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PubMed2005

5-Hydroxytryptamine action in the rat olfactory bulb: in vitro electrophysiological patch-clamp recordings of juxtaglomerular and mitral cells.

The olfactory bulb, first relay of olfactory pathways, is densely innervated by serotoninergic centrifugal fibers originating from the raphe nuclei. Although serotonin innervation was reported to be involved in olfactory learning in mammals, the action of this neurotransmitter on its putative cellular targets has been never described through unitary recordings. This lack of data initiated the present study where the effects of 5HT on juxtaglomerular and mitral cells are analyzed using whole-cell recordings on olfactory bulb slices. Serotonin depolarizes 34% of 525 JG cells. A multivariate statistical analysis of juxtaglomerular cells characteristics shows that the serotonin responsive cell group can be individualized regarding their tonic discharge-mode in response to a direct current injection, their lower expression of hyperpolarization-activated cation current and their low membrane capacities. The use of ion channel blockers and ramp voltage protocol indicate that serotoninergic depolarization of juxtaglomerular cells may be due to a nonselective cation current with a reversal potential of -44 mV. Pharmacological tests with serotonin receptor antagonists and agonists reveal that 5HT action on juxtaglomerular cells would be mainly mediated by 5HT2C receptors. In mitral cells, serotonin acts on 49.1% of the 242 tested cells, inducing two types of responses. A first subset of mitral cells (26.8%, n=65) were hyperpolarized by serotonin. This response would be indirect and mediated by action of GABA on GABAA receptors since it was antagonized by bicuculline. The involved GABAergic neurons are hypothesized to be juxtaglomerular and granular cells, on which serotonin would act mainly via 5HT2C and via 5HT2A receptors respectively. The second subset of mitral cells (22.3%, n=54) were directly depolarized by serotonin acting through 5HT2A receptors. Our data on serotonin action on juxtaglomerular cells and mitral cells reveal a part of functional mechanisms whereby serotonin can act on olfactory bulb network. This is expected to enrich the understanding of its determining role in olfactory learning.

4-Aminopyridine↗
PubMed2005

Pattern electroretinogram abnormality and glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the existence of retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and associated risk factors in glaucoma suspects with increased optic disc cupping and normal visual field. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred glaucoma suspect (GS) patients were identified based on optic disc abnormalities (vertical cup-to-disc ratios [C/D]>0.5; vertical C/D asymmetry >or= 0.2; disc hemorrhages; notching) in association with known glaucoma risk factors (positive family history, African American descent, increased intraocular pressure [IOP]), but normal visual fields. Forty-two patients had early manifest glaucoma (EMG). Sixteen normal black subjects were added to update previous pattern electroretinogram (PERG) normative data and to establish a normal control (NC) group with a racial breakdown comparable with that of the study groups. METHODS: Pattern electroretinograms were recorded simultaneously from both eyes using skin electrodes and automated analysis; visual fields were monitored with standard white-on-white automated perimetry (SAP) central 24-2 program; vertical C/D was evaluated by an independent reader from stereo disc photographs; and univariate and multivariate statistical analysis between PERG and other outcome measures was evaluated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pattern electroretinogram amplitude (microV), phase (pi rad), and interocular asymmetry in amplitude and phase (%); and SAP mean deviation (MD; decibels), vertical C/D, age (years), IOP (mmHg), and race (black vs. nonblack). RESULTS: The PERG results were abnormal in at least 1 of the outcome measures in 52% of GS patients and 69% of EMG patients. The PERG amplitude was correlated weakly with both MD (P<0.01) and vertical C/D (P = 0.05). The correlation between PERG amplitude and MD and C/D was stronger (P<0.001) for interocular differences rather than absolute measures. Interocular PERG amplitude asymmetry increased with severity of disease (EMG>GS>NC; P<0.01). The PERG amplitude decline with age was steeper in patients with a more negative MD (P<0.01) and in patients with a more negative MD and a larger vertical C/D (P = 0.06). Black race (but not family history) was associated with lower PERG amplitude (P = 0.005) in GS and EMG patients, but not in normal controls (P = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between PERG abnormality and known risk factors for glaucoma indicates that PERG has a predictive potential for the development or progression of the disease, or both.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: final results from a phase II study with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil with a four-year follow-up.

Encouraging results have recently been reported in patients (pts) with locally advanced unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) when induction chemotherapy (IC) is used and followed by radiotherapy (RT). The present study assessed the therapeutic response of an aggressive regimen consisting of docetaxel (TXT), cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) as IC and concurrent with RT in pts with locally advanced (stages III and IV) SCCHN. 42 pts (35 male and 7 female) with a mean age of 58 years suffering from stages III and IV (Mo) SCCHN were included to this organ preservation phase II clinical trial. The site of the primary tumors was the anterior mouth in 9 pts, base of tongue and oropharynx in 12, middle third of the face in 8 and larynx in 13. The performance status of the pts was 0-1 according to WHO and above 80% according to Karnofsky classification. IC consisted of TXT (40 mg/m2), CDDP (40 mg/m2) and 5-Fu (350 mg/m2) every two weeks (wks) for a total of four courses and repeated, coupled with RT (66-68 cGys total dose fractionated at 200 Gy per day, 5 days a week), for up to seven wks. In total, pts received eight courses of chemotherapy (CT) at the end of RT treatment. Pts were evaluated at the end of IC, after RT and every six wks thereafter. 41 pts were eligible for evaluation after IC (one died from myocardial infarction) and 39 after completion of treatment (two died during RT). Statistical multivariate analysis was performed using SPSS (11) package. Complications from IC and RT were evaluated according to WHO criteria and included mucositis Grade (Gr) IV in 10% of the pts, Gr III in 50%, Gr II in 20%. Anemia presented in 40% of the pts with Gr II, 40% with Gr I, neutropenia 17% with Gr IV, 20% with Gr III, 30% with Gr II, thrombocytopenia 3% with Gr III, 10% with Gr I and xerostomia up to Gr II in 70% of the pts. The response rate (RR) after IC was complete response (CR) for 10 pts (24.4%), partial response (PR) for 22 (53.7%) and no response (NR) for 9 (21.9%). At the end of the treatment the RR in the intention-to-treat population were CR for 25 pts (64.1%), and PR for 14 (35.9%). Follow up ranges from 18 to 56 months (mts). 14 pts died during follow-up time. The mean survival time is 41 mts and the median 40. 2 pts with CR developed local recurrence and two distant metastases, whereas all pts with PR developed progressive disease (PD) and all but two are dead from disease. It is evident from this phase II study that TXT-CDDP-5Fu based IC followed by the same regimen coupled with RT improves local control. Pts that showed CR after IC continued to maintain disease status during RT (P-value=0.0181). In pts with SD concurrent RT did not alter dramatically disease outcome. Patients who showed complete response after both IC and RT presented a four-year survival rate of 74% compared to a 30% to partial responders (P-value=0.0001). Results are encouraging and further study of the toxicity and follow-up is needed to validate treatment effectiveness.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands. Review of the literature and clinicopathological analysis of 18 patients.

Salivary gland carcinomas are a rare and clinically diverse group of neoplasms among which mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) are reported to be the most frequently encountered. During the years 1994-2004 18 patients with MEC were treated in our Department. All patients underwent surgery with a curative intent, and in 11 of them treatment was supplemented by radiotherapy. Follow up ranged from 6 to 120 months. Twelve (66.6%) MECs originated from the major salivary glands with the majority located in the parotid. Histologically, 50% of tumors were classified as low grade, 28% as intermediate and 22% as high-grade MECs. Positive surgical margins were documented in six cases (33%) and all in tumors of high or intermediate histological grade. All these patients received adjuvant radiotherapy and one developed local recurrence. Local recurrence occurred in two more patients with histologically free margins. Both received postoperative radiotherapy. Distant metastases were documented in four patients all between 14 and 24 months after surgical treatment. An association between local recurrence and distant metastasis might be suggested since all patients with local recurrences subsequently developed distant metastases. The 5-year overall disease specific survival rate was 85%. Statistical multivariate analysis demonstrated that the factor that significantly correlated with overall survival was the histological grade of tumors (Log Rank test: p=0.013). A trend towards poorer survival was observed in patients aged over 50 years. Our results also suggested a potential benefit of postoperative radiotherapy for patients with positive margins.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Contralateral cervical lymph node metastases in pyriform sinus carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: We designed a retrospective study to evaluate the incidence of contralateral neck metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Sixty-three patients with strictly unilateral squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus who underwent bilateral neck dissection at the time of primary surgery were included in this study. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed, considering some clinical and histologic parameters of T stage and N stage in relation to contralateral neck metastases. RESULTS: Contralateral neck metastases were histopathologically confirmed in more than 20% of the cases examined (13 out of 63 patients), of whom 3 were clinically staged as N2c, 2 N2b, 5 N2a, 2 N1 and 1 N0. The percentage of occult contralateral neck metastases was 77% (10/13 cases). Poorly differentiated tumors (P= .02) and the involvement of the lateral wall (P= .036) showed a statistically significant correlation with stage pN2c. Also T size and ipsilateral N stage were associated with the presence of contralateral neck metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that elective bilateral neck dissection is recommended in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus. EBM RATING: C-4.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Laser-assisted tympanostomy in pediatric patients with serous otitis media.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate prognostic factors related with cure rate, in pediatric patients with serous otitis media treated with laser-assisted tympanostomy without ventilation tubes, in a single institution. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The procedure was performed on 124 ears in 88 individuals, from 3 to 14 years old. External auditory canal anatomy, type of anesthesia, tympanic membrane and middle ear fluid characteristics, myringotomy size, and laser parameters, in relation to cure rate, were accordingly studied. RESULTS: The overall cure rate by ear at the end of the 2-month follow-up period was 54.83%, whereas 45.17% still suffered from otitis media. Multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated that the presence of a thick tympanic membrane is significantly correlated with pure outcome in children with serous otitis media, when laser-assisted tympanostomy without ventilation tubes is performed favoring a worse cure rate (P < 0.023). Other parameters did not statistically correlate with the outcome. A 41% parental dissatisfaction rate was noticed. CONCLUSION: This study addresses selection bias for children with serous otitis media, candidates for laser-assisted tympanostomy. These are related to the duration of serous otitis media, the condition of middle ear mucosa, the thickness of the tympanic membrane, the type of anesthesia, and the cost of laser apparatus. There is likely to be a causal relationship between outcome and tympanic membrane appearance in children undergoing laser-assisted tympanostomy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Quantification of the relative risk of multiple occlusal variables for muscle disorders of the stomatognathic system.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There is no consensus on the association between occlusion and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the relative risk of multiple occlusal variables for muscle disorders of the stomatognathic system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight occlusal features: retruded contact position (RCP) to maximum intercuspation (MI) slide length, vertical overlap, horizontal overlap, unilateral posterior reverse articulation, anterior open occlusal relationship, incisor dental midline discrepancy, mediotrusive interferences, and laterotrusive interferences, were clinically assessed by the same trained operator. The sample consisted of 81 women with a Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) axis I diagnosis of muscle disorder, for example myofascial pain, with or without limited opening, and 48 healthy women (control group). A stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to identify the significant associations between occlusal features and disease. RESULTS: A slide from the retruded contact position to maximum intercuspation > or =2 mm and mediotrusive interferences were the only 2 occlusal features significantly associated with the presence of myofascial pain according to the RDC/TMD criterion symptoms. The odds ratio for myofascial pain was 2.57 for a slide from RCP to MI > or =2 mm and 2.45 for mediotrusive interferences. The percentage of the total log likelihood for myofascial pain explained by the significant occlusal factors amounted to 10.8% (Nagelkerke's R2=0.108). The multifactorial model, including the 2 significant occlusal factors, showed an acuracy to predict disease of 66.7% (sensitivity 71.6%; specificity 58.3%). CONCLUSION: Occlusal features showed a low predictive value to detect muscle disorders of the stomatognathic system. Multifactorial complex pathologies, such as TMD, should be studied using multivariate statistical analyses, as univariate models may overestimate some resulting associations.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Auditory P3 indexes personality traits and cognitive function in healthy men and women.

The relationship of the auditory P3 event-related potential to major personality dimensions and neuropsychological performance was examined in psychiatrically healthy men and women (28 male, 15 female) recruited from the community. An auditory oddball paradigm was used to collect P3 amplitude and latency data. Personality traits were measured with the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. Several Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) subtests, the Digit Symbol Test, and the Trail Making Test comprised the neuropsychological tests. A multivariate statistical procedure (Partial Least Squares) was used to quantify the relationships between P3 variables and personality and neuropsychological performance variables. P3 amplitude was negatively related to Neuroticism and positively related to Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. Better neuropsychological performance was associated with greater P3 amplitude and earlier latency. Thus, greater P3 amplitude was associated with less deviant personality scores and better neuropsychological performance in healthy subjects. Earlier P3 latency was also associated with better neuropsychological performance. The physiological significance of these relationships is not yet clear, but these results suggest that neural assemblies indexed by P3 may subserve both elemental cognition and healthy personality function.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Prediction of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax: CT scan findings versus management features.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) recurrence and pulmonary CT scan findings, and other variables pertaining to clinical presentation and management. METHODS: Consecutive patients hospitalized for the first episode of PSP and treated by various strategies including chest tube or pleurocatheter drainage and, in persistent pneumothorax, by chemical or surgical pleurodesis. All patients had a pulmonary CT scan examination in the week following hospital discharge in order to calculate a score combining distribution, number and size of dystrophic pulmonary abnormalities. This score as well as other pertinent clinical and therapeutic parameters were compared between patients who ultimately experienced PSP recurrence and those who did not. RESULTS: Eighty patients (mean age: 27+/-7 yr) were admitted for PSP and had a chest drainage with either a drain or pleurocatheter. Chest drainage and hospitalization durations were 4.7+/-3.2 and 6.2+/-3.5 days, respectively. Sixteen patients required chemical pleurodesis. Dystrophic bullae were present in CT scans in 72.5% patients. After a mean follow up of 34+/-20 months, 15 out of the 80 patients (19%) had a PSP recurrence. Multivariate statistical analysis disclosed the use of pleurocatheter (OR=5; 95% CI: 1.4-20; P=0.02) and of chemical pleurodesis (OR=8; 95% CI: 1.5-47; P=0.015) as independent predictors of PSP recurrence. The severity of dystrophic lesions inferred from the dystrophic score was not statistically associated with the risk of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Dystrophic lesions are frequently present in PSP. They are not associated with an increased risk of recurrence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

The five-factor model in schizotypal personality disorder.

Studies of the five-factor model of personality in schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) have produced inconsistent results, particularly with respect to openness. In the present study, the NEO-FFI was used to measure five-factor personality dimensions in 28 community volunteers with SPD and 24 psychiatrically healthy individuals. Standard multivariate statistical analyses were used to evaluate personality differences as a function of diagnosis and gender. Individuals with SPD had significantly higher levels of neuroticism and significantly lower levels of extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness than those without SPD. Female, but not male, SPD subjects had significantly higher openness levels than their healthy counterparts, and this gender-specific group difference persisted when SPD symptom severity was statistically controlled. These findings suggest that gender-associated differences in openness may account for prior inconsistent findings regarding this dimension, and they further underscore the importance of examining gender effects in future studies of SPD.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Characterization and implication of potential fugitive dust sources in the Paso del Norte region.

A series of analyses were performed to provide chemical signatures for surface soils and to evaluate potential sources of fugitive dust in the Paso del Norte (PdN) region. Eighteen sites were selected for soil sampling based on an assessment of the soil types in the region and the main upwind source areas with a potential for wind erosion. Analyses of the soil samples provided chemical 'fingerprints' of the surface soil that are presumed responsible for much of the fugitive dust loading in the region. Analysis of chemical data through multivariate statistical techniques combined with information on lithologic units, soil types, and enrichment factors identified several groups of elements associated with either natural or anthropogenic origins. Cluster analysis and principal components analysis defined four groups of elements while a redundancy analysis implied a strong association between certain elements (Ag, As, Cd, Mo, Mn, Pb, Sb) and an anthropogenic point source in the region. The conclusions from the statistical analyses are further supported by the enrichment factor (EF) analysis, using aluminum as the reference element. That is, a group of presumed anthropogenic trace elements had their highest EFs in the fine size fraction at a site close to the anthropogenic point source. Thus, the statistical analyses of surface soil data provide a useful means for quantifying the extent of anthropogenic perturbations and for highlighting some implications of contaminated fugitive dust sources.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Analysis of factors driving stream water composition and synthesis of management tools--a case study on small/medium Greek catchments.

Twenty-nine small- and mid-sized permanent rivers (thirty-six sites) scattered throughout Greece and equally distributed within three geo-chemical-climatic zones, have been investigated in a seasonal base. Hydrochemical types have been determined and spatio-temporal variations have been interpreted in relation to environmental characteristics and anthropogenic pressures. Multivariate statistical techniques have been used to identify the factors and processes affecting hydrochemical variability and the driving forces that control aquatic composition. It has been shown that spatial variation of aquatic quality is mainly governed by geological and hydrogeological factors. Due to geological and climatic variability, the three zones have different hydrochemical characteristics. Temporal hydrological variations in combination with hydrogeological factors control seasonal hydrochemical trends. Respiration processes due to municipal wastewaters, dominate in summer, and enhance nutrient, chloride and sodium concentrations, while nitrate originates primarily from agriculture. Photosynthetic processes dominate in spring. Carbonate chemistry is controlled by hydrogeological factors and biological activity. A possible enrichment of surface waters with nutrients in "pristine" forested catchments is attributed to soil leaching and mineralisation processes. Two management tools have been developed: a nutrient classification system and a rapid prediction of aquatic composition tool.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2005

Organ donation: key factors influencing families' decision-making.

AIM: To clarify the decision-making and bereavement needs of family members who had organ donation discussed with them; to provide a rationale for further preparation of professionals involved in this sensitive work. METHODS: This work used a 3-year longitudinal design. A sample of 49 family members who had donation discussed with them, were recruited. At 3 to 5, 13 to 15, and 18 to 26 months postbereavement, face-to-face interviews and two, self-completed; psychometric measures, the Beck Depression Inventory II and the Grief Experience Inventory, were used with participants who chose to donate. Single interviews were carried out with participants who declined donation. Data were analyzed using a comparative, thematic approach and multivariate statistics, focusing on detection of important similarities and differences between cases. FINDINGS: Four main categories were identified that illustrated the issues that influenced families' ability to agree or decline donation and their perception of the decision-making process. The categories were concerns about knowledge of the deceased's donation wish, views held by the extended family about donation, giving meaning to the death and events that occurred in the hospital that were perceived as positive or negative. The role of children in the decision-making about organ donation was highlighted. In conclusion, hospital care affected participants' donation decision-making and appeared to impact on subsequent grief. To facilitate decision-making and bereavement that is uncomplicated by questions about brain injury and subsequent death, families needed time to understand the information given, care in the way and context that information was shared and attention to their emotional needs.

Attitude to Death↗
PubMed2005

Independent component analysis: a new possibility for analysing series of electron energy loss spectra.

A complementary approach is proposed for analysing series of electron energy-loss spectra that can be recorded with the spectrum-line technique, across an interface for instance. This approach, called blind source separation (BSS) or independent component analysis (ICA), complements two existing methods: the spatial difference approach and multivariate statistical analysis. The principle of the technique is presented and illustrations are given through one simulated example and one real example.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Cost comparison of radical retropubic and radical perineal prostatectomy: single institution experience.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a detailed comparison of the in-house hospital costs of patients undergoing radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) and radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) performed with or without bilateral staging lymph node dissection (BPLND) for localized prostate cancer. METHODS: A retrospective cost review was done of a cohort of 402 consecutive radical prostatectomies performed at our institution during a 21-month period. The procedure was performed as RPP in 279 (69.4%) and RRP in 123 (30.6%) patients, of whom 10.4% and 61.8%, respectively, underwent BPLND under the same anesthesia. The hospital costs were evaluated for each patient using the categories of surgical, nursing, laboratory/transfusion, and pharmacy. Surgical costs were further subdivided into operating room, anesthesia, and recovery room costs. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were applied to identify predictors of procedure-related costs. RESULTS: The median hospital costs of patients undergoing RPP (7195 dollars, range 5052 dollars to 36,237 dollars) were substantially lower than those of patients undergoing RRP (9757 dollars, range 6935 dollars to 27,771 dollars; P = 0.001). The median costs for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy without BPLND were significantly lower in the RPP (7100 dollars, range 5052 dollars to 28,604 dollars) versus RRP (9169 dollars, range 6935 dollars to 16,705 dollars) patients (P = 0.001). The costs for RPP with BPLND (10,048 dollars, range 7529 dollars to 36,237 dollars) versus RRP with BPLND (9973 dollars, range 7658 dollars to 27,771 dollars) were not significantly different (P = 0.900). Patient age and nerve-preservation status did not significantly influence the procedure-related hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS: RPP may result in lower in-house costs per patient than RRP in those patients who do not require BPLND. Total hospital costs depend largely on the factors of operating room time, length of stay, and laboratory and transfusion requirements, which may vary among institutions.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Colonic perforation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: study of risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the risk factors implicated in colonic perforation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy. METHODS: From 1985 to 2004, 5039 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures were performed in our center. Colonic perforation complicated 15 procedures (0.3%). The patient files were retrospectively reviewed for detection of preoperative risk factors as shown by multivariate statistical analysis. The operative details and postoperative course were also studied to determine the time and mode of diagnosis of colonic injury and treatment strategies and outcome. RESULTS: All injuries were retroperitoneal. The mean patient age was 57 +/- 8.4 years. Of the 15 patients, 11 were men and 4 were women. The left side was affected in 10 patients (66.6%). The right side was injured only in those with horseshoe kidneys or with recurrent disease. Colonic perforation complicated lower caliceal puncture in 12 procedures (80%) and complicated upper caliceal punctures in those with horseshoe kidneys or chronic colonic distension. Significant independent risk factors were advanced patient age and the presence of a horseshoe kidney. The diagnosis was established intraoperatively in 5 patients and postoperatively in 10, 5 of whom presented with colocutaneous fistula. The diagnosis was confirmed with abdominal computed tomography or opacification of the colon during antegrade or retrograde pyelography. Conservative treatment was successful in all but 2 patients who required colostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Significant independent risk factors for colonic perforation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy were advanced patient age and the presence of a horseshoe kidney. Early diagnosis and proper treatment represent the key to minimizing patient morbidity and avoiding serious complications.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Prevalence and risk-factor analysis of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli in faecal samples of organically and conventionally farmed dairy cattle.

Cattle are a natural reservoir for Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC), however, no data are available on the prevalence and their possible association with organic or conventional farming practices. We have therefore studied the prevalence of STEC and specifically O157:H7 in Swiss dairy cattle by collecting faeces from approximately 500 cows from 60 farms with organic production (OP) and 60 farms with integrated (conventional) production (IP). IP farms were matched to OP farms and were comparable in terms of community, agricultural zone, and number of cows per farm. E. coli were grown overnight in an enrichment medium, followed by DNA isolation and PCR analysis using specific TaqMan assays. STEC were detected in all farms and O157:H7 were present in 25% of OP farms and 17% of IP farms. STEC were detected in 58% and O157:H7 were evidenced in 4.6% of individual faeces. Multivariate statistical analyses of over 250 parameters revealed several risk-factors for the presence of STEC and O157:H7. Risk-factors were mainly related to the potential of cross-contamination of feeds and cross-infection of cows, and age of the animals. In general, no significant differences between the two farm types concerning prevalence or risk for carrying STEC or O157:H7 were observed. Because the incidence of human disease caused by STEC in Switzerland is low, the risk that people to get infected appears to be small despite a relatively high prevalence in cattle. Nevertheless, control and prevention practices are indicated to avoid contamination of animal products.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2005

Shape analysis of female facial attractiveness.

Previous studies have suggested that female facial attractiveness is associated with exaggerated sex-specific facial traits and averageness. Here we applied geometric morphometrics, a method for multivariate statistical analysis of shape, to measure geometric averageness and geometric sexual dimorphism of natural female face profiles. Geometric averageness and geometric sexual dimorphism correlate with attractiveness ratings. However, principal component analysis extracted a shape component robustly correlated with attractiveness but independent of sexual dimorphism. The shape differences between attractive- and hyperfeminine traits are localised: attractive facial shape and sexual dimorphism are similar in the upper face, but are markedly distinct in the jaw and chin.

Adolescent↗