OBJECTIVE: In the previous study, we compiled the differentially expressed genes during early folliculogenesis.1 Objective of the present study was to identify downstream target genes of transcription factors (TFs) using bioinformatics for selecting the target TFs among the gene lists for further functional analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By using bioinformatics tools, constituent domains were identified from database searches using Gene Ontology, MGI, and Entrez Gene. Downstream target proteins/genes of each TF were identified from database searches using TF database (TRANSFAC(R) 6.0) and eukaryotic promoter database (EPD). RESULTS: DNA binding and trans-activation domains of all TFs listed previously were identified, and the list of downstream target proteins/genes was obtained from searche of TF database and promoter database. Based on the known function of identified downstream genes and the domains, 3 (HNF4, PPARg, and TBX2) out of 26 TFs were selected for further functional analysis. The genes of wee1-like protein kinase and p21WAF1 (cdk inhibitor) were identified as potential downstream target genes of HNF4 and TBX2, respectively. PPARg, through protein-protein interaction with other protein partners, acts as a transcription regulator of genes of EGFR, p21WAF1, cycD1, p53, and VEGF. Among the selected 3 TFs, further study is in progress for HNF4 and TBX2, since wee1-like protein kinase and cdk inhibitor may involved in regulating maturation promoting factor (MPF) activity during early folliculogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Approach used in the present study, in silico analysis of downstream target genes, was useful for analyzing list of TFs obtained from high-throughput cDNA microarray study. To verify its binding and functions of the selected TFs in early folliculogenesis, EMSA and further relevant characterizations are under investigation.
Computational Biology ; Computer Simulation* ; DNA ; Gene Ontology ; Maturation-Promoting Factor ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Protein Kinases ; Transcription Factors* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

OBJECTIVE: Identification of the regulatory mechanism for arrest and initiation of primordial follicular growth is crucial for female fertility. Previously, we found 15 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) that were specifically abundant in the day-5-subtracted cDNA library and that the B357 clone was novel. The present study was conducted to obtain the whole sequence of the novel gene including B357 and to characterize its mRNA and protein expression in mouse ovary and testis. METHODS: The extended sequence of the 2,965-bp cDNA fragment for the clone B357 was named 5-day-ovary-specific gene-1 (5DOS1) and submitted to GenBank (accession number AY751521). Expression of 5DOS1 was characterized in both female and male gonads at various developmental stages by Northern blotting, real-time RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The 5DOS1 transcript was highly expressed in the adult testis, brain, and muscle as compared to the other tissues. In the ovary, the 5DOS1 transcript was detected in all oocytes from primordial to antral follicles, and highly expressed at day 5 after birth and decreased thereafter. In contrast, expression of 5DOS1 showed a gradual increase during testicular development and its expression was limited to various stages of male germ cells except spermatogonia. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on the expression and characterization of the 5DOS1 gene in the mouse gonads. Further functional analysis of the 5DOS1 protein will be required to predict its role in gametogenesis.
Adult ; Animals ; Blotting, Northern ; Blotting, Western ; Brain ; Clone Cells ; Cluster Analysis* ; Databases, Nucleic Acid ; DNA, Complementary ; Expressed Sequence Tags ; Female ; Fertility ; Gametogenesis ; Gene Library ; Germ Cells ; Gonads ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization ; Male ; Mice* ; Oocytes ; Ovary* ; Parturition ; RNA, Messenger ; Spermatogonia ; Testis*

No abstract available.

The most important basic requirements for successful skin grafting are the accurate approximation of the edge of the skin graft to that of the wound and the application of even pressure to the graft by a carefully designed dressing. Pressure dressing is indicated for the protection of the graft and the prevention of shearing between the graft and its bed. One of the most widely used methods of pressure dressing is tie-over dressing. The traditional technique is based on the application of long silk sutures along the margin of the graft that are tied over bolus of antibiotics oint-impregnated nonadherent fluffed gauze. With the traditional tie-over dressing, it is impossible to inspect the graft bed for possible hematoma and seroma during the application of dressing. So we adopted another modification of the previously described tie-over dressing methods. From January 1997 to July 1997, we had performed 27 skin graft surgeries and 8 subdermal shavings in 35 patients with our new method of tie-over dressing. We can apply even pressure to the grafts by twisting the long silk sutures instead of typing.In comparison with the plethora of devices and techniques described previously in tie-over dressing construction, our technique offers simplicity and reliable fixation of the graft to the bed and allows further adjustment of the dressing by individual tightening of the threads. Other particularly attractive features are the ability to inspect the graft at any time with little difficulty and the reapplicability of tie-over dressing with the remaining long threads if needed.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bandages* ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Seroma ; Silk ; Skin ; Skin Transplantation ; Sutures ; Transplants ; Wounds and Injuries

Chronic cough is a symptom frequently encountered by the pediatrician. Although most coughs are self-limited, chronic cough often proves to be a frustrating problem. This study was performed at Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 1992, and 83 children with chronic cough persisting for longer than 3 weeks was evaluated. We categorized these patients into 5 age groups (1. Infant: uner 12 months of age, 2. Toddler: above age 1~below age 3, 3. Preschool: above age 3~below age 6,4. School: above age 6~below age 6~below age 12, 5. Adolecent: above age 12). The most common cause of chronic cough was the reactive airway disease (71.1%) such as asthma with or without sinusitis (56.6%) and bronchiolitis-reactive (14.5%). In infant age group, the most frequent causes of chronic cough were reactive airway disease(52.4%)such as bronchiolitis-reactive (28.6%) and infantile asthma (23.8%). The second and third common causes were congenital anomalies(23.8%) and bronchiolitis-nonreactive (23.8%). In toddler age, the most common cause was the reactive airway disease such as infantile asthma (10 cases: 50%) and bronchiolitis reactive (6cases; 30%) and congenital anomalies were the second common causes of chronic cough. In preschool, school and adolescent age group, asthma and sinusitis were the main causes of chronic cough. In the groups above age 3,73.2% of chronic cough were associated with sinusitis. Therefore, in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of chronic cough, it should be considered that the cause of cough is either reactive airway disease with or without sinusitis or not. In infant and toddler age, congenital anomaly should be considered.
Adolescent ; Asthma ; Bronchiolitis ; Child* ; Cough* ; Humans ; Infant ; Sinusitis

There are many procedures described for the treatment of acromioclavicular separation. Eleven cases were operated on by technique of Weaver and Dunn method and ten cases by modified Phemister method and four cases by Dewar and Barrington method, and one cases by Mumford method, Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Capital Armed Forces General Hospital from March 1986 to March 1989. The following results were obtained. l. All patients were male and the peak incidence was in 3rd decade(77%). 2. The most common causes of the injuries were athletic accidents and followed by traffic accidents. 3. Twenty three patients were grade III by Allman's classification and grade II in three cases. 4. Clinical results were good in 19 cases(73.1%), fair in 5 cases(19.2%) and poor in 2 cases(7.7%). 5. The operative procedures in grade III may be good treatment of acromioclavicular separation.
Accidents, Traffic ; Arm ; Classification ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Incidence ; Joints ; Male ; Methods ; Sports ; Surgical Procedures, Operative

No abstract available.
Epinephrine* ; Heart Arrest*

No abstract available.
Arteriovenous Fistula*

No abstract available.
Sepsis* ; Yersinia*

PURPOSE: We report our initial experience with hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN) and compare it to our results with open donor nephrectomy (ODN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the medical records of consecutive, renal, living donor-recipient pairs, 60 HALDN patients were compared with 19 ODN patients. In addition, the HALDN group was divided into two groups, initial HALDNs (n=20) and late HALDNs (n=40), for consideration of the surgeons' learning curve. RESULTS: Except 1 case of open conversion, 59 patients underwent HALDN successfully. Mean operation times were 202, 255, and 201 minutes for ODNs, initial HALDNs, and late HALDNs respectively. Mean warm ischemic time decreased from 4.5 minutes in the initial HALDNs to 3.1 minutes in the late HALDNs. Major intraoperative complications included 1 transfusion in the ODNs, 1 open conversion and 1 transfusion in the initial HALDNs, but none in the late HALDNs. Mean hospital stay decreased from 6.4 days in the ODNs to 4.6 and 3.8 days in the initial and late HALDNs, respectively. Mean analgesic use decreased from 403mg and 323mg in ODNs and initial HALDNs, respectively, to 219mg in late HALDNs. Serum creatinine levels of the recipients on post operation days 7 and 30 showed no differences among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: All but one, HALDNs resulted in a safe donor operation with a kidney of excellent quality. The length of hospital stay and postoperative analgesic use were decreased. The cosmetic result was enhanced. Additionally, the number of living donors can be potentially increased.
Creatinine ; Humans ; Intraoperative Complications ; Kidney ; Laparoscopy ; Learning Curve ; Length of Stay ; Living Donors ; Medical Records ; Nephrectomy* ; Tissue Donors* ; Warm Ischemia