Citations

This article generalizes a multivariate skew-normal distribution and describes its many interesting properties. The univariate version of the new distribution is compared with two other currently used distributions. The use of the new distribution is illustrated with a real data example suitable for regression modeling. The new model provides a better model than its two rivals as evaluated by some suitable Bayesian model selection criteria. AMS (2000) Subject Classification : 62F15, 62J05.

Objectives/HypothesisMicronized AlloDerm is a commonly used injectable material for injection laryngoplasty; however, the histologic response to laryngeal implantation and resorption rate over time have not been elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo response of micronized AlloDerm over time after laryngeal implantation using a rabbit model.Study DesignAnimal model.MethodsThe left recurrent laryngeal nerve was sectioned in five New Zealand White rabbits to create a vocal cord paralysis. Two weeks later, injection laryngoplasty was performed with 100 μL of micronized AlloDerm. Animals were sacrificed 4 (two rabbits) and 12 (three rabbits) weeks after injection. Histologic sections were stained and evaluated by a single pathologist. Volume estimates were made by assuming the implant took an ellipsoid shape using dimensions calculated from histologic slides.ResultsIn all cases, histological analysis revealed a lymphocytic inflammatory response infiltrating the peripheral margins of injection. After 4 weeks, the volume of injected material remaining in two rabbits was 404 and 278 mm3 (average 341 mm3). After 12 weeks, the volume of injected material remaining in three rabbits was 0, 61, and 124 mm3 (average 62 mm3), an 82% difference in volume of material between animals sacrificed at 4 weeks versus 12 weeks.ConclusionsInjection laryngoplasty using micronized AlloDerm induces a lymphocytic inflammatory response after injection in a rabbit model. Though a significant amount of material remains after 4 weeks, by 12 weeks the majority has been reabsorbed.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 127:E166–E169, 2017

ObjectiveTo describe the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), including clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, and current management models.Data SourcesPubMed, Cochrane Library were searched for articles available prior to October 30, 2015.MethodsReview of the available English‐language literature.ResultsPostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome presentation is discussed, along with underlying associated physiology for POTS and recommended nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic management strategies.ConclusionPostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome patients commonly present with complaints of postural lightheadedness, or dizziness, which can be associated with various other conditions. Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment methods are available to improve the underlying pathophysiology of the disorder.Laryngoscope, 127:1195–1198, 2017

Abstract Little is known about the clinical presentation and outcomes associated with spinal implant infections. Here, we describe a single center's experience in a retrospective cohort of 109 individuals with spinal implant infections, including clinical, microbiological, therapeutic, and outcome data.

Abstract The antimetabolite 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is a major determinant of 5-FU response and toxicity. Although DPYD variants may affect 5-FU metabolism, they do not completely explain the reported variability in DPD function or the resultant differences in treatment response. Here, we report that H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) at the DPYD promoter regulated by Ezh2 and UTX suppresses DPYD expression by inhibiting transcription factor PU.1 binding, leading to increased resistance to 5-FU. Enrichment of H3K27me3 at the DPYD promoter was negatively correlated with both DPYD expression and DPD enzyme activity in peripheral blood specimens from healthy volunteers. Lastly, tumor expression data suggest that DPYD repression by Ezh2 predicts poor survival in 5-FU–treated cancers. Collectively, the findings of the present article suggest that a previously uncharacterized mechanism regulates DPD expression and may contribute to tumor resistance to 5-FU. Cancer Res; 76(21); 6362–73. ©2016 AACR.

A systematic review was conducted to examine the association between fish oil supplementation and the development of asthma exacerbations. Comprehensive literature reviews of recent fish oil studies were performed to evaluate alterations in asthma surrogate markers. Additionally, the relative compositions of the fish oils used in each study were analyzed. The results of the review were inconclusive, but provide a basis for future research methods.