Susceptibility of Xeroderma pigmentosum cells to transformation with oncogenes

Oncogenes capable of transforming 3T3-Vill cells were not detected in 'normal' Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) fibroblasts but were detected in two out of six XP epitheliomas. Preliminary results concerning the transfection of 'normal' XP fibroblasts with activated ras genes seem to indicate that these cells are as resistant as the healthy controls to the transforming action of the group II oncogenes. However, after transfection with v-myb oncogene in XP fibroblasts several cellular clones have been isolated showing some new phenotypic characteristics.     

A note on the essential parameters of the two-allele autosomal locus model

A resolution of the parameter problem for the two-allele autosomal locus (TAAL) model has been presented. It was shown that three are four essential parameters which describe the model, by examination of the joint probability for sibs with specified parental phenotypes. This equation together with previously derived prevalence relationships uniquely specifices all parameters of the model except for the singular case VA = 0.     

Spectrométrie de masse et hémocultures: un nouvel outil de diagnostic immédiat

Delay in identification of microorganisms hamper the prompt initiation of adequate empirical antibiotic therapy of bacteremia. MALDI-TOF-MS allows identification of microorganisms directly from colonies within minutes. Identification of microorganisms responsible for bacteremia can be made directly from blood culture bottles. Many different protocols have been published, all based on the separation of microorganisms from erythrocytes and blood culture broth that alter the quality of spectra. Correct identifications were obtained for most of the procedures used in at least 80% of cases, within 20 to 60 min once the blood culture is detected positive. MALDI-TOF-MS, by far the fastest identification technique, offers a significant breakthrough in the management of bacteremia.