NCAM (CD56) Expression in keratin-producing odontogenic cysts: aberrant expression in KCOT

Background: Keratin-producing odontogenic cysts (KPOCs) are a group of cystic lesions that are often aggressive, with high rates of recurrence and multifocality. KPOCs included orthokeratinised odontogenic cyst (OOC) and parakeratotic odontogenic cysts, which are now considered true tumours denominated keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KCOTs). GLUT1 is a protein transporter that is involved in the active uptake of glucose across cell membranes and that is overexpressed in tumours in close correlation with the proliferation rate and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging results. Methods: A series of 58 keratin-producing odontogenic cysts was evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically in terms of GLUT1 expression. Different data were correlated using the beta regression model in relation to histological type and immunohistochemical expression of GLUT1, which was quantified using two different morphological methods. Results: KPOC cases comprised 12 OOCs and 46 KCOTs, the latter corresponding to 6 syndromic and 40 sporadic KCOTs. GLUT1 expression was very low in OOC cases compared with KCOT cases, with statistical significant differences when quantification was considered. Different GLUT1 localisation patterns were revealed by immunostaining, with the parabasal cells showing higher reactivity in KCOTs. However, among KCOTs cases, GLUT1 expression was unable to establish differences between syndromic and sporadic cases. Conclusions: GLUT1 expression differentiated between OOC and KCOT cases, with significantly higher expression in KCOTs, but did not differentiate between syndromic and sporadic KCOT cases. However, given the structural characteristics of KCOTs, we hypothesised that PET imaging methodology is probably not a useful diagnostic tool for KCOTs. Further studies of GLUT1 expression and PET examination in KCOT series are needed to confirm this last hypothesis. Keywords: Glucose transporter protein, Immunohistochemistry, Keratin-producing odontogenic cyst, Keratocystic odontogenic tumour, Orthokeratinised odontogenic cyst, Positron emission tomograph

Predictors of Transannular Patch Enlargement in Tetralogy of Fallot Repair; a Single Center Experience

Introduction: Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) accounts for 5% to 10% of all congenital heart diseases (CHD) and is the commonest cyanotic heart disease beyond the neonatal period. Surgical repair is directed at relieving the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) and has evolved over time from the frequent use of transannular patch enlargement (TAPE) of the pulmonary valve annulus (PVA), to the more recent trend of conservation of the PVA using valve-sparing surgical techniques. This is latter technique is preferred to avoid serious and progressive complications associated with TAPE. The decision on TAPE is primarily base on the PVA z-score which is subject to variability across different surgeons and centers; as such, other parameters have been proposed and some determined to be better predictors of TAPE in ToF surgeries.&#x0D; Aim: To determine the predictors of transannular patch enlargement in ToF surgeries in a CHD specialist center. &#x0D; Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of all patient with ToF who presented at a major CHD center - the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital (SSSSH), in Raipur India between July 2018 to April 2019. Parameters sought and obtained included patients’ demographics, anthropometry and echocardiographic parameters. The z-scores and other derivable variables were calculated and entered into a data base. Analysis using SPSS was done. Descriptive statistics was used to represent continuous variables in means, medians and ranges while categorical variables were represented in bar chats. Analysis of variance was done among group means.&#x0D; Results: There were 135 patients with age range from 7months to 199 months, with more males 89 (65.9%). TAPE was done in 36(26.7%). The aortic valve diameter (18.3 Vs 20mm, p=0.037), Pulmonary valve diameter (10.1 vs 12.0mm, P=0.003), and pulmonary valve Z-score (-2.48 vs -1.47, p=0.011) were significantly smaller for the group that received TAPE. Univariate analysis of the great artery ratio (PVA/AoV) did not significantly predict TAPE use. However, a GA ratio of &lt; 0.54 was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of having TAPE, odds ratio 2.37(CI: 1.47 to 3.9). Multivariate logistic for use of TAPE in TOF explained 15% (R2) of the variance seen in the use of TAPE and correctly predicted 70.8% of the children with TOF who received TAPE. The area under curve for predictability of who received TAPE was 65% (95% CI 53.5% to 76.6.&#x0D; Conclusion: The PVA diameter, Aortic valve diameter and PVA z-score are predictors of TAPE. A GA ratio &lt; 0.54 increases the likelihood of TAPE. Clinical parameters are not useful as determinants of TAPE.</jats:p

Skilled Migration and Business Networks

The role of migrants’ networks in promoting cross border investments has been stressed in the literature, possibly making migration and FDI complements rather than substitutes in the long run. In this paper, we estimate the magnitude of such business network externalities in dynamic empirical models of FDI-funded capital accumulation. We use original data on capital and migration stocks rather than flows. Regarding migrants, we distinguish the total and skilled diasporas abroad. In both cross-sectional and panel frameworks, we find evidence of strong network externalities, mainly associated with the skilled diaspora