Comparative efficacies of topical antiseptic eardrops against biofilms from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and quinolone-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare the anti-biofilm activities of four commonly available antiseptic eardrops against biofilms from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and quinolone-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro. METHODS: The anti-biofilm activities of 50 per cent Burow's solution, vinegar with water (1:1), 2 per cent acetic acid solution, and 4 per cent boric acid solution were evaluated using biofilm assays. Additionally, the anti-biofilm activities of the four antiseptic solutions against tympanostomy tube biofilms were compared using a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The inhibition of biofilm formation from methicillin-resistant S aureus and quinolone-resistant P aeruginosa occurred after treatment with 4 per cent boric acid solution, 2 per cent acetic acid solution, and vinegar with water (1:1). However, 50 per cent Burow's solution did not exhibit effective anti-biofilm activity. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that 4 per cent boric acid solution and vinegar with water (1:1) are potent inhibitors of biofilms from methicillin-resistant S aureus and quinolone-resistant P aeruginosa, and provide safe pH levels for avoiding ototoxicity.

Combination of real-time elastography and urine prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) detects more than 97% of significant prostate cancers.

OBJECTIVE: The prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) score in urine is a promising biomarker for prostate cancer. Real-time elastography (RTE) is a well-documented ultrasound modality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability to detect significant cancer foci in the prostate with these methods alone and in combination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From September 2009 to September 2010, 40 patients planned for radical prostatectomy underwent a PCA3 urine test and RTE before operation. A Hitachi EUB-8500 with prostate end-fire transrectal probe was used. The PCA3 score was evaluated with a standard cut-off value of 35. RTE was evaluated in correlation with whole-mount section pathology. Three patients fulfilled the criteria for insignificant prostate cancer and were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The PCA3 score was increased in 26 patients (70%). RTE identified at least one tumour in 33 out of 37 patients (89%). RTE detected the largest tumour in 27 out of 37 patients (73%). More than one cancer was present in 29 patients and RTE identified more than one tumour in 13 of these. The RTE was false positive in four patients. The PCA3 score was increased in three out of four false-negative RTE patients. By combining both methods, 36 out of 37 patients (97%) with significant prostate cancer were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PCA3 score and RTE detected 97% of significant prostate cancers. The combinative use of RTE and PCA3 will be further investigated in an unselected series of men with suspected prostate cancer.

A case of cerebral infarction associated with positive antiphospholipid antibody in a systemic lupus patient.

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a newly-defined clinical entity of arterial thrombosis, venous thrombotic events, recurrent spontaneous abortion and thrombocytopenia in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. We have experienced a 23-year-old male SLE patient with positive anticardiolipin antibody who presented with left hemiparesis and paresthesia. The clinical and laboratory findings were compatible with the criteria for SLE and he was found to have anticardiolipin antibody, thrombocytopenia, prolonged partial thromboplastin time and cerebral thrombosis. Initially, he was treated with high dose steroid and warfarin and now he is being followed up with warfarin and steroid.