Comparison of three distinct methods for the detection of circulating tumor cells in colorectal cancer patients.

The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has considerable utility in the clinical management of patients with solid cancers. However, the phenotypic heterogeneity of CTCs and their low numbers in the bloodstream of patients means that no standardized detection method currently exists for these cells. This, together with differences in pre-analytical sample processing, has led to the collection and accumulation of inconsistent data among independent studies.

Mechanical properties of open-cell, self-expandable shape memory alloy carotid stents.

Mechanical properties of carotid stents are important for the selection of the implantable device. The efficacy of cell design is usually investigated on the basis of clinical follow-ups; however, for the specific carotid application the relative importance of the cell design on the stenting outcome is debated. Ideally, a carotid stent should have at the same time low bending stiffness (i.