Characterization of fungal pathogens and germplasm screening for disease resistance in the main production area of the common bean in Argentina.

The common bean ( L.) is the most important grain legume in the human diet, mainly in Africa and Latin America. Argentina is one of the five major producers of the common bean in the world, and the main cultivation areas are concentrated in the northwestern provinces of this country.

Survey for Major Grapevine Viruses in Commercial Vineyards of Northwestern Argentina.

This study aimed to survey the occurrence of eight grapevine viruses in commercial vineyards located in the Calchaquíes Valleys in the northwest region of Argentina. A total of 103 samples of mature canes of vines showing either none or some viral-like symptoms were randomly collected. The samples were tested by RT-PCR/PCR-based assays for the screening of the following viruses: (GFLV), (GLRaV-1, -2, -3, -4), (GVA), (GRSPaV), and (GRBV).

Predictive factors for moderate or severe exacerbations in asthma patients receiving outpatient care.

Background: Asthma exacerbations are important events that affect disease control, but predictive factors for severe or moderate exacerbations are not known. The objective was to study the predictive factors for moderate (ME) and severe (SE) exacerbations in asthma patients receiving outpatient care.

Methods: Patients aged > 12 years with asthma were included in the study and followed-up at 4-monthly intervals over a 12-month period.

Genetics and mapping of a new anthracnose resistance locus in Andean common bean Paloma.

Background: The Andean cultivar Paloma is resistant to Mesoamerican and Andean races of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, the fungal pathogen that causes the destructive anthracnose disease in common bean. Remarkably, Paloma is resistant to Mesoamerican races 2047 and 3481, which are among the most virulent races of the anthracnose pathogen. Most genes conferring anthracnose resistance in common bean are overcome by these races.

Syndrome of fixed dystonia in adolescents--short term outcome in 4 cases.

We describe the clinical features, investigations and outcome of 4 adolescents aged 13, 16, 17 and 19 years, with fixed dystonia. The diagnosis was made within 6 months of the onset of symptoms. One patient had an identifiable traumatic precipitant.

Idebenone treatment in paediatric and adult patients with Friedreich ataxia: long-term follow-up.

Background: Antioxidant therapy is a new therapeutical approach for patients with Friedreich ataxia.

Aims: To assess the effectiveness of long-term idebenone treatment in Friedreich ataxia patients.

Methods: An open-labelled prospective study.

Cerebellar ataxia with coenzyme Q10 deficiency: diagnosis and follow-up after coenzyme Q10 supplementation.

Unlabelled: Our aim was to report a new case with cerebellar ataxia associated with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) deficiency, the biochemical findings caused by this deficiency and the response to CoQ supplementation.

Patient: A 12-year-old girl presenting ataxia and cerebellar atrophy. BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES: Coenzyme Q10 in muscle was analysed by HPLC with electrochemical detection and mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) enzyme activities by spectrophotometric methods.