Globally, lung cancer is one of the cancers leading to dead, dominated by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In a previous study has shown those serial miRNA expressions (miR-148, miR-34, miR-222, and miR-155) had prognostic value in advanced-stage NSCLC patients. Meanwhile, CEA and Cyfra 21-1, pulmonary tumor markers, are sometimes considered in the Department of Pulmonology, Dharmais Cancer Hospital, Jakarta, although they are not used in routine clinics for prognostication. Both miRNA and CEA-Cyfra 21-1 are valuable biomarkers in NSCLC. This study aimed to evaluate their correlation between CEA and/or Cyfra 21-1 with miRNA expressions in NSCLC patients. It was a cohort retrospective study using data from the previous study. The correlation between variables was analyzed by Spearman-rho. A positive correlation was observed between CEA and Cyfra 21-1 with miR-148, miR-222, and miR-155 [(CEA: p=0.00369, r=0.522; p=0.00242, r=0.542; p 0.00106, r=0.576) (Cyfra: 21-1= p 0.01252, r=0.378; p=0.00035, r=0.519; p=0.01532, r=0.368)]. In conclusion, CEA and Cyfra 21-1 correlate with miR-148, miR-222, and miR-155 expressions in advanced-stage NSCLC.
Primary demodicosis is an infestation of Demodex colonization >5 mites/cm2 without pre-existing or concomitant inflammatory skin disease. Primary demodicosis is divided into 3 variants i.e. spinulata, papulopustular and nodulocystic. Several topical and systemic agents are used in the Demodex facial treatment. A 22 y.o. man complained of acne on his face three months ago. On physical examination, there were pustules, multiple erythematous papules, ice pick atrophic scars, and box and rolling scars. KOH examination found the Demodex number > 5 mites/cm2. No spores were found. The patient received oral and topical metronidazole therapy. Papulopustular demodicosis is a follicular inflammation caused by Demodex mites. The inflammatory stage shows a predilection for the perioral, periorbital, and periauricular regions. According to the pattern of morphology and localization of the centrofacial area, some cases of demodicosis are often referred to as Rosacea-like (rosaceiform) demodicosis. The treatment goals are to reduce the overall number of mites and treat the underlying condition. This paper reports a case of papulopustular demodicosis of the face. The diagnosis was made by history taking and physical examination using the diagnostic criteria for demodicosis. Clinical improvement was obtained after oral and topical metronidazole therapy for two weeks.
Women of reproductive age are more likely to have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which frequently results in health issues, particularly during pregnancy. A normal pregnancy's first trimester shows a marked increase in the percentage of Th17 cells, which then steadily declined in the second and third trimesters. Meanwhile, IL-17 level increases in SLE-affected pregnant women. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between serum IL-17 and pregnancy outcome (fetus weight, blood pressure, urinary albumin) in SLE pregnant animal models. Twenty mice were randomly divided into two groups, including the normal pregnant group and SLE-pregnant group. The SLE pregnant mice was made by intraperitoneally induction of 0.5 mL pristane. Serum IL-17 was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The serum IL-17 level, the blood pressure and urinary albumin were significantly higher in the SLE pregnant mice group than those of the normal pregnant group (p< 0.05). The weight of fetus was significantly smaller in the group of SLE pregnant mice group than the normal pregnant group (p< 0.05). There was a significantly positive correlation between the serum IL-17 level and urinary albumin (p = 0.042; r = 0.459). In conclusion, serum IL-17 levels correlate with urine albumin in SLE pregnant models, but do not correlate with fetus weight and blood pressure.
Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays exposure causes skin inflammation and pigmentation lead to decrease skin lightness. Corncobs (Zea mays) contain flavonoids which can act as antioxidant to prevent free radicals and protect the skin pigmentation. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of corncob extract cream on skin pigmentation exposed to UVB rays. This pre-posttest control group study was applied to 25 guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus sp) randomly divided into five groups. Corncob extract cream was given every day 20 min before and 4 h after UVB exposure. The UVB exposure total dose was 780 mJ/cm2. Mexameter examination was carried out on the 1st day and 28th day after treatment. There were significantly differences in the lightness level and the mean melanin index (MI) difference of guinea pigs before and after intervention on various groups (p<0.05). No significantly different of the MI between pre- and post-treatment was observed on normal control group (0.22) and negative control group (-1.06) (p>0.05). However, significantly different of the MI was observed on positive control group (-4.01), corncob 40% group (-2.72), and corncob 30% group (-2.03) (p<0.05). In conclusion, corncob extract cream can inhibit the skin pigmentation due UVB rays exposure.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that cause coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic. Until November 30th, 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed 61,869,330 positive cases with 1,448,896 deaths (CFR 2.3%). Some comorbidities are associated with the COVID-19 mortality. This study aimed to investigate risk factors of the COVID-19 mortality at the Baubau Regional Public Hospital, Sout East Sulawesi. It was a cross-sectional study with a retrospective analysis involving 81 COVID-19 patients. Purposive sampling was applied in this study. Chi-square analysis was conducted to calculate odd ratio (OR). The result showed that in the period from January to September 2021, 30 COVID-19 patients died consisting of 20 male and 10 female. Most of the patients died were >45 yo and only 4 patients died were <45 yo. Among the patients died, 11 patients had hypertension, 12 patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), 4 patients had pulmonary TB and 3 patients had dyspepsia. Further analysis showed that hypertension (OR=6.803; 95%CI: 1.925-24.038; p=0.002) and dyspepsia (OR=0.222; 95%CI: 0.059-0.838; p=0.016) were significantly associated with the COVID-19 mortality, whereas type 2 DM (OR=1.123; 95%CI: 0.445-2.832; p=0.495) and pulmonary TB (OR=0.559; 95%CI: 0.059-0.838; p=0.270) were not. In conclusion, hypertension is risk factor, whereas dyspepsia is protective factor of COVID-19 mortality.
