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Common Moroccan breeds D'man, Sardi, and Timahdite have been found to differ regarding litter size. D'man is known for its high prolificacy (2–7 lambs), whereas Timahdite and Sardi are normally prolific (1–2 lambs). Here, we aimed to identify genetic variants in the LH-β promoter and to study the promoter activity amongst these breeds using sequencing for the former and the in vitro luciferase assay for the latter. Sequence analysis revealed 16 genetic variants among these common breeds. Luciferase assay analysis demonstrated a higher promoter activity in D'man compared to the Sardi/Timahdite breeds. A small region of 541 bp was further characterized as possessing a high promoter activity. This region contains 2 palindromic sequences and 7 variants. Based on in silico analysis, only 2 variants at position –559 and –568 were found to be informative. These 2 variants were localized within a region rich in transcription factor binding sites including GATA-1/GATA-2, E4/th1, CP2, and c-Ets. Using site-directed mutagenesis, only the variant at position –559 A/G was found to substantially influence the promoter activity. Taken together, differences in the level of LH-β transcription among highly and minimally prolific Moroccan breeds were demonstrated and a novel single variant was identified that could explain this difference.

To the Editor:—The Vienna General Policlinic is engaged in a terrible struggle for life. One of the most beneficent institutions, with a long and glorious record, is in danger of passing out of existence. With great uneasiness and almost without hope, we are the powerless witnesses of its decline. Where are the helping hands of former days? Where are our friends with kind hearts and open purses, who were ever ready to assist "their" policlinic? Unfortunately, the rich among us have become poor and are in need themselves; our impoverished state is heaving for breath under the burdens it has to bear and cannot aid us. Our laboratories are nearly deserted; we cannot buy the expensive chemicals and technical appliances necessary; the prices of gas, electricity, light and for heating are enormous; building repairs and important architectonic changes cannot be undertaken on account of the great cost they would