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A population genetic analysis of chloroplast and nuclear DNA was performed covering nine wild populations of Brassica oleracea. Three members of the n = 9 group, all close to B. oleracea, Brassica alboglabra Bailey, Brassica bourgeaui (Webb) O. Kuntze and Brassica montana Pourret, were also studied to better understand their relationship with B. oleracea. Chloroplast DNA was analysed using the PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism) method. The ISSR-PCR (inter-simple sequence repeat - polymerase chain reaction) technique was adopted to study nuclear DNA. Twelve primer pairs of chloroplast DNA showed very good amplification. The amplified product of each primer pair, digested by three restriction enzymes, revealed no variation of cpDNA among the taxa studied. This indicates they may have the same chloroplast genotype. Seven selected ISSR primers have detected genetic variation, both within and among the populations/taxa surveyed. The information obtained on the intra- and inter-populational genetic diversity of wild populations of B. oleracea neatly defined the individual plants. It could provide important guidelines for backing management and conservation strategies in this species. The study confirms a close relationship between B. alboglabra, B. bourgeaui and B. montana, which is parallel to their morphological similitude.

Primary pars plana vitrectomy is a highly effective treatment modality for the repair of RD following cataract surgery, and appears to be refractively neutral.

Amylophagia, or the practice of consuming purified starch, is a particular expression of the more general phenomenon of pica. This compulsive dietary aberration, observed in many pregnant patients worldwide, is common among rural African American women in the southern United States. The effect this practice has on the course of gestational diabetes has not been examined. We report 2 cases of gestational diabetes, refractory to initial dietary management, in which the patients were consuming one-half to 1 box of cornstarch per day. Following cessation of amylophagia, the gestational hyperglycemia spontaneously resolved. Amylophagia is a complex behavioral phenomenon arising from the interplay of biochemical, hematological, psychological, and cultural factors. In some patient populations, it may represent an often overlooked etiologic or exacerbating factor in the condition of gestational diabetes. Family physicians practicing obstetrics should inquire about amylophagia in patients who are at risk for this behavior and in patients who present with gestational hyperglycemia.

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