Screening for staphylococcal superantigen genes shows no correlation with the presence or the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus secretes numerous exotoxins which may exhibit superantigenic properties. Whereas the virulence of several of them is well documented, their exact biological effects are not fully understood. Exotoxins may influence the immune and inflammatory state of various organs, including the sinonasal mucosa: their possible involvement in chronic rhinosinusitis has been suggested and is one of the main trends in current research.

Evaluation of subjectivity in the interpretation of videonystagmography.

Conclusion: Subjectivity seems to play a definite role in the interpretation of the pendular test, but somewhat less for caloric testing, where pure visual analysis seems to be more reliable. Automated values provided by proof-tested software may be useful.

Objectives: In some centers, the interpretation of videonystagmography is still based on direct visual analysis of recorded tracings.