MMP3 activity rather than cortical stiffness determines NHE1-dependent invasiveness of melanoma cells.

Background: Both cell adhesion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity depend on pH at the cell surface. By regulating extracellular juxtamembrane pH, the Na/H exchanger NHE1 plays a significant part in human melanoma (MV3) cell migration and invasion. Because NHE1, besides its pH-regulatory transport function, also serves as a structural element tying the cortical actin cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane, we investigated whether NHE1 affects cortical stiffness of MV3 cells, and how this makes an impact on their invasiveness.

Establishing risk-adjusted quality indicators in surgery using administrative data-an example from neurosurgery.

Background: The current draft of the German Hospital Structure Law requires remuneration to incorporate quality indicators. For neurosurgery, several quality indicators have been discussed, such as 30-day readmission, reoperation, or mortality rates; the rates of infections; or the length of stay. When comparing neurosurgical departments regarding these indicators, very heterogeneous patient spectrums complicate benchmarking due to the lack of risk adjustment.

Regression of Pineal Lesions: Spontaneous or Iatrogenic? A Case Report and Systematic Literature Review.

Background: Tumors arising from the pineal region account for approximately 1% of intracranial neoplasms. We present a case of a previously healthy 5-year-old boy with an acute onset of headache. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a pineal mass with aqueduct compression.