Differential gene expression in cholesteatoma by DNA chip analysis.

Objectives/hypothesis: In contrast to normal epithelium, the desquamating stratified squamous epithelium of temporal bone cholesteatoma characteristically exhibits sustained hyperproliferative growth and a capacity for bone erosion. We conducted genome-wide microarray analyses to determine the molecular nature of cholesteatoma's biological processes and identify disease-associated, altered gene activity. We tested the hypothesis that genes contributing to the pathophysiology of cholesteatoma are differentially expressed compared to control tissue.

Increased amphiregulin expression as a biomarker of cholesteatoma activity.

Objectives/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate human surgical specimens for cholesteatoma-associated changes in amphiregulin expression and determine potential relations to clinical disease variables. Amphiregulin, an epidermal growth factor receptor ligand, has functions in normal epithelial proliferation and aberrant neoplastic cell growth and is proinflammatory (e.g.

Efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation therapy in reducing falls.

Objective: To assess the short-term effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation therapy in reducing fall risk in an at-risk population.

Study Design And Setting: Retrospective chart review of 70 patients older than 50 years of age at risk for falls treated at a tertiary vestibular therapy center. Fall risk was assessed by the Berg balance test.

Vibration with the canalith repositioning maneuver: a prospective randomized study to determine efficacy.

Objectives/hypothesis: The objective was to determine whether the inclusion of vibration and additional treatment cycles has an effect on short- and long-term success rates in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with the canalith repositioning maneuver.

Study Design: Prospective randomized study of patients treated at a tertiary vestibular rehabilitation center.

Methods: Variables identified for statistical analysis included patient age, gender, vibration used, and canalith repositioning cycles.