Absence of telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations in neuroblastoma.

Maintenance of telomere length is a critical hallmark of malignant transformation. While silenced in somatic cells, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the catalytic subunit of telomerase, is frequently overexpressed in malignant cells thereby maintaining their telomere length. Specific point mutations in the promoter region have recently been identified in melanoma and other tumor entities resulting in high TERT expression.

Prognostic value of the monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX)-test prior to liver resection.

Background/aims: The critical issue before major hepatic resection is to evaluate and detect patients with a potentially increased risk of hepatic failure. In this study the prognostic value of the monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX)- liver function test was evaluated with regards to clinical course and survival after partial liver resection.

Methodology: Between 1995 and 2000 a total of 55 patients (29 male, 26 female) underwent a partial liver resection at the Georg-August University of Göttingen.

Refractive anomalies and visual activation in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI): a versatile and low-cost MR-compatible device to correct a potential confound.

Purpose: To develop a magnetic resonance (MR)-compatible, versatile, easy-to-use, and low-cost device for refractive correction.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the application and practicability of the refractive correction in 110 subjects who had participated in various functional MR imaging (fMRI) studies with complex visual stimulation paradigms since the introduction of the MR-compatible lens frame at our site. The subjects consisted of 31 patients with Parkinson's disease (age range, 40-85; mean age, 63.