A-raf oncogene localizes on mouse X chromosome to region some 10–17 centimorgans proximal to hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase gene

The localization of the A-rafcellular oncogene on the mouse X chromosome has been determined using Xbal-restricted DNAs prepared from progeny of an interspecies backcross between the B6.CBA.R1 and the Spe/Pas mouse strains. This localization to the proximal part of the mouse X chromosome has been confirmed by the use of somatic cell hybrids, carrying partially deleted X chromosomes and suggests that the A-raf oncogene localizes to a region lying some 10–17 centimorgans proximal to the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (Hprt) gene between the locus DXPas4and the locus DXPas7defined by the cross-reacting human X chromosome-specific probe DXS32 (M2C). This localization on the mouse X chromosome is compatible with the presence of the A-rafoncogene on the short arm of the human X chromosome between the centromere and Xp21.     

Antibodies to common ovine and bovine C-type virus specific antigen in serum from sheep with spontaneous leukosis and from inoculated animals

C-type virus containing preparations from concanavalin stimulated sheep lymphocyte culture fluids were treated with ether, and used for antigen in immunodiffusion tests. 13 out of 14 sera from sheep with spontaneous lymphatic leukosis showed precipitation reaction with the antigen preparation. 3 out of 33 sera from clinically unsuspect sheep in the same multiple case herd also formed precipitin bands. 3 out of 37 sera from offspring of leukotic ewes, 3 out of 9 sera from sheep, inoculated as newborne lambs with leukotic material, and 1 out of 4 sera from inoculated goats precipitated in the same manner. Immunodiffusion tests with a similar antigen preparation from bovine lymphocyte culture fluid led to strong identical results. 162 sera from sheep out of leukosis free herds did not show precipitation reactions. These findings seem to demonstrate the presence of antibodies to common ether resistent ovine and bovine C-type virus specific antigen. Our investigations show a clear correlation between clinical findings in sheep leukosis, demonstration of C-type particles in lymphocyte cultures, and antibody reactions.     

Report on two patients with Costello syndrome and sialuria

We report on 2 unrelated patients with Costello syndrome. The first is a 5-year-old girl with “coarse” face, nasal papillomata, redundant skin of feet and hands, hyperextensible hand and finger joints, curly hair, feeding problems due to oral motor apraxia, growth and psychomotor retardation. The second is a 3-year-old boy with “coarse” face, loose skin on hands and feet, curly hair, oral motor apraxia, severe growth and psychomotor retardation. In both patients urine sialic acid levels were found to be repeatedly high. The meaning of this biochemical abnormality is discussed. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Screening for antibacterial activity in 72 species of wood-colonizing fungi by the Vibrio fisheri bioluminescence method

Resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics leads scientists to discover new antibacterial drugs. Ninety samples of wood-colonizing fungi were cultivated on agar plates, and their extracts tested for antibacterial activity using the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence test. Two fungi species, Serpula lacrymans and Nectria vilior, were found to be a potential new source of thermostable antibiotics. Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence test was found to be a useful method for antibacterial activity screening from the samples of natural origin.