[Pediatric cost-benefit analysis].

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the cost-benefit-ratio of pediatric cochlear implantation for congenitally deaf and prelingually deafened children compared to children with hearing aids. The payers' perspective was chosen as this is the most relevant for cost discussions. The study should verify the hypothesis that educational and associated full costs increase with the age at implantation and that these can be below costs for children with hearing aids.

Cost-benefit analysis of pediatric cochlear implantation: German experience.

Hypothesis: To explore, from the payers' perspective, the cost-benefit ratio of pediatric cochlear implantation for congenitally deaf and prelingually deafened children compared with children with hearing aids. The study should verify the hypothesis that educational and associated costs increase with age at implantation and that these can be below costs for children with hearing aids.

Methods: Children who received implants at the Medical University of Hanover at different ages (Group 1, 0-1.

A novel host/tumor cell interaction activates matrix metalloproteinase 1 and mediates invasion through type I collagen.

Along with degradation of type IV collagen in basement membrane, destruction of the stromal collagens, types I and III, is an essential step in the invasive/metastatic behavior of tumor cells, and it is mediated, at least in part, by interstitial collagenase 1 (matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1)). Because A2058 melanoma cells produce substantial quantities of MMP-1, we used these cells as models for studying invasion of type I collagen. With a sensitive and quantitative in vitro invasion assay, we monitored the ability of these cells to invade a matrix of type I collagen and the ability of a serine proteinase inhibitor and all-trans-retinoic acid to block invasion.

Human breast cancer cells activate procollagenase-1 and invade type I collagen: invasion is inhibited by all-trans retinoic acid.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. These processes require the dissolution of the basement membrane and invasion of the stromal matrix (ECM), and are mediated by MMPs. Consequently, MMP inhibitors may be attractive as new anticancer agents.

Retinoid-mediated suppression of tumor invasion and matrix metalloproteinase synthesis.

Cancer mortality usually results from the tumor invading the local environment and metastasizing to vital organs, e.g. liver, lung, and brain.