Andi Nilawati Usman

Diversity of Dengue Virus Serotype in Endemic Region of South Sulawesi Province

The objective of this research was to investigate serotype diversity pattern of dengue hemorrhagic fever virus by using real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. It was an explorative laboratory research in endemic dengue fever area in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, that is, Makassar municipality and Maros and Gowa region. Serological examination was carried out using real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to determine the serotype of dengue virus. The data showed that, of 30 patients, 20 patients (66.67%) were from Makassar municipality: 10 patients (33.33%) from Gowa region and 10 patients (33.33%) from Maros region. The serotypes found were DENV-2 and DENV-4 and no DENV-1 and DENV-3 serotypes were found. Makassar municipality and Gowa region have higher infection with serotype DENV-2, that is, 40% of cases compared with Maros, which is 20.0%. Statistical test results showed no significant differences between the three endemic areas. Maros region has the highest infection with serotype DENV-4, that is, 40% of cases compared with Makassar municipality (5.0%) and Gowa region (0%). Statistical test results showed significant differences between the three endemic areas. This result revealed that serotypes obtained in endemic areas of dengue fever in South Sulawesi are DENV-2 and DENV-4 and not serotypes DENV-1 and DENV-3. Makassar municipality has DENV-2 and DENV-4 serotype, infection dominated by DENV-2, while Maros region also has DENV-2 and DENV-4, but DENV-4 is the dominant serotype. Gowa municipality only has DENV-2 serotype infection.

Ki-67 Expression by Immunohistochemistry and Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction as Predictor of Clinical Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Background Chemotherapy has become a standard of treatment in managing breast cancer. To achieve proper treatment for the right patients, the predictive marker is needed. Ki-67 is a biomarker of proliferation for solid tumor. Studies mentioned association of Ki-67 expression with chemotherapy response. The study aims are to evaluate whether Ki-67 expression detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) may predict clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. Methods This study utilized a longitudinal study. IHC and qRT-PCR methods were used for detection of Ki-67 expression. Chemotherapy response was calculated using RECIST. Data were analyzed with Chi-square and Wilcoxons test. Results There were 48 subjects in this study. Analysis of Ki-67 expression with chemotherapy response has a significant correlation with p = 0.025 (<0.05), OR: 1.69, confidence interval (95% CI) 1.022–2.810. Analysis of Ki-67 mRNA expression with chemotherapy response has a significant correlation p = 0.002 (<0.05), OR: 6.85, confidence interval (95% CI) 1.064–44.193. Detection of Ki-67 expression using IHC and qRT-PCR has similar results, p = 0.012 (<0.05). Conclusion These results suggest that Ki-67 expression detected by both IHC and qRT-PCR is considered to be a predictor of clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer.