Physical location of the carotenoid biosynthesis genes Psy and ß-Lcy in Capsicum annuum (Solanaceae) using heterologous probes from Citrus sinensis (Rutaceae).

Carotenoids are responsible for a range of fruit colors in different hot pepper (Capsicum) varieties, from white to deep red. Color traits are genetically determined by three loci, Y, C1, and C2, which are associated with carotenogenic genes. Although such genes have been localized on genetic maps of Capsicum and anchored in Lycopersicon and Solanum, physical mapping in Capsicum has been restricted to only a few clusters of some multiple copy genes. Heterologous probes from single copy genes have been rarely used. Fluorescent in situ hybridization was performed in Capsicum annuum varieties with different fruit colors, using heterologous probes of Psy and ß-Lcy genes obtained from a BAC library of the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). The probes hybridized in the terminal portion of a chromosome pair, confirming the location of these genes in genetic maps. The hybridized segments showed variation in size in both chromosomes.

Leaf carbon assimilation and molecular phylogeny in Cattleya species (Orchidaceae).

We examined leaf CO(2) assimilation and how it varied among species within the orchid genus Cattleya. Measurements of CO(2) assimilation and maximum quantum yield of PS II (Fv/Fm) were made for mature leaves of nine species using a portable system for photosynthesis measurement and a portable fluorometer. Leaf area was measured with an area meter, and the specific leaf mass was determined. DNA of nine Cattleya species and two species of Hadrolaelia was extracted using the CTAB protocol. Each sample was amplified and sequenced using primers for the trnL gene. The phylogenetic analyses, using neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony methods, retrieved a group that included Cattleya and Hadrolaelia species, in which the unifoliate species were separated from the bifoliates. The topologies of the two cladograms showed some similarities. However, C. guttata (bifoliate) was placed in the unifoliate clade in the neighbor-joining tree, while C. warneri (unifoliate) was not placed in this clade in the maximum parsimony tree. Most Cattleya species keep the leaf stomata closed from 6 am to 4 pm. We suggest that C. elongata, C. tigrina and C. tenuis have C(3)-crassulacean acid metabolism since they open their stomata around 12 am. The Fv/Fm values remained relatively constant during the measurements of CO(2) assimilation. The same was observed for the specific leaf mass values, although great variations were found in the leaf area values. When the species were grouped using molecular data in the neighbor-joining analysis, no relation was observed with CO(2) assimilation.

[Buspirone chlorhydrate in the treatment of cerebellar ataxia]. / Clorhidrato de buspirona en el tratamiento de la ataxia cerebelosa.

AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of buspirone chlorhydrate in a group of patients who all presented sporadic or family primary cerebellar ataxia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this open label study of addiction, the following eligibility criteria were used: 1) Clinical: primary cerebellar ataxia; 2) Radiological: nuclear magnetic resonance showing pure cerebellar cortical atrophy; 3) Age: over 20 years old. Any patient with a history of food deficiency, alcoholism, neoplasic, infectious, degenerative and vascular diseases was excluded from taking part in the study. Of the 20 patients examined initially, 18 met the eligibility criteria, and of these 11 reached the end of the study, although drop outs were not related to treatment. Four patients had been diagnosed as suffering from cerebellar cortical atrophy of the sporadic type and the remaining seven had a family type cerebellar cortical atrophy. All the patients were thoroughly evaluated and received scores both at the beginning and at the end of the study, according to the modified Massaquoi scale for clinical evaluation of cerebellar functioning, and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. They were all administered buspirone chlorhydrate in doses that progressively increased by 5 mg/month over a total period of 12 months. The maximum dose was considered to be 1 mg/kg body weight, without exceeding 60 mg. The increase in dosage was stopped if it was not well tolerated by the patient

Clorhidrato de buspirona en el tratamiento de la ataxia cerebelosa / Buspirone chlorhydrate in the treatment of cerebellar ataxia

Objetivo. Evaluar la eficacia del clorhidrato de buspirona en un grupo de pacientes que se caracteriza por presentar una ataxia cerebelar primaria de tipo esporádico o familiar. Pacientes y métodos. Se trata de un estudio prospectivo de adición (open label study).Se utilizaron los siguientes criterios de inclusión: 1) Clínico: ataxia cerebelar primaria; 2) Radiológico: resonancia magnética que mostró una atrofia cortical cerebelar pura; 3) Edad: por encima de los 20 años. Se excluyeron del estudio todos los pacientes con historial de deficiencia alimentaria, alcoholismo, enfermedades neoplásicas, infecciosas, degenerativas y vasculares. De los 20 pacientes examinados inicialmente, 18 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. De éstos, tan sólo 11 llegaron hasta el final del estudio, sin que los abandonos estuvieran relacionados con el tratamiento. Cuatro pacientes tenían un diagnóstico de atrofia cortical cerebelar de tipo esporádica, y siete, de atrofia cortical cerebelar de tipo familiar. Todos los pacientes se evaluaron de manera minuciosa y recibieron puntuaciones tanto al inicio como al final del estudio, según la escala de Massaquoi modificada para la evaluación clínica de la función cerebelar y según la escala de Hamilton para la ansiedad. A todos los pacientes se les administró clorhidrato de buspirona, con un aumento progresivo de la dosis de 5 mg/mes, durante un total de 12 meses. La dosis máxima considerada fue de 1 mg/kg de peso, sin sobrepasar los 60 mg. La progresión de la dosis se interrumpió cuando el paciente no la toleró (AU)