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Biomedical subjects

Y Tsumura

Publications and source records attributed to Y Tsumura.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Chloroplast DNA inversion polymorphism in populations of Abies and Tsuga.

Polymorphism for a 42-kb chloroplast DNA inversion was detected in five species of Abies and two species of Tsuga based on a sample of 1,281 individuals and both Southern hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. Two haplotypes were observed in all populations and species. The 42-kb inversion is associated with a short inverted repeat that includes trnS, psaM, and trnG. The frequencies of the two haplotypes within species were very similar among the five species of Abies This polymorphism has been maintained within populations and species in both Abies and Tsuga, probably because the mutation rate of the inversion is high. Haplotype frequencies had no geographical tendencies for any species except Abies mariesii, in which haplotype frequencies varied clinally, possibly as a result of rapid dissemination after the most recent glacial period and random genetic drift.

Blotting, Southern↗
PubMed2000

Phylogenetic relationships in Taxodiaceae and Cupressaceae sensu stricto based on matK gene, chlL gene, trnL-trnF IGS region, and trnL intron sequences.

Nucleotide sequences from four chloroplast genes, the matK, chlL, intergenic spacer (IGS) region between trnL and trnF, and an intron of trnL, were determined from all species of Taxodiaceae and five species of Cupressaceae sensu stricto (s.s.). Phylogenetic trees were constructed using the maximum parsimony and the neighbor-joining methods with Cunninghamia as an outgroup. These analyses provided greater resolution of relationships among genera and higher bootstrap supports for clades compared to previous analyses. Results indicate that Taiwania diverged first, and then Athrotaxis diverged from the remaining genera. Metasequoia, Sequoia, and Sequoiadendron form a clade. Taxodium and Glyptostrobus form a clade, which is the sister to Cryptomeria. Cupressaceae s.s. are derived from within Taxodiaceae, being the most closely related to the Cryptomeria/Taxodium/Glyptostrobus clade. These relationships are consistent with previous morphological groupings and the analyses of molecular data. In addition, we found acceleration of evolutionary rates in Cupressaceae s.s. Possible causes for the acceleration are discussed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Genetic diversity and differentiation of Taxodium in the south-eastern United States using cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences.

Two taxa of Taxodium, bald cypress and pond cypress, occur in the south-eastern United States. The ranges of these taxa overlap in the south-eastern Coastal Plain, with the range of the latter being more restricted. Although these taxa co-occur throughout a portion of the more expansive range of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) L. C. Rich), the habitats of the two taxa appear to differ. Consequently, considerable debate has occurred regarding the taxonomic status of pond cypress. Some authors recognize pond cypress as a distinct species (Taxodium ascendens Brongn.), whereas others recognize it as a variety/ecotype (Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium (Nutt.) Croom). In this study, the genetic diversity of these two taxa was investigated using 10 DNA markers based on sequences from cDNA clones of Cryptomeria japonica. Cryptomeria is a monospecific genus native to Japan, and is a close relative of Taxodium. These markers were codominant in Cryptomeria and were presumed to be codominant in Taxodium. DNA was extracted from leaf tissue collected from six populations of bald cypress and seven populations of pond cypress throughout Florida and Georgia. The average heterozygosities of bald cypress and pond cypress were 0.386 (SE 0.040) and 0.380 (SE 0.040), respectively. Most of the genetic variation (91.9%) was found within populations, 4.9% was found between populations and 3.2% between taxa. Results of DNA analysis using cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) in this study did not suggest that pond cypress was a species distinct from bald cypress. Our conclusion is that the two taxa of Taxodium should be given varietal status.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Fecal steroid excretion is increased in rats by oral administration of gymnemic acids contained in Gymnema sylvestre leaves.

Gymnemic acids are the saponins with a triterpenoid structure contained in Gymnema sylvestre leaves and have the hypoglycemic effects. In spite of the cholesterol-binding properties of saponins, the effect of gymnemic acids on cholesterol metabolism has not been elucidated to date. We investigated the effects of gymnemic acids on fecal steroid excretion in rats. Three kinds of extracts from Gymnema sylvestre leaves, extract (GSE), acid precipitate (GSA) and column fractionate (GSF), of which the gymnemagenin (an aglycone of gymnemic acids) concentrations are 58.87, 161.6, and 363.3 mg/g respectively, were used for the experiments. These were administered to rats orally at the dose of 0.05-1.0 g/kg for 22 d. Rats were given free access to water and nonpurified diet without cholesterol, and the differences in fecal excretion of steroids and gymnemic acids were investigated. Although there were no significant effects of GSE, GSA and GSF decreased body weight gain and food intakes in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). GSF (1.0 g/kg) significantly increased fecal excretion of neutral steroids and bile acids in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), especially those of cholesterol and cholic acid (CA)-derived bile acids. The increases in fecal steroid excretion of cholesterol, total neutral steroids, total bile acids and CA-related bile acids were acute and significantly correlated with fecal gymnemagenin levels (r2 = 0.2316-0.9861, P < 0. 05). These results demonstrated for the first time that a high dose of gymnemic acids increases fecal cholesterol and CA-derived bile acid excretion. Further studies are needed to clarify the effect of gymnemic acids on cholesterol metabolism.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1999

Phylogenetic relationships of Eurasian pines (Pinus, Pinaceae) based on chloroplast rbcL, MATK, RPL20-RPS18 spacer, and TRNV intron sequences.

The sequence divergence of chloroplast rbcL, matK, trnV intron, and rpl20-rps18 spacer regions was analyzed among 32 Pinus species and representatives of six other genera in Pinaceae. The total aligned sequence length is 3570 bp. Of the four sequences examined, matK evolved much faster than rbcL in Pinus and in other Pinaceae genera. The two noncoding regions did not show more divergence than the two coding regions, especially within each Pinus subgenus. Phylogenetic analyses based on these four sequences gave consistent results and strongly supported the monophyly hypothesis for the genus Pinus and its two recognized subgenera. Pinus krempfii, the two-flat-needle pine endemic to Vietnam, was placed in subgen. Strobus and showed closer affinity to subsect. Gerardianae. The ancient character of sect. Parrya is further confirmed. However, monophyly of the sect. Parrya is not supported by our data. Among the Eurasian pines of subgen. Pinus, Mediterranean pines formed one clade and the Asian members of subsect. Sylvestres formed another. The Himalayan P. roxburghii showed considerable divergence from all the other hard pines from both regions. Pinus merkusii was distinctly separated from all the Asian members of subsect. Sylvestres. The implications of our results for Pinus classification are discussed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Molecular phylogeny of Dipetrocarpaceae in Southeast Asia based on nucleotide sequences of matK, trnL intron, and trnL-trnF intergenic spacer region in chloroplast DNA.

To obtain a refined molecular phylogeny of dipterocarp species in Southeast Asia, nucleotide sequences of matK, the intron of trnL, and intergenic spacer region between trnL and trnF in chloroplast DNA were determined in 16 species throughout 10 genera. In the resultant trees Southeast Asian dipterocarp species were divided into two clusters. One cluster consisted of Anisoptera, Vatica, Cotylelobium, and Upuna, all with the base chromosome number of x = 11. The second cluster consisted of Hopea, Shorea, Neobalanocarpus, Dryobalanops, Parashorea, and Dipterocarpus, mostly with the base chromosome number of x = 7. Dipterocarpus was the only genus that had the base chromosome number x = 11 in the latter cluster. This result suggests that the chromosome number changed from x = 11 to x = 7 after Dipterocarpus branched in the latter cluster. Other evolutionary changes of morphological characters are also discussed.

Asia, Southeastern↗
PubMed1998

Development and polymorphism of simple sequence repeat DNA markers for Shorea curtisii and other Dipterocarpaceae species.

Nine simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed from Shorea curtisii using two different methods. One SSR locus was isolated by the commonly used method of screening by colony hybridization, and the other eight loci were isolated by a vectorette PCR method. Primer pairs were designed based on the sequences of all these SSR loci. Analysis of 40 individuals of S. curtisii from natural forest in Malaysia revealed that all SSR loci were polymorphic. Four SSR markers, Shc01, Shc04, Shc07 and Shc09, were highly polymorphic. We have also tested the applicability of these SSR printers to other species of Dipterocarpaceae using PCR amplification. Because the flanking region sequences of the S. curtisii SSRs were well conserved within this family, the SSR primers for S. curtisii can be applied to almost all species of Dipterocarpaceae.

Genetic Markers↗
PubMed1998

A randomized study of short-versus long-term intravesical epirubicin instillation for superficial bladder cancer. Nagoya University Urological Oncology Group.

OBJECTIVE: A prospective randomized study was undertaken to determine whether prophylactic maintenance instillation of epirubicin following induction treatment is beneficial in patients with superficial bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-eight patients with resectable superficial bladder cancer (Ta-1, single, multiple, primary or recurrent with, however, no recurrence during the last year) were enrolled in this study. In both arms, epirubicin (40 mg/ml in normal saline) was administered six times within 4 weeks after a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor(s). In arm A, the patients received 11 additional monthly instillations of epirubicin. RESULTS: Of the 148 patients, 138 (93.2%) were eligible and followed for an average of 29.6 months. 93 (67.4%) had a solitary tumor. No significant difference in the recurrence-free curve was observed between the two arms (p = 0.62). The recurrence rate per year was 0.16 in arm A and 0.17 in arm B. Toxicity included vesical irritability in 10 (7.2%) and hematuria in 1 patient. No significant difference in the frequency or degree of toxicity was observed between the two arms. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that maintenance instillation of epirubicin does not reduce superficial bladder cancer recurrence.

Administration, Intravesical↗
PubMed1997

Differences in behavior among the chlorides of seven rare earth elements administered intravenously to rats.

Differences in behavior among the chlorides of seven rare earth elements (REEs)-yttrium (Y), cerium (Ce), and praseodymium (Pr) (light REEs); europium (Eu) and dysprosium (Dy) (medium REEs); ytterbium (Yb) and lutetium (Lu) (heavy REEs)-were investigated through intravenous administration of the REEs to rats. (1) Distributions of REEs and mineral concentrations in the organs on Day 1 were investigated at low and high doses (9-10 and 18-20 mg REE/kg, or 56-66 and 112-132 mumol REE/kg). More than 78% of the REEs administered was distributed into liver, bone, and spleen. High doses of Y, Eu, and Dy markedly increased the accumulation of REEs in spleen and lungs as well as the concentration of Ca in liver, spleen, and lungs. (2) The distribution patterns of REEs and changes in Ca concentrations in major organs over time were investigated by the administration of Pr, Eu, Dy, Yb (low dose), and Y (high dose). REEs disappeared from the blood within 1 day but were retained in the organs for a long time. The percentages of the doses of Y, Eu, Dy, and Yb found in the liver were highest at 8 hr to 2 days, then decreased gradually; hepatic Pr levels, however, remained high. Changes in Ca concentrations in liver, spleen, and lungs were in accordance with those of REEs. (3) Severe hepatotoxicity was observed after administration of Ce and Pr; fatty liver, jaundice, and elevated serum GOT and GPT levels were most prominent on Day 3. Therefore, we hypothesized that REE chlorides might be categorized into three groups according to their ionic radii (light REEs, Y and medium REEs, and heavy REEs) and from their behavior, i.e., distribution pattern, Ca-accumulating action, and hepatotoxicity.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1996

DNA sequence from a fossil pollen of Abies spp. from Pleistocene peat.

DNA was amplified from individual fossil pollen grains of Abies spp. (Pinaceae), which have been detected from Pleistocene peaty deposits (at least 150,000 years old). To identify the species of the fossil pollen by DNA analysis, the region indicating the species-specific sequence was searched among extant Abies species and the spacer region between rrn5 and trnR in chloroplast DNA was sequenced for four grains of the fossil pollen. Three pollen samples produced the same sequence as extant Abies species. The sequence for the remaining sample differed from that of extant Abies by one substitution. This study showed not only a successful DNA analysis from a single grain of fossil pollen but also a new method to identify the species of fossil pollen for the pollen analysis field.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

[The influence of electrical time interval indices and aging on the left atrial systolic time intervals].

The influence of aging and heart rate on left ventricular systolic time intervals is well known, but the effects on left atrial systolic time intervals, a new index of left atrial function, remain unknown. The influence of aging and heart rate on left atrial systolic time intervals was investigated in 43 normal subjects (13-72 years of age) by Doppler echocardiography. Atrial pre-ejection period, atrial ejection time, and corrected atrial pre-ejection period were obtained by transmitral Doppler echocardiography. Simple regression analysis showed atrial pre-ejection period significantly correlated with P wave duration (PP; r = 0.78), and PR interval (PR; r = 0.60), but not with RR interval (RR). However, multiple regression analysis showed atrial pre-ejection period significantly correlated only with PP. Simple regression analysis found atrial ejection time significantly correlated with PP (r = 0.38), and PR (r = 0.39), but not with RR. However, multiple regression analysis found atrial ejection time did not correlate with any factor significantly. Aging was significantly correlated with corrected atrial pre-ejection period (r = -0.37), but not with corrected atrial ejection time and atrial pre-ejection period. Atrial ejection time significantly correlated with corrected atrial pre-ejection period (r = -0.37), but not with atrial pre-ejection period. Corrected atrial pre-ejection period is a clinically useful index of left atrial systolic function.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

The effect of recent advances in pharmacologic management on the prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy.

To determine the effect of recent advances in medical management on the survival of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 103 patients with DCM were studied. The subjects were divided into 3 groups based upon the time of initial medical treatment at our institute: Group I, between 1976 and 1981, 20 patients; Group II, between 1982 and 1985, 27 patients; and Group III, between 1986 and 1991, 56 patients. The clinical, Holter electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings, the pharmacologic treatments used, and the clinical outcomes for the 3 groups of patients were compared. During the follow-up period, which averaged 27 months, 31 deaths related to cardiac disease occurred. The 4 year survival rate was 76% in Group III, 49% in Group II and 35% in Group I; the difference in survival rate between Groups I and III was significant (p < 0.01). At the initial evaluation, no differences were found among the 3 groups in the incidences of advanced heart failure (NYHA functional class III or IV), atrial fibrillation or complex ventricular arrhythmias. Neither diastolic blood pressure nor heart rate differed among the 3 groups, but Group III patients were older and had significantly higher systolic blood pressures than Group I patients (p < 0.05, for both comparisons). There were no differences among the 3 groups in % fractional shortening, left ventricular end-systolic wall stress or left ventricular wall thickness, but left ventricular dimensions were significantly smaller in Group III than in Group I (p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1992

[Left atrial ejection performance in heart failure as assessed by transesophageal Doppler echocardiography].

To investigate the left atrial ejection performance in heart failure, we observed both the transmitral (TMF) and pulmonary venous flow waves (PVF) by transesophageal Doppler echocardiography in 20 patients with heart failure (16 males, 4 females, 56 +/- 13 years old). In 7 of 20 patients, pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PC) were also obtained within 72 hours after the transesophageal Doppler echocardiographic examinations. A reversal flow on PVF during atrial systole (atrial backward ejection flow) was observed in all of the 20 patients. Corrected atrial pre-ejection period correlated significantly with PC (r = -0.76, p < 0.05), indicating that the period was shortened in accordance with left atrial Starling's law. This period correlated significantly with both the duration and the time velocity integral of atrial backward flow (r = -0.72, p < 0.005; r = -0.55, p < 0.05, respectively), but not with the atrial ejection time nor with the time velocity integral of atrial systole. These results suggest that in some cases of heart failure, left atrial contractile function is preserved despite the marked augmentation of left atrial afterload, resulting in a decrease of the left atrial forward ejection and an increase of the left atrial backward ejection. Thus, the observations of TMF and PVF by transesophageal Doppler echocardiography are useful for assessing the left atrial ejection performance in patients with heart failure.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Clinical and echocardiographic evaluation of the effects of atrial defibrillation in patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy].

To elucidate the effects of atrial defibrillation in patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy, we clinically and echocardiographically assessed 6 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and 7 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Their mean age was 57 +/- 14 years and the mean duration of their atrial fibrillation (Af) was 47 +/- 29 days. There were no differences in age and the duration of Af between the HCM and DCM groups. We assessed the effects of defibrillation on the NYHA functional classification, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (S-BP), M-mode echocardiographic data (LVDd, LVDs, %FS, LAD) and transmitral pulsed Doppler echocardiographic findings (peak velocity, time-velocity integral of rapid and atrial filling waves). These indices were obtained before and 52 +/- 22 days after defibrillation, and were compared with each other. 1. HR decreased (HCM: 87 +/- 16-->58 +/- 7/min, DCM: 93 +/- 19-->70 +/- 14/min) and total left ventricular filling increased (HCM: 6 +/- 1-->11 +/- 4 cm, DCM: 6 +/- 1-->10 +/- 2 cm) after defibrillation, and the increment of %FS (HCM: 36 +/- 6-->41 +/- 6%, DCM: 16 +/- 6-->25 +/- 11%) was observed. Four of 6 HCM patients and 5 of 7 DCM patients also improved with regard to the NYHA classification. 2. After defibrillation, LVDd increased in HCM (42 +/- 4-->47 +/- 4 mm), but not in DCM. However, LVDs decreased in DCM (52 +/- 9-->44 +/- 12 mm), but not in HCM. We concluded that atrial defibrillation had a beneficial effect on the recovery of the left ventricular function both in HCM and DCM due to the reduction in HR and increase in left ventricular filling. The mode of LV functional improvement after defibrillation varied depending on the state of patient's basal pathophysiology .

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Studies on the analysis of copper chlorophyll and sodium copper chlorophyllin in imported foods].

The analysis of copper chlorophyll (CuCh) and sodium copper chlorophyllin (CuCh-Na) in imported foods was carried out. Standards of CuCh and CuCh-Na were examined by ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometer. CuCh gave absorption maximum around 650 nm, while CuCh-Na gave around 630 nm. Imported sweets and liqueurs were homogenized and extracted with ethyl acetate. These extracts also gave absorption maxima absorbance around 650 nm or 630 nm. The results suggested that a distinction between CuCh and CuCh-Na in foods was possible by spectrophotometry. Visible spectrophotometric quantitation was also tried. However the estimated levels of CuCh or CuCh-Na in the samples by this method did not meet with those by atomic absorption spectrometry.

Chlorophyllides↗
PubMed1992

[Analytical results of post-harvest pesticides in citrus fruits and fruits juices by GC-MS (SIM) and HPLC with fluorescent detector].

Determination of 6 kinds of post-harvest pesticides (DP, OPP, TBZ, 2,4-D, Imazalil and Benomyl) in citrus fruits and fruits juices was carried out by GC-MS (SIM) and HPLC with fluorescent detector. DP for 16 samples, OPP for 27 samples, TBZ for 12 samples, 2,4-D for 10 samples, imazalil for 20 samples and Benomyl for 4 samples were detected in total 32 samples.

Beverages↗
PubMed1992

Determination of organophosphorus pesticides in imported foods by FPD-GC and GC-MS.

Organophosphorus pesticides in 47 agricultural products imported at the Yokohama and Kobe Quarantine Station in 1990 were determined by FPD-GC and identified by GC-MS. Chlorpyrifosmethyl, malathion and fenitrothion were found in wheat (0.03-0.69 ppm), chlorpyrifosmethyl and fenitrothion in soy bean (0.02-1.03 ppm), chlorpyrifosmethyl in cherry (0.12-0.17 ppm), chlorpyrifosmethyl in pumpkin (0.07-0.15 ppm), chlorpyrifosmethyl and malathion in corn (0.15-1.38 ppm).

Chromatography, Gas↗