MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated simple statistics and published model-based approaches. Multiplex-qPCR was conducted to determine the expression of 24 candidate RG in AMLs (N=9). Singleplex-qPCR was carried out on selected RG (SRP14, B2M and ATP5B) and genes of interest in AML (N=15) and healthy controls, HC (N=12).
RESULTS: RG expression levels in AML samples were highly variable and coefficient of variance (CV) ranged from 0.37% to 10.17%. Analysis using GeNorm and Normfinder listed different orders of most stable genes but the top seven (ACTB, UBE2D2, B2M, NF45, RPL37A, GK, QARS) were the same. In singleplex-qPCR, SRP14 maintained the lowest CV in AML samples. B2M, one of most stable reference genes in AML, was expressed near significantly different in AML and HC. GeNorm selected ATP5B+SRP14 while Normfinder chose SRP14+B2M as the best two RG in combination. The median expressions of combined RG genes in AML compared to HC were less significantly different than individually implying smaller expression variation after combination. Genes of interest normalised with RG in combination or individually, displayed significantly different expression patterns.
CONCLUSIONS: The selection of best reference gene in qPCR must consider all sample sets. Model-based approaches are important in large candidate gene analysis. This study showed combination of RG SRP14+B2M was the most suitable normalisation factor for qPCR analysis of AML and healthy individuals.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 112 samples of CATS/ METS received by the laboratory over a two-year period, from patients with acute cerebrovascular disease. CATS/METS were measured using LC/MS/MS method. Clinical details and CATS/METS level were obtained from the database. Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis test were used for statistical analysis. These statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v.20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).
RESULTS: Of the 112 patients, 39% had HS, 54% had IS and 7% had TIA. A total of 29% of patients had elevated CATS/ METS. Elevated levels of CATS/METS were noted in 41% and 25% of HS and IS patients, respectively (p=0.53). Median norepinephrine, epinephrine and metanephrine levels in HS were significantly higher than IS (p< 0.05). Systolic blood pressure was higher in those who had elevated CATS/ METS (p=0.04). Only for two patients with elevated CATS/METS repeat testing was performed. Age, diastolic blood pressure and the time of sample collection in relation to the presentation, for CATS/METS were not significantly different between groups that had elevated levels of CATS/ METS versus those who did not.
CONCLUSION: We noted that CATS/METS were elevated in one-third of patients, especially in patients with high systolic blood pressure. Increase in CATS/METS should be appropriately followed up with repeat testing. Since false elevation in CATS/METS has been reported in cerebrovascular disease, screening for phaeochromocytoma is best deferred for a month.
CASE REPORT: We present a 8-year-old boy complaining from difficulty in breathing and breastfeeding in the neonatal period due to an adenoid-like nasopharyngeal mass. Histological examination revealed solid and cystic squamous nests and numerous duct-like structures within collagenised stroma. Both epithelial and myoepithelial differentiation were noted in the tubular component.
DISCUSSION: A review of the clinical and histopathological features of published cases revealed that ancient lesions showed more prominent and complex epithelial component and more collagen rich stroma. We would like to suggest the possibility of salivary gland anlage tumour to be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress cases.