Search

PURPOSE: To identify susceptibility genes associated with gentamicin-(GM; an aminoglycoside antibiotic) induced vestibular dysfunction. METHODS: A case/control analysis was performed. White cases (n=137; 55 men, 82 women) were recruited based on physician-confirmed unilateral or bilateral vestibular dysfunction attributed to GM administration. Controls (n=126; 54 men, 72 women) were healthy, age-matched individuals without vestibular dysfunction or balance impairment. Buccal cell samples were obtained from all subjects and DNA was genotyped for 15 polymorphisms in 9 genes. Statistical analyses included the multi-dimensionality reduction (MDR) method for identifying gene x gene interactions across multiple candidate genes. RESULTS: Both single gene and MDR analyses revealed that the ENOS Glu298Asp polymorphism was significantly associated with GM-induced vestibular dysfunction (both P<0.05). MDR analysis revealed a three-gene combination, consisting of ENOS (Glu298Asp), GSTZ1 (Lys32Glu), and GSTP1 (Ile105Val), that provided the highest predictive model for GM-induced vestibular dysfunction (64% accuracy; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that carriers of risk alleles at three oxidative stress-related genes have increased susceptibility to GM-induced vestibular dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of topical repellents on children is common. Anecdotal reports suggest repellents may be applied inappropriately, but no studies characterizing the actual usage patterns and exposure of children have been reported., Methods: In the summer of 2002, a cross-sectional survey on the use patterns of repellents on children and possible associated effects was conducted in Maryland campgrounds. Information requested included products used, details of applications, post-application practices, and parents' decision-making process., Results: The study yielded 301 respondents. Deet was the most commonly used active ingredient (83.4%); aerosols were the most common formulation (42.5%). Over a third of subjects (38.9%) treated their children's clothing as well as their skin. Over half of the children did not remove the repellent before going to bed. More than a third of parents failed to read or follow label directions., Conclusions: This study provides documentation of practices leading to undesirable exposure. Educational outreach to change parents' usage patterns is indicated., (Copyright (c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)