Log-epsilon-skew normal: A generalization of the log-normal distribution.

The log-normal distribution is widely used to model non-negative data in many areas of applied research. In this paper, we introduce and study a family of distributions with non-negative reals as support and termed the log-epsilon-skew normal (LESN) which includes the log-normal distributions as a special case. It is related to the epsilon-skew normal developed in Mudholkar and Hutson (2000) the way the log-normal is related to the normal distribution.

Measures of biomarker dependence using a copula-based multivariate epsilon-skew-normal family of distributions.

In this note we develop a new multivariate copula model based on epsilon-skew-normal marginal densities for the purpose of examining biomarker dependency structures. We illustrate the flexibility and utility of this model via a variety of graphical tools and a data analysis example pertaining to salivary biomarker. The multivariate normal model is a sub-model of the multivariate epsilon-skew-normal distribution.

Factors Associated With Problems for Adolescents Returning to the Classroom After Sport-Related Concussion.

The primary objective of this study was to determine factors in the clinic setting associated with concussion-related problems in the school setting. A total of 91 student athletes, 13 to 19 years old, completed the SCAT2 and computerized testing during their initial visit to the clinic. During a follow-up telephone interview, one-third reported problems with return to school.

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and excision repair cross complement-1 (ERCC1) expression in esophageal cancers and response to cisplatin and irinotecan based chemotherapy.

Background: Esophageal cancer patients face a dismal outcome despite tri-modality management and median survival remains 15-18 months. Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is an ATP-dependent efflux protein associated with chemotherapy resistance. The role of BCRP expression in esophageal cancer and normal esophageal cells is not known.

Computed tomography scans as an objective measure of disease severity in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objectives: A truly objective method of measuring disease severity in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has only recently existed. We evaluated computed tomography (CT) scans of CRS patients using this novel objective 3D computerized system and compared results with a novel 2D computerized analysis of a single coronal slice through the osteomeatal complex (OMC) and subjective methods including Lund-Mackay and Zinreich's modified Lund-Mackay.

Study Design: Prospective multicenter study.

Regional myocardial sympathetic denervation predicts the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Objectives: The PAREPET (Prediction of ARrhythmic Events with Positron Emission Tomography) study sought to test the hypothesis that quantifying inhomogeneity in myocardial sympathetic innervation could identify patients at highest risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Background: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the only parameter identifying patients at risk of SCA who benefit from an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD).

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 204 subjects with ischemic cardiomyopathy (LVEF ≤35%) eligible for primary prevention ICDs.

A combined inspiratory and expiratory muscle training program improves respiratory muscle strength and fatigue in multiple sclerosis.

Objective: To determine the effects of a short-duration, combined (inspiratory and expiratory), progressive resistance respiratory muscle training (RMT) protocol on respiratory muscle strength, fatigue, health-related quality of life, and functional performance in individuals with mild-to-moderate multiple sclerosis (MS).

Design: Quasi-experimental before-after trial.

Setting: University rehabilitation research laboratory.

Biological effects and clinical significance of lenalidomide-induced tumour flare reaction in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: in vivo evidence of immune activation and antitumour response.

Lenalidomide has demonstrated impressive antileukaemic effects in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The mechanism(s) by which it mediates these effects remain unclear. Clinically, CLL patients treated with lenalidomide demonstrate an acute inflammatory reaction, the tumour flare reaction that is suggestive of an immune activation phenomenon.

Improved survival following surgery and radiation therapy for olfactory neuroblastoma: analysis of the SEER database.

Background: Olfactory Neuroblastoma is a rare malignant tumor of the olfactory tract. Reports in the literature comparing treatment modalities for this tumor are limited.

Methods: The SEER database (1973-2006) was queried by diagnosis code to identify patients with Olfactory Neuroblastoma.

Increasing age and treatment modality are predictors for subsequent diagnosis of bladder cancer following prostate cancer diagnosis.

Purpose: To determine the effect of prostate cancer therapy (surgery or external beam irradiation, or both or none) on the actuarial incidence of subsequent bladder cancer.

Methods And Materials: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry from 1973 to 2005 was analyzed. Treatment was stratified as radiotherapy, surgery, both surgery and adjuvant radiation, and neither modality.

Extent of disease burden determined with magnetic resonance imaging of the bone marrow is predictive of survival outcome in patients with multiple myeloma.

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable cancer. Treatment often is initiated at the time patients experience a progressive increase in tumor burden. The authors of this report investigated magnetic resonance imaging of the bone marrow (BM-MRI) as a novel approach to quantify disease burden and validated a staging system by correlating BM-MRI with common clinical and laboratory parameters.

Treatment of early-stage uterine papillary serous carcinoma at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, 1992-2006.

Objective: Optimal management of early-stage uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) remains controversial. We reviewed our outcomes in this patient population.

Methods: The Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) tumor registry identified all patients with Stages I and IIA UPSC treated between January 1992 and June 2006.

Radiation treatment interruptions greater than one week and low hemoglobin levels (12 g/dL) are predictors of local regional failure after definitive concurrent chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Purpose: To determine whether baseline hemoglobin level and radiation treatment interruptions predict for loco-regional failure after intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with concurrent chemotherapy for definitive treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Methods: This retrospective review identified 78 consecutive patients treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiation for SCCHN. Patients were treated with IMRT to 70 Gy in 35 daily fractions to the high-dose target volume and 56 Gy to the elective target volume.