bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Seed‐Tuber Physiological Age and Cultivar on Early Potato Production
Authors: Asiedu S. K. , Astatkie T. , Yiridoe E. K. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractEnhancing physiological aging of seed‐potatoes has the potential to substantially affect production, especially for short‐season growing areas. This study analysed the effect of seed‐tuber age and cultivar, jointly, to identify the combination for optimum early crop production, based on field experiments conducted at two locations in Nova Scotia, Canada. The potato cultivars Superior, AC‐Novachip, Niska, and Yukon Gold were aged by exposing seeds stored at 4 °C to warming periods of 0, 242 (3 weeks), and 484 (6 weeks) day‐degrees, prior to planting. Cultivar and age levels were completely randomized within each location and replicated four times. Harvest periods at 65, 80 and 95 days after planting (DAP) were analysed as an unbalanced split‐plot factorial, with year as a random blocking factor, location as a whole plot treatment, and cultivar and age crossed as subplot treatments. Total yield and marketable yield from Yukon Gold improved with physiological age when harvested early at 65 and 80 DAP, while that from AC‐Novachip improved when aged only 3 weeks. Niska was not affected by age. Overall, AC‐Novachip was consistently better than the remaining cultivars, regardless of age. The best treatment combination that maximized marketable yield was Yukon Gold aged 6 weeks planted at a commercial farm and harvested 95 DAP. For early harvest (65 DAP), however, AC‐Novachip aged 3 weeks and Yukon Gold aged 6 weeks generated the highest yields. Niska and Superior generated lower yield and higher culls.
Crop and Weed Growth in a Sequence of Spring Barley and Winter Wheat Crops Established Together from a Spring Sowing (Relay Cropping)
Authors: Roslon E. , Fogelfors H. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractA relay cropping system of cereals, whereby winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was undersown in two‐row spring barley (Hordeum distichum L.), was established in a field trial in central Sweden in 1999 and continued until 2000. The purpose of the study was to examine crop and weed responses to different plant densities of the undersown winter crop. Winter wheat was sown at four seed rates (187, 94, 47 and 0 kg ha−1) immediately after the sowing of barley. Barley was harvested in the first autumn after sowing and winter wheat in the second autumn. The grain yield of barley was not affected by the seed rate of wheat, and averaged 4580 kg ha−1. Winter wheat did not vernalize during the first growing season but remained at the vegetative stage. The grain yield of wheat was 1990 kg ha−1 for the lowest and 5610 kg ha−1 for the highest seed rate of wheat. Whilst the undersowing process itself stimulated weed emergence in this experiment, increasing the undersowing seed rate reduced the population of perennial weeds by 40–70 %. In the second growing season, the total biomass of weeds was 66 % higher at the highest seed rate compared with the lowest seed rate.
Self‐reported depressive state can be a predictor of engagement in work by community‐dwelling elderly 2 years later
Authors: Kawamoto Ryuichi , Kajiwara Takeshi , Oka Yuichiro , Takagi Yaemi 
Published: June 2003

Background:  Depression is one of the most common medical disorders in elderly community‐dwelling persons. The present study prospectively examined the relationship between depressive state in elderly persons and their engagement in work and/or activities during the subsequent 2 years.Methods:  The study subjects were 603 persons who were engaged in work/activities at baseline. Their mean age ± standard deviation was 71 ± 5.1 years and 299 (49.6%) were men. The final outcome regarding engagement in work was based on whether they held a job or were engaged in activities, such as farming or gardening, every day.Results:  At baseline, the mean SDS score was 35.5 ± 8.8 (20–63). The number of people engaged in work after 2 years decreased with increasing intensity of depressive state. Those who were engaged in work after 2 years were younger (P = 0.001), male (P = 0.047), married (P = 0.001), and with better financial conditions (P = 0.048). They were also independently able to fulfil BADL (P = 0.006), did not have a history of stroke (P = 0.040), were not regularly taking medication (P = 0.001) and were not depressed (P = 0.001). After adjustment for these covariates, depressive state was a significant independent explanatory variable, and a moderate to severe depressive state (i.e. SDS score of 48 or more) was significantly associated with less engagement in work compared with an SDS score of 39 or less (odds ratio, 2.35; 95%CI, 1.40–4.59).Conclusion:  Depressive state is associated with an increased risk of decline in engagement in work.
Association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and asymptomatic cerebral infarction or leukoaraiosis in elderly diabetic patients
Authors: Araki Atsushi , Ito Hideki , Majima Yasuoki , Hosoi Takayuki , Orimo Hajime 
Published: June 2003

Background:  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible contribution of plasma homocysteine to asymptomatic cerebral infarction (CI) or leukoaraiosis.Methods:  The relationship between plasma homocysteine concentrations and cerebral lesions was investigated in 233 elderly diabetic patients (mean age: 74 years) who were divided into three groups based on the neurological and brain MR findings: asymptomatic cerebral infarction (CI), symptomatic CI, and a control group with no evidence of cerebrovascular disease. Plasma total homocysteine concentrations were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The C677T polymorphism in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene was assessed by PCR‐RFLP. The total score of T2 high‐intensity lesions on the brain MR images was summed from the focal T2 high‐intensity scores in 24 areas of the brain.Results:  Diabetic patients with asymptomatic or symptomatic CI had significantly higher homocysteine concentrations in plasma than the control group. The plasma homocysteine concentration was more strongly associated with the presence and number of small infarctions or infarction of the putamen, which may explain the association between increased plasma homocysteine concentrations and asymptomatic CI in elderly diabetic patients. In the diabetic patients, high plasma homocysteine concentrations were also significantly associated with high scores of total T2 high‐intensity lesions or focal T2 high‐intensity scores in some periventricular regions. Although there was no significant relationship between the MTHFR TT genotype and CI, a significant association was found between the MTHFR TT genotype and total T2 high‐intensity scores.Conclusion:  An elevated plasma homocysteine concentration is independently associated with asymptomatic CI and T2 high‐intensity lesions on brain MR images in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. The association between the MTHFR TT genotype and periventricular T2 high‐intensity lesions, but not with CI, suggests an important effect of C677T MTHFR gene mutation on leukoaraiosis, independent of hyperhomocysteinemia in elderly diabetic patients.
Effects of aerobic and resistance exercise training on insulin action in the elderly
Authors: Kitamura Itsuko , Takeshima Nobuo , Tokudome Mizuho , Yamanouchi Kunio , Oshida Yoshiharu , Sato Yuzo 
Published: June 2003

Background:  Aging is associated with a declining glucose tolerance, which is primarily caused by peripheral insulin resistance, and with a decline in physical activity. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of aerobic and resistance exercise training on insulin action in the elderly.Methods:  Fourteen healthy male subjects (age: 65–73 years) were enrolled and divided into two exercise groups: resistance training (RT) or a combined aerobic and resistance training (CT). Subjects participated in each training program three times a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the training program, insulin action was determined using the euglycemic clamp technique at insulin infusion rates of 40 (low) or 400 (high) mU/m2 per min. Body composition was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA).Results:  Percent fat decreased significantly in both groups. Fat‐free mass (FFM) tended to increase in the RT group (P = 0.054), but not in the CT group. In the CT group, the glucose infusion rate (GIR) increased 16.6% (P < 0.05) at the low insulin infusion rate and 21.7% (P < 0.01) at the high rate. In the RT group, GIR tended to increase at the low insulin infusion rate, but was not statistically significant (P = 0.052) and increased 9.9% (P < 0.05) at the high rate. When calculated per FFM, the increased insulin action persisted in the CT group (P < 0.01), but not in the RT group.Conclusion:  The combination of aerobic and resistance training is more effective for improving the decreased insulin action in the elderly than resistance training alone.
Less frequent body weight gain in elderly type 2 diabetic patients treated with glimepiride
Authors: Inoue Kaori , Ikegami Hiroshi , Fujisawa Tomomi , Shintani Maki , Kawabata Yumiko , Nojima Koji , Ono Masaya , Nisino Masanori , Itoi‐Babaya Michiko , Babaya Naru , Ogihara Toshio 
Published: June 2003

Background:  The purpose of the present paper was to study the effect of a new sulfonylurea, glimepiride, which has an extra‐pancreatic action that improves insulin resistance, on glycemic control and body weight gain in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).Methods:  Thirty‐seven type 2 diabetic patients being treated with either gliclazide or glibenclamide were switched to glimepiride for 6 months and clinical parameters were compared between elderly (≥ 65 years old, n = 9) and non‐elderly (< 65 years old, n = 28) patients.Results:  There was no significant difference between the two groups in baseline characteristics, or in changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c. For body weight change, however, none of the elderly patients (0/9) exhibited an increase, but 9 of 28 (32%) non‐elderly subjects showed body weight gain (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Body weight gain with glimepiride treatment is less frequent in elderly patients with type 2 DM than in non‐elderly patients with the disease. These data together with the recent increase in obese elderly patients with diabetes suggest that glimepiride is recommended for treatment of type 2 diabetes in this age group.
Excess risk of early death in the elderly attributable to activities of daily living, mental status and traditional risk factors: The Shibata Elderly Cohort Study with a 20‐year follow up
Authors: Kushiro Wakako , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Date Chigusa , Yoshiike Nobuo , Tanaka Heizo 
Published: June 2003

Background: A prospective cohort study with a 20‐year follow‐up was conducted to examine the association of the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and other risk factors with the risk of subsequent all‐cause mortality in an elderly Japanese population.Methods: Cohort members were 705 men and 964 women aged 65 years and older at the time of the baseline examination in 1976–1977.Results: Disability in the performance of ADL and other risk factors (i.e. bad self‐rated health, low dementia score, decreased pleasure, low morale, and being prone to tears) were significantly associated with an increased risk of subsequent 20‐year all‐cause mortality. The summary population attributable risks of the level of disability in performance of ADL and other risk factors (25.8%, 17.4%, and 6.2% for the follow‐up periods of 0–5, 0–10, and 0–20 years, respectively) were almost of the same magnitude as those of the selected traditional risk factors of mean blood pressure, triceps skinfold thickness and current smoking (24.0%, 18.5%, and 8.6%, respectively).Conclusion: The association of both disability in performing ADL and other risk factors with mortality was as great as those of selected traditional risk factors when assessed in terms of both relative risk and population attributable risk.
Vascular and non‐vascular risk factors for deep white matter lesions in community‐dwelling elderly subjects
Authors: Yao Hiroshi , Yuzuriha Takefumi , Koga Hiroshi , Takashima Yuki , Fukuda Kenji , Endo Koichi , Uchino Akira , Ibayashi Setsuro , Uchimura Hideyuki , Fujishima Masatoshi , Iida Mitsuo 
Published: June 2003

Background:  Traditional risk factors such as hypertension explain some but not all the risk factors for leukoaraiosis or deep white matter lesions (DWML). A previous study suggested that a lower blood concentration of tryptophan was a unique factor related to DWML and the present study sought to further characterize this aspect as one of the presumed non‐vascular risk factors for DWML in subjects without hypertension.Methods:  Data from 383 community‐dwelling elderly subjects (121 males, 262 females; mean age, 67.1 years) were analyzed. Participants underwent standardized evaluations including a neurological examination, complete blood chemistry panel, ECG, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and plasma amino acid measurements. MRI scans used a 1.0‐tesla superconducting magnet with the spin‐echo technique and fluid‐attenuated inversion‐recovery sequences.Results:  The MRI study revealed that greater age (odds ratio [OR] 1.94/10 years), hypertension (OR 1.86), higher cholesterol (OR 1.49/mmol/L), and lower plasma tryptophan concentrations (OR 0.71/10 µmol/L) were independent variables related to DWML. When the same logistic model was applied to lacunar infarction on MRI, age, male gender, and hypertension, but not cholesterol or tryptophan, were associated with lacunar infarction. The association between lower plasma tryptophan concentrations and DWML was significant in normotensive subjects, but not in hypertensive patients.Conclusions:  The results of the MRI study suggest that lower plasma tryptophan concentrations contribute to the development of DWML, especially in subjects without classical vascular risk factors such as hypertension. To plan an effective strategy for preventing DWML, future study is needed to elucidate the mechanism by which lower tryptophan concentrations induce DWML.
In Vivo Modulation of Hippocampal Epileptiform Activity with Radial Electric Fields
Authors: Richardson Kristen A. , Gluckman Bruce J. , Weinstein Steven L. , Glosch Caryn E. , Moon Jessica B. , Gwinn Ryder P. , Gale Karen , Schiff Steven J. 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Electric field stimulation can interact with brain activity in a subthreshold manner. Electric fields have been previously adaptively applied to control seizures in vitro. We report the first results from establishing suitable electrode geometries and trajectories, as well as stimulation and recording electronics, to apply this technology in vivo. Methods: Electric field stimulation was performed in a rat kainic acid injection seizure model. Radial electric fields were generated unilaterally in hippocampus from an axial depth electrode. Both sinusoidal and multiphasic stimuli were applied. Hippocampal activity was recorded bilaterally from tungsten microelectrode pairs. Histologic examination was performed to establish electrode trajectory and characterize lesioning. Results: Electric field modulation of epileptiform neural activity in phase with the stimulus was observed in five of six sinusoidal and six of six multiphasic waveform experiments. Both excitatory and suppressive modulation were observed in the two experiments with stimulation electrodes most centrally placed within the hippocampus. Distinctive modulation was observed in the period preceding seizure‐onset detection in two of six experiments. Short‐term histologic tissue damage was observed in one of six experiments associated with high unbalanced charge delivery. Conclusions: We demonstrated in vivo electric field modulation of epileptiform hippocampal activity, suggesting that electric field control of in vivo seizures may be technically feasible. The response to stimulation before seizure could be useful for triggering control systems, and may be a novel approach to define a preseizure state.
Diffusion‐weighted Imaging Abnormalities in the Splenium after Seizures
Authors: Oster Joel , Doherty Colin , Grant P. Ellen , Simon Mirela , Cole Andrew J. 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Transient increased T2 signal in the splenium of the corpus callosum after seizures has been reported and sometimes attributed to a postulated toxicity of anticonvulsant medications (AEDs). Methods: We describe two patients with bitemporal epilepsy. Results: Transiently increased T2 signal (in one) and decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) (in both) in the splenium appeared to be related directly to acute seizures. Conclusions: These cases illustrate an unusual acute postictal imaging finding, highlight involvement of an important commissural pathway, and suggest that seizures per se, and not their treatment, are the cause of transient white‐matter abnormalities in these cases.
Increased Frequency of Interleukin‐1β‐511T Allele in Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, Hippocampal Sclerosis, and Prolonged Febrile Convulsion
Authors: Kanemoto Kousuke , Kawasaki Jun , Yuasa Shoji , Kumaki Testuo , Tomohiro Oshima , Kaji Ryuji , Nishimura Masataka 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To confirm the high frequency of interleukin (IL)‐1β‐511T allele occurrence in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and hippocampal sclerosis (HS), with special attention given to the impact of prolonged febrile convulsions (PFCs) on IL‐1β genotype distribution. Methods: Patients with evidence of unilateral HS on magnetic resonance (MR) images were chosen as study subjects (TLE+HS; n = 66). Other patients with essentially normal MRI findings or only foreign tissue (TLE without HS; TLE‐HS; n = 64), and those with symptomatic localization‐related epilepsy but without TLE (SLE; n = 89) were selected as disease controls. A single base pair polymorphism at position 2511 in the promoter region of the IL‐1β gene was analyzed. Results: The distribution of IL‐1β‐511 genotypes as well as allele frequency was significantly different between TLE+HS patients and controls. In contrast, no difference was found between TLE‐HS patients and controls or between SLE patients and controls. Further, in the group of patients with TLE+HS, the frequency of the IL‐1β‐511T allele tended to increase as a function of febrile convulsions [0.531 without either PFC or simple febrile convulsion (SFC); 0.633 with SFC; 0.686 with PFC]. Although no statistically significant difference was noted between patients without PFC and the controls, a χ2 analysis of allele distribution revealed a significant difference between those with PFC and the controls. Conclusions: PFC proved to be a potent determinant of IL‐1β‐511T allele frequency; thus a discrepancy of PFC incidence should be considered an explanation of recent conflicting results regarding the association between the gene polymorphisms of IL‐1β‐511 and TLE+HS.
Hippocampal Deformation‐based Shape Analysis in Epilepsy and Unilateral Mesial Temporal Sclerosis
Authors: Hogan R. Edward , Bucholz Richard D. , Joshi Sarang 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To assess shape changes in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), by using deformation‐based hippocampal shape analysis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in 30 subjects with unilateral MTS (15 right‐sided MTS, 15 left‐sided MTS) and TLE. We defined the “average” hippocampus in the right‐ and left‐MTS groups by generating a mean transformation for the 15 deformation images in each group. Further to quantify the difference between the hippocampi, we coregistered the mean transformation of the involved hippocampus (with MTS) to the contralateral hippocampus, considering the left‐ and right‐MTS groups independently. We generated a color “flame” scale showing degrees of outward and inward deviation of the coregistered hippocampi. Results: Both the right‐ and left‐MTS groups showed similar shape changes, with maximal inward deformation in the medial and lateral hippocampal head and the hippocampal tail. However, more extensive involvement was seen in the lateral hippocampal body in the right‐MTS group as compared with the left. Conclusions: Deformation‐based hippocampal shape analysis shows specific regions of hippocampal surface anatomy that are most affected in MTS. This technique may aid in detection of clinically significant anatomic abnormalities of the hippocampus in patients with epilepsy.
Practice Parameter: Temporal Lobe and Localized Neocortical Resections for Epilepsy
Authors: Engel Jerome , Wiebe Samuel , French Jacqueline , Sperling Michael , Williamson Peter , Spencer Dennis , Gumnit Robert , Zahn Catherine , Westbrook Edward , Enos Bruce 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To examine evidence for effectiveness of anteromesial temporal lobe and localized neocortical resections for disabling complex partial seizures. Methods: Systemic review and analysis of the literature since 1990. Results: One intention‐to‐treat Class I randomized controlled trial of surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy found that 58% of patients randomized to be evaluated for surgical therapy (64% of those who received surgery) were free of disabling seizures and 10 to 15% were unimproved at the end of 1 year, compared with 8% free of disabling seizures in the group randomized to continued medical therapy. There was a significant improvement in quantitative quality‐of‐life scores and a trend toward better social function at the end of 1 year for patients in the surgical group, no surgical mortality, and infrequent morbidity. Twenty‐four Class IV series of temporal lobe resections yielded essentially identical results. There are similar Class IV results for localized neocortical resections; no Class I or II studies are available. Conclusions: A single Class I study and 24 Class IV studies indicate that the benefits of anteromesial temporal lobe resection for disabling complex partial seizures is greater than continued treatment with antiepileptic drugs, and the risks are at least comparable. For patients who are compromised by such seizures, referral to an epilepsy surgery center should be strongly considered. Further studies are needed to determine if neocortical seizures benefit from surgery, and whether early surgical intervention should be the treatment of choice for certain surgically remediable epileptic syndromes.