Association of VMAT2 gene polymorphisms with alcohol dependence.

Alcohol-related diseases cause significant harm in the western world. Up to 65 % of the phenotypic variance is genetically determined. Few candidate genes have been identified, comprising ADH4, ALDH2, COMT, CRHR1, DAT (SLC6A3), GABRA2 and MAOA.

A hypoxic niche regulates glioblastoma stem cells through hypoxia inducible factor 2 alpha.

Glioma growth and progression depend on a specialized subpopulation of tumour cells, termed tumour stem cells. Thus, tumour stem cells represent a critical therapeutic target, but the molecular mechanisms that regulate them are poorly understood. Hypoxia plays a key role in tumour progression and in this study we provide evidence that the hypoxic tumour microenvironment also controls tumour stem cells.

Concurrent schwannoma and intradural neuroma after resection of a cauda equina schwannoma. A case report and first description.

Purpose: We present the case of a 33-year-old female complaining of recurrent pain and sensory disturbance in both legs, 3 years after the removal of a schwannoma at the level of L2/3.

Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging showed two lesions at the site of the previous operation. Assuming tumour recurrence, the patient was referred for surgery.

Brain tumor stem cells.

The dogma that solid tumors are composed of tumor cells that all share the same ability to produce proliferating daughter cells has been challenged in recent years. There is growing evidence that many adult tissues contain a set of tissue stem cells, which might undergo malignant transformation while retaining their stem cell characteristics. These include the ability of indefinite self-renewal and the capability to differentiate into daughter cells of tissue-specific lineages.

Pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation: diagnostic pitfalls and discussion of treatment options of a rare tumor entity.

Tumors of the pineal region are uncommon, comprising approximately 0.4-1% of all intracranial tumors in adults in European and American series. Histopathologically, they are a very heterogeneous group of tumors.