bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Levels of Wheat Straw Soil Surface Coverage on Weed Flora in Vicia faba Crops
Authors: Bilalis D. , Sidiras N. , Economou G. , Vakali C. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe crop system implemented on organic farms requires that crop residues are incorporated into the soil following the end of wheat cultivation. This system leads to a reduction in soil moisture and the creation of favourable conditions for the emergence of weeds. In contrast, covering the soil with 60 % crop residues was found to maintain soil moisture and lead to a reduction in dry weed mass, population density and population frequency as well as a reduction in population diversity, regardless of the initial weed flora before the implementation of different soil tillage systems. Finally, an increase in the prevalence of broad‐leafed weeds was observed as the level of soil cover increased.
Environmental Situation and Yield Performance of the Sugar Beet Crop in Germany: Heading for Sustainable Development
Authors: Märländer B. , Hoffmann C. , Koch H.‐J. , Ladewig E. , Merkes R. , Petersen J. , Stockfisch N. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe environmental situation and current yield performance of sugar beet production in Germany are described and compared to those in other European regions. A continuous increase in yield performance and enhanced technical quality have been achieved through progress in breeding and improvements in crop management systems. This rise in yield potential has been brought about not by increased production intensity, but by better use of natural resources and production factors. In Germany, legislation rules many environmental aspects of agricultural plant production, and special laws are in force concerning fertilizer use, soil protection, and pesticide use. In sugar beet, nitrogen fertilizer use has decreased greatly and may be reduced further in some regions. A further reduction of potassium and phosphorus fertilizer use does not seem to be appropriate. Conservation tillage contributes to soil protection and is already performed on > 100 000 ha of land growing sugar beet. Strategies of integrated production aim to reduce pesticide use to the bare minimum. Integrated pest management is effective to control insects, nematodes and leaf spot diseases. Pesticide use in sugar beet is dominated by herbicide application. The most promising strategy to reduce the amount of active ingredient seems to be the growing of genetically modified herbicide‐tolerant varieties. Possible directions for future research are discussed, and the prospects for sustainable development, in terms of economic, ecological and social factors, are considered.
Following the path of ICU survivors: a quality‐improvement activity
Authors: Chaboyer Wendy , Grace Joy 
Published: July 2003

Summary• Recent interest in continuity of care has meant that the illness trajectory experienced by intensive care unit (ICU) patients has received more attention• Using continuous quality improvement as a framework, this paper describes information obtained during a 3‐year period relating to ICU patients’ long‐term experiences after being discharged from hospital• This information identified that most participants had been discharged home but that many experienced problems with mobility, disability and fatigue. Changes in employment status and the need for financial assistance were noted• As a result of the information provided by this activity, clinical practice has changed and a number of formal research studies have been undertaken
Early warning system scores and response times: an audit
Authors: Day Barbara A 
Published: July 2003

Summary• In response to NHS reforms within critical care, the surgical directorate of the Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust developed and introduced a modified early warning system (DMEWS)• Anecdotal evidence from nursing staff indicated that response times by doctors, when triggered by use of the DMEWS, were outside the established timescale• An audit was undertaken to determine the response times to calls for assistance triggered by use of the DMEWS and to identify any disparity between response times• The audit confirmed that whilst DMEWS triggered the nurses to initiate action for immediate treatment, response by members of the surgical teams was below the agreed standards• Further studies are planned to indicate whether longer response times have an adverse effect on patient welfare or outcome
Mild Cognitive Deterioration with Subcortical Features: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Association with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Community‐Dwelling Older Persons (The InCHIANTI Study)
Authors: Geroldi Cristina , Ferrucci Luigi , Bandinelli Stefania , Cavazzini Chiara , Zanetti Orazio , Guralnik Jack M. , Frisoni Giovanni B. 
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVES:To identify subjects with minimal or mild nonamnestic cognitive impairment with parkinsonian stance and gait and investigate vascular correlates of this condition.DESIGN:First wave of an epidemiological longitudinal study (InCHIANTI) on factors predicting loss of mobility in older persons.SETTING:The Chianti geographic area (Tuscany, Italy).PARTICIPANTS:Five hundred fifty‐six subjects aged 70 to 90 with Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores greater than 23 of 30, of the 1,260 persons aged 65 and older randomly selected from the population registry of Greve in Chianti and Bagno a Ripoli, two small towns near Florence.METHODS:Low cognitive performance (LCP) was defined as an age‐ and education‐adjusted MMSE below the 50th percentile for the InCHIANTI population. Subcortical features were plastic rigidity on neurological examination (parkinsonism), gait disturbance (small‐step gait or parkinsonian gait), and dysexecutive features. Two hundred forty‐three participants had high cognitive performance, 166 had LCP without subcortical features, and 75 had LCP with subcortical features. Vascular risk factors were hypertension, atrial fibrillation or pathological findings on electrocardiogram (ECG), low serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) or high low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and heavy smoking.RESULTS:Three main vascular risk factors were significantly more prevalent in LCP with subcortical features: hypertension (P= .02), atrial fibrillation or ECG changes (P= .04), and low HDL cholesterol (P= .001). LCP with subcortical features was significantly associated with cerebrovascular risk factors (P= .001).CONCLUSION:Gait disturbance and nonamnestic cognitive symptoms might be the consequence of subcortical vascular damage.
The Relationship Between Psychological Factors and Disabling Musculoskeletal Pain in Community‐Dwelling Older Persons
Authors: Reid M. Carrington , Williams Christianna S. , Gill Thomas M. 
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between two psychological factors (depressive symptoms and low functional self‐efficacy) and the occurrence of disabling musculoskeletal pain in community‐dwelling older persons.DESIGN: A 12‐month prospective cohort study.SETTING: Community‐based.PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred twenty‐six community‐dwelling persons residing in the greater New Haven, Connecticut, region, aged 70 and older, who had a history of clinically evident musculoskeletal pain and were independent in bathing, walking, dressing, and transferring.MEASUREMENTS: Levels of depressive symptoms and functional self‐efficacy were determined during a comprehensive baseline assessment along with information regarding participants' demographic, medical, and physical/cognitive status. The occurrence of disabling musculoskeletal pain, defined as staying in bed for at least one‐half day or cutting down on one's usual activities due to joint or back pain, was ascertained during monthly interviews.RESULTS: The mean number of months of disabling musculoskeletal pain, adjusted for baseline covariates, increased from the lowest to the highest quartile of depressive symptoms: 1.2 (95% confidence intervals = 0.8–1.7), 1.4 (1.0–2.0), 2.0 (1.5–2.8), 2.3 (1.7–3.1), respectively, P for trend = .002. The corresponding results for functional self‐efficacy were (from highest to lowest quartile) 1.4 (1.0–2.0), 1.6 (1.2–2.2), 1.6 (1.2–2.2), 2.2 (1.6–3.0), P for trend = .068. There was no interaction between depressive symptoms and functional self‐efficacy.CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms and, to a lesser extent, low functional self‐efficacy were each associated with the occurrence of disabling musculoskeletal pain among community‐dwelling older persons.
Predictive Value of Nonspecific Symptoms for Acute Illness in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Boockvar Kenneth S. , Lachs Mark S. 
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVES: To examine the predictive value of nonspecific symptoms for acute illness in nursing home residents.DESIGN: Prospective, observational study.SETTING: Academic nursing home located in an urban setting.PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred two newly admitted residents.MEASUREMENTS: Eleven nonspecific symptoms were ascertained by review of observations documented by nursing home staff in the medical record. Research staff independently identified acute illness according to previously established criteria from nurse report and medical record review. Follow‐up was divided into 10‐day intervals, and concordance between nonspecific symptoms and acute illness within these intervals was determined. Predictive values were calculated according to standard formulae.RESULTS: Nonspecific symptoms and acute illnesses occurred in 21.7% and 12.5% of 10‐day intervals, respectively. Positive predictive values (PPVs) were highest for lethargy, weakness, and decreased appetite, each of which correctly predicted the presence of an acute illness one out of two times the symptoms were reported. Agitation and disorientation predicted an acute illness one out of three times, and falls predicted an acute illness one out of four times. Overall, the PPV of the occurrence of any nonspecific symptom was 0.24, and the negative predictive value of the absence of nonspecific symptoms was 0.91.CONCLUSION: Hypoactive nonspecific symptoms are more likely than other nonspecific symptoms to be signs of incipient acute illness. Studies are needed to determine whether an intervention in residents with these nonspecific symptoms can enable earlier detection and treatment of acute illness.
Sarcopenia, Calf Circumference, and Physical Function of Elderly Women: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Rolland Yves , Lauwers‐Cances Valérie , Cournot Maxime , Nourhashémi Fati , Reynish William , Rivière Daniel , Vellas Bruno , Grandjean Hélène 
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether calf circumference (CC), related to appendicular skeletal muscle mass, can be used as a measure of sarcopenia and is related to physical function.DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of data from 1992 to 1994 of the European Patient Information and Documentation Systems Study.SETTING: Community setting in France.PARTICIPANTS: One thousand four hundred fifty‐eight French women aged 70 and older without previous history of hip fracture were recruited from the electoral lists.MEASUREMENTS: Muscular mass was assessed using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). CC was measured using a tape measure. Anthropometric measurements (height; weight; and waist, hip, and calf circumference), strength markers (grip strength), and self‐reported physical function were also determined. Sarcopenia was defined (using DEXA) as appendicular skeletal muscle mass (weight (kg)/height (m2)) less than two standard deviations below the mean of a young female reference group.RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 9.5%. CC was correlated with appendicular skeletal muscle mass (r = 0.63). CC under 31 cm was the best clinical indicator of sarcopenia (sensitivity = 44.3%, specificity = 91.4%). CC under 31 cm was associated with disability and self‐reported physical function but not sarcopenia (defined using DEXA), independent of age, comorbidity, obesity, income, health behavior, and visual impairment.CONCLUSION: CC cannot be used to predict sarcopenia defined using DEXA but provides valuable information on muscle‐related disability and physical function.
The Associations Between Physical Activity and Inflammatory Markers in High‐Functioning Older Persons: MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging
Authors: Reuben David B. , Judd‐Hamilton Leslie , Harris Tamara B. , Seeman Teresa E. 
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationships between recreational activity, house/yard work activity, work activity, and total physical activity and high levels of two peripheral blood markers of inflammation: interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and C‐reactive protein (CRP).DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.SETTING: Three communities (Durham, NC; New Haven, CT; and East Boston, MA).PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred seventy persons aged 70 to 79 who were in the top third of community‐dwelling older persons with respect to physical and cognitive functioning.MEASUREMENTS: Blood levels of IL‐6 and CRP and self‐reported recreational activity, house/yard work activity, work activity, and total physical activity.RESULTS: The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for individuals with high levels of recreational activity to have values in the top tertiles of IL‐6 and CRP were 0.65 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.48–0.87) and 0.70 (95% CI = 0.51–0.95), respectively. The AORs for those with a high level of house/yard work activity to have values in the top tertile of IL‐6 and CRP were 0.90 (95% CI = 0.67–1.20) and 0.70 (95% CI = 0.50–0.96), respectively. High levels of house/yard work and recreational activity were independently associated with lower risk of high CRP.CONCLUSION: The association between high levels of recreational activity and lower levels of the inflammatory markers IL‐6 and CRP suggests a mechanism for its protective effect and supports interventions that increase physical activity in older persons. Such potential benefits of increased physical activity on inflammatory markers will need to be confirmed in clinical trials.
Modulation of Internuclear Communication in Multinuclear Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes
Authors: Browne Wesley R. , Weldon Frances , Guckian Adrian , Vos Johannes G. 
Published: July 2003

The syntheses and characterisation of a series of mononuclear and dinuclear ruthenium polypyridyl complexes based on the bridging ligands 1,3-bis-[5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]benzene, 1,4-bis-[5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]benzene, 2,5-bis-[5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]thiophene, 2,5-bis-[5-pyrazinyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]thiophene are reported. Electrochemical studies indicate that in these systems, the ground state interaction is critically dependent on the nature of the bridging ligand and its protonation state, with strong and weak interactions being observed for thiophene- and phenylene-bridged complexes, respectively.
Effects of supramaximal exercise on the electromyographic signal
Authors: Hunter A M , St Clair Gibson A , Lambert M I , Nobbs L , Noakes T D 
Published: July 2003

Aim:To determine the neuromuscular recruitment characteristics during supramaximal exercise.Methods:Ten healthy subjects completed the Wingate anaerobic test (WAT) cycling protocol. Electromyographic (EMG) data and rate of fatigue were recorded throughout the cycling.Results:The mean (SD) rate of fatigue (decrease in power output) was 44.5 (8.6)%. No significant change was found in EMG amplitude. A significant decrease (p<0.01) in mean power frequency spectrum was found over the 30 second period.Conclusions:During WAT, mean power frequency spectrum was attenuated with no decline in EMG amplitude, which may be caused by an accumulation of metabolites in the periphery. However, it is also possible that the feedback loop from intramuscular metabolism to the central nervous system is unable, within the 30 second period of the WAT, to affect neural recruitment strategy.
Effects of different sodium concentrations in replacement fluids during prolonged exercise in women
Authors: Twerenbold R , Knechtle B , Kakebeeke T H , Eser P , Müller G , von Arx P , Knecht H 
Published: July 2003

Objective:To investigate the effect of different sodium concentrations in replacement fluids on haematological variables and endurance performance during prolonged exercise.Methods:Thirteen female endurance athletes completed three four hour runs on a 400 m track. Environmental conditions differed between the three trials: 5.3°C and snow (trial 1), 19.0°C and sunny weather (trial 2), 13.9°C and precipitation (trial 3). They consumed 1 litre of fluid an hour during the trials with randomised intake of fluids: one trial (H) with high sodium concentration (680 mg/l), one trial (L) with low sodium concentration (410 mg/l), and one trial with only water (W). Before and after the trials, subjects were weighed and blood samples were taken for analysis of [Na+]plasma, packed cell volume, and mean corpuscular volume.Results:The mean (SD) decrease in [Na+]plasmaover the whole trial was significantly (p<0.001) less in trial H (2.5 (2.5) mmol/l) than in trial W (6.2 (2.1) mmol/l). Mild hyponatraemia ([Na+]plasma= 130–135 mmol/l) was observed in only six women (46%) in trial H compared with nine (69%) in trial L, and 12 (92%) in trial W. Two subjects (17%) in trial W developed severe hyponatraemia ([Na+]plasma<130 mmol/l). No significant differences were found in performance or haematological variables with the three different fluids. There was no significant correlation between[Na+]plasmaafter the run and performance. There was a significant correlation between changes in [Na+]plasmaand changes in body weight.Conclusions:Exercise induced hyponatraemia in women is likely to develop from fluid overload during prolonged exercise. This can be minimised by the use of replacement fluids of high sodium concentration. Sodium replacement of at least 680 mg/h is recommended for women in a state of fluid overload during endurance exercise of four hours. However, higher [Na+]plasmaafter the run and smaller decreases in [Na+]plasmaduring the trials were no indication of better performance over four hours.
Football and doping: study of African amateur footballers
Authors: Ama P F M , Betnga B , Ama Moor V J , Kamga J P 
Published: July 2003

Objective:To investigate use and awareness of lawful and unlawful substances by amateur footballers in Yaounde, Cameroon.Methods:A total of 1116 amateur footballers (1037 male and 79 female) out of 1500 contacted participated in this study. They were divided into three groups: elite players (n = 314); local players (n = 723); female players (n = 79). They answered a questionnaire of 30 items grouped under six main topics: identification of players; use of lawful substances subject to certain restrictions on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) list; use of IOC banned substances; doping behaviour; awareness of doping; food supplements. The results of the questionnaire were scrutinised using Microstat software, and the level of significance was p<0.05.Results:(a) Use by our footballers of a banned substance (cocaine) and substances subject to certain restrictions (alcoholic drinks, methylated spirits, and banga (marijuana)). (b) Doping behaviour: use by our footballers of substances with similar effects to some IOC banned substances but not listed as such: tobacco, liboga, wie-wie (narcotic), bilibili (locally made alcohol drink). (c) A large intake of vitamin C (food supplements) in all three groups. In contrast, the footballers’ knowledge of doping was vague.Conclusion:Preventive actions and an epidemiological study of doping among footballers are urgently required.
A 16 year study of injuries to professional boxers in the state of Victoria, Australia
Authors: Zazryn T R , Finch C F , McCrory P 
Published: July 2003

Objectives:Concerns about the significant injury risks in boxers have been well documented. To inform the continuing debate, updated information about the risk of injury for participants, and suitable means of modifying or preventing these risks, need to be identified.Methods:Data describing all professional boxing fight outcomes and injuries sustained during competition, from August 1985 to August 2001, were obtained from the Victorian Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board.Results:A total of 107 injuries were recorded from 427 fight participations, corresponding to an injury rate of 250.6 injuries per 1000 fight participations. The most commonly injured body region was the head/neck/face (89.8%), followed by the upper extremities (7.4%). Specifically, injuries to the eye region (45.8%) and concussion (15.9%) were the most common. About three quarters of all injuries were lacerations/open wounds or superficial. No information was available on the mechanism of injury.Conclusions:Future research should collect information on the mechanism of injury, as this is crucial for the development and implementation of effective injury prevention strategies. A suggested boxing injury report form is provided to facilitate this.
Don’t save the ball!
Authors: Macgregor D M 
Published: July 2003

Objectives:To identify, over a period of 12 months, all attendances at an accident and emergency department by children over the age of 5 years with an injury to a wrist, hand, or finger, and to examine those sustained as a result of a blow from a ball.Methods:The case notes of all children aged 6–13 years attending the Accident and Emergency Department of the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital in the year 2001 as a result of a wrist, hand, or finger injury sustained from a blow by a ball were reviewed, and the cause, type, and severity of the injury noted.Results:A total of 187 children were identified; 69% were boys and football was the main sport involved. Most (93%) were radiographed, and 40% were positive; most fractures were sustained outwith school. Hand dominance was not significant.Conclusions:These injuries are common and may be preventable with modification of rules, equipment, and coaching. A register of youth sporting injuries may show if there are any detrimental long term effects.
Impact of school sports injury: Table 1
Authors: Abernethy L , MacAuley D 
Published: July 2003

Background:Most injuries in school occur during sport. Objectives: To explore the impact of sports injury in supervised school sport.Method:A prospective study of sports injury in children of secondary school age presenting to the accident and emergency department. Each patient was identified on registration, matched with medical records after discharge, and contacted later by telephone to complete a structured interview. Patients were only included if their injury was sustained during supervised school sport.Results:During the study period, 194 patients aged 11–18 attended the accident and emergency department with an injury, 51% of which occurred during school sport. Injuries occurred most commonly in rugby (43%), followed by physical education and games together (17.5%). Most injuries werexrayed (72%). Just over 12% of pupils lost no time from sport, most (71%) were back to sport within three weeks, and 2.7% were injured for more than eight weeks. Almost a third of parents needed to take time off from work to deal with the injured child.Conclusion:School sports injuries are important. They account for just over half of all injuries in secondary school children. They cause significant disruption to school and sport and have important implications for the wider family.