Occult tumor metastasis and the prognostic value of sentinel lymph nodes in rectal cancer.

The aim of the present study to evaluate the application of sentinel lymph node (SLN) pathology in rectal cancer using ex vivo mapping and to investigate the incidence and prognostic value of occult SLN metastasis in routine node-negative specimens. Specimens (n=117) of rectal cancer were examined using a combination of routine pathology and ex vivo SLN mapping. The inspected SLNs were further treated with immunohistochemical staining for occult cancer foci.

Mesorectal and lateral node metastasis and micrometastasis in lower rectal cancer.

Background/aims: To study lymph node metastasis and micrometastasis within the mesorectum and lateral pelvic area in lower rectal cancer.

Methodology: Specimens of 96 patients, who underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) and lateral lymph node dissection (LLND), were included.

Results: An average of 19.

Toll-like receptor 4-mediated apoptosis of pancreatic cells in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice.

Background: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of acute pancreatitis (AP). Apoptosis of pancreatic cells is closely related to the severity of AP. TLR4 is known to induce apoptosis in some cell types and therefore it is of importance to investigate potential associations between TLR4 activity and apoptosis in the setting of AP.

Acute pancreatitis: etiology and common pathogenesis.

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas. The etiology and pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis have been intensively investigated for centuries worldwide. Many causes of acute pancreatitis have been discovered, but the pathogenetic theories are controversial.