Positive circulating tumor cells in the peripheral blood may indicate a poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the value of detecting peripheral blood circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 296 patients diagnosed with HCC admitted in our department from July 2013 to January 2015 were analyzed, with 39 patients with benign liver disease serving as the control group. The distribution of CTCs in the peripheral blood of HCC patients were detected by CanPatrol(TM) CTCs, and its relationship with the clinical features and prognosis of the patients were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>s CTCs were detected in 64.5% (191/296) of the HCC patients but in none of the control group (P<0.05). Positive CTCs in peripheral blood of HCC patients were significantly correlated with serum AFP level, tumor number, TNM stage, BCLC stage, portal vein tumor thrombus and metastasis (P<0.05). In 127 HCC patients receiving radical surgery, the patients positive for CTCs showed significantly shorter relapse-free survival time (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Positive CTCs in the peripheral blood may indicate a poor prognosis in HCC patients. CTCs may serve as a indicator for monitoring the prognosis of HCC.</p>

Study of the morphology of heel spur and clinical significance: base on three-dimensional computed tomography / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To evaluate the characteristic morphology of heel spur, and to investigate the relationship of heel spur and plantar heel pain.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2005 to April 2009, 210 cases (254 feet) with heel spur (according to Denis Pain Scale) were divided into cases group 1 (P2, n = 46), 2 (P3, n = 44), 3 (P4, n = 42), 4 (P5, n = 36) and controls group (P1, n = 42). Three-dimensional reconstruction of heel spur was performed in all groups using volume rendering based on multi-slice CT data by Super Image orthopedics edition 1.0. The characteristic morphology of heel spur was observed and the data were measured and analyzed, involving the width of basilar part, the length, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis, and the angle between the longitudinal axis of calcaneus and heel spur.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Parts of cases groups displayed coarse arcuate edge and undersurface with one or more little heel spurs adhere to heel spur, of which the numbers were greater than controls group, especially in cases group 4. No significant difference of the width of basilar part of heel spur was found among 5 groups (F = 2.32, P > 0.05). However, obvious difference was found in the length, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis, and the angle between the longitudinal axis of calcaneus and heel spur (F = 8.23, 6.82, 5.87, P < 0.05). Compared with the controls group, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis of cases groups had higher degrees, but the difference of the other data presented irregular.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The characteristic morphology of heel spur varies in patients associated with plantar heel pain. No correlation is found between the severity and the morphological data, including the width of basilar part, the length, the angle between heel spur and planta pedis, and the angle between the longitudinal axis of calcaneus and heel spur.</p>

Reconstruction of Achilles tendon by transfer of the soleus tendon flap / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To introduce a new surgical method of reconstructing A ch illes tendon by transfer of the soleus tendon flap. Methods The method was desig ned on the basis of the anatomical characteristics of the superficial muscles as sociated with Achilles tendon. It was applied to treat 12 patients with Achilles tendon defects. These patients were followed up for 0.5 to 6 years (average 39 months). Results The curative effect of the method were assessed according to Ar ner-Lindholms evaluation criteria. 9 cases were rated as excellent, 2 fine an d 1 poor, with the total excellent and fine rate being 92%. Conclusions ①Misdi agnosis and improper initial treatment are the major causes of Achilles tendon d efects. ②Systematic training after operation is very important for good curativ e effects. ③The method mentioned above brings about less trauma, less negative effects on blood supply to Achilles tendon, and good healing after operation.