Effect of task-based group experience on collaborative learning: Exploring the transaction activities.

BACKGROUND: Collaborative learning is a widely used approach where students gather in small groups to solve problems and develop skills. However, grouping students is not always effective, and it may be necessary to provide task-specific collaborative experiences to optimize their interactions for subsequent learning tasks. AIMS: To test this hypothesis, we conducted an experiment with 90 Ecuadorian students in their mathematics class. SAMPLE: Participants were 90 Ecuadorian students (average age = 13.80 years, SD = .70; 48.89% female) from a private school in Sangolquí, who participated as part of their mathematics class. METHOD: The experiment consisted of four phases: preparation, learning, retention one-day testing, and delayed seven-day testing. In the preparation phase, 15 triads received guidance on working collaboratively with quadratic equations (i.e., experienced groups), while 45 other individual learners worked independently. In the learning phase, 15 experienced triads and 45 individual learners (who were later divided into 15 non-experienced triads) received a new learning task in the domain of economics, precisely the break-even point. RESULTS: The experienced group outperformed the non-experienced group in the retention one-day test, investing less mental effort and demonstrating greater efficiency. However, there was no significant difference in the delayed one-week test. We analysed the interactions of the groups and found that experienced groups exhibited more cognitive, fewer regulatory, an equal number of emotional interactions, and fewer task-unrelated interactions than the non-experienced groups. CONCLUSIONS: Providing task-specific collaborative experiences can reduce the cognitive load associated with transactional activities and increase learning in new tasks.

A potential inflammatory role of IL-31 in psoriatic arthritis: A correlation with Th17 cytokine profile.

The goals of our study were to determine the possible association of interleukin (IL)-31 with Th17 cytokine profile in serum and to quantify retinoic acid-related orphan receptor C (RORC) mRNA expression in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 patients with PsA and 30 control subjects (CS) matched by age and gender. The cytokine serum levels were quantified by magnetic bead-based assay using the Bio-Plex MAGPIX system, and RORC mRNA expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). As a result, significant differences in IL-31 were observed between study groups (77.23 pg/mL in PsA vs 64.4 pg/mL in CS, P < 0.001) and Th17 cytokine profile serum levels (IL-17A: 6.36 pg/mL in PsA vs 2.97 pg/mL in CS, P = 0.02; IL-17F: 44.15 pg/mL in PsA vs 23.36 pg/mL in PsA, P = 0.01; IL-17E: 3.03 pg/mL in PsA vs 0.82 pg/mL in CS, P < 0.001; IL-21: 36.45 pg/mL in PsA vs 12.44 pg/mL in CS, P = 0.02); however, significant differences were not observed for IL-23 (31.2 pg/mL in PsA vs 53.26 pg/mL in CS, P = 0.58). Furthermore, positive correlations between IL-31 and Th17 cytokine profile serum levels were found (IL-17A: rs = 0.64, P < 0.001; IL-17F: rs = 0.73, P < 0.001; IL-17E: rs = 0.70, P < 0.001; IL-21: rs = 0.54, P = 0.002; IL-23: rs = 0.5, P < 0.01). Regarding RORC gene expression, the PsA group showed an increase of 6.85-fold compared to the CS group. We did not find any association between the serum levels of cytokines and RORC gene expression. In conclusion, in PsA, there are increased serum levels of IL-31, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-17E, and IL-21, but not IL-23. Moreover, there was a positive correlation of IL-31 with the Th17 cytokine profile and a high RORC gene expression. Altogether, these findings suggest a proinflammatory contribution of IL-31 in close association with the Th17 cytokine profile in PsA.

Expression of MIF and TNFA in psoriatic arthritis: relationship with Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profiles and clinical variables.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease associated with psoriasis. The cause of this pathology is still unknown, but research suggests the diseases are caused by a deregulated cytokine production. MIF is a cytokine associated with immunomodulation of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine profiles in inflammatory diseases. Based on this knowledge, the aim of this study was to determine the association of MIF and TNFA expression with Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine profiles in serum levels of PsA patients. A cross-sectional study was performed in 50 PsA patients and 30 control subjects (CS). The cytokine profiles were quantified by BioPlex MagPix system and the mRNA expression levels by real-time PCR. TNFA mRNA expression was 138.81-folds higher in PsA patients than CS (p < 0.001). Regarding MIF mRNA expression, no significant differences were observed; however, a positive correlation was identified between MIF mRNA expression and PsA time of evolution (r = - 0.53, p = 0.009). An increase of Th1 (IFNγ: PsA = 37.1 pg/mL vs. CS = 17 pg/mL, p < 0.05; TNFα: PsA = 24.6 pg/mL vs. CS = 9.8 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) and Th17 cytokine profiles (IL-17: PsA = 6.4 pg/mL vs. CS = 2.7 pg/mL, p < 0.05; IL-22: PsA = 8.4 pg/mL vs. CS = 1.8 pg/mL, p < 0.001), were found in PsA patients. Th2 cytokines were not significantly different in both groups. In conclusion, a high expression of TNFA mRNA, as well as an increase of Th1 and Th17 cytokine profiles evaluated by IFNγ, TNFα, IL-17, and IL-22 cytokines, was observed in PsA patients.

From Cognitive Load Theory to Collaborative Cognitive Load Theory.

Cognitive load theory has traditionally been associated with individual learning. Based on evolutionary educational psychology and our knowledge of human cognition, particularly the relations between working memory and long-term memory, the theory has been used to generate a variety of instructional effects. Though these instructional effects also influence the efficiency and effectiveness of collaborative learning, be it computer supported or face-to-face, they are often not considered either when designing collaborative learning situations/environments or researching collaborative learning. One reason for this omission is that cognitive load theory has only sporadically concerned itself with certain particulars of collaborative learning such as the concept of a collective working memory when collaborating along with issues associated with transactive activities and their concomitant costs which are inherent to collaboration. We illustrate how and why cognitive load theory, by adding these concepts, can throw light on collaborative learning and generate principles specific to the design and study of collaborative learning.

Sialolitíase em equino: relato de caso / Sialolithiasis in equine: case report

Sialolitíase é uma afecção que afeta as glândulas salivares ou seus ductos, caracterizada pela presença de estruturas calcificadas, denominadas de sialolitos, com crescimento lento e gradual, geralmente assintomático, dificultando ou impedindo o fluxo normal de saliva. Devido à ausência de relatos na literatura nacional, descreve-se o caso de uma égua de 15 anos, que apresentava um sialolito de 13cm no ducto parotídico havia mais de dois anos, próximo à crista facial. O diagnóstico foi realizado por meio do exame clínico: visualização do aumento de volume, palpação do sialolito, avaliação odontológica; e de exames complementares: radiografia e ultrassonografia. Optou-se pelo tratamento cirúrgico, através do acesso percutâneo, pois é o mais indicado para cálculos grandes, realizando-se sutura do ducto de Stenon, sem presença de fístulas no pós-operatório. Foi de extrema importância a avaliação e os cuidados odontológicos durante a realização do procedimento, pois as pontas dentárias facilitam a formação dos cálculos.(AU)

Sialolithiasis is a condition that affects the salivary glands or their ducts, characterized by the presence of calcified structures, called sialolites, with slow and gradual growth, usually asymptomatic, hindering or impeding the normal flow of saliva. Due to the absence of reports in the national literature, the case of a 15-year-old mare who had a 13cm sialolite in the parotid duct near the face ridge for more than 2 years is described. The diagnosis was made through clinical examination: with visualization and palpation of the sialolite, dental evaluation; and complementary exams: radiography and ultrasonography. We chose surgical treatment through percutaneous access, which is the most appropriate for large stones, and Stenon's duct suture was performed, without postoperative fistulas. The assessment and dental care during the procedure was extremely important, since the dental tips facilitate the formation of the stones.(AU)

Efectos de una simetría facial alta, media y baja en un condicionamiento clásico de actitudes hacia logos / Effects of high, medium and low facial symmetry in a classical conditioning of attitudes of logos

Con 34 estudiantes de la Universidad de Ibagué (17 de cada sexo y una media de 21 años), se evaluó el efecto de la simetría facial (SF) en un Condicionamiento Clásico de Actitudes, mediante un procedimiento simultáneo donde los estímulos incondicionados fueron rostros femeninos con baja, media y alta SF, y como estímulos a condicionar tres logos (Xua, Xue y Xuo). Los resultados muestran una mejor evaluación de los rostros con alta SF; un cambio entre las evaluaciones realizadas antes y después a los logos y, finalmente, que la marca asociada a alta SF obtuvo una evaluación más positiva. Se valora el impacto del estudio en la operacionalización del atractivo físico, la identificación de estímulos incondicionados y las ventajas del procedimiento en la evaluación de comunicaciones persuasivas.

In a sample of 34 university students (17 of each sex and on average 21 years old) at the Universidad de Ibagué, we evaluated the effect of facial symmetry (FS) in a Classical Conditioning of Attitudes experiment, using a simultaneous procedure where three logos were used as conditioned stimuli (Xua, Xue, Xuo) and faces of varying symmetry were used as unconditioned stimuli. We observed a higher rating of attractiveness of faces with high FS. We also observed a change in ratings of each logo before and after the conditioning procedure, and finally, the logo associated with a high FS obtained significantly higher scores after conditioning (than the logos associated with less FS). The impact of our study is that we operationalized physical attractiveness, identifying an unconditioned stimulus (facial symmetry as an index of physical attractiveness) and demonstrated the advantage of our conditioning procedure in establishing and changing the attitudes of consumers in persuasive communications.

Índice revisado de área y severidad de lupus cutáneo (RCLASI): ¿Qué pudimos observar?: What did we find? / Revised cutaneous lupus erythematosus disease area and severity index (RCLASI)

Objetivos: evaluar la utilidad práctica en nuestro medio del índice revisado de área y severidad del lupus cutáneo (RCLASI). Correlacionar RCLASI con DLQI (índice de calidad de vida dermatológico). Materiales y Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal realizado en el Hospital General de Agudos José María Ramos Mejía, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires - Argentina - por dos grupos de observadores divididos según nivel de experiencia en dermatología. Se realizó RCLASI Y DLQI en 12 pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Cutáneo (LEC). Se evaluó en RCLASI el tiempo requerido, la variabilidad inter-observador y la dificultad del método. Resultados: la media de actividad para el grupo de baja experiencia fue de 11,8 puntos (SD 8,1) y para el de moderada / alta experiencia 12,7 (SD 8). La media de daño para el primer grupo fue 4 (SD 4,7) y para el segundo 4,4 puntos (SD 5,4), respectivamente. El tiempo promedio para ambos grupos fue de 7,76 minutos, siendo para el grupo de baja experiencia 9,79 y para el de moderada / alta 5,73. El método resultó fácil en más del 50% de los casos, independientemente del nivel de experiencia. El 50% de los pacientes no mostró efecto sobre la calidad de vida, 16,5% pequeño efecto, 25% moderado efecto y 8,5% gran efecto. Conclusión: el RCLASI es un método práctico y útil para evaluar todas las formas de LEC. Resulta fácil y expeditivo, pero carece de escala de severidad, lo que fue una limitante para compararlo con DLQI.

Objectives: to assess the practical utility of Revised Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (RCLASI) in our population. To correlate: RCLASI with DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index). Materials and Methods: observational, descriptive and transversal study that was performed in Hospital General de Agudos José María Ramos Mejía, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires - Argentina - by two groups of observers divided by their level of experience in dermatology. RCLASI and DLQI were assessed in 12 patients with Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). Time spent, inter observer variability and method´s levels of difficulty were evaluated. Results: the mean activity score for the group of low experience was 11,8 (SD 8,1) and for the group of moderate / high experience 12,7 (SD 8). The mean damage score for the former was 4 (SD 4,79) and for the later 4,4 (SD 5,4). The mean time spent by both groups was 7,76 minutes (9,79 minutes mean by the group of low experience and 5,73 by the group of moderate / high experience). The method was considered easy in more than 50% of the cases, independently of the observers´s level of experience. 50% of the patients did not show effect in their quality of life whereas 16,5% showed little effect, 25% mild effect, and 8,5% big effect. Conclusions: RCLASI is a useful and feasible method to evaluate all types of CLE. It’s easy and rapid, however it lacks a severity scale. This later limited its comparison with DLQI.

Indice revisado de área y severidad de lupus cutáneo (RCLASI): ¿Qué pudimos observar?: What did we find? / Revised cutaneous lupus erythematosus disease area and severity index (RCLASI)

Objetivos: evaluar la utilidad práctica en nuestro medio del índice revisado de área y severidad del lupus cutáneo (RCLASI). Correlacionar RCLASI con DLQI (índice de calidad de vida dermatológico). Materiales y Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal realizado en el Hospital General de Agudos José María Ramos Mejía, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires - Argentina - por dos grupos de observadores divididos según nivel de experiencia en dermatología. Se realizó RCLASI Y DLQI en 12 pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Cutáneo (LEC). Se evaluó en RCLASI el tiempo requerido, la variabilidad inter-observador y la dificultad del método. Resultados: la media de actividad para el grupo de baja experiencia fue de 11,8 puntos (SD 8,1) y para el de moderada / alta experiencia 12,7 (SD 8). La media de daño para el primer grupo fue 4 (SD 4,7) y para el segundo 4,4 puntos (SD 5,4), respectivamente. El tiempo promedio para ambos grupos fue de 7,76 minutos, siendo para el grupo de baja experiencia 9,79 y para el de moderada / alta 5,73. El método resultó fácil en más del 50% de los casos, independientemente del nivel de experiencia. El 50% de los pacientes no mostró efecto sobre la calidad de vida, 16,5% pequeño efecto, 25% moderado efecto y 8,5% gran efecto. Conclusión: el RCLASI es un método práctico y útil para evaluar todas las formas de LEC. Resulta fácil y expeditivo, pero carece de escala de severidad, lo que fue una limitante para compararlo con DLQI.(AU)

Objectives: to assess the practical utility of Revised Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (RCLASI) in our population. To correlate: RCLASI with DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index). Materials and Methods: observational, descriptive and transversal study that was performed in Hospital General de Agudos José María Ramos Mejía, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires - Argentina - by two groups of observers divided by their level of experience in dermatology. RCLASI and DLQI were assessed in 12 patients with Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). Time spent, inter observer variability and method´s levels of difficulty were evaluated. Results: the mean activity score for the group of low experience was 11,8 (SD 8,1) and for the group of moderate / high experience 12,7 (SD 8). The mean damage score for the former was 4 (SD 4,79) and for the later 4,4 (SD 5,4). The mean time spent by both groups was 7,76 minutes (9,79 minutes mean by the group of low experience and 5,73 by the group of moderate / high experience). The method was considered easy in more than 50% of the cases, independently of the observers´s level of experience. 50% of the patients did not show effect in their quality of life whereas 16,5% showed little effect, 25% mild effect, and 8,5% big effect. Conclusions: RCLASI is a useful and feasible method to evaluate all types of CLE. It’s easy and rapid, however it lacks a severity scale. This later limited its comparison with DLQI.(AU)

Dermatitis flagelada por bleomicina / Bleomycin flagellate dermatitis

La dermatitis flagelada es una patología característica que se desarrolla por el uso de bleomicina y su etiopatogenia no está esclarecida. Generalmente se presenta como máculas digitiformes parduzcas en dorso. Su tratamiento varía desde conducta expectante hasta emplear corticoides orales según severidad. Presentamos una paciente con linfoma de Hodgkin que desarrolla dermatitis flagelada por bleomicina 10 días posteriores al primer ciclo de quimioterapia y que responde satisfactoriamente a corticoides orales sin necesidad de suspender el tratamiento para su enfermedad de base (AU)

Flagellate dermatitis is a disease due to the use of bleomycin and its pathogenesis is not clearly understood. Generally, it is presents as a hyperpigment ed striated macules on the trunk. Treatment includes oral corticosteroids according to severity. We report a woman with a Hodgkin lymphoma who developed lesions ten days after the first cycle of chemotherapy and responds satisfactorily to oral corticosteroids without discontinuation of the therapy for their underlying disease (AU)

Sodium caseinate induces secretion of macrophage colony-stimulating factor from neutrophils.

In this work we provide evidence that granulocytes produce macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in the band cell stage and secrete it upon sodium caseinate-mediated differentiation to polymorphonuclear cells. We identified M-CSF in an enriched population of myeloid band cells from murine bone marrow using a chromophore-labeled monoclonal anti-M-CSF antibody. An ELISA assay was then used to detect secreted M-CSF in culture supernatants of enriched band cells differentiated to mature neutrophils using sodium caseinate. Colony formation in vitro by the supernatants from differentiating band cells was blocked by anti-M-CSF, thus suggesting that this factor is the only one responsible for this activity. Our data imply that casein can modulate hematopoiesis possibly via M-CSF production. Finally we discuss the possibility whether this M-CSF in concert with G-CSF could establish a cellular communication network between macrophages and granulocytes allowing them to simultaneously arrive at the inflammatory site.

Redução de fratura de maxila em equino por odontossíntese e osteossíntese semi-rígida

O artigo não apresenta resumo.

Structure and function of the stalk, a putative regulatory element of the yeast ribosome. Role of stalk protein phosphorylation.

The ribosomal stalk is involved directly in the interaction of the elongation factors with the ribosome during protein synthesis. The stalk is formed by a complex of five proteins, four small acidic polypeptides and a larger protein which directly interacts with the rRNA at the GTPase center. In eukaryotes, the acidic components correspond to the 12 kDa P1 and P2 proteins, and the RNA binding component is protein P0. All these proteins are found to be phosphorylated in eukaryotic organisms. Previous in vitro data suggested this modification was involved in the activity of this structure. To confirm this possibility a mutational study has shown that phosphorylation takes place at a serine residue close to the carboxyl end of proteins P1, P2 and P0. This serine is part of a consensus casein kinase II phosphorylation site. However, by using a yeast strain carrying a temperature sensitive mutant, it has been shown that CKII is probably not the only enzyme responsible for this modification. Three new protein kinases, RAPI, RAPII and RAPIII, have been purified and compared with CKII and PK60, a previously reported enzyme that phosphorylates the stalk proteins. Differences among the five enzymes have been studied. It has also been found that some typical effectors of the PKC kinase stimulate the in vitro phosphorylation of the stalk proteins. All the data available suggest that phosphorylation, although it is not involved in the interaction of the acidic proteins with the ribosome, affects ribosome activity and might participate in some ribosome regulatory mechanism.

Eficacia de la técnica quirúrgica de retroceso-resección de los rectos horizontales del ojo fijador: en el síndrome de bloqueo del nistagmo unilateral y estrabismo / Efficacy of the surgical technical of the setback-resection of the horizontal right of the eye fixer: in the nistamo of the unilateral blockade and strabismus

Se presenta un estudio realizado en 15 pacientes del Instituto de Oftalmología "Javier Servat Univazo" con el propósito de comprobar la eficacia de la técnica quirúrgica de retroceso-resección de los músculos rectos horizontales del ojo fijador en el nistagmo con bloqueo unilateral y estrabismo, como alternativa de tratamiento quirúrgico que corrige la desviación horizontal y la posición compensadora de la cabeza en el mismo acto quirúrgico. La mejora de torticolis se logró en 11/15 (73 por ciento), y el éxito en el tratamiento de la endotropía fue en 13/15 (87 por ciento); demostrándose que este tratamiento es exitoso para solucionar el problema del Síndrome de Bloqueo del Nistagmo, unilateral (p<0.001>), el cual es accesible al oftalmólogo general

Phosphorylation of the yeast ribosomal stalk. Functional effects and enzymes involved in the process.

The ribosomal stalk is directly involved in the interaction of the elongation factors with the ribosome during protein synthesis. The stalk is formed by a complex of five proteins, four small acidic polypeptides and a larger protein which directly interacts with the rRNA at the GTPase center. In eukaryotes the acidic components correspond to the 12-kDa P1 and P2 proteins, and the RNA binding component is the P0 protein. All these proteins are found phosphorylated in eukaryotic organisms, and previous in vitro data suggested this modification was involved in the activity of this structure. Results from mutational studies have shown that phosphorylation takes place at a serine residue close to the carboxy end of the P proteins. Modification of this serine residue does not affect the formation of the stalk and the activity of the ribosome in standard conditions but induces an osmoregulation-related phenotype at 37 degrees C. The phosphorylatable serine is part of a consensus casein kinase II phosphorylation site. However, although CKII seems to be responsible for part of the stalk phosphorylation in vivo, it is probably not the only enzyme in the cell able to perform this modification. Five protein kinases, RAPI, RAPII and RAPIII, in addition to the previously reported CKII and PK60 kinases, are able to phosphorylate the stalk proteins. A comparison of the five enzymes shows differences among them that suggest some specificity regarding the phosphorylation of the four yeast acidic proteins. It has been found that some typical effectors of the PKC kinase stimulate the in vitro phosphorylation of the stalk proteins. All the data suggest that although phosphorylation is not involved in the interaction of the acidic P proteins with the ribosome, it can affect the ribosome activity and might participate in a possible ribosome regulatory mechanism.

Phosphorylation of the acidic ribosomal P proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a reappraisal.

Previous reports had pointed to serines 62 and 71/79 as possible phosphorylation sites in the yeast acidic ribosomal proteins YP1 alpha and YP2 alpha, respectively. However, it has been found that mutation of these serine residues did not affect the phosphorylation level of the proteins. A detailed examination of the YP2 alpha tryptic digest from the in vivo labeled protein demonstrates the existence of a totally trypsin-insensitive site at lysine 88 that led to a misinterpretation of previous results. The unique YP2 alpha tryptic phosphopeptide obtained contains, in addition to serines 71 and 79, a serine at position 96 near the carboxyl end, which automatic Edman degradation confirmed as the phosphorylated residue. In addition, by using Staphyloccocus protease V8, it was possible to obtain phosphopeptides containing only serine 96, whose phosphorylation has likewise been confirmed by radioactive labeling as well as by chemical methods. A similar analysis of the other 12 kDa acidic proteins, YP1 alpha, YP1 beta, and YP2 beta, has shown the presence of equivalent phosphorylation sites in the four P proteins, which correspond to position 96 in proteins YP1 alpha, YP1 beta, and YP2 alpha and position 100 in YP2 beta. This conclusion has been confirmed by the fact that mutation of serine 96 in proteins YP1 alpha and YP2 alpha abolishes their capacity to be phosphorylated in vivo. The mutation of the phosphorylation site of the individual acidic proteins seems not to alter their interaction with the ribosome. However, it has been found that the level of phosphorylation of the stalk proteins has an effect on the response of the cells to some specific metabolic conditions, indicating that it may modulate the translation of specific proteins.

[Luteal phase support after vaginal progesterone: comparative study with micronized oral progesterone]. / Support de la phase lutéale par la progestérone vaginale: étude comparative avec la progestérone micronisée per os.

Two progesterone presentations, a vaginal application of 90 mg progesterone per day (Crinone) or 300 mg progesterone orally administered (Utrogestan) were compared for luteal phase support of patients undergoing an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure. 283 patients were randomly allocated to either treatment. The treatment started within 24 hours after the embryo transfer procedure and continued until day 30 in cases of implantation. Efficacy was assessed using the pregnancy and delivery rates. Safety was assessed through specific symptoms and usual safety monitoring. The pregnancy rate per transfer was not significantly different in the Crinone and Utrogestan groups at day 12 (Crinone: 35.3%, Utrogestan: 29.9%, p = 0.55), at day 30 (Crinone: 28.8%, Utrogestan: 25%, p = 0.61), at day 90 (Crinone: 25.9%, Utrogestan: 22.9%, p = 0.69). No difference in spontaneous abortion rates were seen thereafter. The delivery rate was not significantly different (proportion delivery per patients included, Crinone: 23.0%, Utrogestan: 22.2%, p = 1), as well as the ratio new-born per transferred embryo (Crinone: 11.7%; Utrogestan: 11.1%, p = 0.91). Safety parameters were similar in both groups except for drowsiness, which was more significantly frequent in the oral P group than in the Crinone group at all time points. No serious adverse events were recorded in this study. The fact that Crinone matches the efficacy of the larger doses of progesterone used orally reflects an advantage of the transvaginal route of administration which avoids metabolic inactivation of progesterone during its first liver pass.

Luteal support after in-vitro fertilization: Crinone 8%, a sustained release vaginal progesterone gel, versus Utrogestan, an oral micronized progesterone.

Two progesterone presentations, a vaginal application of 90 mg progesterone per day (Crinone) or 300 mg progesterone administered orally (Utrogestan), were compared for luteal phase support of patients undergoing an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. A total of 283 patients were randomly allocated to either treatment. The treatment started within 24 h after the embryo transfer procedure and continued until day 30 in cases of implantation. Efficacy was assessed using the pregnancy and delivery rates. Safety was assessed through specific symptoms and usual safety monitoring. The pregnancy rates per transfer were not significantly different in the Crinone and Utrogestan groups at days 12 (Crinone 35.3%, Utrogestan 29.9%, P = 0.55), 30 (Crinone 28.5%, Utrogestan 25.0%, P = 0.61) and 90 (Crinone 25.9%, Utrogestan 22.9%, P = 0.69). No differences in the spontaneous abortion rates were seen thereafter. The delivery rates (number of deliveries per patient; Crinone 23.0%, Utrogestan 22.2%, P = 1.00), as well as the ratio of newborn babies per embryo transferred (Crinone 11.7%, Utrogestan 11.1%, P = 0.91), were not significantly different. Safety parameters were similar in both groups, except for drowsiness, which was more significantly frequent in the oral progesterone group than in the Crinone group at all time points. No serious adverse events were recorded in this study. The fact that Crinone matches the efficacy of the larger doses of progesterone used orally reflects an advantage of the transvaginal route of administration which avoids the metabolic inactivation of progesterone during its first liver pass.

Proteins P1, P2, and P0, components of the eukaryotic ribosome stalk. New structural and functional aspects.

The eukaryoic ribosomal stalk is thought to consist of the phosphoproteins P1 and P2, which form a complex with protein PO. This complex interacts at the GTPase domain in the large subunit rRNA, overlapping the binding site of the protein L11-like eukaryotic counterpart (Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein L15 and mammalian protein L12). An unusual pool of the dephosphorylated forms of proteins P1 and P2 is detected in eukaryotic cytoplasm, and an exchange between the proteins in the pool and on the ribosome takes place during translation. Quadruply disrupted yeast strains, carrying four inactive acidic protein genes and, therefore, containing ribosomes totally depleted of acidic proteins, are viable but grow with a doubling time threefold higher than wild-type cells. The in vitro translation systems derived from these stains are active but the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis pattern of proteins expressed in vivo and in vitro is partially different. These results indicate that the P1 and P2 proteins are not essential for ribosome activity but are able to affect the translation of some specific mRNAs. Protein PO is analogous to bacterial ribosomal protein L10 but carries an additional carboxyl domain showing a high sequence homology to the acidic proteins P1 and P2, including the terminal peptide DDDMGFGLFD. Successive deletions of the PO carboxyl domain show that removal of the last 21 amino acids from the PO carboxyl domain only slightly affects the ribosome activity in a wild-type genetic background; however, the same deletion is lethal in a quadruple disruptant deprived of acidic P1/P2 proteins. Additional deletions affect the interaction of PO with the P1 and P2 proteins and with the rRNA. The experimental data available support the implication of the eukaryotic stalk components in some regulatory process that modulates the ribosomal activity.