A minimal set of internal control genes for gene expression studies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Selection of the right reference gene(s) is crucial in the analysis and interpretation of gene expression data. The aim of the present study was to discover and validate a minimal set of internal control genes in head and neck tumor studies. We analyzed data from multiple sources (in house whole-genome gene expression microarrays, previously published quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) data and RNA-seq data from TCGA) to come up with a list of 18 genes (discovery set) that had the lowest variance, a high level of expression across tumors, and their matched normal samples. The genes in the discovery set were ranked using four different algorithms (BestKeeper, geNorm, NormFinder, and comparative delta Ct) and a web-based comparative tool, RefFinder, for their stability and variance in expression across tissues. Finally, we validated their expression using qPCR in an additional set of tumor:matched normal samples that resulted in five genes (RPL30, RPL27, PSMC5, MTCH1, and OAZ1), out of which RPL30 and RPL27 were most stable and were abundantly expressed across the tissues. Our data suggest that RPL30 or RPL27 in combination with either PSMC5 or MTCH1 or OAZ1 can be used as a minimal set of control genes in head and neck tumor gene expression studies

Reconstruction in skull base surgery: Review of current concepts

Surgical resection plays a main role in the management of complex tumors involving the skull base. Advances in reconstructive surgery has made these resections to be carried out with less morbidity and better outcome in terms of disease control and functional rehabilitation. The reconstruction methods range from utilizing local galeal tissue to distant tissues transferred as free flaps. The reconstructive methods can be grouped according to the area of the skull base reconstructed, namely, the anterior, middle or posterior skull base. The article reviews the anatomical tissue requirement at each of these subsites and the suitable method available. At the end of the article, the readers should be able to understand the anatomical and functional requirements after skull base resection and should be able to plan the reconstruction using an algorithmic approach

Free radial forearm adiposo-fascial flap for inferior maxillectomy defect reconstruction

A free radial forearm fascial flap has been described for intraoral reconstruction. Adiposo-fascial flap harvesting involves few technical modifications from the conventional radial forearm fascio-cutaneous free flap harvesting. We report a case of inferior maxillectomy defect reconstruction in a 42-year-old male with a free radial forearm adiposo-fascial flap with good aesthetic and functional outcome with minimal primary and donor site morbidity. The technique of raising the flap and closing the donor site needs to be meticulous in order to achieve good cosmetic and functional outcome

Comparison of different guidelines for oral cancer

Background: Guidelines should provide accessible and reliable information for decision-making. Also, they should be translatable to multiple settings, allowing their use in diverse situations. Methods: We searched in GOOGLE, PUBMED, SCIELO, and SCOPUS for guidelines on oral squamous cell carcinoma. They were evaluated using the AGREE II protocol. Results: We identified 16 guidelines that fulfilled inclusion criteria. The mean score and range for each AGREE II domain were: “scope and purpose” 74.1% (6–100.0%); “stakeholder” 78.6% (0–100.0%); “rigor of development” 71.4% (0–100.0%); “clarity of presentation” 71.4% (6–100.0%); “applicability” 50.0% (0–85.7%); “editorial independence” 57.1% (14.3–85.7%) and “overall assessment” 57.1% (14.3–100.0%). Conclusion: Guidelines for oral cancer present variable quality. Among those available, only four surpassed the 70% AGREE II score threshold