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Abstract: The closest region of the promoter of MHC II genes and particularly three conserved boxes (X, Y and S) are fundamental for the transcriptional regulation. A second set of conserved sequences is present approximately 1200–1500bp upstream in opposite orientation. In transient transfection experiments in IFN-γ-treated macrophages and in B lymphocytes, we determined the expression of a fragment of 2035bp of the I-Aβ gene, which contains the upstream boxes. Mutation of the distal boxes increased induction, thereby suggesting a repressive effect on transcription. In vitro, the proximal and distal ends of I-Aβ promoter were ligated in the presence of nuclear extracts from untreated macrophages but not when the extracts were obtained from IFN-γ-stimulated cells. The mutation of distal or proximal boxes resulted in a decrease in the ligation assay. The addition of recombinant CIITA to untreated nuclear extracts decreased the capacity of the promoter to be ligated. Finally, we observed increased capacity to ligate the promoter in extracts from B cells lacking CIITA, but not from B cells lacking RFXANK. These results allow us to postulate a model where the proteins in the proximal and distal conserved sequences interact. When CIITA is induced, these proteins make an enhanceosome, allowing chromatin to open and initiate transcription. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The research project "Good Teaching Practices and Teacher Education: Contributions Towards a New Pedagogical Agenda" studies good teaching in the EFL Teacher Education Program at the School of Humanities, Mar del Plata State University, Argentina. The investigation proceeds within the framework of the new agenda for didactics. It began by identifying good practices through a semi-open questionnaire administered to a selected sample of good senior students in the Program. Recorded instructors were interviewed by means of a semi-flexible script emphasizing their narrative perspectives. This paper summarizes a comparative analysis of conceptions of good teaching registered for two professors. The interpretation of these stories aims at generating categories to publicly and theoretically signify their private teaching experiences. This process allows for the exploration of some of the complexities concerning pre-service EFL teaching education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose UR-1505 is a new small molecule with immune modulator properties intended for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases that has shown anti-inflammatory effects in models of skin inflammation. We compared the activity of UR-1505 ointment against its vehicle in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Secondary objectives included exploring dose response, safety, and local tolerability of UR-1505. Methods Patients with AD lesions on 2 symmetrical topographic areas (arms, leg, or trunk) were included in this unicenter randomized, double-blind, within-patient, controlled Phase II exploratory trial and received simultaneously 2 different treatments (0.5%, 1%, or 2% UR-1505 and vehicle or 0.1% tacrolimus ointment) once daily during 28 days. The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline in the Investigator Global Assessment score at Day 28. Secondary end points were percentage of area clearance, local Eczema Area Severity Index (local EASI), and local tolerability. A linear mixed model was used, fitting treatment, body side, and group (treatment at the contralateral side) as fixed factors and the patient as a random effect. Findings Twenty-eight patients were randomized and 25 patients were included in the per protocol analysis, with 50 evaluable lesions (n = 13 for vehicle, n = 8 for UR-1505 0.5%, n = 9 for 1% UR-1505, n=8 for 2% UR-1505, and n=12 for tacrolimus). The mean Investigator Global Assessment score change from baseline at Day 28 was –1.7 for vehicle, –1.0, –1.2, and –1.5 for 0.5%, 1%, and 2% UR-1505, respectively, and –2.6% for tacrolimus ( P = 0.002). No serious nor causal adverse reactions were reported in this study, but patients reported numerous local symptoms after product applications, especially itching, tingling, tightness, and heat/burning sensations at frequencies that were similar for vehicle, 1% UR-1505, and 2% UR-1505; more frequent with 0.5% UR-1505; and lowest for tacrolimus. Implications This study found that UR-1505 may not be a suitable option for the treatment of atopic dermatitis due to its lack of clinically relevant effect compared with its vehicle and 0.1% tacrolimus ointment. EudraCT No.: 2007-002550-27. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of cetirizine in the prevention of nevirapine-associated rash in HIV-positive persons. CD4 cell count; Plasma viral load; Without simultaneous use of abacavir, cotrimoxazole, or rifampin; Clinical followup at 15, 30, and 90 days.