Yellow and purple nutsedges (Cyperus esculentusL. # CYPES andC. rotundusL. # CYPRO) are herbaceous perennial weeds that are among the worst pests known. Holm et al. list purple nutsedge as the world's worst weed and yellow nutsedge as the sixteenth worst weed. Both weeds infest crop production areas in tropical and temperate climates, causing large losses in crop yields. While both species proliferate in the warm regions of the world, yellow nutsedge inhabits a wider range than purple nutsedge in the temperate areas, primarily because yellow nutsedge can tolerate colder temperatures. With such an extended range of habitation, many ecotypic variations of these species would be expected since they likely have adjusted to a multitude of local environments.

After 7 weeks of bupropion SR treatment, more than twice as many smokers with CVD had quit smoking at 1 year compared with placebo. The safety profile of bupropion SR was similar to that previously observed in general smoking populations.

Abstract. Tønnesen P, Tonstad

Seed of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) ecotypes were collected from 12 locations in North America and were planted at Ithaca, New York. Plants from seed collected in the northern latitudes flowered earlier and produced less vegetative growth. The difference in growth and development of the ecotypes was caused by the day length or latitude where they had originated. Seedlings emerging in early July produced approximately one-third as much fresh or dry weight and about one-third as many viable seeds as those emerging in the middle of May. The latter produced more than 32,000 seed per plant.

A summary of biological information is provided on two species of Galinsoga — G. parviflora (small-flowered galinsoga) and G. quadriradiata (hairy galinsoga). Originating in Central America, both species are weeds of disturbed habitats and agricultural areas, occurring in most of the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. In recent years the galinsogas have become troublesome weeds of low-growing vegetable crops in northeastern North America. The two species serve as alternate hosts for many insects, viruses and nematodes which affect crop species. Both species possess several features which predispose them to weediness and contribute to a rapid buildup of populations after an initial infestation. These include lack of seed dormancy, lack of special requirements for germination, rapid seedling development, the ability to flower after a short period of vegetative growth, the production of flowers and fruits throughout the growing season, the production of several generations in a single growing season, self-compatibility and the production of large numbers of viable seeds under a wide range of environmental circumstances.Key words: Galinsoga parviflora, G. quadriradiata, biology

One hundred patients with Parkinson's disease, who started taking levodopa before the end of 1968, have been assessed after 5 years. Forty-seven patients are still being followed on levodopa, and half of them are at least 25% better than at their pretreatment evaluation. However, the average functional rating is returning toward baseline from its remarkable improvement at 1/2 to 2 years. Abnormal involuntary movements, rapid oscillations in motor performance, postural instability, and dementia have become the major adverse effects. Thirty-two of the 100 patients have died. Life-table analysis shows an excess mortality of 1.9 compared with the U.S. population, a figure that is lower than the 2.9 reported before levodopa's use. Despite its inability to cure Parkinson's disease, levodopa provides symptomatic relief for a prolonged time and it remains the single most effective medication for the illness.

No abstract

Mental symptoms increased in frequency among 100 patients with parkinsonism treated with levodopa. Dementia was found in about one-third of patients throughout the 6-year treatment period. Thirteen patients became demented during the study, and dementia worsened severely in seven others. Agitated confusion became increasingly frequent and was observed in 60 percent of patients taking levodopa for 6 years. Withdrawal from levodopa decreased agitation, but not dementia. Ten patients received L-tryptophan along with levodopa, but no change in mentation was observed. In view of previous studies of mentation in Parkinson's disease and reports of widespread neuronal changes in the brain of autopsied patients with parkinsonism, our results suggest that the high incidence of dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease who take levodopa reflects prolongation of the course of the illness rather than a direct effect of the medication.