14C activity measurement by liquid scintillation counting were investigated. Experiments derived the limit of water content in the prepared sample, and also demonstrated that 14C activity can be determined without any interference from 3H contamination for a clear-sample solution. The results enabled us to estimate the permissible relative humidity of air required for accomplishing sample preparation and 14C activity measurement. These showed that for sampling of air with less than the permissible relative humidity, total 14C activity in airborne effluent can be evaluated accurately without dehumidification of air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We determined the radiologic characteristics of intrahepatic cholangicarcinoma (ICC) on single-level dynamic computed tomography during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) and assessed the hemodynamics of the tumor. Methods: Eleven patients with pathologically confirmed ICC underwent single-level dynamic CTHA. After placing the catheter tip in the proper hepatic artery and running a 30-s continuous scan, scanning was performed every 15 or 30 s for 120 s. The change of contrast-enhancement pattern of the ICCs were interpreted retrospectively. Results: The pattern of enhancement was classified into two types: vascular and hypovascular. In the vascular type, the contrast enhancement gradually spread from each intratum oral artery and became mottled. It changed from a mottled and hypoattenuated pattern to an even and hyperattenuated appearance in comparison with the adjacent liver approximately 120 s after the injection of contrast agent. In the hypovascular type, the tumor was barely enhanced and remained hypoattenuated compared with the adjacent liver at 120 s after the beginning of the injection. The 11 ICCs were classified into eight vascular types and three hypovascular types. Intratumoral arteries were visualized in nine tumors: eight vascular types and one hypovascular type. Conclusion: The contrast-enhancement pattern of ICC on single-level dynamic CTHA is related to the intratumoral artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis. Oxidative stress is associated with diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Insulin resistance is implicated in the development of these disorders. We tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress induces insulin resistance in rats, and endeavoured to identify mechanisms linking the two. Methods. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of glutathione synthase, was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Glucose metabolism and insulin signalling both in vivo and in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were examined. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the effects of overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of inhibitory κB (IκB), one role of which is to block oxidative-stress-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation, were investigated. Results. In rats given BSO for 2 weeks, the plasma lipid hydroperoxide level doubled, indicating increased oxidative stress. A hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp study and a glucose transport assay using isolated muscle and adipocytes revealed insulin resistance in BSO-treated rats. BSO treatment also impaired insulin-induced glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In BSO-treated rat muscle, adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, insulin-induced IRS-1 phosphorylation in the low-density microsome (LDM) fraction was specifically decreased, while that in whole cell lysates was not altered, and subsequent translocation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase from the cytosol and the LDM fraction was disrupted. BSO-induced impairments of insulin action and insulin signalling were reversed by overexpressing the dominant negative mutant of IκB, thereby suppressing NF-κB activation. Conclusions/interpretation. Oxidative stress induces insulin resistance by impairing IRS-1 phosphorylation and PI 3-kinase activation in the LDM fraction, and NF-κB activation is likely to be involved in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a thin, selectively lateral-etched, AlIn(Ga)As tunnel-junction (TJ) layer as a current and optical confinement aperture in the InP-based long-wavelength vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). A high etch selectivity was demonstrated by etching the aperture a distance of several microns without affecting the surrounding InP etch-resistant layer. Edge-emitting lasers enclosing the TJ aperture showed high injection efficiency and low current spreading underneath the aperture. Single-mode continuous-wave operation of a 1.55-µm VCSEL was demonstrated successfully with a room-temperature differential efficiency of 21% using a 6-µm-wide TJ aperture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the efficacy of the selective amplifier gene (SAG) in the setting of a clinically applicable cynomolgus monkey transplantation protocol. Development of SAG consisting of a chimeric gene composed of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor gene and the estrogen receptor gene hormone-binding domain; Selective in vivo expansion of genetically modified cells by a non-toxic hormone treatment.

We measured the magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR) in the subcortical grey and white matter of 11 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) without dementia, six with PD with dementia (PDD), six with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and 12 elderly control subjects to assess regional differences in structural brain damage. There were no significant differences in MTR in any region between PD and controls. However, patients with PDD had significantly lower MTR in the subcortical white matter, including the frontal white matter and the genu of the corpus callosum than the controls, whereas PSP had significantly lower MTR in the subcortical grey matter, including the putamen, globus pallidus and thalamus, in addition to the subcortical white matter. This suggests that regional patterns of structural brain damage can be detected using the magnetisation transfer technique. Measurement of MTR in the subcortical grey and white matter may be useful in differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafast modulation of interband-resonant light by intersubband-resonant light in n-doped GaAs/AlGaAs and GaN/AlGaN quantum wells was investigated by femtosecond pump-probe technique. A planar-type AlGaAs/GaAs modulation device shows a modulation speed of ∼1 ps at room temperature. The observed modulation efficiency indicates that 99% modulation can be achieved with a control pulse energy of ∼1 pJ when a waveguide-type device structure is utilized. The feasibility of the all-optical modulation in GaN/AlGaN quantum wells is also investigated. The intersubband carrier relaxation time, which mainly determines the modulation speed, is measured and is found to be extremely fast (130–170 fs). The results indicate that the optical modulation at a bit rate of over 1 Tb/s will be possible by utilizing the intersubband transition in GaN/AlGaN quantum wells. The modulation efficiency in GaN/AlGaN quantum wells is also discussed in comparison with that in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which found that G649, an allelic variant of the human histamine receptor with low basal activity, is resistant to upregulation upon antagonist exposure. Method of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Background. Mutation of the p53 gene is a genetic alteration found in human cancers. Overexpression of p53 has been found to induce antibody production in serum, and, recently, the simple detection of serum antibody has been made possible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of serum p53 antibody in the early diagnosis of superficial colorectal cancer and in the monitoring of its treatment after endoscopic resection. Methods. In a prospective study, our subjects were 27 patients with superficial colorectal adenocarcinomas, whose results were compared with those in 38 patients with benign adenomas; all patients were treated by endoscopic resection. The correlation between serum p53 antibody levels before and within 3 weeks after resection was determined, using an immunoassay. Immunohistological staining for p53 was also performed, and its sensitivity was compared with that of two other tumor markers. Results. Preoperatively, serum p53 antibody was detected in 63.0% (17/27) patients with adenocarcinoma and in 2.6% (1/38) patients with adenoma, showing a significant difference ( P < 0.001). However, the two other markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen CA19-9, showed no significant difference between superficial colorectal adenocarcinoma and adenoma. The serum p53 antibody status was strongly correlated with p53 immunostaining in adenocarcinoma ( P = 0.0065), but there was no significant correlation in adenoma ( P = 0.973). Sixteen (94.1%) of 17 seropositive adenocarcinoma patients, showed negative conversion after complete tumor resection, and all these 16 patients remained seronegative. Conclusion. The detection of serum p53 antibody is expected to serve as a new genetic marker, determined by serological analyses, for aiding in the early diagnosis of superficial colorectal cancer and indicating its local curability after endoscopic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on animal models, IT-066, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, is reported to possess potent and long-lasting antagonisms on histamine H2 receptor (H2R) -mediated effects. However, no reports have been published concerning its interaction with the human H2R. The aim of this study is to characterize its interaction with human H2R. Chinese hamster ovary cell lines stably expressing human H2Rs were obtained. The effects of IT-066, famotidine, and ranitidine on tiotidine binding and histamine-stimulated cAMP production were analyzed. IT-066 inhibited [3H]tiotidine binding and histamine-stimulated cAMP production more potently than famotidine or ranitidine. In addition, preincubation with 10(-5) M IT-066, but not with 10(-5) M famotidine or 10(-4) M ranitidine, had marked inhibitory effects long after extensive washing. Paraformaldehyde fixation of the cells blunted inhibition of [3H]tiotidine binding induced by preincubation with IT-066, but not that by preincubation with famotidine or ranitidine. IT-066 has potent and long-lasting antagonisms on human H2R. At least one of the IT-066 binding sites is not shared by famotidine, ranitidine, or tiotidine and is affected by paraformaldehyde fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult Wilms' tumor (AWT) is a rare disease. We investigated the clinical characteristics and the outcome of four patients with AWT treated by nephrectomy followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy (protocol of the Fourth National Wilms' Tumor Study). Serum levels of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were above normal in all four patients. Two of three patients with unfavorable histology (UFH) had stage III or IV disease and died within 14 months of diagnosis while undergoing the chemotherapy. The other patient with UFH had a stage II tumor, which was treated with tumor-bed irradiation, and has survived for 26 months after nephrectomy. One patient with a stage I tumor and favorable histology also received chemotherapy, but she subsequently developed multiple metastases, and died 70 months after nephrectomy. Radiotherapy for metastases had palliative effects on osseous pain and tumor growth. The clinical results of the chemotherapy for AWT were poor. Analysis of more cases is needed to indicate whether or not the conventional chemotherapeutic regimen for Wilms' tumor in children requires modification to improve the outcome in AWT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a 13-year old girl with severe aplastic anemia and hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis. She was admitted to our hospital with severe headache and vomiting. A computerized tomographic (CT) scan of the brain on the third day of symptoms showed a hyperdense area in the tentorial region. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed iso-intensity in the same tentorial region in T1- and T2-weighted images, and gadolinium enhancement of this region suggested a thickened dura mater. Initially, a diagnosis of subdural or subarachnoid hemorrhage was made. Since her platelet count was low (3000/microl) making the patient a poor-risk candidate for surgery, and the area was limited to the dura mater, conservative therapy, including glycerol administration and platelet transfusion, was carried out. Despite clinical improvement 10 days after admission without specific therapy, the iso-intense region on the left side of the tentorial region remained unchanged on MRI. On the other hand, the iso-intense area on the right side of the tentorial region became hyperdense on T1-weighted MRI images and was also enhanced by gadolinium. Cerebrospinal fluid findings were normal except for slightly elevated protein at 62 mg/dl. A diagnosis of hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis of the tentorial dura mater with hemorrhage on the right side was made. Although hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis is a rare disease, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe headache in a case of aplastic anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents research that modified the rabbit equivalent of the erythroid-type transporter, GLUT1, using complementary DNA to code for a deletion mutant that lacks most of the intracellular C-terminal domain. Methods; Results; Discussion.

The present study is aimed at examining the therapeutic effect of Nicorandil on chronic vasospasm using beagle dogs subjected to a 'two-haemorrhage' insult, as well as its dilatory effect on the PDA [phorbol-12,13 diacetate]-induced contraction of the canine basilar artery. Nicorandil significantly ameliorated chronic vasospasm and inhibited PDA-induced contraction in a dose-dependent fashion. The present data indicate that Nicorandil provides a useful way of treating chronic vasospasm after SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the effects of the recently developed calcium antagonist HA1077 on cerebral haemodynamics during the chronic stage of the two-haemorrhage canine model system of vasospasm. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), regional cerebral blood velocity and regional cerebral blood volume in the canine parietal cortex were measured by Laser-doppler flowmeter. On the 7th day after the initial injection of autogenous blood, subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) produced a significant decrease in rCBF (59% of control, p<0.05) and Hood velocity (48% of control, p<0.05), with no remarkable change in blood volume (108% of control). Bolus intravenous administration of HA1077 (0.1-0.3 mg/kg) dose-dependently increased the rCBF and blood velocity, without significantly changing the blood volume on Day 7 after SAH. HA1077 improves haemodynamic function manifested by an increase in rCBF and velocity in this SAH model, and may be suitable for the treatment of vasospasm in patients with SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the effect of endothelin, an endothelium-derived peptide, on isolated canine and bovine cerebral arteries in vitro and on canine vertebral blood flow (VBF) in vivo. Endothelin produced a dose-dependent contraction of canine and bovine arterial smooth muscle with ED values ranging from 4 to 8 nM. The response to endothelin developed slowly and persisted as a sustained contraction. Maximal contraction by endothelin required the presence of extracellular calcium and was independent of the presence of endothelium. The maximal contraction produced by endothelin was approximately 2-3 times greater than that produced by neuropeptide Y or angiotensin II. The injection of endothelin into the vertebral artery decreased vertebral blood flow (VBF) dose-dependently without affecting systemic blood pressure or heart rate. The decrease in VBF produced by endothelin was long-lasting, like that produced by neuropeptide Y, but more potent. The present data, together with our previous study demonstrating that the intracisternal injection of endothelin induces an unusually long-lasting decrease in the basilar artery diameter angiographically, suggests that endothelin may act as a long-acting vasoconstrictor in cerebral vascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flush induced by two fluoroquinolone antibacterial agents, balofloxacin and ofloxacin, was studied in beagle dogs. Intradermal injection of the fluoroquinolones at concentrations above 10M produced a localized flushed area. The flush responses to fluoroquinolones were inhibited by co-administration with H-antagonist(s) (ranitidine or cimetidine), but not with H-antagonist(s) (mepyramine or chlorpheniramine). Similar inhibitory effects of these H-antagonists were observed for the response to histamine. The flush responses to fluoroquinolones were inhibited by a local pretreatment with compound 48/80 administered to deplete the local stores of mast cell-bound histamine. When the fluoroquinolones were orally administered at a dose of 400 mg/kg, the concentration of histamine in plasma was increased, being accompanied by systemic erythema. These results indicate that the flush induced by fluoroquinolones is mediated by histamine release from canine cutaneous mast cells and H-receptor stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adenosine A1 receptor agonist R-N-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) elicited a pronounced negative inotropic effect with the EC value of 0.69 μmol/1 in the presence of a β-adrenoceptor blocking agent bupranolol (0.3 μmol/1) in the isolated ferret papillary muscle. The negative inotropic effect of R-PIA was not associated with changes in cyclic AMP level. Adenosine and other A receptor agonists also elicited a negative inotropic effect. DPCPX (1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentyl xanthine) antagonized the negative inotropic effect of R-PIA in a competitive manner (pA value = 8.4). The inhibitory action of R-PIA was markedly attenuated in the ventricular muscle preparation isolated from ferrets pretreated with pertussis toxin that caused ADP-ribosylation of 39 kDa proteins in the membrane fraction. In the membrane fraction derived from the ferret ventricle, [H]-DPCPX bound to a single binding site in a saturable and reversible manner with high affinity (K value = 1.21±0.41 nmol/l; B = 12.8±3.02 fmol/mg protein; n = 7). The binding characteristics of [H]-DPCPX in the rat ventricle (K value = 1.51 ±0.09 nmol/l; B = 12.7±1.47 fmol/mg protein; n = 5) were similar to those in the ferret. On the other hand, the content of G, a major pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein in the ferret heart, was much higher in the ferret than in the rat ventricle. The present results indicate that adenosine receptors may play an important role in the inhibitory regulation of ventricular contractility in the ferret in contrast to other mammalian species. The signal transduction process subsequent to agonist binding to A1 receptors including the pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein and ion channels may be responsible for the unique inhibitory action of adenosine in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

JTT-501 is an insulin-sensitising compound with an isoxazolidinedione rather than a thiazolidionedione structure. Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high fat diet for 2 weeks were used as an animal model of insulin resistance, and JTT-501 was administered for the final week of the diet. An euglycaemic glucose clamp study showed that the glucose infusion rate (GIR) required to maintain euglycaemia was 57 % lower in rats fed a high fat diet than in control rats, and that JTT-501 treatment restored the reduction in GIR produced by the high fat diet. To explain the mechanisms underlying the effects of a high fat diet and JTT-501 treatment, epididymal fat pads were excised and used in the analysis of insulin action. The high fat diet caused: (1) a 58 % decrease in insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) content with a 58 % decrease in IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation; (2) reductions of 56 % and 73 % respectively in insulin-induced maximal PI 3-kinase activation in anti-phosphotyrosine and anti-IRS-1 antibody immunoprecipitates; (3) a 46 % reduction in the glucose transporter protein, GLUT4 content and, consequently, (4) severely impaired insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane and glucose uptake in adipocytes. JTT-501 treatment restored appreciably the protein content and tyrosine phosphorylation level of IRS-1. Insulin-stimulated PI 3-kinase activation was also restored in anti-phosphotyrosine and anti-IRS-1 antibody immunoprecipitates. As reflected by these improvements in insulin signalling, JTT-501 treatment improved considerably insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane as well as insulin-induced glucose uptake. However, JTT-501 had no effect on the decrease in GLUT4 content produced by the high fat diet. These observations suggest that JTT-501 enhances insulin signalling and may be effective in reducing insulin resistance. [Diabetologia (1998) 41: 400–409] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the relationship between cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) and mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]m) in the pancreatic beta-cell line, MIN6. [Ca2+]c was monitored in a single or a group (30 cells) of fura-2-loaded MIN6 cells, and [Ca2+]m was measured in a group (1 × 106 cells) of MIN6 cells stably transfected with aequorin targeted at the mitochondria. Exogenous ATP (0.25 mmol/l) produced a single transient increase in [Ca2+]c whereas 22 mmol/l KCl produced a sustained plateau increase. ATP and KCl evoked transient increases in [Ca2+]m but with distinct time courses of [Ca2+]m decline: the [Ca2+]m increase induced by ATP decreased more rapidly than that induced by KCl. Nitrendipine (3 μmol/l), a blocker of L-type Ca2+ channels, inhibited both [Ca2+]c and [Ca2+]m signals in response to KCl and tolbutamide, but not those to ATP. Peak levels of [Ca2+]m increase (around 2 μmol/l) exceeded those of [Ca2+]c increase (around 500 nmol/l). A rise in glucose concentration from 3 to 30 mmol/l induced oscillations of [Ca2+]c that overlay the sustained increases in [Ca2+]c in single cells. An oscillatory increase in [Ca2+]m was similarly observed in response to glucose. Addition of 10 mmol/l 2-ketoisocaproic acid at 20 mmol/l glucose further increased the plateau level of [Ca2+]c and the frequency of [Ca2+]c oscillations, which were correlated with a further increase in [Ca2+]m. In response to pulsatile exposure to KCl, [Ca2+]c and [Ca2+]m increased synchronously. These data suggest that an oscillatory increase in [Ca2+]m in beta cells, the signal which is thought to be necessary for continuous stimulation of mitochondrial metabolism, is produced synchronously with the [Ca2+]c oscillations. [Diabetologia (1998) 41: 279–286] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, glucose transport, glucose phosphorylation and glucose utilization have been characterized in the insulinoma cell line MIN6, which is derived from a transgenic mouse expressing the large T-antigen of SV40 in pancreatic beta cells. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion occurred progressively from 5 mmol/l glucose, reached the maximal level approximately seven-fold above the basal level at 25 mmol/l, and remained at this level up to 50 mmol/l. Glucose transport was very rapid with the half-maximal uptake of 3-O-methyl- d-glucose being reached within 15 s at 22 °C. Glucose phosphorylating activity in the cell homogenate was due mainly to glucokinase; the V value of glucokinase activity was estimated to be 255±37 nmol·h·mg protein, constituting approximately 80% of total phosphorylating activity, whereas hexokinase activity constituted less than 20%. MIN6 cells exhibited mainly the high K component of glucose utilization with a V of 289±18 nmol·h·mg protein. Thus, glucose utilization quantitatively and qualitatively reflected glucose phosphorylation in MIN6 cells. In contrast, MIN7 cells, which exhibited only a small increase in insulin secretion in response to glucose, had 4.7-fold greater hexokinase activity than MIN6 cells with a comparable activity of glucokinase. These characteristics in MIN6 cells are very similar to those of isolated islets, indicating that this cell line is an appropriate model for studying the mechanism of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the cellular mechanisms of glucose intolerance associated with aging, both the protein and mRNA levels of glucose transporter isoforms were studied in the various tissues of young (7-week-old) and aged (20-monthold) rats. GluT4 (adipose/muscle-type glucose transporter) protein, which is specifically expressed in insulin-responsive tissues, was selectively decreased per milligramme of cellular membrane protein in both the epididymal fat tissues and the gastrocnemius muscle of the aged rats compared with the young rats. When the changes in total cellular membranes per gramme of tissue are taken into account, a further decrease in GluT4 protein per gramme of tissue was observed in the tissues of the aged rats compared with the young rats. The decreased amount of GluT4 protein in the fat tissues of the aged rats is probably due to the decreased protein synthesis rather than the stability, since GluT4 mRNA/μg of cellular total RNA was also decreased. In contrast, GluT4 mRNA in the gastrocnemius muscle was rather increased and a ratio of GluT4 protein/GluT4 mRNA was decreased by 70% in the aged rats, suggesting that the translational efficiency and/or stability of GluT4 protein is decreased in the skeletal muscle of the aged rats compared with the young rats. GluT2 (livertype glucose transporter) protein and mRNA in the liver were also decreased in the aged rats, while no apparent decrease in GluT1 (HepG2/brain-type glucose transporter) protein/mg of cellular membrane protein was observed in the skeletal muscle and fat tissues of the aged rats compared with the young rats. Thus, the tissue and isoform-specific alterations of glucose transporter expression are associated with aging and may contribute to glucose intolerance observed with aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin delivery rates were estimated from the peripheral serum insulin response to a single bolus injection of glucose or arginine in eight normal subjects and eight patients with hyperthyroidism. The mean rate constant for insulin disappearance was 0.2380±0.0052 per min in the control subjects, which was not significantly different from that observed in the patients with hyperthyroidism (0.2147±0.0111 per min). There were also no significant differences in the insulin response to glucose infusion (1.7±0.3 U during the first phase (0-10 min) and 5.6±1.6 U during the second phase (11-60 min) in normal subjects compared with 1.2±0.5 and 3.7±1.1 U respectively in the hyperthyroid patients). The delivered insulin in response to glucose infusion was similar in the two groups. The kg-value in the patients with hyperthyroidism was lower than that in the control subjects (1.24±0.11 versus 2.11±0.22; p < 0.005). In hyperthyroidism, the low kg-value was not a result of the diminished insulin delivery to the general circulation. Insulin delivery showed a monophasic pattern following arginine infusion in both patients and control subjects. For the control subjects, the amount of insulin delivered was estimated to be 0.53±0.12 U during the first 10 min and 0.37±0.14 U during 11-30 min. In hyperthyroidism, the amount of insulin delivered was significantly lower than in the control subjects (0.21±0.06 U during the first 10 min and 0.07±0.03 U during 11-30 min). In the control subjects, the plasma glucose level was raised transiently following arginine infusion, but in hyperthyroidism, there was no change in plasma glucose levels. In hyperthyroidism, therefore, glucose intolerance appears to be primarily related to an antagonism of the hepatic effect of insulin by thyroxine rather than an inhibitory effect of thyroxine on insulin secretion. However, since delivery rate represents the measurement of peripheral serum insulin concentrations, these results cannot exclude an abnormality of hepatic insulin metabolism in hyperthyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum insulin response to a single bolus of IV glucose or tolbutamide was measured in eight healthy subjects. Insulin disappearance rate was assessed by deconvolution from the serum insulin levels, using the measured insulin disappearance rate. The mean rate constant of insulin disappearance was 0.238±0.005 min (mean±SEM). Basal insulin delivery rate was 8.0 to 9.0 mU/min and the delivery rate following glucose injection (0.5 g/kg body weight) showed a biphasic response, whereas that after tolbutamide injection (15.6 mg/kg body weight), a monophasic response. After glucose injection, 1.7±0.3 U of insulin was delivered during the first phase (0-10 min) and 5.6±1.6 U during the second phase (11-60 min). After tolbutamide injection, 1.5±0.3 U of insulin was delivered during the first 10 min. Between 11 and 40 min, 1.6±0.5 U of insulin was delivered. The results thus confirm and also quantitate biphasic insulin secretion after a bolus of glucose with a monophasic response after tolbutamide. The method is suitable for studies of the insulin secretogogues in man. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relaxation rate of muon polarization of Y0.97Sc0.03Mn2 with a magnetic lattice composed of corner shared tetrahedrons shows a broad peak around 2.5 K indicating a random spin freezing at low temperatures. The substitution by nonmagnetic Al atoms for 10% Mn atoms raises the spin freezing temperature to 45 K. The present work shows clearly that due to the strong geometrical frustration, the ground state of the system is singlet tetrahedrons mixed with frozen paramagnetic tetrahedrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Computing is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The effectiveness of calcium antagonists on a chronic cerebral vasospasm after an SAH is still under debate. Calcium channel blockers such as nimodipine, nefedipine etc. can dilate spastic arteries by intrathecal administration, but not by systemic (iv or po) use. HA 1077 is a novel and potent calcium antagonist vasodilator which is considered to act by employing different mechanisms from the usual calcium channel blockers since it inhibits 1. calcium ionophore A 23187 induced contraction in arterial strips and 2. phenylephrine induced contraction in calcium free media, suggesting that its site of action is in the intracellular space. HA 1077 is water soluble and relatively stable in light. In the present study, the efficacy of HA 1077 was evaluated on dogs by using the spiral arterial strips in vitro and by angiography in vivo. In the arterial strips from the control dogs, a 50% relaxation of KCl (15 mM) induced contraction was obtained by a 10 M HA 1077 for the 'intracranial' basilar and middle cerebral arteries, while a 10 M was needed to obtain the same effect for the 'extracranial' common carotid and vertebral arteries, indicating that HA 1077 is more effective for the intracranial arteries. A vasospasm was produced by the 'two haemorrhage' model of Varsos et al. The average angiographic diameter of the basilar artery was reduced to 60% of the control on SAH day 7. Intravenous infusion of HA 1077 (0.5-3 mg/kg/30 min) significantly dilated the spastic basilar artery (up to 20-30%), for over 2 hours. A fall in the systemic BP remained less than 20% during this time. Such spasmolytic effects by intravenous administration could not have been obtained with the usual calcium channel blockers. HA 1077 may be suitable for the treatment of a vasospasm in humans as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: We describe an 11-year-old girl who initially had mild hepatosplenomegaly and then presented with abnormal expansion of CD3-negative granular lymphocytes in peripheral blood and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome in the DNA obtained from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC). After approximately 3 years, she developed oedema, ascites, marked hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia, and showed both a profile of anti-EBV antibodies of reactivated infection and a high titre of anti-cytomegalovirus antibody. Although she was treated with antibiotics, ganciclovir, and prednisolone, she died of hepatic failure.Conclusion: Careful clinical observation, periodic examination of anti-EBV antibodies, and the analysis of EBV genome from PBMNC are needed in young patients with CD3-negative lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many reports have described laparoscopic minor liver resections, major hepatic resection, including right or left lobectomy, has not been widely developed because of technical difficulties. This article describes a new technique for performing laparoscopy-assisted right or left hepatic lobectomy using hilar Glissonean pedicle transection. Laparoscopic mobilization of the right or left hepatic lobe is performed, including dissection of the round, faliciform, triangular, and coronary ligaments. The right or left Glissonean pedicle is encircled and divided laparoscopically. A parenchymal dissection is then performed though the upper median or right subcostal incision, through which the resected liver is removed. We successfully performed this procedure in 6 patients without blood transfusion or serious complications. Laparoscopy-assisted hepatic lobectomy using hilar Glissonean pedicle transection can be feasible and safe in highly selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe ferumoxides-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging findings in a 60-year-old man with confluent hepatic fibrosis in advanced cirrhosis. The extension and internal structure of confluent fibrosis were well demonstrated with ferumoxides-enhanced proton-density spin-echo magnetic resonance images, showing a wedge-shaped area of high signal intensity corresponding to the extension of fibrosis and internal focal areas of low signal intensity, presumably corresponding to residual functioning liver parenchyma. This case suggests a potential utility of ferumoxides-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for characterizing this tumor-mimicking disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patient with obstructive jaundice was found to have bile duct carcinoma and right hepatic lobe agenesis. The diagnosis was made by computed tomography (CT), cholangiography, and angiography. Right hepatic lobe agenesis is a rare anomaly and has never been previously reported with bile duct carcinoma. CT cholangiography was critical in diagnosing the morphologic anomalies of the bile duct in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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